Fresenius makes excellent start to 2018, with strong sales and net income growth in constant currency

Q1/2018:

• Sales: €8.1 billion (-1%, +7% in constant currency¹)
• EBIT²: €1,054 million (-13%, -5% in constant currency)
• EBIT²: €1,089 million (-10%, -2% in constant currency) (excluding biosimilars business)
• Net income^2,3: €450 million (-2%, +7% in constant currency)
• Net income^2,3: €476 million (+4%, +12% in constant currency) (excluding biosimilars business)

 ¹ Growth rates adjusted for IFRS 15 adoption (Q1/17 base: €8,223 million) ² Before special items (i.e., expenses related to (i) the Akorn transaction, and (ii) the re-valuation of Sound Physicians’ share-based payment program caused by its announced divestiture) ³ Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation table on page 16 of the PDF.

 

Fresenius terminates merger agreement with Akorn

Fresenius decided on April 22, 2018, to terminate the company’s merger agreement with Akorn, due to Akorn’s failure to fulfill several closing conditions. Fresenius’ decision is based on, among other factors, material breaches of FDA (Food and Drug Administration) data integrity requirements relating to Akorn’s operations found during Fresenius’ independent investigation. Fresenius had offered to delay its decision in order to allow Akorn additional opportunity to complete its own investigation and present any information it wished Fresenius to consider, but Akorn declined that offer.

Akorn disagrees with Fresenius’ position and has filed a corresponding complaint. Fresenius in turn has filed a counterclaim on April 30, 2018.

 

Group guidance¹ for 2018 confirmed

Fresenius confirms its guidance for 2018. Group sales are expected to increase by 5% to 8%² in constant currency. Net income^3,4 is expected to grow by 6% to 9% in constant currency. Excluding expenditures for the further development of the biosimilars business, net income^3,5 is expected to grow by ~10% to 13% in constant currency.

Fresenius expects to further reduce its net debt/EBITDA⁶ ratio by year-end 2018.

 

7% sales growth in constant currency⁷

Group sales decreased by 1%⁷ (increased by 7%⁷ in constant currency) to €8,121 million (Q1/2017: €8,362 million). Organic sales growth was 4%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 3% to growth. Sales growth was impacted by the anticipated decline in the pharmacy business within Care Coordination at Fresenius Medical Care North America. Also at Fresenius Medical Care, the prior-year quarter saw the compensation for treatments of U.S. war veterans in previous years ("VA agreement"), contributing €100 million as a one-time effect. Negative currency translation effects (8%) were mainly driven by the devaluation of the U.S. dollar and the Chinese yuan against the euro.

 ¹ Excluding effects of the Akorn, NxStage and Sound Physicians transactions² 2017 base adjusted for IFRS 15 adoption (deduction of €486 million at Fresenius Medical Care) ³ Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA ⁴ 2017 base: €1,816 million; 2018 before special items (i.e., transaction-related effects); including expenditures for further development of biosimilars business (€43 million after tax in FY/17 and ~€120 million after tax in FY/18) ⁵ 2017 base: €1,859 million; 2018 before special items (i.e., transaction-related effects) ⁶ Calculated at expected annual average exchange rates, for both net debt and EBITDA; excluding effects of the Akorn, NxStage and Sound Physicians transactions; excluding further potential acquisitions; at current IFRS rules ⁷ Growth rates adjusted for IFRS 15 adoption (Q1/17 base: €8,223 million)

 

Group sales by region:

¹ 2017 adjusted for IFRS 15 adoption (deduction of €139 million at Fresenius Medical Care)

7% net income^1,2 growth in constant currency

Group EBITDA² decreased by 10% (-2% in constant currency) to €1,403 million (Q1/2017: €1,560 million). Group EBIT² decreased by 13% (-5% in constant currency) to €1,054 million (Q1/2017: €1,216 million). The prior-year quarter was strongly influenced by a positive one-time effect: the VA agreement contributed €99 million, or 10%, to EBIT growth in constant currency in Q1/17. The EBIT margin² was 13.0% (12.7% before IFRS 15; Q1/2017: 14.5%). Group EBIT² before expenses for the further development of the biosimilars business decreased by 10% (-2% in constant currency) to €1,089 million. Group EBIT² before VA agreement and excluding the expenses for the biosimilars business increased by 6% in constant currency.

Group net interest² was -€146 million (Q1/2017: -€157 million). The decrease is mainly driven by currency effects and positive refinancing activities.

The decrease of the Group tax rate before special items to 21.0% (Q1/2017: 29.1%) was mainly due to the U.S. tax reform and a one-time tax effect at Fresenius Medical Care.

Noncontrolling interest² was €267 million (Q1/2017: €294 million), of which 95% was attributable to the noncontrolling interest in Fresenius Medical Care.

Group net income^1,2 decreased by 2% (increased by 7% in constant currency) to €450 million (Q1/2017: €457 million). Earnings per share^1,2 decreased by 2% (increased by 6% in constant currency) to €0.81 (Q1/2017: €0.83).

Group net income^1,2 before expenses for the further development of the biosimilars business increased by 4% (12% in constant currency) to €476 million (Q1/2017: €457 million). Earnings per share^1,2 before expenses for the further development of the biosimilars business increased by 4% (11% in constant currency) to €0.86 (Q1/2017: €0.83).

Group net income¹ after special items decreased by 4% (increased by 4% in constant currency) to €440 million (Q1/2017: €457 million). Earnings per share¹ after special items decreased by 5% (increased by 4% in constant currency) to €0.79 (Q1/2017: €0.83).

 

¹ Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA ² Before special items
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation table on page 16 of the PDF.

 

Continued investment in growth

Spending on property, plant and equipment was €380 million (Q1/2017: €328 million), primarily for the modernization and expansion of dialysis clinics, production facilities as well as hospitals and day clinics. This corresponds to 4.7% of sales.

Total acquisition spending was €192 million (Q1/2017: €6,083 million). The prior-year quarter included the acquisition of Quirónsalud.

 

Cash flow development

Operating cash flow decreased by 50% to €236 million (Q1/2017: €476 million) with a margin of 2.9% (Q1/2017: 5.7%). The decrease is mainly attributable to prior years’ received payment under the VA agreement of ~€200 million as well as to the seasonality in invoicing at Fresenius Medical Care North America, which is not expected to impact full year 2018 cash flow.

Free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends decreased to -€155 million (Q1/2017: €148 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends was -€389 million (Q1/2017: -€5,393 million).

 

Solid balance sheet structure

The Group’s total assets increased by 1% (2% in constant currency) to €53,502 million (Dec. 31, 2017: €53,133 million). Current assets grew by 6% (8% in constant currency) to €13,409 million (Dec. 31, 2017: €12,604 million). Non-current assets decreased by 1% (0% in constant currency) to €40,093 million (Dec. 31, 2017: € 40,529 million).

Total shareholders’ equity increased by 1% (3% in constant currency) to €22,020 million (Dec. 31, 2017: €21,720 million). The equity ratio increased to 41.2% (Dec. 31, 2017: 40.9%).

Group debt increased by 1% (2% in constant currency) to €19,200 million (Dec. 31, 2017: € 19,042 million). Group net debt increased by 2% (3% in constant currency) to € 17,716 million (Dec. 31, 2017: € 17,406 million).

As of March 31, 2018, the net debt/EBITDA ratio was 2.98 , (December 31, 2017: 2.84^1,2).

¹ At LTM average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions, excluding Akorn, NxStage and Sound Physicians transactions ² Before special items
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation table on page 16 of the PDF.

 

Business Segments

Fresenius Medical Care

Fresenius Medical Care is the world's largest provider of products and services for individuals with renal diseases. As of March 31, 2018, Fresenius Medical Care was treating 322,253 patients in 3,790 dialysis clinics. Along with its core business, the company provides related medical services in the field of Care Coordination.

 

• Q1/2018 growth impacted by significant currency headwinds and positive one-time effect in prior years’ quarter
• 2018 outlook of net income growth^4,7 of 13 to 15% in constant currency confirmed
• 2018 sales growth⁸ target adjusted to 5 to 7% at constant currency (previously ~8%), mainly due to recent reduction in dosing of calcimimetic drugs in the U.S.

Reported sales were strongly impacted by headwinds from foreign exchange rates and by the anticipated decline in the pharmacy business within Care Coordination at Fresenius Medical Care North America. Sales decreased by 10%¹ (increased by 2%¹ in constant currency) to €3,976 million (Q1/2017: €4,548 million). Organic sales growth was 3%. Acquisitions/divestitures and the VA agreement in the prior-year quarter decreased sales by 1%. Currency translation effects reduced sales by 12%. Excluding the VA agreement in the prior-year quarter, sales growth¹ was 4% in constant currency.

 ¹ Growth rate adjusted for IFRS 15 adoption (Q1/17 base: €4,409 million) ² Excluding VA agreement: 4% ³ Adjusted for re-valuation of Sound Physicians’ share-based payment program and excluding VA agreement: 3% ⁴ Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA ⁵ Adjusted for re-valuation of Sound Physicians’ share-based payment program, the effect of the U.S. Tax Reform and excluding VA agreement: 8% ⁶ Consistent with guidance, adjusted for re-valuation of Sound Physicians’ share-based payment program, including the effect of the U.S. Tax Reform and including VA agreement ⁷ 2017 base: €1,280 million; 2018 including benefits from U.S. tax reform and adjusted for the Sound valuation impact ⁸ 2017 reported sales: €17,784 million, adjusted for IFRS 15 adoption (deduction of €486 million)

 

Health Care services sales (dialysis services and care coordination) decreased by 12%¹ (increased by 1%¹ in constant currency) to €3,209 million (Q1/2017: €3,769 million). Health Care product sales decreased by 2% (increased by 6% in constant currency) to €767 million (Q1/2017: €779 million).

In North America, sales decreased by 14%¹ (-1%¹ in constant currency) to €2,774 million (Q1/2017: €3,375 million). Health Care services sales decreased by 14%¹ (-1%¹ in constant currency) to €2,590 million (Q1/2017: €3,165 million) mainly due to the prior-year VA agreement (€100 million). Excluding the 2017 effect from the VA Agreement Health Care services sales increased by 2%¹ in constant currency. Health Care product sales decreased by 12% (increased by 1% in constant currency) to €184 million (Q1/2017: €210 million).

Sales outside North America increased by 2% (10% in constant currency) to €1,198 million (Q1/2017: €1,169 million). Health Care services sales increased by 2% (12% in constant currency) to €619 million (Q1/2017: €604 million). Health Care product sales increased by 3% (8% in constant currency) to €579 million (Q1/2017: €564 million).

Fresenius Medical Care’s EBIT decreased by 24% (-15% in constant currency) to €497 million (Q1/2017: €651 million). The EBIT margin was 12.5% (Q1/2017: 14.3%). Adjusted for the effect of the implementation of IFRS 15, the re-valuation of Sound Physicians’ share-based payment program in connection with the announced divestiture of Sound Physicians and for the positive effect of the VA Agreement in Q1/2017, EBIT was up by 3% in constant currency and EBIT margin was stable at 12.8%.

Net income² of Fresenius Medical Care decreased by 10% (0% in constant currency) to €279 million (Q1/2017: €308 million). Consistent with guidance, i.e. adjusted for the re-valuation of Sound Physicians’ share-based payment program, net income growth² was 5% in constant currency. Adjusted for the re-valuation of Sound Physicians’ share-based payment program and the effect of the U.S. Tax Reform in 2018 and for the positive effect of the VA agreement, net income growth2 was 8% in constant currency.

 ¹ Growth rate adjusted for IFRS 15 adoption (Q1/17: deduction of €139 million)² Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA

 

Operating cash flow was -€45 million (Q1/2017: €170 million). The cash flow margin was 1.1% (Q1/2017: 3.7%). The decrease is mainly attributable to prior years’ payment under the VA agreement of ~€200 million as well as to the seasonality in invoicing at Fresenius Medical Care North America, which is not expected to impact full year 2018 cash flow.

Mainly driven by the change in dosing of calcimimetic drugs, Fresenius Medical Care expects sales to grow by 5 to 7%¹ (previously: ~8%¹ ) in constant currency. Fresenius Medical Care expects net income² growth of 13% to 15%³ in constant currency and excluding special items of 7% to 9%⁴.

The 2018 targets are based on 2017 figures adjusted for the adoption of IFRS 15 implementation and exclude effects from the planned acquisition of NxStage Medical and the announced divestiture of Sound Physicians.

 

¹ 2017 reported sales: €17,784 million, adjusted for IFRS 15 adoption (deduction of €486 million) ² Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA ³ 2017 base: €1,280 million; 2018 including benefits from U.S. tax reform and adjusted for the Sound valuation impact ⁴ VA Agreement, Natural Disaster Costs, FCPA related charge, U.S. Tax Reform

For further information, please see Fresenius Medical Care’s Investor News at www.freseniusmedicalcare.com.

 

Fresenius Kabi

Fresenius Kabi offers intravenously administered generic drugs, clinical nutrition and infusion therapies for seriously and chronically ill patients in the hospital and outpatient environments. The company is also a leading supplier of medical devices and transfusion technology products. In the biosimilars business, we are developing products with a focus on oncology and autoimmune diseases.

 

• Excellent start to 2018
• 9% organic sales growth; 10% EBIT¹ growth in constant currency (excluding biosimilars business)
• Strong negative currency translation effects
• Strong operating cash flow
• 2018 outlook confirmed

With €1,603 million (Q1/2017: €1,604 million), sales of Fresenius Kabi were on prior years level (increased by 9% in constant currency). Organic sales growth was 9%. Strong negative currency translation effects (-9%) were mainly related to the devaluation of the U.S. dollar and the Chinese yuan against the euro.

Sales in Europe grew by 2% (organic growth: 3%) to €557 million (Q1/2017: €544 million).

Sales in North America decreased by 5% (organic growth: 10%) to €591 million (Q1/2017: €619 million).

Sales in Asia-Pacific increased by 8% (organic growth: 15%) to €301 million (Q1/2017: €280 million). Sales in Latin America/Africa decreased by 4% (organic growth: 10%) to €154 million (Q1/2017: €161 million).

EBIT¹ decreased by 14% (-2% in constant currency) to €268 million (Q1/2017: €313 million). The EBIT margin¹ was 16.7% (Q1/2017: 19.5%).

 

¹ Before special items ² Before expenses for the further development of the biosimilars business: 10% ³ Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA⁴ Before expenses for the further development of the biosimilars business: 16%
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation table on page 16 of the PDF.

EBIT¹ before expenses for the further development of the biosimilars business decreased by 3% (increased by 10% in constant currency) to €303 million (Q1/2017: €313 million). The EBIT margin¹ before expenses for the further development of the biosimilars business was 18.9% (Q1/2017: 19.5%).

Net income^1,2 decreased by 11% (increased by 3% in constant currency) to €170 million (Q1/2017: €191 million).

Operating cash flow increased by 18% to €226 million (Q1/2017: €192 million). The cash flow margin was 14.1% (Q1/2017: 12.0%).
Fresenius Kabi confirms its outlook for 2018 and expects organic sales growth of 4% to 7% and EBIT growth in constant currency of -3% to -6%³. Excluding expenditures for the further development of the biosimilars business, EBIT is expected to grow by ~2% to 5%⁴ in constant currency.

 

¹ Before special items ² Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA ³ 2017 base: €1,177 million; 2018 before special items (i.e., transaction-related expenses), including expenditures for the further development of the biosimilars business (€60 million in FY/17 and expected expenditures of ~€160 million in FY/18) ⁴ 2017 base: €1,237 million; 2018 before special items (i.e., transaction-related expenses)
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation table on page 16 of the PDF.

 

Fresenius Helios

Fresenius Helios is Europe's leading private hospital operator. The company comprises Helios Germany and Helios Spain (Quirónsalud). Helios Germany operates 111 hospitals, thereof 88 acute care clinics and 23 post-acute care clinics, and treats more than 5.3 million patients annually. Quirónsalud operates 45 hospitals, 55 outpatient centers and around 300 occupational risk prevention centers, and treats approximately 11.6 million patients per year.

 

• 3% organic sales growth
• 9% EBIT increase
• 2018 outlook confirmed

Fresenius Helios increased sales by 16% to €2,331 million (Q1/2017: €2,018 million). Organic sales growth was 3%. The acquisition of Quirónsalud contributed 13% to sales growth. Helios Spain (Quirónsalud) has been consolidated since February 1, 2017.

Sales of Helios Germany increased by 3% (organic growth: 3%) to €1,574 million (Q1/2017: €1,528 million). Helios Spain increased sales by 54% (organic growth: 1%) to €757 million (Q1/2017: €490 million), mainly due to the additional month of consolidation compared to the prior-year quarter.

Fresenius Helios grew EBIT by 9% to €278 million (Q1/2017: €255 million). The EBIT margin was 11.9% (Q1/2017: 12.6%).

EBIT of Helios Germany decreased by 2% to €177 million (Q1/2017: €181 million) with a margin of 11.2% (Q1/2017: 11.8%). The decline is due to preparatory measures for anticipated regulatory structural requirements for minimum staffing as well as catalogue effects. The anticipated regulatory requirements will be countered by clustering.

EBIT of Helios Spain increased by 39% to €103 million (Q1/2017: €74 million), mainly due to the additional month of consolidation compared to prior-year quarter. The EBIT margin was 13.6% (Q1/2017: 15.1%).  

Net income¹ of Fresenius Helios increased by 6% to €191 million (Q1/2017: €181 million).

Operating cash flow was €97 million (Q1/2017: €184 million). The margin was 4.2% (Q1/2017: 9.1%).

Fresenius Helios confirms its outlook for 2018 and expects organic sales growth of 3% to 6% and EBIT growth of 7% to 10%.

 ¹ Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

 

Fresenius Vamed

Fresenius Vamed manages projects and provides services for hospitals and other health care facilities worldwide. The portfolio ranges along the entire value chain: from project development, planning, and turnkey construction, via maintenance and technical management, to total operational management.

 

• 9% organic sales growth
• Order backlog of €2,391 million at all-time high
• 2018 outlook confirmed

Sales increased by 12% (12% in constant currency) to €249 million (Q1/2017: €223 million). Organic sales growth was 9%. Sales in the project business increased by 19% to €92 million (Q1/2017: €77 million). Sales in the service business grew by 8% to €157 million (Q1/2017: €146 million).

EBIT of €6 million was unchanged from the prior-year level.

Net income¹ of €4 million was also unchanged from prior-year level.

Order intake was €260 million (Q1/2017: €220 million). As of March 31, 2018, order backlog was €2,391 million (December 31, 2017: €2,147 million).

For 2018, Fresenius Vamed expects organic sales growth in the range of 5% to 10% and EBIT growth of 5% to 10%.

¹ Net income attributable to shareholders of VAMED AG

 

Conference Call

As part of the publication of the results for the first quarter 2018, a conference call will be held on May 3, 2018 at 2 p.m. CET (8 a.m. EST). All investors are cordially invited to follow the conference call in a live broadcast over the Internet at www.fresenius.com/investors. Following the call, a replay will be available on our website.

For additional information on the performance indicators used please refer to www.fresenius.com/alternative-performance-measures.