Royal Philips Electronics (AEX: PHI, NYSE: PHG) has published its Annual Report for 2008. In 2008, Philips Healthcare's sales amounted to EUR 7,649 million, 15% higher than in 2007 on a nominal basis, largely thanks to the contributions from acquired companies, notably Respironics. Excluding the 14% positive impact of portfolio changes and the 5% unfavorable impact of currency effects, comparable sales grew 6%. All businesses showed positive growth, led by solid sales growth in Customer Services, Clinical Care Systems, and Healthcare Informatics and Patient Monitoring. Higher sales within Imaging Systems were supported by X-Ray and Nuclear Medicine, partly tempered by lower sales at Computed Tomography. Green Product sales amounted to EUR 1,527 million in 2008, up from EUR 1,452 million in 2007, representing 20% of sector sales.
The future of healthcare is one of the most pressing global issues of our time. Around the globe, societies are facing the growing reality and burden of increasing and in some cases aging populations, as well as the upward spiraling costs of keeping us in good health. Worldwide, many more people live longer with chronic disease - such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes - than in the past. Aging and unhealthy lifestyles are also contributing to the rise of chronic diseases, putting even more pressure on our healthcare systems.
Geographically, double-digit comparable sales growth was achieved in the key emerging markets, notably in China and Latin America, driven by growth in all businesses. Also, single-digit sales growth was recognized in the mature markets, across all businesses, notably Imaging Systems and Clinical Care Systems.
EBITA of EUR 863 million, or 11.3% of sales, was in line with 2007 earnings of EUR 862 million. Earnings included EUR 90 million of acquisition-related charges and EUR 69 million of restructuring charges, which were partly offset by a EUR 45 million gain on the sale of Philips Speech Recognition Systems. EBITA also included additional income from Respironics and higher earnings at Clinical Care Systems and Healthcare Informatics and Patient Monitoring, partly offset by lower earnings at Imaging Systems. Compared to 2007, EBIT declined EUR 75 million to EUR 638 million.
Cash flow before financing activities included net payments totaling EUR 3,456 million, mainly for the acquisitions of Respironics, VISICU, TOMCAT, Dixtal Biomédica, Shenzhen Goldway, Medel SpA and Alpha X-Ray Technologies. In 2007, acquisition-related outflows amounted to EUR 245 million, mainly for the acquisitions of Health Watch, Raytel Cardiac Services, Emergin and VMI Sistemas Medicos. Excluding these acquisitionrelated outflows, cash flow before financing activities was EUR 557 million higher than in 2007, largely thanks to improved working capital requirements, notably lower inventory.
Regulatory requirements
Philips Healthcare is subject to extensive regulation. It strives for full compliance with regulatory product approval and quality system requirements in every market it serves by addressing specific terms and conditions of local ministry of health or federal regulatory authorities, including agencies like the US FDA, EU Competent Authorities and Japanese
MLHW. Environmental and sustainability requirements like the European Union's Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directives are met with comprehensive EcoDesign and manufacturing programs to reduce the use of hazardous materials.
Strategy and 2009 objectives
Philips Healthcare will play an important role in the realization of Philips' strategic ambitions. For 2009 and beyond, Healthcare has put in place a number of specific value-creating initiatives which it will drive via the axes Drive performance, Accelerate change and Implement strategy:
- Improve margins through acceleration of operational improvements
- Grow faster than the markets through investments in key market segments
- Deliver value to customers and shareholders by effective integration of acquisitions
- Enhance the workforce's engagement.
Related news articles:
- Philips Healthcare's Profile
About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified Health and Well-being company, focused on improving people's lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of "sense and simplicity". Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 121,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 26 billion in 2008, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.