Group posts 2004 EBITA of 3.35 billion euros - Deutsche Post World Net confirms 2005 earnings forecast

Deutsche Post World Net reported a strong 2004 with overall improved results. Revenue climbed by 7.9 percent to about 43.17 billion euros. The Group’s profit from operating activities (EBITA), at around 3.35 billion euros, was 12.5 percent higher than in the previous year. Net income rose 21.3 percent to about 1.59 billion euros compared with the previous years level. This corresponds to earnings per share of 1.43 euros; in 2003, EPS was 1.18 euros per share. At the end of 2004, measures under the STAR value-creation program had contributed a cumulative 862 million euros to earnings, or 23 percent above the originally planned 700 million euros. The Groups tax rate for 2004 was 20 percent. Under international accounting standards (IFRS), Deutsche Post World Net expects a group tax rate at this level for 2005 and coming years. This is the outcome of a completed tax audit, with a correspondingly positive effect on net income. The effective cash tax payments will remain on the level of prior years. The Group continues to expect profit from operating activities to reach at least 3.6 billion euros for 2005. The STAR value-creation and integration program will contribute a cumulative 1.4 billion euros to operating earnings. Contact: Deutsche Post World Net Press office Manfred Harnischfeger Martin Dopychai Silje Skogstad Tel: + 49 (0)228 182-9944 E-mail: pressestelle@deutschepost.de This document contains forward-looking statements that relate to the business, financial performance and results of operations of Deutsche Post AG. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and may be identified by words such as “believes”, “expects”, “predicts”, “intends”, “projects”, “plans”, “estimates”, “aims”, “foresees”, “anticipates”, “targets”, and similar expressions. As these statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from the future development, performance or results expressly or implicitly assumed in the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this presentation. Deutsche Post AG does not intend or assume any obligation to update these forwardlooking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this document. Deutsche Post World Net is the world’s leading logistics group. With the combined logistics competence of its brands Deutsche Post, DHL and Postbank, the Group offers integrated services and tailored, customer-focused solutions for the management and transport of goods, information and payment flows through its multinational network combined with local expertise. As the leading provider of one-to-one communication, Deutsche Post World Net also has a unique portfolio of effective dialog-marketing services as well as efficient outsourcing and system solutions. Some 380,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide generated revenue of around €43 billion in 2004.