6-k
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN ISSUER
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the month of August, 2006
E.ON AG
(Translation of Registrants Name Into English)
E.ON AG
E.ON-Platz 1
D-40479 Düsseldorf
Germany
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F
þ Form 40-F o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934.
Yes
o No þ
If Yes is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant
in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):
January 1
June 30, 2006
Interim Report II/2006
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Adjusted EBIT up 13 percent |
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Spains energy regulatory agency CNE approves Endesa acquisition but attaches far-reaching conditions |
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Outlook for full year 2006 revised upwards: increase in
adjusted EBIT expected |
Interim Report II/2006
E.ON Group Financial Highlights
Non-GAAP
financial measures: This report contains certain non-GAAP financial measures.
Management believes that the non-GAAP financial measures used by E.ON, when considered in
conjunction with (but not in lieu of) other measures that are computed in U.S. GAAP, enhance an
understanding of E.ONs results of operations. A number of these non-GAAP financial measures are
also commonly used by securities analysts, credit rating agencies, and investors to evaluate and
compare the periodic and future operating performance and value of E.ON and other companies with
which E.ON competes. Additional information with respect to each of the non-GAAP financial measures
used in this report is included together with the reconciliations described below.
E.ON prepares its financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
in the United States (U.S. GAAP). As noted above, this report contains certain consolidated
financial measures (Group adjusted EBIT, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income, net financial
position, net interest expense, and free cash flow) that are not calculated in accordance with U.S.
GAAP and are therefore considered non-GAAP financial measures within the meaning of the U.S.
federal securities laws. In accordance with applicable rules and regulations, E.ON has presented in
this report a reconciliation of each non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable
U.S. GAAP measure for historical measures and an equivalent U.S. GAAP target for forward-looking
measures. The footnotes presented with the relevant historical non-GAAP financial measures indicate
the page of this report on which the relevant reconciliation appears. The non-GAAP financial
measures used in this report should not be considered in isolation as a measure of E.ONs
profitability or liquidity and should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute
for, net income, cash provided by operating activities, and the other income or cash flow data
prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP presented in this report and the relevant reconciliations.
The non-GAAP financial measures used by E.ON may differ from, and not be comparable to, similarly
titled measures used by other companies.
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Interim Report II/2006
Contents
3
Interim Report II/2006
Dear Shareholders,
In the first half of 2006, the E.ON Group continued its positive performance. We increased
sales by 31 percent from 28.2 billion to 36.9 billion and adjusted EBIT by 13 percent from 4.3
billion to 4.8 billion. A key contributing factor was the solid earnings performance of our
Central Europe and Pan-European Gas market units. The U.K. market unit posted an earnings increase
in the second quarter, which, as anticipated, significantly reduced the considerable earnings
decline it had posted in the first quarter. For the E.ON Group, we now expect full-year adjusted
EBIT to surpass the high prior-year level. In the first half of 2006, we recorded net income (after
taxes and minority interests) of 2.8 billion, 7 percent below the high prior-year figure. As
anticipated, we will not repeat the extraordinarily high net income of full year 2005.
The most important energy policy issue in Germany is currently the new regulatory regime for the
countrys power and gas networks. The Federal Network Agency (known by its German abbreviation,
BNetzA) has ruled on the network charges of a number of network operators. The reduction the
BNetzA made to the charges filed by one of our network operators is
in line with our expectations which were adjusted in the course of
the year.
In late June, the BNetzA presented its proposed incentive plan for network regulation. The plan,
however, does not create incentives for network operators to achieve lasting efficiency
improvements. Despite our difference of opinion with the BNetzA, we support the rapid introduction
of a workable incentive plan and will continue to play a constructive role in this process. As a
network operator, we need a stable regulatory environment in order to make long-term investments in
security of supply.
Our planned acquisition of Endesa, a Spanish energy utility, would strengthen our market position
and further expand it in Southern Europe and South America. The EU Commission issued an
unconditional antitrust approval of the transaction in late April. On July 27, 2006, the CNE,
Spains energy regulatory agency approved the transaction but attached far-reaching conditions. We
see no justification for these conditions. On August 10, we filed an appeal against the CNEs
conditions with Spains Ministry of Industry, which has up to three months to decide on our appeal.
Well continue to do everything we can to ensure that Endesa shareholders can make their decision
as soon as possible. We believe that this transaction will benefit all stakeholders: customers,
employees, and shareholders as well as the wider Spanish economy.
At the same time, were not losing sight of our other strategic objectives. On July 12, 2006, we
signed a framework agreement with Gazprom to exchange assets in gas production and in gas trading,
gas sales, and the electricity business. Under the agreement, E.ON is to acquire a stake in Yushno
Russkoye in Siberia, one of the worlds largest natural gas fields. In return, Gazprom is to
acquire minority stakes in our two Hungarian gas companies and in E.ON Hungária, a regional power and gas distributor, plus additional compensation. Production at Yushno Russkoye is
expected to begin next year. In view of the increasing demand for natural gas, E.ON and Gazprom are
making an important contribution towards enhancing Europes security of supply for the long term.
As you can see, we continue to work hard to achieve our growth objectives and further enhance the
value of your company.
Sincerely yours
Dr. Wulf H. Bernotat
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Interim Report II/2006
E.ON Stock
Including the dividend and special dividend, E.ON stock finished the first six months of 2006
up 10 percent. E.ON stock thus significantly outperformed other European blue chips as measured by
the EURO STOXX 50, which advanced by 2 percent over the same period, and was on par with its peer
index, the STOXX Utilities, which also rose by 10 percent.
The trading volume of E.ON stock climbed by more than 80 percent year on year to 50.5 billion,
making E.ON the fifth most-traded stock in the DAX index of Germanys top 30 blue chips. As of June
30, 2006, E.ON was the largest DAX stock in terms of market capitalization.
E.ON stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange as American Depositary Receipts (ADRs).
Effective March 29, 2005, the conversion ratio between E.ON ADRs and E.ON stock is three to one.
The value of three E.ON ADRs is effectively that of one share of E.ON stock.
For the
latest information about E.ON stock, visit www.eon.com.
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Interim Report II/2006
Results of Operations
Energy Price Developments
European power and natural gas markets saw sustained
high prices and volatility in the first half of 2006. The main
drivers were international oil, coal, and CO2 prices as well
as the natural gas supply and storage situation in the United
Kingdom.
Sustained growth in oil demand along with ongoing political risks in major oil producing countries
like Iran, Iraq, and Nigeria have led to high, volatile oil prices. The price of Brent crude oil
rose to about $72 per barrel by the end of June 2006, a 16 percent increase from the beginning of
the year.
Coal prices increased at a similar rate but were less volatile. Since the beginning of 2006, coal
prices have risen by more than 11 percent to $68 per metric ton. Market observers attribute the
increase to supply problems, particularly in South Africa, and to greater buying interest in coal
derivatives.
Germanys natural gas import prices are contractually indexed to heating oil prices, which they
track with a time lag. Because heating oil prices have risen continually, the average price of
Germanys natural gas imports was 43 percent higher in the first half of 2006 than in the first
half of 2005. Natural gas prices in the United Kingdom also remain
high and volatile, primarily due to supply concerns and a fire
at the U.K.s largest gas storage facility. The expectation that
this facility will be operational by winter led to a decline in
U.K. forward natural gas prices, although forward prices
remain near the levels seen in the fourth quarter of 2005.
CO2 prices were extremely volatile in the second quarter of 2006. Following increases in
the beginning of 2006, CO2 prices dropped by 27 percent in a single day on the
publication of EU member states emissions data for 2005, which were significantly below market
expectations. Since May 2006, CO2 prices have stabilized at about 16 per metric ton.
Wholesale power prices across Europe, which were heavily influenced by the sharp decline in
CO2 prices, fell by approximately 10 to 20 percent in the U.K., Nordic, and German
markets. Since May 2006, German wholesale power prices have stabilized at a higher level of about
54 per MWh on the back of oil and coal price developments. Reduced hydro-power availability pushed wholesale
power prices higher in the Nordic market, while U.K. wholesale power prices continued to decline
through late June due to lower natural gas prices.
Through June, U.S. natural gas prices for 2007 delivery fell by about 10 percent compared with the
beginning of 2006. The main reasons cited for decline are record gas storage levels and the
expectation of higher supplies due to the absence of significant hurricane activity along the U.S.
Gulf coast so far in 2006. Electricity prices moved lower, mainly influenced by the decline in gas
prices and, to a smaller extent, by the development of SO2 prices, which fell by more
than half since the beginning of the year.
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Interim Report II/2006
Regulation of Network Charges in Germany
The new regulation of Germanys electricity and gas networks requires that network charges be approved in advance. The approvals
process is currently under way.
Electricity network charges were supposed to have been approved by May 1, 2006, and gas network
charges by August 1, 2006. Due to the Federal Network Agencys (BNetzA) lengthy review process,
rulings on electricity and gas network charges are considerably delayed. To date, the BNetzA has
ruled on only a small number of electricity network charges. The BNetzA issued its first ruling for
an E.ON network operator when it ruled on the charges of E.ON Thüringer Energies distribution
network operator. Effective August 1, 2006, the BNetzA reduced by about 14 percent the network
charges filed by our subsidiary.
As part of the network charge approval process, the BNetzA is also dealing with the refund of
overcharges. The BNetzA will require electricity network operators to refund to network customers
the difference between operators actual network charges and their approved network charges for the
period between November 1, 2005, and the date operators charges are approved. This is reflected in
our Consolidated Financial Statements for the period ended
June 30, 2006. The BNetzA has not yet
issued a ruling on gas network charges.
Germanys Energy Law of 2005 required the BNetzA to design an incentive plan for the regulation of
network charges. The BNetzA submitted its plan in late
June 2006. The German federal government may
now, with the Bundesrats approval, issue an ordinance on an incentive plan for network regulation.
The BNetzAs report calls for the incentive plan to begin on January 1, 2008. Furthermore, it
proposes that, within six to eight years, all income from network charges should be reduced to the
level of the most efficient network operator and that all network operators reduce their costs by
1.5 to 2 percent annually.
The energy industry is in agreement that the efficiency enhancements and cost reductions proposed
by the BNetzA are neither technically achievable nor economically reasonable. Moreover, the
proposed transition periods are too short. It will be important to ensure that the legislation
codifying the incentive plan contains mechanisms to reflect the structural differences between
network operators and maintains incentives for investment in network infrastructure.
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Interim Report II/2006
Results of Operations
Power and Gas Sales
The E.ON Group sold about the same amount of electricity in the first half of 2006 as in the
prior-year period. The Central Europe market unit sold 3 percent more electricity due to the
inclusion of newly consolidated regional electricity distributors in Bulgaria, Romania, and the
Netherlands. By contrast, our U.K., Nordic, and U.S. Midwest market units sold less electricity
than last year. We sold 12 percent more natural gas thanks primarily to colder winter weather,
Pan-European Gass continuing volume growth outside Germany, and the inclusion of newly
consolidated subsidiaries in Hungary, the Netherlands, and Germany.
Sales up Substantially
All market units contributed to the
substantial 31 percent increase in sales, which
was mainly due to the following factors: the
global increase in raw-material and energy
prices which led to higher average power and gas
prices, the inclusion of newly consolidated
regional utilities particularly in Bulgaria,
Hungary, and Romania, and weather-driven volume
increases, particularly of natural gas.
Adjusted EBIT up 13 percent
The improvement in adjusted EBIT at Central Europe and Pan-European Gas is also attributable to power and gas price developments, the inclusion of newly
consolidated companies in Central Europe East and the United Kingdom, and higher power and gas
sales volumes. However, Central Europes adjusted EBIT was negatively impacted by provisions
created to address the expected consequences of the government regulation of network charges.
Nordics adjusted EBIT was at the prior-year level. Higher CO2 and fuel costs led to a
decline in U.K.s adjusted EBIT. However, thanks to U.K.s positive performance in the second
quarter, the decline was significantly smaller than for the period
ended March 31, 2006. The main
factors in the decline in U.S. Midwests adjusted EBIT were the costs associated with participation
in the new MISO market, introduced on April 1, 2005, as well as lower retail sales volumes due to
significantly milder temperatures.
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Interim Report II/2006
Net Income 7 Percent below High Prior-Year Level
Net income (after income taxes and minority interests) of 2.8 billion and earnings per share of 4.29 were both 7 percent below the
high prior-year level.
At -533 million, adjusted interest income (net) was almost unchanged from the prior-year figure
of -537 million.
Net book gains in the first half of 2006 were significantly above the
prior-year figure and
resulted from the sale of securities (230 million) and the Degussa
transaction
(376 million, see
commentary on page 29). In the prior-year period, net book gains resulted from the sale of
securities.
We did not record restructuring expenses in the first half of 2006.
Other nonoperating earnings primarily reflect the fulfilment of derivative gas procurement
contracts and from the marking to market of derivatives (-952 million). For the period ended June
30, 2005, the marking to market of derivatives resulted in a positive effect of 910 million.
Our continuing operations recorded a tax expense of
766 million
in the first half of 2006. The
decline in our tax expense primarily reflects a higher share of tax-free income.
Minority interests share of net income increased due to higher earnings contributions at the
companies in question and consolidation effects.
Income/Loss (-) from discontinued operations, net, includes the results of E.ON Finland, which was
sold in June 2006, and Western Kentucky Energy, which is held for sale. Pursuant to U.S. GAAP,
their results are reported separately in the Consolidated Statements of Income (see commentary on
pages 28-29). In the prior-year period, this item also contained the results of Viterra and Ruhrgas
Industries, which were sold in 2005.
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Interim Report II/2006
Results of Operations
Adjusted net income 32 percent above prior-year figure
In addition to reflecting our operating
performance, net income also reflects
extraordinary effects such as the marking to
market of derivatives. For the first time, we
are disclosing adjusted net income, an earnings
figure after interest income, incomes taxes, and
minority interests that has been adjusted to
exclude certain extraordinary effects. The
adjustments include book gains and losses on
disposals, restructuring expenses, and other
nonoperating income and expenses of a
nonrecurring or rare nature (after taxes and
minority interests). Adjusted net income also
excludes Income/Loss (-) from discontinued
operations, net.
Investments Significantly Higher
In the period under review, the E.ON Group invested 2.5 billion, a 38 percent increase year on year. We invested 1.5 billion in intangible
assets and property, plant, and equipment compared with 1 billion in the prior year. Investments
in financial assets totaled 963 million versus 769 million in the prior year.
Central Europe invested 1,090 million in the first half of 2006, 50 percent more than in the same
period last year. Investments in intangible assets and property, plant, and equipment totaled 668
million (prior year: 527 million) and were aimed predominantly at generation and distribution
assets. Investments in financial assets increased significantly to 422 million (prior year: 201
million), primarily due to capital increases at subsidiaries, the acquisition of ownership
interests in small regional distribution companies in eastern Germany, and investments in new
solid-waste incineration plants.
Pan-European Gas invested 582 million, of which 151 million (prior year: 61 million) went
towards intangible assets and property, plant, and equipment. Investments in financial assets of
431 million (prior year: 163 million) mainly reflect the acquisition of the gas trading and
storage business of Hungarys MOL (now E.ON Földgaz Trade
and E.ON Földgaz Storage). This
transaction closed in late March 2006.
U.K. invested 308 million in 2006 primarily on capital expenditure for additions to property,
plant, and equipment. The decrease compared with 2005 is due to the acquisitions of the Enfield
CCGT asset and of Economy Powers retail small and medium sized enterprise customers in 2005
partially offset by additional capital expenditure allowances in the regulated business due to the
five-year regulation review and by higher expenditure on the generation portfolio, particularly to
develop new renewables capacity at Lockerbie.
Nordic invested 222 million (prior year: 136 million) in intangible assets and property, plant,
and equipment to maintain existing production plants and to upgrade and extend its distribution
network. The increase was mainly related to efficiency-enhancing investments in Nordics nuclear
power plants, as well as investments in its distribu-
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Interim Report II/2006
tion network being realized earlier as a result of the severe storm in January 2005.
Investments in financial assets totaled 113 million compared with 98 million in 2005.
U.S. Midwests investments of 154 million were 103 percent above the prior-year figure, primarily
due to increased spending for SO2 emissions equipment and the Trimble County 2 plant
construction, higher spending in generation and distribution, and currency translation effects.
Financial Condition
Managements analysis of E.ONs financial condition uses, among other financial measures, cash
provided by operating activities, free cash flow, and net financial position. Free cash flow is
defined as cash provided by operating activities less investments in intangible assets and
property, plant, and equipment. We use free cash flow primarily to make growth-creating
investments, pay out cash dividends, repay debts, and make short-term financial investments. Net
financial position equals the difference between our total financial assets and total financial
liabilities. Management believes that these financial measures enhance the understanding of the
E.ON Groups financial condition and, in particular, its liquidity.
The E.ON Groups cash provided by operating activities in the first half of 2006 was slightly below
the prior-year level.
The decline in Central Europes cash provided by operating activities is mainly attributable to an
increase in working capital and in contributions to VKE, a German energy industry pension fund.
The main positive factors were the significant increase in gross profit on sales in the
electricity business and lower payments for nuclear fuel reprocessing.
Pan-European Gass positive business performance in the first half of the year was not reflected in
its cash provided by operating activities. The reasons are the later payment of supplier invoices
from the prior year, lower payments from customers due to higher advance payments at the end of the
prior year, and price-driven increases in payments for gas procurements. Other negative factors
were the buildup of working gas in storage at E.ON Földgaz Trade, which became a consolidated E.ON
company on March 31, 2006, and the price-driven increases in expenditures for natural gas in
storage at E.ON Ruhrgas AG.
Cash provided by operating activities at the U.K. market unit was significantly higher year on
year. The improvement was mainly due to the absence of one-off
pension-fund payments made in 2005. Higher gas procurement costs, which were only partially recovered through higher sales
prices, were a countervailing factor. U.K.s negative cash provided by operating activities in the
first half of 2006 resulted mainly from higher gas costs that impacted the first quarter of 2006
and the last quarter of 2005 partially offset by retail price rises.
Nordics cash provided by operating activities increased significantly because the prior-year
figure was negatively affected by a number of nonrecurring items including high cash outflows
relating to the severe storm in January 2005 and higher tax payments compared with the current
year. Improved electricity margins in the first half of 2006 constituted another positive factor.
Cash provided by operating activities at U.S. Midwest was higher year on year mainly due to
increased collections of accounts receivable which resulted from higher natural gas prices in the
fourth quarter of 2005. Cash increases were partly offset by pension contributions in 2006.
The Corporate Centers cash provided by operating activities was below the prior-year level.
Positive tax effects in the current year almost entirely made up for the absence of income recorded
in the prior year on the unwinding of currency swaps.
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Interim Report II/2006
Results of Operations
In general, surplus cash provided by operating activities at Central Europe, U.K., and U.S.
Midwest is lower in the first quarter of the year (despite the high sales volume typical of this
season) due to the nature of their billing cycles, which in the first quarter are characterized by
an increase in receivables combined with cash outflows for goods and services. During the remainder
of the year, there is typically a corresponding reduction in working capital, resulting in surplus
cash provided by operating activities, although sales volumes in these quarters (with the exception
of U.S. Midwest) are actually lower. The fourth quarter is characterized by an increase in working
capital. At Pan-European Gas, by contrast, cash provided by operating activities is recorded
principally in the first quarter, whereas there are cash outflows for intake at gas storage
facilities in the second and third quarters and for gas tax prepayments in the fourth quarter. A
major portion of the market units capital expenditures for intangible assets and property, plant,
and equipment is paid in the fourth quarter.
Due to the increase in investments in intangible assets and property, plant, and equipment, free
cash flow was 29 percent below the prior-year number.
Net financial position, a non-GAAP financial measure, is derived from a number of figures which are
reconciled to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure in the next table.
Our net financial position of -2,596 million was 6,459 million below the figure reported as of
December 31, 2005 (3,863 million). This is mainly attributable to financial outlays for
investments in property, plant, and equipment, the acquisition of the natural gas business of
Hungarys MOL, and the 2.6 billion payment under our contractual trust arrangement. In addition,
the dividend payout (including the special dividend) and the related tax payment resulted in
substantial cash outflow. Our net financial position was positively affected by proceeds from the
disposal of E.ON Finland and, in particular, by our strong cash provided by operating activities.
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Interim Report II/2006
Net interest expense declined by 40 million from the year-earlier figure, mainly due to the
positive development of our net financial position. Net interest expense only includes the interest
income of those items that are also part of the net financial position.
On
February 21, 2006, Standard & Poors put its AA- long-term rating for E.ON bonds and its A-1+
short-term rating on credit watch with negative implications following E.ONs offer to acquire
Endesa. On February 22, 2006, Moodys announced that it was reviewing its Aa3 long-term rating for
E.ON bonds for a possible downgrade. Following the closing of the Endesa transaction, E.ON aims to
have a single-A flat rating (A/A2). Commercial paper issued by E.ON has a short-term rating of A-1+
and P-1 by Standard & Poors and Moodys, respectively.
On February 21, 2006, E.ON made an offer of 29.1 billion for 100 percent of Endesas stock. In
conjunction with this offer, E.ON concluded a 32 billion credit facility. Pursuant to the terms of
its offer, E.ON adjusted its offer to 26.9 billion following Endesas dividend payout in July
2006.
Employees
On June 30, 2006, the E.ON Group had 80,549 employees worldwide, as well as 1,919 apprentices
and 229 board members and managing directors. Our workforce was essentially unchanged from year end
2005.
At the end of the current period, 46,269 employees, or 57.4 percent of all staff, were working
outside Germany, also essentially unchanged from year end 2005.
The number of employees at Pan-European Gas declined by about 5 percent to 12,755 relative to year
end 2005, mainly due to efficiency-enhancement measures at E.ON Gaz Romania.
At the end of the first half of 2006, U.K. had 14,411 employees, roughly 12 percent more than at
year end 2005. The increase is chiefly attributable to the further additions in customer service
staff and increased hiring of technical personnel at the power distribution and metering
businesses.
At the end of the first half of 2006, Nordic had 5,912 employees, 9 percent more than at year end
2005. The increase is due in particular to the hiring of seasonal staff in the summer months.
At the end of the first half of 2006, U.S. Midwest had 2,898 employees, 3 percent less than at year
end 2005. The decrease is due mainly to the sale of operating contracts of a service company in the
non-regulated business.
During the reporting period, wages and salaries including social security contributions and
retirement payments totaled 2.3 billion, compared with 2.2 billion a year ago.
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Interim Report II/2006
Results of Operations
Risk Situation
In the normal course of business, we are subject to a number of risks that are inseparably
linked to the operation of our businesses.
Technologically complex facilities are involved in the production and distribution of energy.
Operational failures or extended production stoppages of facilities or components of facilities
could adversely impact our earnings situation. We seek to minimize these risks through ongoing
employee training and qualification programs and regular maintenance and enhancement of our
facilities.
In the normal course of business, E.ON is exposed to interest rate, currency, commodity price, and
counterparty risks which we address through the use of instruments suited to this purpose.
Our market units operate in an international market environment characterized by general risks
related to the business cycle and by increasingly intense competition. We use a comprehensive sales
management system and derivative financial instruments to limit the price and sales risks faced by
our power and gas business on liberalized markets.
The political, legal, and regulatory environment in which the E.ON Group does business is a source
of additional external risks. Changes to this environment can make planning uncertain. Our goal is
to play an active and informed role in shaping our business environment. We pursue this goal by
engaging in a systematic and constructive dialog with political leaders and representatives of
government agencies. Currently, the following issues are of particular relevance:
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The regulation of electricity and gas networks codified in Germanys Energy Law 2005
requires that network charges be approved in advance. This poses a risk to our earnings situation,
since it is becoming apparent that Germanys Federal Network Agency is interpreting the law
in a one-sided manner prejudicial to network operators. |
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Germanys Federal Cartel Office (FCO) issued an order
prohibiting E.ON Ruhrgas from implementing existing long-term gas
supply contracts. E.ON Ruhrgas filed an emergency appeal with the
State Superior Court in Düsseldorf to prevent the order from taking
immediate effect. The appeal was not successful. We are now
concentrating our efforts on the main case before the State Superior
Court whose decision can be appealed to the German Federal Appeals
Court. We expect that the main case will provide our customers and
us with a thorough legal clarification and therefore the necessary
legal assurance, in particular about the permissibility of the
competitive injunction issued against us by the FCO. In accordance
with the terms of the FCOs order, we are in the meantime offering
our resellers affected by the order new gas supply contracts for the
period after October 1, 2006.The offer has been well received. |
The operational and strategic management of the E.ON Group relies heavily on highly complex
information technology. Our IT systems are maintained and optimized by qualified E.ON Group
experts, outside experts, and a wide range of technical security measures.
In the period under review, the E.ON Groups risk situation did not change substantially from year
end 2005.
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Interim Report II/2006
Outlook
The E.ON Groups positive earnings performance continued in the second quarter. We now expect
our adjusted EBIT for 2006 to surpass the high prior-year level. However, we will not repeat the
extraordinarily high net income figure posted in 2005, which resulted in particular from the book
gains on our successful Viterra and Ruhrgas Industries disposals.
The earnings forecast by market unit is as follows:
For 2006, we expect Central Europes adjusted
EBIT to be slightly above the prior-year level. We expect to offset the adverse affects of
regulatory measures affecting our network business by achieving operating improvements in other
areas.
Pan-European Gass upward earnings trend from the start of the year continued in the second
quarter. We now expect Pan-European Gass adjusted EBIT to markedly exceed the figure for 2005.
Assuming temperatures are normal and oil price forecasts are correct, the sharp rate of earnings
growth recorded in the first half of the year cannot be extrapolated to the year as a whole because
certain effects primarily impacted the first half. The Up-/Midstream business will benefit from
earnings streams from E.ON Ruhrgas UK North Sea Limited, which was acquired last year, and from
temperature-driven volume increases recorded in the first quarter. Moreover, oil price developments
were a significant negative factor in the prior year. On balance, we expect higher equity earnings
in the downstream business.
As expected, the U.K. market units adjusted EBIT performance in the second quarter was
significantly better than in the first quarter. This improvement supports our expectation that
full-year 2006 adjusted EBIT will be significantly above the 2005 figure. Important factors include
the impact of
retail price increases, increased value from E.ON UKs generation fleet, and profit and cost
initiatives partially counteracted by future commodity cost increases.
We anticipate that Nordics adjusted EBIT for 2006 will be below the strong figure posted in 2005.
Earnings development will be affected by significantly higher nuclear and hydro taxes and by the
absence of earnings streams from the divested hydropower plants. These effects will be partially
counteracted by higher average electricity prices.
We expect U.S. Midwests 2006 adjusted EBIT to slightly exceed the prior-year level due to lower
costs following the approvals of the responsible commissions that allow us to exit the organized
MISO market in September.
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Interim Report II/2006
Market Units
Central Europe
Market Development
With the exception of a small number of regions, electricity prices in Germanys residential
segment did not change in the second quarter, since there is typically a delay before changes in
wholesale prices are passed on to residential customers. In a number of cities, there has been a
stronger presence of new energy suppliers offering electricity and gas to residential customers.
Power and Gas Sales
The Central Europe market unit increased its power sales by
3.9 billion kWh to 137.4 billion kWh. The increase is almost
entirely attributable to the inclusion of newly consolidated regional electricity distributors in Bulgaria, Romania, and the
Netherlands.
Central Europes regional distribution companies sold about 20 billion kWh more natural gas than in
the prior-year period. More than two thirds of the increase resulted from consolidation effects. In
the first half of the previous year, NRE of the Netherlands and Gasversorgung Thüringen (GVT) were
not yet consolidated E.ON companies; our Hungarian gas utilities were not included until April
2005. The remainder of the increase is primarily weather-driven.
Power Generation and Procurement
Central Europe utilized its flexible mix of generation
assets to meet about 47 percent of its electricity requirements, compared with 48 percent in the
prior year. It procured around 4.1 billion kWh more electricity from outside sources than in the
year-earlier period. This increase results mainly from the inclusion of newly consolidated
subsidiaries in Bulgaria and Romania.
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Interim Report II/2006
Sales and Adjusted EBIT
Central Europe grew sales by 2.6 billion relative to the prior-year period. The expansion of
our operations, particularly in Central Europe East, is responsible for about one third of the
increase. The remaining increase is mainly attributable to adjustments to our power and gas prices
resulting from the global rise in raw-material and energy prices and to weather-driven volume
increases, particularly of natural gas.
Adjusted EBIT rose by 117 million year on year, with Central Europes business units developing as
follows:
Adjusted EBIT at Central Europe West Power was 136 million below the prior-year figure. This
follows an increase of
18 million in the first quarter of 2006. The decrease is mainly attributable
to provisions of 325 million created for the expected consequences of the new regulation of
network charges in Germany (see commentary on page 7). In addition, the passthrough of higher
wholesale electricity prices to end customers was moderated by significantly higher conventional
fuel costs and higher power procurement costs. Adjusted EBIT was also negatively affected by
increased charges stemming from earlier reporting periods.
Adjusted EBIT at Central Europe West Gas was 81 million above the prior-year figure, mainly due to
volume increases resulting from cold weather in the period under review and to the fact that GVT
was not a consolidated E.ON company in the prior-year period.
Central Europe Easts adjusted EBIT rose by 60 million compared with the same period last year.
About two thirds of the increase reflects the inclusion of earnings from companies in Bulgaria,
Hungary, and Romania acquired in 2005. The remaining increase results from our operations in
Bulgaria and the Czech Republic and is primarily price-driven.
Adjusted EBIT recorded under Other/Consolidation increased by 112 million, mainly due to higher
income from realized hedging transactions.
17
Interim Report II/2006
Market Units
Pan-European Gas
Market Development
Germany consumed about 9 percent more natural gas in first half of 2006 than in the prior-year
period, mainly due to cooler weather in January and March. Temperatures in the second quarter were
comparable to those of the prior year. In this period, Germany consumed 3 percent more natural gas
than in the same quarter a year ago.
Gas Release Program
On
May 17, 2006, E.ON Ruhrgas held the fourth auction of a portion of the natural gas it
procures under long-term supply contracts. Seven bidders were awarded a total of about 39 billion
kWh of gas in the seventh round of the Internet-based auction. Demand was thus higher than in the
previous years.
Gas Sales
Pan-European Gass midstream business sold 404.9 billion kWh of natural gas in the first half
of 2006, surpassing the prior-year figure by nearly 12 percent. It sold 138.6 billion kWh of
natural gas in the second quarter, about 1 percent more than last year.
In the first half of 2006, E.ON Ruhrgas AG increased its sales volume outside Germany by 28 percent
to 81.7 billion kWh. Sales outside Germany thus accounted for one fifth of total sales volume.
Additional gas volumes were sold in Italy in the second quarter. In addition, we acquired new
customers in France and Denmark.
In the first six months of 2006, sales volume in Germany rose by 8 percent year on year to
323.1 billion kWh. Sales volume declined by 3 percent in the second quarter following a significant
15 percent increase in the first quarter. Overall, sales by segment changed only slightly. In the
first half of 2006, regional gas companies accounted for 47 percent of total sales volume,
municipal utilities for 24 percent, and industrial customers for 9 percent compared with 49
percent, 24 percent, and 9 percent, respectively, in the prior-year period.
Sales and Adjusted EBIT
Pan-European Gas increased sales by 58 percent year on
year to 14 billion.
Sales growth in the midstream business resulted mainly from higher average sales prices in the wake
of oil price movements along with higher sales volumes in the first half. The upstream business
includes the revenue streams of E.ON Ruhrgas UK North Sea Limited. This company was acquired in
2005 and only contributed to consolidated sales in November and December. In September 2005,
Pan-European Gas increased its stake in Njord Field from 15 percent to 30 percent, which also had a
positive effect on sales in the current-year period. Sales at Downstream Shareholdings were about
1.3 billion higher, due primarily to consolidation effects. The sales of E.ON Gaz Romania are
included from the beginning of 2006, whereas in 2005 they were not consolidated until the second
half following our acquisition of majority stake. E.ON Földgaz Trade and E.ON Földgaz Storage
became consolidated E.ON subsidiaries on March 31, 2006, after we acquired 100 percent of the two
companies from MOL, a Hungarian oil and gas company.
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Interim Report II/2006
Pan-European Gas recorded an adjusted EBIT of 1,458 million, a considerable increase from
the prior-year period. All business units contributed to the advance.
The Up-/Midstream business unit benefited in the first half of 2006 from high oil and natural gas
price levels and consolidation effects. Temperature-driven volume increases in the first quarter
and sales growth outside Germany served to increase adjusted EBIT at the midstream business. In
addition, the continual rise in oil prices had a significant negative impact on adjusted EBIT in
the prior-year period. Moreover, adjusted EBIT in the second quarter was positively affected by
payments of invoices from the cold winter. Furthermore, nonrecurring income from the final clearing of trading transactions contributed to the
increase in adjusted EBIT; the negative effects of these transactions had had a negative impact on
the prior-year figure.
Higher equity earnings from associated companies constituted a key positive effect on adjusted EBIT
at Downstream Shareholdings. Another was the inclusion of E.ON Gaz Romania. By contrast, E.ON
Földgaz Trade, which operates in Hungarys regulated gas market, recorded a negative adjusted EBIT
due to the delay in passing through higher procurement costs.
U.K.
Market Development
U.K. market electricity and gas consumption at 180 billion kWh and 553 billion kWh,
respectively, for the first half of 2006 was broadly in line with 2005.
E.ON UKs residential retail prices were increased by 18.4 percent for electricity and 24.4 percent
for gas, effective March 10, 2006. In an environment of rising wholesale energy costs, the pricing
strategy is under constant watch.
Power and Gas Sales
The decrease in Industrial and Commercial (I&C) power and gas volumes reflected E.ON UKs focus
on margin rather than volume. Residential and SME power and gas sales volumes increased despite a 2
percent reduction in the number of customer accounts, the volume increase is primarily due to
colder weather in the first quarter.
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Interim Report II/2006
Market Units
Power Generation and Procurement
Purchases from outside sources declined due to higher owned generation and lower retail
I&C sales volumes. The year-on-year increase in owned generation is mainly due to higher coal-fired
generation driven by the improved economics and improved power-plant availability.
U.K.s
attributable generation capacity increased by 1,740 MW from June 2005. This is mainly due to
the return of two oil-fired units at Grain (1,300 MW) and the return to service of the second
module at Killingholme (450 MW).
In response to the Renewable Obligation, E.ON UK continues to grow a balanced portfolio of
renewable power purchase agreements and physical assets. In the first six months of 2006, E.ON UK
co-fired biomass materials at Kingsnorth and Ironbridge, generating a total of 155 million kWh.
Work has also commenced on the construction of a 44 MW wood-burning plant in Lockerbie in southwest
Scotland. When built, Lockerbie will be the United Kingdoms largest dedicated biomass plant.
Sales and Adjusted EBIT
E.ON UK increased its sales in the first half of 2006 compared with the prior year primarily
due to price increases in the retail business and higher gas and
power prices in the wholesale market. E.ON UK delivered an adjusted EBIT of 451 million in the first half of 2006, of
which 231 million was in the regulated business and 270 million in the non-regulated business.
Adjusted EBIT at the non-regulated business declined by 122 million. The decrease is primarily due
to the impact of higher gas costs in quarter one 2006 offset by price rises in the residential
segment and cost and profit initiatives. Furthermore, one-off benefits in the prior year relating
to the integration of previously outsourced customer service activities and higher carbon costs in
2006 adversely affected the results compared to 2005. Adjusted EBIT in the first quarter of 2006
was 213 million below the prior-year figure, meaning that the second-quarter performance improved
by 91 million. This improvement is in line with our expectation that the increase in residential
prices along with cost and profit initiatives would restore margins.
Adjusted EBIT at Other/Consolidation decreased by 48 million due to lower profits from overseas
assets partly due to disposals, higher pensions costs, and foreign-exchange differences.
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Interim Report II/2006
Nordic
Market Development
The Nordic region consumed 4.5 percent more
electricity than in the prior-year period, mainly
due to higher consumption in Sweden and Norway
resulting from considerably colder weather.
In the first quarter of 2006, the Nordic region
was a net exporter of electricity to Germany. On
balance, however, it imported more than 4 billion
kWh from surrounding countries during the first
six months of 2006.
Power Sales
E.ON Nordic sold 0.5 billion kWh less
electricity compared with the corresponding
period of 2005 due to lower sales at the Nord
Pool, Northern Europes energy exchange. This was
primarily a consequence of the sale of hydropower
assets to Statkraft in late 2005, which reduced
Nordics owned generation capacity. Sales to
residential customers were on par with the
previous year, while sales to commercial
customers increased slightly.
Power Generation and Procurement
E.ON Nordic covered 72 percent of its electricity sales with
power from its own generation assets. E.ON Nordics owned generation decreased by 0.4 billion kWh
relative to the prior-year period. Hydropower production decreased due to the sale of hydropower
assets to Statkraft in October 2005 and lower reservoir inflow. This decrease was partially
counteracted by high availability of nuclear power stations. In addition, CHP production increased
due to the relatively cold weather at the beginning of the year.
21
Interim Report II/2006
Market Units
Gas and Heat Sales
Heat sales increased as a consequence of colder weather at the beginning of the year and the
acquisition of heat operations in Denmark. Natural gas sales declined despite the colder weather,
primarily due to lower sales to distributors.
Sales and Adjusted EBIT
E.ON Nordics sales, excluding energy taxes, increased by 9 percent compared with the first six
months of 2005, primarily due to higher average sales prices.
E.ON Nordics adjusted EBIT of 428 million was virtually unchanged year on year. Rising spot
electricity prices and successful hedging activities enabled Nordic to secure a higher effective
sales value for its production portfolio. Compared with the prior year, earnings for the first six
months were negatively impacted by increased taxes on hydro and nuclear assets. In addition, the
hydropower plants sold to Statkraft contributed to prior-year adjusted EBIT. The decline in the
Swedish krona also negatively affected Nordics adjusted EBIT in reporting currency.
U.S. Midwest
MISO Exit Approved Effective September
E.ON U.S. has received all Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission and Kentucky Public Service Commission decisions (with the last occurring in
early July 2006) which allow E.ON U.S. to move forward to withdraw from the Midwest Independent
System Operator (MISO). E.ON U.S. is on track to complete the exit and enter into alternative
arrangements with the Tennessee Valley Authority and Southwest Power Pool effective September 2006.
Power and Gas Sales
Regulated utility retail power sales volumes decreased slightly in 2006 compared with 2005,
primarily due to milder weather in 2006. Off-system sales volumes were lower compared with 2005 as
a result of an increased use of E.ON U.S.s generation for native load to replace the lost volumes
from a purchase contract with Electric Energy Inc. (EEI). EEI is a 1,000 MW power station in which
E.ON U.S. has a 20 percent stake. In the past, E.ON U.S. could buy its share of the output at cost
and utilize this to meet native load. Since
22
Interim Report II/2006
January 1,
2006, EEI sells its power at market prices. E.ON U.S. can no longer utilize this
power to meet native load and now supplies this power from its own generation. Retail natural gas
sales volumes declined due largely to milder winter weather compared with 2005 and reduced
consumption due to higher prices. Off-system sales of natural gas decreased due to high market
prices in the first quarter and correspondingly lower availability of excess gas for sale.
Power Generation and Procurement
Coal-fired power plants accounted for 98 percent of U.S. Midwests electric generation in 2006,
while gas-fired and hydro generating assets accounted for the remaining 2 percent.
Sales and Adjusted EBIT
U.S. Midwests sales increased by 7 percent. The main drivers were favorable exchange-rate
variances and higher gas prices recoverable from retail customers.
U.S. Midwests adjusted EBIT decreased by 5 percent. The main factors in the regulated business
were lower retail volumes, mainly due to significantly milder weather in 2006, as well as higher
costs associated with participation in the new MISO market,
introduced on April 1, 2005, partly
offset by favorable exchange-rate variances.
23
Interim Report II/2006
Interim Financial Statements (Unaudited)
24
Interim Report II/2006
25
Interim Report II/2006
Interim Financial Statements (Unaudited)
26
Interim Report II/2006
27
Interim Report II/2006
Notes
Accounting Policies
The accounting policies used to prepare the Interim Financial Statements for the six months
ended June 30, 2006, correspond to those used in the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year
ended December 31, 2005, with the following exceptions.
On January 1, 2006, E.ON adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) 123 (revised
2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123R). SFAS 123R requires us to account for our stock appreciation
rights (SAR) on the basis of their fair values and to recognize the corresponding expenses in our
Statements of Income. Prior to adopting SFAS 123R, we accounted for SAR on the basis of intrinsic
values and recognized the corresponding expenses in our Statements of Income, as provided by SFAS
123 in conjunction with FASB Interpretation 28, Accounting for Stock Appreciation Rights and Other
Variable Stock Option or Award Plans. Pursuant to SFAS 123R we use a Monte Carlo simulation
technique to calculate the fair value of SAR. The cumulative effect of initially applying SFAS 123R
by using the modified version of prospective application as the transition method had no material
effect on our results of operations. As a result, no further disclosure is provided.
New Accounting Pronouncement
FASB Interpretation (FIN) 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes was published in July
2006. FIN 48 applies to fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2006. We are currently
evaluating the potential effects of applying FIN 48.
Variable Interest Entities
As of June 30, 2006, we consolidated the following variable interest entities (VIEs): two
jointly managed electric generation companies, one real estate leasing company, and a company that
manages shareholdings. FIN 46R no longer applies to a real estate leasing company following our
acquisition of more shares in this company.
As of June 30, 2006, we consolidated VIEs that had total assets of approximately 718 million and
recorded earnings of 8 million prior to consolidation. Fixed assets and other assets in the amount
of 148 million serve as collateral for liabilities relating to financial leases and bank loans.
With the exception of one VIE, the creditors of our consolidated VIEs have limited recourse to the
primary beneficiarys assets. In the case of this one VIE, the primary beneficiary is liable for
75 million.
In
addition, since July 1, 2000, we have had a contractual relationship with a VIE, a leasing
company operating in the energy sector, for which we are not the primary beneficiary. This entity
is currently being liquidated pursuant to a decision made by its owners. This entity had no
significant assets and no liabilities at year end 2005. We do not expect E.ON to realize a loss
from either its relations with this entity or from the entitys liquidation.
Due to a lack of information, we continue to be unable to compute, pursuant to FIN 46R, the
financial situation of another special-purpose entity, which has existed since 2001 and whose
activities were expected to terminate in the fourth quarter of 2005. The main transactions between
this entity and the E.ON Group were completed in the fourth quarter of 2005. However, this entity
has not yet been liquidated. Its activities consisted of liquidating the assets of divested
operations. Originally, its total assets amount to 127 million. We do not expect E.ONs results of
operations to be adversely affected by this entity.
Acquisitions, Discontinued Operations, and Disposals
Acquisitions in 2006
Effective March 31, 2006, E.ON Ruhrgas acquired 100 percent of the natural gas trading and
storage operations of MOL, a Hungarian oil and gas company, by acquiring ownership interests in
Budapest-based MOL Földgázellátó Rt. and Budapest-based MOL Földgáztroló Rt. (now E.ON Földgaz
Storage and E.ON Földgaz Trade). The purchase price was approximately 450 million. It was further
agreed that, depending on regulatory developments, compensatory payments would be made through the
end of 2009 if this should become necessary for a subsequent adjustment of the purchase price. The
entities became consolidated E.ON companies on March 31, 2006.
28
Interim Report II/2006
Discontinued Operations
Pursuant to SFAS 144, we report two companies as discontinued operations in the first half of
2006: E.ON Finland, Espoo, Finland, at our Nordic market unit and the operations of Western
Kentucky Energy Corp. (WKE), Henderson, Kentucky, USA, at our U.S. Midwest market unit. E.ON
Finland was sold in June 2006.
Through WKE, E.ON U.S. operates the generating facilities of a power generation cooperative in
western Kentucky and a coal-fired facility owned by the city of Henderson, Kentucky, under a
leasing arrangement. In November 2005, the parties involved entered into a letter of intent to
terminate the lease and operational agreements between the parties and other related matters. The
closing of the transaction is subject to review and approval by various regulatory agencies and
other interested parties. We classified WKE as a discontinued operation in late December 2005.
On June 26, 2006, E.ON Nordic and Fortum Power and Heat Oy (Fortum) finalized the transfer to Fortum
of all of E.ON Nordics shares in E.ON Finland pursuant to an
agreement signed on February 2, 2006.
The purchase price for 65.56 percent of E.ON Finlands shares totaled about 390 million. In
mid-January 2006, we classified E.ON Finland as a discontinued operation.
Other Disposals
Continuing the implementation of its framework agreement with RAG, on March 21, 2006, E.ON
transferred its stake in Degussa (42.9 percent) into RAG Projektgesellschaft mbH, Essen. E.ONs
Degussa stake was forward sold to RAG on the same date. The
transaction initially resulted in a gain
of 618 million. However, because E.ON holds a 39.2 percent stake in RAG, the share of the gain
recorded in our Consolidated Statement of Income was 376 million. On July 3, 2006, E.ON and RAG
executed the forward sales agreement for E.ONs stake in RAG Projektgesellschaft mbH. E.ON has now
sold all of its remaining, indirectly held stake in Degussa. The roughly 2.8 billion purchase
price is due on August 31, 2006, and is underwritten by bank guarantees.
Pursuant to U.S. GAAP, the income and expenses of discontinued operations are reported separately
under Income/Loss (-) from discontinued operations, net. The Consolidated Statements of Income
and the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, including the notes relating to them, for the period
ended June 30, 2006, and for the prior period have been adjusted for these discontinued operations.
The assets and liabilities of these discontinued operations are shown in the Consolidated Balance
Sheets for the period ended June 30, 2006, under Assets of disposal groups and Liabilities of
disposal groups. We did not reclassify prior-year balance-sheet line items attributable to
discontinued operations because such reclassification is not required by SFAS 144.
The following table shows the major line items of the statements of income of the above-named
operations.
29
Interim Report II/2006
Notes
The following table shows major line items of the balance sheets of WKE, which is
classified as a discontinued operation.
Acquisitions and discontinued operations from 2005 are described in detail in our 2005 Annual
Report.
Research and Development
The E.ON Groups research and development expense totaled 7 million in the first six months of
2006 and 9 million in the prior-year period.
Earnings per Share
Earnings per share were computed as follows:
Financial Earnings
The table below provides details of financial earnings for the periods indicated.
30
Interim Report II/2006
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The table below shows the changes in the carrying
amount of goodwill in the first six months of
2006 by segment.
Intangible Assets
As of June 30, 2006, and December 31,2005, E.ONs intangible assets, including advance payments
on intangible assets, consist of the following:
In the first six months of 2006, E.ON recorded an amortization expense of 182 million (prior year:
172 million) on intangible assets and an impairment charge of 40 million (prior year: 0 million)
on intangible assets. E.ON did not record goodwill impairment charges in the first six months of
2006 or in the prior-year period.
Based on the current amount of intangible assets subject to amortization, the estimated
amortization expense for the rest of 2006 and each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as
follows: 2006 (remaining six months): 184 million, 2007: 298 million, 2008: 257 million, 2009:
209 million, 2010: 159 million, and 2011: 154 million. As acquisitions and dispositions occur in
the future, actual amounts could vary.
Treasury Shares Outstanding
The number of treasury shares as of June 30, 2006, was almost unchanged from the figure as of
December 31, 2005. E.ON AG held 4,374,232 treasury shares. E.ON subsidiaries held another 28,472,194
shares of E.ON stock. E.ON thus holds 4.7 percent of its capital stock as treasury shares.
Dividends Paid
On May 4, 2006, the Annual Shareholders Meeting voted to distribute a dividend of 2.75 per
share of common stock, a 0.40 increase from the previous dividend, plus a special dividend of
4.25 per share of common stock for a total dividend payout of 4,614 million.
31
Interim Report II/2006
Notes
Provisions for Pensions
The changes in the projected benefit obligation
are shown below.
Contribution to Plan Assets
In 2005 we created, through a contractual trust arrangement, the framework for the external
financing of pension obligations of E.ON companies in Germany. In the first quarter of 2006, E.ON
made the first contribution into the trusts in the amount of 2.6 billion by transferring money
market investments with a term of more than three months.
Asset Retirement Obligations
E.ONs asset retirement obligations at June 30, 2006, relate to the decommissioning of nuclear
power stations in Germany (8,428 million) and Sweden (432 million), environmental remediation at
conventional power station sites, including the removal of electric transmission and distribution
equipment (371 million), environmental remediation at gas storage facilities (117 million) and
opencast mining facilities (61 million), and the decommissioning of oil and gas infrastructure
(332 million).The fair value of nuclear decommissioning obligations was based on third-party
valuations.
An accretion expense of 261 million pertaining to the updating of provisions for the first six
months of 2006 is included in financial earnings (prior year: 250 million).
Contingent Liabilities Arising from Guarantees
Financial Guarantees
Financial guarantees include both direct and indirect obligations (indirect guarantees of
indebtedness of others).These require the guarantor to make contingent payments to the guaranteed
party based on the occurrence of certain events and/or changes in an underlying instrument that is
related to an asset, a liability, or an equity security of the guaranteed party.
Our financial guarantees include nuclear-energy-related items that are described in detail in our
2005 Annual Report. Obligations also include direct financial guarantees to creditors of related
parties and third parties. Direct financial guarantees with specified terms extend as far as 2022.
Maximum potential undiscounted future payments amount to 550 million (year end 2005: 427
million). Of this amount, 440 million (year end 2005: 304 million) consists of guarantees issued
on behalf of related parties.
Indirect guarantees primarily include additional obligations in connection with cross-border
leasing transactions and obligations to provide financial support, primarily to related parties.
Indirect guarantees with specified terms extend as far as 2023. Maximum potential undiscounted
future payments amount to 418 million (year end 2005: 431 million). Of this amount, 130 million
(year end 2005: 67 million) involves guarantees issued on behalf of related parties. As of June
30, 2006, we recorded provisions of 12 million (year end 2005: 25 million) with respect to
financial guarantees.
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Interim Report II/2006
In addition, E.ON has commitments under which it assumes joint and several liability arising
from its ownership interests in civil-law companies (Gesellschaften bürgerlichen Rechts),
noncorporate commercial partnerships, and consortia in which it participates.
Furthermore, certain E.ON Group companies have obligations by virtue of their membership in VKE, a
German energy industry pension fund, in accordance with VKEs articles of incorporation. We do not
expect these companies to have to perform on their obligations.
Indemnification Agreements
Contracts in connection with the disposal of shareholdings concluded by the E.ON Group
companies include indemnification agreements and other guarantees with terms up to 2041 in
accordance with local legal requirements, unless shorter terms were contractually agreed to.
Maximum undiscounted amounts potentially payable pursuant to the circumstances expressly stipulated
in these agreements could total up to 6,721 million (year end 2005: 6,623 million). These mainly
relate to customary representations and warranties, potential environmental liabilities, and
potential claims for tax-related guarantees. In some cases, the buyer is either required to share
costs or to cover certain costs before we are required to make any payments. Some obligations are
covered first by insurance contracts or provisions of the divested companies. As of June 30, 2006,
we recorded provisions of 291 million (year end 2005: 296 million) for indemnities and other
guarantees included in sales agreements. Guarantees issued by companies that were later sold by
E.ON AG (or by VEBA AG or VIAG AG before their merger) are included in the final sales contracts in
the form of indemnities (Freistellungserklärungen).
Other Guarantees
Other guarantees with an effective period through 2021 mainly include market-value guarantees
and warranties (maximum potential undiscounted future payments at
June 30,2006: 128 million; year
end 2005: 130 million). Other guarantees
no longer include product warranties (or corresponding provisions) due to the disposal of Viterra
and Ruhrgas Industries.
Subsequent Events
On July 12, 2006, E.ON and Gazprom signed a framework agreement to exchange assets in gas
production and in gas trading, gas sales, and the electricity business. Under the agreement, E.ON
is to acquire a 25 percent stake (minus one share) in Yushno Russkoye in Siberia, one of the
worlds largest natural gas fields. Together, our share of Yushno Russkoyes production and of our
existing gas fields in the North Sea would amount to about 15 percent of E.ON Ruhrgass gas
procurement. In return for the stake in Yushno Russkoye, Gazprom will acquire minority stakes in
three E.ON companies in Hungary: 50 percent (minus one share) in E.ON Földgcáz Storage, 50 percent
(minus one share) in E.ON Földgcáz Trade, and 25 percent (plus one share) in E.ON Hungária, a
regional power and gas distributor. Gazprom will also receive other compensation yet to be
determined. In addition, E.ON and Gazprom have agreed to work together on certain gas-fired power
station projects in Europe. E.ON and Gazprom intend to conclude a detailed asset-swap agreement by
the end of the year. Gazprom shareholdings in Hungary are subject to approval by the EU Commission
and Hungarian authorities.
On July 27, 2006, Spains Comisión Nacional de Energía (CNE) approved E.ONs acquisition of Endesa
subject to a number of conditions. These include the requirement that we divest about 7,400
megawatts of Endesas generating capacity in Spain. We see no justification for these conditions
and filed an appeal of the CNE decision with Spains Ministry of
Industry on August 10. The ministry
has up to three months to decide on our appeal. We are also considering whether to take further
legal action. We remain strongly committed to this acquisition and believe that it will benefit all
stakeholders: customers, employees, and shareholders as well as the wider Spanish economy.
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Interim Report II/2006
Business Segments
Our reportable segments are presented in line with our internal organizational and
reporting structure. E.ONs business is subdivided into energy and other activities. Our core
energy business consists of the following market units: Central Europe, Pan-European Gas, U.K.,
Nordic, U.S. Midwest, and Corporate Center.
Central Europe operates an integrated electricity business and downstream gas business in Central
Europe.
Pan-European Gas focuses on the upstream and midstream gas business in Europe. This market unit
also holds a number of mostly minority shareholdings in the downstream gas business.
U.K. operates an integrated energy business in the United Kingdom.
Nordic is principally engaged in the integrated energy business in Northern Europe.
U.S. Midwest primarily operates a regulated utility business in Kentucky, USA.
The Corporate Center consists of equity interests managed directly by E.ON AG, E.ON AG itself, and
consolidation effects at the group level.
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Interim Report II/2006
Under U.S. GAAP, E.ON is required to report under discontinued operations those operations
of a reportable or operating segment, or of a component thereof, that either have been disposed of
or are classified as held for sale.
In the first half of 2006, this applied mainly to WKE, which is held for sale, and E.ON Finland,
which was sold in late June 2006. For the purposes of our business segment reporting, our results
for the period ended June 30, 2006, and for the prior-year period do not include the results of our
discontinued operations (see the table on page 34 and the commentary on page 29).
Adjusted EBIT, E.ONs key figure for purposes of internal management control and as an indicator of
a businesss long-term earnings power, is derived from income/loss (-) from continuing operations
before income taxes and interest income and adjusted to exclude certain extraordinary items. The
adjustments include book gains and losses on disposals, restructuring expenses, and other
nonoperating income and expenses of a nonrecurring or rare nature. In addition, interest income is
adjusted using economic criteria. In particular, the interest portion of additions to provisions
for pensions resulting from personnel expenses is allocated to interest income. The interest
portions of the allocations of other long-term provisions are treated analogously to the degree
that, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, they are reported on different lines of the Consolidated
Statements of Income.
Page 9 of this report contains a detailed reconciliation of adjusted EBIT to net income.
Due to the adjustments made, our financial information by business segment may differ from the
corresponding U.S. GAAP figures.
35
Financial Calendar
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November 8, 2006
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Interim Report: January September 2006 |
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March 7, 2007
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Publication of the 2006 Annual Report |
May 3, 2007
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2007 Annual Shareholders Meeting |
May 4, 2007
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Dividend Payout |
May 9, 2007
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Interim Report: January March 2007 |
August 15, 2007
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Interim Report: January June 2007 |
November 13, 2007
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Interim Report: January September 2007 |
For more information about E.ON,
please contact:
Corporate Communications
E.ON AG
E.ON-Platz 1
40479 Düsseldorf
Germany
T +49 (0) 211-4579-453
F +49 (0) 211-4579-566
info@eon.com
www.eon.com
Only the German version of this Interim Report is
legally binding.
Information on results: This
Interim Report contains certain forward-looking statements that are
subject to risk and uncertainties. For information identifying economic, currency, regulatory,
technological, competitive, and some other important factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, you should refer to
E.ONs filings to the Securities and Exchange Commission (Washington, DC), as updated from time to
time, in particular to the discussion included in the sections of the
E.ON 2005 Annual Report on
Form 20-F entitled Item 3. Key Information: Risk
Factors, Item 5. Operating and Financial Review
and Prospects, and Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this Current Report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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E.ON AG |
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Date:
August 15, 2006
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By: /s/ Michael C. Wilhelm |
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Michael C. Wilhelm
Senior Vice President
Accounting |