05.5

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. THE COMPANY, BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

THE COMPANY

Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA (“FMC-AG & Co. KGaA” or the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our” and together with its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, as the context requires), a German partnership limited by shares (Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien), is the world’s largest kidney dialysis company, operating in both the field of dialysis services and the field of dialysis products for the treatment of end-stage renal disease (“ESRD”). The Company’s dialysis business is vertically integrated, providing dialysis treatment at dialysis clinics it owns or operates and supplying these clinics with a broad range of products. In addition, the Company sells dialysis products to other dialysis service providers. In the United States, the Company also performs clinical laboratory testing and provides inpatient dialysis services and other services under contract to hospitals.

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

A) PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION. The consolidated financial statements include all companies in which the Company has legal or effective control. In addition, the Company consolidates variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which it is deemed the primary beneficiary. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in associated companies (20 % to 50 % owned). Minority interest represents the proportionate equity interests of owners in the Company’s consolidated entities that are not wholly owned. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

The Company entered into various arrangements with certain dialysis clinics to provide management services, financing and product supply. A group of these clinics has negative equity and are unable to provide their own funding, therefore the Company has agreed to fund their operations for at least a six year period. The funding carries no interest but the Company is entitled to a pro rata share of profits, if any, and has a right of first refusal in the event the owners sell the business or assets. These clinics are VIEs in which the Company has been determined to be the primary beneficiary and which therefore have been fully consolidated. They generated approximately $88,508 and $79,164 in revenue in 2008 and 2007, respectively. The following table shows the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities of these VIEs:

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Table 05.5.1 CARRYING AMOUNTS VIE
$ in thousands  
   
Trade accounts receivable, net
22,207
Other current assets
7,308
Property, plant and equipment, intangible assets & other non-current assets
6,466
Goodwill
13,992
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
(19,306)
Non-current loans to related parties
(10,086)
Equity
(20,581)
   

B) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS. Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash funds and all short-term, liquid investments with original maturities of up to three months.

C) ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS. Estimates for the allowances for accounts receivable from the dialysis care business are based mainly on past collection history. Specifically, the allowances for the North American services division are based on an analysis of collection experience, recognizing the differences between payors and aging of accounts receivable. From time to time, accounts receivable are reviewed for changes from the historic collection experience to ensure the appropriateness of the allowances. The allowances in the International Segment and the products business are based on estimates and consider various factors, including aging, debtor and past collection history.

D) INVENTORIES. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (determined by using the average or first-in, first-out method) or market value (see Note 4). Costs included in inventories are based on invoiced costs and/or production costs as applicable. Included in production costs are material, direct labor and production overhead, including depreciation charges.

E) PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT. Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation (see Note 5). Significant improvements are capitalized; repairs and maintenance costs that do not extend the useful lives of the assets are charged to expense as incurred. Property and equipment under capital leases are stated at the present value of future minimum lease payments at the inception of the lease, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation on property, plant and equipment is calculated using the straightline method over the estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from 5 to 50 years for buildings and improvements with a weighted average life of 12 years and 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment with a weighted average life of 10 years. Equipment held under capital leases and leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset. Internal use platform software that is integral to the computer equipment it supports is included in property, plant and equipment. The Company capitalizes interest on borrowed funds during construction periods. Interest capitalized during 2008 and 2007 was $8,723 and $5,323, respectively.

F) INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL. Intangible assets such as non-compete agreements, technology, distribution rights, patents, licenses to treat, licenses to manufacture, distribute and sell pharmaceutical drugs, trade names, management contracts, application software, acute care agreements, lease agreements, and licenses acquired in a purchase method business combination are recognized and reported apart from goodwill (see Note 6).

Goodwill and identifiable intangibles with indefinite useful lives are not amortized but tested for impairment annually or when an event becomes known that could trigger an impairment. The Company identified trade names and certain qualified management contracts as intangible assets with indefinite useful lives. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their respective useful lives to their residual values. The Company amortizes non-compete agreements over their average useful life of 8 years. Technology is amortized over its useful life of 15 years. Licenses to manufacture, distribute and sell pharmaceutical drugs are amortized over their average useful life of 10 years. The U.S. intravenous iron products distribution and manufacturing agreement is amortized over its 10 year contractual license period based upon the annual estimated units of sale of the licensed product. All other intangible assets are amortized over their weighted average useful lives of 6 years. The average useful life of all amortizable intangible assets is 8 years. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are evaluated for impairment when events have occurred that may give rise to an impairment.

To perform the annual impairment test of goodwill, the Company identified its reporting units and determined their carrying value by assigning the assets and liabilities, including the existing goodwill and intangible assets, to those reporting units. In a first step, the Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit to the reporting unit’s carrying amount. Fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow approach based upon the cash flow expected to be generated by the reporting unit.

In the case that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its book value, a second step is performed which compares the fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to the carrying value of its goodwill. If the fair value of the goodwill is less than the book value, the difference is recorded as an impairment.

To evaluate the recoverability of intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, the Company compares the fair values of intangible assets with their carrying values. An intangible asset’s fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow approach or other methods, if appropriate.

G) DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS. Derivative financial instruments which primarily include foreign currency forward contracts and interest rate swaps are recognized as assets or liabilities at fair value in the balance sheet (see Note 19). Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments classified as fair value hedges and in the corresponding underlyings are recognized periodically in earnings. The effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders’ equity. The ineffective portion of cash flow hedges is recognized in earnings immediately.

H) FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION. For purposes of these consolidated financial statements, the U.S. dollar is the reporting currency. Substantially all assets and liabilities of the parent company and all non-U.S. subsidiaries are translated at year-end exchange rates, while revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates. Adjustments for foreign currency translation fluctuations are excluded from net earnings and are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). In addition, the translation adjustments of certain intercompany borrowings, which are considered foreign equity investments, are reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

I) REVENUE RECOGNITION POLICY. Dialysis care revenues are recognized on the date services and related products are provided and the payor is obligated to pay at amounts estimated to be received under reimbursement arrangements with third party payors. Medicare and Medicaid in North America and programs involving other government payors in the International Segment are billed at pre-determined rates per treatment that are established by statute or regulation. Most non-governmental payors are billed at our standard rates for services net of contractual allowances to reflect the estimated amounts to be received under reimbursement arrangements with these payors.

Dialysis product revenues are recognized when title to the product passes to the customers either at the time of shipment, upon receipt by the customer or upon any other terms that clearly define passage of title. As product returns are not typical, no return allowances are established. In the event a return is required, the appropriate reductions to sales, accounts receivables and cost of sales are made. Sales are stated net of discounts and rebates.

A minor portion of International Segment product revenues is generated from arrangements which give the customer, typically a health care provider, the right to use dialysis machines. In the same contract the customer agrees to purchase the related treatment disposables at a price marked up from the standard price list. FMC-AG & Co. KGaA does not recognize revenue upon delivery of the dialysis machine but recognizes revenue, including the mark-up, on the sale of disposables.

Any tax assessed by a governmental authority that is incurred as a result of a revenue transaction (e.g. sales tax) is excluded from revenues and reported on a net basis.

J) RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES. Research and development expenses are expensed as incurred.

K) INCOME TAXES. The Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 Accounting for Income Taxes (“FAS 109”) as of January 1, 2007. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis as well as on consolidation procedures affecting net income and tax loss carryforwards which are more likely than not to be utilized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amount of the deferred tax assets unless it is more likely than not that such assets will be realized (see Note 16).

It is the Company’s policy to recognize interest and penalties related to its tax positions as income tax expense.

L) IMPAIRMENT. The Company reviews the carrying value of its long-lived assets or asset groups with definite useful lives to be held and used for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying value of an asset to the future net cash flows directly associated with the asset. If assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment recognized is the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. The Company uses a discounted cash flow approach or other methods, if appropriate, to assess fair value.

Long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale are reported at the lower of carrying value or fair value less cost to sell and depreciation is ceased. Long-lived assets to be disposed of other than by sale are considered to be held and used until disposal.

M) DEBT ISSUANCE COSTS. Costs related to the issuance of debt are amortized over the term of the related obligation (see Note 9).

N) SELF-INSURANCE PROGRAMS. Under the insurance programs for professional, product and general liability, auto liability and worker’s compensation claims, the Company’s largest subsidiary is partially self-insured for professional liability claims. For all other coverages, the Company assumes responsibility for incurred claims up to predetermined amounts above which third party insurance applies. Reported liabilities for the year represent estimated future payments of the anticipated expense for claims incurred (both reported and incurred but not reported) based on historical experience and existing claim activity. This experience includes both the rate of claims incidence (number) and claim severity (cost) and is combined with individual claim expectations to estimate the reported amounts.

O) USE OF ESTIMATES. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

P) CONCENTRATION OF RISK. The Company is engaged in the manufacture and sale of products for all forms of kidney dialysis, principally to health care providers throughout the world, and in providing kidney dialysis treatment, clinical laboratory testing, and other medical ancillary services. The Company performs ongoing evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and, generally, requires no collateral.

Approximately 35 % and 36 % of the Company’s worldwide revenues were earned and subject to regulations under governmental health care programs, Medicare and Medicaid, administered by the United States government in 2008 and 2007, respectively. (See Note 4 for concentration of supplier risks.)

Q) LEGAL CONTINGENCIES. From time to time, during the ordinary course of the Company’s operations, the Company is party to litigation and arbitration and is subject to investigations relating to various aspects of its business (see Note 17). The Company regularly analyzes current information about such claims for probable losses and provides accruals for such matters, including the estimated legal expenses and consulting services in connection with these matters, as appropriate. The Company utilizes its internal legal department as well as external resources for these assessments. In making the decision regarding the need for loss accrual, the Company considers the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome and its ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of loss.

The filing of a suit or formal assertion of a claim or assessment, or the disclosure of any such suit or assertion, does not necessarily indicate that accrual of a loss is appropriate.

R) EARNINGS PER ORDINARY SHARE AND PREFERENCE SHARE. Basic earnings per ordinary share and basic earnings per preference share for all years presented have been calculated using the two-class method required under U.S. GAAP based upon the weighted average number of ordinary and preference shares outstanding. Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income less preference amounts by the weighted average number of ordinary shares and preference shares outstanding during the year. Basic earnings per preference share is derived by adding the preference per preference share to the basic earnings per share. Diluted earnings per share include the effect of all potentially dilutive instruments on ordinary shares and preference shares that would have been outstanding during the year.

The awards granted under the Company’s stock incentive plans (see Note 15), are potentially dilutive equity instruments.

S) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. As of December 31, 2006, the Company adopted the recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 158, Employer’s Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans – an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R) (“FAS 158”). The Company recognized the underfunded status of its defined benefit plans, measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation, as a liability. Changes in the funded status of a plan, net of tax, resulting from actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs or credits that are not recognized as components of the net periodic benefit cost will be recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income in the year in which they occur. Actuarial gains or losses and prior service costs are subsequently recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost pursuant to the recognition and amortization provisions of those standards. The Company uses December 31 as the measurement date when measuring the funded status of all plans.

T) STOCK OPTION PLANS. Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of FASB Statement No. 123R (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (“FAS 123(R)”) using the modified prospective transition method (see Note 14). Under this transition method, compensation cost recognized in 2006 and subsequent years includes applicable amounts of: (A) compensation cost of all stock-based payments granted prior to, but not yet vested as of, January 1, 2006, and (B) compensation cost for all stock-based payments subsequent to January 1, 2006 (based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the new provisions of FAS 123(R)).

U) RECENT PRONOUNCEMENTS. On December 30, 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued final staff position FSP FAS 132R-1: Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets. The FSP requires more disclosure about pension plan assets mainly regarding the following areas:

  • How investment allocation decisions are made, including the factors that are pertinent to an understanding of investment policies and strategies,
  • The major categories of plan assets,
  • The inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets,
  • The effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) on changes in plan assets for the period, and
  • Significant concentrations of risk within plan assets.

The disclosures about plan assets required by this FSP shall be provided for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. Upon initial application, the provisions of this FSP are not required for earlier periods that are presented for comparative purposes. Earlier application of the provisions of this FSP is permitted. The Company will comply with the disclosure requirements of this standard in its report on its consolidated financial statements beginning for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161 Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (“FAS 161”). This Statement changes the disclosure requirements for derivative instruments and hedging activities. Entities are required to provide enhanced disclosures about (A) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (B) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under Statement 133 and its related interpretations, and (C) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. The requirements of this Statement are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. This Statement encourages, but does not require, comparative disclosures for earlier periods at initial adoption. The Company will adopt this standard as of January 1, 2009 and will implement its disclosure requirements in 2009.

In December 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“FAS 160”), which establishes a framework for reporting of noncontrolling or minority interests, the portion of equity in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent. FAS 160 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited. The Company will adopt this standard as of January 1, 2009, and does not anticipate any material impact of this standard on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In December 2007, FASB issued FASB Statement No. 141 (revised), Business Combinations. This Statement replaces FASB Statement No. 141, Business Combinations and retains the fundamental requirements in Statement 141 that the acquisition method of accounting (which Statement 141 called the purchase method) be used for all business combinations and for an acquirer to be identified for each business combination. This Statement defines the acquirer as the entity that obtains control of one or more businesses in the business combination and establishes the acquisition date as the date that the acquirer achieves control.

In general, the main points of this Statement are that the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and non-controlling interests in the acquired company are stated at fair value as of the date of acquisition, that assets acquired and liabilities assumed arising from contractual contingencies are recognized as of the acquisition date, measured at their acquisition-date fair values and that contingent consideration is recognized at the acquisition date, measured at its fair value at that date.

This Statement applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. An entity may not apply it before that date. The effective date of this Statement is the same as that of the related FASB Statement No. 160, Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company will adopt this standard as of January 1, 2009.

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”), which establishes a framework for reporting fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. FAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. FASB Staff Position No. 157-2 (“FSP 157-2”) issued February 12, 2008 delayed application of this Statement for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the consolidated financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually), until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years.

The Company adopted this standard, except for those sections affected by FSP 157-2, as of January 1, 2008.

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