Our innovations enable aus to offer products and services that provide high-quality and affordable therapies to critically and chronically ill patients. We make a difference with our international expertise and interdisciplinary collaboration, which help us to optimize these offers.

As a healthcare Group with more than 190,000 employees, Fresenius plays an important role in society. For more than 100 years, our motivation has been to preserve life, promote health, and improve the quality of life for people who are ill.

We aim to provide innovative products and services, and work proactively to enable a growing number of people to have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare. Our common goal is to improve healthcare quality and efficiency. The well-being of patients is always our top priority. It is our point of reference for all our business decisions and inspires us in how we understand our social responsibility, and how to act responsibly.

For Fresenius, economic success is not an end in itself, but a means of continuously investing in medical progress and thus creating added value for society.

Our ethical values go beyond legal requirements. For us, this means acting not only in accordance with the law, but also in accordance with applicable industry codes and our values. We are also guided by the following internationally recognized principles:

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights

• UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs)

• International Labor Organization (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work

• OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises

• German Corporate Governance Code

Our value chain

Fresenius operates in more than 60 countries through its subsidiaries, maintains an international distribution network and operates more than 50 production sites. All purchasing processes are controlled by central coordination points in the business segments. Competence teams bundle the needs, conclude framework contracts, and continuously monitor current market and price trends. In addition, they coordinate global procurement for individual production sites or clinics and initiate quality and safety controls for raw materials and procurement goods (see Human Rights).

Supply reliability and quality of care play an important role in an environment characterized by ongoing cost-saving efforts by healthcare providers and by price pressure in the markets. We therefore constantly optimize our purchasing processes, standardize procurement materials, identify new sources of supply, and negotiate the best possible price deals. Maintaining high flexibility while at the same time meeting our strict quality and safety standards is crucial. A broad portfolio of suppliers reduces potential procurement or raw material shortages in both the product and service business (see Procurement management).

Our sustainability organization

 

At Fresenius, the Group Management Board member responsible for Legal, Compliance, Risk Management, ESG, Human Resources and for the business segment Fresenius Vamed (subsequently ESG Board member) has overall responsibility for sustainability.

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 ESG Steering Committee, which was newly 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 will meet quarterly starting in 2024 and will be tasked with providing information on current developments, deciding on appropriate measures to improve ESG performance, and monitoring the progress of implementation. The measures proposed by the ESG Steering Committee are submitted to the Fresenius Group Management Board for approval by the ESG Board member.

The Management Board and the Supervisory Board review the progress and the results of the sustainability management, which are then published in the separate Group Non-financial Report. The Supervisory Board is supported in this process by the audit performed by the external auditors. The key figures that form part of the remuneration components of the Executive Board are audited with reasonable assurance. The other key figures in the Group Non-financial Report and the report itself are subject to a limited assurance review. The Audit Committee of the Supervisory Board has special responsibility for reviewing the Group Non-financial Report. The Supervisory Board as a whole is also responsible for monitoring Fresenius’ sustainability performance.

 

For more information on this topic see the Non-Financial Report.

Further information on our ambitions and highlights in the area of sustainability can be found in our Sustainability Highlights Report 2023.

In addition, our interactive tool allows you to analyze and graph a variety of key figures of the Fresenius Group and the business segments on an annual basis.

 

The Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung is a non-profit foundation established in 1983 by Else Kröner, who was born as Else Fernau. The foster-daughter of company founder Dr. Eduard Fresenius, she was the longtime owner of the company. When she died in 1988, the foundation became her sole heir. 

Dedicated to the support of medical research and medical-humanitarian development projects, the Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung has so far supported some 2,300 projects with a total value of about €520 million.

The Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung is the major shareholder of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA. There is no connection between the foundatin’s philanthropic activities and the business activities of the Fresenius health care group. Accredited as non-profit, the Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung is subject to regulatory supervision under the law governing foundations.

Benefactor Else Kröner

The foundation’s benefactor was born as Else Fernau in Frankfurt, Germany on May 15, 1925. After the death of her mother, she was raised in the home of a local pharmacist, Dr. Eduard Fresenius, proprietor of Frankfurt’s Hirsch Pharmacy and founder of the Fresenius company in nearby Bad Homburg. The pharmacist, whose marriage remained childless, raised her like his own daughter; in 1944 she began as a trainee in the Hirsch Pharmacy and decided to study to become a pharmacist. Two years later, before Else Fernau could complete her studies, Dr. Fresenius died and bequeathed her the pharmacy as well as the Fresenius company. The business had been devastated by the war, and had lost most of its workforce.

Disregarding advice that she should decline the legacy, Else Fernau assumed responsibility for the pharmacy and the company when she was only 21. The Fresenius company was heavily indebted, and all but 30 of the original 400 employees had to be let go. She succeeded in saving the company, and along with Dr. Hans Kröner, who later became her husband, rebuilt and significantly expanded Fresenius. In the mid-1960s the couple took important, visionary business decisions that assured the company’s development.

Then followed decades of strong growth, which saw Fresenius become a competitor on the international market and a leader in such specialist areas as infusion solutions and dialysis products. Else Kröner headed the management of Fresenius until 1981, when it was converted into a joint stock company and she became Chairman of the Supervisory Board. She held that post until her death on June 5, 1988.

• Globalization of operating model to leverage expertise, capture growth opportunities and accelerate value creation
• Business operations to be structured in two global operating segments: Care Enablement and Care Delivery
• Reduction of annual cost base of EUR 500 million by 2025 with anticipated one-time investments of around EUR 450-500 million
• First year of net savings expected in 2023 

Fresenius Medical Care continues to execute on its growth strategy 2025 launched in October 2020. The world's leading provider of products and services for individuals with renal diseases today announced the next phase of its transformation program FME25 – the transformation of its operating model – to provide the base for future sustainable growth. With a significantly simplified future structure of two global operating segments – Care Enablement and Care Delivery – Fresenius Medical Care orients its operating model along the relevant future value drivers. With greater cost efficiency and a superior ability to capture additional growth opportunities, the aim of the new, leaner structure is also to mitigate the ongoing negative effects of COVID-19 as well as the challenging macroeconomic environment with inflationary trends. Fresenius Medical Care expects to complete the roll-out of its new global operating model around 2023 and the savings initiative largely completed by 2024. 

Rice Powell, CEO of Fresenius Medical Care, said: “FME25 is about taking our value creation to the next level. Over the past months, we have worked with dedication on our plans for a fundamental transformation of our Company. In this process, I have seen great commitment to making Fresenius Medical Care more agile, leverage expertise, accelerate innovation and further optimize capital allocation. Helen Giza, our CFO, will also assume the role of Chief Transformation Officer and lead the global efforts on FME25. While FME25 will change the way we operate in the future, our new global operating model is deeply grounded in our longstanding vision to improve the quality of outcomes for our patients. I am convinced that we will be able to live up to this joint purpose even better in our new structure and at the same time further strengthen our long-term profitable growth.”

Globalization of Operating Segments and support functions
The new simplified operating model is the continuation of the plan to globalize and simplify as a part of the implementation of the 2025 growth strategy. It is designed to further leverage the advantages of the Company’s vertical integration, to better capture identified growth opportunities, leverage expertise to accelerate value creation, enhance capital allocation, increase transparency both internally and externally, reduce administrative burden as it relates to cost and speed, and to advance a culture of agility, innovation and accountability. 
In the new model the Company will manage its business in two global operating segments, adopting a more centralized approach:

In Care Enablement, Fresenius Medical Care is consolidating its previously decentralized healthcare products business including research and development, manufacturing, supply chain and commercial operations as well as supporting functions, such as regulatory and quality management under a global MedTech umbrella. The products business will be organized along the three treatment modalities that the Company is serving: In-center, Home and Critical Care. This structure has the benefit of reduced organizational complexity and in turn increased accountability and agility in decision making and bringing innovative products to market. Pro-forma, Care Enablement represents around 20% of the Company´s financial year 2020 revenues. 

Fresenius Medical Care’s global healthcare services business will be combined in the Care Delivery segment. In doing so, Fresenius Medical Care aims to leverage its scale, capabilities, technologies and best practices globally and its world-leading expertise in the field of value-based care to address new patient groups in the U.S. and in other geographies. The new globalized structure enables a strategic review of all services markets and an enhancement of the cost structure to deliver on the Company´s sustainable profitable growth aspirations. Pro-forma, Care Delivery represents around 80% of the Company´s financial year 2020 revenues.

The Global Medical Office continues to leverage the vertically integrated approach to achieve the best clinical outcomes for our patients, their families and the payor community by evaluating coordinated data from clinical science research and medical practice on a global basis to improve treatment outcomes.

The new global operating model will enable the further consolidation of General and Administrative functions. A three pillars model of business partnering, centers of excellence and global shared services will be applied. This will allow for reduction of organizational complexity and streamlining processes while driving efficiency via digitalization and standardization. While the globalization of Finance, IT and Procurement is already underway, the Company will apply the same model to Human Resources, Legal and Compliance, which are currently regionalized. 

Sustainable cost reduction by EUR 500 million
Based on the implementation of the new global operating model, Fresenius Medical Care assumes to reduce its annual cost base by EUR 500 million by the end of 2025. 

Helen Giza, CFO and CTO of Fresenius Medical Care, said: “We are excited about the identified value creation opportunity for the Company. Due to the extensive work and progress over the last months, we already have clear line of sight into EUR 400-450 million with further initiatives under review.” 

Around 50% of these savings are expected to be realized by 2023. By the end of 2023 around 80% of the anticipated one-time investments in FME25, amounting to approximately EUR 450-500 million, are expected to be made. The investments will be treated as a special item. The Company thus expects to reach positive net savings by the end of 2023.

Fresenius Medical Care anticipates reducing up to 5,000 full-time equivalents worldwide as part of the FME25 program. The Company is committed to implementing necessary changes in a socially responsible way, and to following applicable consultation procedures with works councils and other workplace representative bodies in good faith. 

Conference call
Fresenius Medical Care will host a two hours conference call to discuss the results of the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 on November 2, 2021 at 3:30 p.m. CET / 10:30 a.m. EDT. Please note that this will be an extended call, as the Company will additionally provide an update on the FME25 transformation program. Details will be available on the Fresenius Medical Care website www.freseniusmedicalcare.com in the “Investors” section. A replay will be available shortly after the call.

• Fresenius Medical Care with stronger than projected COVID-19 related headwind

• Fresenius Kabi improves EBIT¹ outlook; North America returning to growth; Emerging Markets business with continued healthy financial performance

• Helios Germany with ongoing upward trend for elective treatments; activity levels at Helios Spain above pre-pandemic levels

• Fresenius Vamed with good performance in the service business; order book in the project business remains at all-time high

• Cost and efficiency program on track; savings targets confirmed for FY/23

• Fresenius raises FY/21 Group sales outlook; earnings now expected to be around the top-end of guidance

If no timeframe is specified, information refers to Q3/21.

¹In constant currency²Before special items³Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

 
Stephan Sturm, CEO of Fresenius, said: “More and more people being vaccinated against COVID-19 is good news. However, the pandemic remains very relevant. It has also more strongly impacted Fresenius and for longer than could have been foreseen. Yet despite this, we continue to grow and remain on track to achieve this year’s, again raised, targets. Launching the Group cost and efficiency program has proved to be the right decision: Our initiatives will help us to better absorb the burdens caused by the pandemic. At the same time, they will strengthen our foundations to thrive, long-term, in a challenging environment. The demand for high-quality, affordable healthcare will be even greater in the future. Fresenius will continue making an important contribution, while creating value for all stakeholders.”

 

COVID-19 assumptions for guidance FY/21
Negative COVID-19 effects at Fresenius have increased sequentially in Q3/21, driven by significant excess patient mortality at Fresenius Medical Care. Fresenius expects also Q4/21 to be impacted by COVID-19 effects. Meaningfully rising COVID-19 case numbers, the further evolution of virus mutations as well as stalling vaccination progress could impact Fresenius’ ability to achieve its FY/21 guidance. Additionally, Fresenius expects headwinds from cost inflation including rising commodity and shipping prices, increasing energy costs, as well as supply chain constraints in Q4/21. Hence, Fresenius remains vigilant.

Whilst the risk of renewed far-reaching containment measures in one or more of Fresenius’ major markets cannot be excluded, it now appears unlikely. Any resulting significant and direct impact on the health care sector without appropriate compensation is not reflected in the Group’s FY/21 guidance. These assumptions are subject to considerable uncertainty.

FY/21 Group sales guidance raised, earnings guidance improved
Based on the Group’s good Q3/21 results and the progress to improve Group-wide efficiencies, Fresenius raises its sales guidance and improves its earnings guidance. The Company now projects constant currency sales¹ to grow in a mid single-digit range in FY/21. Previously, the Company projected sales¹ growth in a low-to-mid single-digit percentage range in constant currency. Earnings^2,3 growth in constant currency is now expected to be around the top-end of the low single-digit percentage range.

Implicitly, net income² for the Group excluding Fresenius Medical Care is now expected to grow in a low double-digit percentage range in constant currency. Previously, Fresenius expected high single-digit percentage growth in constant currency.

The guidance implies ongoing COVID-19 related headwinds, primarily at Fresenius Medical Care, and increasingly noticeable cost inflation across selected markets in Q4/21. It also reflects negative pricing effects related to tender activity at Fresenius Kabi in China.

Based on expected lower contributions to Group EBITDA from Fresenius Medical Care as well as assumed cash phasing effects in Q4/21, Fresenius does not expect the net debt/EBITDA⁴ ratio of 3.55x as of September 30, 2021 to improve in Q4/21.

¹ FY/20 base: €36,277 million
² Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
³ FY/20 base: €1,796 million, before special items; FY/21: before special items
⁴ At LTM average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures; excluding further potential acquisitions; before special items

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation table in the PDF document.

 

Progress on efficiency measures to sustainably improve profitability
During Q3/21, Fresenius finalized the concept phase of its cost and efficiency program. At the same time, first initiatives were already implemented. Fresenius Medical Care is providing an update on its FME25 transformation program in addition to its Q3/21 results presentation. Fresenius confirms its expectation that the measures to sustainably enhance profitability and operational excellence to reach cost savings of more than €100 million p.a. after tax and minority interest in 2023, with some potential to increase thereafter.

Achieving these sustainable efficiencies will require significant up-front expenses. For the years 2021 to 2023, those expenses are expected to average more than €100 million p.a. after tax and minority interest, with the largest portion currently expected to materialize in 2022. They will be classified as special items, consistent with previous practice.

Fresenius expects significant contributions from all four business segments and from the corporate center in the 2021 to 2023 period. For FY/21, low double-digit million Euro savings after tax and minority interest from the Group’s cost and efficiency measures are expected to support the Group’s profitability. These savings and efficiency gains derive from activities in all four business segments.

 

5% sales increase in constant currency
Group sales increased by 5% (5% in constant currency) to €9,324 million (Q3/20: €8,918 million). Organic growth was 3%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 2% to growth. Currency translation had no effect on sales growth. Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects¹, Group sales growth would have been 7% to 8% in constant currency.
In Q1-3/21, Group sales increased by 2% (5% in constant currency) to €27,554 million (Q1-3/20: €26,973 million). Organic growth was 4%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 1% to growth. Currency translation reduced sales growth by 3%. Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects¹, Group sales growth would have been 5% to 6% in constant currency.

2% net income^2,3 increase in constant currency
Group EBITDA before special items decreased by 2% (-2% in constant currency) to €1,700 million (Q3/20: €1,729 million). Reported Group EBITDA was €1,667 million (Q3/20: €1,729 million).
In Q1-3/21, Group EBITDA before special items decreased by 5% (-1% in constant currency) to €5,002 million (Q1-3/20: €5,246 million). Reported Group EBITDA was €4,957 million (Q1-3/20: €5,246 million).

Group EBIT before special items decreased by 6% (-6% in constant currency) to €1,041 million (Q3/20: €1,113 million). The decrease is primarily due to COVID-19 related headwinds at Fresenius Medical Care. The EBIT margin before special items was 11.2% (Q3/20: 12.5%). Reported Group EBIT was €1,008 million (Q3/20: €1,113 million).
In Q1-3/21, Group EBIT before special items decreased by 8% (-5% in constant currency) to €3,080 million (Q1-3/20: €3,361 million). The constant currency decrease is primarily due to COVID-19 related headwinds at Fresenius Medical Care. The EBIT margin before special items was 11.2% (Q1-3/20: 12.5%). Reported Group EBIT was €3,035 million (Q1-3/20: €3,361 million).

¹ For estimated COVID-19 effects please see table in the PDF document.
² Before special items
³ Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation table in the PDF document.

Group net interest before special items and reported net interest improved to -€126 million (Q3/20²: -€154 million) mainly due to lower interest rates.
In Q1-3/21, Group net interest before special items improved to -€384 million (Q1-3/20²: -€495 million). Reported Group net interest improved to -€384 million (Q1-3/20: -€503 million).

Group tax rate before special items was 23.0% (Q3/20²: 22.0%) while reported Group tax rate was 22.8% (Q3/20: 22.0%).
In Q1-3/21, Group tax rate before special items was 22.4% (Q1-3/20²: 22.7%) while reported Group tax rate was 22.3% (Q1-3/20: 22.7%).

Noncontrolling interests before special items were -€270 million (Q3/20: -€321 million) of which 91% were attributable to the noncontrolling interests in Fresenius Medical Care. Reported noncontrolling interests were -€268 million (Q3/20: -€321 million).
In Q1-3/21, noncontrolling interests before special items were -€747 million (Q1-3/20: -€913 million) of which 91% were attributable to the noncontrolling interests in Fresenius Medical Care. Reported noncontrolling interests were -€741 million (Q3/20: -€913 million).

Group net income¹ before special items increased by 2% (2% in constant currency) to €435 million (Q3/20²: €427 million) driven by Fresenius Vamed and Fresenius Kabi as well as by the favorable net interest development. Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects³, Group net income¹ before special items would have grown 12% to 16% in constant currency. Reported Group net income¹ decreased to €413 million (Q3/20: €427 million).
In Q1-3/21, Group net income¹ before special items increased by 3% (6% in constant currency) to €1,345 million (Q1-3/20²: €1,302 million). Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects³, Group net income¹ before special items would have grown 7% to 11% in constant currency. Reported Group net income¹ increased to €1,319 million (Q1-3/20: €1,297 million).

¹ Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
² Before special items
³ For estimated COVID-19 effects please see table in the PDF document.

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation table in the PDF document.

Earnings per share¹ before special items increased by 1% (1% in constant currency) to €0.78 (Q3/20²: €0.77). Reported earnings per share1 were €0.74 (Q3/20: €0.77).
In Q1-3/21, earnings per share¹ before special items increased by 3% (6% in constant currency) to €2.41 (Q1-3/20²: €2.34). Reported earnings per share¹ were €2.36 (Q1-3/20: €2.33).

 

Continued investment in growth
Spending on property, plant and equipment was €449 million corresponding to 5% of sales (Q3/20: €521 million; 6% of sales). These investments served primarily for the modernization and expansion of dialysis clinics, production facilities as well as hospitals and day clinics.
In Q1-3/21, spending on property, plant and equipment was €1,342 million corresponding to 5% of sales (Q1-3/20: €1,542 million; 6% of sales).

Total acquisition spending was €167 million (Q3/20: €142 million). In Q1-3/21, total acquisition spending was €807 million (Q1-3/20: €651 million) mainly for the acquisition of Eugin Group at Fresenius Helios which has been consolidated since April 1, 2021, and the acquisition of dialysis clinics at Fresenius Medical Care.

 

Cash flow development
Group operating cash flow increased to €1,226 million (Q3/20: €1,199 million) with a margin of 13.1% (Q3/20: 13.4%). Free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends increased correspondingly to €793 million (Q3/20: €682 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends increased to €594 million (Q3/20: -€185 million).
In Q1-3/21, Group operating cash flow decreased to €3,329 million (Q1-3/20: €5,159 million) with a margin of 12.1% (Q1-3/20: 19.1%). The decrease was mainly due to continued recoupment of the U.S. federal government’s payments under the CARES Act in Q2/20. Free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends decreased to €1,986 million (Q1-3/20: €3,593 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends decreased to €352 million (Q1-3/20: €2,149 million).

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

 

Solid balance sheet structure
Group total assets increased by 7% (4% in constant currency) to €71,081 million (Dec. 31, 2020: €66,646 million) given the expansion of business activities and currency effects. Current assets increased by 10% (7% in constant currency) to €17,334 million (Dec. 31, 2020: €15,772 million) driven by the increase of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivables, and inventories. Non-current assets increased by 6% (3% in constant currency) to €53,747 million (Dec. 31, 2020: €50,874 million).

Total shareholders’ equity increased by 8% (4% in constant currency) to €28,186 million (Dec. 31, 2020: €26,023 million). The equity ratio was 39.7% (Dec. 31, 2020: 39.0%).

Group debt increased by 5% (3% in constant currency) to €27,191 million (Dec. 31, 2020: € 25,913 million). Group net debt increased by 3% (1% in constant currency) to € 24,778 million (Dec. 31, 2020: € 24,076 million).

As of September 30, 2021, the net debt/EBITDA ratio increased to 3.55x^1,2 (Dec. 31, 2020: 3.44x^1,2) driven by COVID-19 effects weighing on EBITDA as well as increased net debt. The improvement over June 30, 2021 (3.60x^1,2) is driven by the reduction of net debt in Q3/21 due to the good cash flow performance.

¹ At LTM average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures
² Before special items

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation table in the PDF document.

Number of employees
As of September 30, 2021, the Fresenius Group had 314,852 employees worldwide (December 31, 2020: 311,269).

Business Segments
Fresenius Medical Care (Financial data according to Fresenius Medical Care press release)
Fresenius Medical Care is the world's largest provider of products and services for individuals with renal diseases. As of September 30, 2021, Fresenius Medical Care was treating approximately 345,000 patients in 4,151 dialysis clinics. Along with its core business, the Renal Care Continuum, the company focuses on expanding in complementary areas and in the field of critical care.

 

• Stronger than projected headwind from COVID-19 effects with significantly increased patient excess mortality due to global spread of Delta variant
• Organic growth continued with 1%
• Financial targets for FY 2021 confirmed, expectation to reach lower end of the guidance ranges for revenue and net income

Sales of Fresenius Medical Care increased by 1% (increased by 1% in constant currency) to €4,441 million (Q3/20: €4,414 million). Organic growth was 1%. In Q1-3/21, sales of Fresenius Medical Care decreased by 4% (increased by 2% in constant currency) to €12,972 million (Q1-3/20: €13,459 million). Thus, currency translation had a negative effect of 6%. Organic growth was 1%.

EBIT decreased by 20% (-19% in constant currency) to €505 million (Q3/20: €632 million) resulting in a margin of 11.4% (Q3/20: 14.3%). EBIT before special items declined by 19% to €510 million (-19% in constant currency; Q3/20: €632 million), resulting in a margin of 11.5% (Q3/20: 14.3%). The decline was mainly due to adverse COVID-19-related effects, inflationary cost increases and higher labor costs. These effects were slightly mitigated by an improved U.S. payor mix, in particular due to an increased number of patients with Medicare Advantage coverage.

In Q1-3/21, EBIT decreased by 24% (-20% in constant currency) to €1,403 million (Q1-3/20: €1,843 million) resulting in a margin of 10.8% (Q1-3/20: 13.7%). EBIT before special items decreased by 23% (-19% in constant currency) to €1,417 million (Q1-3/20: €1,843 million) resulting in an EBIT margin before special items of 10.9% (Q1-3/20: 13.7%).

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

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables in the PDF document.

Net income¹ decreased by 23% (-22% in constant currency) to €273 million (Q3/20: €354 million) mainly due to effects explained for operating income and a higher tax rate. Net income¹ before special items decreased by 22% (-21% in constant currency) to €277 million (Q3/20: €354 million).

In Q1-3/21, net income¹ decreased by 25% (-21% in constant currency) to €741 million (Q1-3/20: €987 million). Net income¹ before special items decreased by 24% (-20% in constant currency) to €751 million (Q1-3/20: €987 million).

Operating cash flow was €692 million (Q3/20: €746 million) with a margin of 15.6% (Q3/20: 16.9%). The decrease was mainly due to continued recoupment of the U.S. federal government’s payments in the second quarter of 2020 under the CARES Act. In Q1-3/21, operating cash flow was €1,820 million (Q1-3/20: €3,649 million) with a margin of 14.0% (Q1-3/20: 27.1%).

For FY/21, Fresenius Medical Care confirms its outlook for revenue² to grow at a low-to-mid single-digit percentage rate and net income^1,3 to decline at a high-teens to mid-twenties percentage rate against the 2020 base and is now expecting to be at the lower end of these guidance ranges⁴.

For further information, please see Fresenius Medical Care’s press release at http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com.

¹ Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA
² FY/20 base: €17,859 million
³ FY/20 base: €1,359 million, before special items; FY/21: before special items
⁴ These targets are based on the 2020 results excluding the impairment of goodwill and trade names in the Latin America Segment of €195 million. They are inclusive of anticipated COVID-19 effects, in constant currency and exclude special items. Special items include costs related to FME25 and other effects that are unusual in nature and have not been foreseeable or not foreseeable in size or impact at the time of giving guidance.

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables in the PDF document.

 

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, Fresenius Kabi develops products with a focus on oncology and autoimmune diseases.

• North America with healthy organic sales growth; EBIT growth only hindered by a non-cash one-time effect
• Solid organic sales growth in Europe supported by ongoing recovery of elective treatments
• Continued strong Emerging Markets growth driven primarily by Latin America; China slowing down due to price effects post successful participation in VBP tenders
• EBIT outlook³ for FY/21 improved

Sales increased by 9% (8% in constant currency) to €1,854 million (Q3/20: €1,694 million). Organic growth was 8%. In Q1-3/21, sales increased by 4% (7% in constant currency) to €5,370 million (Q1-3/20: €5,161 million). Organic growth was 6%. Negative currency translation effects of 3% in Q1-3 were mainly related to the weakness of the US dollar, the Argentinian peso and the Brazilian real.

Sales in North America increased by 6% (organic: 6%) to €589 million (Q3/20: €558 million) driven by extra demand for COVID-19 related products. In Q1-3/21, sales in North America decreased by 9% (organic: -4%) to €1,669 million (Q1-3/20: €1,827 million).

Sales in Europe increased by 7% (organic: 5%) to €620 million (Q3/20: €581 million) supported by the ongoing recovery of elective treatments. In Q1-3/21, sales in Europe increased by 6% (organic: 5%) to €1,880 million (Q1-3/20: €1,778 million).

¹ Before special items
² Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
³ In constant currency

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables in the PDF document.

Sales in Asia-Pacific increased by 12% (organic: 8%) to €447 million (Q3/20: €399 million) mainly due to normalizing elective treatment activity in the region. In China, organic growth is slowing down due to initial negative price effects from successful participation in VBP (Volume-Based Purchasing) tenders as well as the demanding prior-year base. In Q1-3/21, sales in Asia-Pacific increased by 17% (organic: 16%) to €1,248 million (Q1-3/20: €1,069 million).

Sales in Latin America/Africa increased by 27% (organic: 27%) to €198 million (Q3/20: €156 million) due to ongoing COVID-19 related extra demand. In Q1-3/21, sales in Latin America/Africa increased by 18% (organic: 26%) to €573 million (Q1-3/20: €487 million).

EBIT¹ increased by 8% (7% in constant currency) to €300 million (Q3/20: €278 million) with an EBIT margin of 16.2% (Q3/20: 16.4%). The increase in constant currency was primarily driven by the Emerging Markets and European businesses, tempered by an IP R&D write-off in North America. Adjusted for this one-time effect, North America returned to healthy growth. EBIT was supported by positive COVID-19 effects. In Q1-3/21, EBIT¹ increased by 2% (5% in constant currency) to €874 million (Q1-3/20: €859 million) with an EBIT margin of 16.3% (Q1-3/20: 16.6%).

Net income^1,2 increased by 9% (9% in constant currency) to €206 million (Q3/20¹: €189 million). In Q1-3/21, net income^1,2 increased by 3% (7% in constant currency) to €600 million (Q1-3/20¹: €582 million).

Operating cash flow increased to €393 million (Q3/20: €225 million) with a margin of 21.2% (Q3/20: 13.3%) mainly due to a healthy operational performance. In Q1-3/21, operating cash flow increased to €868 million (Q1-3/20: €836 million) with a margin of 16.2% (Q1-3/20: 16.2%).

For FY/21, Fresenius Kabi improves its EBIT outlook. The company now projects EBIT^1,3 growth in constant currency around the top end of its low single-digit percentage guidance range. The company continues to expect organic sales growth⁴ in a low-to-mid single-digit percentage range. Both sales and EBIT outlook include expected COVID-19 effects.

¹ Before special items
² Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
³ FY/20 base: €1,095 million, before special items; FY/21: before special items
⁴ FY/20 base: €6,976 million

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables in the PDF document.

 

Fresenius Helios
Fresenius Helios is Europe's leading private hospital operator. The company comprises Helios Germany and Helios Spain. Helios Germany operates 89 hospitals, ~130 outpatient centers and 6 prevention centers. Helios Spain operates 47 hospitals, 86 outpatient centers and around 300 occupational risk prevention centers. In addition, the company is active in Latin America with 6 hospitals and as a provider of medical diagnostics and reproduction medicine worldwide.

• Helios Germany with ongoing upward trend for elective treatments
• Treatment activity at Helios Spain above pre-pandemic levels in most medical areas
• Strong results in Latin America
• FY/21 outlook confirmed

Sales increased by 9% (10% in constant currency) to €2,622 million (Q3/20: €2,400 million). Organic growth was 5%. Acquisitions, including the hospital acquisitions from the Order of Malta in Germany and the fertility business Eugin (consolidated as from April 1, 2021) contributed 5% to sales growth. In Q1-3/21, sales increased by 12% (12% in constant currency) to €8,009 million (Q1-3/20: €7,181 million). Organic growth was 7%. Acquisitions contributed 5% to sales growth.

Sales of Helios Germany increased by 7% (organic: 3%) to €1,640 million (Q3/20: €1,529 million) driven by positive price and case mix effects. The hospital acquisitions from the Order of Malta contributed 4% to sales growth. In Q1-3/21, sales of Helios Germany increased by 6% (organic: 2%) to €4,988 million (Q1-3/20: €4,703 million).

Sales of Helios Spain increased by 8% (9% in constant currency) to €941 million (Q3/20: €870 million). Organic growth of 8% was driven by a consistently high level of treatments and ongoing demand for occupational risk prevention (ORP) services. Furthermore, the hospitals in Latin America showed a good development and contributed 2% to sales growth. In Q1-3/21, sales of Helios Spain increased by 19% (20% in constant currency) to €2,937 million (Q1-3/20: €2,476 million). Organic growth was 18%.

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

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables in the PDF document.

EBIT¹ of Fresenius Helios decreased by 1% (0% in constant currency) to €222 million (Q3/20: €225 million) due to the demanding prior-year base at Helios Spain. The EBIT¹ margin was 8.5% (Q3/20: 9.4%). In Q1-3/21, EBIT¹ of Fresenius Helios increased by 13% (14% in constant currency) to €788 million (Q1-3/20: €697 million) with an EBIT margin¹ of 9.8% (Q1-3/20: 9.7%).

EBIT¹ of Helios Germany increased by 5% to €140 million (Q3/20: €133 million) with an EBIT margin¹ of 8.5% (Q3/20: 8.7%). In Q1-3/21, EBIT¹ of Helios Germany decreased by 1% to €442 million (Q1-3/20: €445 million) with an EBIT margin¹ of 8.9% (Q1-3/20: 9.5%).

EBIT of Helios Spain decreased by 17% (-17% in constant currency) to €79 million (Q3/20: €95 million) due to an exceptional Q3/20 driven by post-lock-down catch-up effects. In addition, higher costs for personnel, personal protective equipment and selected medical products, among others, had a negative impact. The EBIT margin was 8.4% (Q3/20: 10.9%). The hospital acquisitions in Colombia contributed nicely. In Q1-3/21, EBIT of Helios Spain increased by 35% (36% in constant currency) to €352 million (Q1-3/20: €261 million) with an EBIT margin of 12.0% (Q1-3/20: 10.5%).

Net income^1,2 decreased by 5% (-4% in constant currency) to €135 million (Q3/20: €142 million). In Q1-3/21, net income^1,2 increased by 14% (15% in constant currency) to €501 million (Q1-3/20: €441 million).

Operating cash flow decreased to €157 million (Q3/20: €275 million) with a margin of 6.0% (Q3/20: 11.5%) as the previous year was supported by the accelerated payment scheme under the German law to ease the financial burden on hospitals. In Q1-3/21, operating cash flow decreased to €595 million (Q1-3/20: €715 million) with a margin of 7.4% (Q1-3/20: 10.0%).

For FY/21, Fresenius Helios confirms its outlook. The company expects organic sales³ growth in a mid single-digit percentage range. EBIT⁴ is projected to grow in a high single-digit percentage range in constant currency. Both sales and EBIT outlook include expected COVID-19 effects.

¹ Before special items
² Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
³ FY/20 base: €9,818 million
⁴ FY/20 base: €1,025 million; FY/21 before special items

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables in the PDF document.

 

Fresenius Vamed
Fresenius Vamed manages projects and provides services for hospitals and other health care facilities worldwide and is a leading post-acute care provider in Central Europe. The portfolio ranges along the entire value chain: from project development, planning, and turnkey construction, via maintenance and technical management to total operational management.

• Further acceleration of EBIT growth despite persistent COVID-19 impacts
• Project business still marked by COVID-19; order book remains at all-time high
• Good performance, particularly in the high-end service business; upward trend in elective treatments supports rehabilitation business
• FY/21 outlook confirmed

Sales remained stable (0% in constant currency and organic) at €516 million (Q3/20: €517 million). In Q1-3/21, sales increased by 4% (4% in constant currency) to €1,549 million (Q1-3/20: €1,491 million). Organic growth was 4%.

Sales in the service business increased by 9% (9% in constant currency) to €410 million (Q3/20: €377 million), driven by high-end services and growing case numbers in the rehabilitation business. Sales in the project business decreased by 24% (24% in constant currency) to €106 million (Q3/20: €140 million). In Q1-3/21, sales in the service business increased by 10% (10% in constant currency) to €1,165 million (Q1-3/20: €1,063 million). Sales in the project business decreased by 10% (-10% in constant currency) to €384 million (Q1-3/20: €428 million).

EBIT increased to €23 million (Q3/20: -€11 million) with an EBIT margin of 4.5% (Q3/20: -2.1%). In Q1-3/21, EBIT increased to €35 million (Q1-3/20: -€10 million) with an EBIT margin of 2.3% (Q1-3/20: -0.7%).

Net income¹ increased to €14 million (Q3/20: -€15 million). In Q1-3/21, net income¹ increased to €18 million (Q1-3/20: -€23 million).

¹ Net income attributable to shareholders of VAMED AG

Order intake was €120 million in Q3/21 (Q3/20: €188 million) and €971 million in Q1-3/21 (Q1-3/20: €362 million), particularly driven by a turnkey project for a hospital in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. As of September 30, 2021, order backlog of €3,647 million (December 31, 2020: €3,055 million) remained at an all-time high.

Operating cash flow increased to €9 million (Q3/20: -€4 million) with a margin of 1.7% (Q3/20: -0.8%) mainly due to payments from the international project business. In Q1-3/21, operating cash flow increased to €23 million (Q1-3/20: €4 million) with a margin of 1.5% (Q1-3/20: 0.3%).

For FY/21, Fresenius Vamed confirms its outlook. The company expects organic sales¹ growth in a mid-to-high single-digit percentage range and EBIT² to grow to a high double-digit Euro million amount. Both sales and EBIT outlook include expected COVID-19 effects.

¹ FY/20 base: €2,068 million
² FY/20 base: €29 million; FY/21 before special items

 

Conference Call
As part of the publication of the results for Q3/21, a conference call will be held on November 2, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. CET (8:30 a.m. EDT). You are cordially invited to follow the conference call in a live broadcast over the Internet at www.fresenius.com/media-calendar . Following the call, a replay will be available on our website.

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

• Stronger than projected headwind from COVID-19 effects with significantly increased patient excess mortality due to global spread of Delta variant
• Organic growth continued with 1% 
• Financial targets for FY 2021 confirmed, expectation to reach lower end of the guidance ranges for revenue and net income
• FME25 transformation update to achieve EUR 500 million savings by 2025

Rice Powell, Chief Executive Officer of Fresenius Medical Care, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented situation for all of us and still costs many lives day by day. The existence of the Delta variant has caused excess mortality among our patients to rise again in the third quarter. This means that we must absorb a sizably larger COVID-19 effect on our business than we projected at the beginning of the year and, at the same time, manage through an increasingly inflationary cost environment. Against this backdrop, we now expect to reach the lower end of our guidance ranges for both revenue and net income.”

 

Spread of Delta variant caused resurgence of excess mortality

As a result of the global spread of the Delta variant, COVID-19-related incremental excess mortality³ among Fresenius Medical Care’s patients has increased again to around 2,700 in the third quarter of 2021 (Q1 2021: ~3,200; Q2 2021: ~1,900). Thus, excess mortality amounted to approximately 11,500 patients in the past 12 months (as of September 30, 2021) and approximately 18,200 since the start of the pandemic.

The increase in excess mortality in the third quarter has led to a more negative impact on Fresenius Medical Care’s growth compared to the second quarter. The overall adverse effect of accumulated COVID-19-related excess mortality on organic growth in the Health Care Services business amounted to around 390 basis points in the third quarter and 330 basis points in the first nine months of 2021.

At the end of the third quarter, approximately 78% of Fresenius Medical Care’s patients in the U.S. had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Also on a global basis, approximately 78% of Fresenius Medical Care’s patients have received at least one vaccination.

  ¹ Costs related to the FME25 program
  ² Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA
  ³ Historical excess mortality updated for late entries

Outlook

When giving guidance in February 2021, Fresenius Medical Care assumed an accumulation of COVID-19-related excess mortality in the first half and a return to normal mortality patterns in the second half of the year. The continued and increasing presence of COVID-19 has led to a significant increase in excess mortality in the third quarter which was not included in the Company’s outlook for 2021. Due to decreasing infection rates since the end of the third quarter, the Company is now projecting excess mortality to decline in the fourth quarter.

Based on Fresenius Medical Care’s current projections, the Company confirms its outlook for revenue to grow at a low- to mid-single digit percentage rate and net income to decline at a high-teens to mid-twenties percentage rate against the 2020 base and is now expecting to be at the lower end of these guidance ranges.⁴

⁴ These targets are based on the 2020 results excluding the impairment of goodwill and trade names in the Latin America Segment of EUR 195 million. They are inclusive of anticipated COVID-19 effects, in constant currency and exclude special items. Special items include costs related to FME25 and other effects that are unusual in nature and have not been foreseeable or not foreseeable in size or impact at the time of giving guidance.

Revenue and earnings development affected by COVID-19 pandemic

Revenue in the third quarter increased by 1% to EUR 4,441 million (+1% at constant currency, +1% organic).

Health Care Services revenue in the third quarter increased by 1% to EUR 3,530 million (+2% at constant currency, +1% organic). Organic growth was achieved despite the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and a lower reimbursement for calcimimetics.

Health Care Products revenue was stable and amounted to EUR 911 million (-1% at constant currency, 0% organic). Lower sales of in-center disposables and peritoneal dialysis products were offset by positive exchange rate effects and higher sales of machines for chronic treatment.

In the first nine months, revenue declined by 4% to EUR 12,972 million (+2% at constant currency, +1% organic). Health Care Services revenue decreased by 4% to 
EUR 10,255 million (+2% at constant currency, +1% organic); Health Care Products revenue declined by 1% to EUR 2,717 million (+2% at constant currency, +2% organic).

Operating income decreased by 20% to EUR 505 million in the third quarter (-19% at constant currency), resulting in a margin of 11.4% (Q3 2020: 14.3%). Operating income excluding special items declined by 19% to EUR 510 million (-19% at constant currency), resulting in a margin of 11.5% (Q3 2020: 14.3%). The decline was mainly due to adverse COVID-19-related effects, inflationary materials cost increases and higher labor costs. These effects were slightly mitigated by an improved U.S. payor mix, in particular due to an increased number of patients with Medicare Advantage coverage.

Operating income for the first nine months decreased by 24% to EUR 1,403 million (-20% at constant currency), resulting in a margin of 10.8% (9M 2020: 13.7%). Operating income excluding special items declined by 23% to EUR 1,417 million (-19% at constant currency), resulting in a margin of 10.9% (9M 2020: 13.7%).

Net income² decreased by 23% to EUR 273 million in the third quarter (-22% at constant currency) mainly due to the explained effects on operating income and a higher tax rate. Net income excluding special items declined by 22% to EUR 277 million (-21% at constant currency). 

In the first nine months, net income decreased by 25% to EUR 741 million (-21% at constant currency). Net income excluding special items declined by 24% to EUR 751 million (-20% at constant currency).

Basic earnings per share (EPS) decreased by 23% to EUR 0.93 (-22% at constant currency) in the third quarter. EPS excluding special items declined by 22% to EUR 0.94 (-21% at constant currency).

In the first nine months, EPS decreased by 25% to EUR 2.53 (-21% at constant currency). EPS excluding special items declined by 24% to EUR 2.56 (-20% at constant currency).

Cash flow development

In the third quarter, Fresenius Medical Care generated EUR 692 million of operating cash flow (Q3 2020: EUR 746 million), resulting in a margin of 15.6% (Q3 2020: 16.9%). The decrease was mainly due to continued recoupment of the U.S. federal government’s payments in the second quarter of 2020 under the CARES Act. In the first nine months, operating cash flow amounted to EUR 1,820 million (9M 2020: EUR 3,649 million), resulting in a margin of 14.0% (9M 2020: 27.1%). 

Fresenius Medical Care generated EUR 511 million of free cash flow⁵ (Q3 2020: EUR 507 million) in the third quarter, resulting in a margin of 11.5% (Q3 2020: 11.5%). In the first nine months, Free cash flow amounted to EUR 1,259 million (9M 2020: EUR 2,913 million), resulting in a margin of 9.7% (9M 2020: 21.6%).

⁵ Net cash provided by / used in operating activities, after capital expenditures, before acquisitions, investments, and dividends

Regional developments

In North America, revenue was stable and amounted to EUR 3,080 million in the third quarter (+1% at constant currency, +1% organic). The low growth was mainly due to the adverse COVID-19 impact on both the Health Care Services and Health Care Products businesses along with associated downstream and negative exchange rate effects. These effects were partially offset by contributions from acquisitions. In the first nine months, revenue decreased by 6% to EUR 8,931 million (0% at constant currency, 0% organic).

Operating income in North America decreased by 13% to EUR 446 million in the third quarter (-13% at constant currency), resulting in a margin of 14.5% (Q3 2020: 16.8%). The decline was mainly due to the adverse impact of COVID-19, including a high prior-year base mainly driven by government relief funding, as well as inflationary cost increases. This was partially offset by an improved U.S. payor mix, in particular due to an increased number of patients with Medicare Advantage coverage. In the first nine months, operating income declined by 22% to EUR 1,242 million (-17% at constant currency), resulting in a margin of 13.9% (9M 2020: 16.7%).

Revenue in the EMEA region decreased by 2% to EUR 671 million in the third quarter (-2% at constant currency, -2% organic). The decrease was mainly due to adverse COVID-19-related impacts in Health Care Services as well as lower sales of in-center disposables and peritoneal dialysis products, partially offset by higher sales of products for acute care treatment and machines for chronic treatment. In the first nine months, revenue declined by 1% to EUR 2,033 million (+1% at constant currency, 0% organic).

Operating income in EMEA decreased by 21% to EUR 79 million in the third quarter (-21% at constant currency), resulting in a margin of 11.7% (Q3 2020: 14.6%). The decline was mainly due to inflationary cost increases, adverse COVID-19-related effects, an unfavorable mix in the Products business and timing of export sales. This was partially offset by favorable transactional exchange rate effects and an increase in reimbursement rates in certain countries. In the first nine months, operating income decreased by 17% to EUR 232 million (-16% at constant currency), resulting in a margin of 11.4% (9M 2020: 13.6%).

In Asia-Pacific, revenue increased by 4% to EUR 501 million in the third quarter (+3% at constant currency, +2% organic). This was mainly driven by organic growth in Health Care Services, including a recovery in elective procedures, as well as positive exchange rate effects, contributions from acquisitions and higher sales of machines for chronic treatment, partially offset by lower sales of in-center disposables. In the first nine months, revenue grew by 6% to EUR 1,458 million (+8% at constant currency, +8% organic).

Operating income decreased by 11% to EUR 86 million in the third quarter (-10% at constant currency), resulting in a margin of 17.2% (Q3 2020: 20.0%). The decline was mainly due to adverse COVID-19-related effects and inflationary cost increases, partially offset by business growth including the above-mentioned effect from the recovery of elective procedures. In the first nine months, operating income grew by 8% to 
EUR 256 million (+10% at constant currency), resulting in a margin of 17.5% (9M 2020: 17.2%).

Despite a significant headwind from exchange rates and the adverse impact of COVID-19, Latin America revenue increased by 5% to EUR 178 million in the third quarter (+13% at constant currency, +12% organic). This was mainly driven by organic growth in the Services business, contributions from acquisitions and higher sales of in-center disposables. In the first nine months, revenue was stable and amounted to EUR 508 million (+16% at constant currency, +14% organic).

Operating income in Latin America decreased by 61% to EUR 4 million in the third quarter (-62% at constant currency), resulting in a margin of 2.4% (Q3: 2020: 6.6%). The decline was due to inflationary cost increases and adverse COVID-19 effects. In the first nine months, operating income declined by 53% to EUR 14 million (-54% at constant currency), resulting in a margin of 2.7% (9M 2020: 5.7%).

Patients, clinics and employees

As of September 30, 2021, Fresenius Medical Care treated 344,872 patients in 4,151 dialysis clinics worldwide. At the end of the third quarter, the Company had 123,528 employees (full-time equivalents) worldwide, compared to 126,463 employees as of September 30, 2020.

FME25 Update

For the update on the FME25 transformation program, a separate press release is issued.

Conference call

Fresenius Medical Care will host a two-hour conference call to discuss the results of the third quarter and first nine months of 2021 on November 2, 2021 at 3:30 p.m. CET / 10:30 a.m. EDT. Please note that this will be an extended call, as the Company will additionally provide an update on the FME25 transformation program. Details will be available on the Fresenius Medical Care website www.freseniusmedicalcare.com in the “Investors” section. A replay will be available shortly after the call.

Please refer to our statement of earnings included in the PDF file for a complete overview of the results of the third quarter and first nine months of 2021. Our 6-K disclosure provides more details.

• Fresenius Medical Care with stronger than projected COVID-19 related headwind
• Fresenius Kabi improves EBIT¹ outlook; North America returning to growth; Emerging Markets business with continued healthy financial performance
• Helios Germany with ongoing upward trend for elective treatments; activity levels at Helios Spain above pre-pandemic levels
• Fresenius Vamed with good performance in the service business; order book in the project business remains at all-time high
• Cost and efficiency program on track; savings targets confirmed for FY/23
• Fresenius raises FY/21 Group sales outlook; earnings now expected to be around the top-end of guidance

If no timeframe is specified, information refers to Q3/21.

¹ In constant currency
² Before special items
³ Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation table in the PDF document.

 

Stephan Sturm, CEO of Fresenius, said: “More and more people being vaccinated against COVID-19 is good news. However, the pandemic remains very relevant. It has also more strongly impacted Fresenius and for longer than could have been foreseen. Yet despite this, we continue to grow and remain on track to achieve this year’s, again raised, targets. Launching the Group cost and efficiency program has proved to be the right decision: Our initiatives will help us to better absorb the burdens caused by the pandemic. At the same time, they will strengthen our foundations to thrive, long-term, in a challenging environment. The demand for high-quality, affordable healthcare will be even greater in the future. Fresenius will continue making an important contribution, while creating value for all stakeholders.”

COVID-19 assumptions for guidance FY/21
Negative COVID-19 effects at Fresenius have increased sequentially in Q3/21, driven by significant excess patient mortality at Fresenius Medical Care. Fresenius expects also Q4/21 to be impacted by COVID-19 effects. Meaningfully rising COVID-19 case numbers, the further evolution of virus mutations as well as stalling vaccination progress could impact Fresenius’ ability to achieve its FY/21 guidance. Additionally, Fresenius expects headwinds from cost inflation including rising commodity and shipping prices, increasing energy costs, as well as supply chain constraints in Q4/21. Hence, Fresenius remains vigilant.

Whilst the risk of renewed far-reaching containment measures in one or more of Fresenius’ major markets cannot be excluded, it now appears unlikely. Any resulting significant and direct impact on the health care sector without appropriate compensation is not reflected in the Group’s FY/21 guidance. These assumptions are subject to considerable uncertainty.

FY/21 Group sales guidance raised, earnings guidance improved
Based on the Group’s good Q3/21 results and the progress to improve Group-wide efficiencies, Fresenius raises its sales guidance and improves its earnings guidance. The Company now projects constant currency sales¹ to grow in a mid single-digit range in FY/21. Previously, the Company projected sales¹ growth in a low-to-mid single-digit percentage range in constant currency. Earnings^2,3 growth in constant currency is now expected to be around the top-end of the low single-digit percentage range.

Implicitly, net income² for the Group excluding Fresenius Medical Care is now expected to grow in a low double-digit percentage range in constant currency. Previously, Fresenius expected high single-digit percentage growth in constant currency.

The guidance implies ongoing COVID-19 related headwinds, primarily at Fresenius Medical Care, and increasingly noticeable cost inflation across selected markets in Q4/21. It also reflects negative pricing effects related to tender activity at Fresenius Kabi in China.

Based on expected lower contributions to Group EBITDA from Fresenius Medical Care as well as assumed cash phasing effects in Q4/21, Fresenius does not expect the net debt/EBITDA⁴ ratio of 3.55x as of September 30, 2021 to improve in Q4/21.

¹ FY/20 base: €36,277 million
² Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
³ FY/20 base: €1,796 million, before special items; FY/21: before special items
⁴ At LTM average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures; excluding further potential acquisitions; before special items

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation table in the PDF document.

 

Progress on efficiency measures to sustainably improve profitability
During Q3/21, Fresenius finalized the concept phase of its cost and efficiency program. At the same time, first initiatives were already implemented. Fresenius Medical Care is providing an update on its FME25 transformation program in addition to its Q3/21 results presentation. Fresenius confirms its expectation that the measures to sustainably enhance profitability and operational excellence to reach cost savings of more than €100 million p.a. after tax and minority interest in 2023, with some potential to increase thereafter.

Achieving these sustainable efficiencies will require significant up-front expenses. For the years 2021 to 2023, those expenses are expected to average more than €100 million p.a. after tax and minority interest, with the largest portion currently expected to materialize in 2022. They will be classified as special items, consistent with previous practice.

Fresenius expects significant contributions from all four business segments and from the corporate center in the 2021 to 2023 period. For FY/21, low double-digit million Euro savings after tax and minority interest from the Group’s cost and efficiency measures are expected to support the Group’s profitability. These savings and efficiency gains derive from activities in all four business segments.

 

5% sales increase in constant currency
Group sales increased by 5% (5% in constant currency) to €9,324 million (Q3/20: €8,918 million). Organic growth was 3%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 2% to growth. Currency translation had no effect on sales growth. Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects¹, Group sales growth would have been 7% to 8% in constant currency.
In Q1-3/21, Group sales increased by 2% (5% in constant currency) to €27,554 million (Q1-3/20: €26,973 million). Organic growth was 4%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 1% to growth. Currency translation reduced sales growth by 3%. Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects¹, Group sales growth would have been 5% to 6% in constant currency.

2% net income^2,3 increase in constant currency
Group EBITDA before special items decreased by 2% (-2% in constant currency) to €1,700 million (Q3/20: €1,729 million). Reported Group EBITDA was €1,667 million (Q3/20: €1,729 million).
In Q1-3/21, Group EBITDA before special items decreased by 5% (-1% in constant currency) to €5,002 million (Q1-3/20: €5,246 million). Reported Group EBITDA was €4,957 million (Q1-3/20: €5,246 million).

Group EBIT before special items decreased by 6% (-6% in constant currency) to €1,041 million (Q3/20: €1,113 million). The decrease is primarily due to COVID-19 related headwinds at Fresenius Medical Care. The EBIT margin before special items was 11.2% (Q3/20: 12.5%). Reported Group EBIT was €1,008 million (Q3/20: €1,113 million).
In Q1-3/21, Group EBIT before special items decreased by 8% (-5% in constant currency) to €3,080 million (Q1-3/20: €3,361 million). The constant currency decrease is primarily due to COVID-19 related headwinds at Fresenius Medical Care. The EBIT margin before special items was 11.2% (Q1-3/20: 12.5%). Reported Group EBIT was €3,035 million (Q1-3/20: €3,361 million).

¹ For estimated COVID-19 effects please see table in the PDF document.
² Before special items
³ Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation table in the PDF document.

Group net interest before special items and reported net interest improved to -€126 million (Q3/20²: -€154 million) mainly due to lower interest rates.
In Q1-3/21, Group net interest before special items improved to -€384 million (Q1-3/20²: -€495 million). Reported Group net interest improved to -€384 million (Q1-3/20: -€503 million).

Group tax rate before special items was 23.0% (Q3/20²: 22.0%) while reported Group tax rate was 22.8% (Q3/20: 22.0%).
In Q1-3/21, Group tax rate before special items was 22.4% (Q1-3/20²: 22.7%) while reported Group tax rate was 22.3% (Q1-3/20: 22.7%).

Noncontrolling interests before special items were -€270 million (Q3/20: -€321 million) of which 91% were attributable to the noncontrolling interests in Fresenius Medical Care. Reported noncontrolling interests were -€268 million (Q3/20: -€321 million).
In Q1-3/21, noncontrolling interests before special items were -€747 million (Q1-3/20: -€913 million) of which 91% were attributable to the noncontrolling interests in Fresenius Medical Care. Reported noncontrolling interests were -€741 million (Q3/20: -€913 million).

Group net income¹ before special items increased by 2% (2% in constant currency) to €435 million (Q3/20²: €427 million) driven by Fresenius Vamed and Fresenius Kabi as well as by the favorable net interest development. Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects³, Group net income¹ before special items would have grown 12% to 16% in constant currency. Reported Group net income¹ decreased to €413 million (Q3/20: €427 million).
In Q1-3/21, Group net income¹ before special items increased by 3% (6% in constant currency) to €1,345 million (Q1-3/20²: €1,302 million). Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects³, Group net income¹ before special items would have grown 7% to 11% in constant currency. Reported Group net income¹ increased to €1,319 million (Q1-3/20: €1,297 million).

¹ Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
² Before special items
³ For estimated COVID-19 effects please see table in the PDF document.

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation table in the PDF document.

Earnings per share¹ before special items increased by 1% (1% in constant currency) to €0.78 (Q3/20²: €0.77). Reported earnings per share1 were €0.74 (Q3/20: €0.77).
In Q1-3/21, earnings per share¹ before special items increased by 3% (6% in constant currency) to €2.41 (Q1-3/20²: €2.34). Reported earnings per share¹ were €2.36 (Q1-3/20: €2.33).

 

Continued investment in growth
Spending on property, plant and equipment was €449 million corresponding to 5% of sales (Q3/20: €521 million; 6% of sales). These investments served primarily for the modernization and expansion of dialysis clinics, production facilities as well as hospitals and day clinics.
In Q1-3/21, spending on property, plant and equipment was €1,342 million corresponding to 5% of sales (Q1-3/20: €1,542 million; 6% of sales).

Total acquisition spending was €167 million (Q3/20: €142 million). In Q1-3/21, total acquisition spending was €807 million (Q1-3/20: €651 million) mainly for the acquisition of Eugin Group at Fresenius Helios which has been consolidated since April 1, 2021, and the acquisition of dialysis clinics at Fresenius Medical Care.

 

Cash flow development
Group operating cash flow increased to €1,226 million (Q3/20: €1,199 million) with a margin of 13.1% (Q3/20: 13.4%). Free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends increased correspondingly to €793 million (Q3/20: €682 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends increased to €594 million (Q3/20: -€185 million).
In Q1-3/21, Group operating cash flow decreased to €3,329 million (Q1-3/20: €5,159 million) with a margin of 12.1% (Q1-3/20: 19.1%). The decrease was mainly due to continued recoupment of the U.S. federal government’s payments under the CARES Act in Q2/20. Free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends decreased to €1,986 million (Q1-3/20: €3,593 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends decreased to €352 million (Q1-3/20: €2,149 million).

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

 

Solid balance sheet structure
Group total assets increased by 7% (4% in constant currency) to €71,081 million (Dec. 31, 2020: €66,646 million) given the expansion of business activities and currency effects. Current assets increased by 10% (7% in constant currency) to €17,334 million (Dec. 31, 2020: €15,772 million) driven by the increase of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivables, and inventories. Non-current assets increased by 6% (3% in constant currency) to €53,747 million (Dec. 31, 2020: €50,874 million).

Total shareholders’ equity increased by 8% (4% in constant currency) to €28,186 million (Dec. 31, 2020: €26,023 million). The equity ratio was 39.7% (Dec. 31, 2020: 39.0%).

Group debt increased by 5% (3% in constant currency) to €27,191 million (Dec. 31, 2020: € 25,913 million). Group net debt increased by 3% (1% in constant currency) to € 24,778 million (Dec. 31, 2020: € 24,076 million).

As of September 30, 2021, the net debt/EBITDA ratio increased to 3.55x^1,2 (Dec. 31, 2020: 3.44x^1,2) driven by COVID-19 effects weighing on EBITDA as well as increased net debt. The improvement over June 30, 2021 (3.60x^1,2) is driven by the reduction of net debt in Q3/21 due to the good cash flow performance.

¹ At LTM average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures
² Before special items

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation table in the PDF document.

 

Business Segments
 

Fresenius Medical Care (Financial data according to Fresenius Medical Care press release)
Fresenius Medical Care is the world's largest provider of products and services for individuals with renal diseases. As of September 30, 2021, Fresenius Medical Care was treating approximately 345,000 patients in 4,151 dialysis clinics. Along with its core business, the Renal Care Continuum, the company focuses on expanding in complementary areas and in the field of critical care.

• Stronger than projected headwind from COVID-19 effects with significantly increased patient excess mortality due to global spread of Delta variant
• Organic growth continued with 1%
• Financial targets for FY 2021 confirmed, expectation to reach lower end of the guidance ranges for revenue and net income

Sales of Fresenius Medical Care increased by 1% (increased by 1% in constant currency) to €4,441 million (Q3/20: €4,414 million). Organic growth was 1%. In Q1-3/21, sales of Fresenius Medical Care decreased by 4% (increased by 2% in constant currency) to €12,972 million (Q1-3/20: €13,459 million). Thus, currency translation had a negative effect of 6%. Organic growth was 1%.

EBIT decreased by 20% (-19% in constant currency) to €505 million (Q3/20: €632 million) resulting in a margin of 11.4% (Q3/20: 14.3%). EBIT before special items declined by 19% to €510 million (-19% in constant currency; Q3/20: €632 million), resulting in a margin of 11.5% (Q3/20: 14.3%). The decline was mainly due to adverse COVID-19-related effects, inflationary cost increases and higher labor costs. These effects were slightly mitigated by an improved U.S. payor mix, in particular due to an increased number of patients with Medicare Advantage coverage.

In Q1-3/21, EBIT decreased by 24% (-20% in constant currency) to €1,403 million (Q1-3/20: €1,843 million) resulting in a margin of 10.8% (Q1-3/20: 13.7%). EBIT before special items decreased by 23% (-19% in constant currency) to €1,417 million (Q1-3/20: €1,843 million) resulting in an EBIT margin before special items of 10.9% (Q1-3/20: 13.7%).

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

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables in the PDF document.

Net income¹ decreased by 23% (-22% in constant currency) to €273 million (Q3/20: €354 million) mainly due to effects explained for operating income and a higher tax rate. Net income¹ before special items decreased by 22% (-21% in constant currency) to €277 million (Q3/20: €354 million).

In Q1-3/21, net income¹ decreased by 25% (-21% in constant currency) to €741 million (Q1-3/20: €987 million). Net income¹ before special items decreased by 24% (-20% in constant currency) to €751 million (Q1-3/20: €987 million).

Operating cash flow was €692 million (Q3/20: €746 million) with a margin of 15.6% (Q3/20: 16.9%). The decrease was mainly due to continued recoupment of the U.S. federal government’s payments in the second quarter of 2020 under the CARES Act. In Q1-3/21, operating cash flow was €1,820 million (Q1-3/20: €3,649 million) with a margin of 14.0% (Q1-3/20: 27.1%).

For FY/21, Fresenius Medical Care confirms its outlook for revenue² to grow at a low-to-mid single-digit percentage rate and net income^1,3 to decline at a high-teens to mid-twenties percentage rate against the 2020 base and is now expecting to be at the lower end of these guidance ranges⁴.

For further information, please see Fresenius Medical Care’s press release at http://www.freseniusmedicalcare.com.

¹ Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA
² FY/20 base: €17,859 million
³ FY/20 base: €1,359 million, before special items; FY/21: before special items
⁴ These targets are based on the 2020 results excluding the impairment of goodwill and trade names in the Latin America Segment of €195 million. They are inclusive of anticipated COVID-19 effects, in constant currency and exclude special items. Special items include costs related to FME25 and other effects that are unusual in nature and have not been foreseeable or not foreseeable in size or impact at the time of giving guidance.

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables in the PDF document.

 

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, Fresenius Kabi develops products with a focus on oncology and autoimmune diseases.

• North America with healthy organic sales growth; EBIT growth only hindered by a non-cash one-time effect
• Solid organic sales growth in Europe supported by ongoing recovery of elective treatments
• Continued strong Emerging Markets growth driven primarily by Latin America; China slowing down due to price effects post successful participation in VBP tenders
• EBIT outlook³ for FY/21 improved

Sales increased by 9% (8% in constant currency) to €1,854 million (Q3/20: €1,694 million). Organic growth was 8%. In Q1-3/21, sales increased by 4% (7% in constant currency) to €5,370 million (Q1-3/20: €5,161 million). Organic growth was 6%. Negative currency translation effects of 3% in Q1-3 were mainly related to the weakness of the US dollar, the Argentinian peso and the Brazilian real.

Sales in North America increased by 6% (organic: 6%) to €589 million (Q3/20: €558 million) driven by extra demand for COVID-19 related products. In Q1-3/21, sales in North America decreased by 9% (organic: -4%) to €1,669 million (Q1-3/20: €1,827 million).

Sales in Europe increased by 7% (organic: 5%) to €620 million (Q3/20: €581 million) supported by the ongoing recovery of elective treatments. In Q1-3/21, sales in Europe increased by 6% (organic: 5%) to €1,880 million (Q1-3/20: €1,778 million).

¹ Before special items
² Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
³ In constant currency

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables in the PDF document.

Sales in Asia-Pacific increased by 12% (organic: 8%) to €447 million (Q3/20: €399 million) mainly due to normalizing elective treatment activity in the region. In China, organic growth is slowing down due to initial negative price effects from successful participation in VBP (Volume-Based Purchasing) tenders as well as the demanding prior-year base. In Q1-3/21, sales in Asia-Pacific increased by 17% (organic: 16%) to €1,248 million (Q1-3/20: €1,069 million).

Sales in Latin America/Africa increased by 27% (organic: 27%) to €198 million (Q3/20: €156 million) due to ongoing COVID-19 related extra demand. In Q1-3/21, sales in Latin America/Africa increased by 18% (organic: 26%) to €573 million (Q1-3/20: €487 million).

EBIT¹ increased by 8% (7% in constant currency) to €300 million (Q3/20: €278 million) with an EBIT margin of 16.2% (Q3/20: 16.4%). The increase in constant currency was primarily driven by the Emerging Markets and European businesses, tempered by an IP R&D write-off in North America. Adjusted for this one-time effect, North America returned to healthy growth. EBIT was supported by positive COVID-19 effects. In Q1-3/21, EBIT¹ increased by 2% (5% in constant currency) to €874 million (Q1-3/20: €859 million) with an EBIT margin of 16.3% (Q1-3/20: 16.6%).

Net income^1,2 increased by 9% (9% in constant currency) to €206 million (Q3/20¹: €189 million). In Q1-3/21, net income^1,2 increased by 3% (7% in constant currency) to €600 million (Q1-3/20¹: €582 million).

Operating cash flow increased to €393 million (Q3/20: €225 million) with a margin of 21.2% (Q3/20: 13.3%) mainly due to a healthy operational performance. In Q1-3/21, operating cash flow increased to €868 million (Q1-3/20: €836 million) with a margin of 16.2% (Q1-3/20: 16.2%).

For FY/21, Fresenius Kabi improves its EBIT outlook. The company now projects EBIT^1,3 growth in constant currency around the top end of its low single-digit percentage guidance range. The company continues to expect organic sales growth⁴ in a low-to-mid single-digit percentage range. Both sales and EBIT outlook include expected COVID-19 effects.

¹ Before special items
² Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
³ FY/20 base: €1,095 million, before special items; FY/21: before special items
⁴ FY/20 base: €6,976 million

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables in the PDF document.

 

Fresenius Helios
Fresenius Helios is Europe's leading private hospital operator. The company comprises Helios Germany and Helios Spain. Helios Germany operates 89 hospitals, ~130 outpatient centers and 6 prevention centers. Helios Spain operates 47 hospitals, 86 outpatient centers and around 300 occupational risk prevention centers. In addition, the company is active in Latin America with 6 hospitals and as a provider of medical diagnostics and reproduction medicine worldwide.

• Helios Germany with ongoing upward trend for elective treatments
• Treatment activity at Helios Spain above pre-pandemic levels in most medical areas
• Strong results in Latin America
• FY/21 outlook confirmed

Sales increased by 9% (10% in constant currency) to €2,622 million (Q3/20: €2,400 million). Organic growth was 5%. Acquisitions, including the hospital acquisitions from the Order of Malta in Germany and the fertility business Eugin (consolidated as from April 1, 2021) contributed 5% to sales growth. In Q1-3/21, sales increased by 12% (12% in constant currency) to €8,009 million (Q1-3/20: €7,181 million). Organic growth was 7%. Acquisitions contributed 5% to sales growth.

Sales of Helios Germany increased by 7% (organic: 3%) to €1,640 million (Q3/20: €1,529 million) driven by positive price and case mix effects. The hospital acquisitions from the Order of Malta contributed 4% to sales growth. In Q1-3/21, sales of Helios Germany increased by 6% (organic: 2%) to €4,988 million (Q1-3/20: €4,703 million).

Sales of Helios Spain increased by 8% (9% in constant currency) to €941 million (Q3/20: €870 million). Organic growth of 8% was driven by a consistently high level of treatments and ongoing demand for occupational risk prevention (ORP) services. Furthermore, the hospitals in Latin America showed a good development and contributed 2% to sales growth. In Q1-3/21, sales of Helios Spain increased by 19% (20% in constant currency) to €2,937 million (Q1-3/20: €2,476 million). Organic growth was 18%.

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

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables in the PDF document.

EBIT¹ of Fresenius Helios decreased by 1% (0% in constant currency) to €222 million (Q3/20: €225 million) due to the demanding prior-year base at Helios Spain. The EBIT¹ margin was 8.5% (Q3/20: 9.4%). In Q1-3/21, EBIT¹ of Fresenius Helios increased by 13% (14% in constant currency) to €788 million (Q1-3/20: €697 million) with an EBIT margin¹ of 9.8% (Q1-3/20: 9.7%).

EBIT¹ of Helios Germany increased by 5% to €140 million (Q3/20: €133 million) with an EBIT margin¹ of 8.5% (Q3/20: 8.7%). In Q1-3/21, EBIT¹ of Helios Germany decreased by 1% to €442 million (Q1-3/20: €445 million) with an EBIT margin¹ of 8.9% (Q1-3/20: 9.5%).

EBIT of Helios Spain decreased by 17% (-17% in constant currency) to €79 million (Q3/20: €95 million) due to an exceptional Q3/20 driven by post-lock-down catch-up effects. In addition, higher costs for personnel, personal protective equipment and selected medical products, among others, had a negative impact. The EBIT margin was 8.4% (Q3/20: 10.9%). The hospital acquisitions in Colombia contributed nicely. In Q1-3/21, EBIT of Helios Spain increased by 35% (36% in constant currency) to €352 million (Q1-3/20: €261 million) with an EBIT margin of 12.0% (Q1-3/20: 10.5%).

Net income^1,2 decreased by 5% (-4% in constant currency) to €135 million (Q3/20: €142 million). In Q1-3/21, net income^1,2 increased by 14% (15% in constant currency) to €501 million (Q1-3/20: €441 million).

Operating cash flow decreased to €157 million (Q3/20: €275 million) with a margin of 6.0% (Q3/20: 11.5%) as the previous year was supported by the accelerated payment scheme under the German law to ease the financial burden on hospitals. In Q1-3/21, operating cash flow decreased to €595 million (Q1-3/20: €715 million) with a margin of 7.4% (Q1-3/20: 10.0%).

For FY/21, Fresenius Helios confirms its outlook. The company expects organic sales³ growth in a mid single-digit percentage range. EBIT⁴ is projected to grow in a high single-digit percentage range in constant currency. Both sales and EBIT outlook include expected COVID-19 effects.

¹ Before special items
² Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
³ FY/20 base: €9,818 million
⁴ FY/20 base: €1,025 million; FY/21 before special items

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables in the PDF document.

 

Fresenius Vamed
Fresenius Vamed manages projects and provides services for hospitals and other health care facilities worldwide and is a leading post-acute care provider in Central Europe. The portfolio ranges along the entire value chain: from project development, planning, and turnkey construction, via maintenance and technical management to total operational management.

• Further acceleration of EBIT growth despite persistent COVID-19 impacts
• Project business still marked by COVID-19; order book remains at all-time high
• Good performance, particularly in the high-end service business; upward trend in elective treatments supports rehabilitation business
• FY/21 outlook confirmed

Sales remained stable (0% in constant currency and organic) at €516 million (Q3/20: €517 million). In Q1-3/21, sales increased by 4% (4% in constant currency) to €1,549 million (Q1-3/20: €1,491 million). Organic growth was 4%.

Sales in the service business increased by 9% (9% in constant currency) to €410 million (Q3/20: €377 million), driven by high-end services and growing case numbers in the rehabilitation business. Sales in the project business decreased by 24% (24% in constant currency) to €106 million (Q3/20: €140 million). In Q1-3/21, sales in the service business increased by 10% (10% in constant currency) to €1,165 million (Q1-3/20: €1,063 million). Sales in the project business decreased by 10% (-10% in constant currency) to €384 million (Q1-3/20: €428 million).

EBIT increased to €23 million (Q3/20: -€11 million) with an EBIT margin of 4.5% (Q3/20: -2.1%). In Q1-3/21, EBIT increased to €35 million (Q1-3/20: -€10 million) with an EBIT margin of 2.3% (Q1-3/20: -0.7%).

Net income¹ increased to €14 million (Q3/20: -€15 million). In Q1-3/21, net income¹ increased to €18 million (Q1-3/20: -€23 million).

¹ Net income attributable to shareholders of VAMED AG

Order intake was €120 million in Q3/21 (Q3/20: €188 million) and €971 million in Q1-3/21 (Q1-3/20: €362 million), particularly driven by a turnkey project for a hospital in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. As of September 30, 2021, order backlog of €3,647 million (December 31, 2020: €3,055 million) remained at an all-time high.

Operating cash flow increased to €9 million (Q3/20: -€4 million) with a margin of 1.7% (Q3/20: -0.8%) mainly due to payments from the international project business. In Q1-3/21, operating cash flow increased to €23 million (Q1-3/20: €4 million) with a margin of 1.5% (Q1-3/20: 0.3%).

For FY/21, Fresenius Vamed confirms its outlook. The company expects organic sales¹ growth in a mid-to-high single-digit percentage range and EBIT² to grow to a high double-digit Euro million amount. Both sales and EBIT outlook include expected COVID-19 effects.

¹ FY/20 base: €2,068 million
² FY/20 base: €29 million; FY/21 before special items

 

Conference Call
As part of the publication of the results for Q3/21, a conference call will be held on November 2, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. CET (8:30 a.m. EDT). 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 our website www.fresenius.com/alternative-performance-measures.

Fresenius Medical Care, the world’s leading provider of products and services for individuals with renal diseases, has conducted a study examining the effectiveness of the “Medical Patient Review continuous quality improvement” (MPR-CQI) program in 20 countries of the region Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). The study has demonstrated, by means of mediation analysis, that improvements in medical key performance indicators (KPIs), occurring after the MPR-CQI program implementation, was associated with a significant reduction in mortality risk of about 30 percent in study participants. 

For the development of the MPR-CQI program, the company used therapy data from more than 70,000 patients treated in Fresenius Medical Care’s EMEA NephroCare network to define, monitor and improve 10 KPIs – intermediate clinical endpoints – including hemoglobin, hydration status, hemodynamic status and infusion volume. The Medical Patient Review’s monthly review circles and evaluations of patients’ health indicators allow physicians to identify, prioritize and address patient’s medical needs. 

“Delivering the highest quality care for people living with kidney disease is central to our mission, and data-driven insights are vital for ongoing clinical care improvement and innovation,” said Franklin W. Maddux, MD, Global Chief Medical Officer of Fresenius Medical Care. “The breadth and depth of our company’s clinical data, combined with our efforts in digital innovation and connected health, are generating a compelling evolution of clinical results.” 

The quality performance of Fresenius Medical Care’s clinical governance strategy has been evaluated in an historical cohort study based on the company's own EuCliD database in the EMEA region. The company has published the study results in Nephrology, Dialysis & Transplantation, the official journal of the European Renal Association/European Dialysis and Transplant Association, to make them publicly available to the professional community and support further improvements in care worldwide: https://doi.org/10.1093/ndt/gfab160

The Medical Patient Review continuous quality improvement program is based on EuCliD data – Fresenius Medical Care’s digital patient care system- and enables the company to define evaluation processes involving medical and nursing experts. It also enables a detailed analysis of patients that allows a better understanding of medical needs, while providing intensive experiences from correlating improvements in medical and economic efficiency results – to deliver feedback focused on effective and efficient care. Through its digital patient care system, Fresenius Medical Care is planning to also enable third-party clients to benefit from the MPR. 

As part of its 2025 growth strategy, Fresenius Medical Care is using digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to develop new forms of kidney therapy. Physicians in more than 100 clinics in the company’s network can already use an AI-based algorithm that can help to improve renal anemia management while reducing drug-related costs. Fresenius Medical Care is planning to enrich the Medical Patient Review process by the MPR Advanced Benchmarking System which is based on an ensemble of 22 AI-based models that are designed to help detect best clinical practices, pinpoint high-performing centers beyond case-mix differences, discover emerging medical needs and set realistic margins of improvement for each intermediate clinical endpoint in all clinics.

The MPR Advanced Benchmarking System will be piloted starting this fall in NephroCare clinics in one EMEA country. Additional AI-based products for the management of non-dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease, vascular access care, home dialysis therapies and intradialytic complications are now being developed.