Fresenius sees further growth after 'remarkable' performance in 2015

German healthcare specialist Fresenius forecast higher sales and earnings this year after turning in a "remarkable" performance in 2015.

"2015 was a remarkable year for Fresenius with double-digit sales and earnings growth," said chief executive Ulf Mark Schneider.

"Our growth story continues. We see significant opportunities around the globe for the company's strong and balanced healthcare portfolio, and this confidence is reflected in our new 2019 group targets," he said.

Last year, Fresenius' net profit jumped by 27 percent to 1.4 billion euros ($1.5 billion).

Underlying or operating profit grew by 24 percent to 3.9 billion euros on a 19-percent increase in sales to 27.6 billion euros.

Fresenius is the umbrella for three major companies, renal health care giant Fresenius Medical Care, the infusion and transfusion specialist Fresenius Kabi and the hospital and clinic operator Fresenius Helios.

For this year, Fresenius said it was projecting sales growth of 6.0-8.0 percent at constant exchange rates and net profit of 8.0-12.0 percent.

Looking further ahead, the group said it had set itself a sales target of 36-40 billion euros for 2019 and net profit of 2.0-2.25 billion euros.

"Based on the strong financial results, the management board will propose a dividend increase of 25 percent to 0.55 euros per share for 2015 from 0.44 euros for 2014," it said.