Fresenius Medical Care delivers on commitments in a year of fundamental transformation
- Revenue growth of 5% in 2023 driven by favorable business development
- Operating income growth of 15% exceeding top end of outlook range
- Successful execution of turnaround plan resulting in labor productivity improvements
- Several key divestments announced as part of Portfolio Optimization Program
- Strong cash flow performance and reduced net financial leverage ratio
- Dividend of €1.19 per share proposed
- Continued revenue growth and accelerated operating income growth projected for 2024
- None.
Insights
Assessing Fresenius Medical Care's financial results, a notable increase in operating income and free cash flow stands out, indicative of effective cost management and operational efficiency. The FME25 savings program appears to be progressing ahead of schedule, contributing to a stronger bottom line. The dividend increase reflects confidence in the company's financial health and a commitment to shareholder returns. However, the decline in net income warrants attention, as it could impact investor sentiment and future dividend sustainability. The reduction in net financial leverage is a positive sign, indicating prudent capital management and potential for increased investment or further debt reduction.
Fresenius Medical Care's strategic divestments align with a broader industry trend towards portfolio optimization, which is aimed at shedding non-core assets to focus on more profitable areas. This move could enhance long-term shareholder value by improving operational focus and potentially reallocating capital to high-growth opportunities. The company's focus on sustainability and commitment to the Science Based Targets Initiative may resonate with the growing segment of ESG-conscious investors, potentially impacting stock market performance as ESG factors become increasingly integrated into investment decisions.
The reported labor productivity improvements in Care Delivery and positive pricing in Care Enablement suggest operational advancements that could enhance the company's competitive position within the renal care market. The emphasis on high-quality care, reflected in a high Net Promoter Score, is crucial in the healthcare industry, where patient outcomes and satisfaction can directly influence financial performance through reimbursement rates and patient retention. The company's ability to adapt to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 on patient volumes demonstrates resilience and may be a bellwether for future performance in a post-pandemic landscape.
- Revenue growth of
5% in 2023 driven by favorable business development - Operating income1 growth of
15% exceeding top end of outlook range, due to business growth, FME25 savings ahead of plan and contributions from the Tricare settlement - Successful execution on turnaround plan resulting in significant labor productivity improvements in Care Delivery and positive pricing in Care Enablement
- Several key divestments announced as part of the ongoing Portfolio Optimization Program
- Strong cash flow performance and net financial leverage ratio reduced
- Dividend of
€1.19 per share proposed - For 2024 continued revenue growth and accelerated operating income growth projected
BAD HOMBURG,
Key figures (IFRS) | ||||||||
Q4 2023 | Q4 2022 | Growth | Growth | FY 2023 | FY 2022 | Growth | Growth | |
EUR m | EUR m | yoy | yoy, cc | EUR m | EUR m | yoy | yoy, cc | |
Revenue | 4,988 | 4,997 | 0 % | +7 % | 19,454 | 19,398 | 0 % | +5 % |
Operating | 4c28 | 352 | +22 % | +27 % | 1,369 | 1,512 | -9 % | -7 % |
excl. special | 555 | 489 | +14 % | +18 % | 1,741 | 1,540 | +13 % | +15 % |
Net income2 | 188 | 139 | +35 % | +41 % | 499 | 673 | -26 % | -24 % |
excl. special | 259 | 248 | +4 % | +8 % | 756 | 729 | +4 % | +6 % |
Basic EPS | 0.64 | 0.47 | +35 % | +41 % | 1.70 | 2.30 | -26 % | -24 % |
excl. special | 0.88 | 0.85 | +4 % | +8 % | 2.58 | 2.49 | +4 % | +6 % |
yoy = year-on-year, cc = at constant currency, EPS = earnings per share |
Successful execution against the strategic plan
Fresenius Medical Care, the world's leading provider of products and services for individuals with renal diseases, successfully finished a year of significant transformation.
Structure: During fiscal year 2023, Fresenius Medical Care continuously advanced its structural change. After implementing the new operating model along with the corresponding new financial reporting at the start of the year, it ended with the successful completion of its change of legal form into a German stock corporation. Through this change, a simplified corporate governance structure gives the Company more flexibility and autonomy and strengthens the role of the free float shareholders.
Operational efficiency: In 2023, the company successfully executed on its operational efficiency improvement and turnaround plans. The FME25 transformation program reached annual sustainable savings of
Portfolio Optimization: Fresenius Medical Care announced several key divestments as part of the strategy to execute on its portfolio optimization program to exit non-core and dilutive assets. The divestments of National Cardiovascular Partners in the
Capital Allocation: During 2023, Fresenius Medical Care strictly followed its disciplined financial policy. A significant increase of +
Sustainability: Fresenius Medical Care continued to make progress towards its Sustainability goals. Underscoring the Company's focus on high quality care, the patients' overall satisfaction with our services measured by the Net Promoter Score of 72 was at an even higher level than in previous years. With its recent submission of the commitment letter to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), the Company underlines its goal to achieve climate neutrality in its operations by 2040 in line with the Paris Agreement.
Revenue development driven by solid organic growth
In the fourth quarter 2023, revenue remained flat with
Care Delivery revenue remained flat with
In Care Delivery
In Care Delivery International, revenue declined by
+
Care Enablement revenue declined slightly by
Within Inter-segment eliminations3, revenue for products transferred between the operating segments at fair market value declined by
In full year 2023, revenue was stable at
Earnings development driven by labor productivity improvements and FME25 savings
In the fourth quarter 2023, operating income increased by
Operating income in Care Delivery rose by
Operating income in Care Enablement amounted to
Operating income for Corporate amounted to
In the full year 2023, operating income decreased by
Net income2 increased by
In the full year 2023, net income2 declined by
Basic earnings per share (EPS) increased by
In the full year 2023, EPS declined by
Strong cash flow development
Fresenius Medical Care increased its operating cash flow by
Free cash flow4 increased by
Patients, clinics and employees
As of December 31, 2023, Fresenius Medical Care treated 332,548 patients in 3,925 dialysis clinics worldwide and had 119,845 employees (headcount) globally, compared to 128,044 employees as of December 31, 2022.
Outlook5
In 2024, Fresenius Medical Care expects revenue to grow by a low- to mid-single digit percent rate compared to prior year.
The Company expects operating income to grow by a mid- to high-teens percent rate compared to prior year.
The expected growth rates for 2024 are at constant currency, excluding special items. The 2023 basis for the revenue outlook is
The Company reconfirms its targets to achieve an operating income margin of
Press conference
Fresenius Medical Care will host a press conference to discuss the strategic outlook and full year 2023 results on February 20, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. CET / 4:00 a.m. EST. The press conference will be webcasted in the "Media" section (Link: Events | Fresenius Medical Care). A replay will be available shortly after the conference.
Investor conference call
Fresenius Medical Care will host a conference call to discuss the results of the fourth quarter and full year 2023 on February 20, 2024, at 02:00 p.m. CET / 08:00 a.m. EST. Details will be available on the Fresenius Medical Care website in the "Investors" section (Link: Publications | Fresenius Medical Care). A replay will be available shortly after the call.
Please refer to our statement of earnings included at the end of this news and to the attachments as separate PDF files for a complete overview of the results of the fourth quarter and full year 2023. Our 20-F disclosure provides more details.
Fresenius Medical Care is the world's leading provider of products and services for individuals with renal diseases of which around 4.1 million patients worldwide regularly undergo dialysis treatment. Through its network of 3,925 dialysis clinics, Fresenius Medical Care provides dialysis treatments for approx. 333,000 patients around the globe. Fresenius Medical Care is also the leading provider of dialysis products such as dialysis machines or dialyzers. Fresenius Medical Care is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FME) and on the New York Stock Exchange (FMS).
For more information visit the Company's website at www.freseniusmedicalcare.com.
Disclaimer:
This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to various factors, including, but not limited to, changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, legal changes, regulatory approvals, impacts related to COVID-19, results of clinical studies, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. These and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in Fresenius Medical Care AG's reports filed with the
Implementation of measures as presented herein may be subject to information and consultation procedures with works councils and other employee representative bodies, as per local laws and practice. Consultation procedures may lead to changes on proposed measures.
1 For FY 2022, special items included costs related to the FME25 program, the impact of the war in
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius Medical Care AG
3 The Company transfers products between segments at fair market value. The associated internal revenues and expenses and all other consolidation of transactions are included within "Inter-segment eliminations".
4 Net cash provided by / used in operating activities, after capital expenditures, before acquisitions, investments, and dividends
5 Revenue and operating income, as referred to in the outlook, are both on a constant currency basis and excluding special items.
Special items include effects that are unusual in nature and have not been foreseeable or not foreseeable in size or impact at the time of providing the outlook. The growth rates are based on the results 2023 excluding the costs related to the FME25 program (
Media contact
Christine Peters
T +49 160 6066 770
christine.peters@freseniusmedicalcare.com
Contact for analysts
and investors
Dr. Dominik Heger
T +49 6172 609-2601
dominik.heger@freseniusmedicalcare.com
Statement of earnings | ||||
in € million, except share data | Three months ended December 31, | |||
2023 | 2022 | Change | Change | |
Revenue | 4,988 | 4,997 | -0.2 % | 7.4 % |
Costs of revenue | 3,638 | 3,766 | -3.4 % | 4.2 % |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 845 | 805 | 5.0 % | 10.9 % |
Research and development expenses | 66 | 62 | 6.3 % | 8.1 % |
Income from equity method investees | (23) | (19) | 21.3 % | 21.8 % |
Other operating income | (257) | (152) | 68.7 % | 87.3 % |
Other operating expense | 291 | 185 | 57.7 % | 85.3 % |
Remeasurement Gain from InterWell Health | — | (2) | ||
Operating income | 428 | 352 | 21.5 % | 27.4 % |
Operating income excl. special items and PRF | 555 | 489 | 13.7 % | 18.4 % |
Interest expense, net | 85 | 75 | 12.3 % | 15.4 % |
Income before taxes | 343 | 277 | 24.0 % | 30.7 % |
Income tax expense | 86 | 83 | 4.1 % | 13.0 % |
Net income | 257 | 194 | 32.6 % | 38.2 % |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 69 | 55 | 25.4 % | 31.1 % |
Net income1 | 188 | 139 | 35.4 % | 41.1 % |
Net income1 excl. special items and PRF | 259 | 248 | 4.4 % | 8.0 % |
Weighted average number of shares | 293,413,449 | 293,413,449 | ||
Basic earnings per share | 35.4 % | 41.1 % | ||
Basic earnings per share excl. special items and PRF | 4.4 % | 8.0 % | ||
In percent of revenue | ||||
Operating income margin | 8.6 % | 7.0 % | ||
Operating income margin excl. special items and PRF | 11.1 % | 9.8 % |
1 Attributable to shareholders of FME AG. | ||||
For a reconciliation of special items, please refer to the table at the end of the press release. |
Statement of earnings | ||||
in € million, except share data | Twelve months ended December 31, | |||
2023 | 2022 | Change | Change | |
Revenue | 19,454 | 19,398 | 0.3 % | 5.5 % |
Costs of revenue | 14,529 | 14,504 | 0.2 % | 5.6 % |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 3,196 | 3,170 | 0.8 % | 4.5 % |
Research and development expenses | 232 | 229 | 1.5 % | 2.5 % |
Income from equity method investees | (122) | (67) | 83.0 % | 83.2 % |
Other operating income | (515) | (550) | -6.3 % | 7.0 % |
Other operating expense | 765 | 748 | 2.2 % | 22.0 % |
Remeasurement Gain from InterWell Health | — | (148) | ||
Operating income | 1,369 | 1,512 | -9.4 % | -7.5 % |
Operating income excl. special items and PRF | 1,741 | 1,540 | 13.1 % | 15.5 % |
Interest expense, net | 336 | 292 | 15.0 % | 16.0 % |
Income before taxes | 1,033 | 1,220 | -15.3 % | -13.1 % |
Income tax expense | 301 | 325 | -7.5 % | -4.5 % |
Net income | 732 | 895 | -18.1 % | -16.2 % |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 233 | 222 | 5.7 % | 8.4 % |
Net income1 | 499 | 673 | -25.9 % | -24.3 % |
Net income1 excl. special items and PRF | 756 | 729 | 3.7 % | 5.8 % |
Weighted average number of shares | 293,413,449 | 293,246,430 | ||
Basic earnings per share | -25.9 % | -24.3 % | ||
Basic earnings per share excl. special items and PRF | 3.6 % | 5.8 % | ||
In percent of revenue | ||||
Operating income margin | 7.0 % | 7.8 % | ||
Operating income margin excl. special items and PRF | 8.9 % | 7.9 % |
1 Attributable to shareholders of FME AG. | ||||
For a reconciliation of special items, please refer to the table at the end of the press release. |
Reconciliation of non-IFRS financial measures to the most directly comparable IFRS Accounting Standards financial measures for comparability with the Company´s outlook | ||||
in € million | ||||
Three months ended December 31, | Twelve months ended December 31, | |||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |
Operating performance excl. special items | ||||
These items are excluded to ensure comparability of the figures presented with the Company's financial targets which have been defined excluding special items. | ||||
Revenue | 4,988 | 4,997 | 19,454 | 19,398 |
Operating income | 428 | 352 | 1,369 | 1,512 |
Special items: | ||||
FME25 Program | 52 | 95 | 153 | 204 |
Legal Form Conversion Costs | 17 | — | 30 | — |
Legacy Portfolio Optimization1 | 57 | — | 204 | — |
Humacyte Investment Remeasurement | 1 | 24 | (15) | 103 |
Net Gain Related to InterWell Health2 | — | 0 | — | (56) |
Ukraine War3 | — | 25 | — | 49 |
Hyperinflation in Turkiye | — | (1) | — | 5 |
Provider Relief Funding (PRF) | — | (6) | — | (277) |
Sum of special items and PRF | 127 | 137 | 372 | 28 |
Operating income excl. special items and PRF | 555 | 489 | 1,741 | 1,540 |
Net income4 | 188 | 139 | 499 | 673 |
Special items: | ||||
FME25 Program | 37 | 70 | 109 | 149 |
Legal Form Conversion Costs | 12 | — | 21 | — |
Legacy Portfolio Optimization1 | 21 | — | 138 | — |
Humacyte Investment Remeasurement | 1 | 18 | (11) | 76 |
Net Gain Related to InterWell Health2 | — | 1 | — | (37) |
Ukraine War3 | — | 26 | — | 47 |
Hyperinflation in Turkiye | — | (1) | — | 5 |
Provider Relief Funding | — | (5) | — | (184) |
Sum of special items and PRF | 71 | 109 | 257 | 56 |
Net income4 excl. special items and PRF | 259 | 248 | 756 | 729 |
1 Impacts mainly comprise the derecognition of capitalized development costs and the impairment of intangible assets (licenses and distribution rights) as well as termination costs (including certain contractual obligation expenses) related to a dialysis cycler development program which was discontinued in the first quarter of 2023 and other impacts related to agreed upon-divestitures in 2023. | ||||
2 Remeasurement gain of the investment, prior to the transaction, in InterWell Health LLC, the impairment of certain long-lived intangible assets belonging to Acumen Physician Solutions, LLC which was transferred to InterWell Health as part of the transaction and certain transaction-related costs. | ||||
3 Bad debt expense in | ||||
4 Attributable to shareholders of FME AG. |
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SOURCE Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
FAQ
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