Share Return
In 2007, the ordinary share rose 11 % and the preference share 5 %. Both classes of share did better than the European Dow Jones Stoxx Healthcare Index (-5 %). The ordinary share outperformed the MDAX and the German Prime Pharma & Healthcare Index (+10 %). Despite the excellent operating performance and the continued positive outlook, the Fresenius shares were unable to decouple from the general market events. Discussions over a change in the EPO dosage also affected the performance of the shares.
The price of the ordinary share fell to € 50.17 on January 22, 2007, its low for the year, but recovered to close at € 56.00 at the end of 2007. The ordinary share reached its high for the year of € 63.35 on April 16, 2007. The preference share touched its low for the year of € 50.70 on October 30, 2007 and its high for the year of € 63.12 on April 13, 2007. It closed the year at € 56.90.
Fresenius SE’s market capitalization rose 9 % to € 8.8 billion as of December 31, 2007.
The average Xetra daily trading volume in the Fresenius shares increased substantially in 2007. This can also be seen as evidence that the share split, carried out at the beginning of 2007, succeeded in increasing the attractiveness and liquidity of the two classes of share.
| Number of shares | Average trading volume 2007 | Average trading volume 2006 | Change in % |
| Ordinary share | 70,574 | 61,169 | 15 |
| Preference share | 534,660 | 363,570 | 47 |
* Previous year's numbers adjusted for share split in February 2007