1 Accounting policies

Basis of Accounting

The Group financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except as described in the accounting policy below on financial instruments.

The Group has adopted the following new and amended IFRSs and IFRIC interpretations with effect from 1 January 2010.

  • The revised IFRS 3 (Business Combinations) and IAS 27 (Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements) change the accounting for business combinations and transactions with non-controlling interests. These revised standards are only to be applied prospectively and so there is no restatement of transactions prior to the effective date. IFRS 3 Revised has had no impact on the current period. IAS 27 Revised was applied to the acquisition of certain non-controlling interests in the year with the difference between the fair value of the consideration paid and the carrying value of the non-controlling interest recognised directly in equity. Goodwill is no longer recognised on acquisition of non-controlling interests where there is no change in control.
    Also in accordance with IAS 27 Revised, losses in the current year applicable to non-controlling interests, where their share of accumulated losses exceed their interest in the equity of a subsidiary, are no longer allocated to the owners of the parent except to the extent that the Group has a binding obligation to cover the losses.
  • Annual Improvements to IFRS (issued in April 2009) introduce a number of minor changes including revised disclosures under IFRS 8. As a result of this amendment, the Group no longer presents a measure of total assets for each reportable segment as information on total assets and liabilities is not reported to the chief operating decision maker.
  • In addition, a number of other interpretations and revisions to existing standards have been issued and endorsed which have had no effect on reported profit or equity or on the disclosures in the financial statements.

The preparation of the Group financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements. The key estimates and assumptions are set out in the accounting policies below, together with the related notes to the accounts.

The most significant items include:

  • the review of asset values, especially goodwill and impairment testing. The key assumptions used in respect of goodwill and impairment testing are the determination of cash-generating units, the long-term growth rate for cash flow projections and the rate used to discount the cash flow projections. These are described in note 9;
  • the estimation of and accounting for retirement benefit costs. The determination of the carrying value of assets and liabilities, as well as the charge for the year, and amounts recognised in other comprehensive income, involves judgments made in conjunction with independent actuaries. These involve estimates about uncertain future events based on the environment in different countries, including life expectancy of scheme members, salary and pension increases, inflation and expected returns on assets, as well as discount rates and asset values at the year end. The assumptions used by the Group and sensitivity analysis are described in note 12;
  • the estimation of amounts to be recognised in respect of taxation and legal matters, and the estimation of other provisions for liabilities and charges are subject to uncertain future events, may extend over several years and so the amount and/or timing may differ from current assumptions. The accounting policy for taxation is explained below and the recognised deferred tax assets and liabilities, together with a note of unrecognised amounts, are shown in note 6(b) and note 13. Other provisions for liabilities and charges are as set out in note 22. The accounting policy on contingent liabilities, which are not provided for, is set out below and the contingent liabilities of the Group are explained in note 30;
  • the definition of adjusting items, which are separately disclosed as memorandum information, is explained below and the impact of these on the calculation of adjusted earnings is described in note 7;
  • the estimation of the fair values of acquired net assets arising in a business combination under IFRS 3 Revised and the allocation of the purchase consideration between the underlying net assets acquired, including intangible assets other than goodwill, on the basis of their fair values. These estimates are prepared in conjunction with the advice of independent valuation experts where appropriate. The relevant transactions for 2009 are described in note 26; and
  • the exemptions taken under IFRS 1 on the first time adoption of IFRS at 1 January 2004 and, in particular, those relating to goodwill on business combinations which are explained in the accounting policies below.

Such estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable in the circumstances and constitute management’s best judgment at the date of the financial statements. In the future, actual experience may deviate from these estimates and assumptions, which could affect the financial statements as the original estimates and assumptions are modified, as appropriate, in the year in which the circumstances change.

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial information includes the financial statements of British American Tobacco p.l.c. and its subsidiary undertakings, together with the Group’s share of the results of its associates and joint ventures.

A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the Group, where control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefit from its activities.

Associates and joint ventures comprise investments in undertakings, which are not subsidiary undertakings, where the Group’s interest in the equity capital is long term and over whose operating and financial policies the Group exercises a significant influence and, in the case of joint ventures, has joint control. They are accounted for using the equity method.

The results of subsidiary undertakings acquired during the period are included from the date of acquisition of a controlling interest at which date, for the purposes of consolidation, the purchase consideration is allocated between the underlying net assets acquired, including intangible assets other than goodwill, on the basis of their fair value. Similarly, the results of associates and joint ventures are included from the date of acquiring significant influence or, in the case of joint ventures, joint control.

The results of subsidiary undertakings, associates and joint ventures which have been sold during the year are included up to the date of disposal. The profit or loss on sale is calculated by reference to the net asset value at the date of disposal, adjusted for purchased goodwill previously consolidated in the balance sheet.

Up to 31 December 2009, where accumulated losses applicable to a non-controlling interest exceeded their interest in the equity of a subsidiary, the excess was allocated to the Group’s interest in the subsidiary, except to the extent that the minority had a binding obligation and was able to make an additional investment to cover the losses. From 1 January 2010, losses in the current year applicable to non-controlling interests are not reallocated unless the Group has a binding obligation to cover the losses.

Inter-company balances and transactions, and any unrealised gains arising from inter-company transactions, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Foreign currencies

The functional currency of the Parent Company is sterling and this is also the presentation currency of the Group. The income and cash flow statements of Group undertakings expressed in currencies other than sterling are translated to sterling using exchange rates applicable to the dates of the underlying transactions. Average rates of exchange in each year are used where the average rate approximates the relevant exchange rate at the date of the underlying transactions. Assets and liabilities of Group undertakings are translated at the applicable rates of exchange at the end of each year. For hyperinflationary countries, the financial statements in local currency are adjusted to reflect the impact of local inflation prior to translation into sterling.

The differences between retained profits of overseas subsidiary undertakings, associates and joint ventures translated at average and closing rates of exchange are taken to reserves, as are differences arising on the retranslation to sterling (using closing rates of exchange) of overseas net assets at the beginning of the year. Any differences that have arisen since 1 January 2004 are presented as a separate component of equity. As permitted under IFRS 1, any differences prior to that date are not included in this separate component of equity. Where a disposal of an investment in a Group undertaking results in a loss of control of a subsidiary undertaking, the loss of significant influence over an associated company or the loss of joint control over a joint venture, the cumulative amount of the related foreign exchange differences deferred in the separate component of equity are recognised in the income statement when the gain or loss on disposal is recognised. These related exchange differences comprise the exchange differences on all amounts deemed to be part of the net investment in the undertaking, which are recycled to the income statement when a disposal occurs. For partial disposals of subsidiary undertakings the related exchange differences are reclassified within equity. For all other partial disposals the proportional share of the related exchange differences is recycled to the income statement.

Foreign currency transactions are initially recognised in the functional currency of each entity in the Group using the exchange rate ruling at the date of the transaction. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation of foreign currency assets and liabilities at year end rates of exchange are recognised in the income statement, except when deferred in equity as qualifying cash flow hedges, on inter-company net investment loans and qualifying net investment hedges. Foreign exchange gains or losses recognised in the income statement are included in profit from operations or net finance costs depending on the underlying transactions that gave rise to these exchange differences.

Revenue

Revenue principally comprises sales of cigarettes, cigars, leaf and other tobacco products to external customers. Revenue excludes duty, excise and other taxes and is after deducting rebates, returns and other similar discounts. Revenue is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to a third party.

Retirement benefit costs

The Group operates both defined benefit and defined contribution schemes. The net deficit or surplus for each defined benefit pension scheme is calculated in accordance with IAS 19, based on the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the balance sheet date less the fair value of the scheme assets adjusted, where appropriate, for any surplus restrictions or the effect of minimum funding requirements.

Actuarial gains and losses, changes in unrecognised scheme surpluses and minimum funding requirements are recognised in full through other comprehensive income.

Past service costs resulting from enhanced benefits are expensed over the period to vesting and if they vest immediately, then they are recognised at that time in the income statement.

The Group also has certain post-retirement healthcare schemes and they are accounted for on a similar basis to the defined benefit pension schemes.

For defined benefit schemes, the actuarial cost charged to profit from operations consists of current service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, past service cost and the impact of any settlements or curtailments.

Some benefits are provided through defined contribution schemes and payments to these are charged as an expense as they fall due.

Share-based payments

The Group has equity-settled and cash-settled share-based compensation plans.

Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value at the date of grant. The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments is expensed over the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of awards that will eventually vest. For plans where vesting conditions are based on total shareholder returns, the fair value at date of grant reflects these conditions, whereas earnings per share vesting conditions are reflected in the calculation of awards that will eventually vest over the vesting period. For cash-settled share-based payments, a liability equal to the portion of the services received is recognised at its current fair value determined at each balance sheet date. Fair value is measured by the use of the Black-Scholes option pricing model, except where vesting is dependent on market conditions when the Monte-Carlo option pricing model is used. The expected life used in the models has been adjusted, based on management’s best estimate, for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations.

Research and development

Research expenditure is charged to income in the year in which it is incurred. Development expenditure is charged to income in the year it is incurred, unless it meets the recognition criteria of IAS 38 (Intangible Assets).

Taxation

Taxation is that chargeable on the profits for the period, together with deferred taxation.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of tax laws enacted or substantially enacted at the balance sheet date in the countries where the Group’s subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures operate and generate taxable income.

Deferred taxation is provided in full using the liability method for temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amount used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences arising on investments in Group undertakings, except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the Group and it is probable that it will not reverse in the foreseeable future. A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilised. As required under IAS 12, deferred tax assets and liabilities are not discounted.

Deferred tax is determined using the tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred tax asset is realised or deferred tax liability is settled.

Tax is recognised in the income statement except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in other comprehensive income or changes in equity.

The Group has exposures in respect of the payment or recovery of a number of taxes. Liabilities or assets for these payments or recoveries are recognised at such time as an outcome becomes probable and when the amount can reasonably be estimated.

Goodwill

Goodwill arising on acquisitions is capitalised and is considered to have an indefinite life subject to impairment reviews. Any impairment of goodwill is recognised immediately in the income statement and is not subsequently reversed.

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquisition of a subsidiary, associate or joint venture over the Group’s share of the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill is stated at cost less accumulated impairment losses and amortisation prior to 1 January 2004.

The Group’s policy up to and including 1997 was to eliminate goodwill against reserves. Goodwill acquired from 1998 to 31 December 2003 was capitalised and amortised over its useful economic life. As permitted under IFRS 1, in respect of acquisitions prior to 1 January 2004, the classification and accounting treatment of business combinations was not amended on transition to IFRS. Goodwill previously written off direct to reserves is not recycled to the income statement on the disposal of the subsidiary, associate or joint venture to which it relates.

Goodwill in respect of subsidiaries is included in intangible assets. In respect of associates and joint ventures, goodwill is included in the carrying value of the investment in the associated company or joint venture. On disposal of a subsidiary, associate or joint venture, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the profit or loss on disposal.

Intangible assets other than goodwill

The intangible assets shown on the Group balance sheet consist mainly of trademarks acquired by the Group’s subsidiary undertakings and computer software.

Acquired trademarks are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment. Trademarks with indefinite lives are not amortised but are reviewed annually for impairment. Intangible assets other than goodwill classified as held-for-sale are not amortised. Other trademarks are amortised on a straight-line basis over their remaining useful lives, consistent with the pattern of economic benefits expected to be received, which do not exceed 20 years. Any impairments of trademarks are recognised in the income statement but increases in trademark values are not recognised.

Computer software is carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment, and is amortised on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from three years to seven years.

The investments in associates and joint ventures shown in the Group balance sheet include trademarks arising from the combination of Brown & Williamson (B&W) and R J Reynolds (RJR) in 2004 to form Reynolds American Inc. (RAI), as well as those arising on the acquisition of Conwood by RAI in 2006. As the combination of B&W and RJR for the Group involved the partial disposal of B&W and an investment in RAI, fair values were assigned to trademarks formerly owned by RJR but not to those formerly owned by B&W. Most of the carrying value of the trademarks relates to trademarks which are deemed to have indefinite lives and each trademark is subject to an annual impairment test. Certain minor trademarks are being amortised over their remaining lives.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis to write off the assets over their useful economic life. No depreciation is provided on freehold land or assets classified as held-for-sale. Freehold and leasehold property are depreciated at rates between 2.5 per cent and 4 per cent per annum, and plant and equipment at rates between 7 per cent and 25 per cent per annum.

Capitalised interest

Borrowing costs which are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of intangible assets or plant, property and equipment that takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale, and for which the commencement date for capitalisation is on or after 1 January 2009, are capitalised as part of the cost of the asset, in accordance with IAS 23 Revised (Borrowing costs). The Group’s previous policy was to expense such borrowing costs as they were incurred.

Leased assets

Assets where the Group has substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the leased asset are classified as finance leases and are included as part of property, plant and equipment. Finance lease assets are initially recognised at an amount equal to the lower of their fair value and the present value of the minimum lease payments at inception of the lease, then depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and their estimated useful lives. Leasing payments consist of capital and finance charge elements and the finance element is charged to the income statement.

Rental payments under operating leases are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Where arrangements are entered into which, while they are not in the legal form of a lease, are in substance a lease under IFRIC 4, then they are recognised on the same basis as the leased assets above.

Impairment of non-financial assets

Assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events indicate that the carrying amount of a cash-generating unit may not be recoverable. In addition, assets that have indefinite useful lives are tested annually for impairment. An impairment loss is recognised to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the higher of the asset’s fair value less costs to sell and its value in use.

A cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash flows which are largely independent of the cash flows from other assets or groups of assets. At the acquisition date, any goodwill acquired is allocated to the relevant cash-generating unit or group of cash-generating units expected to benefit from the acquisition for the purpose of impairment testing of goodwill.

Impairment of financial assets

Financial assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date, or whenever events indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. In the case of equity investments classified as available-for-sale, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the investment below its cost is considered as an indicator that the investment is impaired.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is based on the weighted average cost incurred in acquiring inventories and bringing them to their existing location and condition, which will include raw materials, direct labour and overheads, where appropriate. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less costs to completion and sale. Tobacco inventories which have an operating cycle that exceeds 12 months are classified as current assets, consistent with recognised industry practice.

Financial instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the relevant instrument and derecognised when it ceases to be a party to such provisions. Such assets and liabilities are classified as current if they are expected to be realised or settled within 12 months after the balance sheet date. If not, they are classified as non-current.

Financial assets and financial liabilities are initially recognised at fair value, plus directly attributable transaction costs where applicable, with subsequent measurement as set out below.

Non-derivative financial assets are classified on initial recognition as available-for-sale investments, loans and receivables or cash and cash equivalents as follows:

Available-for-sale investments: available-for-sale investments are those non-derivative financial assets that cannot be classified as loans and receivables or cash and cash equivalents.

Loans and receivables: these are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market.

Cash and cash equivalents: cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and deposits held on call, together with other short-term highly liquid investments including investments in certain money market funds. Cash equivalents normally comprise instruments with maturities of three months or less at date of acquisition. In the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents are shown net of bank overdrafts, which are included as current borrowings in the liabilities section on the balance sheet.

Apart from available-for-sale investments, non-derivative financial assets are stated at amortised cost using the effective interest method, subject to reduction for allowances for estimated irrecoverable amounts. These estimates for irrecoverable amounts are recognised when there is objective evidence that the full amount receivable will not be collected according to the original terms of the asset. Such evidence might include financial difficulties of the debtor, defaults of payment or significant overdue balances. For interest-bearing assets, their carrying value includes accrued interest receivable. Available-for-sale investments are stated at fair value, with changes in fair value being recognised directly in other comprehensive income. When such investments are derecognised (e.g. through disposal) or become impaired, the accumulated gains and losses, previously recognised in other comprehensive income, are reclassified to the income statement within ‘finance income’. Dividend and interest income on available-for-sale investments are included within ‘finance income’ when the Group’s right to receive payments is established.

Fair values for quoted investments are based on observable market prices. If there is no active market for a financial asset, the fair value is established by using valuation techniques principally involving discounted cash flow analysis.

Non-derivative financial liabilities are stated at amortised cost using the effective interest method. For borrowings, their carrying value includes accrued interest payable, as well as unamortised issue costs.

Derivative financial assets and liabilities are initially recognised, and subsequently measured, at fair value, which includes accrued interest receivable and payable where relevant. Changes in their fair values are recognised as follows:

  • for derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges, the changes in their fair values are recognised directly in other comprehensive income, to the extent that they are effective, with the ineffective portion being recognised in the income statement. Where the hedged item results in a non-financial asset, the accumulated gains and losses, previously recognised in other comprehensive income, are included in the initial carrying value of the asset (basis adjustment) and recognised in the income statement in the same periods as the hedged item. Where the underlying transaction does not result in such an asset, the accumulated gains and losses are reclassified to the income statement in the same periods as the hedged item;
  • for derivatives that are designated as fair value hedges, the carrying value of the hedged item is adjusted for the fair value changes attributable to the risk being hedged, with the corresponding entry being made in the income statement. The changes in fair value of these derivatives are also recognised in the income statement;
  • for derivatives that are designated as hedges of net investments in foreign operations, the changes in their fair values are recognised directly in other comprehensive income, to the extent that they are effective, with the ineffective portion being recognised in the income statement. Where non-derivatives such as foreign currency borrowings are designated as net investment hedges, the relevant exchange differences are similarly recognised. The accumulated gains and losses are reclassified to the income statement when the foreign operation is disposed of; and
  • for derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting or are not designated as hedges, the changes in their fair values are recognised in the income statement in the period in which they arise.

In order to qualify for hedge accounting, the Group is required to document prospectively the relationship between the item being hedged and the hedging instrument. The Group is also required to demonstrate an assessment of the relationship between the hedged item and the hedging instrument, which shows that the hedge will be highly effective on an ongoing basis. This effectiveness testing is reperformed periodically to ensure that the hedge has remained, and is expected to remain, highly effective.

Hedge accounting is discontinued when a hedging instrument is derecognised (e.g. through expiry or disposal), or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. Where the hedged item is a highly probable forecast transaction, the related gains and losses remain in equity until the transaction takes place, when they are reclassified to the income statement in the same manner as for cash flow hedges as described above. When a hedged future transaction is no longer expected to occur, any related gains and losses, previously recognised in other comprehensive income, are immediately reclassified to the income statement.

Derivative fair value changes recognised in the income statement are either reflected in arriving at profit from operations (if the hedged item is similarly reflected) or in finance costs.

Dividends

Final dividend distributions to the Company’s shareholders are recognised as a liability in the Group’s financial statements in the period in which the dividends are approved by the Company’s shareholders at the Annual General Meeting, while interim dividend distributions are recognised in the period in which the dividends are declared and paid.

Segmental analysis

The Group is organised and managed on the basis of its geographic regions. These are the reportable segments for the Group as they form the focus of the Group’s internal reporting systems and are the basis used by the chief operating decision maker, identified as the Management Board, for assessing performance and allocating resources.

The Group is a single product business providing cigarettes and other tobacco products. While the Group has clearly differentiated brands, global segmentation between a wide portfolio of brands is not part of the regular internally reported financial information.

The prices agreed between Group companies for intra-group sales of materials, manufactured goods, charges for royalties, commissions, services and fees, are based on normal commercial practices which would apply between independent businesses. Royalty income, less related expenditure, is included in the region in which the licensor is based.

Adjusting items

Adjusting items are significant items in the profit from operations, net finance costs, taxation and the Group’s share of the post-tax results of associates and joint ventures which individually or, if of a similar type, in aggregate, are relevant to an understanding of the Group’s underlying financial performance. While the disclosure of adjusting items is not required by IFRS, these items are separately disclosed either as memorandum information on the face of the income statement and in the segmental analyses, or in the notes to the accounts as appropriate. The Group believes that these items are useful to users of the Group financial statements in helping them to understand the underlying business performance and are used to derive the Group’s principal non-GAAP measure which is adjusted diluted earnings per share.

Provisions

Provisions are recognised when either a legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event exists at the balance sheet date, it is probable that an outflow of economic resources will be required to settle the obligation and a reasonable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

Contingent liabilities and contingent assets

Subsidiaries and associates and joint ventures companies are defendants in tobacco-related and other litigation. Provision for this litigation would be made at such time as an unfavourable outcome became probable and the amount could be reasonably estimated.

Contingent assets are possible assets whose existence will only be confirmed by future events not wholly within the control of the entity and are not recognised as assets until the realisation of income is virtually certain.

The Group records its external legal fees and other external defence costs for tobacco-related and other litigation as these costs are incurred.

Repurchase of share capital

When share capital is repurchased the amount of consideration paid, including directly attributable costs, is recognised as a deduction from equity. Repurchased shares which are not cancelled, or shares purchased for the employee share ownership trusts, are classified as treasury shares and presented as a deduction from total equity.

Future changes to accounting policies

Certain changes to IFRS will be applicable for the Group accounts in future years. Set out below are those which are considered to affect the Group.

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments has been issued. This standard represents the first phase of the IASB’s project to replace IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement, and has mandatory application for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013. In its current form, it sets out the classification and measurement criteria for financial assets and financial liabilities. It requires all financial assets, including assets currently classified under IAS 39 as available-for-sale, to be measured at fair value through profit and loss unless the assets can be classified as held at amortised cost. Qualifying equity investments held at fair value may have their fair value changes taken through other comprehensive income by election. Where the fair value option for certain financial liabilities is applied, the portion of fair value changes representing own credit risk would be recognised through other comprehensive income rather than the income statement. The Group does not use the fair value option for financial liabilities. The effect of applying the standard in its current form is not considered to have a material impact on the Group’s reported profit or equity. These changes have not been endorsed by the European Union and will only become applicable once that endorsement has occurred.

The Annual Improvements to IFRS (issued in May 2010) have varying application dates commencing with annual periods ending on or after 1 July 2010. The main effect of these amendments is to amend certain disclosures regarding credit and other risks in respect of financial instruments. These changes have not been endorsed by the European Union and will only become applicable once that endorsement has occurred.

In addition, a number of other interpretations and revisions to existing standards have been issued which will be applicable to the Group financial statements in future years and which will have no material effect on reported profit or equity or on the disclosures in the financial statements.