The internationally experienced healthcare and capital market expert Nick Stone has been appointed Head of Investor Relations at Fresenius, effective October 1. He will succeed Markus Georgi, who is leaving the company after nine years in this role to pursue new opportunities. 

Michael Sen, CEO of Fresenius, comments: “I am delighted that we have been able to recruit Nick Stone, a recognized investor relations manager, for this important role. To ensure the long-term success of #FutureFresenius, it is vital to further strengthen the trust of investors and analysts in Fresenius globally. With his many years of experience in the healthcare industry and his excellent network in the international capital markets, Nick Stone combines decisive skills for this task. Markus Georgi has significantly developed the investor relations function at Fresenius in recent years. I would like to thank him for his great commitment and wish him all the best for his future endeavors.”

Nick Stone will start at Fresenius on October 1, 2024, and will be based in Bad Homburg, Germany. He joins Fresenius from GSK Plc (formerly GlaxoSmithKline), a global pharmaceutical company, headquartered in London, UK, where he led global investor relations as Senior Vice President since 2021. Previously, he held various roles in corporate strategy, commercial, product, and portfolio management as well as investor relations at AstraZeneca Plc. Nick Stone studied Law and Criminology at the University of Lincoln and Staffordshire University in England. 
 

• Strong organic growth in Group revenue of 8%¹ to €5.4 billion²; excellent Group EBIT² increase in constant currency of 15%³ to €660 million reflects strong operating performance and group-wide cost savings progressing ahead of plan.
• Strong bottom-line delivery: 15%^2,3,4 EPS growth in constant currency.
• Major progress on deleveraging: Leverage ratio at 3.43x^2,5 and therefore within the target corridor, in particular due to operating strength and the excellent cash flow.
• Structural productivity improvements ahead of plan.
• Strong operating cash flow development driven by working capital efficiencies and the increased focus on cash generation as well as excellent operating performance.
• Group outlook for fiscal 2024 confirmed based on excellent first half; Optimistic to get Group EBIT growth^2,6 into upper half of 6 to 10% range.
• Fresenius Kabi clearly above the top-end of the structural growth band with very strong organic revenue growth of 11%¹ ; excellent EBIT margin at 15.9%².
• Growth Vectors at Kabi pacing performance: very strong organic growth of 19%¹; EBIT margin of 14.7%² within structural margin band.
• Biopharma accelerating momentum: very strong revenue growth and yet again positive EBIT in Q2 driven by the licensing business at mAbxience and ongoing ramp up of Tyenne.
• Fresenius Helios with strong organic revenue growth of 6%; EBIT margin of 11.1%² driven by an excellent operating performance in Spain.

 

¹ Organic growth rate adjusted for accounting effects related to Argentina hyperinflation.
² Before special items
³ Growth rate adjusted for Argentina hyperinflation
⁴ Excluding Fresenius Medical Care
⁵ At average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures, including lease liabilities, including Fresenius Medical Care dividend
⁶ Constant currency

 

Conference call and Audio webcast 
As part of the publication of the results for Q2/24, a conference call will be held on July 31, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. CEST (7:30 a.m. EDT). All investors are cordially invited to follow the conference call in a live audio webcast at www.fresenius.com/investors. Following the call, a replay will be available on our website.

 

Michael Sen, CEO of Fresenius: “Fresenius had an outstanding Q2 and first half in 2024. We delivered strong top-line growth, higher margins, and even more powerful bottom-line growth. Cash came in extremely strong, materially improving our financial profile. We are well ahead of our plans to deleverage and to take out costs. 2024 is an inflection year where we see how the work we’ve done continues to impact and improve the lives of patients and generate value for all stakeholders. Fresenius is 'Committed to Life' ".

 

Structural productivity improvements ahead of plan 
The Group-wide cost and efficiency measures are progressing faster than planned. Including the first half of 2024, Fresenius has achieved structural cost savings totaling ~€336 million at EBIT level.

For the remainder of the year, Fresenius will continue its efforts to further increase its structural productivity. Some measures that were planned for 2025 will be brought forward to the current financial year. The company aims to achieve the target of annual sustainable cost savings of ~€400 million at EBIT level by year-end 2024. Originally, this was expected in 2025.

The structural cost savings continue to be driven by all business segments and the Corporate Center. Key elements include measures to reduce complexity, optimize supply chains and improve procurement processes.
 

Group sales and earnings development


Group revenue before special items increased by 6% (8% in constant currency) to €5,414 million (Q2/23: €5,113 million). Organic growth was 8%² driven by an ongoing strong performance of Kabi and Helios. Currency translation had a negative effect of 2% on revenue growth. 

Group EBITDA before special items increased by 14% (14% in constant currency) to €938 million (Q2/23: €822 million). 

Group EBIT before special items increased by 16% (15% in constant currency) to €660 million (Q2/23: €571 million) mainly driven by the good earnings development at Kabi and Helios and the continued progress of the groupwide cost savings program. The EBIT margin before special items was 12.2% (Q2/23: 11.2%). Reported Group EBIT was €265 million (Q2/23: €187 million). 

Group net interest before special items was -€108 million (Q2/23: -€99 million) mainly due to financing activities in a higher interest rate environment.

Group tax rate before special items was 26.1% (Q2/23: 25.2%). 

¹ Before special items
² Organic growth rate adjusted for accounting effects related to Argentina hyperinflation
³ Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

Constant currency growth rates adjusted for Argentina hyperinflation. Financial figures and growth rates adjusted for the divestment of the fertility services group Eugin and the hospital stake in Peru.

Net income¹ from deconsolidated Fresenius Medical Care operations before special items increased by 21% (16% in constant currency) to €69 million (Q2/23¹: €57 million). 

Group net income¹ before special items increased by 16% (15% in constant currency) to €457 million (Q2/23¹: €393 million). The increase was driven by the operating strength.

Group net income¹ before special items excluding Medical Care increased by 15% (15% in constant currency) to €388 million (Q2/23¹: €336 million).

Reported Group net income¹ decreased to -€373 million (Q2/23¹: €80 million) due to effects from special items related to the Vamed exit and the discontinued operations at Vamed. 

Earnings per share¹ before special items increased by 16% (15% in constant currency) to €0.81 (Q2/23¹: €0.69). Reported earnings per share¹ were -€0.66 (Q2/23¹: €0.15) effects from special items related to the Vamed exit and the discontinued operations at Vamed. 

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

Constant currency growth rates adjusted for Argentina hyperinflation. Financial figures and growth rates adjusted for the divestment of the fertility services group Eugin and the hospital stake in Peru.
 

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables at Financial Results.

Group Cash flow development 
Group operating cash flow (continuing operations) almost quintupled to €709 million (Q2/23: €148 million). This excellent development is mainly related to working capital efficiencies and the increased focus on cash generation as well as excellent operating performance in Spain at Fresenius Helios. Group operating cash flow margin was 13.1% (Q2/23: 2.9%). Free cash flow before acquisitions, dividends and lease liabilities (continuing operations) increased to €674 million (Q2/23: €40 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions, dividends and lease liabilities (continuing operations) improved to €655 million (Q2/23: -€556 million). 

Fresenius Kabi’s operating cash flow increased to €259 million (Q2/23: €180 million) with a margin of 12.3% (Q2/23: 9.0%) mainly driven by an improved working capital management, in particular related to inventories and receivables. 

Fresenius Helios’ operating cash flow increased to €604 million (Q2/23: €61 million) in particular due to the strong operating performance in Spain and catch-up effects following a weaker first quarter. The strong focus on cash generation and improved management of working capital is also paying off. The operating cash flow margin was 18.7% (Q2/23: 2.0%). 

The cash conversion rate (CCR), which is defined as the ratio of adjusted free cash flow¹ to EBIT before special items was 1.1 in Q2/24 (LTM) (Q1/24: 0.9 LTM). This positive development is due to the increased cash flow focus across the Group.

¹ Cash flow before acquisitions and dividends; before interest, tax, and special items

Group leverage 
Group debt decreased by 14% (-15% in constant currency) to €13,536 million (Dec. 31, 2023: € 15,830 million) mainly related to the repayment of debt and the €400 million reduction of the leasing liabilities related to the Vamed exit. Group net debt decreased by 6% (-7% in constant currency) to € 12,428 million (Dec. 31, 2023: € 13,268 million).

As of June 30, 2024, the net debt/EBITDA ratio was 3.43x^1,2 (Dec. 31, 2023: 3.76x^1,2) corresponding to a reduction of 33 bps compared to FY/23. This achievement is due to a combination of the improved operational performance as well as better EBITDA and Free cash flow. The legally required suspension of dividend payments and the Vamed exit further supported the positive development. Compared to Q2/23 (4.19x^1,2) this is a 76 bps reduction.

Fresenius expects the net debt/EBITDA³ ratio to be within the self-imposed corridor of 3.0 to 3.5x by the end of 2024. Further improvement in the second half of 2024 is expected. This is expected to be driven by further reducing net debt and by the operational performance at the Operating Companies. 

ROIC improved to 6.0% in Q2/24 (FY/23: 5.2%) mainly due to the EBIT improvement and the stringed capital allocation. With that, ROIC reached the lower end of the self-defined target range of 6% to 8%.

For 2024, Fresenius now expects ROIC to be around 6.0% (previous: 5.4% to 6.0%), (2023: 5.2%).

¹ At average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures, including lease liabilities, including Fresenius Medical Care dividend
² Before special items
³ At expected average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures; excluding further potential acquisitions/divestitures; before special items; including lease liabilities, including Fresenius Medical Care dividend

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables at Financial Results.

Operating Company Fresenius Kabi 

Revenue increased by 5% (10% constant currency) to €2,101 million (Q2/23: €2,001 million). The reported revenue growth is mainly driven by negative currency translation effects related to the hyperinflation in Argentina. Organic growth was 11%¹. This strong performance was driven by the Growth Vectors and helped by pricing effects in Argentina. 

Revenue of the Growth Vectors (MedTech, Nutrition and Biopharma) increased by 8% (19% in constant currency) to €1,149 million (Q2/23: €1,062 million). Organic growth was outstanding at 19%¹. In Nutrition, organic growth of 14%¹ benefited from the good development in the US, driven by the ongoing roll-out of lipid emulsions. Whereas China continued to be impacted by indirect effects of the government’s countrywide anti-corruption campaign and tender headwinds. Biopharma showed excellent organic growth of 102%¹ driven by licensing agreements at mAbxience and the successful product launch of Tyenne in Europe. In MedTech, organic growth was of 9%¹ driven by a broad-based positive development across most regions and many products groups.

Revenue in the Pharma (IV Drugs & Fluids) business was flat (0% in constant currency; organic growth: 2%¹) and amounted to €951 million (Q2/23: €952 million). Organic growth was mainly driven by the positive development across many regions, particularly Europe. 

EBIT² of Fresenius Kabi increased by 17% (17% in constant currency) to €334 million (Q2/23: €285 million) mainly due to the good revenue development, the EBIT break-even result of the Biopharma business, and ongoing progress of the cost saving initiatives. EBIT margin² was 15.9% (Q2/23: 14.2%) and thus at the upper end of 2024 outlook. 

EBIT² of the Growth Vectors increased by 93% (constant currency: 47%) to €169 million (Q2/23: €88 million) due to the EBIT break-even result of the Biopharma business and the good revenue development. EBIT² margin was 14.7% (Q2/23: 8.3%). 

EBIT² in the Pharma business decreased by 10% (constant currency: -11%) to €185 million (Q2/23: €206 million) primarily driven by additional costs due to the start of production at the main US plants in Wilson and Melrose Park. EBIT² margin was 19.5% (Q2/23: 21.6%). 

¹ Organic growth rate adjusted for accounting effects related to Argentina hyperinflation.
² Before special items

Constant currency growth rates adjusted for Argentina hyperinflation.

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables at Financial Results.

Operating Company Fresenius Helios

Revenue before special items increased by 7% (6% in constant currency) to €3,230 million (Q2/23: €3,020 million). Organic growth was 6%. 

Revenue of Helios Germany increased by 3% (in constant currency: 3%) to €1,882 million (Q2/23: €1,823 million), mainly driven by favourable price effects and moderately increased activity levels. Organic growth was 3%.

Revenue of Helios Spain before special items increased by 13% (11% in constant currency) to €1,348 million (Q2/23: €1,198 million) driven by a positive calendar effect related to the Easter week and related higher activities, as well as positive price effects. Organic growth was 11%. The clinics in Latin America also showed a good performance. 

EBIT¹ of Fresenius Helios increased by 19% (18% in constant currency) to €357 million (Q2/23: €301 million) with an excellent EBIT margin¹ of 11.1% (Q2/23: 10.0%) due to the strong operating performance in Spain.

EBIT¹ of Helios Germany increased by 2% to €157 million (Q2/23: €154 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 8.3% (Q2/23: 8.4%) driven by the solid revenue development and helped by Government relief funding for higher energy costs.

EBIT¹ of Helios Spain increased by 33% (32% in constant currency) to €201 million (Q2/23: €151 million) driven by the strong revenue growth based on the positive calendar effect related the Easter week as well as positive price effects. The EBIT margin¹ reached 14.9% (Q2/23: 12.6%), clearly above the structural margin band ambition. On a more comparable half-year basis, the EBIT margin improved 30 bps to13.3% (H1/23: 13.0%).

Exit Fresenius Vamed 
As of Q2 2024, Vamed is no longer a reporting segment of Fresenius. The company’s High-End-Services (HES) which offers services for Fresenius Helios and other hospitals, will be transferred to Fresenius and has already been included under Corporate / Other in the Group consolidated segment reporting. 

The divestment of the rehabilitation business and the Vamed operations in Austria led to non-cash special items of €427 million at Group net income level.

Due to the exit from the project business, a total amount of high triple-digit million euros of special items are expected, which are spread over the next few years and mostly cash-effective. In H1/24, special items related to the gradual scale back of the international project business amounted to €425 million at Group EBIT level and to €343 million² at Group net income level. 

¹ Before special items
² According to 77% ownership share

Financial figures and growth rates adjusted for the divestment of the fertility services group Eugin and the hospital stake in Peru.

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables at Financial Results.

Group and segment outlook for 2024¹
Fresenius confirms its outlook for FY/24. Based on the excellent first half year, Fresenius is optimistic to get Group constant currency EBIT^2,3 growth into the upper half of the 6% to 10% range. For 2024, Group organic revenue growth^2,3 is expected to grow between 4% to 7%. 

Fresenius Kabi expects organic revenue growth in a mid-to high-single-digit percentage range in 2024. The EBIT margin³ is expected to be in a range of 15% to 16% (structural margin band: 14% to 17%). 

Fresenius Helios expects organic revenue³ to grow in mid-single digit percentage range in 2024. The EBIT margin³ is expected to be within 10% to 11% (structural margin band: 10% to 12%). 

The Group outlook is given without Fresenius Vamed, i.e. exclusively for the Operating Companies Fresenius Kabi and Fresenius Helios. 

¹ For the prior-year basis please see table “Basis for Guidance for 2024” 
² 2023 base: €2,266 million 
³ Before special items
⁴ 2023 base: €20,307 million

Basis for Guidance for 2024

¹ Before special items

 

If no timeframe is specified, information refers to Q2/2024.

An overview of the results for Q2/2024 - before and after special items – is available on our website.

Consolidated results for Q2/24 as well as for Q2/23 include special items. These concern: divestment of the fertility services group Eugin and the hospital stake in Peru, Vamed exit,  expenses associated with the Fresenius cost and efficiency program, transaction costs for mAbxience and Ivenix, costs in relation to the change of legal form of Fresenius Medical Care, legacy portfolio adjustments, IT transformation, transformation/exit Vamed, discontinued operations Vamed, special items at Fresenius Medical Care, and impact of PPA due to the application of the equity method to the Fresenius Medical Care investment. The special items shown within the reconciliation tables are reported in the Corporate/Other segment.

Note on the deconsolidation of Fresenius Medical Care
Following the deconsolidation of Fresenius Medical Care, Group financial figures are presented in accordance with IAS 28 (at equity method) since December 1, 2023. The proportionate share of 32% of Fresenius Medical Care is presented as a separate line in Fresenius Group’s P&L and balance sheet. Dividends received from Fresenius Medical Care are reported as a separate line as part of the cash flow statement. Moreover, IAS 28 requires a full purchase price allocation (PPA). The accounting for the PPA is treated as special item. For reasons of simplification and comparability, Fresenius presents net income with and without Fresenius Medical Care`s equity result.

Note on the portfolio optimization at Fresenius Helios
As part of the portfolio optimization, the sale of the fertility services group Eugin was completed on January 31, 2024. The divestment of the majority stake in the hospital Clínica Ricardo Palma hospital in Lima, Peru, was completed on April 23, 2024. Therefore, results of Fresenius Helios and accordingly of the Fresenius Group for Q2/24 and Q2/23 are adjusted.

Note on the growth rates Fresenius Kabi 
Growth rates in constant currency of Fresenius Kabi are adjusted. Adjustments relate to the hyperinflation in Argentina. Accordingly, in constant currency growth rates of the Fresenius Group are also adjusted. 

Note on the Vamed exit
Due to the application of IFRS 5, the prior year and prior quarter figures of the current year have been adjusted in the consolidated statement of income and the consolidated statement of cash flows. Vamed’s High-End-Services (HES) which offers services for Fresenius Helios and other hospitals, will be transferred to Fresenius and is included under Corporate / Other in the Group consolidated segment reporting. Details on the financial and accounting implications of the Vamed exit and the portfolio adjustments at Fresenius Helios are available on our website.

 

Information on the performance indicators are available on our website at
https://www.fresenius.com/alternative-performance-measures.

 

• Strong organic growth in Group revenue of 8%¹  to €5.4 billion²; excellent Group EBIT² increase in constant currency of 15%³ to €660 million reflects strong operating performance of Kabi and Helios and group-wide cost savings progressing ahead of plan.
• Strong bottom line delivery: 15%^2,3,4 EPS growth in constant currency. 
• Major progress on deleveraging: Leverage ratio at 3.43x^2,5 and therefore within the target corridor, in particular due to operating strength and the excellent cash flow. 
• Strong operating cash flow development driven by working capital efficiencies and the increased focus on cash generation as well as excellent operating performance.
• Group outlook for fiscal 2024 confirmed based on excellent first half; Optimistic to get Group EBIT growth^2,6 into upper half of 6 to 10% range.

¹ Organic growth rate adjusted for accounting effects related to Argentina hyperinflation
² Before special items
³ Growth rate adjusted for Argentina hyperinflation
⁴ Excluding Fresenius Medical Care
 ⁵ At average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures, including lease liabilities, including Fresenius Medical Care dividend
⁶ Constant currency

• Fresenius Kabi clearly above the top-end of the structural growth band with very strong organic revenue growth of 11%¹; excellent EBIT margin at 15.9%².  
• Biopharma accelerating momentum: very strong revenue growth and yet again positive EBIT in Q2 driven by the licensing business at mAbxience, as well as the ongoing ramp up of Tyenne. 
• Fresenius Helios with strong organic revenue growth of 6%; EBIT margin of 11.1%² driven by an excellent operating performance in Spain.

If no timeframe is specified, information refers to Q2/2024.

Michael Sen, CEO of Fresenius: “Fresenius had an outstanding Q2 and first half in 2024. We delivered strong top-line growth, higher margins, and even more powerful bottom-line growth. Cash came in extremely strong, materially improving our financial profile. We are well ahead of our plans to deleverage and to take out costs. 2024 is an inflection year where we see how the work we’ve done continues to impact and improve the lives of patients and generate value for all stakeholders. Fresenius is ‘Committed to Life‘.“ 
 

Group revenue before special items increased by 6% (8% in constant currency) to €5,414 million (Q2/23: €5,113 million). Organic growth was 8%¹ driven by an ongoing strong performance of Kabi and Helios. Currency translation had a negative effect of 2% on revenue growth. 

Group EBITDA before special items increased by 14% (14% in constant currency) to €938 million (Q2/23: €822 million). 

¹ Organic growth rate adjusted for the accounting effects related to Argentina hyperinflation
² Before special items
³ Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

Constant currency growth rates adjusted for Argentina hyperinflation. Financial figures and growth rates adjusted for the divestment of the fertility services group Eugin and the hospital stake in Peru

Group EBIT before special items increased by 16% (15% in constant currency) to €660 million (Q2/23: €571 million) mainly driven by the good earnings development at Kabi and Helios and the continued progress of the groupwide cost cost and efficiency program. The EBIT margin before special items was 12.2% (Q2/23: 11.2%). Reported Group EBIT was €265 million (Q2/23: €187 million). 

Group net interest before special items was -€108 million (Q2/23: -€99 million) mainly due to financing activities in a higher interest rate environment.

Group tax rate before special items was 26.1% (Q2/23: 25.2%). 

Net income¹ from deconsolidated Fresenius Medical Care operations before special items increased by 21% (16% in constant currency) to €69 million (Q2/23¹: €57 million). 

Group net income¹ before special items increased by 16% (15% in constant currency) to €457 million (Q2/23¹: €393 million). The increase was driven by the operating strength.

Group net income¹ before special items excluding Fresenius Medical Care increased by 15% (15% in constant currency) to €388 million (Q2/23¹: €336 million).

Reported Group net income¹ decreased to -€373 million (Q2/231: €80 million) due to effects from special items related to the Vamed exit and the discontinued operations at Vamed. 

Earnings per share² before special items increased by 16% (15% in constant currency) to €0.81 (Q2/23¹: €0.69). Reported earnings per share1 were -€0.66 (Q2/23¹: €0.15) effects from special items related to the Vamed exit and the discontinued operations at Vamed. 

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

Constant currency growth rates adjusted for Argentina hyperinflation. Financial figures and growth rates adjusted for the divestment of the fertility services group Eugin and the hospital stake in Peru

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables at 
Financial Results | FSE (fresenius.com)

² Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

Group cash flow development 

Group operating cash flow (continuing operations) almost quintupled to €709 million (Q2/23: €148 million). This excellent development is mainly related to working capital efficiencies and the increased focus on cash generation as well as excellent operating performance in Spain at Fresenius Helios. Group operating cash flow margin was 13.1% (Q2/23: 2.9%). Free cash flow before acquisitions, dividends and lease liabilities (continuing operations) increased to €674 million (Q2/23: €40 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions, dividends and lease liabilities (continuing operations) improved to €655 million (Q2/23: -€556 million). 

Fresenius Kabi’s operating cash flow increased to €259 million (Q2/23: €180 million) with a margin of 12.3% (Q2/23: 9.0%) mainly driven by an improved working capital management, in particular related to inventories and receivables. 

Fresenius Helios’ operating cash flow increased to €604 million (Q2/23: €61 million) in particular due to the strong operating performance in Spain and catch-up effects following a weaker first quarter. The strong focus on cash generation and improved management of working capital is also paying off. The operating cash flow margin was 18.7% (Q2/23: 2.0%). 

Group leverage 

Group debt decreased by 14% (-15% in constant currency) to €13,536 million 
(Dec. 31, 2023: € 15,830 million) mainly related to the repayment of debt and the €400 million reduction of the leasing liabilities related to the Vamed exit. Group net debt decreased by 6% (-7% in constant currency) to € 12,428 million (Dec. 31, 2023: € 13,268 million).

As of June 30, 2024, the net debt/EBITDA ratio was 3.43x^1,2 (Dec. 31, 2023: 3.76x^1,2) corresponding to a reduction of 33 bps compared to FY/23. This achievement is due to a combination of the improved operating performance as well as better EBITDA and free cash flow. The legally required suspension of dividend payments and the Vamed exit further supported the positive development. Compared to Q2/23 (4.19x^1,2) this is a 76 bps reduction.

Fresenius expects the net debt/EBITDA³  ratio to be within the self-imposed corridor of 3.0 to 3.5x by the end of 2024. Further improvement in the second half of 2024 is expected. This is expected to be driven by further reducing net debt and by the operating performance at the Operating Companies. 

Structural productivity improvements ahead of plan

The Group-wide cost and efficiency measures are progressing faster than planned. Including the first half of 2024, Fresenius has achieved structural cost savings totaling ~€336 million at EBIT level. 

For the remainder of the year, Fresenius will continue its efforts to further increase its structural productivity. Some measures that were planned for 2025 will be brought forward to the current financial year. The company aims to achieve the target of annual sustainable cost savings of ~€400 million at EBIT level by year-end 2024. Originally, this was expected in 2025.

The structural cost savings continue to be driven by all business segments and the Corporate Center. Key elements include measures to reduce complexity, optimize supply chains, and improve procurement processes.

¹ At average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures, including lease liabilities, including Fresenius Medical Care dividend
² Before special items
³ At expected average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures; excluding further potential acquisitions/divestitures; before special items; including lease liabilities, including Fresenius Medical Care dividend

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables at 
Financial Results | FSE (fresenius.com)
Revenue of Kabi increased by 5% (10% constant currency) to €2,101 million (Q2/23: €2,001 million). The reported revenue growth is mainly driven by negative currency translation effects related to the hyperinflation in Argentina. Organic growth was 11%¹. This strong performance was driven by the Growth Vectors and helped by pricing effects in Argentina. 

Revenue of the Growth Vectors (MedTech, Nutrition and Biopharma) increased by 8% (19% in constant currency) to €1,149 million (Q2/23: €1,062 million). Organic growth was outstanding at 19%¹. In Nutrition, organic growth of 14%¹ benefited from the good development in the US, driven by the ongoing roll-out of lipid emulsions. Whereas China continued to be impacted by indirect effects of the government’s countrywide anti-corruption campaign and tender headwinds. Biopharma showed excellent organic growth of 102%¹ driven by licensing agreements at mAbxience and the successful product launch of Tyenne in Europe. In MedTech organic growth was of 9%¹ driven by a broad-based positive development across most regions and many products groups.

Revenue in the Pharma (IV Drugs & Fluids) business was flat (0% in constant currency; organic growth: 2%¹) and amounted to €951 million (Q2/23: €952 million). Organic growth was mainly driven by the positive development across many regions, particularly Europe. 

EBIT² of Fresenius Kabi increased by 17% (17% in constant currency) to €334 million (Q2/23: €285 million) mainly due to the good revenue development, the EBIT break-even result of the Biopharma business, and ongoing progress of the cost saving initiatives.

¹ Organic growth rate adjusted for accounting effects related to Argentina hyperinflation.
² Before special items 

Constant currency growth rates adjusted for Argentina hyperinflation.

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables at 
Financial Results | FSE (fresenius.com)

EBIT margin¹ was 15.9% (Q2/23: 14.2%) and thus at the upper end of 2024 outlook. 

EBIT¹ of the Growth Vectors increased by 93% (constant currency: 47%) to €169 million (Q2/23: €88 million) due to the EBIT break-even result of the Biopharma business and the good revenue development. EBIT¹ margin was 14.7% (Q2/23: 8.3%). 

EBIT¹ in the Pharma business decreased 10% (constant currency: -11%) to €185 million (Q2/23: €206 million) primarily driven by additional costs due to the start of production at the main US plants in Wilson and Melrose Park. EBIT1 margin was 19.5% (Q2/23: 21.6%). 

             

Revenue before special items increased by 7% (6% in constant currency) to €3,230 million (Q2/23: €3,020 million). Organic growth was 6%. 

Revenue of Helios Germany increased by 3% (in constant currency: 3%) to €1,882 million (Q2/23: €1,823 million), mainly driven by favourable price effects and moderately increased activity levels. Organic growth was 3%.

¹ Before special items 

Constant currency growth rates adjusted for Argentina hyperinflation

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables at 
Financial Results | FSE (fresenius.com)

² Before special items

Financial figures and growth rates adjusted for the divestment of the fertility services group Eugin and the hospital stake in Peru

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables at 
Financial Results | FSE (fresenius.com)

Revenue of Helios Spain before special items increased by 13% (11% in constant currency) to €1,348 million (Q2/23: €1,198 million) driven by a positive calendar effect related to the Holy week and related higher activities, as well as positive price effects. Organic growth was 11%. The clinics in Latin America also showed a good performance. 

EBIT¹ of Fresenius Helios increased by 19% (18% in constant currency) to €357 million (Q2/23: €301 million) with an excellent EBIT margin¹ of 11.1% (Q2/23: 10.0%) due to the strong operating performance in Spain.

EBIT¹ of Helios Germany increased by 2% to €157 million (Q2/23: €154 million) with an EBIT margin¹ of 8.3% (Q2/23: 8.4%) driven by the solid revenue development and helped by Government relief funding for higher energy costs.

EBIT¹ of Helios Spain increased by 33% (32% in constant currency) to €201 million (Q2/23: €151 million) driven by the strong revenue growth based on the positive calendar effect related the Holy week as well as positive price effects. The EBIT margin¹ reached 14.9% (Q2/23: 12.6%), clearly above the structural margin band ambition. On a more comparable half-year basis, the EBIT margin improved 30 bps to 13.3% (H1/23: 13.0%).

Fresenius Vamed Exit

As of Q2 2024, Vamed is no longer a reporting segment of Fresenius. Vamed’s High-End-Services (HES) which offers services for Fresenius Helios and other hospitals, will be transferred to Fresenius and has already been included under Corporate / Other in the Group consolidated segment reporting. 

The divestment of the rehabilitation business and the Vamed operations in Austria led to non-cash special items of €427 million at Group net income level.

¹ Before special items

Financial figures and growth rates adjusted for the divestment of the fertility services group Eugin and the hospital stake in Peru

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables at 
Financial Results | FSE (fresenius.com)

Due to the exit from the project business, a total amount of high triple-digit million euros of special items are expected, which are spread over the next few years and mostly cash-effective. In H1/24, special items related to the gradual scale back of the international project business amounted to €425 million at Group EBIT level and to €343 million  at Group net income level.

Group and segment outlook for 2024

Fresenius confirms its outlook for FY/24. Based on the excellent first half year, Fresenius is optimistic to get Group constant currency EBIT^2,3 growth into the upper half of the 6% to 10% range. For 2024, Group organic revenue growth^3,4  is expected to grow between 4% to 7%. 

Fresenius Kabi expects organic revenue growth in a mid-to high-single-digit percentage range in 2024. The EBIT margin³ is expected to be in a range of 15% to 16% (structural margin band: 14% to 17%). 

Fresenius Helios expects organic revenue³ to grow in mid-single digit percentage range in 2024. The EBIT margin³ is expected to be within 10% to 11% (structural margin band: 10% to 12%).

The Group outlook is given without Fresenius Vamed, i.e. exclusively for the Operating Companies Fresenius Kabi and Fresenius Helios. 

¹ According to 77% ownership share
² 2023 base: €2,266 million 
³ Before special items
⁴ 2023 base: €20,307 million

Consolidated results for Q2/24 as well as for Q2/24 include special items. These concern: divestment of the fertility services group Eugin and the hospital stake in Peru, Vamed exit,  expenses associated with the Fresenius cost and efficiency program, transaction costs for mAbxience and Ivenix, costs in relation to the change of legal form of Fresenius Medical Care, legacy portfolio adjustments, IT transformation, transformation/exit Vamed, discontinued operations Vamed, special items at Fresenius Medical Care, and impact of PPA due to the application of the equity method to the Fresenius Medical Care investment. 

An overview of the results for Q2/24 - before and after special items – is available on our website. Information on the performance indicators are available on our website at https://www.fresenius.com/alternative-performance-measures. 

Note on the deconsolidation of Fresenius Medical Care

Following the deconsolidation of Fresenius Medical Care, Group financial figures are presented in accordance with IAS 28 (at equity method) since December 1, 2023. The proportionate share of 32% of Fresenius Medical Care is presented as a separate line in Fresenius Group’s P&L and balance sheet. Dividends received from Fresenius Medical Care are reported as a separate line as part of the cash flow statement. Moreover, IAS 28 requires a full purchase price allocation (PPA). The accounting for the PPA is treated as special item. For reasons of simplification and comparability, Fresenius presents net income with and without Fresenius Medical Care`s equity result.

Note on the portfolio optimization at Fresenius Helios

As part of the portfolio optimization, the sale of the fertility services group Eugin was completed on January 31, 2024. The divestment of the majority stake in the hospital Clínica Ricardo Palma hospital in Lima, Peru, was completed on April 23, 2024. Therefore, results of Fresenius Helios and accordingly of the Fresenius Group for Q2/24 and Q2/23 are adjusted.

Note on the growth rates Fresenius Kabi 

Growth rates in constant currency of Fresenius Kabi are adjusted. Adjustments relate to the hyperinflation in Argentina. Accordingly, in constant currency growth rates of the Fresenius Group are also adjusted. 

Note on the Vamed exit

Due to the application of IFRS 5, the prior year and prior quarter figures of the current year have been adjusted in the consolidated statement of income and the consolidated statement of cash flows. Vamed’s High-End-Services (HES) which offers services for Fresenius Helios and other hospitals, will be transferred to Fresenius and is included under Corporate / Other in the Group consolidated segment reporting. Details on the financial and accounting implications of the Vamed exit and the portfolio adjustments at Fresenius Helios are available on our website.

Conference call and Audio webcast 

As part of the publication of the results for Q2/24, a conference call will be held on July 31, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. CEST (7:30 a.m. EDT). All investors are cordially invited to follow the conference call in a live audio webcast at https://www.fresenius.com/investors. Following the call, a replay will be available on our website.
 

Fresenius, via its operating company Fresenius Kabi, announced today the immediate availability of its biosimilar Tyenne® (tocilizumab-aazg) in a subcutaneous formulation in the U.S, continuing its (Bio)Pharma momentum.
With this launch Fresenius is increasing access to affordable and cost-effective treatment options for use in the treatment of chronic autoimmune diseases. This is another important milestone in accelerating the company’s strong (Bio)Pharma momentum, a substantial cornerstone of #FutureFresenius. Tyenne®, the company’s third biosimilar in the U.S., was launched in an intravenous (IV) formulation in April this year.

Fresenius, via its operating company Fresenius Kabi, announced today the immediate availability of its biosimilar Tyenne® (tocilizumab-aazg) in a subcutaneous formulation in the U.S, continuing its (Bio)Pharma momentum.
With this launch Fresenius is increasing access to affordable and cost-effective treatment options for use in the treatment of chronic autoimmune diseases. This is another important milestone in accelerating the company’s strong (Bio)Pharma momentum, a substantial cornerstone of #FutureFresenius. Tyenne®, the company’s third biosimilar in the U.S., was launched in an intravenous (IV) formulation in April this year.

Fresenius published its first Sustainability Highlights Report today. In the online report, the company presents its sustainability strategy, ambitions and highlights. In addition, the company reports on Scope 3 emissions for the first time, thereby creating full transparency across the entire value chain.

Fresenius published its first Sustainability Highlights Report today. In the online report, the company presents its sustainability strategy, ambitions and highlights. In addition, the company reports on Scope 3 emissions for the first time, thereby creating full transparency across the entire value chain. 

The rating agency S&P Global Ratings today revised the credit outlook for Fresenius SE from negative to stable. The rating was affirmed at BBB. In particular, S&P acknowledged Fresenius's improved operating performance, its simplified structure and capacity to deliver on its profitable growth plans.

"The revised outlook is further proof that #FutureFresenius is paying off. It confirms our focus on profitable growth, liquidity, and capital efficiency. Based on the operational strength of our operating companies Fresenius Kabi and Fresenius Helios, we expect to be within our self-imposed leverage target corridor by year end," said Fresenius CFO Sara Hennicken.

Fresenius is rated investment grade by the three leading rating agencies S&P Global Ratings (BBB/stable), Moody's (Baa3/stable) and Fitch (BBB-/stable). The company expects that it will be within its self-imposed leverage corridor of 3.0 to 3.5x net debt/EBITDA  by the end of 2024.

¹ At expected average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures; excluding further potential acquisitions/divestitures; before special items; including lease liabilities and Fresenius Medical Care dividend

The rating agency S&P Global Ratings today revised the credit outlook for Fresenius SE from negative to stable. The rating was affirmed at BBB. In particular, S&P acknowledged Fresenius's improved operating performance, its simplified structure and capacity to deliver on its profitable growth plans.

"The revised outlook is further proof that #FutureFresenius is paying off. It confirms our focus on profitable growth, liquidity, and capital efficiency. Based on the operational strength of our operating companies Fresenius Kabi and Fresenius Helios, we expect to be within our self-imposed leverage target corridor by year end," said Fresenius CFO Sara Hennicken.

Fresenius is rated investment grade by the three leading rating agencies S&P Global Ratings (BBB/stable), Moody's (Baa3/stable) and Fitch (BBB-/stable). The company expects that it will be within its self-imposed leverage corridor of 3.0 to 3.5x net debt/EBITDA¹ by the end of 2024.

¹ At expected average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures; excluding further potential acquisitions/divestitures; before special items; including lease liabilities and Fresenius Medical Care dividend

• Improving Fresenius Helios outlook for FY/24 – Expecting mid-single-digit revenue growth and an EBIT margin of 10% to 11% in FY/24
• Raising ambition level for Fresenius Helios within Fresenius Financial Framework – Targeting organic revenue growth of 4% to 6% p.a. as well as structural EBIT margin band of 10% to 12% 
• System-critical and stable businesses – Helios Germany’s and Quirónsalud’s patient-centric, reliable and market-leading provider network driving steady capital-efficient organic growth and consistent cash-flow generation
• Digital and data strategy – Bringing new tools and technologies, such as AI, to clinical practice and tapping opportunities to leverage proprietary data to boost treatment outcomes 
• Key value drivers – Clustering and specialization, outpatient integration, and emergency care provision in Germany; technology-focused improvements, enhanced physician value proposition, and selective network expansion in Spain

At its Capital Markets Day in London, global healthcare company Fresenius today presented a strategy update for its Care Provision Platform and improved the outlook for its Operating Company Fresenius Helios. For FY/24, Fresenius Helios now expects organic revenue to grow in a mid-single digit percentage range (previous: low-to-mid-single-digit percentage range) and targets an EBIT margin of 10 to 11% (previous: within structural margin band of 9% to 11%). Furthermore, Fresenius raised its ambition level for Fresenius Helios within the Fresenius Financial Framework, and now targets an annual organic revenue growth of 4% to 6% (previous: 3% to 5%) as well as a structural margin band of 10% to 12% (previous: 9% to 11%). The ambition is to grow EBIT stronger than revenue, hence, underlining accelerated profitable growth. Fresenius Helios further sharpens its focus on optimizing net working capital to improve its sustainable cash flow generation. The expected acceleration of organic revenue growth, targeted productivity improvements, enhanced profitability and rigorous capital allocation measures are contributing to Fresenius Group’s ambition to improve its Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) and its deleveraging efforts.

The improved expectations follow a strong start into 2024 and are based on the key elements and drivers of Fresenius Helios’ growth strategy, which Fresenius outlined to analysts and investors today. The main growth drivers at Helios in Germany are an extended medical cluster & specialization strategy, further improved outpatient integration and a boost of the emergency care provision. At Quirónsalud, the main growth drivers are technology-focused improvements, various physician support initiatives, as well as a selective network expansion. Fresenius Helios is Europe's leading private healthcare provider. It operates around 140 hospitals and more than 400 outpatient facilities under its brands Helios in Germany and Quirónsalud in Spain and Colombia. 

Fresenius CEO Michael Sen said: “As a leading therapy-focused company, we are shaping the future of healthcare, which will be digital, data-driven, personalized and human.  And this is where our strength lies. We are close to the patients. We are Committed to Life. That is the promise we have made with #FutureFresenius. And we are a simpler and stronger company today. Our sharpened focus on our Operating Companies is paying off. The strong and reliable growth momentum of our Care Provision Platform gives us confidence which is why we are improving the outlook for Fresenius Helios for the full year.”

Hospital markets growing
Hospital markets in Germany and Spain are growing steadily and reliably. In Germany, the total hospital market in 2023 was around €120 billion. It is expected to grow by 3% to 4% per year until 2027, driven by supportive demographic trends including an aging population and inflation-related base rate adjustments. Furthermore, Helios Germany sees itself well positioned to benefit from the planned hospital reform, which fosters hospital network concentration, specialization and a stronger integration of inpatient and outpatient care. 

In Spain, where there are distinct public and private healthcare systems, the private provider segment accounted for 20% (€21 billion) of total provider expenditures in 2023 and is expected to grow at an average rate of 4% to 5% annually until 2027. This growth is – like in Germany – also driven by demographic factors, and price adjustments, but also by a continued uptake of private health insurances due to public system pressure, resulting in a growing demand for private provider offerings.

Robert Möller, member of the Fresenius Management Board and CEO of Fresenius Helios, said: “Providing world-class care and high-quality medical outcomes is key to our success. We lead in two steadily growing and highly attractive markets, representing roughly 30% of the EU's total population. It makes us number one in European healthcare provision, and it makes us critical for the systems we serve. With our proven focus on superior medical outcome quality, highly efficient care provision and strong digital and data capabilities, we are well positioned in both countries to drive steady, value-accretive growth.”

Growth strategies for Germany and Spain
In Germany, Helios will further drive its strategy of grouping its hospitals into highly specialized clusters, whereby two to five hospitals in geographic proximity form one multi-site hospital system. Experience shows that these clusters deliver higher medical quality, efficiency and growth by consolidating and better aligning medical and administrative activities as well as promoting specialization among the locations.  The cluster and specialization strategy therefore is also well aligned with current and expected future regulatory changes in Germany. This also applies to the stronger integration of inpatient and outpatient care, which Helios expects to support with its own network of around 230 outpatient centers and strong relationships with external partners. These allow for seamless patient journeys and a closer collaboration between physicians resulting in improved patient experience and medical outcome quality. 

Quirónsalud in Spain focuses on its core hospital operations and continued value creation based on its leadership position and solid market fundamentals. The Spanish hospital market is highly attractive with a growing private healthcare segment, providing tailwinds to Quirónsalud’s steady and resilient growth going forward. Focus of Quirónsalud will be on further improving clinical pathways, leveraging digital capabilities to optimize processes and performance as well as to boost patient care quality. Already today, Quirónsalud has an outstanding positioning in digitalization in Spain with more than 6 million registered patient portal users and large parts of the patient journey being already fully digitalized. In addition, Quirónsalud will drive value from strengthening its value proposition to attract and retain best-in-market talents as well as in engaging selective network expansion.

Digitalization as enabler to boost medical outcome quality
Given their commitment to highest medical quality, Helios Germany and Quirónsalud highly focus on outcome quality and its continuous further improvement by measurement against internal and external benchmarks. Helios in Germany, for example, delivers better quality performance versus the market average in 89% of its cases and has a patient satisfaction rate of 96%. Meanwhile Quirónsalud is the first private group worldwide to earn the JCI accreditation for healthcare quality at the corporate level and has a 90% patient satisfaction rate. Both Helios Germany and Quirónsalud are currently rolling out a structured benchmarking program to intensify cross company comparison and best practice sharing from best performing hospitals, setting the benchmark for all hospitals in the group.

Leveraging medical data, analytics and AI will further promote improved medical outcomes as well as personalized care and better patient experience. Fresenius Helios aims to systematically utilize medical and clinical data to improve treatment quality and outcomes, as well as unlock experience and efficiency gains for its patients, its people, and its performance at the same time. The clear aim is to have all relevant clinical decision-making supported by digital assistance in the mid-term. 

ESG: Zero CO2 emissions by 2040
Fresenius Helios reiterates its ambitious ESG targets across its business activities with clearly defined tracking and connection to management remuneration. Its ESG strategy holistically aims to serve patients, people and the planet and is reflected in respective KPIs. Initiatives focused on patients include the Inpatient Quality Indicator and ISO certifications of Helios hospitals, for instance. The efforts for its people are, for example, captured with the People Engagement Index, reflecting initiatives like employee training. With regard to its planet commitment, Fresenius Helios’ key ambition is to reduce CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030 and to zero by 2040.

Webcast 
Presentations will be held on June 5, 2024, starting at 11:30 a.m. CEDT. You are cordially invited to follow the Capital Markets Day in a live webcast at https://www.fresenius.com/capital-markets-day. After the event, a replay will be available on our website.