Question 1

Accepted Answer

The company’s registered office is situated at Else-Kröner-Str. 1, 61352 Bad Homburg v.d.H., Germany.

Question 2

Accepted Answer

The origins of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA date back to the firm “Dr. Eduard Fresenius, Chemisch-pharmazeutische Industrie”, which was founded in 1912 by Dr. Eduard Fresenius, the proprietor of the Hirsch pharmacy in Frankfurt am Main. The founder’s wide-ranging contacts to doctors and scientists served as the foundations for the company and shaped its extensive portfolio of products. The company was converted into the joint stock company Fresenius AG at the end of 1981 in order to secure its continuity. The conversion of Fresenius SE into a partnership limited by shares (KGaA) took effect on January 28, 2011 with the entry of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA in the commercial register of Bad Homburg municipal court.

Question 3

Accepted Answer

Fresenius is a global healthcare group. We offer system-critical products and services for leading therapies for care of critically and chronically ill patients.

The Fresenius Group comprises the Operating Companies Fresenius Kabi and Fresenius Helios and the Investment Companies Fresenius Vamed and Fresenius Medical Care. Each business segment is market leader in a major growth area of healthcare. In May 2024, Fresenius announced a structured exit from the Investment Company Vamed and completes the strategic portfolio restructuring as part of #FutureFresenius. As of Q2 2024, Vamed is no longer a reporting segment of Fresenius.

Fresenius has successfully completed the deconsolidation of Fresenius Medical Care: The change in legal form was entered in the commercial register on November 30, 2023.

Question 4

Accepted Answer

The Group had 193,865 employees as of December 2023 (December 31, 2022: 188,876).

Question 5

Accepted Answer

The financial year ends on December 31.

Question 6

Accepted Answer

Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA ("Fresenius") reports since January 1, 2017 in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Fresenius, as a publicly traded company based in a European Union member country, is required to prepare and publish its consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) pursuant to Section 315e of the German Commercial Code (HGB).

Question 7

Accepted Answer

The Group had total assets of €45,284 million as of December 31, 2023 (December 31, 2022: €76,415 million) while shareholders’ equity including minority interests amounted to €19,651 million (December 31, 2022: €32,218 million).

Question 8

Accepted Answer

Revenue of €22,299 million were achieved in the financial year 2023.

Question 9

Accepted Answer

For an overview of analysts’ current recommendation please click here.

Question 10

Accepted Answer

For an overview of our next earnings releases please click here.

Question 11

Accepted Answer

The Management Board has revised the financial management system for the fiscal year 2023.

In the Fresenius Financial Framework, organic revenue growth represents the key performance indicator for the Group’s growth and that of the business segments. With the Fresenius Financial Framework, we have defined annual organic revenue growth ranges (ambition levels) for the operating companies. No annual ambition levels were defined for organic sales growth of the investment companies.

As part of the Fresenius financial framework, we have defined annual margin bands (ambition levels) for the business segments. These serve as an ambition level for the internal management of our business sectors and are benchmarked against leading competitors. The annual EBIT margin is defined as earnings before interest and taxes divided by revenue. To improve comparability of operating performance over several periods, the earnings figure is adjusted for special items where necessary.

At Group level, we primarily use earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) and EBIT growth in constant currency. To improve comparability of operating performance over several periods, the earnings figure is adjusted for special items where necessary.

For an overview of our performance measures please click here.

Question 12

Accepted Answer

The Fresenius preference shares were admitted to trading in December 1986. The Fresenius ordinary shares were admitted to trading in July 1992. The shares were listed on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt, Düsseldorf and Munich. In January 2011, the legal form of Fresenius SE was changed to a partnership limited by shares (KGaA) and all preference shares were mandatorily converted into ordinary shares.

Question 13

Accepted Answer

The Bloomberg symbol of the Fresenius SE ordinary share on XETRA is FRE GR. The Reuters symbol on XETRA is FREG.de.

Question 14

Accepted Answer

The Fresenius Management Board has decided to make use of the compensation and reimbursement payments for German hospitals in the amount of up to €300 million (from the current perspective) provided for by the ‘Energy Relief Package’ (‘Entlastungspaket Energiehilfen’) under the Hospital Financing Act (‘Krankenhausfinanzierungsgesetz’) to cover increased energy costs. This means that Fresenius is subject to the related restrictions imposed by the legislator. Fresenius Management Board will propose to the Annual General Meeting 2024 of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA not to distribute a dividend for the fiscal year 2023.

Notwithstanding the legally required suspension of dividend payments for the fiscal year 2023, Fresenius maintains its dividend policy for the future. In line with its progressive dividend policy, Fresenius continues to aim to increase the dividend in line with growth in earnings per share (in constant currency, before special items), or at least maintain the dividend at the previous year's level.

Further information on the announcement can be found here.

Question 15

Accepted Answer

For FY/22, the dividend amounts to €0.92 per share. Shareholders approved with a large majority of 96.71% the proposal of the General Partner and the Supervisory Board to maintain the dividend at €0.92 per share.

Fresenius’ business was negatively impacted by the difficult macroeconomic environment in 2022. Despite these challenges, Fresenius proposed to the Annual General Meeting to keep the dividend at the same level at €0.92 per share (2021: €0.92).

The distribution to the shareholders of Fresenius SE and Co. KGaA amounted to €518 million or 30% of Group net income. Based on the dividend and the closing price at the end of 2022, the dividend yield is 3.5%.

The payment of the dividend was on May 23, 2023.

The Fresenius SE dividend policy as well as other information about our dividend is available here.

Question 16

Accepted Answer

The subscribed capital of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA amounted to 563,237,277 ordinary shares as of December 31, 2023 (December 31, 2022: 563,237,277). The shares of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA are non-par-value bearer shares. Each share represents € 1.00 of the capital stock.

Question 17

Accepted Answer

The Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung is the largest shareholder of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, holding approximately 27% of the voting capital. An overview of our shareholder structure can be found here.

Question 18

Accepted Answer

Under "Share Price" you can find our interactive tool that allows you to analyze and graph the Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA share price.

Question 19

Accepted Answer

Under "Outlook" you can find the outlook for the Fresenius Group and each of the business segments as well as our assumptions for special items for the FY/23 guidance.

Question 20

Accepted Answer

The Annual General Meeting of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA is scheduled to take place on May 23, 2025, at the Congress Center, Messe Frankfurt, Ludwig-Erhard-Anlage 1, 60327 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Question 21

Accepted Answer

The record day will be on April 25, 2024. In order to participate in the Annual General Meeting and to exercise voting rights shareholders have to submit special proof of share ownership which refers to the beginning of the record date, i.e. 24.00 h CEST.

The record date does not result in a blocking period during which it is not allowed to sell shares. Even in the event of full or partial disposal of the shareholding following the record date, only the shares owned by the shareholder on the record date will be relevant for participation in the Annual General Meeting and the scope of voting rights, i.e. disposal of shares after the record date will not affect entitlement to participate in the Annual General Meeting and the scope of voting rights. This also applies if (additional) shares are purchased after the record date. Persons who do not own any shares on the record date, and become shareholders only after the record date, are not entitled to participate in the Annual General Meeting and to exercise voting rights.

Question 22

Accepted Answer

All shareholders were able to follow the Annual General Meeting online or appoint a representative as long as he/she fulfils the conditions stated in the agenda. However, only holders of ordinary shares have a voting right as a general rule. You can enter the agenda on our website as from the day of its publication.

Question 23

Accepted Answer

The invitation with the agenda of the Annual General Meeting will be delivered to you by your depositary bank before the Annual General Meeting. Enclosed with the invitation is a letter from your depositary bank with which you can order the admission ticket either for yourself or for someone else of your choice.

Question 24

Accepted Answer

Of course you can receive a free copy of the documents regarding the Annual General Meeting. Please contact our Investor Relations department.

Question 25

Accepted Answer

Sustainability is deeply embedded in our thinking and our actions – at all levels of our company.

At Fresenius, we focus on the opportunities that arise from sustainable thinking. And translate them into sustainable actions which create tangible impact. Because we at Fresenius are - Committed to Life!

In our hospitals, we do everything we can to accelerate the recovery and well-being of our patients through personalized, holistic treatments that combine excellence in care with a positive experience for body and soul. All of this is only possible thanks to the commitment and expertise of our employees worldwide. For them, we strive to create the best possible working environment in which everyone can develop and realize their full potential. Gaining and retaining top talent is a key priority for us.

Healthy people need a healthy home. This is why our commitment to life naturally means caring for the planet we live on. Reducing our environmental footprint helps to safeguard ecosystems and thus strengthens our society. For example, we continuously reduce our consumption of water and aim to increase energy efficiency.

Our Code of Conduct and our commitment to respect internationally proclaimed Human Rights build the ethical foundation of Fresenius’ Sustainability Agenda.

For a detailed overview of our Sustainability Ambition and related goals please refer to our Sustainability Highlights Report.

Question 26

Accepted Answer

Sustainability at Fresenius is the responsibility of the Group Management Board member for Legal, Compliance, Risk Management, ESG, Human Resources, and the business segment Fresenius Vamed (“ESG Board Member”).

The Group ESG function acts as a competence center within the Fresenius Group. The function monitors regulatory developments, identifies key issues, and defines priorities and opportunities for the implementation of the ESG strategy. It supports Group-wide implementation and reviews progress as part of the annual reporting. Throughout the year, it aligns repeatedly with all Group functions and the ESG officers in the business segments to consider the respective business models and ensure the feasibility of measures. The Group ESG function is also responsible for internal and external stakeholder communication and, together with the Group Controlling function, for non-financial reporting.

The Group Function Risk & Integrity is responsible for our Code of Conduct and manages inter alia issues relating to human rights and compliance. Amongst other key functions relevant for implementation of our Sustainability Agenda are Group Cybersecurity Office and data protection.

The ESG Steering Committee, which was created at the end of 2023, consists of the ESG Board member (Chair), the Group ESG function, defined functions at Group level, and the ESG officers of the business segments. The committee is tasked with providing information on current developments, deciding on appropriate measures to improve ESG performance, and monitoring the progress of implementation.

Furthermore, Fresenius has appointed an independent ESG Advisory Board for sustainability issues in 2024. Four leading international experts from science, business, and consulting provide advice to the Management Board member responsible for ESG topics to support our sustainability efforts.

Question 27

Accepted Answer

Sustainability related performance targets are an integral part of the Compensation System 2023+ for the Management Board members. These reflect our company strategy and enforce our commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects. The ESG targets are integrated into both – short-term and long-term variable compensation.

The non-financial performance targets relevant for the Short-Term Incentive cover the key sustainability topics of medical quality / patient satisfaction and employees. The Long-Term Incentive includes a CO2 emission reduction target in line with externally communicated company goal of becoming climate neutral by 2040.

For further details please refer to our Annual Report 2023.

Question 28

Accepted Answer

Our priorities derive from our materiality analysis performed during 2020. As a result, we have identified six main topic clusters and 15 individual topics. We review the material topics annually to ensure that they reflect the latest developments.

Most relevant for our business is the well-being of our patients. We aspire to take responsibility for the well-being of millions of patients. Numerous measures are in place to ensure that our products and services are accessible to more and more people. We strive for highest patient and product safety and follow strict requirements to ensure quality and safety.

All of this is only possible thanks to the commitment and expertise of our employees worldwide. For them, we strive to create the best possible working environment in which everyone can develop and realize their full potential. Gaining and retaining top talent is a key priority for us.

Healthy people need a healthy home. This is why our commitment to life naturally means caring for the planet we live on. Reducing our environmental footprint helps to safeguard ecosystems and thus strengthens our society. For example, we continuously reduce our consumption of water - one of our most precious resources and increase energy efficiency.

Further, Compliance and Integrity and Digital transformation and innovation are core to the success of our business.

For more information on our material topics please refer to our Non-Financial Report.

Question 29

Accepted Answer

Leading ESG rating agencies regularly evaluate and review our sustainability performance. An overview of the current ESG ratings is available on our website.

Question 30

Accepted Answer

As a health care Group, Fresenius feels a responsibility to protect the environment and use natural resources carefully because only a healthy environment can be a home for healthy people. It is important for us to avoid possible negative effects on the environment and health. To this end, we identify and evaluate potential hazards and take the necessary measures to protect the environment. In our Group-wide materiality analysis, we identified the following topics for our internal environmental management strategy as particularly relevant to our core business:

• Water management
• Waste and recycling management
• Climate protection – energy and emissions

For further information please consult our Non-Financial Report.

Question 31

Accepted Answer

Fresenius has set a climate target for the Group. By 2030, we will reduce Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 50%; by 2040, we want to achieve climate neutrality in our own operations (baseline: 2020). We will reach net zero by 2050. For further information please refer to our Sustainability Highlights Report.

Question 32

Accepted Answer

As a global healthcare company, we see respect for human rights as an integral part of our responsibility.

Medical care for patients and the well-being of our employees are among the most important engagement areas of our human rights due diligence. Our commitment to human rights extends beyond our own company operations and core business. In line with our human rights due diligence program, we take human rights aspects into account when selecting and cooperating with our suppliers and business partners, too.

Further information is available on our website and in our Non-Financial Report.

Question 33

Accepted Answer

Our interactive tool offers a variety of key figures of the Fresenius Group and the business segments. These figures can individually be analyzed and visualized.

Question 34

Accepted Answer

The Supervisory Board and the Management Board are committed to responsible management that is focused on achieving a sustainable increase in the value of the Company. Long-term corporate strategies, solid financial management, strict adherence to legal and ethical business standards, and transparency in corporate communication are key factors.

Our Corporate Governance Declaration can be found here.

Question 35

Accepted Answer

On May 17, 2023, the Annual General Meeting approved a new compensation system for the members of the Management Board. In particular, the Compensation System 2023+ provides for a new plan for long-term variable compensation that takes even greater account of promoting the long-term and sustainable development of the Company. In addition, the aspect of sustainability has been anchored even more strongly in the long-term variable compensation.

Details on the compensation of the Management Board are available in the AGM invitation 2023.

Question 36

Accepted Answer

On May 21, 2021, the Annual General Meeting approved a new compensation system for the members of the Supervisory Board.

Details on the compensation of the Supervisory Board are available in the AGM invitation 2021.

Question 37

Accepted Answer

An American Depositary Receipt (ADR) is a U.S. dollar denominated negotiable certificate that represents ownership of shares in a non-U.S. compan

Each ADR is issued by a U.S. depositary bank (which is a bank in the United States which oversees all the stock transfer and agency services in connection with a depositary receipt program) and represents one or more shares of a foreign stock or a fraction of a share. If investors own an ADR they have the right to obtain the foreign stock it represents, but U.S. investors usually find it more convenient to own the ADR. The price of an ADR is often close to the price of the foreign stock in its home market, adjusted for the ratio of ADRs to foreign company shares. ADRs were specifically designed to facilitate the purchase, holding and sale of non-U.S. securities by U.S. investors.

Fresenius ADRs represent Fresenius’ local shares deposited with the depositary bank (Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas), to underlie such certificates and carry the rights attached to them as detailed in the Depositary Agreement. Holders of ADRs receive dividends in U.S. dollars and have the right to vote on shareholders resolutions, where applicable.

Question 38

Accepted Answer

An ADR (American Depositary Receipt) is a negotiable certificate issued by a depositary bank representing a specific number of shares of a non-U.S. company traded on a U.S. stock exchange. An ADS (American Depositary Share) is the share issued under the ADR agreement which is actually traded. Although the terms ADR and ADS are often used interchangeably, the difference is that an ADR is the certificate while the ADSs are the shares.

Question 39

Accepted Answer

U.S. investors may prefer to purchase ADRs rather than local shares in the issuer’s home market because ADRs trade, clear and settle in U.S. Dollars and according to U.S. market conventions. ADRs also allow easy comparison to securities of similar companies as well as access to price and trading information. Holders of ADRs also receive dividends in U.S. dollars.

Question 40

Accepted Answer

The ADR ratio is the relation between the number of ADRs and the number of local shares. Four Fresenius ADRs represent one Fresenius local share, i.e. the ratio is 4:1. The ratio was changed in conjunction with the stock split on August 1, 2014, becoming effective on August 4, 2014. Before that the ADR ratio was 8:1.

Question 41

Accepted Answer

Fresenius ADRs can be purchased like any other stocks, through your U.S. banks and brokers.

Question 42

Accepted Answer

Fresenius ADRs are traded in the U.S. OTC (over the counter) market under the ticker symbol FSNUY. The Cusip Number is 35804M105.

Question 43

Accepted Answer

The OTC market is the market for over-the-counter securities in the United States. This is where sponsored Level I ADR programs are traded.

Question 44

Accepted Answer

ADR holders will receive the dividend in U.S. dollars. The depositary bank typically announces the final ADR dividend rate following conversion into U.S. dollars. ADR rates and pay dates will be published on www.adr.db.com

Question 45

Accepted Answer

Financial and stock information is available here.
Trading information is readily available on our depositary bank’s website and on the website of OTC Markets.

Question 46

Accepted Answer

Fresenius’ ADR program is administered by Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (Deutsche Bank). As the depositary bank, Deutsche Bank performs the following roles for ADR holders as further detailed in the Deposit Agreement:

Records and maintains the register of ADR holders,
Is the stock transfer agent,
Distributes dividends in U.S. dollars,
Facilitates the voting process and the exercise of the voting rights of ADR holders at any Company
General Meeting if permitted by the Company and the Depositary Agreement,
Issues and cancels Fresenius American Depositary Receipts (ADRs),
Can distribute Company circulars and General Meetings (including Annual General Meeting) documentation, if applicable.

For those holders who are not registered because their ADRs are held through a ‘Street name’ (nominee account), your nominee will receive Company documents from time to time from Deutsche Bank to distribute to ADR holders. You need to make arrangements with your nominee if you wish to receive such documents and to be able to exercise your vote through the depositary bank at General Meetings (if applicable).

Question 47

Accepted Answer

Contact details for ADR brokers & institutional investors:

US - Tel: +1 212 250 9100
UK - Tel: +44 207 547 6500
e-mail: adr@db.com

Contact details for registered ADR Holders:
Deutsche Bank Shareholder Services
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
Peck Slip Station
P.O. Box 2050
New York, NY 10272-2050

e-mail: DB@amstock.com
Toll-free number: +1 800 937 5449
Direct Dial: +1 718 921 8124
http://www.amstock.com/

Question 48

Accepted Answer

Converting local shares into ADRs must be done through a broker, investment advisor or directly through Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas. You can contact Deutsche Bank broker services desk on +1 212 250 9100 or +44 207 547 6500, or by email on adr@db.com.

Question 49

Accepted Answer

If you do not hold via a broker, bank or nominee, please contact our transfer agent:

Deutsche Bank Shareholder Services
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
Peck Slip Station
P.O. Box 2050
New York, NY 10272-2050

e-mail: DB@amstock.com

Toll-free number: +1 800 937 5449
Direct Dial: +1 718 921 8124

Question 50

Accepted Answer

Yes. Certificates can be combined by contacting our transfer agent:

Deutsche Bank Shareholder Services
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
Peck Slip Station
P.O. Box 2050
New York, NY 10272-2050

e-mail: DB@amstock.com

Toll-free number: +1 800 937 5449
Direct Dial: +1 718 921 8124

Question 51

Accepted Answer

Stay informed about the latest news and developments at our Group by subscribing to our Investor News and/or to the Fresenius Brief News. These services are free of charge and may be cancelled at any time. Our Information & Order Service is available here. Please scroll fully down this page.

Question 52

Accepted Answer

Our interactive tool offers a variety of key figures of the Fresenius Group and the business segments on an annual and quarterly basis. These figures can individually be analyzed and visualized.

FAQ