PHOENIX group achieves growth in the first quarter

Mannheim, 23 June 2020 – In the first quarter of fiscal year 2020/21 (30/04/2020), the PHOENIX group expanded its leading position in pharmaceutical wholesale and pharmacy retail.

“Particularly during the time of the coronavirus pandemic, we have proven our important contribution as a healthcare provider for Europe and ensured the reliable supply of medicines to millions of people,” said Sven Seidel, Chief Executive Officer of PHOENIX Pharma SE, at the presentation of the quarterly results.

  • Total operating performance and revenue significantly increased.
  • Profit for the period exceeds the previous year’s figure.
  • Positive outlook for fiscal year 2020/21.


Surge in revenue and earnings

The coronavirus pandemic has led to increased demand for medicines and health products, especially during March 2020. In the first three months of the fiscal year, the company improved its key financial figures. From February to April 2020, the PHOENIX group recorded growth in total operating performance to €9.2 billion. This key figure, which is relevant to pharmaceutical wholesale and comprises revenue and handled volume (handling for service charge), rose by 10.9 per cent compared with the same period of the previous year. Adjusted for foreign exchange rate effects, this increase amounted to 12.0 per cent. With activities in 27 European countries, the company’s revenue grew by 10.5 per cent compared with the previous year to €7.2 billion (adjusted for foreign exchange rate effects, an increase of 11.5 per cent).

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by €27.8 million to €168.9 million in the first quarter. This corresponds to an increase of 19.7 per cent. The profit for the period grew by 32.1 per cent versus the comparison period, amounting to €58.8 million. Equity rose by €1.6 million compared with 31 January 2020 to €2.8 billion.


Continued positive outlook for fiscal year 2020/21

For the fiscal year 2020/21, the PHOENIX group expects to further improve its market position in Europe. The company anticipates an increase in revenue slightly above the growth of the European pharmaceutical markets. For earnings before taxes in fiscal year 2020/21, PHOENIX forecasts a level above that of the previous year. The company expects a slight rise in the equity ratio.


Key figures of PHOENIX Pharma SE compared with the same period of the previous year.

 (Balance sheet date 30/04/2020)

1. Total operating performance = revenue + handled volume (handling for service charge).
2. Total income = gross income + other operating income.
3. As at reporting dates 30/04/2019 and 30/04/2020.

Further information about the PHOENIX group | www.phoenixgroup.eu

The PHOENIX group, headquartered in Mannheim, is a leading healthcare provider in Europe. Active in 27 countries, the company offers unique geographical coverage throughout Europe, making a vital contribution to comprehensive healthcare with more than 39,000 employees. The PHOENIX group’s vision is to be the best integrated healthcare provider – wherever it is active.


The PHOENIX group considers itself to be a link between manufacturer and patient. Pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmacies, doctors, hospitals, health insurance funds, and patients across Europe can benefit from our service offering. In pharmaceutical wholesale, the PHOENIX group is active with 161 distribution centres in 27 countries and supplies pharmacies and medical institutions with medicines and other health products. Numerous other products and services for pharmacy customers complete the portfolio – from assistance in advising patients to modern goods management systems to pharmacy cooperation programmes. With over 13,500 member pharmacies, PHOENIX Pharmacy Partnership is the umbrella for our European network of 13 cooperation and partner programmes in 16 countries. Pharma Services provides services across the whole supply chain for the pharmaceutical industry. The PHOENIX group operates over 2,700 of its own pharmacies in 15 European countries, thereby having profound knowledge of the pharmacy business. Our more than 20,000 pharmacy employees have around 160 million customer contacts each year. They dispense approximately 375 million medicine packages to patients and advise them on issues concerning pharmaceuticals and general health.

Maria Cederfont
Director Marketing Communications
Telefon: +46 761 286797