The profit from operating activities (EBIT) rose by a further 2.9% to €3,872 million.

Net income from associates fell by 94.4% to €4 million. In the previous year, the disposal of trans-o-flex Schnell-Lieferdienst GmbH and France Handling S.A. in particular had lifted it to €71 million. In fiscal year 2006, however, there were no significant effects. Net other finance costs rose by €252 million to reach €1,034 million (previous year: €782 million). This increase is primarily due to the finance costs resulting from the first-time inclusion of Exel. Overall, net finance costs therefore rose by €319 million.

In contrast, profit before income taxes fell by 6.9% to €2,842 million, a slight decrease on the prior-year figure of €3,053 million. Income tax expense amounted to €560 million (previous year: €605 million). At 19.7%, the tax rate remained almost unchanged.

As a result, consolidated net profit declined by €166 million to €2,282 million. Due to the disposal of the Postbank shares, minorities increased from €213 million to €366 million. The consolidated net profit attributable to Deutsche Post AG shareholders fell from €2,235 million to €1,916 million in line with this. The average number of shares rose in the year under review due to shares being issued as part of acquiring Exel. This resulted in basic and diluted earnings per share decreasing to €1.60 (previous year: €1.99).