Ad-hoc | 31 October 2006 07:31

Fresenius AG: First nine months 2006: Excellent sales and earnings growth in all business segments – Strong third quarter – Outlook raised

Ad hoc announcement transmitted by DGAP – a company of EquityStory AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. —————————————————————————— First nine months 2006: Excellent sales and earnings growth in all business segments – Strong third quarter – Outlook raised Group sales increased by 37 % to € 7,843 million (Q1-3 2005: € 5,712 million). Excellent organic growth contributed 9 %. Acquisitions, in particular Renal Care Group and HELIOS Kliniken, added 28 %. Divestitures had a -1 % effect on sales. Currency translation effects contributed 1 % to sales growth. Group EBIT increased by 51 % at actual rates and by 49 % in constant currency to € 1,060 million (Q1-3 2005: € 703 million). EBIT includes a gain of € 32 million from the divestitures of dialysis clinics in the USA. The sale was a condition of the US Federal Trade Commission for the approval of the Renal Care Group acquisition. EBIT also includes a total of € 20 million for one-time expenses, mainly for the integration of Renal Care Group as well as for expenses related to the stock option accounting change. Group net income grew by 45 % at actual rates and by 43 % in constant currency to € 233 million (Q1-3 2005: € 161 million). This includes a total of € 22 million for one-time expenses, primarily for the early refinancing of debt, as well as for expenses related to the stock option accounting change. Earnings per ordinary share were € 4.56 (Q1-3 2005: € 3.92) while earnings per preference share were € 4.58 (Q1-3 2005: € 3.94). This is an increase of 16 % for both share classes (15 % in constant currency). The average number of shares grew to 50.9 million, mainly due to the share issue in December 2005. Based on the Company’s strong financial results in the third quarter, Fresenius raises its full-year 2006 earnings outlook. Net income is now projected to grow by 40 to 45 % in constant currency. This guidance already includes an amount of approximately € 28 million (after tax) associated with expected one-time expenses as well as expenses related to the stock option accounting change. Previously, the Company had expected net income growth of approximately 40 %. Group sales are expected to increase to more than € 10.7 billion. (Financial statements according to US-GAAP) The Management Board Bad Homburg v.d.H., October 31, 2006 (c)DGAP 31.10.2006 ————————————————————————— Language: English Issuer: Fresenius AG Else-Kröner-Straße 1 61352 Bad Homburg v.d.H. Deutschland Phone: +49 (0)6172 608-2485 Fax: +49 (0)6172 608-2488 E-mail: ir-fre@fresenius.de WWW: www.fresenius.de ISIN: DE0005785638, DE0005785604 WKN: 578563, 578560 Indices: MDAX Listed: Amtlicher Markt in Frankfurt (General Standard), München, Düsseldorf; Freiverkehr in Berlin-Bremen, Hamburg, Stuttgart; Terminbörse EUREX End of News DGAP News-Service —————————————————————————