Annual General Meeting: Fresenius on course for continued growth, 26th straight increase in dividend approved

Fresenius remains on course for growth despite some recent challenges, Stephan Sturm, CEO of Fresenius, told the Annual General Meeting in Frankfurt today. “2018 was not an easy year, and yet it was a successful one,” he said in a speech to shareholders. “Fresenius is in very good shape. All indications point to continued, profitable growth.”

The basis for this will be increased investments in the current business year, Sturm said. He confirmed the global healthcare group’s ambitious targets¹ for 2020 to 2023 of organic sales growth averaging 4 to 7 percent annually and an average increase in net income² of 5 to 9 percent.

“What we do is more important than ever,” Sturm said. “The healthcare market is growing. People are living longer, and around the world the demand for high-quality medicine is rising. Needs and expectations are also changing: It is no longer about preserving lives, but about raising quality of life for people well into old age. It is also about keeping quality healthcare affordable. These are big challenges! But challenges that we are superbly positioned to meet.”

¹ Before special items
² Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

Shareholders approved with a majority of 90.96 percent the proposal of the General Partner and the Supervisory Board to increase the dividend for the 26th consecutive time. It was raised by 7 percent, to €0.80 per share.

Shareholder majorities of 98.49 percent and 87.53 percent, respectively, approved the actions of the Management and Supervisory Boards in 2018.

At the Annual General Meeting, 72.46 percent of the subscribed capital was represented.