Strong demand for biopharmaceuticals and rising patient volumes at its clinics provided tailwinds for healthcare group Fresenius at the start of the year. Adjusted operating profit (Ebit) rose by 4% to 678 million euros in the first quarter, the company announced on Wednesday. However, analysts had expected more, with an average forecast of nearly 682 million euros. Revenue increased by 2% to 5.74 billion euros, with Fresenius achieving organic growth of 5%. On the bottom line, net income climbed 11% to 460 million euros, aided by lower interest expenses and a reduced tax rate.

At its hospital subsidiary Helios, the Bad Homburg-based firm benefited from higher treatment numbers in Germany and Spain as well as positive pricing effects. In the pharmaceutical and medical technology division Kabi, the successful launch of biosimilars in the U.S. and Europe more than offset headwinds from the Chinese market. For 2026, Fresenius continues to expect organic revenue growth of 4% to 7% and currency-adjusted growth in core earnings per share of 5% to 10%. In the first quarter, currency-adjusted earnings per share rose by 13% to 0.82 euros.

(Reporting by Patricia Weiss, edited by Myria Mildenberger. For inquiries, please contact our editorial team at berlin.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com (for politics and economics) or frankfurt.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com (for companies and markets).)