Ad-hoc | 24 February 2005 07:32
Fresenius AG: 2004 Full Year Results
2004 Full Year Results
Fresenius AG: 2004 Full Year Results
Ad hoc announcement transmitted by DGAP.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Fresenius Group – Fiscal year 2004
Excellent financial results in 2004;
12th consecutive dividend increase proposed;
Positive outlook for 2005: 15 to 20 % net income growth projected
2004 was a very successful year for Fresenius.
Sales rose 8 % in constant currency and 3 % at actual exchange rates to EUR
7,271 million (2003: EUR 7,064 million).
EBIT increased 15 % in constant currency and 8 % at actual exchange rates to
EUR 845 million (2003: EUR 781 million).
Net income rose 55 % in constant currency and 46 % at actual exchange rates to
EUR 168 million (2003: EUR 115 million). Operating income growth at Fresenius
Medical Care and Fresenius Kabi was the key driver of this increase. In
addition, lower one-time expenses at Fresenius ProServe as well as lower Group
interest expenses had a positive impact. Excluding the one-time expenses at
Fresenius ProServe in 2003 and 2004 Group net income would have increased 25 %
in constant currency and 18 % at actual exchange rates.
Earnings per ordinary share rose to EUR 4.08 (2003: EUR 2.79). Earnings per
preference share rose to EUR 4.11 (2003: EUR 2.82).
The Management Board will propose to the Supervisory Board a 10 % dividend
increase to EUR 1.35 per ordinary share (2003: EUR 1.23) and EUR 1.38 per
preference share (2003: EUR 1.26), marking the 12th consecutive dividend
increase.
For 2005, Fresenius expects a constant currency sales increase of 6 to 9 %.
Net income is projected to grow by 15 to 20 % in constant currency. All
business segments are expected to contribute to this increase.
The Management Board
Bad Homburg v.d.H., February 24, 2005
Fresenius AG
Else-Kröner-Straße 1
61352 Bad Homburg v.d.H.
Deutschland
ISIN: DE0005785638 (MDAX); DE0005785604
WKN: 578563; 578560
Listed: Amtlicher Markt in Düsseldorf, Frankfurt (Prime Standard) und München;
Freiverkehr in Berlin-Bremen, Hamburg und Stuttgart
End of ad hoc announcement (c)DGAP 24.02.2005
240732 Feb 05