CUF SGPS SA

Rating Action and Rationale

• EthiFinance Ratings affirms CUF SGPS S.A’s rating at BBB-, maintaining its Stable outlook.
• CUF, founded in 1945, is one of the most experienced players in providing private health care in Portugal, whether in person through its national network of hospitals and clinics, at patient’s own home or virtually.
• Although CUF SGPS S.A's rating is higher, it is capped at CUF S.A’s, corporate group to which it belongs. This is primarily due to the fact that the debt is not entirely located at the subsidiary level, despite the subsidiary representing 97% of total sales. In this regard, it should be noted that EthiFinance Ratings has affirmed CUF S.A ’s rating at BBB-, maintaining its Stable outlook
  • The rating is supported by the company’s strong business profile based on its leading competitive positioning and robust governance within a sector that presents favourable fundamentals (high barriers to entry, low volatility of profitability and stable growth prospects).
  • On the other hand, the rating is constrained by a financial profile characterized by its still relatively high indebtedness level (NFD/EBITDA of 4.0x and FFO/NFD below 20% on average) which, together with medium interest coverage (EBITDA/interest of 4.5x on average) and low financial autonomy (equity/TFD below 40%), weakens the overall financial profile.
  • It is worth highlighting that the low volatility table has been applied, based on an industry which shows a proven track record of stability over long term economic cycles.
• In line with our methodology, the healthcare equipment and services sectors have medium to low ESG risks under our methodology (sector heatmap score between 2 and 3). This results in a sector assessment which is not impacted by industry-related considerations. On the other hand, the company’s ESG policy is considered to be good (company ESG score between 1.0 and 1.5), resulting in a positive impact on the financial profile (+0.5 notch). 

Company Description

CUF, founded in 1945, is one of the most experienced players in providing private health care in Portugal, whether in person through its national network of hospitals and clinics, at patient’s own home or virtually. The group offers a wide range of services (consultations, exams, hospitalization, maternity care, intensive care, palliative care, surgeries, etc.). It also has other secondary activities, in the infrastructure sector, and in training and research.

In 2024, the CUF network consists of 43 units (hospitals, clinics and one institute) with presence in Lisbon, Setúbal, Santarém, Leiria, Coimbra, Aveiro, Viseu, Porto and Açores. The centers of the group can be classified under the following categories:

• Large hospitals: includes its 3 biggest units: CUF Tejo, CUF Descobertas and CUF Porto.
• Medium‐sized hospitals: the company manages 10 medium‐sized hospitals. These hospitals are designed to cover second-tier towns in terms of population.
• Proximity clinics: these are designed to increase proximity to its clients throughout the country. The company manages 18 proximity clinics.
• Health centers: offer personalized monitoring to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases. The company has 12 health centers

The group has a total of 78 operating theatres, 1,576 consulting rooms, 807 beds and c. 16,800 employees.

At a CUF SA level, turnover amounted to €884.3m in 2024 (+18.4% YoY), with EBITDA of €147.6m and an EBITDA margin of 16.7%. Adjusted NFD/EBITDA stood at 3.9x. In 1H2025, the company’s turnover amounted to €485m (+7.4% vs 1H24), with EBITDA of €85.8m and an EBITDA margin of 17.7%. Adjusted NFD/EBITDA LTM stood at 4.0x.

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Corporate Structure

CUF SGPS operates the private healthcare business within CUF corporate structure, among other services through 25 subsidiaries. 

CUF Corporate structure

Source: Financial accounts FY2024.

Fundamentals

Business Risk Profile

Industry Risk Assessment

• Sector characterized by medium profitability margins (at the EBIT level), high barriers to entry, low correlation to macroeconomic trends and positive long-term prospects.

Healthcare is a fundamental right in Portugal’s social security system, making the State the main operator in the market. The private healthcare sector in Portugal is fragmented given the large number of private hospitals (more than 100) and a significant number of private consultations owned by independent doctors, although dominated by a few, well‐known companies with large geographic footprints, such as CUF. Insurance companies are the most relevant clients for the private healthcare providers in Portugal, such as Médis, Multicare, Advance Care, Victoria or Allianz. There is an intensive price war between private insurances which reduces the bargaining power of health providers. That, coupled with the presence of the government and the still low concentration of the market, intensifies the levels of competition and derives in medium profitability margins (EBIT mg between 6%-9%) although with a very low level of volatility given its essential characteristic. This situation has led large healthcare companies to implement different strategies focused on offering higher value-added services and to accelerate M&A activities. 

The barriers to entry are considered high given the relevant capital and R&D investments required (facilities, highly innovative equipment, qualified staff, regulation, etc.), significant know-how, expertise and brand recognition that are necessary to be competitive and to stand out within the industry. In the case of large private hospital groups, the presence of economies of scale through suppliers (equipment, materials, etc.) and a strong brand image are considered as significant barriers to entry for new players.

The private industry, in which CUF operates, represents 35.8% out of total expenditure on healthcare in Portugal in 2023 (Data Source: INE - Satellite Account for Health). The health private sector shows favorable growth perspectives due to the demographic ageing (population aged 65 or over) represented 24.1%. In addition, life expectancy also continues increasing progressively, being estimated at 81.17 years in 2021-2023 (80.96 years in 2020-2022; latest INE data FY 2023). Also, the number of health policyholders shows a steady growth (+3,3% YoY) representing approx. 34.8% of total population (source: APS 2024). Despite all this, the sector is dependent on the macroeconomic situation and its impact on families' disposable household income for private healthcare services.

• The health sector has medium-to-low ESG exposure.

The healthcare equipment and services sectors have medium to low ESG risks under our methodology (sector heatmap score between 2 and 3). This results in a sector assessment which is not impacted by industry-related considerations. Regarding environmental factors, the sector has a low impact on climate and resources. It has a medium impact on pollution linked to waste, which create issues on nature and biodiversity. However, healthcare is critical for consumers, which imposes significant responsibilities on the industry. In particular, equal access to medication remains a significant issue. On the financial materiality side, on some occasions expensive lawsuits can affect the business. In addition, health is a major item in the budget for all countries and is also contributing to job creation in many regions. 

Competitive Positioning

• Robust competitive advantages in Portugal, based on its long track-record, brand recognition and state-of-the-art technology and equipment.

CUF has a leading position within the private healthcare sector in Portugal, representing 7.9% of the total private healthcare expenditure in 2023 (expenditure on healthcare in 2023, latest information available. Source: INE). This reference positioning is based on its long track‐record (more than 70 years), which provides them with strong expertise in the sector, its brand, which is highly recognized within the industry, and state-of-the-art technology and equipment, which enables CUF to provide high quality services. Additionally, the group has an integrated network of high-performance units which enables the company to offer its wide range of services throughout the main cities of Portugal.

CUF SGPS concentrates its business in the private healthcare segment, offering a quality private healthcare service as an alternative to the public system. The group’s network includes 43 units among hospitals, clinics, health centers and one institute, distributed according to the area and target population. In addition, the group offers its services via digital channels or conveniently at home. In terms of the public-private partnerships with the government, the group had concession contracts for Braga and Vila Franca de Xira hospitals till August 2019 and May 2021, respectively. The ending of these contracts, together with the decision of not renewing, is considered unfavorable in terms of diversification, scale, research capacity, etc. However, from a financial perspective, this decision has resulted in greater profitability margins.

The group’s evolution has been characterized by an expansion of the range of services (consultations, exams, permanent care, surgeries, home hospitalization, vaccination, etc.) offered across all areas of care (cardiology, endocrinology, nutrition, urology, psychiatry, etc.), as well as an increase in its network and the use of avant-garde technology. This has enabled the group to stand out in terms of quality of services (prevention, diagnosis and treatment) and efficiency. For example, the group is currently recognized for having the largest private cancer care network in the country and a leading diagnostic hub. 

Although CUF is positioned as the leading player in terms of sales, another noteworthy operator in the private market is Luz Saúde, with a combined market share of approx. ~15.0% of total. CUF’s EBITDA margin stand above that of its main competitor (avg. of 16.0% over the last years), reflecting the positive management of the group’s cost structure. In terms of financial structure, both competitors show high indebtedness levels on average (above 3.0x over the last three years) characteristic of intensive acquisitions programs in a sector that tends towards concentration. CUF’s financial position at end-2024 was weaker due to lower financial autonomy (equity/TFD below 40%) and higher indebtedness levels (adjusted NFD/EBITDA above 3.5x).

1Financial debt has been adjusted to include non-recourse factoring. 

• Strong diversification of services and clients.

The group’s geographical positioning is stronger in the area that ranges from Lisbon to the North of the country, with a lack of physical presence in the South. CUF divides its activity into three geographical clusters in order to coordinate hospitals’ activities from the three largest hospitals: Norte, Tejo and Descobertas. The most relevant cluster in terms of financial performance is ‘Tejo’ generating 41.8% and 43.9% of sales and EBITDA of 2024, respectively. 

Diversification by cluster and hospitals

Despite of the concentration through its three large hospitals (CUF Descobertas, CUF Tejo and CUF Porto amount 58.3% of sales in 2024), the ample range of specialties (from cardiology to psychiatry) combined with specific centers (odontology, ophthalmology, etc.), ancillary services (such as laboratory or diagnosis units) and its strategic locations in the main population centers are assessed positively. In addition, the ample portfolio of clinics and the access from anywhere in the country, or even abroad, through remote consultation (proximity care), make the company resilient against potential difficulties in any of the large hospitals. The rest of the hospitals and clinics individually contribute less than 10% of total sales. 

Regarding clients’ diversification, CUF shows a well-diversified portfolio composed of individuals, insurance companies, civil servants and other minority customers (state, international entities, etc.). Insurance companies are the most significant clients, such as Médis (17.2% of sales in 2024), Multicare (17.1%) or Advance Care (14.9%). Additionally, we highlight the presence of the public institute (ADSE) which provides healthcare benefits to civil servants (12.8%). Individuals represented 10.4% of total sales in 2024.

Shareholder Structure and Governance

• Family ownership structure with strong financial capacity.

Although the ownership structure limits the amount of financial support to Mello’s family, the fact that this is one of Portugal's major groups is positive from a credit standpoint and slightly offsets the ownership structure's disadvantages.

• Professionalized management team.

Despite the concentration of decision-making, evidenced by the presence of shareholders on the Board of Directors, Salvador Maria Guimarães José de Mello (President of the Board of Directors of CUF S.A), we positively value the commitment in day-to-day management and the extensive professional background of the members of the management team. At CUF SGPS level, the financial policy is marked by controlled indebtedness levels (adjusted NFD/EBITDA below 3.0x on average) and strong financial autonomy (adjusted equity/TFD of 140% on average).

• Positive ESG policy. 

The company’s strategy already considered and managed ESG issues, leading to a low probability of an ESG-related impact on revenues, results, cash flows, asset value or reputation. We highlight company’s social policies with the presence of responsible purchasing policies, gender diversity, HSS management system and low accident and absenteeism rates. Also, CUF’s governance policies stand out, marked by a qualified board of directors including the presence of independent members, separation of the roles (CEO and Chair of the Board/Supervisory Board), public disclosure of policies (Business Code of Conduct and Corruption Policy) and prioritization of ESG issues. This assessment (score between 1.0 and 1.5) results in a positive impact on the financial profile (+0.5 notch). 

Financial Risk Profile        

The analysis is based on CUF SGPS’s consolidated annual accounts for year-ended 31 December 2024, audited by Deloitte & Associados, SROC S.A. with an unqualified opinion; together with unaudited financial accounts for the first half of 2025.

Sales and Profitability

• Positive evolution of sales and profitability margins.

CUF SGPS’s turnover reached €859.8m in 2024, increasing by 17.7% YoY. The increase in revenues was mainly due to organic growth in all former units, with a notable increase of +€60m through its 3 main hospitals. Also, the additional revenue from the new additions done in 2024 contributed with an additional +€25m to total revenues: i) CMAS Group (Clínica Médica Arrifana de Sousa) in January 2024, owner of a hospital and six clinics, and ii) miMed in October 2024, a network of 11 clinics located in the Greater Lisbon area.

All together contributed to an increase in medical activity compared to the previous financial year, highlighting more surgeries, births and a greater influx to permanent services, as well as strong growth in some areas such as Orthopedics, Urology and others. The main metrics were as follows:

EBITDA improved to a record figure of €155.4m in 2024 (+20% YoY) with an EBITDA margin that improved to 18.1% (17.7% in 2023) enhanced by cost efficiencies in process and economies of scale gained through companies acquired over the last years. EBIT stood at €91.3m (+28.1% YoY) with EBIT margin of 10.6% (+0.9pps vs 2023).

Financial expenses increased to €27.9m, +23.7% YoY (2023: €22.5m) mainly from the increase in interest paid through CUF's new loans, as well as the financial debt of the Arrifana de Sousa Group companies, incorporated since January 2024. EBT growth increased by 31.2% YoY, to €65.4m.

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In the first half of 2025, there was a positive evolution in total turnover +7.5% vs same period in 2024, highlighting the performance in consultations (+13.1%), surgeries (+7.3%) and births (+4.6%), whilst emergencies were 3.4% down. EBITDA increased to €89.3m although the margin was slightly impacted by an increase in personnel costs (average salary rising by 6.6%) and supplies and external services costs that also contributed to this pressure, leading to a 0.5pp reduction in the EBITDA margin. Financial expenses also increased (+12.2% vs 1H24) due to the acquisition of new debt, mainly driven by the increase in interest on the bonds contracted in two phases in 2024, one in June (€60m) and another in October (€33.5m). Despite all this, EBT stood stable at €41.8m -0,1% vs same period in last year.

Leverage and Coverage

• Controlled indebtedness level FY24 and at June-2025.

The CUF SGPS Group's debt is mainly made up of lease agreements relating to the rental of properties in its hospital units and equipment.

Although net financial debt stood at €379.4m (-0.2% YoY, cash and equivalents position of €210.3m) in 2024, the positive evolution of the company evidenced by the increase of EBITDA (+20% YoY) led to a significant reduction in debt level (adjusted NFD/EBITDA of 2.4x, -0.5x vs last year). The interest coverage ratio remained relatively stable at 5.6x in 2024 (vs 5.7x in 2023) in the context of higher interest rates and higher volume of debt.

At June-2025, adjusted NFD/EBITDA LTM slightly reduced from 2.4x to 2.3x through the combined effect of the reduction in net financial debt and the improvement in EBITDA. The coverage ratio EBITDA/ interest (LTM) stood at 5.4x due to higher interest expenses.