Excellent start into 2011 - Fresenius raises 2011 sales and earnings outlook

Q1 2011:

• Sales: €4.0 billion, +9% at actual rates, +7% in constant currency
• EBIT: €575 million, +15% at actual rates, +13% in constant currency
• Net income*: €170 million, +43% at actual rates, +39% in constant currency

• Group raises 2011 outlook for sales and earnings* growth
• Fresenius Medical Care and Fresenius Kabi raise 2011 outlook
• Fresenius Helios – narrows earnings guidance to upper half of range
• Fresenius Vamed fully confirms guidance

Ulf Mark Schneider, CEO of Fresenius, commented: „After record results in 2010, we are pleased to report strong sales and earnings growth for the first quarter of 2011. All of our business segments had an excellent start. We have seen particularly strong growth at Fresenius Kabi in North America, where we continue to benefit from successful product launches and supply constraints in the injectable drugs market. Based on Fresenius Kabi's prospects, Fresenius Medical Care's successful implementation of the ESRD prospective payment system in the United States and Fresenius Helios' strong earnings development, we raise our Group's sales and earnings guidance for 2011."

For 2011, Fresenius Group now expects sales growth of 7% to 8% and net income growth of 12% to 16%, both in constant currency. Previously, the company expected sales growth of ≥7% and net income growth of 8% to 12%, both in constant currency.

The Group plans to invest approximately 5% of sales in property, plant and equipment.

The net debt/EBITDA ratio is expected to stay in the range of 2.5 to 3.0.

*Net income attributable to Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA; adjusted for the effects of mark-to-market accounting of the Mandatory Exchangeable Bonds (MEB) and the Contingent Value Rights (CVR) related to the acquisition of APP Pharmaceuticals. Both are non-cash items.

Strong organic sales growth
Group sales increased by 9% (7% in constant currency) to €3,962 million (Q1 2010: €3,643 million). Organic sales growth was 6%. Acquisitions contributed a further 1%. Currency translation had a positive effect of 2%.

Sales growth in the business segments was as follows:



Organic sales growth was 5% in North America and 2% in Europe. Prior year sales in Europe were positively influenced by Fresenius Vamed's large medical supply contract to the Ukraine. Organic sales growth reached 13% in Latin America, 18% in Asia-Pacific and 28% in Africa.



Excellent earnings growth
Group EBITDA increased by 13% (12% in constant currency) to €737 million (Q1 2010: €650 million). Group EBIT increased by 15% (13% in constant currency) to €575 million (Q1 2010: €501 million). The EBIT margin increased to 14.5% (Q1 2010: 13.8%).

Group net interest improved to -€135 million (Q1 2010: -€143 million).

The other financial result was -€62 million and includes valuation changes of the fair redemption value of the Mandatory Exchangeable Bonds (MEB) of -€67 million and the Contingent Value Rights (CVR) of €5 million. Both are non-cash items. The CVR were delisted in March 2011. The MEB will come to maturity in August 2011.

The Group tax rate* was 30.7% (Q1 2010: 33.2%). The prior year was impacted by non-tax deductible charges related to the devaluation of the Venezuelan Bolivar.
Noncontrolling interest increased to €135 million (Q1 2010: €120 million), of which 93% was attributable to the noncontrolling interest in Fresenius Medical Care.

Group net income** increased by 43% (39% in constant currency) to €170 million (Q1 2010: €119 million). Earnings per ordinary share increased by 41% to €1.05. A reconciliation to adjusted earnings according to U.S. GAAP can be found on page 14 of the pdf of this Press Release.

Group net income*** (including special items) reached €128 million or €0.79 per ordinary share.

*Adjusted for the effect of mark-to-market accounting of the Mandatory Exchangeable Bonds (MEB) related to the acquisition of APP Pharmaceuticals
**Net income attributable to Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA; adjusted for the effects of mark-to-market accounting of the Mandatory Exchangeable Bonds (MEB) and the Contingent Value Rights (CVR) related to the acquisition of APP Pharmaceuticals. Both are non-cash items.
***Net income attributable to Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

Continued investments in growth
The Fresenius Group spent €136 million on property, plant and equipment (Q1 2010: €124 million). Acquisition spending was €311 million (Q1 2010: €81 million), mainly due to acquisitions at Fresenius Medical Care.

Cash flow development
Operating cash flow was €278 million (Q1 2010: €438 million). Strong earnings growth was more than offset by increased DSOs (days sales outstanding), primarily related to the introduction of the new Medicare end-stage renal disease prospective payment system in the U.S. dialysis service business, and raised inventory levels. The cash flow margin was 7.0% (Q1 2010: 12.0%). Net capital expenditure increased to €147 million (Q1 2010: €130 million). Free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends was €131 million (Q1 2010: €308 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends was -€133 million (Q1 2010: €218 million).

Solid balance sheet structure
The Group's total assets were €23,572 million (Dec. 31, 2010: €23,577 million). In constant currency, the increase was 4%. Current assets increased by 6% (9% in constant currency) to €6,808 million (Dec. 31, 2010: €6,435 million). Non-current assets were €16,764 million (Dec. 31, 20010: €17,142 million). In constant currency, the increase was 2%.

Total shareholders' equity decreased by 1% to €8,788 million (Dec. 31, 2010: €8,844 million). In constant currency, the increase was 4%. The equity ratio was 37.3% (Dec. 31, 2010: 37.5%).

Group debt remained almost unchanged (4% growth in constant currency) at €8,823 million (Dec. 31, 2010: €8,784 million). Net debt decreased by 1% to €7,929 million (Dec. 31, 2010: €8,015 million). In constant currency, net debt increased by 3%.

The net debt/EBITDA ratio improved to 2.52 as of March 31, 2011 (Dec. 31, 2010: 2.62).

Number of employees increased
As of March 31, 2011, Fresenius Group increased the number of its employees by 2% to 140,111 (Dec. 31, 2010: 137,552).

Fresenius Biotech
Fresenius Biotech develops innovative therapies with trifunctional antibodies for the treatment of cancer. In the field of polyclonal antibodies, Fresenius Biotech has successfully marketed ATG-Fresenius S for many years. ATG-Fresenius S is an immunosuppressive agent used to prevent and treat graft rejection following organ transplantation.

Fresenius Biotech sales increased by 16% to €7.3 million in the first quarter 2011 (Q1 2010: € 6.3 million). The immunosuppressive agent ATG contributed €6.5 million and the trifunctional antibody Removab (catumaxomab) €0.8 million to sales.

In March 2011, Fresenius Biotech received Paul-Ehrlich-Institut approval to use a polyclonal antibody in stem cell transplantations. As a result, ATG-Fresenius S now can be used in the indication "prophylaxis of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) for unrelated stem cell transplant donors in adults".

In addition, reimbursement negotiations for Removab in Italy were successfully concluded.

In the first quarter of 2011, Fresenius Biotech's EBIT was -€7 million (Q1 2010: -€8 million). For 2011, Fresenius Biotech expects an EBIT of about -€30 million.


Business Segments

Fresenius Medical Care
Fresenius Medical Care is the world's leading provider of services and products for patients with chronic kidney failure. As of March 31, 2011, Fresenius Medical Care was treating 216,942 patients in 2,769 dialysis clinics.

• Strong start into the year – despite the impact of the new Medicare prospective payment system in the U.S.
• Outlook 2011 raised: Sales above US$13 billion and net income* of US$1,070 million to US$1,090 million

Fresenius Medical Care achieved sales growth of 5% to US$3,036 million (Q1 2010: US$2,882 million). Organic growth was 3%, acquisitions contributed a further 2%.

Sales in dialysis service increased by 5% to US$2,285 million (Q1 2010: US$2,171 million). Dialysis product sales grew by 6% to US$751 million (Q1 2010: US$711 million).

In North America, sales increased by 1% to US$1,977 million (Q1 2010: US$1,960 million). Dialysis services sales increased by 1% to US$1,782 million. Average sales per treatment for U.S. clinics decreased to US$348 in the first quarter of 2011 compared to US$355 for the corresponding quarter in 2010 as a result of the implementation of the new Medicare end-stage renal disease prospective payment system. Dialysis product sales were US$195 million (Q1 2010: US$200 million).

Sales outside North America ("International" segment) grew by 14% to US$1,055 million (Q1 2010: US$922 million). Sales in dialysis services increased by 23% to US$503 million. Dialysis product sales increased by 8% to US$552 million, mainly driven by higher sales of peritoneal dialysis products, dialyzers, bloodlines and products for acute care treatments.

EBIT increased by 5% to US$445 million (Q1 2010: US$425 million) resulting in an EBIT margin of 14.7% (Q1 2010: 14.8%).

In North America, the EBIT margin increased to 15.8% (Q1 2010: 15.7%). The favorable development of pharmaceutical costs was largely offset by the effects of the implementation of the new Medicare end-stage renal disease prospective payment system in the U.S.

In the International segment, the EBIT margin was 16.2% (Q1 2010: 16.4%).

Net income* increased by 5% to US$221 million (Q1 2010: US$211 million).

On March 8, 2011, Fresenius Medical Care announced the acquisition of all assets of Hema Metrics LLC related to its Crit-Line® system. Based on its strong dialysis product business and sales organization, Fresenius Medical Care intends to establish this technology as the standard of care for fluid and anemia management in the North American market.

Based on the strong financial results in the first quarter of 2011 and the elimination of the "transition adjustment" imposed on dialysis facilities (as part of the new Medicare end-stage renal disease prospective payment system) in the U.S., the company raises its outlook for the full year 2011. Fresenius Medical Care now projects sales of more than US$13 billion. Previously, the company expected sales between US$12.8 billion and US$13.0 billion. Net income* is now expected between US$1,070 million and US$1,090 million. Previously, Fresenius Medical Care expected net income between US$1,035 million and US$1,055 million.

For further information, please see Fresenius Medical Care's press release at www.fmc-ag.com.

*Net income attributable to Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA


Fresenius Kabi
Fresenius Kabi offers infusion therapies, intravenously administered generic drugs and clinical nutrition for seriously and chronically ill patients in the hospital and outpatient environments. The company is also a leading supplier of medical devices and transfusion technology products.

• Excellent first quarter – Outstanding organic sales growth of 16%
• Outlook 2011 raised: Organic sales growth >5% on top of challenging 2010 base - EBIT margin between 19% and 20%

Fresenius Kabi had a very successful start into 2011. Strong sales and earnings growth was mainly driven by continued high demand in North America. Product launches as well as continued supply constraints in the injectable drug market which had expanded in March 2010 had a positive effect. Moreover, Fresenius Kabi achieved excellent organic sales growth of 10% outside of North America.

Sales increased by 20% to €960 million (Q1 2010: €800 million). Organic growth was excellent and increased by 16%. Acquisitions contributed 1%. Currency translation had a positive effect of 3%, mainly attributable to the strength of the currencies in China, Brazil and Australia against the Euro.

In Europe, sales grew by 10% to €449 million (Q1 2010: €409 million), driven by strong organic growth of 8%. In North America, sales increased by 42% to €254 million (Q1 2010: €179 million). Organic sales growth was an exceptional 39%. In Asia-Pacific, Fresenius Kabi achieved sales growth of 22% to €156 million (Q1 2010: €128 million), driven by organic sales growth of 16%. Sales in Latin America and Africa increased by 20% to €101 million (Q1 2010: €84 million) with organic sales growth contributing 13%.

EBIT grew by 36% to €197 million (Q1 2010: €145 million). The EBIT margin improved significantly to 20.5% (Q1 2010: 18.1%), mainly driven by the strong development in North America.

Net interest improved to -€68 million (Q1 2010: -€74 million).

Net income* increased by 89% to €87 million (Q1 2010: €46 million).

Fresenius Kabi's operating cash flow was €67 million (Q1 2010: €74 million). The cash flow margin was 7.0% (Q1 2010: 9.3%). Cash flow before acquisitions and dividends was €22 million (Q1 2010: €42 million).

Fresenius Kabi raises its outlook for 2011 and forecasts organic sales growth of >5%. Previously, organic sales growth of approximately 5% was expected. Furthermore, Fresenius Kabi expects an EBIT margin of 19% to 20% with net income* surpassing 2010 earnings. Previously, an EBIT margin of >19% was projected.

Special items relating to the acquisition of APP Pharmaceuticals are included in the segment "Corporate/Other".

*Net income attributable to Fresenius Kabi AG


Fresenius Helios
Fresenius Helios is one of the largest private hospital operators in Germany. HELIOS Kliniken Group owns 63 hospitals, including five maximum care hospitals in Berlin-Buch, Erfurt, Krefeld, Schwerin and Wuppertal. HELIOS treats more than 2 million patients per year, thereof ~600,000 inpatients, and operates a total of more than 18,500 beds.

• Strong organic sales growth of 5% continued
• Excellent earnings growth – EBIT margin improved to 9.0%
• Outlook 2011 – EBIT guidance narrowed to upper half of range

Sales increased by 7% to €648 million (Q1 2010: €608 million). Organic sales growth was 5%, mainly driven by an increase in hospital admissions. Acquisitions contributed 2% to overall sales growth, due to the consolidation of St. Marienberg hospital in Helmstedt / Lower Saxony with 267 beds.

EBIT grew by 12% to €58 million (Q1 2010: €52 million). The EBIT margin improved to 9.0% (Q1 2010: 8.6%).

The established clinics increased sales by 5% to €639 million. EBIT improved by 12% to €58 million. The EBIT margin was at 9.1%.

Net income* increased by 18% to €33 million (Q1 2010: €28 million).

In the first quarter of 2011, Fresenius Helios announced the acquisition of the municipal hospital in Rottweil, southwestern Germany. The 264-bed acute care clinic has approximately 600 employees and generated sales of approximately €31 million in 2009. The acquisition has been already approved by the German anti-trust authorities. Helios expects to close the transaction in the third quarter of 2011.

Fresenius Helios fully confirms its outlook for 2011. The company expects organic sales growth of 3% to 5%. EBIT is projected to increase to €250 million to €260 million; the company expects to achieve the upper half of this range.

*Net income attributable to HELIOS Kliniken GmbH


Fresenius Vamed
Fresenius Vamed offers engineering and services for hospitals and other health care facilities.
 

• €842 million order backlog – new all-time high
• Sales and earnings fully in line with our expectations
• Outlook 2011 fully confirmed

Fresenius Vamed's sales reached €140 million (Q1 2010: €156 million). Sales in the project business were €84 million (Q1 2010: €102 million). Prior year sales included a substantial medical supply contract with the Ukraine. Sales in the service business increased by 4% to €56 million (Q1 2010: €54 million).

Fresenius Vamed achieved an EBIT of €5 million (Q1 2010: €7 million). The EBIT margin was 3.6%. Net income* was €4 million (Q1 2010: €6 million).

As of March 31, 2011, order backlog increased by 5% to a new all-time high of €842 million (Dec. 31, 2010: €801 million), driven by strong order intake of €127 million (Q1 2010: €260 million). Order intake includes a €67 million project to build a private health care facility in the Ukraine and a €29 million medical equipment contract for the National Cancer Institute in Malaysia.

Fresenius Vamed fully confirms its 2011 outlook and expects to achieve both sales and EBIT growth between 5% and 10%.

*Net income attributable to VAMED AG

Conference Call and Audio Webcast
As part of the publication of the results for the first quarter of 2011, a conference call will be held on May 4, 2011 at 2.00 p.m. CET (8.00 a.m. EST). You are cordially invited to follow the conference in a live broadcast over the Internet at www.fresenius.com, see Press, Audio/Video Service. Following the meeting, a recording of the conference will be available as video-on-demand.