COVID-19 will continue to impact Fresenius’ operations in 2022. The extent of the impact on the Group is partly dependent on the vaccination coverage in Fresenius’ relevant markets and the potential evolution of new virus mutants.
Fresenius expects COVID-19 case numbers to decline from spring 2022 onwards and consequently, the number of elective treatments and staff availability to improve. These assumptions are subject to considerable uncertainty.
Fresenius closely monitors the development of COVID-19 case numbers and the associated various containment measures enacted in the Company’s relevant markets. A possible significant deterioration of the situation associated with further containment measures that could have a significant and direct impact on the health care sector without any appropriate compensation is not reflected in the Group’s FY/22 guidance.
Headwinds from cost inflation are reflected. However, Fresenius expects no significant acceleration of inflation effects and supply chain challenges versus current environment. In its FY/22 forecast, the Management Board assumes an unchanged corporate tax rate in the United States. Furthermore, the assumptions for Fresenius Medical Care's 2022 guidance are also fully applicable to the Fresenius Group's 2022 guidance.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Management Board continues to assess the business outlook of the Fresenius Group as positive at the time of preparing the Group Management Report. We continue to see steadily growing demand for our products, services, and therapies worldwide.