Fresenius Medical Q4 Earnings Beat Estimates, Revenues Up Y/Y

Core Insights - Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. (FMS) reported fourth-quarter 2024 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 48 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 17.1% and showing a year-over-year improvement of 2.1% [1] - The company's revenues reached $5.43 billion (EUR 5,085 million), surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.7%, with a year-over-year increase of 1.9% and 1.6% at constant currency [2] Revenue Details - Revenues were impacted by divestitures as part of a portfolio optimization plan, which affected revenue development by -250 basis points [2] - U.S. market revenues improved by 1.1% and 6.8% on an organic basis, driven by value-based care business and increased treatment volumes [4] - International sales declined by 10.3% reportedly and 9.7% at constant currency, but gained 3.6% organically, supported by higher reimbursement rates [6] Segmental Performance - The Care Delivery segment's revenues decreased by 0.8% year-over-year but increased by 6.3% organically [3] - The Care Enablement segment's revenues rose by 11.3% year-over-year, driven by solid volume development across regions [6] Margin Analysis - Gross profit declined by 5.9% year-over-year, with gross margin contracting by 207 basis points to 24.9% [7] - Adjusted operating income fell by 13.2% from the prior-year quarter, with the adjusted operating margin contracting by 131 basis points to 7.5% [7] Future Guidance - For 2025, Fresenius Medical expects positive revenue growth at a low-single-digit percent rate compared to the prior year, and operating income growth in the high-teens to high-twenties percent range [8] Strategic Initiatives - The FME25 transformation program delivered EUR 221 million in additional sustainable savings for 2024, exceeding the target of EUR 200 million [10] - The company plans to raise the target for sustainable annual savings to EUR 750 million by the end of 2025, with one-time costs estimated between EUR 700 million to EUR 750 million [10] - Continued divestment of noncore and dilutive assets is expected to enhance focus on core categories and improve cash resources [11]