e6vk
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 November, 2005
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 September 30, 2005
Interim Report III/2005
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Positive earnings trend continues in third quarter |
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Net income sharply higher on successful divestment of Viterra and Ruhrgas
Industries |
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Outlook for full year 2005: increase in adjusted EBIT significant increase in net
income |
Interim Report III/2005
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 (adjusted EBIT, adjusted EBITDA, 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.
2
Interim Report III/2005
Contents
3
Interim Report III/2005
Dear Shareholders,
In the third quarter of 2005, E.ON continued its positive operating performance. We
increased adjusted EBIT by 7 percent year-on-year to 5.5 billion. At approximately 6.4
billion, net income was significantly above the high prior-year figure. The key driver was the
book gains totaling roughly 3 billion we recorded on the divestment of Viterra and Ruhrgas
Industries. For full year 2005, we expect net income to considerably surpass last years figure
and adjusted EBIT to be higher.
Last quarter we again systematically seized opportunities for small- and medium-sized
investments. This applies particularly to natural gas procurement. In September we acquired
Caledonia Oil and Gas Limited, a U.K. natural gas production company with interests in a total
of 15 gas fields. The acquisition brings us a good deal closer to our long-term goal of sourcing
roughly 15 to 20 percent of our natural gas needs from our own production assets. We also
concluded an agreement with BASF and Gazprom to build the North European Gas Pipeline, thereby
laying the foundation for a direct link between Germany and Russias vast natural gas reserves.
In order to supply our customers with natural gas from more distant producing countries, we
began the planning process for the construction of a liquefied natural gas terminal in
Wilhelmshaven in northwest Germany. All these measures will help to meet the rising natural gas
needs of Germany and other European countries and enhance our security of supply.
In addition, across Europe we are gradually developing our generation portfolio. In Italy we are
investing approximately 400 million to build a state-of-the art, environmentally friendly
combined heat and power plant. This will give us access to an electricity market that is already
Europes fourth largest and growing rapidly. E.ON Ruhrgas will supply the plant with natural gas,
another example of how the E.ON Group leverages the synergies of horizontal integration. We will
also invest about 240 million to modernize a power station in the Netherlands, further improving
its operating efficiency and above all its environmental performance. In Lockerbie, Scotland, we
intend to build the U.K.s largest biomass power plant. Renewables make an important contribution
to security of supply and sustainability. They are already an important ingredient in our energy
mix. Hydro, wind, and biomass power plants currently account for roughly 10 percent of our total
generating capacity in Europe.
These types of projects would not be feasible if they did not promise adequate returns. In the
next few years, many new power plants will need to be built to replace old plants and to meet the
rising demand for energy. Natural gas and electricity networks will also require substantial
investments. Because these assets have long
service lives, they require a stable regulatory, economic, and environmental policy environment.
Right now, though (particularly in Germany), public debate is focused almost exclusively on
energy prices. We understand why this issue is important to people. We respond to the concerns
and criticisms of our customers and the general public through a wide range of information
offerings. But we are also taking an important additional step: we will be the first company in
our industry to publish how we calculate natural gas prices for
residential customers of our regional distribution companies in
Germany. By doing
so, we aim to remove doubts about the appropriateness of our natural gas prices, to make the
debate more factual, and to gain more trust among our customers and the public. But the debate
about energy prices must not distort our view of the challenges facing us in the years ahead. The
objective must be to secure a sustainable and secure supply of energy for the long term. E.ON
will do its part to make this happen.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Wulf H. Bernotat
4
Interim Report
III/2005
E.ON Stock
E.ON stock finished the first nine months of
2005 up 18 percent (including the dividend), thereby
performing similarly to other European blue chips as
measured by the EURO STOXX 50 Performance Index, which
also advanced 18 percent over the same period. E.ON
stock performed slightly weaker than its peer index,
the STOXX Utilities, which rose by 24 percent.
The trading volume of E.ON stock climbed by about 38
percent year-on-year to 45.7 billion, making E.ON the
sixth most-traded stock in the DAX index of Germanys
top 30 blue chips. As of September 30, 2005, E.ON was
the third-largest DAX issue 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 informaton about E.ON stock, visit www.eon.com.
5
Interim Report III/2005
Results of Operations
Energy Price Developments
The power and gas markets E.ON operates in
are heavily influenced by international oil, coal,
and CO2
prices.
World oil markets are currently driven by tight
supply fundamentals. The demand for crude oil is at
historic highs and expected to increase further. At
the same time, there is only limited spare production
capacity. The uncertain political situation in major
oil producing countries like Iran and Iraq combined
with the effects of recent hurricanes on U.S. oil
production have led to volatile crude oil prices,
reflecting high
risk premiums. The price of Brent crude oil peaked at
$67.7 per barrel in September. At the end of the
month, Brent was still trading at more than $60 per
barrel, a 50 percent increase from the price at the
start of the year and a 75 percent increase from the
average price in the first nine months of 2004.
Natural gas prices in Continental Europe, the U.K.,
and the U.S. are closely linked to oil prices, since
natural gas and fuel oil are largely substitutable. In
Continental Europe, long-term natural gas import
contracts in particular frequently reflect this
linkage through the indexation of gas prices to oil
prices. Although natural gas contracts in the U.K. and
the U.S. are not indexed to oil prices, the prices of
the two fuels are closely linked in these markets, as
well. Consequently, the natural gas prices in our
markets increased in the first three quarters of 2005
in response to higher oil prices. In addition,
uncertainty over the long-term impact of recent
hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico led to substantially
higher natural gas prices in the U.S.
Coal prices remained at a high level in the first nine
months of 2005 and peaked at $72 per metric ton for
year-ahead delivery. Since April, however, coal prices
have declined due to lower freight rates and
increasing excess supply in Europe and are now below
$60 per metric ton.
In Europe, CO2
certificate prices declined from their second-quarter high of 29 per metric ton and ended
September at about 22 per metric ton. Market
observers believe that natural gas prices in the
U.K. were the main factor in the sharp
increase in CO2
prices in the first half
of 2005. High
natural gas prices made it more attractive to
generate electricity in coal-fired rather than
gas-fired assets. An increase in the amount of
electricity generated from coal results in
greater demand for CO2
certificates. As natural gas prices
in the U.K. fell in the third quarter,
so too did CO2
certificate
prices.
Wholesale power prices remained at high levels, tracking
fuel and CO2
certificate prices. In the U.K. and U.S., power
prices were mainly driven by natural gas prices, in Germany
mainly by coal and CO2
certificate prices. Prices on the Nord
Pool, Scandinavias power exchange, appear to be increasingly
influenced by CO2
certificate prices and by prices on the
EEX, the German power exchange.
E.ONs retail business cannot be detached from these
developments. Our retail prices are derived from
wholesale prices. Rising energy prices in Europe are
merely a reflection of the development of wholesale
prices.
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Interim Report III/2005
Power and Gas Sales Volumes Higher
We sold 4 percent more electricity in the
first nine months of 2005 than in the same period
last year. There are two main
reasons for the increase. The national
burden-sharing agreement for renewable-source
electricity in Germany served to increase our sales
volume, as did the inclusion of Gorna Oryahovitza
and Varna, newly consolidated regional electric
distribution companies in Bulgaria. Higher sales
volumes outside Germany at our Pan-European Gas
market unit constituted the main factor in the 6
percent increase in gas sales volumes.
Sales up 18 Percent
The increase in sales resulted primarily from
the following factors: the passthrough of the costs
of procuring electricity under Germanys Renewable
Energy Law, higher average prices in our power and
gas business, higher gas sales volumes, and
consolidation effects.
Adjusted EBIT up 7 Percent
The positive earnings trend of the first half of
the year continued in the third quarter. Adjusted EBIT
rose by 7 percent year-on-year to 5.5 billion. The
earnings increase resulting from higher wholesale
electricity prices was partially counteracted by
higher fuel and procurement prices and by 154
million in costs for the procurement of
CO2 certificates due to
our insufficient allocation. This figure includes the cost of
our additional CO2 certificate requirements as well as nonrecurring effects related to the implementation of
the National Allocation Plans. In accordance with the
developing accounting practice, in the third quarter
we adjusted the expenses we show for
CO2 certificates. Expenditures to obtain
certificates due to our insufficient allocation will
now be recorded in annual amounts and not at the end
of the entire allocation period (20052007). We do not
expect the expense for
CO2 certificates to increase through year end 2005. Also contributing to our improved adjusted EBIT
performance was increased hydroelectric generation at
Nordic. Adjusted EBIT at Pan-European Gas, U.K., and
U.S. Midwest was at the prior-year level.
Net Income Substantially Surpasses High Prior-Year Level
Adjusted interest income (net) fell to 791
million. The decline primarily reflects the fact that
in 2004 we recorded a one-off gain of approximately
270 million resulting from amendments to Germanys
Ordinance on Advance Payments for the Establishment of
Federal Facilities for Safe Custody and Final Storage
for Radioactive Wastes
(Endlager-Vorausleistungsverordnung). By contrast,
the decline in our net debt was a positive factor.
Net book gains in the first nine months of 2005 were
approximately 130 million below last years figure.
In the period under review, book gains resulted in
particular from the sale of securities (260 million).
In addition, the merger of
Gasversorgung Thüringen and TEAG resulted in a merger
gain of 112 million. In the prior year we recorded
book gains on the sale of equity interests in EWE and
VNG (317 million), securities (152 million), and
more Degussa stock (63 million).
Other nonoperating earnings primarily reflect positive
effects from the marking to market of energy
derivatives at the U.K. market unit. We use
derivatives to protect our operations
7
Interim Report III/2005
Results of Operations
from the effects of price fluctuations. Since
June 30, 2005, however, the market value of these
derivatives has decreased by more than 300 million.
An impairment charge at Degussas Fine Chemicals
division reduced our other nonoperating earnings by
356 million in line with our 42.9 percent ownership
interest. The costs caused by the severe storm in
Sweden at the beginning of the year reduced other
nonoperating earnings by about 140 million. As with
the current-year figure, the prior-year figure mainly
includes positive effects from the marking to market
of energy derivatives.
Our continuing operations recorded a tax expense of
1.6 billion in the first nine months of 2005. Our tax
rate was 32 percent compared with 29 percent in the
prior-year period. The increase results primarily from
a lower share of tax-free earnings.
Income/Loss
(-) from discontinued operations, net,
mainly reflects the aggregate book gain of
approximately 3 billion on the disposal of Viterra
and Ruhrgas Industries. Under U.S. GAAP, this gain is
reported separately in the Consolidated Statements of
Income (see commentary on page 29).
Net income (after income taxes and minority
interests) considerably surpassed the high
prior-year level thanks to the above-mentioned book
gains. Earnings per share of 9.71 were likewise up
significantly from last years figure.
Investments Significantly below Prior-Year Figure
In the period under review the E.ON Group
invested 3.1 billion, an 18 percent decline
year-on-year. We invested 1.9 billion (prior year:
1.7 billion) in intangible assets and property,
plant, and equipment. Investments in financial assets
totaled 1.2 billion versus 2.1 billion in the prior
year. The decline is in particular attributable to the
Corporate Center. The high prior-year figure reflects
payments for bonds repurchased in conjunction with the
acquisition of Midlands Electricity.
In the first nine months of 2005, the Central Europe
market unit invested 1,430 million, roughly 4 percent
less than in the prior year. Investments in intangible
assets and property, plant, and equipment totaled 963
million, 25 percent more than the prior-year figure of
773 million. The increase results from higher
investments in conventional power plants and
waste-incineration generating capacity. Investments in
financial assets totaled 467 million (prior year:
711 million), of which the acquisition of shares in
Romanias E.ON Moldova and of NRE in the Netherlands
are noteworthy.
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Interim Report III/2005
In the first nine months of 2005, Pan-European Gas invested approximately 431 million,
predominantly in its upstream business. It increased its ownership interest in Njord Field, a
natural gas and oil production basin in the Norwegian Sea, from 15 percent to 30 percent.
Pan-European Gass other significant investments included the acquisition of a majority interest in
Distrigaz Nord, a Romanian gas utility, and the increase of its shareholding in Interconnector
Limited of the U.K. from 10 percent to 23.6 percent. This market unit also invested in
infrastructure upgrade projects. Forty-one percent of investments went towards intangible assets
and property, plant, and equipment, while 59 percent went towards the acquisition of shareholdings.
In the first nine months of 2005, U.K. invested 369 million in financial assets and 359 million
in intangible assets and property, plant, and equipment. Investments in financial assets were
higher than in the prior year, mainly due to investments in the Enfield CCGT asset and Holford Gas
Storage. Capital expenditure for additions to property, plant, and equipment was 24 million lower
than in the prior year, largely due to higher expenditure in 2004 on Scroby Sands offshore wind
farm. Capital expenditure for additions to property, plant, and equipment was directed primarily at
renewable generation, conventional power stations, and the regulated distribution business.
Nordic invested 248 million in intangible assets and property, plant, and equipment during the
first three quarters of 2005 (prior year: 245 million) to maintain production plants and to
upgrade and expand its distribution network. Investments in financial assets totaled 154 million
compared with 376 million during the corresponding period of 2004. Investments in 2004 were
significantly higher, due in part to a 307 million expenditure to acquire the remaining shares in
Graninge.
At 183 million, investments at U.S. Midwest were slightly higher in 2005, primarily due to
increased spending on pollution control equipment in the non-regulated operations partly offset by
lower construction and pollution control equipment spending on utility plant.
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 nine months of 2005 was
slightly below the prior-year level.
Cash provided by operating activities at Central Europe increased significantly year-on-year
because gross profit on sales was higher and payments for nuclear fuel reprocessing were lower than
in the prior-year period and because of consolidation effects. In addition, tax payments were
higher in the prior year. Cash provided by operating activities was negatively affected by an
increase in working capital.
In the first nine months of 2005, Pan-European Gas recorded a marked increase in cash provided by
operating activities primarily due to lower intercompany tax offsets compared with the prior-year
period.
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Interim Report III/2005
Results of Operations
Cash provided by operating activities at U.K. declined significantly year-on-year. This was
mainly due to a one-off payment of 629 million in the second quarter to fund the majority of the
actuarial deficit of U.K.s pension plans.
The significant decline in Nordics cash provided by operating activities resulted from a number of
nonrecurring items. These primarily relate to increased cash outflows stemming from the severe
storm in January and higher tax payments. Increased power production at Nordics hydroelectric
facilities and improvements in its gas business had a positive influence on cash provided by
operating activities.
Cash provided by operating activities at U.S. Midwest was higher year-on-year due to the absence of
certain nonrecurring charges including pension plan contributions and the phase-out of an
asset-backed securities program that negatively affected the prior year. Cash provided by operating
activities also improved because a long-term energy marketing contract in the non-regulated
business expired at the end of 2004. These effects were partially counteracted by an increase in
fuel and gas inventory resulting from higher volumes and prices.
The Corporate Centers cash provided by operating activities was higher year-on-year mainly due to
positive effects from the unwinding of currency swaps, which were partially offset by higher
internal tax refunds in 2005 than in 2004.
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, particularly in the second and the third quarters, there is typically a corresponding
reduction in working capital, resulting in significant 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 11 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
table on the next page.
We again significantly improved our net financial position from the figure reported as of December
31, 2004 (5,483 million). This was caused mainly by strong cash provided by operating activities
and by the disposal of Viterra and Ruhrgas Industries. Our net financial position was adversely
affected by financial outlays for investments in property, plant, and equipment and in
shareholdings and for the dividend payout and the related tax payment.
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Interim Report III/2005
Net interest expense declined by a substantial 230 million year-on-year, mainly reflecting lower
net debt in the first nine months of 2005. In addition, the prior-year figure includes a
nonrecurring adverse effect relating to the repurchase of Powergen bonds. A further factor in the
current-year period was the higher share of financial liabilities with a variable interest rate.
Net interest expense only includes the interest income of those items that are also part of net
financial position.
Since March 14, 2005, Standard & Poors long-term rating for E.ON bonds is AA- with a negative
outlook. Since April 30, 2004, Moodys long-term rating for E.ON bonds is Aa3 with a stable
outlook. Commercial paper
issued by E.ON has a short-term rating of A-1+ and P-1 by Standard & Poors and Moodys,
respectively. E.ON has committed itself to maintaining at least a strong single-A rating.
Employees
On September 30, 2005, the E.ON Group had 78,029 employees worldwide in its core energy
business, as well as 2,506 apprentices and 230 board members and managing directors. Our workforce
increased by 17,433 employees, or 29 percent, since December 31, 2004.
At the end
of September 2005, 43,584 employees, or 56 percent of all staff, were working outside
Germany, about 11 percentage points more than at year end 2004. This development is mainly
attributable to the addition of Distrigaz Nord (over 9,300 employees), a Romanian gas distribution
company, at the Pan-European Gas market unit.
Central Europes workforce increased to 42,543 employees, 16 percent more than at year end 2004.
This resulted from the addition of Gorna Oryahovitza and Varna, regional electric distribution
companies in Bulgaria (a total of about 3,700 employees), the IT service provider E.ON IS (formerly
is:energy, about 1,300 employees), and DDGáz and Kögáz, Hungarian gas distribution companies (a
total of about 900 employees).
At the end of the third quarter of 2005, the U.K. market unit had 12,479 employees. This roughly 20
percent rise from year end 2004 is attributable to the integration of staff formerly employed by an
external service provider.
During the reporting period, wages and salaries including social security contributions totaled
3.4 billion, compared with just over 3 billion a year ago.
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Interim Report III/2005
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 facility and system maintenance.
During 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 financial instruments suited for this
purpose.
Our market units operate in an international market environment characterized by general risks
related to the business cycle and competition. We use a comprehensive sales and risk monitoring
system and derivative financial instruments to limit the price and sales risks of liberalized
markets.
The political, legal, and regulatory environment in which the E.ON Group does business is a source
of additional external risks. 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. The following are among the current
issues in this area:
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The German Federal Cartel Office has announced that it intends to issue antitrust rulings against
natural gas supply agreements between regional gas companies and resellers. This poses a potential
risk to our earnings situation, since new agreements would have to be concluded. It is impossible
to predict the effects this might have, since it is a competitive process whose outcome is by its
very nature uncertain. However, we are optimistic that, as in the past, we will be the most
attractive supplier for a large majority of our customers. |
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Lawsuits filed by individual customers against
natural gas price increases pose a potential risk
to our earnings situation, since we cannot rule
out the possibility that the courts will demand
that we provide them with price-calculation
information, with the result that our competitors
would gain access to confidential contract terms.
We also cannot rule out the possibility that
there will be similar developments in our
electricity business. |
The operational and strategic management of the E.ON Group relies heavily on complex information
technology. Our IT systems are maintained and optimized by qualified E.ON Group experts, outside
experts, and certain technical security measures.
In the period under review, the E.ON Groups risk situation did not change substantially from year
end 2004.
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Interim Report III/2005
Outlook
For 2005
we expect the E.ON Groups adjusted EBIT to exceed the number posted in 2004.
Thanks to the successful divestment of Viterra and Ruhrgas Industries, we expect net income for
2005 to substantially surpass the prior-year figure.
The earnings forecast by market unit is as follows:
We continue to expect the 2005 adjusted EBIT of the
Central Europe market unit to be above the prior-year
number. The
main drivers will be the passthrough of higher
wholesale electricity prices to end customers and the
optimization programs we have initiated. The negative
factors will consist of substantially higher fuel
prices and higher burdens resulting
from expenses for additional
CO2 certificates, since our allocation was insufficient.
We expect Pan-European Gass adjusted EBIT to be on
par with the figure for 2004. Full-year adjusted EBIT
at the midstream business will be down year-on-year
due to the sharp increase in heating oil prices. The
linkage between heating oil and natural gas prices has
increased procurement costs substantially. This effect
may be partially counteracted by the upstream
business, which we expect will continue to develop
positively.
We expect the U.K. market units adjusted EBIT for
2005 to be at last years level. From todays
perspective, we expect the development of the first
nine months to continue, with higher commodity input
costs, which include the new carbon costs, being
offset by higher retail prices.
We anticipate that Nordics adjusted EBIT for 2005
will exceed the solid figure posted in 2004. The
strong nine-month earnings trend, which results from
higher hydroelectric production and favorable price
developments, will slacken somewhat during the
remainder of the year. Fourth-quarter adjusted EBIT
will be negatively impacted by lower earnings
following the sale of hydroelectric plants to
Statkraft and by planned costs for the rebranding from
Sydkraft to E.ON Sverige.
We expect U.S. Midwests 2005 adjusted EBIT to be on
par with the 2004 figure in local currency. The
positive effects of higher gas and electric rates and
increased off-system sales contributions will be
largely offset by additional MISO-related costs and
higher coal prices in the non-regulated business.
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Interim Report III/2005
Market Units
Central Europe
In the third quarter, wholesale electricity
prices in Germany experienced a brief period of
consolidation before returning to the high levels of
previous months. Baseload electricity prices for 2006
delivery finished the third quarter 30 percent higher
than at the beginning of the year. The main drivers
are continuing high and volatile fuel and CO2 certificate
prices.
Industrial customers concluding new annual supply
agreements in the third quarter had to plan for a
double-digit percentage point increase in electricity
prices compared with the start of 2005. Depending on
their expectations about the market, some industrial
customers postponed the conclusion of new supply
agreements until the fourth quarter of 2005.
Electricity prices for standard-rate residential
customers were unchanged in the third quarter.
Central Europe sold approximately 11.7 billion kWh
more electricity than in the prior-year period due to
the sale of larger volumes of electricity the company
was required to purchase under Germanys Renewable
Energy Law and to the inclusion of Gorna Oryahovitza
and Varna, Bulgarian regional electric distribution
companies that became consolidated E.ON subsidiaries
in the period under review.
Central Europe met about 48 percent of its power
requirements with electricity from its own generation
assets, compared with 52 percent in the year-earlier
period. Central Europes generation business can
capitalize on the advantages of a flexible generation
portfolio. Compared with the prior year, Central
Europe procured around 15 billion kWh more electricity
from jointly owned power stations and outside sources.
This increase is principally attributable to the
purchase of larger volumes of wind power as well as to
the
inclusion of the Bulgarian regional electric
distribution companies mentioned above.
Despite a temperature-driven decline in sales volume
and the loss of some business to competitors, Central
Europes regional utilities sold about 2 billion kWh
more gas than in the prior-year period. The key
factors were the consolidation of Kögáz and DDGáz in
Hungary and two gas utilities at E.ON Bayern. Another
positive factor was the inclusion of Gasversorgung
Thüringen, which in July 2005 was merged with TEAG, a
regional distributor that was already a consolidated
E.ON company. The merged entity is called E.ON
Thüringer Energie.
14
Interim Report III/2005
Central Europe grew sales by 15 percent relative to
the prior-year period, mainly due to the passthrough
of procurement costs for electricity purchased under
the Renewable Energy Law, higher electricity and gas
prices in Germany, and the consolidation effects
mentioned above.
Adjusted EBIT rose by 242 million year-on-year, with
Central Europes business units developing as follows:
Central Europe West Power grew adjusted EBIT by 265
million. The increase is chiefly attributable to the
passthrough to end customers of higher wholesale
electricity prices. There were two main adverse
affects. First, conventional fuel costs increased
significantly. Second, we had higher burdens
resulting from expenses for additional CO2 certificates.
Adjusted EBIT at Central Europe West Gas was
21 million below the prior-year level. Lower sales
volumes and higher procurement costs could not be
counteracted by the above-mentioned consolidation
effects or by higher sales prices.
Central Europe Easts adjusted EBIT was on par with the
prior-year level. The positive effects from the inclusion of
Varna and Gorna Oryahovitza, Bulgarian regional electricity
distributors that became consolidated E.ON companies on
March 1, 2005, were offset by a seasonal earnings decline at
our gas utilities in Hungary.
15
Interim Report III/2005
Market Units
Pan-European Gas
In the first nine months of 2005, Germanys
consumption of primary energy declined by 1 percent,
while its consumption of natural gas rose slightly by
0.8 percent relative to the same period last year. In
the year to September 30, temperatures in E.ON
Ruhrgass sales territory were about 0.4° C below the
historical average. In the third quarter, temperatures
were on par with the prior-year figure and were thus
about 0.2° C above the historical average.
E.ON Ruhrgas AG sold 476.9 billion kWh of gas in the
first three quarters of 2005, about 8 percent more
than in the prior-year period. Third-quarter sales
volumes also rose by 8 percent year-on-year to 113.8
billion kWh.
The volume growth resulted mainly from higher sales
volumes outside Germany, which increased by 61 percent
year-on-year. Sales volumes in Germany were 1 percent
higher than in the first nine months of last year.
Outside Germany, Pan-European
Gass most important sales markets are the U.K. and
Switzerland. Along with gas deliveries to E.ON UK,
which began in October 2004, deliveries to new
customers in France, Denmark, and Italy also
contributed to the positive development of this market
units international business.
Higher deliveries outside Germany were also
responsible for the year-on-year increase in third
quarter sales volumes. In Germany, E.ON Ruhrgas AG
also sold more gas to publicly owned power stations,
whereas sales volumes to municipal utilities and
industrial customers declined slightly. In the third
quarter, E.ON Ruhrgas concluded its first supply
agreement with an industrial customer in the
Netherlands. Furthermore, a supply agreement was
reached with Thüga Italia to supply natural gas to 23
gas utilities in Italy for the 2005/2006 delivery
period.
In the year to September 30, regional gas companies
constituted E.ON Ruhrgas AGs largest customer
segment, accounting for 48 percent of total gas sales
(prior year: 52 percent). Sales to municipal utilities
were up by just over 3 percent year-on-year, whereas
sales to industrial customers declined by about 1
percent. Sales to municipal utilities accounted for 23
percent of total sales, while those to industrial
customers accounted for 11 percent, both down one
percentage point form the prior-year figure. Sales
outside Germany were 61 percent higher and
consequently increased as a share of total sales from
12 percent to 18 percent.
To secure its supply of natural gas well into the
future, in the third quarter of 2005 E.ON Ruhrgas
extended its existing supply agreement with Gazprom
to 2020, which means that Gazprom will remain one of
E.ON Ruhrgass main suppliers in the next decade.
Sales at Pan-European Gas increased to 11.9 billion,
while adjusted EBIT increased slightly, in the first
nine months of 2005.
The Up-/Midstream business unit grew sales by 39
percent year-on-year to 8.8 billion. The increase
results mainly from higher sales volumes in the
midstream business in conjunction
16
Interim Report III/2005
with higher average sales prices. The upstream business also benefited from increased production compared with the prior-year period and from higher sales prices. In 2004, the Scoter gas field did not begin production until March, whereas in 2005 Scoter produced throughout the period under review.
Sales were
higher at the Downstream Shareholdings business unit primarily due to
consolidation effects at Thüga Italia and the inclusion of
Distrigaz Nord, which became a consolidated E.ON company in the
period under review.
The performance of the Up-/Midstream business unit was the main factor
in the development of Pan-European Gass adjusted EBIT. Heating oil prices, to which natural
gas prices are linked, have risen throughout 2005, resulting in substantially higher procurement
costs. Because there is a delay in
the adjustment of sales prices to reflect procurement prices, higher procurement
costs had a significant adverse effect on adjusted EBIT. The marked improvement in adjusted EBIT in the upstream
business was not enough to counteract the negative effects in the downstream business. On balance, adjusted
EBIT at the Up-/Midstream business unit fell by 4 percent to 712 million.
The Downstream Shareholdings business unit grew adjusted EBIT by 10 percent year-on-year to 405 million. This is principally attributable to higher equity earnings at affiliated companies and lower writedowns.
17
Interim Report III/2005
Market Units
U.K.
Gas prices at the National Balancing Point rose
significantly in the first nine months of 2005,
driven by the rise in forward oil prices and
continued security of supply concerns. Across the
nine months, the price of the 2006 calendar year
product rose from 32 pence per therm to 54 pence per
therm. This represents an increase of 69 percent
since the start of the year.
Power prices in the U.K. continued to be driven by
rising gas prices and increasingly by carbon prices.
In the first nine months of 2005, winter 2005/2006
baseload contracts increased from
£33 per MWh to close
at above £49 per MWh. This represents an increase of
48 percent since the start of the year.
In response to increases in wholesale energy prices,
the U.K. market unit has increased its consumer retail
prices for electricity by 7.2 percent and for gas by
11.9 percent with effect from August 31, 2005.
The decrease in power and gas sales volumes is in the
industrial and commercial market, where the focus has
been on securing margin in a very competitive
marketplace impacted by increasing and volatile
commodity prices.
18
Interim Report III/2005
U.K.s attributable generation portfolio was 9,907 MW
at September 30, 2005, a quarter-on-quarter increase
of 1,100 MW due to the recommissioning of Killingholme
Module 1 (450 MW) in August and the return to service
of Grain Unit 4 (650 MW) in September. In October,
Grain Unit 1 (650 MW) also returned to service.
E.ON UK increased its sales in the first nine months
of 2005 compared with the prior year as a result of
retail prices increases to reflect higher commodity
costs.
Adjusted EBIT at the regulated business was up 6
million due to a full nine-month contribution from
Midlands Electricity, which was acquired on January
16, 2004.
In the non-regulated business, adjusted EBIT
increased by 41 million. The key item is benefits
from the integration of customer service activities
relating to the former TXU business. Significant increases in commodity input costs,
which include the new carbon costs, were offset by
higher retail prices.
During the third quarter of 2005, adjusted EBIT was
adversely impacted by 86 million due to the full
recognition of the year-to-date carbon shortfall.
The 52 million decrease in adjusted EBIT recorded
under Other/Consolidation is mainly due to an expiry
of deferred warranty income from previous asset sales
and to lower earnings from the international assets
following divestment in 2004 of the interests in the 1,220 MW plant in
Paiton, Indonesia.
19
Interim Report III/2005
Market Units
Nordic
The hydrological balance in Sweden and Norway
has been stable and, since spring, slightly above the
long-term average. As of early October, the balance
was up 10 billion kWh year-on-year. About 30 billion
kWh more hydroelectricity was produced in the first
nine months of 2005 than in the same period last year.
The first nine months of 2005 were warmer than the
long-term average, serving to dampen demand for
energy. In conjunction with higher hydroelectric
production, warmer weather kept spot electricity
prices lower than had been
anticipated. Fuel and CO2 certificate prices remained high,
however, putting upward pressure on forward
electricity prices.
Electricity transfers between the Nordic countries
and interconnected neighboring countries were nearly
in balance in the first nine months of 2005. By
comparison, the Nordic countries imported 10 billion
kWh of electricity in the first nine months of last
year. The change is due to the export of electricity
to Germany in response to higher prices in that
market. In 2004, Germany and Nordic country
electricity transfers were roughly in balance.
Competition remains very keen in the Nordic retail
markets. Through September 2005, nearly 48 percent of
retail customers in Sweden had renegotiated their
contract with their current supplier or switched
suppliers. Sydkraft was rebranded to E.ON Sverige on
September 16, 2005. An initial public survey indicates
that the launch of the new brand was successful.
We estimate that it will cost approximately 140
million to restore E.ON Sveriges distribution grid
and compensate customers following the severe storm in
January. These costs are extraordinary in nature and
will not affect adjusted EBIT.
20
Interim Report III/2005
Nordic sold 0.7 billion kWh more electricity compared
with the same period in 2004. The increase resulted
from higher sales to sales partners and on the Nord
Pool energy exchange, partially offset by lower sales
to residential and commercial customers, primarily as
a result of the severe January storm. Nordic sold 95
percent of its power in Sweden and 5 percent in
Finland.
Nordic covered more than 70 percent of its
electricity sales with power from its own generation
assets. Nordics own generation increased by 1.9
billion kWh relative to the prior-year period. Higher
reservoir levels at the start of the year along with
higher inflow, especially during the summer months,
resulted in higher hydroelectric generation. Nuclear
power production declined compared with 2004, which
was characterized by very high availability. In 2005,
there have been one longer and several shorter
unplanned outages in Nordics reactors. Lower spot
electricity prices explain the decline in generation
from fossil-fuel and CHP units.
Gas sales increased slightly due to higher sales to
industrial customers. The small increase in heat
sales was attributable to lower temperatures in some
areas of Nordics service territory.
Nordics sales of 2,516 million were slightly above
the prior-year figure due to higher electricity sales
volumes and slightly higher average spot prices in
conjunction with successful hedging activities and the
favorable margin development in the gas business.
Nordic increased adjusted EBIT by 111 million
year-on-year to 600 million. The improvement was
primarily a result of increased hydroelectric
production and successful hedging activities, which
enabled Nordic to secure a higher effective sales
value for its production portfolio. Nordics adjusted
EBIT from its gas operations improved due to a
favorable spread between gas oil and fuel oil prices.
Nordics Finnish business unit reported lower
adjusted EBIT, mainly as a result of a decline in
earnings from energy trading activities and lower
revenues at its retail operations.
21
Interim Report III/2005
Market Units
U.S Midwest
Spot electricity prices in the Midwest increased
to an average of approximately $57 per MWh for the
nine months ended September 2005, compared to an
average of approximately $43 per MWh for the same
period in 2004, driven primarily by higher gas prices.
Prices at the Henry Hub natural gas spot market
averaged $7.48 per MMBtu compared to $5.71 per MMBtu
for the same period in 2004.
Forward gas prices increased significantly on average
at Henry Hub driven primarily by supply interruptions
from Hurricane Katrina and Rita. Forward power prices
in the U.S. Midwest increased significantly driven by
higher gas prices. Forward gas prices have increased
from $7.71 to $14.09 per MMBtu for flows in the
fourth quarter of 2005, and power prices have
increased to approximately $80 per MWh from $50 per
MWh at the end of the second quarter.
Through September 2005, the regulated utility retail
power sales volumes were higher compared to 2004 due
to warmer summer temperatures. Off-system sales
volumes were higher compared to 2004 due to higher
market prices. Retail natural gas sales volumes
declined due largely to milder winter weather compared
with 2004. Off-system sales of natural gas increased
due to lower retail sales.
22
Interim Report III/2005
Ninety-seven percent of U.S. Midwests electricity
generation was from coal-fired power stations. Gas,
oil, hydro, and other energy sources accounted for 3
percent of generation.
U.S. Midwests generation portfolio decreased from
9,666 MW at year end 2004 to 9,391 MW due to the sale
of its share in the Gregory partnership in the
non-regulated business.
U.S. Midwests sales through September 2005
increased 13 percent (in local currency 16 percent)
resulting primarily
from higher wholesale revenues due to higher prices
and volumes and the increase in retail electric and
gas rates effective July 1, 2004, as approved by the
Kentucky Public Service Commission, offset by the
U.S. dollars deterioration against the euro.
Adjusted EBIT increased 1 percent (in local currency
4 percent) mainly driven by higher sales.
Adjusted EBIT at LG&E Energys regulated utility
operations improved from 2004 primarily as a result of
the increased retail electric and gas rates.
Furthermore, the contribution from off-system sales
exceeded the previous years figure due to higher
prices and volumes in the off-system wholesale
electric market offset by costs associated with
participation in Midwest Independent Transmission
System Operator (MISO), higher depreciation on newly
installed assets, higher operating expenses and the
U.S. dollars deterioration against the euro during
2005.
Adjusted EBIT at the non-regulated operations declined
year-on-year primarily due to higher fuel expenses.
This was partially offset by higher off-system sales
pricing.
23
Interim Report III/2005
Interim
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
24
Interim Report III/2005
25
Interim Report III/2005
Interim Financial Statements (Unaudited)
26
Interim Report III/2005
27
Interim Report III/2005
Notes
Accounting and Valuation Policies
The accounting and valuation policies used to
prepare the Interim Financial Statements for the nine
months ended September 30, 2005, correspond to those
used for the Consolidated Financial Statements for the
year ended December 31, 2004, with the following
exception:
On
July 1, 2005, E.ON adopted SFAS No. 153, Exchanges
of Nonmonetary Assetsan amendment of APB Opinion No.
29.
SFAS 153 stipulates that exchanges of nonmonetary
assets should be measured based on the fair value of
the assets exchanged. Initial adoption of this
standard had no material effect on our balance sheet,
financial condition, or results of operations.
Publication of New Accounting Standards
In March 2005 the FASB issued Interpretation (FIN) 47,
Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement
ObligationsAn Interpretation of FASB Statement No.
143. FIN 47 clarifies that SFAS 143 also applies to
asset retirement obligations even though uncertainty
exists about the timing and/or method of settlement.
FIN 47 is effective for fiscal years ending after
December 15, 2005. E.ON is currently evaluating what
effect the adoption of FIN 47 will have on its
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Variable Interest Entities
On January 1, 2004, E.ON adopted the
revised version of FIN 46 published in December
2003 (FIN 46R).
As of September 30, 2005, E.ONs variable interest
entities (VIEs) consist of two real estate leasing
companies, two jointly managed electric generating
companies and a company that manages shareholdings. In
August 2005 we ended our contractual relationship with
a VIE that manages and disposes of real estate and
consequently no longer apply FIN 46R to this company.
As of September 30, 2005, E.ON consolidated VIEs whose
aggregate assets and corresponding liabilities and
equity amounted to approximately 793 million prior to
consolidation and whose aggregate earnings amounted
16 million prior to consolidation. Fixed assets and
other assets in the amount of 130 million serve as
collateral for liabilities relating to financial
leases and
bank loans. With the exception of two VIEs, there are
limits to the recourse of creditors of the
consolidated VIEs to the consolidating companies. In
the case of these two VIEs, the liabilities total 94
million for the consolidating companies.
In addition, since July 1, 2000, E.ON has had a
contractual relationship with a VIE, a leasing company
operating in the energy industry, for which we are not
the primary beneficiary. This entity has total assets
and corresponding liabilities and equity of 120
million and annual earnings of 29 million. E.ONs
maximum exposure to loss relating to this VIE is
approximately 15 million. Management considers it
unlikely that this loss will be realized.
The financial situation of another special-purpose
entity, which has existed since 2001 and will
operate until the fourth quarter of 2005, cannot be
computed pursuant to FIN 46R due to lack of
information. The entitys activities consist of
liquidating the assets of divested operations. Its
original assets and corresponding liabilities and
equity totaled 127 million. Management does not
expect E.ONs results of operations to be adversely
affected by this entitys operations.
Acquisitions, Disposals, and Discontinued Operations
Acquisitions in 2005
On February 22, 2005, E.ON Energie acquired 67
percent ownership interests in Gorna Oryahovitza and
Varna, Bulgarian regional electric distribution
companies. The aggregate purchase price of
approximately 140 million was paid in 2004. The two
utilities became consolidated E.ON companies on March
1, 2005.
In the first half of 2005, E.ON UK acquired, in two
tranches, 100 percent of the equity of Enfield Energy
Centre Ltd., which operates a gas-fired power station
near London. With an installed capacity of 392 MW,
the power station can generate enough electricity for
300,000 homes. The purchase price was approximately
180 million. Enfield Energy Centre became a
consolidated E.ON company on April 1, 2005.
On June 28, 2005, E.ON Ruhrgas purchased a 30 percent
ownership interest in Distrigaz Nord from the Romanian
government for 125 million. On the same date, the
ownership interest rose to 51 percent following a
capital increase of 178 million. Distrigaz Nord
became a consolidated E.ON company on June 30, 2005.
On July 27, 2005, E.ON UK acquired Holford Gas Storage
Limited (HGSL) from Scottish Power. HGSL was formed to
develop one of the U.K.s largest underground
gas-storage facility in Cheshire in northwest England
for which it has already received planning approval.
The purchase price for HGSL is approximately 140
million. HGSL became a consolidated E.ON company on
July 27, 2005.
28
Interim Report III/2005
In Bucharest, Romania, in late September 2005, E.ON
Energie took ownership of its shares in Electrica
Moldova S.A., a Romanian regional utility, marking the
completion of the sale. The acquisition of 24.62
percent of the companys shares was combined with a
capital increase, raising E.ON Energies ownership
interest to 51 percent. The purchase price for the 51
percent interest amounts to 104 million. The utility
was renamed E.ON Moldova S.A. and became a
consolidated E.ON company on September 30, 2005.
Discontinued Operations
On May 17, 2005, E.ON sold Viterra to Deutsche
Annington GmbH. The purchase price for Viterras
equity was approximately 4 billion. The total value
of the transaction was approximately 7 billion. This
figure includes interest-bearing net debt and
provisions to be assumed by the purchaser. E.ON
recorded a book gain of just over 2.4 billion on the
sale, which closed in August.
On June 15, 2005, E.ON Ruhrgas sold Ruhrgas
Industries to CVC Capital Partners, a European
private equity firm. The purchase price for Ruhrgas
Industries equity was approximately 1.2 billion.
The total value of the transaction was approximately
1.5 billion. This figure includes net debt and
provisions to be assumed by the purchaser. The
transaction received antitrust clearance in early
September and closed on September 12, 2005. E.ON
recorded a gain on disposal of 0.6 billion.
Both sales are in line with E.ONs strategy of
focusing on its core power and gas business.
Pursuant to U.S. GAAP, the income and expenses related
to these operations are reported separately under
Income/ Loss () from discontinued operations, net.
The Consolidated Statements of Income and the
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow, including the
notes relating to them, for the period ended September
30, 2005, and for the prior periods 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 September 30, 2005, under Assets of disposal
groups and Liabilities of disposal groups. No
reclassification of prior-year balance-sheet line
items attributable to discontinued operations takes
place, as such reclassification is not permitted by
SFAS 144.
The following table shows the major line items of the
statements of income of the above-named operations.
Acquisitions, disposals, and discontinued
operations from 2004 are described in detail in our
2004 Annual Report.
Research and Development
The E.ON Groups research and development
expense totaled 15 million in the first nine
months of 2005, compared with 13 million for the
same period last year.
29
Interim Report III/2005
Notes
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 III/2005
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The table below shows the changes in the
carrying amount of goodwill in the first nine months
of 2005 by segment.
Intangible Assets
As of September 30, 2005, and December 31, 2004,
E.ONs intangible assets, including advance payments
on intangible assets, and related accumulated
amortization consist of the following:
In the first nine months of 2005, E.ON recorded an
amortization expense of 263 million (prior year: 259
million) on intangible assets and a nonrecurring
amortization expense of 0 million (prior year: 1.5
million) on intangible assets. E.ON did not record
impairment charges in the first nine months of 2004
and 2005.
Based on the current amount of intangible assets
subject to amortization, the estimated amortization
expense for the rest of 2005 and each of the five
succeeding fiscal years is as follows: 2005 (remaining three months): 93
million, 2006: 325 million, 2007: 298 million,
2008: 220 million, 2009: 187 million, 2010: 160
million. As acquisitions and dispositions occur in
the future, actual amounts could vary.
Treasury Shares Outstanding
As of September 30, 2005, E.ON AG held 4,524,300
treasury shares. The increase results in particular
from the purchase of 150,000 shares of E.ON stock for
our employee stock purchase program. E.ON subsidiaries
held another 28,472,194 shares of E.ON stock. The
decrease from the number of shares held by E.ON
subsidiaries at June 30, 2005, is attributable to
the use of 486,255 shares of E.ON stock, acquired in
May and July, to implement the share-exchange offer
made to Contigas shareholders. E.ON thus holds 4.8
percent of its capital stock as treasury shares.
Dividends Paid
On April 27, 2005, the Annual Shareholders
Meeting voted to distribute a dividend of 2.35 per
share of common stock, a 0.35 increase from the
previous dividend, for a total dividend payout of
1,549 million.
31
Interim Report III/2005
Notes
Provisions for Pensions
The net periodic benefit cost for defined
benefit plans is as follows:
Payments into Pension Plans
On April 1, 2005, E.ON UK made a payment of
629 million into the E.ON Holding Group of the
Electricity Supply Pension Scheme. The payment covers
a portion of the actuarial deficit of E.ON UKs
pension plans.
Asset Retirement Obligations
E.ONs asset retirement obligations at September
30, 2005, relate to the decommissioning of nuclear
power stations in Germany (8,368 million) and Sweden
(395 million), environmental remediation at
conventional power station sites, including the
removal of electric transmission and distribution
equipment (356 million), environmental remediation at
gas storage facilities (80 million) and opencast
mining facilities (60 million), and the
decommissioning of oil and gas infrastructure (28
million). The fair value of nuclear decommissioning
obligations was determined using third-party
valuations.
An accretion expense pertaining to continued
provisions of 375 million for the current period is
included in financial earnings (prior year: 373
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.
E.ONs financial guarantees include
nuclear-energy-related items that are described in
detail in our 2004 Annual Report. Obligations also
include direct financial guarantees to creditors of
related parties and third parties. Financial
guarantees with specified terms extend as far as 2029.
Maximum potential undiscounted future payments amount
to 561 million (year end 2004: 737 million). Of this
amount, 463 million (year end 2004: 534 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 have terms up to 2023. Maximum potential
undiscounted future payments amount to 444 million
(year end 2004: 459 million). Of this amount, 67
million (year end 2004: 162 million) involves
guarantees issued on behalf of related parties. As of
September 30, 2005, we have recorded provisions of 84
million (year end 2004: 98 million) for financial
guarantees.
32
Interim Report III/2005
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.
Furthermore, certain E.ON Group companies have
obligations by virtue of their membership in the
Versorgungskasse Energie (VKE) in accordance with
VKEs articles of association. Management does 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
contractual arrangements and local legal requirements,
unless shorter terms were contractually agreed to.
Maximum potential undiscounted amounts payable under
these agreements could total up to 6,821 million
(year end 2004: 4,602 million). These typically
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 September 30, 2005, we have recorded
provisions of 178 million (year end 2004: 86
million) for all indemnities and other guarantees
included in sales agreements.
Guarantees issued by companies that were later sold
by E.ON AG (or by VEBA AG and 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 2020 include contingent purchase consideration
(maximum potential undiscounted future payments at
September 30, 2005: 36 million; year end 2004: 36
million) and warranties and market-value guarantees
(maximum potential undiscounted future payments: 92
million; year end 2004: 91 million). As of September
30, 2005, other guarantees no longer include product
warranties due to the disposal of certain companies.
Provisions for product warranties, which totaled 25
million as of December 31, 2004, have therefore been
reversed.
Subsequent Events
On July 1, 2005, Sydkraft and Statkraft SF
(Statkraft), Oslo, Norway, signed an agreement
whereby Statkraft would acquire a total of 24
hydroelectric power plants from Sydkraft. Together,
the plants produce approximately 1.6 billion kWh of
electricity in a normal year. The purchase price for
the plants amounts to approximately 500 million. In
accordance with the agreement, Statkraft took
ownership of the plants in October 2005. The initial
payment was made after the transaction closed.
In Lockerbie, Scotland, E.ON will build the U.K.s
largest biomass power plant. The 44 MW plant will burn
wood and forestry waste. Compared with a conventional
fossil-fuel-fired facility, it will prevent roughly
140,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases from entering
the atmosphere each year. Construction begins later
this year, with the plant scheduled to open in late
2007. Investment in the plant will total roughly 130
million.
E.ON will build a state-of-the-art, environmentally
friendly combined heat and power plant in Livorno
Ferraris, near Turin, Italy. Investments for the
plant total approximately 400 million. The plant is
scheduled to enter service in late 2007. The 800 MW
plant sets new standards for efficiency (58 percent)
and environmental performance.
E.ON will invest some 240 million in the next several
years to modernize its generation fleet in the
Netherlands. The investment will extend the operating
lifetime of E.ON Beneluxs Maasvlakte power station by
ten years to 2022 and at the same time improve the
hard-coal-fired facilitys environmental performance.
Strategically located adjacent to the port of
Rotterdam, Maasvlakte has an installed capacity of
just over 1,000 MW.
On September 26, 2005, E.ON Ruhrgas acquired Caledonia
Oil and Gas Limited (COGL), a natural gas production
company with interests in a total of 15 gas fields,
mainly in the U.K. Southern North Sea. COGL has
approximately 14 billion cubic meters of gas reserves,
most of which will be produced
over the next ten years. Including net debt acquired,
the purchase price for 100 percent of COGL is roughly
690 million. The transaction closed on November 9,
2005.
33
Interim Report III/2005
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.
34
Interim Report III/2005
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.
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 nine months
of 2005, this applies mainly to divested companies
Viterra and Ruhrgas Industries. For the purposes of
our business segment reporting, our results for the
period ended September 30, 2005, and for the
prior-year period do not include the results of our
discontinued operations (see the table below and the
commentary on page 29).
Adjusted EBIT is E.ONs key figure for purposes of
internal management control and as an indicator of a
businesss long-term earnings power. Adjusted EBIT 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
non-operating 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 8 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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March 9, 2006
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Publication of the 2005 Annual Report |
May 4, 2006
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2006 Annual Shareholders Meeting |
May 5, 2006
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Dividend Payout |
May 10, 2006
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Interim Report: January March 2006 |
August 15, 2006
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Interim Report: January June 2006 |
November 8, 2006
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Interim Report: January September 2006 |
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.
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 2004 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:
November 10, 2005
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By: /s/ Michael C. Wilhelm |
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Michael C. Wilhelm
Senior Vice President
Accounting |