Summary of accounting principles adopted

The main accounting principles adopted in the preparation of the separate financial statements of SEA for the year ended December 31, 2016 are reported below.

The financial statements are presented in Euro while the tables included in the explanatory notes are presented in thousands of Euro.

2.1     Basis of preparation

European Regulation (EU) No. 1606/2002 of July 19, 2002 introduced the obligation, from the year 2005, to apply International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) and adopted by the European Union for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements of companies listed on regulated European markets. Following the above-mentioned European Regulation, Legislative Decree No. 38 was enacted on February 28, 2005 which governs the option to apply IFRS for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements of non-listed companies. SEA decided to apply this option for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements for the year end December 31, 2006. The same Legislative Decree (fourth paragraph of Article 4) also governs the option to apply IFRS for the preparation of separate statutory financial statements included in the consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS. SEA decided to apply this option from the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011. For these separate financial statements the transition date to IFRS was identified as January 1, 2010.

“IFRS” refers to the International Accounting Standards (“IAS”) in force, as well as those of the IFRS Interpretation Committee, previously known as the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (“IFRIC”), and before that the Standing Interpretations Committee (“SIC”).

The financial statements were prepared in accordance with IFRS in force at the approval date of the financial statements and the provisions of Article 9 of Leg. Decree 38/2005.

In particular the IFRS were applied in a consistent manner for the periods presented in the document. The financial statements were prepared on the basis of the best information on the IFRS and taking into account best practice; any further orientations and interpretative updates will be reflected in subsequent years, in accordance with the provisions of the accounting standards, as detailed below.

The separate Financial Statements were prepared in accordance with the going concern concept, therefore utilising the accounting principles of an operating business. Company Management evaluated that, although within a difficult economic and financial environment, there are no uncertainties on the going concern of the business, considering the existent capitalisation levels and there are no financial, operational, management or other indicators which could indicate difficulty in the capacity of the company to meet its obligations in the foreseeable future, and in particular in the next 12 months.

In relation to the presentation method of the financial statements "the current/non-current" criterion was adopted for the balance sheet while the classification by nature was utilised for the income statement and the indirect method for the cash flow statement. The amounts of positions or transactions with related parties where also disclosed, if any.

The financial statement presentations utilised, as outlined above, are those which best represent the equity and financial position of the Company.

For a better presentation of the financial statements, the income statement was presented in two separate tables: a) the income statement and b) the comprehensive income statement.

The financial statements were prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention, except for the measurement of financial assets and liabilities, including derivative instruments, where the obligatory application of the fair value criterion is required.

It should be noted that the following restatements have been made for a better representation of the financial statement figures: i) EBITDA was calculated in 2016 as the difference between total operating revenues and total operating costs, excluding provisions and write-downs. Consequently it was restated for the previous year in order to make the figures comparable; ii) the payable for a surtax on landing fees has been reclassified from "Income tax payables" to "Other payables", with consequent reclassification of the previous year values, for comparison purposes. 

Following the issue on a regulated market of the "SEA 3 1/8 2014-2021” bond, the Company has adopted IFRS 8 "Operating Segments" and IAS 33 "Earnings per share”; the related disclosures are presented in Note 5.3 and 7.14 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The present financial statements were audited by the independent audit firm Deloitte & Touche S.p.A..

2.2       Accounting standards, amendments and interpretations adopted from January 1, 2016

The International Accounting Standards and amendments which must be obligatorily applied from January 1, 2016, following completion of the relative approval process by the relevant authorities, are illustrated below. The adoption of these amendments and interpretations, where applicable, had no impact on the balance sheet or on the result of the Company.

2.3       Accounting standards, amendments and interpretations not yet applicable and not adopted in advance by the Company

Below we report the International Accounting Standards, interpretations and amendments to existing accounting standards and interpretations, or specific provisions within the standards and interpretations approved by the IASB which have not yet been approved for adoption in Europe, or which, even if approved for adoption in Europe, at the approval date of the present document were not yet applicable and were not early adopted by the Company:

No accounting standards and/or interpretations were applied in advance, whose application is obligatory for periods commencing after December 31, 2016.

The potential impact that the accounting standards, amendments and interpretations applicable in future periods may have on the financial reporting of the Company are currently being examined and assessed.

2.4       Accounting policies

Business combinations and goodwill

In the case of the acquisition from third parties of businesses or business combinations, the assets, the liabilities and the contingent liabilities acquired and identifiable are recorded at their fair value at the date of acquisition.

The positive difference between the acquisition cost and the present value of these assets and liabilities are recognised as goodwill and classified in the financial statements as an intangible asset with indefinite life.

Any negative difference (“Negative goodwill”) is recognised in the income statement at the date of acquisition.

The costs related to business combinations are recognised in the income statement.

Goodwill is initially recorded at cost and subsequently reduced only for loss in value.

Annually, or more frequently if specific events or circumstances indicate the possibility of having incurred a loss in value, the goodwill is subject to an impairment test to identify any loss in value, in accordance with IAS 36 (Impairments); the original value is however not restored if the reasons for the write-down no longer exist.

The goodwill is not revalued, even in application of specific legislation.

Any liabilities related to business combinations for payments subject to conditions are recognised at the acquisition date of the businesses and business units relating to the business combination.

Where all or part of a previously acquired company (whose acquisition produced goodwill) is sold, the corresponding residual value of goodwill is considered when calculating the capital gains or losses generated by such sale.

Intangible Assets

An intangible asset is a non-monetary asset, identifiable and without physical substance, controllable and capable of generating future economic benefits. With the exception of “Rights on assets under concession”, intangible assets are recorded at purchase and/or production cost, including the costs of bringing the asset to its current use, net of accumulated amortisation, and any loss in value. The intangible assets are as follows: 

(a) Rights on assets under concession

The "Rights on assets under concession" represent the right of the Lessee to utilise the asset under concession (so-called intangible asset method) in consideration of the costs incurred for the design and construction of the asset with the obligation to return the asset at the end of the concession. The value corresponds to the "fair value" of the design and construction assets increased by the financial charges capitalised, in accordance with IAS 23, during the construction phase. The fair value of the construction work is based on the costs actually incurred increased by 6%, representing the remuneration of the internal costs for the management of the works and design activities undertaken by the Company and a mark-up a third party general contractor would request for undertaking the same activities, in accordance with IFRIC 12. The determination of the fair value results from the fact that the lessee must apply paragraph 12 of IAS 18 and therefore if the fair value of the services received (specifically the right to utilise the asset) cannot be determined reliably, the revenue is calculated based on the fair value of the construction work undertaken.

The construction work in progress at the balance sheet date is measured based on the state of advancement of the work in accordance with IAS 11 and this amount is reported in the income statement line “Revenues for works on assets under concession’.

Restoration or replacement works are not capitalised and are included in the estimate of the restoration and replacement provision as outlined below.

Assets under concession are amortised over the duration of the concession on a straight-line basis in accordance with the expiry of the concession, as it is expected that the future economic benefits of the asset will be utilised by the lessee. Amortisation begins where the rights in question begin to produce the relative economic benefits.

The accumulated amortisation provision and the restoration and replacement provision ensure the adequate coverage of the following charges:

• complete amortisation of the assets under concession at the end of the concession;
• restoration and replacement of the components subject to wear and tear of the assets under concession.

Reference should be made to the subsequent paragraph “Provision for risks and charges – Restoration and replacement provision of assets under concession”.

Where events arise which indicate a reduction in the value of these intangible assets, the difference between the present value and the recovery value is recognised in the income statement.

(b) Industrial patents and intellectual property rights

Patents, concessions, licenses, trademarks and similar rights

Trademarks and licenses are amortised on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life. 

Computer software

Software costs are amortised on a straight-line basis over three years, while software programme maintenance costs are charged to the income statement when incurred.

Intangible assets with definite useful life are annually tested for losses in value or where there is an indication that the asset may have incurred a loss in value. Reference should be made to the paragraph below “Impairments”. 

Tangible assets

Tangible fixed assets includes property, part of which under the scope of IFRIC 12, and plant and equipment.

Land and Buildings

Property, in part financed by the State, relates to tangible assets acquired by the Company in accordance with the 2001 Agreement (which renewed the previous concession of May 7, 1962). The 2001 Agreement provides for the obligation of SEA to maintain and manage airport assets for the undertaking of such activities and the right to undertake structural airport works, which remain the property of SEA until the expiry of the 2001 Agreement, i.e. May 4, 2041. The fixed assets in the financial statements are reported net of State grants.

Depreciation of property is charged based on the number of months held on a straight-line basis, which depreciates the asset over its estimated useful life. Where this latter is beyond the date of the end of the concession, the amount is amortised on a straight-line basis until the expiry of the concession. Applying the principle of the component approach, when the asset to be depreciated is composed of separately identifiable elements whose useful life differs significantly from the other parts of the asset, the depreciation is calculated separately for each part of the asset.

For land, a distinction is made between land owned by the Company, classified under property, plant and equipment and not subject to depreciation and expropriated areas necessary for the extension of the Malpensa Terminal, classified under “Assets under concession” and amortised over the duration of the concession.

The free granting of assets is recognised at market value, according to independent technical expert opinions.

Plant & Equipment

These are represented by tangible fixed assets acquired by the Company which are not subject to the obligation of free devolution.

Plant and equipment are recorded at purchase or production cost and, only with reference to owned assets, net of accumulated depreciation and any loss in value. The cost includes charges directly incurred for bringing the asset to their condition for use, as well as dismantling and removal charges which will be incurred consequent of contractual obligations, which require the asset to be returned to its original condition.

The expenses incurred for the maintenance and repairs of an ordinary and/or cyclical nature are directly charged to the income statement when they are incurred. The capitalisation of the costs relating to the expansion, modernisation or improvement of owned tangible assets or of those held in leasing, is made only when they satisfy the requirements to be separately classified as an asset or part of an asset in accordance with the component approach, in which case the useful life and the relative value of each component is measured separately. 

Depreciation is charged to the income statement based on the number of months held on a straight-line basis, which depreciates the asset over its estimated useful life. Where this latter is beyond the date of the end of the concession, the amount is amortised on a straight-line basis until the expiry of the concession. Applying the principle of the component approach, when the asset to be depreciated is composed of separately identifiable elements whose useful life differs significantly from the other parts of the asset, the depreciation is calculated separately for each part of the asset.

The depreciation rates for owned assets, where no separate specific components are identified are reported below:

The useful life of property, plant and equipment and their residual value are reviewed and updated, where necessary, or at least at the end of each year.

Tangible assets are annually tested for losses in value or where there is an indication that the asset may have incurred a loss in value. Reference should be made to the paragraph below “Impairments”. 

Investment property

This account includes owned buildings not for operational use. Investment property is initially recognised at cost and subsequently measured utilising the amortised cost criteria, net of accumulated depreciation and loss in value.

Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the useful life of the building. 

Investments in subsidiaries and associates

The investments in subsidiaries and associated companies are measured at purchase cost (including any direct accessory costs), reduced for impairments in accordance with IAS 36.

Any positive difference, arising on acquisition from third parties, between the purchase cost and fair value of net assets acquired in an investee company is included in the carrying amount of the investment.

Investments in subsidiaries and associates are tested annually for impairment or more frequently if evidence of impairment exists. Where an impairment loss exists, it is recognised immediately through the income statement. Where the share of losses pertaining to the company in the investment exceeds the carrying value of the investment, and the company has an obligation to cover such losses, the investment is written down and the share of further losses is recorded as a provision for risks and charges under liabilities in the balance sheet. If an impairment loss is subsequently reversed, the increase in carrying amount (up to a maximum of purchase cost) is recognised through the income statement.

Impairments

At each balance sheet date, the property, plant and machinery, intangible assets and investments in subsidiaries and associated companies are analysed in order to identify any indications of a reduction in value. Where these indications exist, an estimate of the recoverable value of the above-mentioned assets is made, recording any write down compared to the relative book value in the income statement. The recoverable value of an asset is the higher between the fair value less costs to sell and its value in use, where this latter is the fair value of the estimated future cash flows for this asset. For an asset that does not generate sufficient independent cash flows, the realisable value is determined in relation to the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. In determining the fair value consideration is taken of the purchase cost of a specific asset which takes into account a depreciation coefficient (this coefficient takes into account the effective conditions of the asset). In defining the value in use, the expected future cash flows are discounted utilising a discount rate that reflects the current market assessment of the time value of money, and the specific risks of the activity. A reduction in value is recognised in the income statement when the carrying value of the asset is higher than the recoverable amount. When the reasons for the write-down no longer exist, the book value of the asset (or of the cash-generating unit) is restated through the income statement, up to the value at which the asset would be recorded if no write-down had taken place and amortisation and depreciation had been recorded. 

Financial assets

On initial recognition, the financial assets are classified in one of the following categories based on the relative nature and purpose for which they were acquired:

• financial assets at fair value through profit or loss;
• loans and receivables;
• available for sale financial assets.

The financial assets are recorded under assets when the company becomes contractually party to the assets. The financial assets sold are de-recognised when the right to receive the cash flow is transferred together with all the risks and benefits associated with ownership.

Purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised at the valuation date of the relative transaction. Financial assets are measured as follows:

(a) Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Financial assets are classified in this category if acquired for the purposes to be sold in the short term period. The assets in this category are classified as current and measured at fair value; the changes in fair value are recognised in the income statement in the period in which they arise, if significant.

(b) Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are financial instruments, principally relating to trade receivables, non-derivative, not listed on an active market, from which fixed or determinable payments are expected. Loans and receivables are stated as current assets, except for amounts due beyond 12 months from the balance sheet date, which are classified as non-current. These assets are measured at amortised cost, on the basis of the effective interest rate.

When there is an indication of a reduction in value, the asset is reduced to the value of the discounted future cash flows obtainable. The losses in value are recognised in the income statement. When, in subsequent periods, the reasons for the write-down no longer exist, the value of the assets are restated up to the value deriving from the application of the amortised cost.

(c) AFS financial assets

The AFS assets are non-derivative financial instruments explicitly designated in this category, or are not classified in any of the previous categories and are classified under non-current assets unless management has the intention to sell them within 12 months from the balance sheet date. These financial assets are measured at fair value and the valuation gains or losses are allocated to an equity reserve under “Other comprehensive income”. They are recognised in the income statement only when the financial asset is sold, or, in the case of negative cumulative changes, when it is considered that the reduction in value already recorded under equity cannot be recovered.

In the case of investments classified as Available-for-sale investments, a prolonged or significant decline in the fair value of the investment below the initial cost is considered an indicator of impairment.

Derivative financial Instruments

Derivative financial instruments are classified as hedging instruments when the relation between the derivative and the hedged item is formally documented and the effectiveness of the hedge, periodically verified, is high. When the hedged derivatives cover the risk of change of the fair value of the instruments hedged (fair value hedge; e.g. hedge in the variability of the fair value of asset/liabilities at fixed rate), these are recorded at fair value through the income statement; therefore, the hedging instruments are adjusted to reflect the changes in fair value associated to the risk covered. When the derivatives hedge a risk of changes in the cash flows of the instruments hedged (cash flow hedge), the hedging is designated against the exposure to changes in the cash flows attributable to the risks which may in the future impact on the income statement. The effective part of the change in fair value of the part of the derivative contracts which are designated as hedges in accordance with IAS 39 is recorded in an equity account (and in particular "other items of the comprehensive income statement"); this reserve is subsequently transferred to the income statement in the period in which the transaction hedged impacts the income statement. The ineffective part of the change in the fair value of the part of the derivative contracts, as indeed the entire change in the fair value of the derivatives which are not designated as hedges or which do not comply with the requirements of the above-mentioned IAS 39, are recognised directly in the income statement in the account "financial income/charges". 

The fair value of traded financial instruments is based on the listed price at the balance sheet date. If the market for a financial asset is not active (or refers to non-listed securities), the Group determines fair value utilising valuation techniques which include: reference to advanced negotiations in course, references to securities which have the same characteristics, analyses based on cash flows, price models based on the use of market indicators and aligned, as far as possible, to the assets to be valued. 

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other receivables are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured based on the amortised cost method net of the doubtful debt provision. When there is an indication of a reduction in value, the asset is reduced to the value of the discounted future cash flows obtainable.

Indicators of loss in value include, among others, significant contractual non-compliance, significant financial difficulties, insolvency risk of the counterparty. Receivables are reported net of the provision for doubtful debts. If in subsequent periods the reduction in the value of the asset is confirmed, the doubtful debt provision is utilised against charges; otherwise, where the reasons for the previous write-down no longer exist, the value of the asset is reversed up to the recoverable amount derived from applying the amortised cost method where no write down had been made. For further information, reference should be made to Note 4.1.

Inventories

Inventories are measured at the lower of average weighted purchase and/or production cost and net realisable value or replacement cost. The valuation of inventories does not include financial charges.

Inventories are stated net of write-downs in order to adjust the value of inventories to their estimated realizable or replacement value. 

Cash

Cash and cash equivalents includes cash, bank deposits, and other readily marketable short-term forms of investment, due within three months. Any bank overdrafts are classified as financial payables under current liabilities in the balance sheet. Cash and cash equivalents are recorded at fair value.

Provisions for risks and charges

The provisions for risks and charges are recorded to cover known or likely losses or liabilities, the timing and extent of which are not known with certainty at the balance sheet date. They are recorded only when there exists a current obligation (legal or implicit) for a future payment resulting from past events and it is probable that the obligation will be settled. This amount represents the best estimate less the expenses required to settle the obligation.

Possible risks that may result in a liability are disclosed in the notes under the section on commitments and risks, without any provision. 

Restoration and replacement provision of assets under concession

The accounting treatment of the works undertaken by the lessee on the assets under concession, as per IFRIC 12, varies depending on the nature of the work: normal maintenance on the asset is considered ordinary maintenance and therefore recognised in the income statement; replacement work and programmed maintenance of the asset at a future date, considering that IFRIC 12 does not provide for the recognition of a physical asset but a right, must be recognised in accordance with IAS 37 - "Provisions and potential liabilities" – which establishes recognition to the income statement of a provision and the recording of a provision for charges in the balance sheet.

The restoration and replacement provision of the assets under concession include, therefore, the best estimate of the present value of the charges matured at the balance sheet date for the programmed maintenance in the coming years and until the end of the concession and undertaken in order to ensure the functionality, operations and security of the assets under concession.

It should be noted that the restoration and replacement provision of the assets refers only to fixed assets within the scope of IFRIC 12 (assets under concession classified to intangible assets).

Employee benefit provisions

Pension provisions

The company has both defined contribution plans (National Health Service Contributions and INPS pension plan contributions) and defined benefit plans.

A defined contribution plan is a plan in which SEA participates through fixed payments to third party fund operators, and in relation to which there are no legal or other obligation to pay further contributions where the fund does not have sufficient assets to meet the obligations of the employees for the period in course and previous periods. For the defined contribution plans, SEA pays contributions, voluntary or established contractually, to public and private pension funds. The contributions are recorded as personnel costs in accordance with the accruals principle. The advanced contributions are recorded as an asset which will be repaid or offset against future payments where due.

A defined benefit plan is a plan not classified as a contribution plan. In the defined benefit programmes, the amount of the benefit to be paid to the employee is quantifiable only after the termination of the employment service period, and is related to one or more factors such as age, years of service and remuneration; therefore the relative charge is recognised to the income statement based on actuarial calculations. The liability recorded in the accounts for defined benefit plans corresponds to the present value of the obligation at the balance sheet date, net, where applicable, of the fair value of the plan assets. The obligations for the defined benefit plans are determined annually by an independent actuary utilising the projected unit credit method. The present value of the defined benefit plan is determined discounting the future cash flows at an interest rate equal to the obligations (high-quality corporate) issued in the currency in which the liabilities will be settled and takes into account the duration of the relative pension plan.

The actuarial gains and losses, in accordance with IAS 19R, are recorded directly under equity in a specific reserve account “Reserve for actuarial gains/loss”.

We report that, following amendments made to the leaving indemnity regulations by Law No. 296 of December 27, 2006 and subsequent Decrees and Regulations issued in the first half of 2007, the leaving indemnity provision due to employees in accordance with Article 2120 Civil Code is classified as defined benefit plans for the part matured before application of the new legislation and as defined contribution plans for the part matured after the application of the new regulation. 

Post-employment benefits

Post-employment benefits are paid to employees when the employee terminates his employment service before the normal pension date, or when an employee accepts voluntary termination of the contract. The Company records post-employment benefits when it is demonstrated that the termination of the employment contract is in line with a formal plan which determines the termination of the employment service, or when the provision of the benefit is a result of a leaving indemnity programme.

Financial liabilities

Financial liabilities and other commitments to be paid are initially measured at fair value, net of directly allocated accessory costs, and subsequently at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate. When there is a change in the expected cash flows and it is possible to estimate them reliably, the value of the payables are recalculated to reflect this change, based on the new present value of the expected cash flows and on the internal yield initially determined. The financial liabilities are classified under current liabilities, except when the Company has an unconditional right to defer their payment for at least 12 months after the balance sheet date.

Purchases and sales of financial liabilities are recognised at the valuation date of the relative transaction.

Financial liabilities are de-recognised from the balance sheet when they expire and the Company has transferred all the risks and rewards relating to the instrument.

Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured based on the amortised cost method.

Reverse factoring transactions

In order to facilitate credit access to its suppliers, the Company has entered into reverse factoring or indirect factoring agreements (with recourse). On the basis of contractual arrangements in place, suppliers may, at their discretion, sell the amounts due from the Company to a financing institution and cash in the amount before maturity.

The payment terms provided on the invoice are not subject to further delays agreed between the supplier and the Company and therefore no charges are applied.

Within this framework, the relationships for which the primary obligation with the supplier is maintained and a payment extension, if granted, does not entail a change in payment terms, retain their nature and are therefore classified as trade payables. 

Revenue recognition

Revenues are recognised at fair value of the amount received for the services from the ordinary activities, on an accrual basis. They are calculated following the deduction of VAT and discounts.

The revenues, principally relating to the provision of services, are recognised in the accounting period in which they are provided.

Rental income and royalties are recognised in the year of maturity, based on the underlying contractual agreements while the payments for green certificates are recognised annually in accordance with the long-term contracts and refer to the remuneration of the internal networks within the airport.

Revenues for works on assets under concession

Revenues on construction work are recognised in relation to the state of advancement of works in accordance with the percentage of completion method and on the basis of the costs incurred for these activities increased by a mark-up of 6% representing the best estimate of the remuneration of the internal costs of the management of the works and design activities undertaken by SEA, the mark-up which would be applied by a general contractor (as established by IFRIC 12).

Government Grants

Public grants, in the presence of a formal resolution by the grantor, are recorded on an accrual basis in direct correlation to the costs incurred (IAS 20).

Capital grants

Capital public grants relating to property, plant and equipment are recorded as a reduction in the acquisition value of the assets to which they refer. 

Operating grants

Operating grants are recorded directly in the income statement under “Operating revenues”.

Recognition of costs

Costs are recognised when relating to assets or services acquired or consumed in the year or by systematic allocation.

The incentives granted to airlines, and based on the number of passengers transported, invoiced by the airlines to the Company for (i) the maintenance of traffic at the airport or (ii) the development of traffic through increasing existing routes or launching new routes, are considered commercial costs and, as such, classified under “Operating costs” and recognised in correlation to the revenues to which they refer. In particular, in the opinion of management which monitors the effectiveness of these commercial initiatives together with other marketing initiatives classified under commercial costs, although these incentives are allocated to specific revenue accounts proportionally, because of their contribution to traffic and to the growth of the airport, from an operating viewpoint they must be considered together with all costs incurred by the Company through commercial and marketing activities and are therefore reported in the Management Accounts and valued in the company KPI together with marketing costs. Therefore, the decision was taken to classify these incentives in the annual financial reporting in line with their operating objectives. 

Financial charges

Financial charges are recorded on an accrual basis and include interest on financial payables calculated using the effective interest method and currency losses. The financial charges incurred on investments in assets for which a significant period of time is usually needed to render the assets available for use or sale (qualifying assets) are capitalised and amortised over the useful life of the class of the assets to which they refer in accordance with the provisions of the new version of IAS 23.

Income taxes

Current IRES and IRAP income taxes are calculated based on the assessable income for the year, applying the current tax rates at the balance sheet date.

Deferred taxes are calculated on all differences between the assessable income of an asset or liability and the relative book value, with the exception of goodwill. Deferred tax assets for the portion not compensated by deferred tax liabilities are recognised only for those amounts for which it is probable there will be future assessable income to recover the amounts. The deferred taxes are calculated utilising the tax rates which are expected to be applied in the years when the temporary differences will be realised or settled. Deferred tax assets are recorded when their recovery is considered probable. These assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary differences deriving from the goodwill or the initial recognition (not in business combination) of other assets or liabilities in operations do not have an impact on the accounting result or on the assessable fiscal result.

The carrying value of deferred tax assets is revised at the end of the year and reduced to the extent that it is no longer likely that there will be sufficient taxable income against which to recover all or part of the assets.

Current and deferred income taxes are recorded in the income statement, except those relating to accounts directly credited or debited to equity, in which case the fiscal effect is recognised directly to equity and to the Comprehensive Income Statement. Taxes are compensated when applied by the same fiscal authority, there is a legal right of compensation and the payment of the net balance is expected.

Other taxes not related to income, such as taxes on property, are included under “Other operating costs”.

Dividends

Payables for dividends to shareholders are recorded in the year in which the distribution is approved by the Shareholders’ Meeting.