The market research institute Potentialpark has honored the global healthcare group Fresenius for the tenth consecutive year as the German company with the best overall Internet offering for job applicants.

In Potentialpark’s 2021 study, Fresenius not only took first place in the overall category for all career-relevant online activities, but also won in the individual category of career assessment in social media. Fresenius finished second in the online application management and mobile offering category, and third for career website.

Potentialpark has carried out an annual study of German companies’ online offerings for job applicants since 2002. For this year’s study, Potentialpark assessed the online activities of 121 companies in Germany according to more than 300 criteria. More than 53,000 students and graduates around the world were surveyed about their preferences.

”Communication with job applicants has moved even more strongly into the virtual domain since the start of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Michael Lehmann, Senior Vice President Corporate Human Resources of Fresenius. “Hardly any in-person meetings can take place currently for job interviews or at job and trade fairs. It is therefore even more important for us to make up for this loss through online communications, and to reach new talent through exciting digital formats. Because even during the pandemic, we are continuing to hire new employees.”

• Preliminary guidance for 2021 confirmed
• Strategic roadmap for accelerated growth through 2023 and beyond
• Group-wide initiatives to improve efficiency and profitability in preparation
• Medium-term growth targets confirmed
• 28th consecutive dividend increase proposed

 

If no timeframe is specified, information refers to Q4/2020 2020 and 2019 according to IFRS 16

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.

 

Stephan Sturm, CEO of Fresenius, said:” The pandemic year 2020 showed emphatically the importance of forward-thinking, effective and efficient healthcare. Fresenius is making a vital contribution here, in many different areas of medicine. This year, the pandemic will again present us with a number of challenges, making it even more important that we increase efficiency in order to improve our cost base. Beyond our established businesses, we will also expand in important growth areas including biosimilars, digital healthcare, home dialysis and fertility medicine. By doing so, we are laying the foundations for more dynamic growth in the coming years. Even though the pandemic and its consequences are keeping us busy right now, we are already looking ahead and setting the course for the medicine of the future. In this way, we are also securing our company’s sustainable economic success.”

FY/21 Group guidance
For FY/21, Fresenius projects sales growth¹ in a low to mid-single-digit percentage range and at least broadly stable net income^2,3 year-over-year, both in constant currency. Implicitly, net income² for the Group excluding Fresenius Medical Care is expected to grow in a mid-to high single digit percentage range in constant currency. Fresenius projects net debt/EBITDA⁴ to be around the top-end of the self-imposed target corridor of 3.0x to 3.5x by the end of FY/21.

COVID-19 assumptions for guidance FY/21
COVID-19 will continue to impact Fresenius’ operations in 2021. Current burdens and constraints caused by COVID-19 are expected to recede only in H2/21. The expected improvement in the Group’s relevant business environment from H2/21 is heavily dependent on continuously increasing levels of vaccination coverage in Fresenius’ relevant markets. These assumptions are subject to considerable uncertainty.
Fresenius closely monitors the development of COVID-19 case numbers, and the associated various containment measures being enacted in many of the Company’s relevant markets. A possible significant deterioration of the situation associated with further containment measures that could have a significant and direct impact on the health care sector without any appropriate compensation is not reflected in the Group’s FY/21 guidance.

 

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 tables in the PDF document.

 

Efficiency and cost saving programs
COVID-19 has led and will lead to a shortfall relative to our original expectations in FY/20 and FY/21 as well as to ongoing incremental uncertainty. Fresenius is hence planning to launch group-wide strategic efficiency initiatives to further safeguard the confirmed medium-term targets and sustainably enhance profitability. These initiatives are expected to consist of operational excellence and cost-saving measures, targeted strengthening of future growth areas and portfolio optimizations. The operational excellence and cost-saving measures are targeted to result in cost savings of at least €100 million p.a. after tax and minority interest in 2023 with some further potential to increase thereafter. We anticipate that achieving these sustainable efficiencies will require significant up-front expenses. On average for the years 2021 to 2023, those expenses are expected to be in the order of magnitude of €100 million p.a. after tax and minority interest. They will be classified as special items. Further information will be provided during our Q1 earnings call on May 6, 2021.

Growth targets for 2020 – 2023 confirmed
Fresenius continues to expect Group sales to grow organically with a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4% to 7% during 2020 to 2023. Group net income^1,2 is projected to increase organically with a CAGR of 5% to 9% during 2020 to 2023. Fresenius expects its sales growth and efficiency improvement initiatives as well as Fresenius Kabi’s biosimilars business to drive an acceleration of Group earnings growth over that period. Small and medium-sized acquisitions are expected to contribute an incremental CAGR of approx. 1%-point to both sales and net income growth.

28^th consecutive dividend increase proposed
The Management Board of Fresenius will propose to the Supervisory Board a dividend increase of 5% to €0.88 per share for FY/20 (FY/19: €0.84). Provided the proposal is approved by the Supervisory Board and the Annual General Meeting, this will be the 28th consecutive dividend increase.

 

¹ Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
² Before special items
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables in the PDF document.

 

5% sales growth in constant currency
Group sales remained on prior year’s level (increased by 5% in constant currency) at €9,304 million (Q4/19: €9,311 million). Organic growth was 2%. Acquisitions/ divestitures contributed net 3% to growth. Currency translation reduced sales growth by 5%. Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects¹, Group sales growth would have been 7% to 8% in constant currency.
In FY/20, Group sales increased by 2% (5% in constant currency) to €36,277 million (FY/19: €35,409 million). Organic growth was 3%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 2% to sales growth. Currency translation reduced sales growth by 3%. Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects¹, Group sales growth would have been 7% to 8% in constant currency.

2% net income^2,3 growth in constant currency
Group EBITDA before special items decreased by 3% (increased by 3% in constant currency) to €1,886 million (Q4/19²: €1,937 million). Reported Group EBITDA was €1,854 million (Q4/19: €1,937 million).
In FY/20, Group EBITDA before special items remained on prior year’s level (increased by 2% in constant currency) at €7,132 million (FY/19²: €7,104 million). Reported Group EBITDA was €7,100 million (FY/19: €7,083 million).

Group EBIT before special items decreased by 3% (increased by 2% in constant currency) to €1,251 million (Q4/19²: €1,287 million). The constant currency increase is due to the positive development at Fresenius Medical Care and Fresenius Helios. Missing contributions from elective procedures, volume headwinds leading to underutilized production capacities, headwinds at Fresenius Kabi North America, COVID-19 related project delays at Fresenius Vamed as well as Group-wide incremental COVID-19 related expenses weighed on EBIT. The EBIT margin before special items was 13.4% (Q4/19²: 13.8%). Reported Group EBIT was €1,024 million (Q4/19: €1,269 million). In FY/20, Group EBIT before special items decreased by 2% (0% in constant currency) to €4,612 million (FY/19²: €4,688 million). The EBIT margin before special items was 12.7% (FY/19²: 13.2%). Higher levels of investments in recent years triggered incremental depreciation charges. Reported Group EBIT was €4,385 million (FY/19: €4,631 million).

Group net interest before special items improved to -€159 million (Q4/19²: -€182 million) mainly due to successful refinancing activities, lower interest rates as well as currency translation effects. Reported Group net interest improved to -€156 million (Q4/19: -€184 million).

 

¹ For estimated COVID-19 effects in Q4/20 and FY/20 please see table on page 18 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 tables in the PDF document.

 

In FY/20, Group net interest before special items improved to -€654 million (FY/19¹: - €714 million) while reported Group net interest improved to -€659 million (FY/19: -€719 million).

The Group tax rate before special items was 24.1% (Q4/19¹: 23.8%) and the reported Group tax rate was 29.4% (Q4/19: 23.0%). The increase is due to a not tax deductible €195 million impairment of goodwill and tradenames in the Latin America segment at Fresenius Medical Care. In FY/20, the Group tax rate before special items was 23.1% (FY/19¹: 23.3%) and the reported Group tax rate was 24.2% (FY/19: 22.6%).

Noncontrolling interests before special items were €335 million (Q4/19¹: €336 million) of which 93% were attributable to the noncontrolling interests in Fresenius Medical Care. Reported noncontrolling interests were €203 million (Q4/19 reported: €320 million). In FY/20, noncontrolling interests before special items were €1,248 million (FY/19¹: €1,170 million) of which 96% were attributable to the noncontrolling interests in Fresenius Medical Care. Reported noncontrolling interests were €1,116 million (FY/19 reported: €1,146 million).

Group net income² before special items decreased by 2% (increased by 2% in constant currency) to €494 million (Q4/19: €506 million). Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects³, Group net income² before special items would have grown 3% to 7% in constant currency. Reported Group net income² decreased to €410 million (Q4/19: €515 million). The decrease is mainly due to an impairment of goodwill and tradenames in the Latin America segment at Fresenius Medical Care and the increased valuation of the biosimilars contingent purchase price liabilities at Fresenius Kabi. In FY/20, Group net income² before special items decreased by 4% (-3% in constant currency) to €1,796 million (FY/19¹: €1,879 million). Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects³, Group net income² before special items would have grown 2% to 6% in constant currency. Reported Group net income² decreased to €1,707 million (FY/19: €1,883 million).

Earnings per share² before special items decreased by 2% (increased by 2% in constant currency) to €0.88 (Q4/19¹: €0.90). Reported earnings per share² were €0.73 (Q4/19: €0.92). In FY/20, earnings per share² before special items decreased by 4% (-3% in constant currency) to €3.22 (FY/19¹: €3.37). Reported earnings per share² were €3.06 (FY/19¹: €3.38).

 

¹ Before special items
² Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
³ For estimated COVID-19 effects in Q4/20 and FY/20 please see table on page 18 in the PDF document.
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables in the PDF document.

 

Continued investment in growth
Spending on property, plant and equipment was €856 million corresponding to 9% of sales (Q4/19: €871 million; 9% of sales). These investments served primarily for the modernization and expansion of dialysis clinics, production facilities as well as hospitals and day clinics. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Fresenius has been largely able to continue its investment programs. In FY/20, spending on property, plant and equipment was €2,398 million corresponding to 7% of sales (FY/19: €2,463 million; 7% of sales).

Total acquisition spending was €251 million (Q4/19: €331 million). In FY/20, total acquisition spending was €902 million, mainly for the purchase of hospitals by Fresenius Helios in Germany and Colombia (FY/19: €2,623 million, mainly for the acquisition of NxStage by Fresenius Medical Care).

Good cash flow development
Group operating cash flow increased to €1,390 million (Q4/19: €1,286 million) with a margin of 14.9% (Q4/19: 13.8%). Free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends increased to €590 million (Q4/19: €442 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends increased to €329 million (Q4/19: €89 million).

In FY/20, Group operating cash flow increased to €6,549 million (FY/19: €4,263 million) with a margin of 18.1% (FY/19: 12.0%). The increase was largely driven by Fresenius Medical Care due to the U.S. federal relief funding and advanced payments under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) as well as by the shorter payment periods of the COVID-19 governmental compensation and reimbursement scheme for Helios Germany. Also excluding these COVID-19 effects, Group operating cash flow would have grown year-over-year. Free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends increased to €4,183 million (FY/19: €1,830 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends increased to €2,478 million (FY/19: -€1,545 million, driven by Fresenius Medical Care’s acquisition of NxStage).

Solid balance sheet structure
Group total assets decreased by 1% (increased by 5% in constant currency) to €66,646 million (Dec. 31, 2019: €67,006 million). The decrease is mainly due to currency translation effects outweighing the expansion of business activities. Current assets increased by 3% (10% in constant currency) to €15,772 million (Dec. 31, 2019: €15,264 million), mainly driven by the increase of cash and cash equivalents. Non-current assets decreased by 2% (increased by 3% in constant currency) to €50,874 million (Dec. 31, 2019: €51,742 million).

Total shareholders’ equity decreased by 2% (increased by 6% in constant currency) to €26,023 million (Dec. 31, 2019: €26,580 million). The equity ratio was 39.0% (Dec. 31, 2019: 39.7%).

Group debt decreased by 5% (-2% in constant currency) to €25,913 million (Dec. 31, 2019: € 27,258 million). Group net debt decreased by 6% (-4% in constant currency) to € 24,076 million (Dec. 31, 2019: € 25,604 million), driven by the exceptional cash flow development.

As of December 31, 2020, the net debt/EBITDA ratio improved to 3.44x^1,2 (Dec. 31, 2019: 3.61x^1,2) driven by the exceptional cash flow development, despite COVID-19 effects weighing on EBITDA.

 

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 tables on pages 20-22 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 December 31, 2020, Fresenius Medical Care was treating 346,553 patients in 4,092 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.

• 2020 financial targets achieved: 5% revenue and 12% net income growth
• Reported earnings in Q4 negatively impacted by impairment in the Latin America region and accelerated excess mortality due to COVID-19
• Growth in home dialysis on track

Sales of Fresenius Medical Care decreased by 4% (increased by 4% in constant currency) to €4,400 million (Q4/19: €4,580 million). Thus, currency translation had a negative effect of 8%. Organic growth was 1%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 3% to growth. In FY/20, Fresenius Medical Care increased sales by 2% (5% in constant currency) to €17,859 million (FY/19: €17,477 million). Thus, currency translation had a negative effect of 3%. Organic growth was 3%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 2% to growth.

Reported EBIT decreased by 25% (-18% in constant currency) to €462 million (Q4/19: €616 million). The decrease was mainly due to a macro-economic driven impairment of goodwill and tradenames in the Latin America segment, unfavorable COVID-19 effects and a lower reimbursement for calcimimetics. The reported EBIT margin was 10.5% (Q4/19: 13.5%). EBIT on an adjusted basis decreased by 1% (increased by 5% in constant currency) to €657 million (Q4/19: €663 million). The EBIT margin on an adjusted basis was 14.9% (Q4/19: 14.5%).

In FY/20, reported EBIT increased by 2% (4% in constant currency) to €2,304 million (FY/19: €2,270 million). The reported EBIT margin was 12.9% (FY/19: 13.0%). EBIT on an adjusted basis increased by 6% (8% in constant currency) to €2,499 million (FY/19: €2,356 million). The EBIT margin on an adjusted basis was 14.0% (FY/19: 13.5%).

 

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 on pages 20-22 in the PDF document.

 

Reported net income¹ decreased by 48% (-43% in constant currency) to €177 million (Q4/19: €343 million) and increased on an adjusted basis by 1% (6% in constant currency) to €372 million (Q4/19: €368 million). In FY/20, reported net income¹ decreased by 3% (-1% in constant currency) to €1,164 million (FY/19: €1,200 million) and increased on an adjusted basis by 10% (12% in constant currency) to €1,359 million (FY/19: €1,236 million).

Operating cash flow was €584 million (Q4/19: €771 million) with a margin of 13.3% (Q4/19: 16.8%). In FY/20, operating cash flow was €4,233 million (FY/19: €2,567 million) with a margin of 23.7% (FY/19: 14.7%). The increase was largely driven by the U.S. federal relief funding and advanced payments under the CARES Act and other COVID-19 relief, as well as working capital improvements driven by cash collections.

For FY/21, Fresenius Medical Care expects revenue² to grow at a low- to mid-single digit percentage range and net income^1,3 to decline at a high-teens to mid-twenties percentage range against the higher than expected 2020 base⁴.

For further information, also on the FME₂₅ program, please see Fresenius Medical Care’s press release at 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 on pages 20-22 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.

• In North America fewer elective treatments, competitive pressure and temporary manufacturing issues outweighed extra demand for COVID-19 related products
• Europe showed strong organic sales growth in Q4 primarily based on extra demand for COVID-19 related products; China with healthy organic growth
• Strong EBIT growth in Emerging Markets with positive development in China only partially compensates EBIT decrease in North America

 

Sales increased by 3% (8% in constant currency) to €1,815 million (Q4/19: €1,766 million). Organic growth was 7%. Negative currency translation effects of 5% were mainly related to weakness of the US dollar, the Brazilian real and the Argentinian peso. Estimated COVID-19 effects made a slight positive contribution to sales growth. In FY/20, sales increased by 1% (4% in constant currency) to €6,976 million (FY/19: €6,919 million). Organic growth was 4%. Negative currency translation effects of 3% were mainly related to the weakness of the US dollar, the Brazilian real and the Argentinian peso. Estimated COVID-19 effects slightly reduced sales growth.

Sales in North America decreased by 10% (organic growth: -3%) to €549 million (Q4/19: €609 million). The decrease was driven by fewer elective treatments, supply constraints for certain products due to temporary manufacturing issues and competitive pressure, which outweighed extra demand for COVID-19 related products. In FY/20, sales in North America decreased by 2% (organic growth: 0%) to €2,376 million (FY/19: €2,424 million). Sales in Europe increased by 13% (organic growth: 9%) to €680 million (Q4/19: €604 million) mainly due to increased demand for COVID-19 related products. In FY/20, sales in Europe increased by 6% (organic growth: 6%) to €2,458 million (FY/19: €2,313 million). Sales in Asia-Pacific increased by 11% (organic growth: 14%) to €428 million (Q4/19: €385 million). While China saw a solid recovery based on increasing elective procedures, other Asian markets were lagging behind. In FY/20, sales in Asia-Pacific decreased by 1% (organic growth: 1%) to €1,497 million (FY/19: €1,506 million). Sales in Latin America/Africa decreased by 6% (organic growth: 16%) to €158 million (Q4/19: €168 million). In FY/20, sales in Latin America/Africa decreased by 5% (organic growth: 17%) to €645 million (FY/19: €676 million).

 

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 on pages 20-22 in the PDF document.

 

EBIT before special items decreased by 17% (-10% in constant currency) to €236 million (Q4/19¹: €285 million) with an EBIT margin before special items of 13.0% (Q4/19¹:16.1%). The decline is driven by headwinds leading to some underutilized production capacities in the US, coupled with selective supply constraints due to temporary manufacturing issues, incremental COVID-19 related expenses, competitive pressure, a negative effect due to the bankruptcy of a customer as well as planned SG&A spending ahead of the launch of the company’s first US biosimilar. Lower corporate costs due to travel restrictions and phasing of projects partially offset the decline. Estimated COVID-19 effects had a moderate negative impact on EBIT growth in Q4/20. In FY/20, EBIT before special items decreased by 9% (-6% in constant currency) to €1,095 million (FY/19¹: €1,205 million) with an EBIT margin before special items of 15.7% (FY/19¹: 17.4%). Estimated COVID-19 effects had an insignificant impact on EBIT growth in FY/20.

Net income^1,2 decreased by 19% (-11% in constant currency) to €148 million (Q4/19¹: €183 million). In FY/20, net income^1,2 decreased by 8% (-5% in constant currency) to €730 million (FY/19¹: €797 million).

Operating cash flow increased to €307 million (Q4/19: €291 million) with a margin of 16.9% (Q4/19: 16.5%). In FY/20, operating cash flow increased by 11% to €1,143 million (FY/19: €1,028 million) with a margin of 16.4% (FY/19: 14.9%) due to the favorable working capital development.

For FY/21, Fresenius Kabi expects organic sales³ growth in a low to mid-single digit percentage range. Constant currency EBIT⁴ is expected to show a stable development up to low single digit percentage growth. 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: €6,976 million
⁴ FY/20 base: €1,095 million, before special items, FY/21: before special items
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-22 in the PDF document.

 

Fresenius Helios
Fresenius Helios is Europe's leading private hospital operator. The company comprises Helios Germany and Helios Spain (Quirónsalud). Helios Germany operates 89 hospitals, ~130 outpatient centers and 6 prevention centers. Quirónsalud operates 46 hospitals, 70 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.

• Recovery of elective procedures in Spain in Q4
• Continued financial support provided by German government throughout Q4
• Helios Spain with strong organic sales and EBIT growth based on catch-up effects additionally fueled by contributions from acquisitions in Latin America

 

Sales increased by 13% (13% in constant currency) to €2,637 million (Q4/19: €2,344 million). Organic growth was 9%. Acquisitions contributed 4% to sales growth. COVID-19 effects had an insignificant effect on organic growth. In FY/20, sales increased by 6% (7% in constant currency) to €9,818 million (FY/19: €9,234 million). Organic growth was 4%. Acquisitions contributed 3% to sales growth. COVID-19 effects had a slight negative impact on organic growth.

Sales of Helios Germany increased by 11% (organic growth: 8%) to €1,637 million (Q4/19: €1,475 million). In FY/20, sales of Helios Germany increased by 7% (organic growth: 6%) to €6,340 million (FY/19: €5,940 million). COVID-19 effects were mitigated by government financial support and hence had only a slight negative impact on organic growth in both Q4/20 and FY/20.

Sales of Helios Spain increased by 15% (17% in constant currency) to €999 million (Q4/19: €867 million). Organic growth of 11% was driven by a strong recovery of elective procedures and a consistently high level of outpatient treatments. Thus, COVID-19 effects had a moderate positive impact on organic growth in Q4. The hospital acquisitions in Colombia contributed 6% to sales growth. In FY/20, sales of Helios Spain increased by 6% (7% in constant currency) to €3,475 million (FY/19: €3,292 million). Organic growth was 2%. Acquisitions contributed 5% to sales growth. COVID-19 effects had a significant negative impact on organic sales growth.

 

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

 

EBIT of Fresenius Helios increased by 12% (13% in constant currency) to €328 million (Q4/19: €294 million) with an EBIT margin of 12.4% (Q4/19: 12.5%). COVID-19 effects, in particular due to the strong recovery of elective procedures in Spain, had a significant positive effect on EBIT growth in Q4. In FY/20, EBIT of Fresenius Helios remained on prior year’s level (0% in constant currency) at €1,025 million (FY/19: €1,025 million) with an EBIT margin of 10.4% (FY/19: 11.1%). COVID-19 effects had a moderate negative impact on EBIT growth.

EBIT of Helios Germany increased by 10% to €157 million (Q4/19: €143 million) with an EBIT margin of 9.6% (Q4/19: 9.7%). Financial support provided by the German government under revised regulations focusing on regions with high COVID incidences broadly offset additional headwinds as Helios Germany continued to play a crucial role in treating COVID-19 patients. In FY/20, EBIT of Helios Germany increased by 4% to €602 million (FY/19: €577 million) with an EBIT margin of 9.5% (FY/19: 9.7%). Due to the comprehensive financial support provided by the German government, COVID-19 effects had an overall insignificant impact on the EBIT development.

EBIT of Helios Spain increased by 17% (19% in constant currency) to €159 million (Q4/19: €136 million) with an EBIT margin of 15.9% (Q4/19: 15.7%). The growth is driven by a recovery of elective procedures following the government-ordered postponement of planned surgical procedures in Q2, where medically justifiable. Thus, COVID-19 effects had a significant positive effect on EBIT growth in Q4. In FY/20, EBIT of Helios Spain decreased by 5% (-5% in constant currency) to €420 million (FY/19: €443 million) with an EBIT margin of 12.1% (FY/19: 13.5%). COVID-19 effects had a very significant negative impact on EBIT growth with missing or delayed elective procedures and higher expenses amid the comprehensive efforts to combat the pandemic.

Net income¹ increased by 14% to €225 million (Q4/19: €197 million). In FY/20, net income¹ remained on prior year’s level at €666 million (FY/19: €664 million).

Operating cash flow increased to €434 million (Q4/19: €226 million) with a margin of 16.5% (Q4/19: 9.6%), driven by phasing of payments under the German law to ease the financial burden on hospitals. In FY/20, operating cash flow increased to €1,149 million (FY/19: €733 million) with a margin of 11.7% (FY/19: 7.9%).

 

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

 

For FY/21, Fresenius Helios expects organic sales¹ growth in a low to mid-single digit percentage range and constant currency EBIT² growth in a mid to high single digit percentage range. Both sales and EBIT outlook include expected COVID-19 effects.

 

¹ FY/20 base: €9,818 million
² FY/20 base: €1,025 million; FY/21 before special items

 

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.

• Significant COVID-19 impact in the project business related to delays, cancellations and global supply chain restraints continued
• Good order intake in Q4 indicates first signs of recovery in project business
• Rehabilitation business continued to be impacted by less demand for rehabilitation treatments and postponements of elective surgeries; technical service business remained robust

 

Sales decreased by 22% (-22% in constant currency) to €577 million (Q4/19: €737 million). Organic growth was -22%. Acquisitions did not contribute to growth. Estimated COVID-19 effects had a very significant negative impact on growth. In FY/20, sales decreased by 6% (-6% in constant currency) to €2,068 million (FY/19: €2,206 million). Organic growth was -8%. Acquisitions contributed 2% to growth. Estimated COVID-19 effects had a very significant negative impact on growth.

Sales in the service business decreased by 1% to €372 million (Q4/19: €374 million).
Sales in the project business decreased by 44% to €205 million (Q4/19: €363 million), driven by postponements and cancellations of projects. In FY/20, sales in the service business grew by 3% to €1,435 million (FY/19: €1,399 million). Sales in the project business decreased by 22% to €633 million (FY/19: €807 million).

 

¹ Net income attributable to shareholders of VAMED AG

 

EBIT decreased by 42% (-42% in constant currency) to €39 million (Q4/19: €67 million) with an EBIT margin of 6.8% (Q4/19: 9.1%). Estimated COVID-19 effects had a very significant negative impact on EBIT. Capacities in the post-acute care clinics were left partially empty given a generally lower intake of elective surgery patients from acute-care hospitals. Authority-instigated restrictions or even closures of individual facilities also had a negative effect. In the project business, project delays and global supply chain restraints triggered incremental expenses. In FY/20, EBIT decreased by 78% (-79% in constant currency) to €29 million (FY/19: €134 million) with an EBIT margin of 1.4% (FY/19: 6.1%). Estimated COVID-19 effects had a very significant negative impact on EBIT.

Net income¹ decreased to €25 million (Q4/19: €44 million). In FY/20, net income¹ decreased to €2 million (FY/19: €83 million).

Order intake was €648 million in Q4/20 (Q4/19: €576 million) and €1,010 million in FY/20 (FY/19: €1,314 million). As of December 31, 2020, order backlog was at €3,055 million (December 31, 2019: €2,865 million). Order intake and order backlog were marked by COVID-19 related cancellations and project delays.

Operating cash flow increased to €74 million (Q4/19: €0 million) with a margin of 12.8% (Q4/19: 0%), driven by a favorable working capital development mainly related to pre-payments. In FY/20, operating cash flow increased to €78 million (FY/19: -€17 million) with a margin of 3.8% (FY/19: -0.8%).

For FY/21, Fresenius Vamed expects organic sales² growth in a mid to high single digit percentage range and EBIT³ to grow to a high double-digit euro million amount. Both sales and EBIT outlook include expected negative COVID-19 effects.

 

¹ Net income attributable to shareholders of VAMED AG
² FY/20 base: €2,068 million
³ FY/20 base: €29 million; FY/21 before special items

 

Conference Call
As part of the publication of the results for FY 2020, a conference call will be held on February 23, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. CET (7:30 a.m. EST). All investors are cordially invited to follow the conference call in a live broadcast over the Internet at www.fresenius.com/investors. Following the call, a replay will be available on our website.

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

• Preliminary guidance for 2021 confirmed
• Strategic roadmap for accelerated growth through 2023 and beyond
• Group-wide initiatives to improve efficiency and profitability in preparation
• Medium-term growth targets confirmed
• 28th consecutive dividend increase proposed

If no timeframe is specified, information refers to Q4/2020. 2020 and 2019 according to IFRS 16

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

Stephan Sturm, CEO of Fresenius, said: ”The pandemic year 2020 showed emphatically the importance of forward-thinking, effective and efficient healthcare. Fresenius is making a vital contribution here, in many different areas of medicine. This year, the pandemic will again present us with a number of challenges, making it even more important that we increase efficiency in order to improve our cost base. Beyond our established businesses, we will also expand in important growth areas including biosimilars, digital healthcare, home dialysis and fertility medicine. By doing so, we are laying the foundations for more dynamic growth in the coming years. Even though the pandemic and its consequences are keeping us busy right now, we are already looking ahead and setting the course for the medicine of the future. In this way, we are also securing our company’s sustainable economic success.”

FY/21 Group guidance
For FY/21, Fresenius projects sales growth¹ in a low to mid-single-digit percentage range and at least broadly stable net income^2,3 year-over-year, both in constant currency. Implicitly, net income² for the Group excluding Fresenius Medical Care is expected to grow in a mid-to high single digit percentage range in constant currency. Fresenius projects net debt/EBITDA⁴ to be around the top-end of the self-imposed target corridor of 3.0x to 3.5x by the end of FY/21.

COVID-19 assumptions for guidance FY/21
COVID-19 will continue to impact Fresenius’ operations in 2021. Current burdens and constraints caused by COVID-19 are expected to recede only in H2/21. The expected improvement in the Group’s relevant business environment from H2/21 is heavily dependent on continuously increasing levels of vaccination coverage in Fresenius’ relevant markets. These assumptions are subject to considerable uncertainty.
Fresenius closely monitors the development of COVID-19 case numbers, and the associated various containment measures being enacted in many of the Company’s relevant markets. A possible significant deterioration of the situation associated with further containment measures that could have a significant and direct impact on the health care sector without any appropriate compensation is not reflected in the Group’s FY/21 guidance.

 

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 tables in the PDF document.

 

Efficiency and cost saving programs
COVID-19 has led and will lead to a shortfall relative to our original expectations in FY/20 and FY/21 as well as to ongoing incremental uncertainty. Fresenius is hence planning to launch group-wide strategic efficiency initiatives to further safeguard the confirmed medium-term targets and sustainably enhance profitability. These initiatives are expected to consist of operational excellence and cost-saving measures, targeted strengthening of future growth areas and portfolio optimizations. The operational excellence and cost-saving measures are targeted to result in cost savings of at least €100 million p.a. after tax and minority interest in 2023 with some further potential to increase thereafter. We anticipate that achieving these sustainable efficiencies will require significant up-front expenses. On average for the years 2021 to 2023, those expenses are expected to be in the order of magnitude of €100 million p.a. after tax and minority interest. They will be classified as special items. Further information will be provided during our Q1 earnings call on May 6, 2021.

Growth targets for 2020 – 2023 confirmed
Fresenius continues to expect Group sales to grow organically with a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4% to 7% during 2020 to 2023. Group net income^1,2 is projected to increase organically with a CAGR of 5% to 9% during 2020 to 2023. Fresenius expects its sales growth and efficiency improvement initiatives as well as Fresenius Kabi’s biosimilars business to drive an acceleration of Group earnings growth over that period. Small and medium-sized acquisitions are expected to contribute an incremental CAGR of approx. 1%-point to both sales and net income growth.

28^th consecutive dividend increase proposed
The Management Board of Fresenius will propose to the Supervisory Board a dividend increase of 5% to €0.88 per share for FY/20 (FY/19: €0.84). Provided the proposal is approved by the Supervisory Board and the Annual General Meeting, this will be the 28th consecutive dividend increase.

 

¹ Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
² Before special items
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables in the PDF document.

 

5% sales growth in constant currency
Group sales remained on prior year’s level (increased by 5% in constant currency) at €9,304 million (Q4/19: €9,311 million). Organic growth was 2%. Acquisitions/ divestitures contributed net 3% to growth. Currency translation reduced sales growth by 5%. Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects¹, Group sales growth would have been 7% to 8% in constant currency. In FY/20, Group sales increased by 2% (5% in constant currency) to €36,277 million (FY/19: €35,409 million). Organic growth was 3%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 2% to sales growth. Currency translation reduced sales growth by 3%. Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects¹, Group sales growth would have been 7% to 8% in constant currency.

2% net income^2,3 growth in constant currency
Group EBITDA before special items decreased by 3% (increased by 3% in constant currency) to €1,886 million (Q4/19²: €1,937 million). Reported Group EBITDA was €1,854 million (Q4/19: €1,937 million). In FY/20, Group EBITDA before special items remained on prior year’s level (increased by 2% in constant currency) at €7,132 million (FY/19²: €7,104 million). Reported Group EBITDA was €7,100 million (FY/19: €7,083 million).

Group EBIT before special items decreased by 3% (increased by 2% in constant currency) to €1,251 million (Q4/19²: €1,287 million). The constant currency increase is due to the positive development at Fresenius Medical Care and Fresenius Helios. Missing contributions from elective procedures, volume headwinds leading to underutilized production capacities, headwinds at Fresenius Kabi North America, COVID-19 related project delays at Fresenius Vamed as well as Group-wide incremental COVID-19 related expenses weighed on EBIT. The EBIT margin before special items was 13.4% (Q4/19²: 13.8%). Reported Group EBIT was €1,024 million (Q4/19: €1,269 million). In FY/20, Group EBIT before special items decreased by 2% (0% in constant currency) to €4,612 million (FY/19²: €4,688 million). The EBIT margin before special items was 12.7% (FY/19²: 13.2%). Higher levels of investments in recent years triggered incremental depreciation charges. Reported Group EBIT was €4,385 million (FY/19: €4,631 million).

Group net interest before special items improved to -€159 million (Q4/19²: -€182 million) mainly due to successful refinancing activities, lower interest rates as well as currency translation effects. Reported Group net interest improved to -€156 million (Q4/19: -€184 million).

 

¹ For estimated COVID-19 effects in Q4/20 and FY/20 please see table on page 18 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 tables in the PDF document.

 

In FY/20, Group net interest before special items improved to -€654 million (FY/19¹: - €714 million) while reported Group net interest improved to -€659 million (FY/19: -€719 million).

The Group tax rate before special items was 24.1% (Q4/19¹: 23.8%) and the reported Group tax rate was 29.4% (Q4/19: 23.0%). The increase is due to a not tax deductible €195 million impairment of goodwill and tradenames in the Latin America segment at Fresenius Medical Care. In FY/20, the Group tax rate before special items was 23.1% (FY/19¹: 23.3%) and the reported Group tax rate was 24.2% (FY/19: 22.6%).

Noncontrolling interests before special items were €335 million (Q4/19¹: €336 million) of which 93% were attributable to the noncontrolling interests in Fresenius Medical Care. Reported noncontrolling interests were €203 million (Q4/19 reported: €320 million). In FY/20, noncontrolling interests before special items were €1,248 million (FY/19¹: €1,170 million) of which 96% were attributable to the noncontrolling interests in Fresenius Medical Care. Reported noncontrolling interests were €1,116 million (FY/19 reported: €1,146 million).

Group net income² before special items decreased by 2% (increased by 2% in constant currency) to €494 million (Q4/19: €506 million). Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects³, Group net income² before special items would have grown 3% to 7% in constant currency. Reported Group net income² decreased to €410 million (Q4/19: €515 million). The decrease is mainly due to an impairment of goodwill and tradenames in the Latin America segment at Fresenius Medical Care and the increased valuation of the biosimilars contingent purchase price liabilities at Fresenius Kabi. In FY/20, Group net income² before special items decreased by 4% (-3% in constant currency) to €1,796 million (FY/19¹: €1,879 million). Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects³, Group net income² before special items would have grown 2% to 6% in constant currency. Reported Group net income² decreased to €1,707 million (FY/19: €1,883 million).

Earnings per share² before special items decreased by 2% (increased by 2% in constant currency) to €0.88 (Q4/19¹: €0.90). Reported earnings per share² were €0.73 (Q4/19: €0.92). In FY/20, earnings per share² before special items decreased by 4% (-3% in constant currency) to €3.22 (FY/19¹: €3.37). Reported earnings per share² were €3.06 (FY/19¹: €3.38).

 

¹ Before special items
² Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
³ For estimated COVID-19 effects in Q4/20 and FY/20 please see table on page 18 in the PDF document.
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables in the PDF document.

 

Continued investment in growth
Spending on property, plant and equipment was €856 million corresponding to 9% of sales (Q4/19: €871 million; 9% of sales). These investments served primarily for the modernization and expansion of dialysis clinics, production facilities as well as hospitals and day clinics. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Fresenius has been largely able to continue its investment programs. In FY/20, spending on property, plant and equipment was €2,398 million corresponding to 7% of sales (FY/19: €2,463 million; 7% of sales).

Total acquisition spending was €251 million (Q4/19: €331 million). In FY/20, total acquisition spending was €902 million, mainly for the purchase of hospitals by Fresenius Helios in Germany and Colombia (FY/19: €2,623 million, mainly for the acquisition of NxStage by Fresenius Medical Care).

Good cash flow development
Group operating cash flow increased to €1,390 million (Q4/19: €1,286 million) with a margin of 14.9% (Q4/19: 13.8%). Free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends increased to €590 million (Q4/19: €442 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends increased to €329 million (Q4/19: €89 million).

In FY/20, Group operating cash flow increased to €6,549 million (FY/19: €4,263 million) with a margin of 18.1% (FY/19: 12.0%). The increase was largely driven by Fresenius Medical Care due to the U.S. federal relief funding and advanced payments under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) as well as by the shorter payment periods of the COVID-19 governmental compensation and reimbursement scheme for Helios Germany. Also excluding these COVID-19 effects, Group operating cash flow would have grown year-over-year. Free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends increased to €4,183 million (FY/19: €1,830 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends increased to €2,478 million (FY/19: -€1,545 million, driven by Fresenius Medical Care’s acquisition of NxStage).

Solid balance sheet structure
Group total assets decreased by 1% (increased by 5% in constant currency) to €66,646 million (Dec. 31, 2019: €67,006 million). The decrease is mainly due to currency translation effects outweighing the expansion of business activities. Current assets increased by 3% (10% in constant currency) to €15,772 million (Dec. 31, 2019: €15,264 million), mainly driven by the increase of cash and cash equivalents. Non-current assets decreased by 2% (increased by 3% in constant currency) to €50,874 million (Dec. 31, 2019: €51,742 million).

Total shareholders’ equity decreased by 2% (increased by 6% in constant currency) to €26,023 million (Dec. 31, 2019: €26,580 million). The equity ratio was 39.0% (Dec. 31, 2019: 39.7%).

Group debt decreased by 5% (-2% in constant currency) to €25,913 million (Dec. 31, 2019: € 27,258 million). Group net debt decreased by 6% (-4% in constant currency) to € 24,076 million (Dec. 31, 2019: € 25,604 million), driven by the exceptional cash flow development.

As of December 31, 2020, the net debt/EBITDA ratio improved to 3.44x^1,2 (Dec. 31, 2019: 3.61x^1,2) driven by the exceptional cash flow development, despite COVID-19 effects weighing on EBITDA.

 

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 tables on pages 20-22 in the PDF document.

Increased number of employees
As of December 31, 2020, the number of employees was 311,269 (September 30, 2020: 309,114).

 

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 December 31, 2020, Fresenius Medical Care was treating 346,553 patients in 4,092 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.

• 2020 financial targets achieved: 5% revenue and 12% net income growth
• Reported earnings in Q4 negatively impacted by impairment in the Latin America region and accelerated excess mortality due to COVID-19
• Growth in home dialysis on track

Sales of Fresenius Medical Care decreased by 4% (increased by 4% in constant currency) to €4,400 million (Q4/19: €4,580 million). Thus, currency translation had a negative effect of 8%. Organic growth was 1%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 3% to growth. In FY/20, Fresenius Medical Care increased sales by 2% (5% in constant currency) to €17,859 million (FY/19: €17,477 million). Thus, currency translation had a negative effect of 3%. Organic growth was 3%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 2% to growth.

Reported EBIT decreased by 25% (-18% in constant currency) to €462 million (Q4/19: €616 million). The decrease was mainly due to a macro-economic driven impairment of goodwill and tradenames in the Latin America segment, unfavorable COVID-19 effects and a lower reimbursement for calcimimetics. The reported EBIT margin was 10.5% (Q4/19: 13.5%). EBIT on an adjusted basis decreased by 1% (increased by 5% in constant currency) to €657 million (Q4/19: €663 million). The EBIT margin on an adjusted basis was 14.9% (Q4/19: 14.5%).

In FY/20, reported EBIT increased by 2% (4% in constant currency) to €2,304 million (FY/19: €2,270 million). The reported EBIT margin was 12.9% (FY/19: 13.0%). EBIT on an adjusted basis increased by 6% (8% in constant currency) to €2,499 million (FY/19: €2,356 million). The EBIT margin on an adjusted basis was 14.0% (FY/19: 13.5%).

 

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 on pages 20-22 in the PDF document.

 

Reported net income¹ decreased by 48% (-43% in constant currency) to €177 million (Q4/19: €343 million) and increased on an adjusted basis by 1% (6% in constant currency) to €372 million (Q4/19: €368 million). In FY/20, reported net income¹ decreased by 3% (-1% in constant currency) to €1,164 million (FY/19: €1,200 million) and increased on an adjusted basis by 10% (12% in constant currency) to €1,359 million (FY/19: €1,236 million).

Operating cash flow was €584 million (Q4/19: €771 million) with a margin of 13.3% (Q4/19: 16.8%). In FY/20, operating cash flow was €4,233 million (FY/19: €2,567 million) with a margin of 23.7% (FY/19: 14.7%). The increase was largely driven by the U.S. federal relief funding and advanced payments under the CARES Act and other COVID-19 relief, as well as working capital improvements driven by cash collections.

For FY/21, Fresenius Medical Care expects revenue² to grow at a low- to mid-single digit percentage range and net income^1,3 to decline at a high-teens to mid-twenties percentage range against the higher than expected 2020 base⁴.

For further information, also on the FME₂₅ program, please see Fresenius Medical Care’s press release at 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 on pages 20-22 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.

• In North America fewer elective treatments, competitive pressure and temporary manufacturing issues outweighed extra demand for COVID-19 related products
• Europe showed strong organic sales growth in Q4 primarily based on extra demand for COVID-19 related products; China with healthy organic growth
• Strong EBIT growth in Emerging Markets with positive development in China only partially compensates EBIT decrease in North America

 

Sales increased by 3% (8% in constant currency) to €1,815 million (Q4/19: €1,766 million). Organic growth was 7%. Negative currency translation effects of 5% were mainly related to weakness of the US dollar, the Brazilian real and the Argentinian peso. Estimated COVID-19 effects made a slight positive contribution to sales growth. In FY/20, sales increased by 1% (4% in constant currency) to €6,976 million (FY/19: €6,919 million). Organic growth was 4%. Negative currency translation effects of 3% were mainly related to the weakness of the US dollar, the Brazilian real and the Argentinian peso. Estimated COVID-19 effects slightly reduced sales growth.

Sales in North America decreased by 10% (organic growth: -3%) to €549 million (Q4/19: €609 million). The decrease was driven by fewer elective treatments, supply constraints for certain products due to temporary manufacturing issues and competitive pressure, which outweighed extra demand for COVID-19 related products. In FY/20, sales in North America decreased by 2% (organic growth: 0%) to €2,376 million (FY/19: €2,424 million). Sales in Europe increased by 13% (organic growth: 9%) to €680 million (Q4/19: €604 million) mainly due to increased demand for COVID-19 related products. In FY/20, sales in Europe increased by 6% (organic growth: 6%) to €2,458 million (FY/19: €2,313 million). Sales in Asia-Pacific increased by 11% (organic growth: 14%) to €428 million (Q4/19: €385 million). While China saw a solid recovery based on increasing elective procedures, other Asian markets were lagging behind. In FY/20, sales in Asia-Pacific decreased by 1% (organic growth: 1%) to €1,497 million (FY/19: €1,506 million). Sales in Latin America/Africa decreased by 6% (organic growth: 16%) to €158 million (Q4/19: €168 million). In FY/20, sales in Latin America/Africa decreased by 5% (organic growth: 17%) to €645 million (FY/19: €676 million).

 

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 on pages 20-22 in the PDF document.

 

EBIT before special items decreased by 17% (-10% in constant currency) to €236 million (Q4/19¹: €285 million) with an EBIT margin before special items of 13.0% (Q4/19¹:16.1%). The decline is driven by headwinds leading to some underutilized production capacities in the US, coupled with selective supply constraints due to temporary manufacturing issues, incremental COVID-19 related expenses, competitive pressure, a negative effect due to the bankruptcy of a customer as well as planned SG&A spending ahead of the launch of the company’s first US biosimilar. Lower corporate costs due to travel restrictions and phasing of projects partially offset the decline. Estimated COVID-19 effects had a moderate negative impact on EBIT growth in Q4/20. In FY/20, EBIT before special items decreased by 9% (-6% in constant currency) to €1,095 million (FY/19¹: €1,205 million) with an EBIT margin before special items of 15.7% (FY/19¹: 17.4%). Estimated COVID-19 effects had an insignificant impact on EBIT growth in FY/20.

Net income^1,2 decreased by 19% (-11% in constant currency) to €148 million (Q4/19¹: €183 million). In FY/20, net income^1,2 decreased by 8% (-5% in constant currency) to €730 million (FY/19¹: €797 million).

Operating cash flow increased to €307 million (Q4/19: €291 million) with a margin of 16.9% (Q4/19: 16.5%). In FY/20, operating cash flow increased by 11% to €1,143 million (FY/19: €1,028 million) with a margin of 16.4% (FY/19: 14.9%) due to the favorable working capital development.

For FY/21, Fresenius Kabi expects organic sales³ growth in a low to mid-single digit percentage range. Constant currency EBIT⁴ is expected to show a stable development up to low single digit percentage growth. 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: €6,976 million
⁴ FY/20 base: €1,095 million, before special items, FY/21: before special items
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-22 in the PDF document.

 

Fresenius Helios
Fresenius Helios is Europe's leading private hospital operator. The company comprises Helios Germany and Helios Spain (Quirónsalud). Helios Germany operates 89 hospitals, ~130 outpatient centers and 6 prevention centers. Quirónsalud operates 46 hospitals, 70 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.

• Recovery of elective procedures in Spain in Q4
• Continued financial support provided by German government throughout Q4
• Helios Spain with strong organic sales and EBIT growth based on catch-up effects additionally fueled by contributions from acquisitions in Latin America

 

Sales increased by 13% (13% in constant currency) to €2,637 million (Q4/19: €2,344 million). Organic growth was 9%. Acquisitions contributed 4% to sales growth. COVID-19 effects had an insignificant effect on organic growth. In FY/20, sales increased by 6% (7% in constant currency) to €9,818 million (FY/19: €9,234 million). Organic growth was 4%. Acquisitions contributed 3% to sales growth. COVID-19 effects had a slight negative impact on organic growth.

Sales of Helios Germany increased by 11% (organic growth: 8%) to €1,637 million (Q4/19: €1,475 million). In FY/20, sales of Helios Germany increased by 7% (organic growth: 6%) to €6,340 million (FY/19: €5,940 million). COVID-19 effects were mitigated by government financial support and hence had only a slight negative impact on organic growth in both Q4/20 and FY/20.

Sales of Helios Spain increased by 15% (17% in constant currency) to €999 million (Q4/19: €867 million). Organic growth of 11% was driven by a strong recovery of elective procedures and a consistently high level of outpatient treatments. Thus, COVID-19 effects had a moderate positive impact on organic growth in Q4. The hospital acquisitions in Colombia contributed 6% to sales growth. In FY/20, sales of Helios Spain increased by 6% (7% in constant currency) to €3,475 million (FY/19: €3,292 million). Organic growth was 2%. Acquisitions contributed 5% to sales growth. COVID-19 effects had a significant negative impact on organic sales growth.

 

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

 

EBIT of Fresenius Helios increased by 12% (13% in constant currency) to €328 million (Q4/19: €294 million) with an EBIT margin of 12.4% (Q4/19: 12.5%). COVID-19 effects, in particular due to the strong recovery of elective procedures in Spain, had a significant positive effect on EBIT growth in Q4. In FY/20, EBIT of Fresenius Helios remained on prior year’s level (0% in constant currency) at €1,025 million (FY/19: €1,025 million) with an EBIT margin of 10.4% (FY/19: 11.1%). COVID-19 effects had a moderate negative impact on EBIT growth.

EBIT of Helios Germany increased by 10% to €157 million (Q4/19: €143 million) with an EBIT margin of 9.6% (Q4/19: 9.7%). Financial support provided by the German government under revised regulations focusing on regions with high COVID incidences broadly offset additional headwinds as Helios Germany continued to play a crucial role in treating COVID-19 patients. In FY/20, EBIT of Helios Germany increased by 4% to €602 million (FY/19: €577 million) with an EBIT margin of 9.5% (FY/19: 9.7%). Due to the comprehensive financial support provided by the German government, COVID-19 effects had an overall insignificant impact on the EBIT development.

EBIT of Helios Spain increased by 17% (19% in constant currency) to €159 million (Q4/19: €136 million) with an EBIT margin of 15.9% (Q4/19: 15.7%). The growth is driven by a recovery of elective procedures following the government-ordered postponement of planned surgical procedures in Q2, where medically justifiable. Thus, COVID-19 effects had a significant positive effect on EBIT growth in Q4. In FY/20, EBIT of Helios Spain decreased by 5% (-5% in constant currency) to €420 million (FY/19: €443 million) with an EBIT margin of 12.1% (FY/19: 13.5%). COVID-19 effects had a very significant negative impact on EBIT growth with missing or delayed elective procedures and higher expenses amid the comprehensive efforts to combat the pandemic.

Net income¹ increased by 14% to €225 million (Q4/19: €197 million). In FY/20, net income¹ remained on prior year’s level at €666 million (FY/19: €664 million).

Operating cash flow increased to €434 million (Q4/19: €226 million) with a margin of 16.5% (Q4/19: 9.6%), driven by phasing of payments under the German law to ease the financial burden on hospitals. In FY/20, operating cash flow increased to €1,149 million (FY/19: €733 million) with a margin of 11.7% (FY/19: 7.9%).

 

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

 

For FY/21, Fresenius Helios expects organic sales¹ growth in a low to mid-single digit percentage range and constant currency EBIT² growth in a mid to high single digit percentage range. Both sales and EBIT outlook include expected COVID-19 effects.

 

¹ FY/20 base: €9,818 million
² FY/20 base: €1,025 million; FY/21 before special items

 

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.

• Significant COVID-19 impact in the project business related to delays, cancellations and global supply chain restraints continued
• Good order intake in Q4 indicates first signs of recovery in project business
• Rehabilitation business continued to be impacted by less demand for rehabilitation treatments and postponements of elective surgeries; technical service business remained robust

 

Sales decreased by 22% (-22% in constant currency) to €577 million (Q4/19: €737 million). Organic growth was -22%. Acquisitions did not contribute to growth. Estimated COVID-19 effects had a very significant negative impact on growth. In FY/20, sales decreased by 6% (-6% in constant currency) to €2,068 million (FY/19: €2,206 million). Organic growth was -8%. Acquisitions contributed 2% to growth. Estimated COVID-19 effects had a very significant negative impact on growth.

Sales in the service business decreased by 1% to €372 million (Q4/19: €374 million).
Sales in the project business decreased by 44% to €205 million (Q4/19: €363 million), driven by postponements and cancellations of projects. In FY/20, sales in the service business grew by 3% to €1,435 million (FY/19: €1,399 million). Sales in the project business decreased by 22% to €633 million (FY/19: €807 million).

 

¹ Net income attributable to shareholders of VAMED AG

 

EBIT decreased by 42% (-42% in constant currency) to €39 million (Q4/19: €67 million) with an EBIT margin of 6.8% (Q4/19: 9.1%). Estimated COVID-19 effects had a very significant negative impact on EBIT. Capacities in the post-acute care clinics were left partially empty given a generally lower intake of elective surgery patients from acute-care hospitals. Authority-instigated restrictions or even closures of individual facilities also had a negative effect. In the project business, project delays and global supply chain restraints triggered incremental expenses. In FY/20, EBIT decreased by 78% (-79% in constant currency) to €29 million (FY/19: €134 million) with an EBIT margin of 1.4% (FY/19: 6.1%). Estimated COVID-19 effects had a very significant negative impact on EBIT.

Net income¹ decreased to €25 million (Q4/19: €44 million). In FY/20, net income¹ decreased to €2 million (FY/19: €83 million).

Order intake was €648 million in Q4/20 (Q4/19: €576 million) and €1,010 million in FY/20 (FY/19: €1,314 million). As of December 31, 2020, order backlog was at €3,055 million (December 31, 2019: €2,865 million). Order intake and order backlog were marked by COVID-19 related cancellations and project delays.

Operating cash flow increased to €74 million (Q4/19: €0 million) with a margin of 12.8% (Q4/19: 0%), driven by a favorable working capital development mainly related to pre-payments. In FY/20, operating cash flow increased to €78 million (FY/19: -€17 million) with a margin of 3.8% (FY/19: -0.8%).

For FY/21, Fresenius Vamed expects organic sales² growth in a mid to high single digit percentage range and EBIT³ to grow to a high double-digit euro million amount. Both sales and EBIT outlook include expected negative COVID-19 effects.

 

¹ Net income attributable to shareholders of VAMED AG
² FY/20 base: €2,068 million
³ FY/20 base: €29 million; FY/21 before special items

 

Conference Call
As part of the publication of the results for FY 2020, a conference call will be held on February 23, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. CET (7:30 a.m. EST). All investors are cordially invited to follow the conference call in a live broadcast over the Internet at www.fresenius.com/investors. Following the call, a replay will be available on our website.

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

Fresenius has proven the resilience of its business model in a challenging environment in FY/20. Based on preliminary and unaudited results, Fresenius achieved its sales and net income¹ guidance including COVID-19 effects. Fresenius expected sales growth² of 3% to 6% and a net income^1,3 development at the lower end of a range of -4% to +1%, both in constant currency.

Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects, the Group performed very well against its original guidance ranges of 4% to 7% sales growth and 1% to 5% net income^1,3 growth, both in constant currency.

The previously flagged risk of an impairment of goodwill and tradenames at Fresenius Medical Care Latin America, as a consequence of the macro-economic downturn and increasing risk adjustment rates for certain countries in Latin America, has materialized and impacts reported FY/20 Group net income¹.

Fresenius firmly intends to extend its track record of 27 consecutive dividend increases.

¹Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
²FY/19 base: €35,409 million
³FY/19 base: €1,879 million; before special items (transaction-related expenses, revaluations of biosimilars contingent purchase price liabilities, gain related to divestitures of Care Coordination activities at FMC, expenses associated with the cost optimization program at FMC); FY/20: before special items

Current expectations for FY/21
Based on the current status of the Group’s financial planning process and assuming that the current burdens and constraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic only begin to recede in the second half of the year, Fresenius targets healthy sales growth¹ and at least broadly stable net income² year over year in FY/21.

The FY/21 earnings are, hence, expected to be very meaningfully impacted by COVID-19 effects. In particular, the significant acceleration of mortality among dialysis patients due to COVID-19 is expected to have a material impact on Fresenius Medical Care’s results and hence on Fresenius Group’s net income² growth.

¹In constant currency
²Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA; in constant currency; before any special items and any one-time expenses related to likely efficiency and cost saving programs

Fresenius continues to monitor and analyse the COVID-19 pandemic and associated implications, including the availability of government support, as well as pace, adoption and effectiveness of vaccinations, and will comment further as part of its FY/20 earnings call.

Stephan Sturm, CEO of Fresenius, said: “In 2020, we coped well with the burdens and restrictions caused by the pandemic. For 2021, I am confident that our Company will continue to perform solidly - despite the COVID-related impact on earnings anticipated at Fresenius Medical Care. Our underlying growth prospects remain robust. Fresenius continues to make a significant contribution to overcoming this global health crisis as swiftly as possible. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have made an enormous effort to ensure that our patients continue to receive excellent medical care and that they – as well as our employees – are protected from infection. For this to succeed, close cooperation between all partners in the healthcare sector is needed more than ever, backed by political support. For instance, the conditions must be created to vaccinate the particularly vulnerable group of dialysis patients with high priority. We must not forget: Behind the numbers are people’s fates. Every single patient, every life counts.”

Efficiency and cost saving programs
To counter the current challenging business environment, Fresenius will launch additional initiatives across the Group to further improve profitability. More details will be announced with the publication of FY/20 results.

Group medium-term targets
The current information and assumptions do not trigger a revision of Fresenius’ medium-term growth targets, which were set before the COVID-19 pandemic emerged. As usual, the company will give an update on its medium-term expectations with the publication of its FY/20 results.    

Next steps
Fresenius will announce more detailed FY/21 financial guidance with the release of its FY/20 results on February 23, 2021.

Fresenius has proven the resilience of its business model in a challenging environment in FY/20. Based on preliminary and unaudited results, Fresenius achieved its sales and net income¹ guidance including COVID-19 effects. Fresenius expected sales growth² of 3% to 6% and a net income^1,3 development at the lower end of a range of -4% to +1%, both in constant currency.
Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects, the Group performed very well against its original guidance ranges of 4% to 7% sales growth and 1% to 5% net income^1,3 growth, both in constant currency.

The previously flagged risk of an impairment of goodwill and tradenames at Fresenius Medical Care Latin America, as a consequence of the macro-economic downturn and increasing risk adjustment rates for certain countries in Latin America, has materialized and impacts reported FY/20 Group net income¹.

Fresenius firmly intends to extend its track record of 27 consecutive dividend increases.

¹  Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
²  FY/19 base: €35,409 million
³  FY/19 base: €1,879 million; before special items (transaction-related expenses, revaluations of biosimilars contingent purchase price liabilities, gain related to divestitures of Care Coordination activities at FMC, expenses associated with the cost optimization program at FMC); FY/20: before special items

Current expectations for FY/21
Based on the current status of the Group’s financial planning process and assuming that the current burdens and constraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic only begin to recede in the second half of the year, Fresenius targets healthy sales growth¹ and at least broadly stable net income² year over year in FY/21.

The FY/21 earnings are, hence, expected to be very meaningfully impacted by COVID-19 effects. In particular, the significant acceleration of mortality among dialysis patients due to COVID-19 is expected to have a material impact on Fresenius Medical Care’s results and hence on Fresenius Group’s net income² growth.

Fresenius continues to monitor and analyse the COVID-19 pandemic and associated implications, including the availability of government support, as well as pace, adoption and effectiveness of vaccinations, and will comment further as part of its FY/20 earnings call.

Stephan Sturm, CEO of Fresenius, said: “In 2020, we coped well with the burdens and restrictions caused by the pandemic. For 2021, I am confident that our Company will continue to perform solidly - despite the COVID-related impact on earnings anticipated at Fresenius Medical Care. Our underlying growth prospects remain robust. Fresenius continues to make a significant contribution to overcoming this global health crisis as swiftly as possible. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have made an enormous effort to ensure that our patients continue to receive excellent medical care and that they – as well as our employees – are protected from infection. For this to succeed, close cooperation between all partners in the healthcare sector is needed more than ever, backed by political support. For instance, the conditions must be created to vaccinate the particularly vulnerable group of dialysis patients with high priority. We must not forget: Behind the numbers are people’s fates. Every single patient, every life counts.”

¹ In constant currency
² Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA; in constant currency; before any special items and any one-time expenses related to likely efficiency and cost saving programs

Efficiency and cost saving programs
To counter the current challenging business environment, Fresenius will launch additional initiatives across the Group to further improve profitability. More details will be announced with the publication of FY/20 results.

Group medium-term targets
The current information and assumptions do not trigger a revision of Fresenius’ medium-term growth targets, which were set before the COVID-19 pandemic emerged. As usual, the company will give an update on its medium-term expectations with the publication of its FY/20 results.    

Next steps
Fresenius will announce more detailed FY/21 financial guidance with the release of its FY/20 results on February 23, 2021.

 

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

Fresenius has once again improved in this year's CDP ranking (formerly "Carbon Disclosure Project"). With a ranking in the second highest category B, Fresenius is one of the leading companies in the health care sector, both in Europe and globally. Companies in categories A and B are characterized by transparency, coordinated climate protection measures and the implementation of corresponding best-practice approaches. CDP is one of the most renowned climate and environmental rankings in the capital market. More than 515 investors use the annual results to evaluate climate protection activities and climate-related risks and opportunities of the companies assessed.

Fresenius has once again improved in this year's CDP ranking (formerly "Carbon Disclosure Project"). With a ranking in the second highest category B, Fresenius is one of the leading companies in the health care sector, both in Europe and globally. Companies in categories A and B are characterized by transparency, coordinated climate protection measures and the implementation of corresponding best-practice approaches. CDP is one of the most renowned climate and environmental rankings in the capital market. More than 515 investors use the annual results to evaluate climate protection activities and climate-related risks and opportunities of the companies assessed.

• Fresenius Medical Care with continued strong earnings growth in constant currency
• Fresenius Kabi showed a recovery in Europe and return to growth in China whilst headwinds weigh on North American business
• Helios Germany with sales growth in Q3 due to recovery of elective procedures; Helios Spain with significant growth based on catch-up effects
• Fresenius Vamed continues to be heavily impacted by COVID-19 related project delays, high-end technical service remained robust

If no timeframe is specified, information refers to Q3/2020; 2020 and 2019 according to IFRS 16

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 on pages 17-19 in the PDF document.

 

Stephan Sturm, CEO of Fresenius, said: "Fresenius remains stable and resilient, and was able to show it once again in the third quarter. Despite the ongoing and in some cases drastic restrictions caused by COVID-19, our patients could continue to rely on and benefit from our care. Fresenius is also reliable, in terms of business development: We forecasted that after a second quarter impacted by the lockdowns our sales and earnings would resume their positive trajectory – and they did just that. Despite the coronavirus, we were even able to achieve a strong increase in sales over last year’s third quarter. Our quarterly earnings of €427 million are also robust. We are well prepared for the challenges that the pandemic will pose to us over the coming months. As a result, I remain confident that we will reach our 2020 targets and continue our healthy growth in the coming years."
 

FY/20 Group guidance
Based on the Group’s solid business development in Q1-3/20, Fresenius confirms its sales and net income guidance for 2020 including estimated COVID-19 effects. Fresenius projects sales growth¹ of 3% to 6% in constant currency. Net income^2,3 is expected to develop in a range of - 4% to +1%.

Fresenius projects net debt/EBITDA⁴ to be around the top-end of the self-imposed target corridor of 3.0x to 3.5x by the end of FY/20 including estimated COVID-19 effects.

COVID-19 will continue to impact Fresenius’ operations in Q4/20. Fresenius recognizes the increasing COVID-19 case numbers, and the associated various containment measures being enacted in many of the Company’s relevant markets. Thus, the Group’s FY/20 guidance assumes no containment measures that have a significant and direct impact on the health care sector that are not appropriately compensated.

¹ FY/19 base: €35,409 million
² Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
³ FY/19 base: €1,879 million; before special items (transaction-related expenses, revaluations of biosimilars contingent purchase price liabilities, gain related to divestitures of Care Coordination activities at FMC, expenses associated with the cost optimization program at FMC); FY/20: 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 tables on pages 17-19 in the PDF document.

 

5% sales growth in constant currency
Group sales increased by 1% (5% in constant currency) to €8,918 million (Q3/19: €8,842 million). Organic sales growth was 3%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 2% to growth. Currency translation had a negative impact on sales growth of 4%. Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects¹, Group sales growth would have been 6% to 7%, in constant currency. In Q1-3/20, Group sales increased by 3% (5% in constant currency) to €26,973 million (Q1-3/19: €26,098 million). Organic sales growth was 3%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 2% to growth. Currency translation had a negative impact on sales growth of 2%. Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects¹, Group sales growth would have been 7% to 8% in constant currency.

 

1% net income^2,3 growth in constant currency
Group EBITDA decreased by 2% (increased by 2% in constant currency) to €1,729 million (Q3/19²: €1,763 million). In Q1-3/20, Group EBITDA increased by 2% (2% in constant currency) to €5,246 million (Q1-3/19²: €5,167 million).

Group EBIT decreased by 3% (increased by 1% in constant currency) to €1,113 million (Q3/19²: €1,153 million). The missing contribution from elective procedures, volume headwinds leading to underutilized production capacities, COVID-19 related project delays at Fresenius Vamed as well as Group-wide COVID-19 related expenses weighed on EBIT. The EBIT margin was 12.5% (Q3/19²: 13.0%). In Q1-3/20, Group EBIT decreased by 1% (0% in constant currency) to €3,361 million (Q1-3/19²: €3,401 million). The EBIT margin was 12.5% (Q1-3/19²: 13.0%). Following higher levels of investments in recent years, Fresenius sees higher levels of depreciation and amortization in 2020.

Group net interest before special items improved to -€154 million (Q3/19: -€171 million) mainly due to successful refinancing activities, lower interest rates as well as currency translation effects. Reported Group net interest improved to -€154 million (Q3/19: -€172 million). In Q1-3/20, Group net interest before special items improved to -€495 million (Q1-3/19: -€532 million) while reported Group net interest improved to -€503 million (Q1-3/19: -€535 million).

¹ For estimated COVID-19 effects in Q3/20 and Q1-3/20 please see table on page 15 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 tables on pages 17-19 in the PDF document.

 

The Group tax rate before special items (Q3/19: 23.1%) and the reported Group tax rate (Q3/19: 21.2%) were 22.0%. In Q1-3/20, the Group tax rate before special items (Q1-3/19: 23.1%) and the reported Group tax rate (Q1-3/19: 22.4%) were 22.7%.

Noncontrolling interests before special items and reported noncontrolling interests were €321 million (Q3/19: both €310 million), of which 97% were attributable to the noncontrolling interests in Fresenius Medical Care. In Q1-3/20, noncontrolling interests before special items and reported were €913 million (Q1-3/19 before special items: €834 million; reported €826 million).

Group net income¹ before special items decreased by 4% (increased by 1% in constant currency) to €427 million (Q3/19: €445 million). Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects², net income before special items and in constant currency would have grown 1% to 5%. Reported Group net income¹ was €427 million (Q3/19: €444 million). In Q1-3/20, Group net income¹ before special items decreased by 5% (-4% in constant currency) to €1,302 million (Q1-3/19: €1,373 million). Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects², net income before special items and in constant currency would have grown 2% to 6%. Reported Group net income¹ was €1,297 million (Q1-3/19: €1,368 million).

Earnings per share¹ before special items decreased by 4% (0% in constant currency) to €0.77 (Q3/19: €0.80). Reported earnings per share¹ were €0.77 (Q3/19: €0.80). In Q1-3/20, earnings per share¹ before special items decreased by 5% (-4% in constant currency) to €2.34 (Q1-3/19: €2.47). Reported earnings per share¹ were €2.33 (Q1-3/19: €2.46).

 

Continued investment in growth
Spending on property, plant and equipment was €521 million corresponding to 6% of sales (Q3/19: €586 million; 7% of sales). These investments served primarily for the modernization and expansion of dialysis clinics, production facilities as well as hospitals, and day clinics. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Fresenius has been largely able to continue its investment programs, although there remains some uncertainty on the timing of projects for the remainder of the year. In Q1-3/20, spending on property, plant and equipment was €1,542 million corresponding to 6% of sales (Q1-3/19: €1,592 million; 6% of sales).

Total acquisition spending was €142 million (Q3/19: €135 million). In Q1-3/20, total acquisition spending was €651 million, mainly for the acquisition of three hospitals in Colombia by Fresenius Helios (Q1-3/19: €2,292 million, mainly for the acquisition of NxStage by Fresenius Medical Care).

 

¹ Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
² For estimated COVID-19 effects in Q3/20 and Q1-3/20 please see table on page 15 in the PDF document.
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 17-19 in the PDF document.

 

Good cash flow development
Group operating cash flow was €1,199 million (Q3/19: €1,483 million) with a margin of 13.4% (Q3/19: 16.8%). Free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends was €682 million (Q3/19: €907 million). Given dividend payment in Q3/20 versus Q2/19, Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends was -€185 million (Q3/19: €732 million).

In Q1-3/20, Group operating cash flow increased to €5,159 million (Q1-3/19: €2,977 million) with a margin of 19.1% (Q1-3/19: 11.4%). The increase was largely driven by Fresenius Medical Care due to the U.S. federal relief funding and advanced payments under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) as well as by the shorter payment periods of the COVID-19 governmental compensation and reimbursement scheme for Helios Germany. Free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends was €3,593 million (Q1-3/19: €1,388 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends was €2,149 million (Q1-3/19: -€1,634 million, driven by the acquisition of NxStage by Fresenius Medical Care).
 

Solid balance sheet structure
Group total assets increased by 2% (5% in constant currency) to €68,321 million (Dec. 31, 2019: €67,006 million). Current assets increased by 10% (15% in constant currency) to €16,833 million (Dec. 31, 2019: €15,264 million), mainly driven by the increase of cash and cash equivalents. Non-current assets remained nearly unchanged (2% in constant currency) at €51,488 million (Dec. 31, 2019: €51,742 million).

Total shareholders’ equity decreased by 1% (increased by 4% in constant currency) to €26,201 million (Dec. 31, 2019: €26,580 million). The equity ratio was 38.3% (Dec. 31, 2019: 39.7%).

Group debt remained nearly unchanged (increased by 1% in constant currency) at €27,171 million (Dec. 31, 2019: € 27,258 million). Group net debt decreased by 4% (-3% in constant currency) to € 24,513 million (Dec. 31, 2019: € 25,604 million), driven by the exceptional cash flow development.

As of September 30, 2020, the net debt/EBITDA ratio improved to 3.45x^1,2 (Dec. 31, 2019: 3.61x^1,2) driven by the exceptional cash flow development, despite COVID-19 effects weighing on EBITDA.
 

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 tables on pages 17-19 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, 2020, Fresenius Medical Care was treating 349,167 patients in 4,073 dialysis clinics. Along with its core business, the company provides related medical services in the field of Care Coordination.

 

• Solid sales and strong earnings growth at constant currency continues in Q3
• Q3 development impacted by currency headwinds and expected lower reimbursement from calcimimetics
• Guidance for FY/20 confirmed

Sales of Fresenius Medical Care remained on prior year’s level (increased by 6% in constant currency) at €4,414 million (Q3/19: €4,419 million). Organic sales growth was 3%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 3% to growth. In Q1-3/20, Fresenius Medical Care increased sales by 4% (6% in constant currency) to €13,459 million (Q1-3/19: €12,897 million). Organic sales growth was 4%.

There were no adjustments to reported EBIT in Q3/20 and Q1-3/20. Reported EBIT increased by 6% (11% in constant currency) to €632 million (Q3/19: €595 million). The reported EBIT margin was 14.3% (Q3/19: 13.5%). The increase in margin was driven by negative prior year earnings effects, an increase in commercial revenue and favorable cost management of pharmaceuticals, offsetting the lower reimbursement for calcimimetics, all in the North America region. EBIT on an adjusted basis increased by 2% (7% in constant currency) to €632 million (Q3/19: €620 million). The EBIT margin on an adjusted basis was 14.3% (Q3/19: 14.0%).

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 on pages 17-19 in the PDF document.

 

In Q1-3/20, reported EBIT increased by 11% (12% in constant currency) to €1,843 million (Q1-3/19: €1,653 million). The reported EBIT margin was 13.7% (Q1-3/19: 12.8%). EBIT on an adjusted basis increased by 9% (9% in constant currency) to €1,843 million (Q1-3/19: €1,693 million). The EBIT margin on an adjusted basis was 13.7% (Q1-3/19: 13.1%).

There were no adjustments to reported net income in Q3/20 and Q1-3/20. Reported net income¹ grew by 6% (11% in constant currency) to €354 million (Q3/19: €333 million) and increased on an adjusted basis by 7% (11% in constant currency) to €354 million (Q3/19: €332 million). In Q1-3/20, reported net income¹ grew by 15% (15% in constant currency) to €987 million (Q1-3/19: €857 million) and increased on an adjusted basis by 14% (14% in constant currency) to €987 million (Q1-3/19: €868 million).

Operating cash flow was €746 million (Q3/19: €868 million) with a margin of 16.9% (Q3/19: 19.7%). In Q1-3/20, operating cash flow was €3,649 million (Q1-3/19: €1,796 million) with a margin of 27.1% (Q1-3/19: 13.9%). The increase was largely driven by the U.S. federal relief funding and advanced payments under the CARES Act and other COVID-19 relief, as well as working capital improvements driven by cash collections.

Fresenius Medical Care continues to expect both revenue² and net income^1,3 to grow at a mid to high single digit rate in 2020. These targets are inclusive of anticipated COVID-19 effects, in constant currency and exclude special items⁴. They are based on the adjusted results 2019, including the effects of the operations of the NxStage acquisition and the IFRS 16 implementation.

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

¹ Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA
² FY/19 base: €17,477 million
³ FY/19 base: €1,236 million (FY/20: before special items)
⁴ Special items are 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 on pages 17-19 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.

 

• In North America decreased demand given fewer elective treatments and some supply constraints due to temporary manufacturing issues outweighed extra demand for COVID-19 related products
• China recovery accelerates with elective treatments rebounding nearly to pre-pandemic levels
• Strong EBIT growth in Europe and positive development in China only partially compensates EBIT decrease in North America
• FY/20 guidance confirmed

Sales decreased by 4% (increased by 2% in constant currency) to €1,694 million (Q3/19: €1,761 million). Organic sales growth was 2%. Negative currency translation effects of 6% were mainly related to weakness of the US dollar, the Brazilian real and the Argentinian peso. Estimated COVID-19 effects had a slight negative impact on sales growth. In Q1-3/20, sales remained on prior year’s level (increased by 3% in constant currency) at €5,161 million (Q1-3/19: €5,153 million). Organic sales growth was 3%. Negative currency translation effects of 3% were mainly related to weakness of the Brazilian real and the Argentinian peso. Estimated COVID-19 effects had a slight negative impact on sales growth in Q1-3/20.

Sales in North America decreased by 10% (organic growth: -5%) to €558 million (Q3/19: €619 million). The decrease was driven by fewer elective treatments and supply constraints for certain products due to temporary manufacturing issues, which outweighed extra demand for COVID-19 related products. In Q1-3/20, sales in North America increased by 1% (organic growth: 1%) to €1,827 million (Q1-3/19: €1,815 million). Sales in Europe increased by 3% (organic growth: 5%) to €581 million (Q3/19: €564 million). In Q1-3/20, sales in Europe increased by 4% (organic growth: 5%) to €1,778 million (Q1-3/19: €1,709 million). Sales in Asia-Pacific decreased by 2% (organic growth: increased by 1%) to €399 million (Q3/19: €406 million). While China saw a solid recovery based on increasing elective procedures, other Asian markets are lagging behind. In Q1-3/20, sales in Asia-Pacific decreased by 5% (organic growth: -3%) to €1,069 million (Q1-3/19: €1,121 million).

Sales in Latin America/Africa decreased by 9% (organic growth increased by 17%) to €156 million (Q3/19: €172 million). In Q1-3/20, sales in Latin America/Africa decreased by 4% (organic growth increased by 17%) to €487 million (Q1-3/19: €508 million).

EBIT before special items decreased by 9% (-4% in constant currency) to €278 million (Q3/19¹: €307 million) with an EBIT margin of 16.4% (Q3/19¹:17.4%). The decline is driven by headwinds leading to some underutilized production capacities in the US, coupled with selective supply constraints due to temporary manufacturing issues, incremental COVID-19 related expenses as well as a negative effect related to a write down of a receivable. Estimated COVID-19 effects, primarily lower share based remuneration costs given the capital markets situation, but also lower corporate costs due to travel restrictions and phasing of projects, had a moderate positive impact on EBIT growth. In Q1-3/20, EBIT before special items decreased by 7% (-5% in constant currency) to €859 million (Q1-3/19¹: €920 million) with an EBIT margin of 16.6% (Q1-3/19¹: 17.9%). Estimated COVID-19 effects had a slight positive impact on EBIT growth in Q1-3/20.

Net income^1,2 decreased by 7% (-1% in constant currency) to €189 million (Q3/19: €203 million). In Q1-3/20, net income^1,2 decreased by 5% (-3% in constant currency) to €582 million (Q1-3/19: €614 million).

Operating cash flow decreased to €225 million (Q3/19: €377 million) with a margin of 13.3% (Q3/19: 21.4%). After an excellent operating cash flow in Q2/20 that was marked by early cash receipts and tax payment holidays, Fresenius Kabi saw the respective reversal in Q3/20. In Q1-3/20, operating cash flow increased by 13% to €836 million (Q1-3/19: €737 million) with a margin of 16.2% (Q1-3/19: 14.3%).

Fresenius Kabi confirms its outlook including estimated COVID-19 effects and projects organic sales³ growth of 2% to 5% and an EBIT⁴ development of -6% to -3% in constant currency.

¹ Before special items
² Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
³ FY/19 base: €6,919 million
⁴ FY/19 base: €1,205 million, before special items, FY/20: before special items
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 17-19 in the PDF document.

 

Fresenius Helios
Fresenius Helios is Europe's leading private hospital operator. The company comprises Helios Germany and Helios Spain (Quirónsalud). Helios Germany operates 86 hospitals, ~125 outpatient centers and 6 prevention centers. Quirónsalud operates 46 hospitals, 70 outpatient centers and around 300 occupational risk prevention centers. In addition, the company is active in Latin America with 7 hospitals and as a provider of medical diagnostics.

• Recovery of elective procedures in Germany and Spain
• Helios Spain with significant growth based on catch-up effects; momentum accelerated by dynamic growth of outpatient treatments
• FY/20 guidance confirmed

Sales increased by 8% (8% in constant currency) to €2,400 million (Q3/19: €2,230 million). Organic growth was 6%. Acquisitions contributed 2% to sales growth. COVID-19 effects had an insignificant effect on organic sales growth. In Q1-3/20, Fresenius Helios increased sales by 4% (5% in constant currency) to €7,181 million (Q1-3/19: €6,890 million). Organic growth was 3%. Acquisitions contributed 2% to sales growth. COVID-19 effects had a moderate negative impact on organic sales growth in Q1-3/20. Fresenius sees a gradual recovery of elective procedures in Germany and Spain since May.

Sales of Helios Germany increased by 4% (organic growth: 4%) to €1,529 million (Q3/19: €1,474 million). In Q1-3/20, Sales of Helios Germany increased by 5% (organic growth: 5%) to €4,703 million (Q1-3/19: €4,465 million). Due to the law to ease the financial burden on hospitals, COVID-19 effects had only a slight negative impact on organic sales growth in both, Q3/20 and in Q1-3/20.

Sales of Helios Spain increased by 15% (17% in constant currency) to €870 million (Q3/19: €757 million). Organic growth of 10% was driven by a strong recovery of elective procedures and additionally fueled by increased outpatient treatments. Thus COVID-19 effects had a slight positive impact on organic sales growth. The hospital acquisitions in Colombia contributed 7% to sales growth. In Q1-3/20, sales of Helios Spain increased by 2% (3% in constant currency) to €2,476 million (Q1-3/19: €2,425 million). Organic growth was -2%. Acquisitions contributed 5% to sales growth. COVID-19 effects had a significant negative impact on organic sales growth in Q1-3/20.

EBIT of Fresenius Helios increased by 20% (20% in constant currency) to €225 million (Q3/19: €187 million) with an EBIT margin of 9.4% (Q3/19: 8.4%). COVID-19 effects had a significant positive effect on EBIT growth. In Q1-3/20, EBIT of Fresenius Helios decreased by 5% (-5% in constant currency) to €697 million (Q1-3/19: €731 million) with an EBIT margin of 9.7% (Q1-3/19: 10.6%). COVID-19 effects had a significant negative impact on EBIT growth in Q1-3/20.

EBIT of Helios Germany increased by 2% to €133 million (Q3/19: €131 million) with an EBIT margin of 8.7% (Q3/19: 8.9%). In Q1-3/20, EBIT of Helios Germany increased by 3% to €445 million (Q1-3/19: €434 million) with an EBIT margin of 9.5% (Q1-3/19: 9.7%). Due to the law to ease the financial burden on hospitals, COVID-19 effects had only a slight negative impact on EBIT growth in both Q3/20 and Q1-3/20.

EBIT of Helios Spain increased by 61% (63% in constant currency) to €95 million (Q3/19: €59 million) with an EBIT margin of 10.9% (Q3/19: 7.8%). The growth is driven by a recovery of elective procedures following the government-ordered postponement of planned surgical procedures in Q2, where medically justifiable. Thus, COVID-19 effects had a very significant positive effect on EBIT growth in Q3/20. In Q1-3/20, EBIT of Helios Spain decreased by 15% (-15% in constant currency) to €261 million (Q1-3/19: €307 million) with an EBIT margin of 10.5% (Q1-3/19: 12.7%). COVID-19 effects had a significant negative impact on EBIT growth in Q1-3/20 with missing or delayed elective procedures and higher expenses amidst the comprehensive efforts to combat the pandemic.

Net income¹ increased by 27% to €142 million (Q3/19: €112 million). In Q1-3/20, net income¹ decreased by 6% to €441 million (Q1-3/19: €467 million).

Operating cash flow increased to €275 million (Q3/19: €196 million) with a margin of 11.5% (Q3/19: 8.8%), driven by phasing of payments under the German law to ease the financial burden on hospitals. In Q1-3/20, operating cash flow increased to €715 million (Q1-3/19: €507 million) with a margin of 10.0% (Q1-3/19: 7.4%).

Fresenius Helios confirms its outlook including estimated COVID-19 effects and expects organic sales² growth of 1% to 4% and EBIT³ broadly stable over FY/19 in constant currency.

¹ Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
² FY/19 base: €9,234 million
³ FY/19 base: €1,025 million

 

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.

• Significant negative COVID-19 impact continued through Q3
•  Projects and project order intake continued to be marked by delays, cancellations and global supply chain restraints due to COVID-19
•  Lower capacities in the post-acute-care business due to health authority induced capacity restrictions and postponements of elective surgeries; less demand for rehabilitation treatments; high-end technical service remained robust
•  FY/20 EBIT guidance revised

Sales of Fresenius Vamed decreased by 8% (-8% in constant currency) to €517 million (Q3/19: €562 million). Organic sales growth was -10%. Acquisitions contributed 2% to growth. Estimated COVID-19 effects had a significant negative impact on growth in Q3/20. In Q1-3/20, Fresenius Vamed increased sales by 1% (1% in constant currency) to €1,491 million (Q1-3/19: €1,469 million). Organic sales growth was -1%. Acquisitions contributed 2% to growth. Estimated COVID-19 effects had a significant negative impact on sales growth in Q1-3/20.

Sales in the service business increased by 8% to €377 million (Q3/19: €349 million).

Sales in the project business decreased by 34% to €140 million (Q3/19: €213 million), driven by postponements and cancellations of projects. In Q1-3/20, sales in the service business grew by 4% to €1,063 million (Q1-3/19: €1,025 million). Sales in the project business decreased by 4% to €428 million (Q1-3/19: €444 million).

EBIT decreased by 133% (-133% in constant currency) to -€11 million (Q3/19: €33 million) with an EBIT margin of -2.1% (Q3/19: 5.9%). Estimated COVID-19 effects had a very significant negative impact on EBIT. Capacities in the post-acute care clinics were left empty given a generally lower intake of elective surgery patients from acute-care hospitals as well as authority-instigated restrictions or even closures of individual facilities. In the project business, project delays triggered incremental expenses. In Q1-3/20, EBIT decreased by 115% (-115% in constant currency) to -€10 million (Q1-3/19: €67 million) with an EBIT margin of -0.7% (Q1-3/19: 4.6%). Estimated COVID-19 effects had a very significant negative impact on EBIT in Q1-3/20.

Net income¹ decreased to -€15 million (Q3/19: €21 million). In Q1-3/20, net income¹ decreased to -€23 million (Q1-3/19: €39 million).

Order intake was €188 million in Q3/20 (Q3/19: €240 million) and €362 million in Q1-3/20 (Q1-3/19: €738 million). As of September 30, 2020, order backlog was at €2,786 million (December 31, 2019: €2,865 million). Order intake and order backlog were marked by COVID-19 related cancellations and project delays.

Operating cash flow decreased to -€4 million (Q3/19: €33 million) with a margin of -0.8% (Q3/19: 5.9%), driven by delayed payments in the project business, partially offset by minor compensation payments from governmental authorities related to the post-acute care business. In Q1-3/20, operating cash flow increased to €4 million (Q1-3/19: -€17 million) with a margin of 0.3% (Q1-3/19: -1.2%).

Fresenius Vamed confirms its sales outlook for FY/20 and expects an organic sales² decline of ~10%. Ongoing significant negative Covid-19 effects are expected to weigh on EBIT in Q4/20. While Fresenius Vamed continues to project a positive EBIT³ amount for FY/20, the constant currency decline versus FY/19 is now expected to exceed the former outlook of ~50%. Both sales and EBIT outlook include estimated COVID-19 effects.

¹ Net income attributable to shareholders of VAMED AG
² FY/19 base: €2,206 million
³ FY/19 base: €134 million

 

Conference Call
As part of the publication of the results for Q3/2020, a conference call will be held on October 29, 2020 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 with continued strong earnings growth in constant currency
• Fresenius Kabi showed a recovery in Europe and return to growth in China whilst headwinds weigh on North American business
• Helios Germany with sales growth in Q3 due to recovery of elective procedures; Helios Spain with significant growth based on catch-up effects
• Fresenius Vamed continues to be heavily impacted by COVID-19 related project delays, high-end technical service remained robust

If no timeframe is specified, information refers to Q3/2020; 2020 and 2019 according to IFRS 16

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 on pages 17-19 in the PDF document.

 

Stephan Sturm, CEO of Fresenius, said: "Fresenius remains stable and resilient, and was able to show it once again in the third quarter. Despite the ongoing and in some cases drastic restrictions caused by COVID-19, our patients could continue to rely on and benefit from our care. Fresenius is also reliable, in terms of business development: We forecasted that after a second quarter impacted by the lockdowns our sales and earnings would resume their positive trajectory – and they did just that. Despite the coronavirus, we were even able to achieve a strong increase in sales over last year’s third quarter. Our quarterly earnings of €427 million are also robust. We are well prepared for the challenges that the pandemic will pose to us over the coming months. As a result, I remain confident that we will reach our 2020 targets and continue our healthy growth in the coming years."
 

FY/20 Group guidance
Based on the Group’s solid business development in Q1-3/20, Fresenius confirms its sales and net income guidance for 2020 including estimated COVID-19 effects. Fresenius projects sales growth¹ of 3% to 6% in constant currency. Net income^2,3 is expected to develop in a range of - 4% to +1%.

Fresenius projects net debt/EBITDA⁴ to be around the top-end of the self-imposed target corridor of 3.0x to 3.5x by the end of FY/20 including estimated COVID-19 effects.

COVID-19 will continue to impact Fresenius’ operations in Q4/20. Fresenius recognizes the increasing COVID-19 case numbers, and the associated various containment measures being enacted in many of the Company’s relevant markets. Thus, the Group’s FY/20 guidance assumes no containment measures that have a significant and direct impact on the health care sector that are not appropriately compensated.

¹ FY/19 base: €35,409 million
² Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
³ FY/19 base: €1,879 million; before special items (transaction-related expenses, revaluations of biosimilars contingent purchase price liabilities, gain related to divestitures of Care Coordination activities at FMC, expenses associated with the cost optimization program at FMC); FY/20: 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 tables on pages 17-19 in the PDF document.

 

5% sales growth in constant currency
Group sales increased by 1% (5% in constant currency) to €8,918 million (Q3/19: €8,842 million). Organic sales growth was 3%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 2% to growth. Currency translation had a negative impact on sales growth of 4%. Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects¹ ,Group sales growth would have been 6% to 7%, in constant currency. In Q1-3/20, Group sales increased by 3% (5% in constant currency) to €26,973 million (Q1-3/19: €26,098 million). Organic sales growth was 3%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 2% to growth. Currency translation had a negative impact on sales growth of 2%. Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects¹, Group sales growth would have been 7% to 8% in constant currency.

 

1% net income^2,3 growth in constant currency
Group EBITDA decreased by 2% (increased by 2% in constant currency) to €1,729 million (Q3/19²: €1,763 million). In Q1-3/20, Group EBITDA increased by 2% (2% in constant currency) to €5,246 million (Q1-3/19²: €5,167 million).

Group EBIT decreased by 3% (increased by 1% in constant currency) to €1,113 million (Q3/19²: €1,153 million). The missing contribution from elective procedures, volume headwinds leading to underutilized production capacities, COVID-19 related project delays at Fresenius Vamed as well as Group-wide COVID-19 related expenses weighed on EBIT. The EBIT margin was 12.5% (Q3/19²: 13.0%). In Q1-3/20, Group EBIT decreased by 1% (0% in constant currency) to €3,361 million (Q1-3/19²: €3,401 million). The EBIT margin was 12.5% (Q1-3/19²: 13.0%). Following higher levels of investments in recent years, Fresenius sees higher levels of depreciation and amortization in 2020.

Group net interest before special items improved to -€154 million (Q3/19: -€171 million) mainly due to successful refinancing activities, lower interest rates as well as currency translation effects. Reported Group net interest improved to -€154 million (Q3/19: -€172 million). In Q1-3/20, Group net interest before special items improved to -€495 million (Q1-3/19: -€532 million) while reported Group net interest improved to -€503 million (Q1-3/19: -€535 million).

¹ For estimated COVID-19 effects in Q3/20 and Q1-3/20 please see table on page 15 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 tables on pages 17-19 in the PDF document.

 

The Group tax rate before special items (Q3/19: 23.1%) and the reported Group tax rate (Q3/19: 21.2%) were 22.0%. In Q1-3/20, the Group tax rate before special items (Q1-3/19: 23.1%) and the reported Group tax rate (Q1-3/19: 22.4%) were 22.7%.

Noncontrolling interests before special items and reported noncontrolling interests were €321 million (Q3/19: both €310 million), of which 97% were attributable to the noncontrolling interests in Fresenius Medical Care. In Q1-3/20, noncontrolling interests before special items and reported were €913 million (Q1-3/19 before special items: €834 million; reported €826 million).

Group net income¹ before special items decreased by 4% (increased by 1% in constant currency) to €427 million (Q3/19: €445 million). Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects², net income before special items and in constant currency would have grown 1% to 5%. Reported Group net income¹ was €427 million (Q3/19: €444 million). In Q1-3/20, Group net income¹ before special items decreased by 5% (-4% in constant currency) to €1,302 million (Q1-3/19: €1,373 million). Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects², net income before special items and in constant currency would have grown 2% to 6%. Reported Group net income¹ was €1,297 million (Q1-3/19: €1,368 million).

Earnings per share¹ before special items decreased by 4% (0% in constant currency) to €0.77 (Q3/19: €0.80). Reported earnings per share¹ were €0.77 (Q3/19: €0.80). In Q1-3/20, earnings per share¹ before special items decreased by 5% (-4% in constant currency) to €2.34 (Q1-3/19: €2.47). Reported earnings per share¹ were €2.33 (Q1-3/19: €2.46).

 

Continued investment in growth
Spending on property, plant and equipment was €521 million corresponding to 6% of sales (Q3/19: €586 million; 7% of sales). These investments served primarily for the modernization and expansion of dialysis clinics, production facilities as well as hospitals, and day clinics. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Fresenius has been largely able to continue its investment programs, although there remains some uncertainty on the timing of projects for the remainder of the year. In Q1-3/20, spending on property, plant and equipment was €1,542 million corresponding to 6% of sales (Q1-3/19: €1,592 million; 6% of sales).

Total acquisition spending was €142 million (Q3/19: €135 million). In Q1-3/20, total acquisition spending was €651 million, mainly for the acquisition of three hospitals in Colombia by Fresenius Helios (Q1-3/19: €2,292 million, mainly for the acquisition of NxStage by Fresenius Medical Care).

 

¹ Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
² For estimated COVID-19 effects in Q3/20 and Q1-3/20 please see table on page 15 in the PDF document.
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 17-19 in the PDF document.

 

Good cash flow development
Group operating cash flow was €1,199 million (Q3/19: €1,483 million) with a margin of 13.4% (Q3/19: 16.8%). Free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends was €682 million (Q3/19: €907 million). Given dividend payment in Q3/20 versus Q2/19, Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends was -€185 million (Q3/19: €732 million).

In Q1-3/20, Group operating cash flow increased to €5,159 million (Q1-3/19: €2,977 million) with a margin of 19.1% (Q1-3/19: 11.4%). The increase was largely driven by Fresenius Medical Care due to the U.S. federal relief funding and advanced payments under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) as well as by the shorter payment periods of the COVID-19 governmental compensation and reimbursement scheme for Helios Germany. Free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends was €3,593 million (Q1-3/19: €1,388 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends was €2,149 million (Q1-3/19: -€1,634 million, driven by the acquisition of NxStage by Fresenius Medical Care).
 

Solid balance sheet structure
Group total assets increased by 2% (5% in constant currency) to €68,321 million (Dec. 31, 2019: €67,006 million). Current assets increased by 10% (15% in constant currency) to €16,833 million (Dec. 31, 2019: €15,264 million), mainly driven by the increase of cash and cash equivalents. Non-current assets remained nearly unchanged (2% in constant currency) at €51,488 million (Dec. 31, 2019: €51,742 million).

Total shareholders’ equity decreased by 1% (increased by 4% in constant currency) to €26,201 million (Dec. 31, 2019: €26,580 million). The equity ratio was 38.3% (Dec. 31, 2019: 39.7%).

Group debt remained nearly unchanged (increased by 1% in constant currency) at €27,171 million (Dec. 31, 2019: € 27,258 million). Group net debt decreased by 4% (-3% in constant currency) to € 24,513 million (Dec. 31, 2019: € 25,604 million), driven by the exceptional cash flow development.

As of September 30, 2020, the net debt/EBITDA ratio improved to 3.45x^1,2 (Dec. 31, 2019: 3.61x^1,2) driven by the exceptional cash flow development, despite COVID-19 effects weighing on EBITDA.
 

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 tables on pages 17-19 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, 2020, Fresenius Medical Care was treating 349,167 patients in 4,073 dialysis clinics. Along with its core business, the company provides related medical services in the field of Care Coordination.

• Solid sales and strong earnings growth at constant currency continues in Q3
• Q3 development impacted by currency headwinds and expected lower reimbursement from calcimimetics
• Guidance for FY/20 confirmed

 

Sales of Fresenius Medical Care remained on prior year’s level (increased by 6% in constant currency) at €4,414 million (Q3/19: €4,419 million). Organic sales growth was 3%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 3% to growth. In Q1-3/20, Fresenius Medical Care increased sales by 4% (6% in constant currency) to €13,459 million (Q1-3/19: €12,897 million). Organic sales growth was 4%.

There were no adjustments to reported EBIT in Q3/20 and Q1-3/20. Reported EBIT increased by 6% (11% in constant currency) to €632 million (Q3/19: €595 million). The reported EBIT margin was 14.3% (Q3/19: 13.5%). The increase in margin was driven by negative prior year earnings effects, an increase in commercial revenue and favorable cost management of pharmaceuticals, offsetting the lower reimbursement for calcimimetics, all in the North America region. EBIT on an adjusted basis increased by 2% (7% in constant currency) to €632 million (Q3/19: €620 million). The EBIT margin on an adjusted basis was 14.3% (Q3/19: 14.0%).

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 on pages 17-19 in the PDF document.

 

In Q1-3/20, reported EBIT increased by 11% (12% in constant currency) to €1,843 million (Q1-3/19: €1,653 million). The reported EBIT margin was 13.7% (Q1-3/19: 12.8%). EBIT on an adjusted basis increased by 9% (9% in constant currency) to €1,843 million (Q1-3/19: €1,693 million). The EBIT margin on an adjusted basis was 13.7% (Q1-3/19: 13.1%).

There were no adjustements to reported net income in Q3/20 and Q1-3/20. Reported net income¹ grew by 6% (11% in constant currency) to €354 million (Q3/19: 333 million) and increased on an adjusted basis by 7% (11% in constant currency) to €354 million (Q3/19: €332 million). In Q1-3/20, reported net income¹ grew by 15% (15% in constant currency) to €987 million (Q1-3/19: 857 million) and increased on an adjusted basis by 14% (14% in constant currency) to €987 million (Q1-3/19: €868 million).

Operating cash flow was €746 million (Q3/19: €868 million) with a margin of 16.9% (Q3/19: 19.7%). In Q1-3/20, operating cash flow was €3,649 million (Q1-3/19: €1,796 million) with a margin of 27.1% (Q1-3/19: 13.9%). The increase was largely driven by the U.S. federal relief funding and advanced payments under the CARES Act and other COVID-19 relief, as well as working capital improvements driven by cash collections.

Fresenius Medical Care continues to expect both revenue² and net income¹ to grow at a mid to high single digit rate in 2020. These targets are inclusive of anticipated COVID-19 effects, in constant currency and exclude special items⁴. They are based on the adjusted results 2019, including the effects of the operations of the NxStage acquisition and the IFRS 16 implementation.

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

¹ Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA
² FY/19 base: €17,477 million
³ FY/19 base: €1,236 million (FY/20: before special items)
⁴ Special items are 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 on pages 17-19 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.

 

• In North America decreased demand given fewer elective treatments and some supply constraints due to temporary manufacturing issues outweighed extra demand for COVID-19 related products
• China recovery accelerates with elective treatments rebounding nearly to pre-pandemic levels
• Strong EBIT growth in Europe and positive development in China only partially compensates EBIT decrease in North America
• FY/20 guidance confirmed

 

Sales decreased by 4% (increased by 2% in constant currency) to €1,694 million (Q3/19: €1,761 million). Organic sales growth was 2%. Negative currency translation effects of 6% were mainly related to weakness of the US dollar, the Brazilian real and the Argentinian peso. Estimated COVID-19 effects had a slight negative impact on sales growth. In Q1-3/20, sales remained on prior year’s level (increased by 3% in constant currency) at €5,161 million (Q1-3/19: €5,153 million). Organic sales growth was 3%. Negative currency translation effects of 3% were mainly related to weakness of the Brazilian real and the Argentinian peso. Estimated COVID-19 effects had a slight negative impact on sales growth in Q1-3/20.

Sales in North America decreased by 10% (organic growth: -5%) to €558 million (Q3/19: €619 million). The decrease was driven by fewer elective treatments and supply constraints for certain products due to temporary manufacturing issues, which outweighed extra demand for COVID-19 related products. In Q1-3/20, sales in North America increased by 1% (organic growth: 1%) to €1,827 million (Q1-3/19: €1,815 million). Sales in Europe increased by 3% (organic growth: 5%) to €581 million (Q3/19: €564 million). In Q1-3/20, sales in Europe increased by 4% (organic growth: 5%) to €1,778 million (Q1-3/19: €1,709 million). Sales in Asia-Pacific decreased by 2% (organic growth: increased by 1%) to €399 million (Q3/19: €406 million). While China saw a solid recovery based on increasing elective procedures, other Asian markets are lagging behind. In Q1-3/20, sales in Asia-Pacific decreased by 5% (organic growth: -3%) to €1,069 million (Q1-3/19: €1,121 million).

Sales in Latin America/Africa decreased by 9% (organic growth increased by 17%) to €156 million (Q3/19: €172 million). In Q1-3/20, sales in Latin America/Africa decreased by 4% (organic growth increased by 17%) to €487 million (Q1-3/19: €508 million).

EBIT before special items decreased by 9% (-4% in constant currency) to €278 million (Q3/19¹: €307 million) with an EBIT margin of 16.4% (Q3/191:17.4%). The decline is driven by headwinds leading to some underutilized production capacities in the US, coupled with selective supply constraints due to temporary manufacturing issues, incremental COVID-19 related expenses as well as a negative effect related to a write down of a receivable. Estimated COVID-19 effects, primarily lower share based remuneration costs given the capital markets situation, but also lower corporate costs due to travel restrictions and phasing of projects, had a moderate positive impact on EBIT growth. In Q1-3/20, EBIT before special items decreased by 7% (-5% in constant currency) to €859 million (Q1-3/19¹: €920 million) with an EBIT margin of 16.6% (Q1-3/19¹: 17.9%). Estimated COVID-19 effects had a slight positive impact on EBIT growth in Q1-3/20.

Net income^1,2 decreased by 7% (-1% in constant currency) to €189 million (Q3/19: €203 million). In Q1-3/20, net income^1,2 decreased by 5% (-3% in constant currency) to €582 million (Q1-3/19: €614 million).

Operating cash flow decreased to €225 million (Q3/19: €377 million) with a margin of 13.3% (Q3/19: 21.4%). After an excellent operating cash flow in Q2/20 that was marked by early cash receipts and tax payment holidays, Fresenius Kabi saw the respective reversal in Q3/20. In Q1-3/20, operating cash flow increased by 13% to €836 million (Q1-3/19: €737 million) with a margin of 16.2% (Q1-3/19: 14.3%).

Fresenius Kabi confirms its outlook including estimated COVID-19 effects and projects organic sales³ growth of 2% to 5% and an EBIT⁴ development of -6% to -3% in constant currency.

¹ Before special items
² Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
³ FY/19 base: €6,919 million
⁴ FY/19 base: €1,205 million, before special items, FY/20: before special items
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 17-19 in the PDF document.

 

Fresenius Helios
Fresenius Helios is Europe's leading private hospital operator. The company comprises Helios Germany and Helios Spain (Quirónsalud). Helios Germany operates 86 hospitals, ~125 outpatient centers and 6 prevention centers. Quirónsalud operates 46 hospitals, 70 outpatient centers and around 300 occupational risk prevention centers. In addition, the company is active in Latin America with 7 hospitals and as a provider of medical diagnostics.

• Recovery of elective procedures in Germany and Spain
• Helios Spain with significant growth based on catch-up effects; momentum accelerated by dynamic growth of outpatient treatments
• FY/20 guidance confirmed

Sales increased by 8% (8% in constant currency) to €2,400 million (Q3/19: €2,230 million). Organic growth was 6%. Acquisitions contributed 2% to sales growth. COVID-19 effects had an insignificant effect on organic sales growth. In Q1-3/20, Fresenius Helios increased sales by 4% (5% in constant currency) to €7,181 million (Q1-3/19: €6,890 million). Organic growth was 3%. Acquisitions contributed 2% to sales growth. COVID-19 effects had a moderate negative impact on organic sales growth in Q1-3/20. Fresenius sees a gradual recovery of elective procedures in Germany and Spain since May.

Sales of Helios Germany increased by 4% (organic growth: 4%) to €1,529 million (Q3/19: €1,474 million). In Q1-3/20, Sales of Helios Germany increased by 5% (organic growth: 5%) to €4,703 million (Q1-3/19: €4,465 million). Due to the law to ease the financial burden on hospitals, COVID-19 effects had only a slight negative impact on organic sales growth in both, Q3/20 and in Q1-3/20.

Sales of Helios Spain increased by 15% (17% in constant currency) to €870 million (Q3/19: €757 million). Organic growth of 10% was driven by a strong recovery of elective procedures and additionally fueled by increased outpatient treatments. Thus COVID-19 effects had a slight positive impact on organic sales growth. The hospital acquisitions in Colombia contributed 7% to sales growth. In Q1-3/20, sales of Helios Spain increased by 2% (3% in constant currency) to €2,476 million (Q1-3/19: €2,425 million). Organic growth was -2%. Acquisitions contributed 5% to sales growth. COVID-19 effects had a significant negative impact on organic sales growth in Q1-3/20.

EBIT of Fresenius Helios increased by 20% (20% in constant currency) to €225 million (Q3/19: €187 million) with an EBIT margin of 9.4% (Q3/19: 8.4%). COVID-19 effects had a significant positive effect on EBIT growth. In Q1-3/20, EBIT of Fresenius Helios decreased by 5% (-5% in constant currency) to €697 million (Q1-3/19: €731 million) with an EBIT margin of 9.7% (Q1-3/19: 10.6%). COVID-19 effects had a significant negative impact on EBIT growth in Q1-3/20.

EBIT of Helios Germany increased by 2% to €133 million (Q3/19: €131 million) with an EBIT margin of 8.7% (Q3/19: 8.9%). In Q1-3/20, EBIT of Helios Germany increased by 3% to €445 million (Q1-3/19: €434 million) with an EBIT margin of 9.5% (Q1-3/19: 9.7%). Due to the law to ease the financial burden on hospitals, COVID-19 effects had only a slight negative impact on EBIT growth in both Q3/20 and Q1-3/20.

EBIT of Helios Spain increased by 61% (63% in constant currency) to €95 million (Q3/19: €59 million) with an EBIT margin of 10.9% (Q3/19: 7.8%). The growth is driven by a recovery of elective procedures following the government-ordered postponement of planned surgical procedures in Q2, where medically justifiable. Thus, COVID-19 effects had a very significant positive effect on EBIT growth in Q3/20. In Q1-3/20, EBIT of Helios Spain decreased by 15% (-15% in constant currency) to €261 million (Q1-3/19: €307 million) with an EBIT margin of 10.5% (Q1-3/19: 12.7%). COVID-19 effects had a significant negative impact on EBIT growth in Q1-3/20 with missing or delayed elective procedures and higher expenses amidst the comprehensive efforts to combat the pandemic.

Net income¹ increased by 27% to €142 million (Q3/19: €112 million). In Q1-3/20, net income¹ decreased by 6% to €441 million (Q1-3/19: €467 million).

Operating cash flow increased to €275 million (Q3/19: €196 million) with a margin of 11.5% (Q3/19: 8.8%), driven by phasing of payments under the German law to ease the financial burden on hospitals. In Q1-3/20, operating cash flow increased to €715 million (Q1-3/19: €507 million) with a margin of 10.0% (Q1-3/19: 7.4%).

Fresenius Helios confirms its outlook including estimated COVID-19 effects and expects organic sales² growth of 1% to 4% and EBIT³ broadly stable over FY/19 in constant currency.

¹ Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
² FY/19 base: €9,234 million
³ FY/19 base: €1,025 million

 

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.

• Significant negative COVID-19 impact continued through Q3
•  Projects and project order intake continued to be marked by delays, cancellations and global supply chain restraints due to COVID-19
•  Lower capacities in the post-acute-care business due to health authority induced capacity restrictions and postponements of elective surgeries; less demand for rehabilitation treatments; high-end technical service remained robust
•  FY/20 EBIT guidance revised

Sales of Fresenius Vamed decreased by 8% (-8% in constant currency) to €517 million (Q3/19: €562 million). Organic sales growth was -10%. Acquisitions contributed 2% to growth. Estimated COVID-19 effects had a significant negative impact on growth in Q3/20. In Q1-3/20, Fresenius Vamed increased sales by 1% (1% in constant currency) to €1,491 million (Q1-3/19: €1,469 million). Organic sales growth was -1%. Acquisitions contributed 2% to growth. Estimated COVID-19 effects had a significant negative impact on sales growth in Q1-3/20.

Sales in the service business increased by 8% to €377 million (Q3/19: €349 million).

Sales in the project business decreased by 34% to €140 million (Q3/19: €213 million), driven by postponements and cancellations of projects. In Q1-3/20, sales in the service business grew by 4% to €1,063 million (Q1-3/19: €1,025 million). Sales in the project business decreased by 4% to €428 million (Q1-3/19: €444 million).

EBIT decreased by 133% (-133% in constant currency) to -€11 million (Q3/19: €33 million) with an EBIT margin of -2.1% (Q3/19: 5.9%). Estimated COVID-19 effects had a very significant negative impact on EBIT. Capacities in the post-acute care clinics were left empty given a generally lower intake of elective surgery patients from acute-care hospitals as well as authority-instigated restrictions or even closures of individual facilities. In the project business, project delays triggered incremental expenses. In Q1-3/20, EBIT decreased by 115% (-115% in constant currency) to -€10 million (Q1-3/19: €67 million) with an EBIT margin of -0.7% (Q1-3/19: 4.6%). Estimated COVID-19 effects had a very significant negative impact on EBIT in Q1-3/20.

Net income¹ decreased to -€15 million (Q3/19: €21 million). In Q1-3/20, net income¹ decreased to -€23 million (Q1-3/19: €39 million).

Order intake was €188 million in Q3/20 (Q3/19: €240 million) and €362 million in Q1-3/20 (Q1-3/19: €738 million). As of September 30, 2020, order backlog was at €2,786 million (December 31, 2019: €2,865 million). Order intake and order backlog were marked by COVID-19 related cancellations and project delays.

Operating cash flow decreased to -€4 million (Q3/19: €33 million) with a margin of -0.8% (Q3/19: 5.9%), driven by delayed payments in the project business, partially offset by minor compensation payments from governmental authorities related to the post-acute care business. In Q1-3/20, operating cash flow increased to €4 million (Q1-3/19: -€17 million) with a margin of 0.3% (Q1-3/19: -1.2%).

Fresenius Vamed confirms its sales outlook for FY/20 and expects an organic sales² decline of ~10%. Ongoing significant negative Covid-19 effects are expected to weigh on EBIT in Q4/20. While Fresenius Vamed continues to project a positive EBIT³ amount for FY/20, the constant currency decline versus FY/19 is now expected to exceed the former outlook of ~50%. Both sales and EBIT outlook include estimated COVID-19 effects.


Increased number of employees
As of September 30, 2020, the number of employees was 309,114 (December 31, 2019: 294,134).
 

¹ Net income attributable to shareholders of VAMED AG
² FY/19 base: €2,206 million
³ FY/19 base: €134 million

 

Conference Call
As part of the publication of the results for Q3/2020, a conference call will be held on October 29, 2020 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.

 

 

 

• Wolfgang Kirsch nominated to become Chairman of Supervisory Board at close of Annual General Meeting in May 2021
• Dr. Gerd Krick to be named Honorary Chairman of Supervisory Board
• Michael Sen nominated to Supervisory Board, designated to take over from Klaus-Peter Müller as Chairman of Audit Committee
• Contract of CEO Stephan Sturm extended for additional five years

Wolfgang Kirsch, 65, a Member of the Supervisory Board of Fresenius Management SE since the start of this year, is to become the board’s Chairman. This was decided unanimously today by the Supervisory Board of Fresenius Management SE. At the Annual General Meeting in May 2021 he will also stand for election to the Supervisory Board of the publicly listed Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, with the goal of assuming its chairmanship, as well. In both these posts, Wolfgang Kirsch is to succeed Dr. Gerd Krick, 82, who is not standing for reelection and will leave both Supervisory Boards when the term ends at the close of the Annual General Meeting.

In recognition and deep appreciation of his long decades of accomplishment and invaluable work on behalf of Fresenius, Dr. Krick shall be named Honorary Chairman of both Supervisory Boards.

Also at the Annual General Meeting in 2021, Michael Sen, 51, formerly a member of the Management Board of Siemens AG, will stand for election as a Member of the Supervisory Boards of Fresenius Management SE and Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA with the goal of taking over as Chairman of the Audit Committee. Klaus-Peter Müller, 76, will be stepping down from the Supervisory Boards at the end of his term.

The Supervisory Board of Fresenius Management SE also decided unanimously today to appoint Stephan Sturm, 57, to an additional five years as Chief Executive Officer of Fresenius. Stephan Sturm has been CEO of Fresenius since July 1, 2016, having previously served 11 and a half years as the company’s Chief Financial Officer.

Dr. Krick has held top positions at Fresenius for 45 years, ever since joining the former Dr. E. Fresenius KG as Managing Director for research & development, production and technology in 1975. This was the beginning of a hugely successful period in which Dr. Krick, who holds a doctorate degree in mechanical engineering, played a leading role in developing the company’s first dialyzers and balanced dialysis machines, and helped make dialysis-related activities a core business of Fresenius. These opened the way for the impressive growth achieved by the company, which he steadily drove forward as CEO between 1992 and 2003 and since then as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Fresenius AG, now Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA.

The founding of both Fresenius Medical Care, the world’s leading provider of products and services for people with chronic kidney failure, and of Fresenius Kabi bear Dr. Krick’s signature. Fresenius’ entry into the hospital business, today under Fresenius Helios, and the acquisition of VAMED AG were further important strategic steps that were undertaken by Dr. Krick. Since May 2010, he has also served as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Fresenius Management SE, following its establishment as part of the company’s change of legal form.

Dr. Gerd Krick said: “I feel great joy when I see the very impressive development of this unique company, to which I have had the privilege of contributing. I am grateful for the years-long teamwork with countless dedicated and talented people at Fresenius, and what we built together: A healthcare group of global importance. Through my role as Honorary Chairman of the Supervisory Board, I will remain closely connected with Fresenius.”

“Fresenius is very well equipped for the future, and it remains in the best of hands,” Dr. Krick continued. “With Wolfgang Kirsch, with whom I have worked closely and very trustfully since the start of this year, a very experienced expert, particularly in financial matters, will be succeeding me as Chairman of both of our Supervisory Boards. And with Stephan Sturm we have at the head of our Management Board an executive who has been central to designing and executing the strategy that has brought continued growth over many years, and who enjoys the complete confidence of the Supervisory Board. Together with his Management Board colleagues, he will continue to pursue the successful course Fresenius has set. In the name of the Supervisory Board, I want to thank my close associate and companion of many years, Klaus-Peter Müller, for his tireless efforts and his many important contributions to our company’s success.”  

Wolfgang Kirsch, the newly designated Chairman of the Supervisory Board, has been a Member of the Supervisory Board of Fresenius Management SE since the start of 2020, and was for many years an advisor to the Else Kröner-Fresenius Foundation. He also holds positions in the Würth Group and on the board of AGCO Corporation, of Atlanta. After joining the Management Board of DZ BANK AG in Frankfurt in 2002, he served as Chief Executive Officer from September 2006 to December 2018. The August 2016 merger of DZ BANK and WGZ BANK, to form the current DZ BANK, was carried out under Wolfgang Kirsch’s leadership. He began his career in 1975 as a trainee at Deutsche Bank before commencing studies in business administration at the University of Cologne. After graduating in 1981, Wolfgang Kirsch continued at Deutsche Bank, where he held a series of management positions through 2002, including in corporate and investment banking.

Klaus-Peter Müller has been a Member of the Supervisory Board of Fresenius SE (today Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA) since 2008 and is Chairman of the Audit Committee. Since 2010, he has also belonged to the Supervisory Board of Fresenius Management SE. A highly regarded financial expert, Klaus-Peter Müller worked at Commerzbank AG from 1966 to 2008 and served from 2001 to 2008 as Chief Executive Officer.

Michael Sen was a member of the Management Board of Siemens AG, where he was responsible for the company’s healthcare and energy businesses, from April 2017 to March 2020. Previously, from 2015 to 2017, he held the position of Chief Financial Officer at E.ON SE. Michael Sen began his career at Siemens in Berlin, where he completed an apprenticeship before studying business administration at the Technical University in Berlin. After completing his studies, starting in 1996 he took on a range of projects and management responsibilities at Siemens, and from 2008 was Chief Financial Officer in the company’s Healthcare division before moving to E.ON.