DGAP-News: RHÖN-KLINIKUM AG (english)

RHÖN-KLINIKUM AG: RHÖN-KLINIKUM AG continues its growth course



RHÖN-KLINIKUM AG / Quarter Results/Forecast



29.10.2009



Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by

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The issuer / publisher is solely responsible for the content of this

announcement.



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After nine months:

* 1.35 million patients (+ 9.1%) put their trust in us

* Revenues grow by 8.6% to EUR 1.72 billion

* Net consolidated profit rises by 8.9% to EUR 97.1 million



Forecast for 2009 refined:

* Revenues of EUR 2.3 billion

* Net consolidated profit just above EUR 130 million.



Positive outlook for 2010:

* Revenues rise to EUR 2.5 billion

* Net consolidated profit of EUR 145 million (± 5%) expected





Bad Neustadt a.d. Saale, 29 October 2009 ----- RHÖN-KLINIKUM AG witnessed

strong growth in its key figures during the first nine months of 2009. A

total of 1.35 million patients were treated within the entire Group. This

translates into a rise of 9.1% compared with the same period last year.

Revenues climbed by 8.6% to reach EUR 1.72 billion. Net consolidated profit

rose 8.9% to reach EUR 97.1 million.



'These figures are proof that our offering - good medical care for everyone

- is being well received', said Wolfgang Pföhler, chairman of the Board of

Management of RHÖN-KLINIKUM AG, 'our organic growth has never been higher.'



After nine months, EBITDA stood at EUR 209.6 million, exceeding the figure

of the same period in 2008 by 8.9%. During the same period, EBIT grew by

6.2% to EUR 134.8 million. It was optically burdened by EUR 4.0 million

from the recognition of tax loss carry-forwards without effect on income.



Operating cash flow grew by 11.2% and reached EUR 173.9 million in the

first nine months of the current financial year.



After deducting minority interests in profit of EUR 4.8 million from net

consolidated profit, EPS now amounts to EUR 0.83.



'We have once again achieved record levels in our key figures', said Dr.

Erik Hamann, CFO of the hospital Group. 'We have succeeded in offsetting

cost increases by expanding our medical offering.'



The Group currently has 48 hospitals with 14,874 beds at a total of 37

sites in 9 federal states. As at the reporting date, the hospital group

counted 34,828 employees. That is an increase of 1,149 employees or 3.4%

compared with the beginning of the year.



During the first nine months, RHÖN-KLINIKUM AG invested EUR 183.8 million

from own funds, with further investments planned up to the end of the year.

'That is our contribution to securing healthcare delivery', Pföhler said.





Outlook for 2010



After successfully carrying out the capital increase, the Company is

continuing its growth course. The hospital Group plans to drive growth with

the acquisition of further hospitals, particularly in its core business of

acute inpatient care. The healthcare provider headquartered in the Rhön

assumes that in the coming year the German state will increasingly come to

see co-operation with private hospital operators as a good offer for

securing generalised healthcare provision.



RHÖN-KLINIKUM AG sees itself well prepared for 2010. The Company expects

higher revenues and rising consolidated earnings. Specifically, revenues of

EUR 2.5 billion and net profit of EUR 145 million (± 5%) are expected.

Given the developments in legislation next year that are not yet fully

foreseeable at this time, net consolidated profit may fluctuate within a

range of plus or minus 5 per cent. As always, this initial forecast does

not make any allowance for further acquisitions. 'This positive outlook

underpins our internal strength and our conviction that we will continue

our Group's growth', concluded Pföhler.





RHÖN-KLINIKUM AG is one of the largest healthcare providers in Germany. Its

corporate objective is high-quality medical care for everyone. Currently,

the Group counts 48 hospitals at 37 sites as well as 22 medical care

centres (MVZs) throughout Germany. The Group employs more than 34,000

persons. In financial year 2008, roughly 1.6 million patients were treated

in the Group's facilities.

More information is available under: www.rhoen-klinikum-ag.com.



Dr. Irmgard Stippler

Member of the Board of Management for Communication/IT

Tel.: (09771) 65-1321 Fax: (09771) 65-1820

E-mail: kommunikation@rhoen-klinikum-ag.com



Dr. Erik Hamann

Member of the Board of Management for Financing, IR, Controlling

Tel.: +49 (0)9771 65-1351 Fax: +49 (0) 9771 991736

E-mail: vfire@rhoen-klinikum-ag.com









29.10.2009 Financial News transmitted by DGAP



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Language: English

Company: RHÖN-KLINIKUM AG

Schlossplatz 1

97616 Bad Neustadt a.d.Saale

Deutschland

Phone: +49 (0)9771 - 65-0

Fax: +49 (0)9771 - 97 467

E-mail: rka@rhoen-klinikum-ag.com

Internet: www.rhoen-klinikum-ag.com

ISIN: DE0007042301

WKN: 704230

Indices: MDAX

Listed: Regulierter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard), München;

Freiverkehr in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Stuttgart



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