Fresenius Medical Care accelerates income growth to 23% in the second quarter of 2026 while advancing its strategic agenda
Rhea-AI Summary
Fresenius Medical Care (FMS) reported Q2 2026 revenue of EUR 4,861 million, up 1% year-on-year (+5% organic) with growth in all operating segments. Operating income rose 10% to EUR 466 million, while operating income excluding special items increased 20% to EUR 569 million, expanding the margin2 to 11.7%.
Net income declined 3% to EUR 218 million, but net income excluding special items grew 13% to EUR 303 million. Basic EPS increased 6% to EUR 0.81, and EPS excluding special items rose 24% to EUR 1.13, supported by share buybacks. Operating cash flow grew 11% to EUR 860 million; free cash flow was stable at EUR 625 million.
The FME25+ program delivered EUR 67 million additional sustainable savings in Q2, with around 100 U.S. clinics exited and related EUR 42 million special costs. The company cancelled 24.8 million shares (8.5% of capital) and began a second buyback of about EUR 1 billion. Fresenius Medical Care reaffirmed its 2026 outlook for broadly flat revenue and operating income2 within a mid-single digit range at constant currency, excluding special items.
Positive
- Organic revenue growth 5% in Q2 2026 with all segments contributing
- Operating income excl. special items +20% in Q2; margin2 up to 11.7%
- EPS excl. special items +24% in Q2 2026 to EUR 1.13
- Operating cash flow +11% in Q2 to EUR 860 million; +16% in H1
- Share buybacks cancelled 24.8 million shares (8.5% of capital) and launched ~EUR 1 billion new program
- FME25+ savings EUR 67 million in Q2; target EUR 250 million in 2026 and EUR 1.2 billion by end of 2027
Negative
- Reported net income -3% in Q2 2026 and -11% in H1 year-on-year
- Group revenue H1 2026 -2% year-on-year despite positive constant-currency growth
- Clinic footprint optimization included exiting around 100 U.S. dialysis clinics in 2026
- Special items include EUR 71 million impact related to TAVNEOS marketing authorization revocation
- Total net debt and lease liabilities increased 6% year-on-year to EUR 9,902 million
News Explained
By June 30, the second buyback had repurchased 0.9% of issued shares for EUR94 million, while net debt and leases stood at EUR9,902 million.
The company’s second share-buyback program had moved from announcement to execution: by
The U.S. 5008X CAREsystem rollout had reached 227 clinics and more than 600,000 treatments; around
At
The first buyback tranche is planned to end on
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
- Organic revenue growth1 of
5% with growth in all operating segments - Operating income2 grew by
23% , resulting in further margin expansion to11.7% - Reported operating income grew by
10% and reported net income3 decreased by3% - Earnings per share2 (EPS) increased by
28% , supported by the share buyback program - 227
U.S . clinics converted to the 5008X CAREsystem with more than 600,000 treatments4 - Reaffirms FY 2026 outlook
BAD HOMBURG,
Key figures Q2 and H1 2026 (unaudited)
Q2 2026 | Q2 2025 | Growth | Growth | H1 2026 | H1 2025 | Growth | Growth | |
EUR m | EUR m | yoy | yoy, cc | EUR m | EUR m | yoy | yoy, cc | |
Revenue | 4,861 | 4,792 | 1 % | 4 % | 9,473 | 9,673 | -2 % | 3 % |
Operating income | 466 | 425 | 10 % | 15 % | 752 | 757 | -1 % | 5 % |
excl. special items2 | 569 | 476 | 20 % | 23 % | 1,036 | 933 | 11 % | 17 % |
Net income3 | 218 | 225 | -3 % | 3 % | 336 | 376 | -11 % | -6 % |
excl. special items2 | 303 | 268 | 13 % | 17 % | 553 | 514 | 8 % | 13 % |
Basic EPS (EUR) | 0.81 | 0.77 | 6 % | 13 % | 1.24 | 1.28 | -4 % | 1 % |
excl. special items2 | 1.13 | 0.91 | 24 % | 28 % | 2.04 | 1.75 | 16 % | 22 % |
yoy = year-on-year, cc = at constant currency, EPS = earnings per share |
Progress on FME Reignite
Fresenius Medical Care, the world's leading provider of products and services for individuals with renal disease, continues the focused execution of its FME Reignite strategy. The strategy focuses on strengthening core operations, driving profitable growth and innovation, and advancing the company culture.
After initiating the large-scale launch of the innovative 5008X CAREsystem in the
During the second quarter of 2026, the FME25+ transformation program delivered
As part of the capital allocation framework, share buyback programs complement shareholder returns through dividends. Upon successful completion of the initial share buyback program on April 30, all 24.8 million repurchased shares were cancelled, thereby reducing the share capital by
Solid organic revenue growth driven by all operating segments
In the second quarter of 2026, Group revenue increased by
Care Delivery revenue increased by
In Care Delivery
In Care Delivery International, revenue increased by
Value-Based Care revenue increased by
Care Enablement revenue increased by
Within Inter-segment eliminations5, revenue for services provided and products transferred between the operating segments at fair market value came in at negative
In the first half of 2026, Group revenue decreased by
Significant earnings growth and margin expansion
In the second quarter of 2026, Group operating income increased by
Operating income in Care Delivery increased by
Operating income in Value-Based Care improved to
Operating income in Care Enablement increased by
Operating income for Corporate amounted to a loss of
In the first half of 2026, Group operating income decreased by
Net income3 decreased by
In the first half of 2026, net income3 decreased by
Basic earnings per share (EPS) increased by
In the first half of 2026, basic EPS decreased by
Strong operating cash flow, net leverage ratio stable around lower end of target corridor
In the second quarter of 2026, operating cash flow increased by
Free cash flow6 remained stable at
Total net debt and lease liabilities increased by
Patients, clinics and employees
As of June 30, 2026, Fresenius Medical Care treated 289,610 patients in 3,513 dialysis clinics worldwide and had 107,226 employees globally.
Outlook 2026 reaffirmed
In 2026, Fresenius Medical Care expects revenue growth1 to be broadly flat compared to prior year. The company expects operating income2 to remain on a consistent level, with a range between a positive and negative mid-single digit percent growth rate compared to prior year.
The expected growth rates for 2026 are at constant currency and excluding special items in operating income. The 2025 basis for the revenue outlook is
Investor conference call
Fresenius Medical Care will host a conference call for analysts and investors to discuss the results of the second quarter, on August 4, 2026, at 10 a.m. CEST / 4:00 a.m. EDT. Details are available on the Fresenius Medical Care website in the "Investors" section. A replay and a transcript will be available shortly after the call.
Please refer to our statement of earnings included at the end of this press release and to the attachments as separate PDF files for a complete overview of the results of the second quarter of 2026. Our form 6-K disclosure provides more details.
About Fresenius Medical Care:
Fresenius Medical Care is the world's leading provider of products and services for individuals with renal diseases of which around 4.5 million patients worldwide regularly undergo dialysis treatment. Through its network of 3,513 dialysis clinics, Fresenius Medical Care provides dialysis treatments for approx. 290,000 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, 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's reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Fresenius Medical Care does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.
The CONVINCE study was exclusively supported by the European Commission Research & Innovation, Horizon 2020, Call H2020-SC1-2016-2017 under the topic SC1-PM-10-2017: Comparing the effectiveness of existing healthcare interventions in the adult population (grant no 754803).
1 | At constant currency, adjusted for certain reconciling items including revenue from acquisitions, closed or sold operations and differences in dialysis days |
2 | Adjusted for special items; growth rate at constant currency (if not stated otherwise); for further details please see the reconciliation attached to the press release |
3 | Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius Medical Care AG |
4 | Data as of July 24, 2026 |
5 | The company transfers products from the Care Enablement segment to the Care Delivery segment at fair market value. Services provided by the Care Delivery segment for patients managed under the Value-Based Care segment are also provided at fair market value. The associated internal revenues and expenses and all other consolidation of transactions are included within "Inter-segment eliminations". |
6 | Net cash provided by / used in operating activities, after capital expenditures, before acquisitions, investments, and dividends |
Statement of earnings | ||||
Three months ended June 30, | ||||
in € million, except share data, unaudited | 2026 | 2025 | Change | Change |
Revenue | 4,861 | 4,792 | 1.4 % | 3.6 % |
Costs of revenue | 3,551 | 3,577 | -0.7 % | 1.3 % |
Selling, general and administrative expense | 736 | 792 | -7.1 % | -5.8 % |
Research and development expense | 40 | 38 | 4.0 % | 4.9 % |
(Income) loss from equity method investees | 41 | (45) | n.a. | n.a. |
Other operating income | (208) | (343) | -39.5 % | -39.3 % |
Other operating expense | 235 | 348 | -32.3 % | -33.5 % |
Operating income | 466 | 425 | 9.5 % | 15.3 % |
Operating income excl. special items1 | 569 | 476 | 19.6 % | 23.5 % |
Interest expense, net | 83 | 75 | 10.9 % | 12.3 % |
Income before taxes | 383 | 350 | 9.3 % | 15.9 % |
Income tax expense | 90 | 78 | 14.8 % | 22.2 % |
Net income | 293 | 272 | 7.7 % | 14.1 % |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 75 | 47 | 59.0 % | 65.6 % |
Net income2 | 218 | 225 | -3.1 % | 3.4 % |
Net income2 excl. special items1 | 303 | 268 | 13.1 % | 16.8 % |
Weighted average number of shares | 268,438,292 | 293,413,449 | ||
Basic earnings per share | 6.0 % | 13.0 % | ||
Basic earnings per share excl. special items1 | 23.6 % | 27.7 % | ||
In percent of revenue | ||||
Operating income margin | 9.6 % | 8.9 % | ||
Operating income margin excl. special items1 | 11.7 % | 9.9 % | ||
1 For a reconciliation of special items, please refer to the table at the end of the press release. | ||||
2 Attributable to shareholders of FME AG. | ||||
Statement of earnings | ||||
Six months ended June 30, | ||||
in € million, except share data, unaudited | 2026 | 2025 | Change | Change |
Revenue | 9,473 | 9,673 | -2.1 % | 3.3 % |
Costs of revenue | 6,983 | 7,275 | -4.0 % | 1.5 % |
Selling, general and administrative expense | 1,485 | 1,543 | -3.7 % | 0.8 % |
Research and development expense | 78 | 82 | -4.5 % | -1.7 % |
(Income) loss from equity method investees | 0 | (93) | -99.9 % | -99.9 % |
Other operating income | (366) | (484) | -24.4 % | -23.5 % |
Other operating expense | 541 | 593 | -9.1 % | -6.3 % |
Operating income | 752 | 757 | -0.6 % | 4.6 % |
Operating income excl. special items1 | 1,036 | 933 | 11.1 % | 16.8 % |
Interest expense, net | 162 | 155 | 3.9 % | 9.0 % |
Income before taxes | 590 | 602 | -1.8 % | 3.4 % |
Income tax expense | 133 | 139 | -4.8 % | -0.1 % |
Net income | 457 | 463 | -0.9 % | 4.5 % |
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 121 | 87 | 42.9 % | 52.6 % |
Net income2 | 336 | 376 | -10.8 % | -6.4 % |
Net income2 excl. special items1 | 553 | 514 | 7.6 % | 12.8 % |
Weighted average number of shares | 271,823,512 | 293,413,449 | ||
Basic earnings per share | -3.7 % | 1.0 % | ||
Basic earnings per share excl. special items1 | 16.2 % | 21.8 % | ||
In percent of revenue | ||||
Operating income margin | 7.9 % | 7.8 % | ||
Operating income margin excl. special items1 | 10.9 % | 9.6 % | ||
1 For a reconciliation of special items, please refer to the table at the end of the press release. | ||||
2 Attributable to shareholders of FME AG. | ||||
Reconciliation of non-IFRS financial measures to the most directly comparable IFRS | ||||
Three months ended June 30, | Six months ended June 30, | |||
in € million, unaudited | 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 |
Operating performance excl. special items | ||||
These items are excluded to ensure comparability of the | ||||
Revenue | 4,861 | 4,792 | 9,473 | 9,673 |
Operating income | 466 | 425 | 752 | 757 |
FME25+ Program | 42 | 53 | 208 | 80 |
Legacy Portfolio Optimization1 | (3) | 6 | 9 | 30 |
Legal Form Conversion Costs | — | 1 | — | 1 |
Humacyte Remeasurements | (7) | (9) | (4) | 65 |
Tavneos Impacts2 | 71 | — | 71 | — |
Sum of special items | 103 | 51 | 284 | 176 |
Operating income excl. special items | 569 | 476 | 1,036 | 933 |
Net income3 | 218 | 225 | 336 | 376 |
FME25+ Program | 31 | 39 | 155 | 59 |
Legacy Portfolio Optimization1 | (9) | 10 | (2) | 29 |
Legal Form Conversion Costs | — | 1 | — | 1 |
Humacyte Remeasurements | (4) | (7) | (3) | 49 |
Tavneos Impacts2 | 67 | — | 67 | — |
Sum of special items | 85 | 43 | 217 | 138 |
Net income3 excl. special items | 303 | 268 | 553 | 514 |
1 2026: mainly related to costs associated with the 2025 divestiture of select assets of FME AG's wholly owned Spectra Laboratories; 2025: mainly related to the proposed divestiture of select assets of FME AG's wholly owned Spectra Laboratories as well as the proposed divestitures in | ||||
2 The impacts from the recommended revocation of the TAVNEOS® marketing authorization which led primarily to an impairment of intangible assets recorded by Vifor Fresenius Medical Care Renal Pharma Ltd., resulting in a negative impact on FME AG's income (loss) from equity method investees. | ||||
3 Attributable to shareholders of FME AG. |
Media contact
Christine Peters
T +49 160 60 66 770
Christine.Peters@FreseniusMedicalCare.com
Contact for analysts and investors
Dr. Dominik Heger
T +49 6172 609 2525
Dominik.Heger@FreseniusMedicalCare.com
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SOURCE Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.