- Growth in revenue and profit for the period
- Successful refinancing measures on the capital market
- Sustained positive outlook for fiscal year 2020/21
The PHOENIX group continued to increase revenue and profit for the period in the first three quarters of 2020/21 (February to October 2020) compared with the previous year, with revenue rising by 4.4 per cent or €0.9 billion to €21.0 billion (adjusted for foreign exchange rate effects: 6.2 per cent).
The profit for the period grew by 21.4 per cent to €166.5 million. The PHOENIX group’s total operating performance increased by 3.8 per cent compared with the previous year to €26.7 billion. Adjusted for foreign exchange rate effects, this corresponds to a rise of 5.3 per cent. This key figure, which is relevant to pharmaceutical wholesale, comprises revenue and handling for service charge. In the period from February to October 2020, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) showed growth of 9.9 per cent to €475.0 million. Equity remained stable at €2.9 billion.
Safeguarding healthcare
“We have continued to drive our business forward in the first nine months of the fiscal year, despite the coronavirus pandemic. It is thanks to the dedication of our 39,000 committed employees in wholesale and pharmacy retail that the PHOENIX group has been able to fulfil its important role in Europe’s healthcare system,” stressed Sven Seidel, Chief Executive Officer of PHOENIX Pharma SE, at the presentation of the quarterly results.
Refinancing measures
In August 2020, PHOENIX successfully placed a further bond on the capital market. The five-year bond with a volume of €400 million and an interest rate of 2.375 per cent is a key element of its long-term financing strategy. Promissory notes amounting to €200 million supplemented the company’s refinancing measures in October 2020.
Positive outlook
For fiscal year 2020/21, the PHOENIX group expects to strengthen its market position through organic growth and acquisitions. The healthcare provider anticipates an increase in revenue slightly above the growth of the European pharmaceutical markets. For profit before tax, the company forecasts a level above that of the previous year.
Key figures of PHOENIX Pharma SE compared with the same period of the previous year (rounded)
| 1st to 3rd quarter 2019/20 in €m | 1st to 3rd quarter 2020/21 in €m | |
| Total operating performance1 | 25.696,6 | 26.677,2 |
| Revenue | 20.106,4 | 20.981,7 |
| Total income2 | 2.156,4 | 2.252,3 |
| EBITDA | 432,3 | 475,0 |
| Profit before tax | 189,2 | 223,8 |
| Profit for the period | 137,2 | 166,5 |
| Equity3 | 2.906,2 | 2.875,1 |
| Equity ratio (in %)3 | 30,3 | 29,3 |
| Net debt3 | 2.567,1 | 2.415,2 |
(Balance sheet date 31/10/2020)
1 Total operating performance = revenue + handled volume (handling for service charge).
2 Total income = gross income + other operating income.
3 As at reporting dates 31/10/2019 and 31/10/2020.
