Skip to main content

Our Annual Report 2019 is now available as a full-content PDF download and as an online short-version with the highlights. Annual Report (PDF)  Online short-version

Our Annual Report 2019 is now available as a full-content PDF download and as an online short-version with the highlights. Annual Report (PDF)  Online short-version

Curalie, a subsidiary of Fresenius, has acquired Digitale Gesundheitsgruppe (DGG), one of its main competitors in Germany. Curalie and DGG both develop digital healthcare offerings to help patients with chronic illnesses. DGG targets family and specialist physicians with its “TeLiPro” telemedicine platform, while Curalie develops digital solutions for rehabilitation and aftercare. Combining the two companies creates the first provider that in all sectors of healthcare can digitally support patients during outpatient and inpatient care and through to aftercare.

Curalie, a subsidiary of Fresenius, has acquired Digitale Gesundheitsgruppe (DGG), one of its main competitors in Germany. Curalie and DGG both develop digital healthcare offerings to help patients with chronic illnesses. DGG targets family and specialist physicians with its “TeLiPro” telemedicine platform, while Curalie develops digital solutions for rehabilitation and aftercare. Combining the two companies creates the first provider that in all sectors of healthcare can digitally support patients during outpatient and inpatient care and through to aftercare.

The market research institute Potentialpark has honored the global healthcare group Fresenius as the German company with the best overall Internet offering for job applicants.
Download Image (JPG 1610KB)

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

In Potentialpark’s 2020 study, Fresenius not only took first place in the overall category for all career-relevant online activities but won in three of the four individual categories: Online Application Management, Mobile, and Career Website. The company was second in the Social Media category.

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 140 German companies according to more than 300 criteria. More than 46,000 students and graduates around the world were surveyed about their preferences.

“We are delighted to once again receive confirmation of the high quality of our Internet offering for job applicants,” said Michael Lehmann, Senior Vice President Corporate Human Resources of Fresenius. “In the past year we have expanded it with a digital onboarding portal, and are already at work on our next enhancements: We are internationalizing some of our social media channels for potential applicants. And we’re developing a construction kit for the web, so that country units of the Fresenius Group can put together their own career portals, set up to meet their specific requirements.”

This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, e.g. changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, results of clinical trials, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. Fresenius does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

•    Good organic sales growth across all business segments
•    Fresenius Kabi’s excellent Emerging Markets growth partially offsets softer development in North America
•    Fresenius Helios shows continued stabilization in Germany and strong growth in Spain
•    Fresenius Medical Care expects to show strong growth in 2020
•    27th consecutive dividend increase proposed

If no timeframe is specified, information refers to Q4/2019

FSE Q4 19 Table

1 Adjusted for IFRS 16
2 Q4/18 and FY/18 before special items and adjusted for divestitures of Care Coordination activities at Fresenius Medical Care (FMC)
3 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of the PDF document.

Stephan Sturm, CEO of Fresenius, said: “2019 was a good year for Fresenius. A year of challenges, but also of many successes. We have treated even more patients, launched new products, and increased our sales to more than 35 billion euros. We made the planned, significant investments in our future growth, yet have still achieved a slight increase in earnings. Fresenius is well positioned to stay successful into the future. We can look ahead with confidence, and confirm our ambitious medium-term targets.”

Group guidance for FY/20
For FY/20, Fresenius projects sales growth1 of 4% to 7% in constant currency. Net income2,3 growth is expected to be in a 1% to 5% range in constant currency. Contributions from signed, but not yet closed acquisitions are included in this guidance.
The FY/20 guidance does not include any effects from the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, since it is too early to quantify those. From the current perspective Fresenius does not expect a significant negative financial impact4.
Fresenius expects net debt/EBITDA5 to be towards the top-end of the self-imposed target corridor of 3.0x to 3.5x at the end of 2020.


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 income2 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.


27th consecutive dividend increase proposed
The Management Board of Fresenius will propose to the Supervisory Board a dividend increase of 5% to €0.84 per share for FY/19 (FY/18: €0.80). The proposed total dividend payout to Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA shareholders amounts to €468 million (FY/18: €445 million).

1 FY/19 base: €35,409 million, including IFRS 16 effect
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
3 FY/19 base: €1,879 million, including IFRS 16 effect; FY/19 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 Taking into account minority interest structures across the Group
5 Both net debt and EBITDA including IFRS 16 effect and calculated at expected annual average exchange rates; excluding further potential acquisitions

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of the PDF document.

 

5% sales growth1 in constant currency
In Q4/19, Group sales were €9,311 million including an IFRS 16 effect of -€40 million. Group sales1 on a comparable basis increased by 6% (5% in constant currency) to €9,351 million in Q4/19 (Q4/18: €8,830 million). Organic sales growth was 4%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 1% to growth. In FY/19, Group sales were €35,409 million including an IFRS 16 effect of -€115 million. On a comparable basis, Group sales1 increased by 8% (6% in constant currency) to €35,524 million (FY/18: €33,009 million). Organic sales growth was 5%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 1% to growth. Positive currency translation effects of 2% were mainly driven by the U.S. dollar strengthening against the euro.


2% net income2,3 growth in constant currency
In Q4/19, Group EBITDA before special items was €1,937 million including an IFRS 16 effect of €235 million. On a comparable basis, Group EBITDA2 increased by 1% (0% in constant currency) to €1,702 million (Q4/18: €1,680 million). Reported Group EBITDA4 was €1,937 million. In FY/19, Group EBITDA before special items was €7,104 million including an IFRS 16 effect of €934 million. On a comparable basis, Group EBITDA2 increased by 2% (0% in constant currency) to €6,170 million (FY/18: €6,032 million). Reported Group EBITDA4 was €7,083 million.


In Q4/19, Group EBIT before special items was €1,287 million including an IFRS 16 effect of €10 million. On a comparable basis, Group EBIT2 increased by 2% (0% in constant currency) to €1,277 million (Q4/18: €1,250 million). The EBIT margin2 on a comparable basis was 13.7% (Q4/18: 14.2%). Reported Group EBIT4 was €1,269 million.


In FY/19, Group EBIT before special items was €4,688 million including an IFRS 16 effect of €89 million. On a comparable basis, Group EBIT2 increased by 1% (-2% in constant currency) to €4,599 million (FY/18: €4,547 million). The EBIT margin2 on a comparable basis was 12.9% (FY/18: 13.8%). Reported Group EBIT4 was €4,631 million. Adjustments on accounts receivable in legal dispute paired with reduced patient attribution and a decreasing savings rate for ESCOs at Fresenius Medical Care weighed on earnings. In addition, the missing tailwinds from drug shortages in North America triggered a softer development at Fresenius Kabi. Moreover, investments to counter the regulatory headwinds at Helios Germany continued to weigh on Group EBIT. These effects were partially offset by the remeasurement effect of the fair value of Fresenius Medical Care’s investment on Humacyte, Inc.

1 On a comparable basis: Q4/18 and FY/18 adjusted for divestitures of Care Coordination activities at FMC; Q4/19 and FY/19 adjusted for IFRS 16 effect
2 On a comparable basis: Q4/19 and FY/19 before special items and adjusted for IFRS 16 effect; Q4/18 and FY/18 before special items and adjusted for divestitures of Care Coordination activities at FMC
3 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
4 After special items and including IFRS 16 effect

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of the PDF document.

 

In Q4/19, Group net interest before special items was -€182 million including an IFRS 16 effect of -€51 million. On a comparable basis, net interest1 increased to -€131 million in Q4/19 (Q4/18: -€129 million). Reported Group net interest2 was -€184 million. In FY/19, Group net interest before special items was -€714 million including an IFRS 16 effect of -€204 million. On a comparable basis, net interest1 improved to -€510 million (FY/18: -€549 million) mainly due to successful refinancing activities and lower interest rates. Reported Group net interest2 was -€719 million.


In Q4/19, the Group tax rate before special items and adopting IFRS 16 was 23.8%, in FY/19 it was 23.3%. On a comparable basis, the Group tax rate1 was 24.0% in Q4/19 and 23.4% in FY/19 (Q4/18: 22.7%; FY/18: 22.1%). The YoY increase was driven by positive one-time effects in the prior-year relating to the US tax reform.


In Q4/19, Noncontrolling interest before special items was -€336 million including an IFRS 16 effect of €18 million. On a comparable basis, noncontrolling interest1 was -€354 million (Q4/18: -€363 million). In FY/19, noncontrolling interest before special items was -€1,170 million including an IFRS 16 effect of €49 million. On a comparable basis, noncontrolling interest1 was -€1,219 million (FY/18: -€1,243 million), of which 96% was attributable to the noncontrolling interest in Fresenius Medical Care.


In Q4/19, Group net income3 before special items was €506 million including an IFRS 16 effect of -€11 million. On a comparable basis, Group net income1,3 increased by 3% (2% in constant currency) to €517 million (Q4/18: €504 million). Reported Group net income2,3 was €515 million.


In FY/19, Group net income3 before special items was €1,879 million including an IFRS 16 effect of -€36 million. On a comparable basis, Group net income1,3 increased by 2% (0% in constant currency) to €1,915 million (FY/18: €1,872 million). Reported Group net income2,3 was €1,883 million.

1 On a comparable basis: Q4/19 and FY/19 before special items and adjusted for IFRS 16 effect; Q4/18 and FY/18 before special items and adjusted for divestitures of Care Coordination activities at FMC
2 After special items and including IFRS 16 effect
3 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of the PDF document.

 

In Q4/19, Earnings per share1 before special items were €0.90 including an IFRS 16 effect of -€0.03. On a comparable basis, Earnings per share1,2 increased by 2% (1% in constant currency) to €0.93 (Q4/18: €0.91). Reported Earnings per share1,3 were €0.92. In FY/19, Earnings per share1 before special items were €3.37 including an IFRS 16 effect of -€0.07. On a comparable basis, earnings per share1,2 increased by 2% (0% in constant currency) to €3.44 (FY/18: €3.37). Reported Earnings per share1,3 were €3.38.


Continued investment in growth
2019 was an investment year for the Fresenius Group with a variety of initiatives to secure long-term sustainable growth. In Q4/19, spending on property, plant and equipment was €871 million corresponding to 9% of sales (Q4/18: €793 million; 9%). In FY/19, spending on property, plant and equipment was €2,463 million corresponding to 7% of sales (FY/18: €2,163 million; 6%). The 2019 investments served primarily for the modernization and expansion of dialysis clinics, production facilities as well as hospitals, and day clinics.


In Q4/19, total acquisition spending was €331 million (Q4/18: €210 million). In FY/19, total acquisition spending was €2,623 million (FY/18: €1,086 million), mainly for the acquisition of NxStage by Fresenius Medical Care.


Cash flow development
In Q4/19, Group operating cash flow was €1,286 million including an IFRS 16 effect of €211 million. On a comparable basis, Group operating cash flow was €1,075 million (Q4/18: €1,193 million) with a margin of 11.5% (Q4/18: 13.5%). Free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends adjusted for IFRS 16 was €231 million (Q4/18: €472 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends adjusted for IFRS 16 was -€122 million (Q4/18: €202 million). The IFRS 16 effect amounts to €211 million. Correspondingly, cash flow from financing activities decreased by €211 million.


In FY/19, Group operating cash flow was €4,263 million including an IFRS 16 effect of €749 million. On a comparable basis, Group operating cash flow was €3,514 million
(FY/18: €3,742 million) with a margin of 9.9% (FY/18: 11.2%). The decrease was primarily driven by the FCPA-related charge of €206 million at Fresenius Medical Care. As a consequence, and in combination with the increased investments, free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends adjusted for IFRS 16 of €1,081 million was below the previous year (FY/18: €1,665 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends adjusted for IFRS 16 was -€2,294 million (FY/18: €1,374 million). The IFRS 16 effect amounts to €749 million. Correspondingly, cash flow from financing activities decreased by €749 million.

1 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
2 On a comparable basis: Q4/19 and FY/19 before special items and adjusted for IFRS 16 effect; Q4/18 and FY/18 before special items and adjusted for divestitures of Care Coordination activities at FMC
3 After special items and including IFRS 16 effect

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of the PDF document.

 

Solid balance sheet structure
The Group’s total assets were €67,006 million including an IFRS 16 effect of €5,769 million. Adjusted for IFRS 16, Group total assets increased by 8% (7% in constant currency) to €61,237 million (Dec. 31, 2018: €56,703 million). Current assets increased by 3% (3% in constant currency) to €15,264 million (Dec. 31, 2018: €14,790 million). Non-current assets1 increased by 10% (9% in constant currency) to €45,973 million (Dec. 31, 2018: € 41,913 million).


Total shareholders’ equity was €26,580 million including an IFRS 16 effect of -€256 million. Adjusted for IFRS 16, total shareholders’ equity increased by 7% (6% in constant currency) to €26,836 million (Dec. 31, 2018: €25,008 million). The equity ratio was 39.7%. Adjusted for IFRS 16, the equity ratio was 43.8% (Dec. 31, 2018: 44.1%).


Group debt was €27,258 million including an IFRS 16 effect of €6,025 million. Adjusted for IFRS 16, Group debt  increased by 12% to €21,233 million (11% in constant currency) (Dec. 31, 2018: € 18,984 million). Group net debt was €25,604 million including an IFRS 16 effect of €6,025 million. Adjusted for IFRS 16, Group net debt increased by 20% (20% in constant currency) to € 19,579 million (Dec. 31, 2018: € 16,275 million) mainly due to the acquisition of NxStage by Fresenius Medical Care.


As of December 31, 2019, the reported net debt/EBITDA ratio was 3.61x2,3,4. Adjusted for IFRS 16, the net debt/EBITDA ratio was 3.14x1,2,3,4 (Dec. 31, 2018: 2.71x2,4).

1 Adjusted for IFRS 16
2 At LTM average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures
3 Including acquisition of NxStage
4 Before special items

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of the PDF document.

Increased number of employees
As of December 31, 2019, the number of employees was 294,134 (Dec. 31, 2018: 276,750).

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, 2019, Fresenius Medical Care was treating 345,096 patients in 3,994 dialysis clinics. Along with its core business, the company provides related medical services in the field of Care Coordination. 

FMC Q4 19 Table

•    5 % organic sales growth in Q4/19
•    Investments in home dialysis and growth markets in 2019
•    FY/20 outlook : Sales4 and net income5 growth6 within a mid to high single digit percentage range expected

Adjusted for IFRS 16, the contribution from the divested Care Coordination activities and NxStage, sales increased by 6% (4% in constant currency) to €4,546 million in Q4/19 (Q4/18: €4,294 million). Organic sales growth was 5%. Positive currency translation effects of 2% were mainly related to the U.S. dollar strengthening against the euro. In FY/19, sales adjusted for IFRS 16, the contributions from the divested Care Coordination activities and NxStage increased by 8% (5% in constant currency) to €17,329 million (FY/18: €16,026 million). Organic sales growth was 5%.


In Q4/19, EBIT7 increased by 3% (0% in constant currency) to €655 million (Q4/18: €636 million). The EBIT6 margin was 14.4% (Q4/18: 14.8%).

1 On an adjusted basis: before special items (transaction-related expenses, gain related to divestitures of Care Coordination activities, expenses associated with the cost optimization program), adjusted for IFRS 16 effect, excluding effects from NxStage transaction
2 Q4/18 and FY/18 before special items and adjusted for divestitures of Care Coordination activities
3 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA
4 FY/19 base: €17,477 million, including IFRS 16 effect
5 FY/19 base: €1,236 million, before special items, including IFRS 16 effect; FY/20: before special items
6 In constant currency
7 Q4/18 and FY/18 before special items items and after adjustments
  Q4/19 and FY/19 before special items (transaction-related expenses, gain related to divestitures of Care
  Coordination activities, expenses associated with the cost optimization program), adjusted for IFRS 16 effect,
  excluding effects from NxStage transaction

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of the PDF document.

 

In FY/19, EBIT1 of €2,296 million remained at prior-year’s level (decreased by 4% in constant currency; FY/18: €2,292 million). The EBIT1 margin decreased to 13.2% (FY/18: 14.3%). Adjustments on accounts receivable in legal dispute paired with reduced patient attribution and a decreasing savings rate for ESCOs weighed on earnings. These effects were partially offset by the remeasurement effect of the fair value of the investment on Humacyte, Inc.


In Q4/19, net income1,2  increased by 3% (0% in constant currency) to €408 million (Q4/18: €395 million). In FY/19, net income1,2 increased by 2% (-2% in constant currency) to €1,369 million (FY/18: €1,341 million).


In Q4/19, operating cash flow was €597 million3 (Q4/18: €698 million) with a margin of 13.1% (Q4/18: 16.2%). In FY/19, operating cash flow was €1,947 million4 (FY/18: €2,062 million) with a margin of 11.2% (FY/18: 12.5%).


For FY/20, Fresenius Medical Care expects sales5 to grow within a mid to high single digit percentage range in constant currency. Net income2,6  is also expected to grow within a mid to high single digit percentage range in constant currency.


For further information on the IFRS 16 reconciliation of Fresenius Medical Care, please see page 18 of the PDF document.

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

1 Q4/18 and FY/18 before special items and after adjustments;
Q4/19 and FY/19 before special items (transaction-related expenses, gain related to divestitures of care coordination activities, expenses associated with the cost optimization program), adjusted for IFRS 16 effect, excluding effects from NxStage transaction
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA
3 €771 million including an IFRS 16 effect of €174 million
4 €2,567 million including an IFRS 16 effect of €620 million
5 FY/19 base: €17,477 million, including IFRS 16 effect
6 FY/19 base: €1,236 million, before special items (transaction-related expenses, gain related to divestitures of care coordination activities, expenses associated with the cost optimization program), including IFRS 16 effect;
FY/20: before special items

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of 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.  

Kabi Q4 19 Table

•    4% organic sales growth in Q4/19
•    Excellent Emerging Markets growth partially offsets softer development in North America
•    FY/20 outlook: organic sales3 growth of 3% to 6% and EBIT development4 of -4% to 0% expected

In Q4/19, sales of Fresenius Kabi increased by 5% (4% in constant currency) to €1,766 million (Q4/18: €1,687 million). Organic sales growth was 4%. In FY/19, sales increased by 6% (4% in constant currency) to €6,919 million (FY/18: €6,544 million). Organic sales growth was 4%. Positive currency translation effects of 2% were mainly related to the U.S. dollar strengthening against the euro.

 
In Q4/19, sales in North America increased by 2% (organic growth: 1%; Q4/18: €599 million) to €609 million. In FY/19, sales in North America increased by 3% (organic growth: -2%) to €2,424 million (FY/18: €2,359 million). Intensified competition on selected molecules, missing tailwinds from drug shortages as well as a shift in clinical practice towards non-opiods in the hospital-based pain management weighed on the sales development.


In Q4/19, sales in Europe grew by 2% (organic growth: 2%) to €604 million (Q4/18: €590 million). In FY/19, sales in Europe increased by 3% (organic growth: 2%) to €2,313 million
(FY/18: €2,248 million).

1 On a comparable basis: before special items and adjusted for IFRS 16 effect
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
3 FY/19 base: €6,919 million, including IFRS 16 effect
4 FY/19 base: €1,205 million; FY/19 before special items (transaction-related expenses, revaluations of biosimilars contingent purchase price liabilities), including IFRS 16 effect; FY/20: before special items, in constant currency

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of the PDF document.

 

In Q4/19, sales in Asia-Pacific increased by 15% (organic growth: 13%) to €385 million (Q4/18: €336 million). In FY/19, sales in Asia-Pacific increased by 16% (organic growth: 14%) to €1,506 million (FY/18: €1,300 million).


In Q4/19, sales in Latin America/Africa increased by 4% (organic growth: 10%) to €168 million (Q4/18: €162 million). In FY/19, sales in Latin America/Africa increased by 6% (organic growth: 14%) to €676 million (FY/18: €637 million).


In Q4/19, EBIT1 decreased by 1% (-1% in constant currency) to €283 million (Q4/18: €285 million) with an EBIT margin of 16.0% (Q4/18: 16.9%). In FY/19, EBIT1 increased by 5% (3% in constant currency) to €1,200 million (FY/18: €1,139 million) with an EBIT margin of 17.3% (FY/18: 17.4%).


In Q4/19, net income1,2 decreased by 2% (-3% in constant currency) to €184 million (Q4/18: €188 million). In FY/19, net income1,2 increased by 8% (5% in constant currency) to €802 million (FY/18: €742 million).


In Q4/19, operating cash flow3 was €273 million (Q4/18: €220 million) with a margin3 of 15.5% (Q4/18: 13.0%). In FY/19, operating cash flow3 was €968 million (FY/18: €1,040 million) with a margin3 of 14.0% (FY/18: 15.9%).


For FY/20, Fresenius Kabi expects organic sales growth4 of 3% to 6% and an EBIT development5 of -4% to 0% in constant currency.

 

For further information on the IFRS 16 reconciliation of Fresenius Kabi, please see page 18 of the PDF document of the PDF document.

1 On a comparable basis: before special items and adjusted for IFRS 16
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
3 Adjusted for IFRS 16 (operating cash flow after special items)
4 FY/19 base: €6,919 million, including IFRS 16 effect
5 FY/19 base: €1,205 million; FY/19 before special items (transaction-related expenses, revaluations of biosimilars contingent purchase price liabilities), including IFRS 16 effect; FY/20: before special items

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of 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 8 prevention centers. Quirónsalud operates 47 hospitals, 71 outpatient centers and around 300 occupational risk prevention centers. In addition, the company is active in Latin America with 4 hospitals and as a provider of medical diagnostics.

Helios Q4 19 Table

•    Helios Germany with solid organic sales growth of 3% in Q4/19; return to EBIT growth in Q4/19
•    Helios Spain with excellent organic sales growth of 7% in Q4/19; acquisitions in Latin America support further growth
•    FY/20 outlook: organic sales4 growth of 3% to 6% and EBIT  growth of 3% to 7% (in constant currency) expected

In Q4/19, sales increased by 5% (organic growth: 4%) to €2,344 million (Q4/18: €2,231 million). In FY/19, sales increased by 3% (5%1; organic growth: 5%) to €9,234 million (FY/18: €8,993 million).


In Q4/19, sales of Helios Germany increased by 3% (organic growth: 3%) to €1,475 million (Q4/18: €1,439 million). Organic sales growth was positively influenced by pricing effects and slight admissions growth. In FY/19, sales of Helios Germany decreased by 1% (increased by 3%1; organic growth: 3%) to €5,940 million (FY/18: €5,970 million). The reclassification of nursing staff funding from other income to sales also contributed to growth.


In Q4/19, sales of Helios Spain increased by 9% (organic growth: 7%) to €867 million (Q4/18: €792 million). Organic sales growth was positively influenced by admission growth and excellent execution within the existing hospital and service offerings. In FY/19, sales of Helios Spain increased by 9% (organic growth: 7%) to €3,292 million (FY/18: €3,023 million).

1 Adjusted for the post-acute care business transferred to Fresenius Vamed as of July 1, 2018
2 Adjusted for IFRS 16 effect
3 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
4 FY/19 base: €9,234 million, including IFRS 16 effect
5 FY/19 base: €1,025 million, including IFRS 16 effect

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of the PDF document.

 

In Q4/19, EBIT1 of Fresenius Helios increased by 5% to €292 million (Q4/18: €277 million) with an EBIT margin of 12.5% (Q4/18: 12.4%). In FY/19, EBIT1 decreased by 4% (-3% ) to €1,015 million (FY/18: €1,052 million) with an EBIT margin of 11.0% (FY/18: 11.7%).


In Q4/19, EBIT1 of Helios Germany increased by 4% to €143 million (Q4/18: €137 million) with an EBIT margin of 9.7% (Q4/18: 9.5%). In FY/19, EBIT1 of Helios Germany decreased by 8% (-6%2) to €576 million (FY/18: €625 million) with an EBIT margin of 9.7% (FY/18: 10.5%). Ongoing investments to counter regulatory headwinds continued to weigh on Helios Germany’s financial performance.


In Q4/19, EBIT1 of Helios Spain increased by 6% to €134 million (Q4/18: €127 million) with an EBIT margin of 15.5% (Q4/18: 16.0%). In FY/19, EBIT1 of Helios Spain increased by 5% to €434 million (FY/18: €413 million) with an EBIT margin of 13.2% (FY/18: 13.7%).


In Q4/19, net income1,3 increased by 16% to €198 million (Q4/18: €170 million). In FY/19, net income1,3 decreased by 2% to €670 million (FY/18: €686 million).


In Q4/19, operating cash flow1 increased to €212 million (Q4/18: €167 million) with a margin of 9.0% (Q4/18: 7.5%). In FY/19, operating cash flow1 increased to €683 million (FY/18: €554 million) with a margin of 7.4% (FY/18: 6.2%).


For FY/20, Fresenius Helios expects organic sales growth of 3% to 6% and EBIT5 growth of 3% to 7% in constant currency.

 

For further information on the IFRS 16 reconciliation of Fresenius Helios, please see page 18 of the PDF document.

1 Adjusted for IFRS 16 effect
2 Adjusted for the post-acute care business transferred to Fresenius Vamed as of July 1, 2018
3 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
4 FY/19 base: €9,234 million, including IFRS 16 effect
5 FY/19 base: €1,025 million, including IFRS 16 effect

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of the PDF document.

 

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

Vamed Q4 19 Table

•    Dynamic sales growth of service business of 11% in Q4/19
•    Record order backlog supports future sales development of the project business
•    FY/20 outlook: organic sales4 growth of 4% to 7% and EBIT5 growth of 5% to 9% (in constant currency) expected

In Q4/19, sales of Fresenius Vamed increased by 6% to €737 million (Q4/18: €697 million). Organic sales growth was 4%. Acquisitions and currency translation effects contributed each 1% to growth. In FY/19, sales increased by 31% (19%1) to €2,206 million (FY/18: €1,688 million). Organic sales growth was 16%. Acquisitions contributed 14% and currency translation effects contributed 1% to growth. Both the service and the project business showed strong growth momentum.


In Q4/19, sales in the service business grew by 11% to €374 million (Q4/18: €337 million). Sales of the project business increased by 1% to €363 million (Q4/18: €360 million).


In Q4/19, EBIT2 increased by 8% to €66 million (Q4/18: €61 million) with an EBIT margin of 9.0% (Q4/18: 8.8%). In FY/19, EBIT2 increased by 19% (6%1) to €131 million (FY/18: €110 million) with an EBIT margin of 5.9% (FY/18: 6.5%).


In Q4/19, net income2,3 increased by 13% to €44 million (Q4/18: €39 million). In FY/19, net income2,3 increased by 18% to €85 million (FY/18: €72 million).

1 Adjusted for German post-acute care business acquired from Fresenius Helios as of July 1, 2018
2 Adjusted for IFRS 16 effect
3 Net income attributable to shareholders of VAMED AG
4 FY/19 base: €2,206 million, including IFRS 16 effect
5 FY/19 base: €134 million, including IFRS 16 effect

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of the PDF document.

 

In Q4/19, order intake was €576 million (Q4/18: €660 million). FY/19 order intake increased by 7% to €1,314 million (FY/18: €1,227 million). As of December 31, 2019, order backlog reached an all-time high at €2,865 million (December 31, 2018: €2,420 million).


In Q4/19, operating cash flow1 decreased to -€8 million (Q4/18: €108 million) with a margin of -1.1% (Q4/18: 15.5%). In FY/19, operating cash flow1 decreased to -€46 million (FY/18: €106 million) with a margin of -2.1% (FY/18: 6.3%) given timing of payments in the project business as well as increased working capital.


For FY/20, Fresenius Vamed expects organic sales2 growth of 4% to 7% and EBIT3 growth of 5% to 9% in constant currency.

 

For further information on the IFRS 16 reconciliation of Fresenius Vamed, please see page 18 of the PDF document.

1 Adjusted for IFRS 16 effect
2 FY/19 base: €2,206 million, including IFRS 16 effect
3 FY/19 base: €134 million, including IFRS 16 effect

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of the PDF document.

 

Press Conference
As part of the publication of the results for FY 2019, a press conference will be held on February 20, 2020 at 10 a.m. CET. You are cordially invited to follow the press conference in a live broadcast over the Internet at www.fresenius.com/media-calender. Following the press conference, a replay will be available on our website.

 

 

 

This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, e.g. changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, results of clinical trials, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. Fresenius does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

•    Good organic sales growth across all business segments
•    Fresenius Kabi’s excellent Emerging Markets growth partially offsets softer development in North America
•    Fresenius Helios shows continued stabilization in Germany and strong growth in Spain
•    Fresenius Medical Care expects to show strong growth in 2020
•    27th consecutive dividend increase proposed

If no timeframe is specified, information refers to Q4/2019

 

1 Adjusted for IFRS 16
2 Q4/18 and FY/18 before special items and adjusted for divestitures of Care Coordination activities at Fresenius Medical Care (FMC)
3 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of the PDF document.

 

Group guidance for FY/20
For FY/20, Fresenius projects sales growth1 of 4% to 7% in constant currency. Net income2,3 growth is expected to be in a 1% to 5% range in constant currency. Contributions from signed, but not yet closed acquisitions are included in this guidance.

The FY/20 guidance does not include any effects from the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, since it is too early to quantify those. From the current perspective Fresenius does not expect a significant negative financial impact4.

Fresenius expects net debt/EBITDA5 to be towards the top-end of the self-imposed target corridor of 3.0x to 3.5x at the end of 2020.


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 income2 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.


27th consecutive dividend increase proposed
The Management Board of Fresenius will propose to the Supervisory Board a dividend increase of 5% to €0.84 per share for FY/19 (FY/18: €0.80). The proposed total dividend payout to Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA shareholders amounts to €468 million (FY/18: €445 million).

1 FY/19 base: €35,409 million, including IFRS 16 effect
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
3 FY/19 base: €1,879 million, including IFRS 16 effect; FY/19 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 Taking into account minority interest structures across the Group
5 Both net debt and EBITDA including IFRS 16 effect and calculated at expected annual average exchange rates; excluding further potential acquisitions

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of the PDF document.

 

5% sales growth1 in constant currency
In Q4/19, Group sales were €9,311 million including an IFRS 16 effect of -€40 million. Group sales1 on a comparable basis increased by 6% (5% in constant currency) to €9,351 million in Q4/19 (Q4/18: €8,830 million). Organic sales growth was 4%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 1% to growth. In FY/19, Group sales were €35,409 million including an IFRS 16 effect of -€115 million. On a comparable basis, Group sales1 increased by 8% (6% in constant currency) to €35,524 million (FY/18: €33,009 million). Organic sales growth was 5%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 1% to growth. Positive currency translation effects of 2% were mainly driven by the U.S. dollar strengthening against the euro.


2% net income2,3 growth in constant currency
In Q4/19, Group EBITDA before special items was €1,937 million including an IFRS 16 effect of €235 million. On a comparable basis, Group EBITDA2 increased by 1% (0% in constant currency) to €1,702 million (Q4/18: €1,680 million). Reported Group EBITDA4 was €1,937 million. In FY/19, Group EBITDA before special items was €7,104 million including an IFRS 16 effect of €934 million. On a comparable basis, Group EBITDA2 increased by 2% (0% in constant currency) to €6,170 million (FY/18: €6,032 million). Reported Group EBITDA4 was €7,083 million.


In Q4/19, Group EBIT before special items was €1,287 million including an IFRS 16 effect of €10 million. On a comparable basis, Group EBIT2 increased by 2% (0% in constant currency) to €1,277 million (Q4/18: €1,250 million). The EBIT margin2 on a comparable basis was 13.7% (Q4/18: 14.2%). Reported Group EBIT4 was €1,269 million.


In FY/19, Group EBIT before special items was €4,688 million including an IFRS 16 effect of €89 million. On a comparable basis, Group EBIT2 increased by 1% (-2% in constant currency) to €4,599 million (FY/18: €4,547 million). The EBIT margin2 on a comparable basis was 12.9% (FY/18: 13.8%). Reported Group EBIT4 was €4,631 million. Adjustments on accounts receivable in legal dispute paired with reduced patient attribution and a decreasing savings rate for ESCOs at Fresenius Medical Care weighed on earnings. In addition, the missing tailwinds from drug shortages in North America triggered a softer development at Fresenius Kabi. Moreover, investments to counter the regulatory headwinds at Helios Germany continued to weigh on Group EBIT. These effects were partially offset by the remeasurement effect of the fair value of Fresenius Medical Care’s investment on Humacyte, Inc.

1 On a comparable basis: Q4/18 and FY/18 adjusted for divestitures of Care Coordination activities at FMC; Q4/19 and FY/19 adjusted for IFRS 16 effect
2 On a comparable basis: Q4/19 and FY/19 before special items and adjusted for IFRS 16 effect; Q4/18 and FY/18 before special items and adjusted for divestitures of Care Coordination activities at FMC
3 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
4 After special items and including IFRS 16 effect

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of the PDF document.

 

In Q4/19, Group net interest before special items was -€182 million including an IFRS 16 effect of -€51 million. On a comparable basis, net interest1 increased to -€131 million in Q4/19 (Q4/18: -€129 million). Reported Group net interest2 was -€184 million. In FY/19, Group net interest before special items was -€714 million including an IFRS 16 effect of -€204 million. On a comparable basis, net interest1 improved to -€510 million (FY/18: -€549 million) mainly due to successful refinancing activities and lower interest rates. Reported Group net interest2 was -€719 million.


In Q4/19, the Group tax rate before special items and adopting IFRS 16 was 23.8%, in FY/19 it was 23.3%. On a comparable basis, the Group tax rate1 was 24.0% in Q4/19 and 23.4% in FY/19 (Q4/18: 22.7%; FY/18: 22.1%). The YoY increase was driven by positive one-time effects in the prior-year relating to the US tax reform.


In Q4/19, Noncontrolling interest before special items was -€336 million including an IFRS 16 effect of €18 million. On a comparable basis, noncontrolling interest1 was -€354 million (Q4/18: -€363 million). In FY/19, noncontrolling interest before special items was -€1,170 million including an IFRS 16 effect of €49 million. On a comparable basis, noncontrolling interest1 was -€1,219 million (FY/18: -€1,243 million), of which 96% was attributable to the noncontrolling interest in Fresenius Medical Care.


In Q4/19, Group net income3 before special items was €506 million including an IFRS 16 effect of -€11 million. On a comparable basis, Group net income1,3 increased by 3% (2% in constant currency) to €517 million (Q4/18: €504 million). Reported Group net income2,3 was €515 million.


In FY/19, Group net income3 before special items was €1,879 million including an IFRS 16 effect of -€36 million. On a comparable basis, Group net income1,3 increased by 2% (0% in constant currency) to €1,915 million (FY/18: €1,872 million). Reported Group net income2,3 was €1,883 million.

1 On a comparable basis: Q4/19 and FY/19 before special items and adjusted for IFRS 16 effect; Q4/18 and FY/18 before special items and adjusted for divestitures of Care Coordination activities at FMC
2 After special items and including IFRS 16 effect
3 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of the PDF document.

 

In Q4/19, Earnings per share1 before special items were €0.90 including an IFRS 16 effect of -€0.03. On a comparable basis, Earnings per share1,2 increased by 2% (1% in constant currency) to €0.93 (Q4/18: €0.91). Reported Earnings per share1,3 were €0.92. In FY/19, Earnings per share1 before special items were €3.37 including an IFRS 16 effect of -€0.07. On a comparable basis, earnings per share1,2 increased by 2% (0% in constant currency) to €3.44 (FY/18: €3.37). Reported Earnings per share1,3 were €3.38.


Continued investment in growth
2019 was an investment year for the Fresenius Group with a variety of initiatives to secure long-term sustainable growth. In Q4/19, spending on property, plant and equipment was €871 million corresponding to 9% of sales (Q4/18: €793 million; 9%). In FY/19, spending on property, plant and equipment was €2,463 million corresponding to 7% of sales (FY/18: €2,163 million; 6%). The 2019 investments served primarily for the modernization and expansion of dialysis clinics, production facilities as well as hospitals, and day clinics.


In Q4/19, total acquisition spending was €331 million (Q4/18: €210 million). In FY/19, total acquisition spending was €2,623 million (FY/18: €1,086 million), mainly for the acquisition of NxStage by Fresenius Medical Care.


Cash flow development
In Q4/19, Group operating cash flow was €1,286 million including an IFRS 16 effect of €211 million. On a comparable basis, Group operating cash flow was €1,075 million (Q4/18: €1,193 million) with a margin of 11.5% (Q4/18: 13.5%). Free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends adjusted for IFRS 16 was €231 million (Q4/18: €472 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends adjusted for IFRS 16 was -€122 million (Q4/18: €202 million). The IFRS 16 effect amounts to €211 million. Correspondingly, cash flow from financing activities decreased by €211 million.


In FY/19, Group operating cash flow was €4,263 million including an IFRS 16 effect of €749 million. On a comparable basis, Group operating cash flow was €3,514 million
(FY/18: €3,742 million) with a margin of 9.9% (FY/18: 11.2%). The decrease was primarily driven by the FCPA-related charge of €206 million at Fresenius Medical Care. As a consequence, and in combination with the increased investments, free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends adjusted for IFRS 16 of €1,081 million was below the previous year (FY/18: €1,665 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends adjusted for IFRS 16 was -€2,294 million (FY/18: €1,374 million). The IFRS 16 effect amounts to €749 million. Correspondingly, cash flow from financing activities decreased by €749 million.

1 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
2 On a comparable basis: Q4/19 and FY/19 before special items and adjusted for IFRS 16 effect; Q4/18 and FY/18 before special items and adjusted for divestitures of Care Coordination activities at FMC
3 After special items and including IFRS 16 effect

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of the PDF document.

 

Solid balance sheet structure
The Group’s total assets were €67,006 million including an IFRS 16 effect of €5,769 million. Adjusted for IFRS 16, Group total assets increased by 8% (7% in constant currency) to €61,237 million (Dec. 31, 2018: €56,703 million). Current assets increased by 3% (3% in constant currency) to €15,264 million (Dec. 31, 2018: €14,790 million). Non-current assets1 increased by 10% (9% in constant currency) to €45,973 million (Dec. 31, 2018: € 41,913 million).


Total shareholders’ equity was €26,580 million including an IFRS 16 effect of -€256 million. Adjusted for IFRS 16, total shareholders’ equity increased by 7% (6% in constant currency) to €26,836 million (Dec. 31, 2018: €25,008 million). The equity ratio was 39.7%. Adjusted for IFRS 16, the equity ratio was 43.8% (Dec. 31, 2018: 44.1%).


Group debt was €27,258 million including an IFRS 16 effect of €6,025 million. Adjusted for IFRS 16, Group debt  increased by 12% to €21,233 million (11% in constant currency) (Dec. 31, 2018: € 18,984 million). Group net debt was €25,604 million including an IFRS 16 effect of €6,025 million. Adjusted for IFRS 16, Group net debt increased by 20% (20% in constant currency) to € 19,579 million (Dec. 31, 2018: € 16,275 million) mainly due to the acquisition of NxStage by Fresenius Medical Care.


As of December 31, 2019, the reported net debt/EBITDA ratio was 3.61x2,3,4. Adjusted for IFRS 16, the net debt/EBITDA ratio was 3.14x1,2,3,4 (Dec. 31, 2018: 2.71x2,4).

1 Adjusted for IFRS 16
2 At LTM average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures
3 Including acquisition of NxStage
4 Before special items

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of 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, 2019, Fresenius Medical Care was treating 345,096 patients in 3,994 dialysis clinics. Along with its core business, the company provides related medical services in the field of Care Coordination. 

 

•    5 % organic sales growth in Q4/19
•    Investments in home dialysis and growth markets in 2019
•    FY/20 outlook : Sales4 and net income5 growth6 within a mid to high single digit percentage range expected

Adjusted for IFRS 16, the contribution from the divested Care Coordination activities and NxStage, sales increased by 6% (4% in constant currency) to €4,546 million in Q4/19 (Q4/18: €4,294 million). Organic sales growth was 5%. Positive currency translation effects of 2% were mainly related to the U.S. dollar strengthening against the euro. In FY/19, sales adjusted for IFRS 16, the contributions from the divested Care Coordination activities and NxStage increased by 8% (5% in constant currency) to €17,329 million (FY/18: €16,026 million). Organic sales growth was 5%.


In Q4/19, EBIT7 increased by 3% (0% in constant currency) to €655 million (Q4/18: €636 million). The EBIT6 margin was 14.4% (Q4/18: 14.8%).

1 On an adjusted basis: before special items (transaction-related expenses, gain related to divestitures of Care Coordination activities, expenses associated with the cost optimization program), adjusted for IFRS 16 effect, excluding effects from NxStage transaction
2 Q4/18 and FY/18 before special items and adjusted for divestitures of Care Coordination activities
3 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA
4 FY/19 base: €17,477 million, including IFRS 16 effect
5 FY/19 base: €1,236 million, before special items, including IFRS 16 effect; FY/20: before special items
6 In constant currency
7 Q4/18 and FY/18 before special items items and after adjustments
  Q4/19 and FY/19 before special items (transaction-related expenses, gain related to divestitures of Care
  Coordination activities, expenses associated with the cost optimization program), adjusted for IFRS 16 effect,
  excluding effects from NxStage transaction

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of the PDF document.

 

In FY/19, EBIT1 of €2,296 million remained at prior-year’s level (decreased by 4% in constant currency; FY/18: €2,292 million). The EBIT1 margin decreased to 13.2% (FY/18: 14.3%). Adjustments on accounts receivable in legal dispute paired with reduced patient attribution and a decreasing savings rate for ESCOs weighed on earnings. These effects were partially offset by the remeasurement effect of the fair value of the investment on Humacyte, Inc.


In Q4/19, net income1,2  increased by 3% (0% in constant currency) to €408 million (Q4/18: €395 million). In FY/19, net income1,2 increased by 2% (-2% in constant currency) to €1,369 million (FY/18: €1,341 million).


In Q4/19, operating cash flow was €597 million3 (Q4/18: €698 million) with a margin of 13.1% (Q4/18: 16.2%). In FY/19, operating cash flow was €1,947 million4 (FY/18: €2,062 million) with a margin of 11.2% (FY/18: 12.5%).


For FY/20, Fresenius Medical Care expects sales5 to grow within a mid to high single digit percentage range in constant currency. Net income2,6  is also expected to grow within a mid to high single digit percentage range in constant currency.


For further information on the IFRS 16 reconciliation of Fresenius Medical Care, please see page 18 of the PDF document.

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

1 Q4/18 and FY/18 before special items and after adjustments;
Q4/19 and FY/19 before special items (transaction-related expenses, gain related to divestitures of care coordination activities, expenses associated with the cost optimization program), adjusted for IFRS 16 effect, excluding effects from NxStage transaction
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA
3 €771 million including an IFRS 16 effect of €174 million
4 €2,567 million including an IFRS 16 effect of €620 million
5 FY/19 base: €17,477 million, including IFRS 16 effect
6 FY/19 base: €1,236 million, before special items (transaction-related expenses, gain related to divestitures of care coordination activities, expenses associated with the cost optimization program), including IFRS 16 effect;
FY/20: before special items

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of 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.  

 

•    4% organic sales growth in Q4/19
•    Excellent Emerging Markets growth partially offsets softer development in North America
•    FY/20 outlook: organic sales3 growth of 3% to 6% and EBIT development4 of -4% to 0% expected

In Q4/19, sales of Fresenius Kabi increased by 5% (4% in constant currency) to €1,766 million (Q4/18: €1,687 million). Organic sales growth was 4%. In FY/19, sales increased by 6% (4% in constant currency) to €6,919 million (FY/18: €6,544 million). Organic sales growth was 4%. Positive currency translation effects of 2% were mainly related to the U.S. dollar strengthening against the euro.

 
In Q4/19, sales in North America increased by 2% (organic growth: 1%; Q4/18: €599 million) to €609 million. In FY/19, sales in North America increased by 3% (organic growth: -2%) to €2,424 million (FY/18: €2,359 million). Intensified competition on selected molecules, missing tailwinds from drug shortages as well as a shift in clinical practice towards non-opiods in the hospital-based pain management weighed on the sales development.


In Q4/19, sales in Europe grew by 2% (organic growth: 2%) to €604 million (Q4/18: €590 million). In FY/19, sales in Europe increased by 3% (organic growth: 2%) to €2,313 million
(FY/18: €2,248 million).

1 On a comparable basis: before special items and adjusted for IFRS 16 effect
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
3 FY/19 base: €6,919 million, including IFRS 16 effect
4 FY/19 base: €1,205 million; FY/19 before special items (transaction-related expenses, revaluations of biosimilars contingent purchase price liabilities), including IFRS 16 effect; FY/20: before special items, in constant currency

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of the PDF document.

 

In Q4/19, sales in Asia-Pacific increased by 15% (organic growth: 13%) to €385 million (Q4/18: €336 million). In FY/19, sales in Asia-Pacific increased by 16% (organic growth: 14%) to €1,506 million (FY/18: €1,300 million).


In Q4/19, sales in Latin America/Africa increased by 4% (organic growth: 10%) to €168 million (Q4/18: €162 million). In FY/19, sales in Latin America/Africa increased by 6% (organic growth: 14%) to €676 million (FY/18: €637 million).


In Q4/19, EBIT1 decreased by 1% (-1% in constant currency) to €283 million (Q4/18: €285 million) with an EBIT margin of 16.0% (Q4/18: 16.9%). In FY/19, EBIT1 increased by 5% (3% in constant currency) to €1,200 million (FY/18: €1,139 million) with an EBIT margin of 17.3% (FY/18: 17.4%).


In Q4/19, net income1,2 decreased by 2% (-3% in constant currency) to €184 million (Q4/18: €188 million). In FY/19, net income1,2 increased by 8% (5% in constant currency) to €802 million (FY/18: €742 million).


In Q4/19, operating cash flow3 was €273 million (Q4/18: €220 million) with a margin3 of 15.5% (Q4/18: 13.0%). In FY/19, operating cash flow3 was €968 million (FY/18: €1,040 million) with a margin3 of 14.0% (FY/18: 15.9%).


For FY/20, Fresenius Kabi expects organic sales growth4 of 3% to 6% and an EBIT development5 of -4% to 0% in constant currency.

 

For further information on the IFRS 16 reconciliation of Fresenius Kabi, please see page 18 of the PDF document of the PDF document.

1 On a comparable basis: before special items and adjusted for IFRS 16
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
3 Adjusted for IFRS 16 (operating cash flow after special items)
4 FY/19 base: €6,919 million, including IFRS 16 effect
5 FY/19 base: €1,205 million; FY/19 before special items (transaction-related expenses, revaluations of biosimilars contingent purchase price liabilities), including IFRS 16 effect; FY/20: before special items

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of 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 8 prevention centers. Quirónsalud operates 47 hospitals, 71 outpatient centers and around 300 occupational risk prevention centers. In addition, the company is active in Latin America with 4 hospitals and as a provider of medical diagnostics.

 

•    Helios Germany with solid organic sales growth of 3% in Q4/19; return to EBIT growth in Q4/19
•    Helios Spain with excellent organic sales growth of 7% in Q4/19; acquisitions in Latin America support further growth
•    FY/20 outlook: organic sales4 growth of 3% to 6% and EBIT  growth of 3% to 7% (in constant currency) expected

In Q4/19, sales increased by 5% (organic growth: 4%) to €2,344 million (Q4/18: €2,231 million). In FY/19, sales increased by 3% (5%1; organic growth: 5%) to €9,234 million (FY/18: €8,993 million).


In Q4/19, sales of Helios Germany increased by 3% (organic growth: 3%) to €1,475 million (Q4/18: €1,439 million). Organic sales growth was positively influenced by pricing effects and slight admissions growth. In FY/19, sales of Helios Germany decreased by 1% (increased by 3%1; organic growth: 3%) to €5,940 million (FY/18: €5,970 million). The reclassification of nursing staff funding from other income to sales also contributed to growth.


In Q4/19, sales of Helios Spain increased by 9% (organic growth: 7%) to €867 million (Q4/18: €792 million). Organic sales growth was positively influenced by admission growth and excellent execution within the existing hospital and service offerings. In FY/19, sales of Helios Spain increased by 9% (organic growth: 7%) to €3,292 million (FY/18: €3,023 million).

1 Adjusted for the post-acute care business transferred to Fresenius Vamed as of July 1, 2018
2 Adjusted for IFRS 16 effect
3 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
4 FY/19 base: €9,234 million, including IFRS 16 effect
5 FY/19 base: €1,025 million, including IFRS 16 effect

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of the PDF document.

 

In Q4/19, EBIT1 of Fresenius Helios increased by 5% to €292 million (Q4/18: €277 million) with an EBIT margin of 12.5% (Q4/18: 12.4%). In FY/19, EBIT1 decreased by 4% (-3% ) to €1,015 million (FY/18: €1,052 million) with an EBIT margin of 11.0% (FY/18: 11.7%).


In Q4/19, EBIT1 of Helios Germany increased by 4% to €143 million (Q4/18: €137 million) with an EBIT margin of 9.7% (Q4/18: 9.5%). In FY/19, EBIT1 of Helios Germany decreased by 8% (-6%2) to €576 million (FY/18: €625 million) with an EBIT margin of 9.7% (FY/18: 10.5%). Ongoing investments to counter regulatory headwinds continued to weigh on Helios Germany’s financial performance.


In Q4/19, EBIT1 of Helios Spain increased by 6% to €134 million (Q4/18: €127 million) with an EBIT margin of 15.5% (Q4/18: 16.0%). In FY/19, EBIT1 of Helios Spain increased by 5% to €434 million (FY/18: €413 million) with an EBIT margin of 13.2% (FY/18: 13.7%).


In Q4/19, net income1,3 increased by 16% to €198 million (Q4/18: €170 million). In FY/19, net income1,3 decreased by 2% to €670 million (FY/18: €686 million).


In Q4/19, operating cash flow1 increased to €212 million (Q4/18: €167 million) with a margin of 9.0% (Q4/18: 7.5%). In FY/19, operating cash flow1 increased to €683 million (FY/18: €554 million) with a margin of 7.4% (FY/18: 6.2%).


For FY/20, Fresenius Helios expects organic sales growth of 3% to 6% and EBIT5 growth of 3% to 7% in constant currency.

 

For further information on the IFRS 16 reconciliation of Fresenius Helios, please see page 18 of the PDF document.

1 Adjusted for IFRS 16 effect
2 Adjusted for the post-acute care business transferred to Fresenius Vamed as of July 1, 2018
3 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
4 FY/19 base: €9,234 million, including IFRS 16 effect
5 FY/19 base: €1,025 million, including IFRS 16 effect

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of the PDF document.

 

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

•    Dynamic sales growth of service business of 11% in Q4/19
•    Record order backlog supports future sales development of the project business
•    FY/20 outlook: organic sales4 growth of 4% to 7% and EBIT5 growth of 5% to 9% (in constant currency) expected

In Q4/19, sales of Fresenius Vamed increased by 6% to €737 million (Q4/18: €697 million). Organic sales growth was 4%. Acquisitions and currency translation effects contributed each 1% to growth. In FY/19, sales increased by 31% (19%1) to €2,206 million (FY/18: €1,688 million). Organic sales growth was 16%. Acquisitions contributed 14% and currency translation effects contributed 1% to growth. Both the service and the project business showed strong growth momentum.


In Q4/19, sales in the service business grew by 11% to €374 million (Q4/18: €337 million). Sales of the project business increased by 1% to €363 million (Q4/18: €360 million).


In Q4/19, EBIT2 increased by 8% to €66 million (Q4/18: €61 million) with an EBIT margin of 9.0% (Q4/18: 8.8%). In FY/19, EBIT2 increased by 19% (6%1) to €131 million (FY/18: €110 million) with an EBIT margin of 5.9% (FY/18: 6.5%).


In Q4/19, net income2,3 increased by 13% to €44 million (Q4/18: €39 million). In FY/19, net income2,3 increased by 18% to €85 million (FY/18: €72 million).

1 Adjusted for German post-acute care business acquired from Fresenius Helios as of July 1, 2018
2 Adjusted for IFRS 16 effect
3 Net income attributable to shareholders of VAMED AG
4 FY/19 base: €2,206 million, including IFRS 16 effect
5 FY/19 base: €134 million, including IFRS 16 effect

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of the PDF document.

 

In Q4/19, order intake was €576 million (Q4/18: €660 million). FY/19 order intake increased by 7% to €1,314 million (FY/18: €1,227 million). As of December 31, 2019, order backlog reached an all-time high at €2,865 million (December 31, 2018: €2,420 million).


In Q4/19, operating cash flow1 decreased to -€8 million (Q4/18: €108 million) with a margin of -1.1% (Q4/18: 15.5%). In FY/19, operating cash flow1 decreased to -€46 million (FY/18: €106 million) with a margin of -2.1% (FY/18: 6.3%) given timing of payments in the project business as well as increased working capital.


For FY/20, Fresenius Vamed expects organic sales2 growth of 4% to 7% and EBIT3 growth of 5% to 9% in constant currency.

 

For further information on the IFRS 16 reconciliation of Fresenius Vamed, please see page 18 of the PDF document.

1 Adjusted for IFRS 16 effect
2 FY/19 base: €2,206 million, including IFRS 16 effect
3 FY/19 base: €134 million, including IFRS 16 effect

For a detailed overview of special items and adjustments please see the reconciliation tables on pages 20-28 of the PDF document.

 

Conference Call
As part of the publication of the results for FY 2019, a conference call will be held on February 20, 2020 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 www.fresenius.com/alternative-performance-measures.

This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, e.g. changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, results of clinical trials, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. Fresenius does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

The information and documents contained on the following pages of this website are for information purposes only. These materials do neither constitute an offer nor an invitation to subscribe to or to purchase securities, nor any investment advice or service, and are not meant to serve as a basis for any kind of obligation, contractual or otherwise. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States of America (“US”) absent registration under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption from registration. The securities described on the following pages are not offered for sale in the US or to "US persons" (as defined in Regulation S under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended).

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS ARE NOT DIRECTED AT AND ARE NOT INTENDED FOR USE BY (I) PERSONS WHO ARE RESIDENTS OF OR LOCATED IN THE US, CANADA, JAPAN OR AUSTRALIA OR WHO ARE US PERSONS (AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S UNDER THE US SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED), OR (II) PERSONS IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE THE COMMUNICATION OR RECEIPT OF SUCH INFORMATION IS RESTRICTED IN SUCH A WAY THAT PROVIDES THAT SUCH PERSONS SHALL NOT RECEIVE IT. SUCH PERSONS, OR PERSONS ACTING FOR THE BENEFIT OF ANY SUCH PERSONS, ARE NOT PERMITTED TO VISIT THE FOLLOWING PAGES OF THE WEBSITE.

To visit the following parts of this website you must confirm that
(i) you are not a resident of the United States of America, Canada, Japan or Australia or a "US person" (as defined in Regulation S under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended),
(ii) you are not a person to whom the communication of the information contained on the website is restricted,
(iii) you will not distribute any of the information and documents contained thereon to any such person, and
(iv) you are not acting for the benefit of any such person.

By clicking on the "Accept" button below, you will be deemed to have made this confirmation.


NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, CANADA OR JAPAN.


Fresenius today successfully placed bonds with a volume of €750 million. The bonds have a maturity of 8 years and an annual coupon of 0.750%. The issue price is 99.514% and the resulting yield amounts to 0.813%.

The proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, including refinancing of existing financial liabilities.

The bonds were drawn under the Fresenius European Medium Term Note (EMTN) Program and issued by Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA.

Fresenius has applied to the Luxembourg Stock Exchange to admit the bonds to trading on its regulated market.

This announcement does not contain or constitute an offer of, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for, securities to any person in Australia, Canada, Japan, or the United States of America (the “United States”) or in any jurisdiction to whom or in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful.  The securities referred to herein may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.  Subject to certain exceptions, the securities referred to herein may not be offered or sold in Australia, Canada or Japan or to, or for the account or benefit of, any national, resident or citizen of Australia, Canada or Japan.  The offer and sale of the securities referred to herein has not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or under the applicable securities laws of Australia, Canada or Japan.  There will be no public offer of the securities in the United States.

This announcement is an advertisement and not a prospectus. Investors should not purchase or subscribe for any securities referred to in this announcement except on the basis of information in the prospectus to be issued by the company in connection with the offering of such securities. Copies of the prospectus will, following publication, be available free of charge from Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA at Else-Kröner Strasse 1, 61352 Bad Homburg, Germany.

This announcement has been prepared on the basis that any offer of securities in any Member State of the European Economic Area (EEA) will be made pursuant the prospectus prepared by Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, Fresenius Finance Ireland Public Limited Company and Fresenius Finance Ireland II Public Limited Company in combination with the relevant final terms relating to such securities or pursuant to an exemption under Regulation (EU) 1129/2017 (the Prospectus Regulation) from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of securities. Neither Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, Fresenius Finance Ireland Public Limited Company nor Fresenius Finance Ireland II Public Limited Company have authorized, nor do they authorize, the making of any offer of securities in circumstances in which an obligation arises for Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, Fresenius Finance Ireland Public Limited Company and Fresenius Finance Ireland II Public Limited Company or any other person to publish or supplement a prospectus for such offer.

This announcement is directed at and/or for distribution in the United Kingdom only to (i) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”) or (ii) high net worth entities falling within article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons are referred to herein as “relevant persons”).  This announcement is directed only at relevant persons.  Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this announcement or any of its contents.  Any investment or investment activity to which this announcement relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons.
This announcement contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, e.g. changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, results of clinical trials, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. Neither Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, Fresenius Finance Ireland Public Limited Company nor Fresenius Finance Ireland II Public Limited Company undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this announcement.

Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
Registered Office: Bad Homburg, Germany
Commercial Register: Amtsgericht Bad Homburg, HRB 11852
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Dr. Gerd Krick

General Partner: Fresenius Management SE
Registered Office: Bad Homburg, Germany
Commercial Register: Amtsgericht Bad Homburg, HRB 11673
Management Board: Stephan Sturm (Chairman), Dr. Francesco De Meo, Rachel Empey, Dr. Jürgen Götz, Mats Henriksson, Rice Powell, Dr. Ernst Wastler
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Dr. Gerd Krick

The information and documents contained on the following pages of this website are for information purposes only. These materials do neither constitute an offer nor an invitation to subscribe to or to purchase securities, nor any investment advice or service, and are not meant to serve as a basis for any kind of obligation, contractual or otherwise. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States of America (“US”) absent registration under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or an exemption from registration. The securities described on the following pages are not offered for sale in the US or to "US persons" (as defined in Regulation S under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended).

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS ARE NOT DIRECTED AT AND ARE NOT INTENDED FOR USE BY (I) PERSONS WHO ARE RESIDENTS OF OR LOCATED IN THE US, CANADA, JAPAN OR AUSTRALIA OR WHO ARE US PERSONS (AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S UNDER THE US SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED), OR (II) PERSONS IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE THE COMMUNICATION OR RECEIPT OF SUCH INFORMATION IS RESTRICTED IN SUCH A WAY THAT PROVIDES THAT SUCH PERSONS SHALL NOT RECEIVE IT. SUCH PERSONS, OR PERSONS ACTING FOR THE BENEFIT OF ANY SUCH PERSONS, ARE NOT PERMITTED TO VISIT THE FOLLOWING PAGES OF THE WEBSITE.

To visit the following parts of this website you must confirm that
(i) you are not a resident of the United States of America, Canada, Japan or Australia or a "US person" (as defined in Regulation S under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended),
(ii) you are not a person to whom the communication of the information contained on the website is restricted,
(iii) you will not distribute any of the information and documents contained thereon to any such person, and
(iv) you are not acting for the benefit of any such person.

By clicking on the "Accept" button below, you will be deemed to have made this confirmation.


NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, CANADA OR JAPAN.


Fresenius today successfully placed bonds with a volume of €750 million. The bonds have a maturity of 8 years and an annual coupon of 0.750%. The issue price is 99.514% and the resulting yield amounts to 0.813%.

The proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, including refinancing of existing financial liabilities.

The bonds were drawn under the Fresenius European Medium Term Note (EMTN) Program and issued by Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA.

Fresenius has applied to the Luxembourg Stock Exchange to admit the bonds to trading on its regulated market.

This announcement does not contain or constitute an offer of, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for, securities to any person in Australia, Canada, Japan, or the United States of America (the “United States”) or in any jurisdiction to whom or in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful.  The securities referred to herein may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.  Subject to certain exceptions, the securities referred to herein may not be offered or sold in Australia, Canada or Japan or to, or for the account or benefit of, any national, resident or citizen of Australia, Canada or Japan.  The offer and sale of the securities referred to herein has not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or under the applicable securities laws of Australia, Canada or Japan.  There will be no public offer of the securities in the United States.

This announcement is an advertisement and not a prospectus. Investors should not purchase or subscribe for any securities referred to in this announcement except on the basis of information in the prospectus to be issued by the company in connection with the offering of such securities. Copies of the prospectus will, following publication, be available free of charge from Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA at Else-Kröner Strasse 1, 61352 Bad Homburg, Germany.

This announcement has been prepared on the basis that any offer of securities in any Member State of the European Economic Area (EEA) will be made pursuant to the prospectus prepared by Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, Fresenius Finance Ireland Public Limited Company and Fresenius Finance Ireland II Public Limited Company in combination with the relevant final terms relating to such securities or pursuant to an exemption under Regulation (EU) 1129/2017 (the Prospectus Regulation) from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of securities. Neither Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, Fresenius Finance Ireland Public Limited Company nor Fresenius Finance Ireland II Public Limited Company have authorized, nor do they authorize, the making of any offer of securities in circumstances in which an obligation arises for Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, Fresenius Finance Ireland Public Limited Company and Fresenius Finance Ireland II Public Limited Company or any other person to publish or supplement a prospectus for such offer.

This announcement is directed at and/or for distribution in the United Kingdom only to (i) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”) or (ii) high net worth entities falling within article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons are referred to herein as “relevant persons”).  This announcement is directed only at relevant persons.  Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this announcement or any of its contents.  Any investment or investment activity to which this announcement relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons.
This announcement contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, e.g. changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, results of clinical trials, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. Neither Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, Fresenius Finance Ireland Public Limited Company nor Fresenius Finance Ireland II Public Limited Company undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this announcement.

Dr. Karl Schneider, a longtime member of the Supervisory Board of Fresenius, has decided to retire from the Supervisory Board of Fresenius Management SE on December 31, 2019. He joined this body in May 2010. From April 1991 until January 2011, Dr. Schneider was a member of the Supervisory Board of Fresenius AG (Fresenius SE starting in July 2007, now Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA), serving as Chairman between 1998 and 2003.

The Supervisory Board and annual general meeting of Fresenius Management SE have named Dr. Schneider as an honorary member of the Supervisory Board of Fresenius Management SE. This appointment recognizes his invaluable, decades-long work on behalf of Fresenius.

An engineer and holder of a doctoral degree in agricultural science, Dr. Schneider was a member of the Management Board of Südzucker AG from 1982 to 1993, and Chief Executive Officer from 1988. He is Deputy Chairman of the Foundation Council of the Else Kröner-Fresenius Foundation. Established in 1988 by Fresenius’ former owner, the late Else Kröner, the foundation is the company’s largest shareholder.

Dr. Gerd Krick, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Fresenius Management SE and Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, commented on the departure of his longtime colleague: “Karl Schneider’s work for Fresenius deserves the highest possible recognition and appreciation. He has been closely involved with our company for decades, always giving his full commitment and support to the successful development of Fresenius. On behalf of the Supervisory Board, the Management Board and all the employees, I want to express our great thanks to him. I sincerely wish him all the best, and good health, in the coming years.”

Joining the Supervisory Board of Fresenius Management SE will be Wolfgang Kirsch, who has been elected as a member starting on January 1, 2020. Kirsch joined the Management Board of DZ BANK AG in Frankfurt in 2002 and served as CEO from September 2006 until December 2018. In 2016, under his direction, DZ BANK and WGZ BANK merged into today’s DZ BANK.

“In Wolfgang Kirsch we are welcoming an expert with tremendous experience, especially in financial areas, to our Supervisory Board,” said Dr. Krick. “We are looking forward to working with him.”

This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, e.g. changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, results of clinical trials, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. Fresenius does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

Subscribe to Fresenius