Stock option plan

Stock option plans allow our senior managers to participate in the Company’s economic success and the development of the Fresenius Medical Care share. The stock option program was implemented in 2006 and is directly linked to the Company’s success. Over a period of five years, senior managers receive a total of up to 15 M options for ordinary bearer shares. They can exercise these after a period of three years under the condition that the adjusted earnings per share increased by at least 8% in each year of the waiting period. If this hurdle is only cleared in one or two years, the options are reduced accordingly. If earnings per share fall short of the mark completely, the options are cancelled. About 650 executives worldwide took part in this program in 2010. A new program is planned for 2011 with long-term compensation components for the next five years. Further information on the stock option plan can be found in the financial report.