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Befesa S.A.

Annual Report Mar 26, 2018

6215_10-k_2018-03-26_df37c180-ae76-484a-8992-93b942b0e1b7.pdf

Annual Report

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Long-term growth through sustainable services Annual Report 2017

During 2017 we achieved the operational, strategic and financial milestones needed to place Befesa in an excellent position to continue its journey of profitable growth.

Content

Befesa achieves record results in 2017 Revenue increased to €725 million (up +18% y-o-y), adjusted EBITDA of €172 million (up +30% y-o-y), adjusted EBIT of €144 million (up +39% y-o-y), and leverage reduced to x2.4 with €118 million of cash on hand.

Befesa in the Capital Markets

On November 3 2017 Befesa S.A. (Befesa) listed on the regulated market (Prime Standard) of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Read more on page 31

Read more on page 12

Befesa at a Glance 04

Performance highlights 05
To our Shareholders 06
Letter from the Chief Executive Officer 08
BEFESA S.A. in the Capital Markets 12
Management Report 16
The BEFESA Group 18
Market Environment 24
Strategy 28
Results of Operations 31
Financial Position and Liquidity 34
Segment Information 36
Employees 40
Environmental, Health & Safety 42
Sustainability and Social Responsibility 52
R&D and Innovation 54
Risk & Opportunities 57
Subsequent Events & Outlook 60
Corporate Governance 62
Consolidated Financial Statements 72
Consolidated Balance Sheet 74
Consolidated Income Statement 76
Consolidated Statement of
Comprehensive Income 77
Consolidated Statement
of Changes in Equity 78
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 79
Notes to the Consolidated
Financial Statements 80
Responsibility Statement 166
Independent Auditor's Report 167
Statutory Annual Accounts 175
Statutory Annual Accounts 176
Notes to Statutory Annual Accounts 182
Responsibility Statement 192
Independent Auditor's Report 193
Additional Information 199
Glossary 200
Financial Calendar, IR Events
& IR contact 202

Befesa at a Glance

Market leader providing regulated critical environmental recycling services to the steel & aluminium industries in its key European & Asian markets.

17 Recycling plants close to long-term customers

7 Countries in Europe & Asia

~1,100 Employees at year-end 2017 stable headcount

(Figures as of December 31, 2017; Volume data presented in thousand tons, financial data in € million)

Performance Highlights

Volumes at new record levels in both core segments

Salt slags & Spent Pot Linings (SPL) volume

21.7%

23.8%

Record results with significant double-digit growth

To our Shareholders

Letter from the Chief Executive Officer

Befesa S.A. in the Capital Markets

our CEO

Letter from

Dear Shareholders,

In numerous ways, 2017 has been an exciting year for Befesa. From continued and accelerated growth across both our segments to the successful listing on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in November, we have taken significant steps to move our company forward.

IPO Frankfurt Stock Exchange

18% increase in revenue +

Befesa continues to be the European leader in steel dust and salt slags recycling services, two niche markets where we enjoy a strong market position.

During 2017 we achieved the operational, strategic and financial milestones needed to place Befesa in an excellent position to continue its journey of profitable growth.

Operationally, 2017 was a record year for Befesa. We collected and serviced more than 1,170 thousand tons of steel dust and salt slags, representing an increase of 8% compared to the previous year. This means that we had an average utilization of around 85% in our Steel Dust Recycling Services and approximately 96% in our Aluminium Salt Slags Recycling Services plants. This volume, combined with the positive commodity price dynamics that we saw in 2017, led to an 18% increase in revenues to €725 million and our adjusted EBITDA by +30% to €172 million. The

Javier Molina

adjusted EBIT amounted to €144 million, up +39% from 2016. The profitability of our business was 24% and 20% in terms of adjusted EBITDA and EBIT margins respectively, and we have generated €56 million of cash. 2017 was a profitable and productive year for Befesa.

Strategically, we completed the divestments of the non-core business Industrial Environmental Solutions (IES), which we started in 2016. These divestments have had a positive impact on the company's debt reduction and leverage ratio, and have created value for our shareholders.

The strategic move to divest non-core businesses is enabling Befesa to focus on high margin niche recycling services for steel dust and aluminium salt slags. These transactions have represented a fundamental step in Befesa's strategy, and will allow us to better focus on our core service activities.

We further consolidated our leading position in the markets where we operate during 2017. In Europe, we have continued to utilize our steel dust and aluminium salt slags plants at almost full capacity, and our new secondary aluminium plant in Bernburg (in the eastern part of Germany) completed its ramp-up phase and is now operating at full capacity.

In South Korea – where we are also the market leader in steel dust recycling – we have continued to increase the volume of the second kiln of our plant, taking advantage of the recovery of the domestic steel industry, as well as complementing this with steel dust

services from customers in nearby markets in South East Asia such as Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia and Vietnam.

An important part of our strategy is to hedge the price of the commodities we are exposed to, especially zinc. It is a fundamental element in our service business model since it provides earnings stability and visibility in the short and medium term, and enables service reliability to our customers. 2017 saw the continuation of our hedging program with an increase in the volume of tonnage hedged as well as the length of the hedges. At present, we have hedged approximately 70% of our zinc equivalent output until the end of 2020 at attractive prices.

As well as our operational achievements and strategic development, we also delivered significant improvements to our financial results and capital structure. 2017 was a very intense and exciting year. We also rejoined the capital markets as a listed company and refinanced our capital structure.

On November 3 2017 Befesa was listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange via an Initial Public Offering (IPO). This great milestone has provided us with better access to the capital markets – which will support our future growth. In preparation for the IPO, we had the opportunity to meet and explain our business to many investors. The positive development of our shares since the listing proves that investors from different geographical locations believe in the long-term value creation potential of our business.

Letter from our CEO continued

In December we refinanced our capital structure with a new facility that will provide Befesa with significantly lower financing cost as well as a greater deal of flexibility.

Befesa benefited from, and capitalized on several factors in 2017.

The economic environment in Europe remained positive with GDP growth at 2.5%. The European steel industry saw steel production increase by 4% compared to the previous year, producing

2017 was a very intense and exciting year. We rejoined the capital markets as a listed company and refinanced our capital structure.

169 million tons of crude steel. More specifically, the volume of steel produced using the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology and scrap metal as raw material increased 6% year on year, reaching a total production of 75 million tons.

This level of EAF steel production – the steel dust generated – has been sufficient to operate our plants close to full capacity.

Additionally, both the South Korean and Turkish markets developed positively in 2017.

South Korea's GDP grew by 3%, partially due to its recovering steel industry. More than 71 million tons of crude steel were produced last year. From which, around 34% used EAF technology.

The steel industry in Turkey experienced 13% growth in 2017 and the country grew its GDP by 6.5%.

From a steel dust sourcing perspective, our business is predominantly regional. This means we typically collect steel dust from the areas and regions in which our recycling plants are located. Nevertheless, the zinc containing Waelz oxide that we produce from recycling steel dust is commercialized and shipped globally. As in previous years, the demand for our Waelz oxide has been very strong. This is due to the operating benefits that it provides to zinc smelters in addition to being a source of zinc.

In 2017 the global zinc industry produced a total of 13.7 million tons. From a pricing perspective, the favorable supply and demand dynamics are reflected in positive price developments. The average zinc price on the LME market was approximately €2,572 per ton in 2017, representing an increase of 29% over the previous year.

Our aluminium salt slags recycling and secondary aluminium businesses are

influenced by the automotive industry in Europe. The industry has enjoyed a positive year with more than 21.8 million cars produced throughout the period. At Befesa, we aspire to become the global leader in the two niche markets we operate in – steel dust and aluminium salt slags recycling services. In order to achieve this ambitious goal, we have a clear strategy that will enable us to increase our earnings significantly over the next years.

Firstly, we will further strengthen our market position in the key markets where we run our operations. To do this we are executing an organic growth plan consisting of several projects of capacity expansion and debottlenecking. These projects will be executed in 2018 and 2019 across the three markets where we are present today: Europe, Turkey and South Korea. The projects will create attractive value for our shareholders, have a low execution risk and will be fully funded with the cash on the balance sheet at the end of the year.

Secondly, we will continue with our hedging strategy, which is a key pillar of our business model. We have strengthened our hedging program until the end of 2020 securing the price of around 70% of our zinc output at very attractive prices.

Finally, the third aspect of our growth strategy will be to develop our business in new geographic locations. This could be achieved via greenfield projects, or via opportunistic targeted acquisitions. In any of these cases we will continue with the same rigor and discipline in our capital allocation and investment process that

we have demonstrated in the past. The high cash conversion, together with the new capital structure and the hedging program in place, will enable us to generate considerable amounts of cash over the next years. In turn, this will allow us to fund our growth plans while we pay an attractive dividend to our shareholders. In conclusion, 2018 will be another exciting year for Befesa. We expect single digit earnings growth and our focus will be on executing our organic growth projection in our core markets – on time and on budget.

Yours sincerely,

Javier Molina CEO

Befesa in the Capital Markets

Initial Public Offering on Nov 3, 2017

On November 3, 2017, Befesa S.A. (Befesa) became a listed company on the regulated market (Prime Standard) of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Shares of the company were offered in an initial public offering (IPO) in Germany and an international private placement to institutional buyers.

A total of 14.3 million ordinary shares from Triton were offered as base offer, with 2.1 million additional shares to cover potential over-allotment.

The price range was set between €28.0 and €38.0 per share, with a final offer price set at €28.0 per share. The successful IPO has provided Befesa with better access to the capital markets, allowing for increased flexibility to continue its growth.

IPO General Data

Ticker symbol BFSA
ISIN LU1704650164
German securities code (WKN) A2H5Z1
Stock exchange Frankfurt Stock Exchange
Market segment Prime Standard
Type of issue IPO of secondary shares. A public offering in Germany and an
international private placement to institutional investors
Price range €28.0 - €38.0
Subscription price €28.0
First trading day November 3, 2017
First closing price € 31.8
Issue volume (number of shares) i) Base Offer of 14,308,000 ordinary shares and additionally,
ii) up to 2,146,200 ordinary shares to cover potential over-allotment
"Greenshoe"
Underwriter Berenberg; Citigroup; Commerzbank; Goldman Sachs; JP Morgan;
Santander; Stifel
Free float after IPO 48.3% (considering base offer and full exercise of Greenshoe)
Lock-up i) Triton: 6 months; ii) Management: 12 months

Performance of Befesa share versus market

November 3, 2017

Over the course of the first day of trading, the share price rose more than 13%, closing at €31.77.

December 29, 2017

As of December 29, 2017, the share price amounted to €40.25. This is an increase of 43.8% since November 3, 2017, compared to the issue price.

path going forward. Over the course of the first day of trading the share price rose more than 13%, closing at €31.77.

Share Performance

Since then, the Befesa share has developed positively, closing the year at €40.25 – up by 44% compared to the issue price. Befesa shares outperformed the benchmark stock market indices DAX as well as SDAX since IPO. Total market cap amounted to €1,371 million as of December 29, 2017.

Shareholder Structure

As of December 29, 2017, the free float amounted to 47.5%, representing 16,180,231 shares out of a total of 34,066,705 outstanding shares.

The remaining 52.5% was distributed between the former owner, Triton, and the management team – amounting to 49.3% and 3.2%, respectively. These shares are subject to a lock-up period of six months post-listing for Triton and twelve months post-listing for the management team.

Proposed Dividend

In 2018 Befesa plans to distribute dividends at an approximate level of 40% to 50% of net profits for the fiscal year 2017.

Analysts' Coverage

Befesa maintains a regular and active dialogue with analysts. Around seven equity analysts publish reports and recommendations on Befesa shares.

Befesa in the Capital Markets continued

After the IPO, Befesa maintained an overall "buy" recommendation and price targets were above the share price development as recorded as of December 29, 2017.

Research Coverage

Berenberg Benjamin Pfannes
Varrow
Citigroup Charles Mortimer
Commerzbank Ingo-Martin Schachel
Goldman Sachs Eugene King
JP Morgan Robert Plant
Santander Jaime Escribano
Stifel Michael E. Hoffman

Moody's and S&P's Credit Ratings

On December 13, 2017, Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") assigned a Ba3 (outlook positive) corporate family rating (CFR) to Befesa S.A.

On the same day Standard and Poor's Global Rating ("S&P") assigned Befesa S.A. a BB- long-term corporate credit rating (outlook stable).

Investor Relations Activities

Befesa keeps regular and open communication with investors and analysts in order to provide an adequate flow of information.

To ensure this objective, the management team conducted roadshows in major financial centers, both in Europe and the

USA. These roadshows have taken place both since and prior to the IPO.

In January 2018 Befesa attended the German Investment Seminar hosted by Commerzbank in New York City, USA. On March 8, 2018, Befesa participated at the Global Resource Conference, hosted by Citibank in London. At both venues we experienced great interest in Befesa.

In 2018 Befesa plans to attend the following investor conferences (subject to change):

  • March 16, Citibank, London, Pan-European Business Services Conference
  • June 6-8, Deutsche Bank, Berlin, dbAccess Conference
  • June 11-13, Stifel, Boston, 2018 Cross Sector Insight Conference
  • September 11-13, J.P. Morgan, London, Small and Mid-Caps Europe
  • September 24-26, Berenberg & Goldman Sachs, Munich, German Corporate Conference
Frankfurter Wertpapierbörse - Bekanntmachunsen vom 03.11.17
09:21 BFSA A2H5Z1
BEFESA S.A. - ERSTER PREIS: 28,00
09:05
BFSA A2H5Z1 BEFESA S.A. - ERSTES IND. QUOTE: (28,00/31,00)
07:13 BFSA A2H5Z1 BEFESA S.A. - ERSTER HANDELSTAG
FIRE THE RESIDENCE OF STREET AND A RESIDENCE OF STREET AND A RESIDENCE OF STREET AND A RESIDENCE OF STREET AND
Heute Neuemission im elektronischen Handelssystem XETRA (XETR):
Match. Ranse: Erster Preis:
BFSA A2H5Z1 Befesa S.A.
$(28,00/31,00)$ 28,00
Handelsüberwachunssstelle FWB Tel.: 2 11 1 - 52 96
Bei Störunsen der Handels- und Anzeisesysteme:
Market Supervision Tel.: 2 11 1 - 10 50

Management Report

18
The BEFESA Group
24
Market Environment
28
Strategy
31
Results of Operations
34
Financial Position
and Liquidity
36
Segment Information
40
Employees
42
Environmental, Health
& Safety
52
Sustainability & Social
Responsibility
54
R&D & Innovation
57
Risk & Opportunities
60
Subsequent Events &
Outlook

The Befesa Group

General Information

Befesa S.A. is a public limited company (société anonyme) incorporated in Luxembourg and governed by Luxembourg law. The registered office is 46, Boulevard Grande-Duchesse Charlotte L-1330, Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Befesa S.A. is the parent company of the Befesa Group. Befesa is a leading international

provider of regulated critical environmental recycling services to niche hazardous waste markets in the steel and aluminium industries, specializing in the recycling of steel dust, salt slags and aluminium residues, as well as other related industrial services and logistics. Befesa's financial year starts on January 1 and ends on December 31.

Our Mission

Befesa's mission is to provide sustainable solutions to the steel and aluminium industry through servicing and recycling hazardous residues.

Management Report

Organization of the Group

Befesa organizes its activities into two business segments: "Steel Dust Recycling Services" and "Aluminium Salt Slags Recycling Services", the latter being divided into two sub-segments: "Salt Slags" and "Secondary Aluminium". After the sale of the Industrial Environmental Solutions (IES) business through a series of transactions ending in August 2017, the former IES business segment is reported as a discontinued operation.

Befesa has a corporate structure with selected functions to coordinate and support both business segments, while promoting a common management philosophy.

In 2017, the Steel Dust Recycling Services segment represented approximately 79% of Befesa's total adjusted EBITDA, while the remaining 21% was contributed by the Aluminium Salt Slags Recycling Services segment.

Adjusted EBITDA by Segment

(%, as of Total Adjusted EBITDA 2017)

Steel dust recycling services

Aluminium salt slags recycling services 21%

The Befesa Group continued

Steel Dust Recycling Plants

Management Report

Markets and Sites

Befesa's recycling plants are located in attractive markets that are strategically distributed across Europe and Asia – close in proximity to major customers.

In the Steel Dust Recycling Services segment, the company operates eleven recycling plants in six countries (Germany, Spain, France and Sweden, in Europe; South Korea and Turkey, in Asia) with a total installed capacity to process approximately 950,000 tons of steel dust annually (crude and stainless).

Additionally, Befesa operates a Waelz oxide leaching facility in France with a total installed capacity of 100,000 tons per annum, as well as two recycling plants in

Lünen

Les Franqueses del Vallès

Whitchurch Hanover

Valladolid

Erandio

the North of Spain to process galvanized steel residues with a combined installed capacity of recycling of approximately 16,000 tons.

In the Aluminium Salt Slags Recycling Services segment, Befesa operates four salt slags recycling plants located across Europe in Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom, as well as three secondary aluminium production plants located in Spain and Germany.

The total installed capacity amounts to approximately 530,000 tons of processed salt slags and Spent Pot Linings (SPL) annually, and approximately 205,000 tons of installed capacity to produce secondary aluminium alloys.

Bernburg Salt Slags Recycling Services Secondary Aluminium Production

Close proximity

to clients

Aluminium Salt Slags Recycling Plants

The Befesa Group continued

Business Model

Befesa's business model is based on a full-service approach to offering waste management solutions to its customers from the steel and aluminium industries. The services cover the timely and efficient collection and treatment of hazardous waste – mainly steel dust and salt slags – from the customers' facilities. This is critical in enabling them to manage their environmental liability and legal or regulatory obligations to recycle the hazardous waste generated by our customers operations.

In the Steel Dust Recycling Services segment, Befesa collects and recycles steel dust and other steel residues generated in the production of crude, stainless and galvanized steel. The

majority of revenues generated in the Steel Dust Recycling Services segment come from service fees charged for the collection and treatment of crude steel dust and by selling the Waelz oxide (WOX) produced from the recycling of crude steel dust to zinc smelters. Additionally, a small portion of revenue is generated by tolling fees. These fees consist of a service fee charged for collecting and treating stainless steel residues and a fee for returning the metals – mainly nickel, chromium and molybdenum – recovered in the recycling process, as well as from selling such recovered metals on the market.

In the Salt Slags operations of our Aluminium Salt Slags Recycling Services segment, Befesa recycles salt slags that

Management Report

are collected from customers for a service fee. Further salt slags are generated during the production of secondary aluminium at Befesa plants. Additionally, Befesa recycles spent pot linings (SPL) generated by primary aluminium producers. In the course of the recycling process, salt, aluminium concentrate and aluminium oxides are recovered. Revenues from the Salt Slags operations are mainly derived from fees charged for recycling salt slags and SPL, and from the sales of aluminium concentrates and salt obtained from recycling salt slags and SPL. A large amount of the recovered aluminium concentrates are sold and used within the Group for the production of aluminium alloys.

In the Secondary Aluminium operations of our Aluminium Salt Slags Recycling Services segment, Befesa collects and recycles aluminium scrap and other aluminium residues such as aluminium drosses, shavings and cuttings or aluminium concentrates from, amongst others, aluminium foundries, scrap dealers and collectors, as well as from primary aluminium producers. Befesa also generates aluminium concentrates itself in the course of the salt slags recycling operations and produces secondary aluminium alloys from these aluminium residues. These are mainly sold to customers in the automotive and construction industries. Revenues from secondary aluminium operations are mainly derived from sales of secondary aluminium alloys.

  1. % of total salt slags segment revenues; 2. Used in secondary aluminium plants; 3. low value by-product

Market Environment

Favorable Global Macro Trends

  • Growing global population
  • Increasing environmentally conscious middle class
  • Advancing industrialization

The recycling markets for steel dust, salt slags and SPL are particularly influenced by the industrial markets for steel and aluminium production in general. Thus, Befesa's business is influenced by several megatrends in the steel and aluminium industry. These industries currently enjoy a stable and growing outlook, which reflects positively for Befesa as a recycling service provider.

Specifically, an increasing population, growing middle class, and advancing industrialization are all expected to drive economic growth, leading to increased steel and aluminium production. Consequently, this is expected to drive a need for further recycling – and Befesa's services.

The overall population is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate ("CAGR") of 1.0% from 2015 to 2025 (source: McKinsey). Moreover, the environmentally conscious middle class is expected to grow from 48% of the total population in 2015 to 63% of the total population in 2025 (CAGR of 3.5%) and is likely to become a driver of demand for products requiring steel and aluminium – such as vehicles – ultimately driving the demand for recycling services (source: McKinsey).

Increased industrialization, and particularly the increased use of higher quality steel and galvanized materials carrying a higher zinc content, also supports the industry and potentially allows recyclers to compete with landfills in markets where regulation is unenforced or does not yet exist.

Management Report

Increasing Steel and Aluminium Production Demand

  • Growing global steel demand
  • Growing global secondary aluminium production

Overall, steel production has increased significantly in non-OECD countries over the last decades, whilst it has been relatively stable in OECD countries. Worldwide demand for steel is expected to grow from approximately 1,500 million tons in 2017 to 1,621 million tons in 2025, with Europe contributing approximately 161 million tons in 2017 and 173 million tons in 2025, respectively (source: McKinsey). In Europe, this expectation is based on the anticipated demand of the main end markets for steel, especially within the construction industry, followed by engineering, transport and utilities.

Across Europe, aluminium production – which is driven primarily by the

automotive end market – keeps pace with increased demand from the automotive industry. On the back of expanded production of light vehicles in the European automotive industry and in an effort to meet legislative requirements for improved vehicle emissions and fuel efficiency, secondary aluminium production in Western Europe is expected to grow at 4.6% CAGR until 2021 (source: McKinsey). This estimate is based on the assumption that the number of vehicles produced in Europe will grow at 1.3% CAGR between 2016 and 2021 and the aluminium content per vehicle will increase from 179 kg of aluminium per light vehicle in 2016 to 222 kg in 2021 (source: McKinsey).

The trend in secondary aluminium production in Europe leads to an expected increase in the generation of salt slags, and thus in the demand for Befesa's recycling services.

Befesa's business is influenced by several megatrends in the steel and aluminium industry.

The expanding population, growing middle class, and increased industrialization are all expected to drive growth.

Worldwide demand for steel is expected to grow from approximately 1,500 million tons in 2017 to 1,621 million tons in 2025.

The trend in secondary aluminium production in Europe leads to an expected increase in the generation of salt slags, and thus in the demand for Befesa's recycling services.

Market Environment continued

Favorable Industry Trends

  • Increased galvanization of steel leading to increased global zinc demand and higher zinc content in scrap material
  • Higher usage of aluminium in vehicles together with positive trend in European automotive market driving higher aluminium demand and scrap availability

As seen in previous years, the increased galvanization of steel is expected to lead to a higher zinc demand and higher zinc content in scrap material. This will lead to higher zinc content in the steel dust collected, which will enable the company to utilize its plants more efficiently in the medium term.

In the aluminium salt slags recycling business, the positive trend of using higher quantities of aluminium in the construction of light vehicles is also expected to continue into the future – driving higher demand of aluminium and increasing the availability of scrap.

Trend Towards Recycling

In Europe, Befesa's primary market, both EAF steel dust and salt slags are categorized as hazardous waste by the regulatory bodies with strict rules and procedures for its handling, transport and treatment in implementation. This level of regulation and its enforcement across geographical locations supports the need for Befesa's recycling services. Driven by these regulations and increasing landfill costs, landfilled waste volumes

in OECD countries have decreased over the past decade. OECD countries have also seen increases of recycled waste volumes, especially hazardous waste containing valuable metals, supported mainly by favorable and strictly enforced environmental regulations.

In contrast to developed regions like Europe, regulation of steel dust is currently less pronounced in emerging markets. Nonetheless, regulation in these markets is expected to converge towards a regulatory framework similar to the one seen in the EU as these markets become more industrialized and environmentally conscious.

In summary, favorable macro and mega trends, and positive sustainability and recycling trends, combined with favorable and strictly enforced environmental regulations, are expected to further enhance the global demand for steel and aluminium production and subsequent waste recovery.

Development of Commodity Prices

The products and services offered by Befesa's steel dust recycling and aluminium salt slags recycling businesses are partially influenced by the development in the supply and demand dynamics of certain commodities.

In 2017 market prices of zinc continued to climb, rising significantly compared to the prior year. The average daily price per ton quoted on the London Metal Exchange (LME cash seller prices) for 2017

Management Report

was US\$2,896 per ton of zinc (up US\$801, or +38% compared to US\$2,095 during the prior year), and US\$3,309 per ton of zinc as of December 31, 2017 (up US\$746 per ton, or +29% compared to US\$2,563 as of December 31, 2016). Applying the US Dollar/Euro exchange rates for the respective periods, the average daily price in 2017 was €2,572 per ton of zinc (up €679 per ton, or +36% compared to €1,893 during the prior year) and €2,759 per ton of zinc as of December 31, 2017 (up €326 per ton, or +13% compared to €2,432 as of December 31, 2016).

In line with Befesa's active hedging policy, the company reduces the volatility in its operations arising from changes in the zinc price. For further information on the hedging strategy please refer to the next section ("Strategy", page 28 of this Annual Report).

In 2017 Befesa witnessed a rise in the market price of aluminium alloys when compared to previous year levels – although those increases were more moderate compared to those observed in zinc. The average daily price per ton for 2017 referenced by the Metal Bulletin FM (average independent quotation based on prices provided by the major secondary aluminium players in the European market) was €1,766 per ton of aluminium alloy (compared to €1,618 in 2016), and €1,785 per ton as of December 31, 2017 (compared to €1,655 as of December 31, 2016).

Positive sustainability and recycling trends – combined with favorable and strictly enforced environmental regulations – are expected to further enhance the global demand for steel and aluminium recycling services.

Our strategic objective is to maintain and further expand Befesa's leadership position in steel dust and salt slag recycling services across its key markets.

Befesa will focus on securing the volumes in its plants; maintaining resilient and solid margin levels, and; focusing on the strong cash flow generation by managing capital expenditures (CapEx), working capital and operating earnings with the same rigor demonstrated over the last few years. This will allow us to pay an attractive dividend to Befesa's shareholders, continue to offer bestin-class services to our customers, and fund expansion projects in existing and new markets to grow our operations. We will also continue to focus on the Environmental, Health & Safety performance across Befesa's global operations as well as continue to strengthen our culture of operational excellence.

Organic Growth Projects

Befesa continues to execute its organic growth project pipeline and focuses on growing its core environmental service activities that are benefiting from the positive underlying macro trends.

In the Steel Dust Recycling Services business, Befesa will fund two organic growth projects in Turkey and South Korea during 2018 and 2019. Firstly, Befesa will increase the capacity of its Turkish plant from 65,000 tons per year at present to 110,000 tons per year, building on the increased demand for steel dust services. Secondly, Befesa will build a washing plant in South Korea to be able to offer washed Waelz oxide to its customers, similar to its European operations. The construction phase of

Management Report

both projects is expected to start by the end of 2018, with operations expected to commence during the second half of 2019.

In the Secondary Aluminium subsegment, Befesa is funding two operational excellence projects. Both projects apply the best in class furnace technology proven at Befesa's Bernburg plant to its other secondary aluminium production plants in Spain (close to Bilbao and Barcelona). These projects will result in efficiencies and free up capacity to meet additional demand for external salt slags services. Both projects started during 2017 and will be completed during 2018 and 2019 respectively.

In the Salt Slags sub-segment, Befesa will fund the capacity increase of its existing salt slag recycling plant in Hannover (Germany) by 40,000 tons in 2018 and 2019. The improved capacity will help to meet the increase in existing, and new customer demand. The construction phase of this project is expected to start in 2019, with operations expected to commence in 2020.

Hedging Strategy

Befesa pursues a prudent hedging strategy to manage the zinc price volatility.

During the month of October 2017, the company successfully extended its zinc hedges for the years 2018, 2019 and mid-2020, at a volume of approximately 92,400 tons per year or approximately 7,700 tons per month. During the month of January 2018 Befesa further extended its hedging program by another six months to fully cover 2020. Average hedged prices for each of the periods are as follows:

Period Average hedged price Zinc content
(Euro / ton) hedged
(tons)
2017 1,876 73,200
2018 2,051 92,400
2019 2,306 92,400
2020 2,245 92,400

Strategy continued

(€ per ton)

Floor Simulation of average blended price in 2018 assuming 2017 LME average price of €2,572/t Average

LME Zinc

Swap

The current hedging in place provides Befesa with improved pricing visibility through 2020. The company entered these hedges to maintain mid-term visibility on its output prices – expanding on its proven hedging strategy.

Befesa will continue its prudent hedging policy, targeting stability even if foregoing short term upside from higher zinc prices. Options will be constantly monitored and re-evaluated when closing existing hedges in light of the current zinc market environment. We are committed to hedge approximately 60 to 75% of the expected volume of zinc to be extracted from the Waelz oxide for a period of 2-4 years going forward.

Using the 2017 average LME market price of €2,572 per ton for 2018 for the unhedged expected volumes (approximately 30%), the blended average zinc price in

2018 would translate to approximately €2,207 per ton. In 2017 the average blended price was €2,160 per ton.

Safety, Health, Environmental, & Quality Management as an integral part of the way we do business Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) management is an inseparable and integral part of the way we do business in all areas of operation and activities.

Making SHEQ an integral part of business decisions contributes to satisfy the needs of stakeholders: customers, employees, community and shareholders, whilst supporting operational excellence.

For detailed information on SHEQ management please refer to the section "Management Report / Environmental, Health & Safety" (page 42 of this Annual Report).

Results of Operations

This section includes consolidated financial information of Befesa S.A. from its existing operations, Steel Dust Recycling Services and Aluminium Salt Slags Recycling Services.

After the sale of the Industrial Environmental Solutions (IES) business through a series of transactions ending in August 2017, the former IES business segment is reported as discontinued operations.

For more detailed information on the Consolidated Financial Statements, please refer to pages 74 to 173 of this Annual Report.

Revenue from Continuing Operations¹ (€ million)

¹Revenue figure of 2016 is pro-forma and adjusted for the divestitures of the companies part of the former IES business The strong increase in the consolidated revenue from continuing operations (+18.5% or up +€113.1 million year-onyear, to €724.8 million as of year-end 2017) was primarily due to increased revenues from Waelz oxide (WOX) sales, and stronger revenues from aluminium production. Principally the reason for the growth is attributed to the increased volume, higher prices for both zinc and aluminium alloys, and favorable treatment charges.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin

(€ million, % margin of Revenue)

Results of Operations continued

Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted EBIT Margin (€ million, % margin of Revenue)

2017 143.9 2016 103.4 16.9% 19.9%

+40.5m or +39.2%

The significant increase in the Group's earnings year-on-year (+29.9% or up +€39.7 million to €172.4 million consolidated adjusted EBITDA, and +39.2% or up +€40.5 million to €143.9 million consolidated adjusted EBIT, both as of year-end 2017) is driven mainly by: higher volumes in the two core businesses of Steel Dust Recycling Services and Aluminium Salt Slags Recycling Services; increased zinc and aluminium alloy market prices; and the continued implementation of operational excellence initiatives across the entire organization.

In 2017, earnings were negatively impacted by the effect of hedging zinc prices by approximately €51.9 million (or approximately €36.3 million after tax) due to the difference between the average hedged zinc price (approximately €1,876 per ton for approximately 59% of the zinc payable output) and the average market (LME) zinc price during the period (approximately €2,572 per ton on average during 2017).

The margin improvement (+2.1 p.p. to 23.8% adjusted EBITDA margin, and +3.0 p.p. to 19.9% adjusted EBIT margin) reflects the positive operating performance mentioned above, as well as the efficiency and restructuring measures executed as part of the operational excellence plan.

For a reconciliation of EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted EBIT to the IFRS operating result (EBIT) please refer to the section "Consolidated Financial Statements" pages 74 to 173 of this Annual Report.

Financial Result and Net Income The consolidated financial result was €(48.2) million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared with €(49.8) million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This represents a minor improvement of 3.2% (or €1.6 million). Main drivers were the €7.4 million decrease in financial expenses during 2017 when compared to 2016, partially offset by a €3.7 million reduction in financial income due to the divestiture of entities of the Industrial Environmental Solutions (IES), and a €2.1 million decrease in net exchange differences during 2017 when compared to 2016.

The financial result for 2017 is still mainly based on the old capital structure. The new financing facility, which has been in place since December 7, 2017, allows Befesa to considerably reduce its financial expenses by approximately 60%. For detailed information on the new financing facility please refer to page 141 of this Annual Report.

Consolidated net income was €49.3

million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared with a loss of €(52.9) million for the comparable period ended December 31, 2016. This represents an increase of €102.2 million. The net income of €49.3 million as of year-end 2017 was impacted by both the old capital structure with its higher interest cost, and approximately €21.5 million of nonrecurring items.

Financial result (million)

Net income (million)

Financial Position and Liquidity

Financial indebtedness decreased by €2.6 million (compared to December 31, 2016) to €524.2 million. Net debt declined by €59.7 million (compared to December 31, 2016) to €406.4 million. Non-current financial indebtedness of €497.6 million as of December 31, 2016 has been reduced by approximately €21.6 million due to net proceeds from the onetime divestiture of the IES business. During 2017 the approximately €300 million High Yield Bond (HYB) – due May 2018 – was reclassified from non-current to current financial indebtedness.

Net debt

(€ million)

Dec. 31,
2017
Dec. 31,
2016
Non-current financial indebtedness (*) 519.2 497.6
+ Current financial indebtedness 5.1 29.3
Financial indebtedness 524.2 526.9
- Cash and cash equivalents (117.6) (59.1)
- Other current financial assets (0.3) (1.8)
Net debt 406.4 466.1
Adjusted EBITDA 172.4 132.8
Leverage ratio 2.4x 3.5x

(*) 2016 financial indebtedness is adjusted for IES divesture proceeds.

Management Report

During 2017, the Group has delivered solid cash flow performance. After paying €20.8 million in taxes, €49.7 million in interest, and €25.7 million in funding maintenance and productivity CapEx, Befesa still increased its cash on hand by €55.6 million year-on-year. The Group ended December 31, 2017 with €117.6 million in cash on hand.

During 2017 Befesa continued to further improve its leverage, showing strong earnings to cash conversion. Over the last four years the leverage was reduced from more than 5x in the second half of 2013, down to 3.5x at the end of 2016, further down to the current leverage of 2.4x adjusted EBITDA of the year ended December 31, 2017. Befesa continues to be compliant with all debt covenants.

As a result, the credit ratings assigned to Befesa have improved to Ba3 (Moody's) and BB- (S&P), notching up from B2 / B, respectively. For further information on the credit ratings assigned to Befesa, please refer to the section "To Our Shareholders / Befesa S.A. in the Capital Markets" (page 14 of this Annual Report).

Financial indebtedness decreased (million)

€59.7

Net debt declined (million)

Adjusted EBITDA

Segment Information

Befesa organizes its activities into two business segments: "Steel Dust Recycling Services" and "Aluminium Salt Slags Recycling Services", the latter being divided into two sub-segments: "Salt Slags" and "Secondary Aluminium".

Steel Dust Recycling Services Crude steel dust volumes processed

during 2017 amounted to 661,044 tons, representing a new record throughput and an increase by more than 72,000 tons when compared to 2016 (+12.3%). This was primarily driven by an increase in volumes of steel dust recycled in the plants in Turkey and South Korea, as well as our plants in Europe. In South Korea, we successfully expanded our steel dust collection services to neighboring South East Asian countries such as Thailand and Taiwan. Favorable volume growth in Europe further contributed to the throughput increase. With these volumes, crude steel dust recycling plants have been running at a load factor of approximately 84.7% compared to approximately 75.3% during 2016. As a result, the volume of Waelz oxide (WOX) sold has increased from 203,443 tons in 2016 to 217,761 tons in 2017, representing an increase of 7.0% – a new record level of WOX volumes.

EAF Dust Throughput & Load Factor

(Thousand tons, % of annual capacity)

Waelz Oxide Sold

Blended Zinc Average Price (Euro / ton)

Management Report

The significant revenue increase from Steel Dust Recycling Services (+18.1% or +€51.0 million year-on-year, to €332.1 million as of year-end 2017) was primarily due to the approximately 14,300 tons year-on-year increase in Waelz oxide (WOX) volumes sold and higher average effective zinc prices (blended rate between hedged volume and nonhedged volume) of €2,160/ton during 2017 versus €1,939/ton during 2016. The increase was partially offset by an impact from lower fees due to strong emerging markets growth and lower volumes of stainless steel dust treated.

Revenue - Steel Dust Recycling Service segment (€ million)

Adjusted EBITDA was €134.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared with €99.0 million for the comparable period ended December 31, 2016, representing a significant increase of +36.1% (or +€35.7 million). Adjusted EBITDA margins (adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue) improved from 35.2% to 40.6%. Similarly, Adjusted EBIT increased by +45.7% (or +€37.2 million) to €118.5 million as of December 31, 2017, and the Adjusted EBIT margins

(adjusted EBIT divided by revenue) also improved from 28.9% to 35.7%. The improvement of earnings in the Steel Dust Services segment was primarily due to the positive volume leverage and higher zinc prices – including lower treatment charges.

Adjusted EBITDA &

Margin - Steel Dust (€ million, % margin of Revenue)

Adjusted EBIT & Margin - Steel Dust (€ million, % margin of Revenue)

Aluminium Salt Slags Recycling Services

Salt Slags Sub-Segment

Salt slags and SPL recycled volumes

during 2017 amounted to 509,907 tons, representing an increase of +3.6% or a plus of more than 17,500 tons year-onyear showing that – similar to Steel Dust Recycling Services – our growth initiatives delivered. This volume performance means a new record level for Befesa. Our salt slags recycling plants have run at near

Segment Information continued

full capacity on average. Befesa increased its installed capacity from 609,000 to 630,000 tons to meet increased customer demand, while utilization rates remained at approximately 96%.

Salt Slags & SPL Volume & Load Factor

(Thousand tons recycled, % of annual capacity)

The revenue increase in the Salt Slags sub-segment (+5.7% or up +€4.5 million year-on-year, to €83.4 million as of yearend 2017) was primarily supported by the aforementioned +3.6% volume increase in 2017.

Revenue - Salt slags sub-segment (€ million)

Adjusted EBITDA in the Salt Slags subsegment was €27.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared with €24.4 million for the prior year period, representing an increase of +11.5% (or +€2.8 million). Adjusted EBITDA margins (adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue) improved from 30.9% to 32.5%.

Similarly, adjusted EBIT increased by +9.6% (or +€1.7 million) to €19.7 million as of December 31, 2017, and the adjusted EBIT margins (adjusted EBIT divided by revenue) also improved from 22.8% to 23.6%. The improvement of earnings in the Salt Slags sub-segment was mainly driven by volume leverage, the efficiency improvements obtained from debottlenecking, and cost saving programs within selected plants.

2017 19.7 2016 18.0 22.8% 23.6% +1.7m or +9.6%

Secondary Aluminium Sub-Segment Aluminium alloy production volumes during 2017 amounted to 184,114 tons, representing an increase of +1.7% yearon-year or approximately +3,000 tons. With these volumes, secondary aluminium production plants have been running at an average load factor of approximately

Management Report

90% compared to approximately 88% during 2016. The ramp-up phase of the new state-of-the-art secondary aluminium production plant located in Bernburg, Germany, has been completed.

Secondary Aluminium Alloy Volume & Load Factor

(Thousand tons produced, % of annual capacity)

Aluminium Alloy Average Market Price (Euro / ton)

The strong revenue increase in the Secondary Aluminium sub-segment (+23.8% or up +€68.0 million yearon-year, to €353.5 million as of yearend 2017) was primarily due to higher average market prices for aluminium alloy – aluminium alloy Metal Bulletin Free Market average prices were €1,766 per ton during 2017 compared with €1,618 per ton during 2016, representing a +9.1% increased year-on-year – plus the increased volumes of aluminium alloys produced (181,124 tons in 2017 compared with 184,114 tons in 2016).

Revenue - 2nd Aluminium sub-segment (€ million)

Adjusted EBITDA in the Secondary Aluminium sub-segment was €9.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared with €9.0 million during the prior period, representing a +3.4% increase. Adjusted EBITDA margins (adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue) stayed flat at 3%.

Adjusted EBITDA & Margin - 2nd Aluminium sub-segment (€ million)

Adjusted EBIT of the Secondary Aluminium Sub-Segment was €3.8 million as of year-end 2017 compared with €3.0 million of prior year 2016, representing an increase of approximately +29.2%. Adjusted EBIT margins (adjusted EBIT divided by revenue) remained at prioryear levels of approximately 1%.

Adjusted EBIT & Margin - 2nd Aluminium sub-segment (€ million)

Employees

Befesa strives to be a leading global recycling services company. To achieve this goal, we rely on a large team of highly qualified employees worldwide.

As of December 31, 2017, Befesa employed 1,107 people.

Befesa concentrates its services into two business units, which are supported by a corporate team. Approximately 76% of all staff focus their day-to-day work on O&M (Operations and Maintenance), a figure that demonstrates the productive

nature of the company. The stability of our staff remains one of our priorities.

Befesa continues to have above 85% of employees with permanent/full-time contracts.

Female Male Total Employees 135 32% 292 68% 427 39% Operators 5 1% 675 99% 680 61% 140 13% 967 87% 1,107

Number of employees by category and gender

Befesa encourages and promotes diversity in its workforce. Our age charts gives a clear picture of how the generational handover will follow a natural rhythm. Our workforce is qualified and experienced – on average, seniority was 13 years and the average employee is 44 years old (as of December 31, 2017).

Although facing a competitive labor market, Befesa managed to maintain a stable and low turnover rate in 2017 – a result primarily due to voluntary resignations of 1.89% globally (1.53% in Europe).

We place a high value on training programmes – to ensure an up-to-date knowledge base – and have invested over 24,500 training hours, with approximately 50% of these being spent on health and safety training.

Number of employees by business unit

Befesa encourages individuals to start or expand their professional career at the company. We collaborate with different training entities including universities and business schools. During 2017, 38 people participated in traineeships or internships at Befesa.

Environmental, Health & Safety

Safety, health, environment, and quality are integral parts of the way we do business.

We are committed to continuous improvement of our safety, health environmental and quality performance. We are convinced that this focus is contributing to achieving operational excellence.

Demonstrating our commitment to the safety and wellbeing of everybody working at Befesa brings multiple benefits. These include: reduced incidents and accidents; higher morale, satisfaction and productivity; and many other tangible and non-tangible benefits. These add value to the business and benefit all stakeholders, employees, community, customers, and shareholders.

Our goal is to establish Befesa as a company in which others should model themselves on for safety, health, environment and quality.

Policies

The Befesa integrated safety, health, environmental and quality policy was reviewed on April 28, 2016. Several cascade events across the organization were executed to ensure the full understanding and engagement of management, and employees, in order to make the policy the driving force of continuous improvement in this area in the company.

In summer 2016, more than 50 top managers from all worldwide sites in Befesa met for two days to align on the strategies to implement those policies.

Management Report

Principles

Befesa's policies on safety, health, environment and quality are summarized in 12 principles:

1

2

Management, from senior to all line management, leads by example, is committed and accountable for safety, health, environment and quality Our belief is that all accidents can, and must be prevented. For that reason, we aspire to ZERO accidents to our people, either internal or contractors

3

We never put the production or economic benefit before people's safety or health

4

Accidents and incidents must be notified and investigated as a basis for continuous improvement

7

All process conditions can, and must be controlled

10

Audits inspection and observations must be conducted with employee's participation

5

It is necessary to thoroughly train all employees to work safely

8

Safety is a condition of career and employment

6

Involvement and engagement of all people by fostering dialogue and participation is essential

9

We have a constructive ZERO tolerance approach to unsafe behavior

11

We ensure compliance with legal requirements and best industry practices

12

We develop, review and maintain an integrated management system for safety, health, environment, quality and energy management according to norms and recognized international standards

Environmental, Health and Safety continued

Be Safe at Befesa Project

In 2014 Befesa conducted a safety benchmark with similar companies and associations of its kind, and other industrial sectors. The conclusion of this benchmark was the initial step to launch a corporate multiyear program to improve safety and health to the next level of excellence.

In 2015 Befesa launched the "Be Safe" project with the support of an external service provider, DuPont Safety Solutions. The goal was to drive improvement in safety and health in the company.

The project structure was based upon:

  • Senior management leadership of the safety program
  • Evaluation of safety culture and Process Safety Management (PSM) on sites
  • Development of an improvement and culture reinforcement action plan (Road Map).

The deployment of the Be Safe project is followed closely in board meetings.

a) Be Safe project cultural and PSM elements

The project is oriented to evaluate and promote improvement on the following safety cultural elements.

Be Safe Project Cultural Elements

Strong leadership:

  • Visible demonstrated commitment
  • Clear, meaningful policies and principles

  • Challenging goals and plans

  • High standards of performance

Appropriate structure:

  • Line management accountability
  • Supportive safety staff
  • Integrated committee structure
  • Performance measurement and progressive motivation

Focused processes and actions:

  • Thorough investigations and follow up
  • Effective audits and evaluation
  • Effective communication process
  • Training and safety management skills

While safety is mainly cultural, other more industrial aspects are also important to ensure a safe and healthy operation without accidents and incidents. PSM is a discipline intended to ensure safe industrial operations and to prevent major fires, explosions, chemical releases and to prevent environmental incidents.

While Befesa plants are low hazard operations from the PSM perspective, implementation of these good practices helps the company to reduce risks.

The main PSM elements being addressed are:

Technology:

  • Process safety information
  • Process hazard analysis
  • Management of change technology

Facilities:

  • Mechanical integrity
  • Pre-start-up safety reviews

Management Report

FOCUSED PROCESSES AND ACTIONS

Effective communication process Effective audits and evaluation Thorough investigations and follow up Training and safety management skills

LEADERSHIP Visible demonstrated commitment

LEADERSHIP ELEMENTS

Clear, meaningful policies and principles

Challenging goals and plans

High standards of performance

Management of change - TECHNOLOGY

APPROPRIATE STRUCTU Line management accountability Performance measurement and progressive motivation Supportive safety staff Integrated committee structure

ORGANIZATIONAL ELEMENTS

R E

PERSONNEL

LIFE SAVING RULES

Management of personnel change

Mechanical integrity Quality assurance

BE SAFE PROJECT

Management of change - installations

PROCESS SAFETY MANAGEMENT Cultural elements

STRONG

PSM elements

Road map

FACILITIES

  • Quality assurance
  • Management of change installations

Personnel:

  • Emergency planning and response
  • Management of personnel change
  • Contractor safety management

Befesa's focus in 2016 and 2017 has been on contractor safety management.

b) Be Safe Project cultural evaluation and Road Map

As a result of the evaluation of each plant, action plans were put in place to improve upon, and address plant specific items. Additionally, common items across all companywide plants reinforce the areas that would benefit from it.

Environmental, Health and Safety continued

The common action plan, internally referred to as the "Be Safe Project Road Map", consists of 144 actions covering four different workstreams:

Workstream; Contents

  • Leadership elements
  • Organizational elements
  • Process Safety Management
  • Life Saving Rules

Below are relevant examples of practices that have been implemented, or reinforced at Befesa's units, and now form part of the Befesa Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) management.

Sharing Learning Lessons

Every incident or near miss is reported and investigated in a team approach involving, amongst others, operators, to ensure learnings are obtained and spread across the organization. In 2017 a total of 437 incidents were reported and investigated, prioritizing them based on the potential for causing an accident.

Accidents causing lost time are communicated to Befesa's CEO and senior management in less than 24 hours to ensure full awareness within the organization and to drive prompt investigation and preventive action plans.

For the most relevant incidents and accidents where lessons can be drawn for the rest of the organization to prevent similar cases, a single page document is generated with key learnings. Over the last two years, 237 learning lessons

have been distributed at corporate level reaching all management and shop floor level.

Preventive Safety Observations

A corporate standard was published and implemented in 2016 for Preventive Safety Observations. This behavioral safety program is intended to detect and correct unsafe acts and conditions before they result in accidents and incidents, and enhance safety culture, employee awareness and commitment through line management field presence to address safety issues.

Managers at all levels at Befesa are trained to detect unsafe acts and to provide constructive feedback to operators and contractors about work safety practices.

Life Saving Rules

Preventing serious injuries and fatalities is one of the top priorities of the Health and Safety program and requires special focus. Investigating all incidents and accidents delivers a good improvement path in safety performance.

Serious injury and fatalities prevention is managed at Befesa by means of what is called the "Life Saving Rules". These are a selection of the most frequent causes of fatalities in our industry based on a detailed risk evaluation.

The Be Safe team analyzed and prioritized this list of most frequent causes of fatalities and generated the Befesa Life Saving Rules to prevent these. Notable

Management Report

inclusions being: lack of proper safety leadership; isolate and lock energy sources; driving motor vehicles; works at height; confined space entry; electrical works; hot works; first break of pipes and equipment; amongst others up to 13 rules.

Safety and Health Performance

Between 2016 and 2017, over the course of two years, Befesa has reduced its Lost Time Injury rate – measured as number of accidents causing lost time per million hours of work – by more than 45%.

The indicators include all personnel working under Befesa premises, both employed personnel and contractors.

Reduction of injuries 2016 – 2017

Not only the number, but also the severity of lost time accidents – measured as the number of days the injured individual was away from work as result of these injuries per thousand hours of work – reduced by 60%.

As a reference, no injury during this period represented life threatening

risks, no case required long term hospitalization and all injured people recovered fully and resumed their normal duties.

In addition to the previous lagging indicators, various leading indicators are measured to continuously monitor our health and safety performance. These include: number of incidents reported; number of preventive safety observations per manager; total number of preventive safety observations; index of unsafe acts; and index of housekeeping.

Environmental Management

Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) awareness and action is a positive indication on how well a business performs beyond pure financial or operational results.

Befesa, in line with its strong environmental DNA, has invested a significant amount of time and money into the development of its ESG policies and practices. This concerted effort has been driven by senior management and the board, which has provided guidance and funds.

a) Key Performance Indicators (KPI) Over the last four years, Befesa has developed KPIs which measure ESG performance. KPIs are collected on a quarterly basis and reported internally.

Environmental, Health and Safety continued

These indicators cover various aspects of environmental management, sustainability, health and safety and social aspects.

Indicators and their evolution are analyzed both at the EHS managers quarterly conferences and at the corporate EHS committee. The analysis includes the necessary actions to ensure improvement of these parameters and achievement of the company goals.

b) Investments

Befesa analyzes the needs for improvement of its plants to fulfill incoming legislation or to attain efficiency improvement and includes these investments into its capital expenditures (CapEx) budget. A list of CapEx projects is developed, prioritized and funded by the board according to approval procedure.

The most relevant environmental investment conducted in 2017 was the thermal oxidizer, which was driven by Industrial Emission Directive's (IED) new limits in the Steel Dust Recycling Services segment. Other relevant investment were new higher efficiency furnaces in some secondary aluminium production plants – not required by environmental legislation but providing a positive environmental impact amongst other benefits – and methane abatement actions in some salt slags plants.

c) Air protection

Air emissions generated from metal

recycling could impact human health and the environment, and may be subject to regulation and permitting.

Befesa regularly engages with industry bodies to stay aware of forthcoming regulations and environmental legislation. During the last years, a detailed work has been done to ensure compliance with IED regulations. In addition, the implementation of ISO 14.001 and the EU Eco Management Auditing Scheme (EMAS) ensures that Befesa proactively reviews regulations which may be applicable to each site.

We have updated our plants with equipment according to the Best Available Technologies (BAT) to minimize impact on the air and ensure compliance with current and incoming legislation.

d) Soil protection

Metal production residues processing has the potential to cause soil damage and contamination if not managed with the right installations and procedures.

Befesa's installations are designed and maintained with solid protection though concrete and paved operating surfaces, rainwater collection systems and other engineering solutions to protect soil. Proper soil and underground water monitoring is provided were required, and according to local legislation, to ensure soil is maintained uncontaminated.

e) Water consumption and effluents Metal processing can require substantial

Management Report

quantities of water, which can be a potential risk to production as well as the local environment, particularly in regions of water scarcity. Befesa monitors its water consumption as a KPI. It is reported by each site and consolidated at a group level. Trends are analyzed and good practices shared to promote individual projects for consumption reduction.

f) Waste reduction efforts

Befesa's inherent business of recycling and reusing hazardous waste from metal processing prevents those wastes from reaching landfill. Befesa's process for the treatment of aluminium foundry salt slags offers an example of leading technology in recovering all components of the slags and converting them in reusable materials. The recovery level of 100% results in minimal potential risk of contamination or environmental impact through disposal or landfilling of these slags.

KPIs related to waste generation, including both hazardous and nonhazardous wastes – disposed of or recycled – are reported bi-annually at group level on site.

g) Greenhouse emissions

Steel production and metal recycling generates significant direct greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, primarily of carbon dioxide and methane from production processes, smelting activities and on-site fuel combustion. GHG emissions contribute to climate change and create risks for companies as regulations are developed and implemented on regional and global scales.

Befesa's primary business is to recycle hazardous materials from the metals industry and extract or recycle the valuable content of those hazardous wastes. By reusing and recycling hazardous wastes, such as steel dust or aluminium residues, Befesa contributes to the overall reduction of GHG emissions which would otherwise be released if these materials were obtained from primary sources.

All facilities are ISO 14.064 certified for green house gas emissions monitoring, with 41% also having ISO 50.001 certification. Through these management systems we measure and analyze CO₂ and other GHG emissions annually, and improvement projects are implemented following this analysis.

To minimize the GHG emitted by Befesa's operations, the company applies BAT and looks for efficiency opportunities as part of its operational excellence program.

EHS Certifications

All Befesa's sites are ISO 14.001 certified, an internationally recognized environmental management system. In addition, 41% of the sites are ISO 50.001 certified, which develops an energy management system. Noncertified sites are working towards certification.

As of 2015 all of Befesa's facilities are certified to ISO 14.064 for management of GHG emissions.

More than 50% of the plants located within the European Union are registered according to EMAS, one of the most demanding environmental management

Environmental, Health and Safety continued

systems that includes the need for public communication, transparency and recognition by environmental authorities. All Befesa units are also certified according to the OHSAS 18.001 occupational health and safety norm.

EHS Auditing

Internal and third party external auditing processes are conducted as part of the ISO 14.001, 50.000 and 14.064 certification processes and to comply with the OHSAS18001.

During 2017 all certifications were maintained and the audits did not result in any major non-conformance. In the case of minor non-conformances and observations, these were analyzed to identify the root causes and define the necessary improvements.

Management Report

Sustainability & Social Responsibility

Befesa manages more than 1,300 thousand tons of residues annually, with a production of more than 600 thousand tons of new materials. Befesa re-introduces these new materials into the market, reducing the consumption of natural resources.

Sustainability

Metal recycling is one of the most significant processes in the circular economy. It enables multiple lives for the materials and reduces the consumption of natural resources.

Through the recycling of materials and re-introduction of the product into the market the long term value added to waste material is high and sustainable.

The Steel Dust Recycling Services segment provides services to recover zinc that is reintroduced in the market for galvanization and other processes and that can be reused almost endlessly. Similar processes allow recovery of nickel, chromium and other metals.

Additionally, the Aluminium Salt Slags Recycling Services segment contributes by recycling and reintroducing close to 100% of the aluminium smelting residues (salt slags) into the production chain.

Sustainability is at the heart of the Befesa business model. Research, development and innovation is continuously focused on looking for new processes and services that can help customers make their businesses more sustainable. For detailed information on R&D and innovation please refer to the section "Management Report / R&D and Innovation" (page 54 of this Annual Report).

Social Responsibility

Beyond its own activities Befesa is committed to contributing to improve

Management Report

local communities and the society. We consider the needs and interests of local communities and the consequences of the company's actions on the social system as an essential business obligation. In light of this, we are developing different projects within the fields of environment, culture and sports.

Befesa is aware that success in this area is related to sharing experiences that promote a better future. For this reason these projects are close to site locations. Examples of projects include sponsoring sport teams at schools, social associations, giving donations towards several support organizations in education, and participating in nature improvement programs.

During 2017 Befesa carried out 29 social responsibility activities in Germany, UK, Spain and South Korea, such as:

  • Supporting the education of children with special needs
  • Financial encouragement of hospice work (hospice patients)
  • Conservation and improvement of the area of the Meres and Mosses, which is important for nature, flood prevention, carbon storage and the wider environment (National Nature Reserve)
  • Collaboration with "Asociación de Autismo de Sevilla", an NGO for children with special skills.

A vital goal of Befesa is to keep building an excellent neighborhood network where we are present.

In 2017 we received two awards for socially responsible behavior in Spain and South Korea.

The "Ciudadanos" award in Granada (Spain) was received in recognition of Befesa's track record, its values, the commitment of the company to preventing labor risks, its protection of the environment and the excellence of its operations.

Befesa's Korean operations were recognized during the 4th Gyeongju Environment Service Award ceremony with the "Grand Prize" honor as the best environmental enterprise in Gyeongju (South Korea) for its commitment to clean, green business under the ecofriendly management philosophy, especially recognized as a role model of resource recycling business.

R&D & Innovation

Our R&D strategy is designed to create value by developing sustainable improvements to existing technologies, optimize our operations and product quality, develop new processes for achieving higher recycling efficiency, reduce cost, and improve environmental conditions. All of this contributes to a sustainable development and enhanced customer service.

Strategic focus and approach

Our R&D strategic plan aims to be a technologically competitive reference in providing sustainable environmental services for the recycling of hazardous residues of the steel and aluminium industry, with a core focus on steel dust, salt slags and SPL.

Our R&D activities are organized in two teams in order to develop new technological and sustainable environmental service solutions adapted to the technological processes of each of our businesses. These two teams meet on a regular basis to exchange

their respective achievements, findings, knowledge, and developments within their respective projects.

Employees in R&D

Our R&D and innovation strength is based on our teams' experience and qualifications across various specializations. In 2017 a total of 11 employees were fully dedicated to research and development activities. Of these, seven were part of the Steel Dust Recycling Services segment and four were part of the Aluminium Salt Slags Recycling Services segment.

Management Report

Expenses on R&D

Total expense on research and development activities amounted to €1.7 million – up from the previous years' level of €1.5 million.

In our Steel Dust Recycling Services the expense on research and development activities amounted to €443 thousand in the year ended December 31, 2017 – up from the previous years' spend of €347 thousand.

In our aluminium residues recycling research and development activities, we spent approximately €1.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2017, slightly above the previous years' level of €1.2 million.

Network of collaborations

One of the pillars of our R&D strategy is external collaboration. This is primarily executed via research groups and institutions, public research centers, universities and other industrial enterprises, with whom we frequently collaborate with in our research and development projects.

Befesa is a founding partner of the Basque Innovation Agency, which seeks to coordinate and promote innovation in the Basque Country. Befesa is also a member of the Labein Tecnalia Foundation, a private technology center with significant business involvement that creates partnerships within their markets to develop innovative capacity using technology as a tool to increase competitiveness. Befesa has also developed projects in collaboration with institutions such as Acciona Infraestructuras R&D, Edertek Fagor

Ederlan, ICM-CSIC, in Spain, and the NTNU (Norway).

Befesa is also undertaking projects in collaboration with universities such as the University of the Basque Country, University of Valladolid, or University of Oviedo, in Spain, and the University of Leoben (Austria).

Main achievements and projects in 2017

In the Steel Dust Recycling Services segment, Befesa is:

  • in the process of installing advanced off-gas cleaning systems (regenerative post-combustion) on the EU Waelz sites in order to comply with future emission levels, required by the new Best Available Techniques Reference Document (BREF) for non-ferrous metals
  • continuously developing significant improvements in Waelz Oxide (WOX) quality for advanced and improved usability in downstream applications by reduction of impurities
  • optimizing the Waelz process regarding availability, recovery and energy savings by improved process control
  • investigating and evaluating new potential recycling processes and residues for the extension of Befesa's process value chain

In the Salt Slags sub-segment of the Aluminium Salt Slags Recycling Services segment, Befesa is currently:

  • upscaling (pre-industrial scale) of the hydrometallurgical process to remove impurities of oxides to be used in the refractory industry
  • developing fireproof rubber pieces in the railway sector using oxides as a fire retardant

R&D and Innovation continued

  • developing oxides specifications to be used as a raw material in the electrolysis of the alumina to produce aluminium
  • developing oxides specifications to be used in the ceramic industry; use of the oxides as a source of alumina for designing new formulations to improve ceramic products
  • developing the roadmap to use oxides as alternative raw material to corundum in its application in the abrasive industry
  • developing oxides specification: particle size, impurities, color, etcetera to be used as inorganic filler in rubber materials

In the Secondary Aluminium sub-segment of the Aluminium Salt Slags Recycling Services segment Befesa currently researches:

  • the optimization of the aluminium alloys production process, introducing improvements and technologies to increase the energetic efficiency such as waste hot stream use, new rotary furnace component design; and temperature control
  • the development of a new aluminium alloy composition to improve properties and allow the increase of the High Pressure Die Casting (HPDC) molds end life in the manufacturing of aluminium motor blocks and disc brakes.

Projects in research pipeline

Amongst the major R&D projects in our pipeline we highlight the following:

In the Steel Dust Recycling segment, projects in 2018 are the continuation of projects launched in 2017 and new projects for:

  • Investigation of new potentials residues for the stainless steel dust recycling process
  • Reduction of waste streams and improvements of environmental conditions

In the Aluminium Salt Slags Recycling segment:

Artigal: Elastic joints with fire-resistant properties by introducing recycled flame retardants from the aluminum industry for use in the railway industry Bauxal II: Valorization towards a circular

economy of aluminium by-products from the salt slags recycling process, to produce refractory materials as alternative to calcined bauxite

Facoee: Use of waste gases to improve the energy efficiency of the second aluminum fusion processes Coral: Demonstration of the technicaleconomic and environmental viability of Paval® (trademark used in Spain to commercialize the aluminium oxide recovered from the salt slags recycling process) for obtaining corundum for its use in the manufacture of abrasives Alurec: Obtaining corundum from Paval® for the development of primary aluminum of recycled origin

FISSAC: Fostering industrial symbiosis for a sustainable resource intensive industry across the extended construction value change.

Risk & Opportunities

Risk management is a vital component of the overall management and control system. We aim to successfully safeguard the company's assets.

Risk Management and Financial Controls / Reporting

We operate within a risk management framework to achieve targeted results at an acceptable level of risk. The Board of Befesa reviews the results and forecasts on a regular basis, including the corresponding risks and mitigating actions. Risk Management at Befesa incorporates operations, financials, environmental health & safety, compliance, legal and its insurance program. Befesa's consolidated, selected sub groups, and single entities financials are subject to external independent audits in addition to Befesa's internal financial routines and controls. The Board regularly reviews the operational and financial results as well as risks and opportunities.

Financial Controls and Reporting

Befesa's internal control system, financial reviews and reporting are key components of the risk management framework. The purpose of our internal control and accounting system is to ensure all transactions are adequately accounted for and that the financial reports present the company's financial status fairly. Our internal control system ensures compliance with legal regulations and that accounting follows statutory and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). A defined calendar ensures that financial reports and statements are produced in a timely manner. Regular reviews of a group, as well as segment level, ensure that potential errors are detected and corrected promptly. Board and audit committee reviews occur on a regular basis and are also part of the control framework. Befesa's accounting team monitors changes to

Risk and Opportunities continued

the accounting standards and advisers from external specialized parties notify the company of changes as well as on complex accounting matters to avoid misstatements.

Befesa's consolidated and selected sub groups, and single entities' financials are subject to external audits. These external audits form a key part of the risk management framework as an independent review of Befesa's internal control system, financial controls and reporting. Befesa strives for continuous improvement of its risk management and internal control system. The main risks with a potential material impact are further detailed in the note 4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements section of this report.

Risks and Opportunities relating to our industry and business

Befesa is exposed to risks and opportunities related to the level of activity of the global economy – in particular to the level of economic activity in the jurisdictions of the markets we serve in Europe and Asia. Our business is dependent on the availability of the materials to which our services relate and which we recycle – in particular steel dust in our Steel Dust Recycling Services segment, and salt slags and aluminium residues in our Aluminium Salt Slags Recycling Services segment. In periods of slowing economic growth, the industrial recycling industry has been affected, resulting in a reduction of demand for our services and products. One important

initiative to address slower economic growth has been to expand Befesa's operations in emerging markets such as Korea, South East Asia and Turkey.

Zinc smelters, which are significant consumers of the Waelz oxide we produce in our Steel Dust Recycling Services segment, typically experience variation in demand for their products due to a change in the level of activity in the automotive and construction industries. For our Aluminium Salt Slags Recycling Services segment we receive most of our salt slags and aluminium residues from companies operating in the automotive and construction industries in Europe. As such, the demand for and pricing of our services and products is directly and indirectly dependent on the developments in the automotive and construction industries.

Commodity Price Risk

Befesa has appropriate risk and review routines and controls in place. An integral part of Befesa's risk management framework is to monitor and manage its risk related to commodity price fluctuation. Befesa's main risk management tool is its zinc hedging program which requires hedging approximately two to four years forward and at a volume level of 60% to 75% of zinc payable output tonnage. At the end of December 2017 Befesa had hedges until and including July 2020. At the end of January 2018, we expanded the coverage of up to and including January 2021, at a volume level of 92,400 tons

Management Report

per year which represents around 70% of the current annual zinc payable output of Befesa globally. For 2019 Befesa's average hedged zinc forward price is €2,306 per ton, and for 2020 is €2,245 per ton.

Risks and Opportunities relating to our Capital Structure

Befesa's new capital structure became effective on December 7, 2017 and has a maturity of five years. Befesa achieved reductions in net debt over adjusted EBITDA ratio, or leverage ratio, from year end 2016 of x3.5 to year end 2017 of x2.4. The interest cost and debt service of the new capital structure is approximately 60% lower when compared to the previous structure. A €75 million revolving credit facility is part of the capital structure and is undrawn at year end 2017 as Befesa has €118 million cash on hand.

Befesa swapped 60% of the €526 million notional term loan B the underlying variable interest rate of three months Euribor "0" floor to a fixed interest rate to minimize the risk of an interest rate rapid increase. Nevertheless, we face potential liquidity risks if the demand for our services and products decreases significantly as this would reduce our cash from operating activities and could deplete our current cash resources – leading to insufficient funds to meet future cash needs. A general economic downturn or crisis could also affect our suppliers and customers. This could adversely tighten or lengthen respectively the payment terms in place with Befesa.

Befesa has established adequate short, medium and long-term liquidity processes that form part of our risk management framework. Regular reviews, adequate cash reserves and the above described capital structure including credit lines are in place to address the risk related to our capital structure and liquidity. Befesa complied with its debt covenants in 2017 and based on the financial planning for 2018 foresees to once more be fully compliant.

Interest Rate Risk

Befesa reviews the interest rate risk on a regular basis including the opportunity to hedge interest rates forward. Based on this, in December 13, 2017 Befesa closed interest rate swaps on 60% of the €526 million notional term loan B, from variable Euribor 3 months "0" floor +2.75% to a fix interest rate of 2.96% (subject to potential improvement depending on the Group's leverage) over the 5-year maturity of the term loan B.

Foreign Exchange Risk

Befesa has adequate review and risk management processes in place in regard to foreign exchange rate risk. One of several tools Befesa uses is the hedging of zinc prices forward and transacting those hedges Euro-based versus the LME prices being quoted in USD. In 2017 Befesa hedged 73,200 tons of zinc payable output through Euro-denominated zinc forwards which represents the majority of the output of Befesa's largest segment, Steel Dust Recycling Services.

Subsequent Events & Outlook

Subsequent events

As of March 15, 2018, there were no further events or developments that could have materially affected the measurement and presentation of Befesa's assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017.

Outlook

2018 will be another consecutive growth year for Befesa. This growth will be less rapid when compared to 2017 as Befesa has no new capacity scheduled to be introduced in 2018. We will focus on implementing the next set of organic growth initiatives that will enable us to continue with our development into 2019, and beyond.

In the Steel Dust Recycling Services segment we expect to increase the utilization of our South Korean plant by increasing the volume of steel dust collected both internally, and from imports. Additionally, we expect to increase the capacity of our plant in Turkey, and further expand our footprint in Asia with a washing plant for the Waelz oxide in South Korea. We expect the European steel industry to maintain the same levels of activity that it has shown in 2017. Therefore, we expect

similar, or slightly higher volumes in Europe.

From a pricing perspective, the hedging program provides us with a high level of visibility until the end of 2020. For 2018, we have around 70% of our zinc volume hedged at an average price of €2,053 per ton.

Earnings in the Steel Dust Recycling Services segment are expected to increase gradually in the medium-term, driven by higher utilization rates and higher volume from the new capacities coming on stream, as well as higher prices on the hedging program.

In the Aluminium Salt Slags Recycling Services segment, we will focus 2018 on upgrading the furnaces at our plants located close to Barcelona and Bilbao during 2018, as well as expanding the capacity of the Hannover plant.

Small growth rates are expected in the recycled volumes of residues during 2018. This is on the back of a continued need for light weight solutions in the transportation industry and due to the solid state of the European economy. Earnings in the Aluminium Salt Slags

Management Report

Recycling Services business are also expected to benefit from higher volumes and utilization rates – which should translate into improved margins.

Finally, given the new capital structure of Befesa and the high cash generative business, we expect net income and cash flow for 2018 to be significantly higher than in 2017.

Corporate Governance

From the top left: Manuel Soto Member of the Board of Befesa S.A.

Johannes Maret Member of the Board of Befesa S.A.

Birke Fuchs Secretary of the Board of Befesa S.A.

Frauke Heistermann Member of the Board of Befesa S.A. Santiago Zaldumbide Member of the Board of Befesa S.A.

Georg Graf Waldersee Member of the Board of Befesa S.A.

Roland Oelschläger Member of the Board of Befesa S.A.

Javier Molina Chief Executive Officer of Befesa S.A. Romeo Kreinberg Chairman of the Board of Befesa S.A.

Wolf Uwe Lehmann Chief Financial Officer of Befesa S.A.

Corporate Governance Report

Corporate Governance Report

The company is a société anonyme organized under the laws of Luxembourg. As a Luxembourg société anonyme – whose shares are exclusively listed on a regulated market in Germany – the company is not required to adhere to the Luxembourg corporate governance regime applicable to companies that are traded in Luxembourg, or to the German corporate governance regime applicable to stock corporations organized in Germany.

Nevertheless, the company has decided to follow, on a voluntary basis – and to a certain extent – the German corporate governance rules. However, certain rules will apply to the company only to the extent allowed by Luxembourg corporate law and subject to certain reservations stemming from the company's corporate structure.

Board of Directors

On December 31, 2017, the Board of Directors had nine members: two executive directors, Javier Molina Montes (CEO) and Wolf Lehmann (CFO); and seven non-executive directors: Romeo Kreinberg (Chairman of the Board of Directors), Georg Graf Waldersee, Frauke Heistermann, Johannes Maret,

Roland Oelschläger, Manuel Soto and Santiago Zaldumbide. All directors were appointed on October 18, 2017 and their term of office will expire at the end of the Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders ruling on the 2017 accounts. Four of the non-executive directors – Georg Graf Waldersee, Frauke Heistermann, Manuel Soto and Santiago Zaldumbide – are independent of the company and other outside interests that might interfere with their independent judgement. The Board of Directors is vested with the broadest powers to perform all acts necessary or useful to accomplish the company's objectives. The chairperson shall have no casting vote in case of a tie. Abstention and nil votes will not be taken into account.

The seven non-executive directors will each receive an annual remuneration of €60,000. The chairman of the Board of Directors will receive additional compensation in the amount of €90,000 for his service in this capacity. The two executive directors receive no salary as directors of the company but receive compensation according to their Service Agreement.

On October 30, 2017 the Board

Corporate Governance

appointed an audit committee, a nomination and remuneration committee, and an operations committee. On December 5, 2017 the Board of Directors of the company established a market-disclosure committee. All committees meet at least twice a year.

a) Audit Committee

The Audit Committee consists of Georg Graf Waldersee (Chairman), Frauke Heistermann, Roland Oelschläger and Manuel Soto. This Committee is responsible for (i) the consideration and evaluation of all material questions concerning the auditing and accounting policies of the Group (ii) its financial controls and systems, and (iii) matters concerning compliance.

b) Nomination and Remuneration Committee

The Nominations and Remuneration Committee is responsible for human resources related matters. These include implementation of policies, appointments and releases of senior management of the company, and proposing to the General Shareholders' Meeting suitable candidates for recommendation for election as members of the Board of Directors. Romeo Kreinberg (Chairman), Georg Graf Waldersee, Johannes Maret, Roland Oelschläger and Santiago Zaldumbide form part of this committee.

c) Operations Committee

The Operations Committee is responsible for the implementation and oversight of operational efficiency measures, operational efficiency monitoring, capital expenditure planning and further

operational measures. The committee consists of Romeo Kreinberg (Chairman), Frauke Heistermann, Johannes Maret, Manuel Soto and Santiago Zaldumbide.

d) Market-Disclosure Committee

The Market-Disclosure Committee is formed by Georg Graf Waldersee (Chairman) and the CEO and CFO of the company and is in charge of overseeing the disclosure of ad-hoc announcements by the company.

Senior Management

The day-to-day operations of the company are managed by the Senior Management of the Group. Senior Management is currently composed of four members – the CEO, CFO and the Vice Presidents of the Steel Dust Recycling and Aluminium Salt Slags Recycling business units.

The total aggregate compensation (mainly wages and social security) paid to the four members of Senior Management – Javier Molina Montes, Wolf Lehmann, Asier Zarraonandia Ayo and Federico Barredo Ardanza – in the year ended December 31, 2017 amounted to €2.71 million. The total estimated value of all non-cash benefits received by the four members of Senior Management in the same year was €36,315.

The Services Agreement of the Senior Management established the right of a global exit payment of €4.07 million.

On October 17, 2017 the Board of Directors of Befesa S.A. has decided to grant the Senior Management members – to reward their loyalty to the company – with the delivery of 79,018 Ordinary Shares of Befesa S.A.

Corporate Governance continued

The granted Stock Rights will vest at the end of November 2, 2020. After vesting, the company has the following two options for settling the vested Stock Rights:

  • a) Transfer of Befesa S.A. Ordinary Shares to the Senior account, or
  • b) Cash payout of the value of the Befesa S.A. Ordinary Shares

The Senior Management together with other 14 managers of Befesa have been selected to participate in the Befesa S.A. Long-Term Performance Stock Plan consisting of four Plan Tranches.

A total of 89,107 Performance Stock have been granted for each of the four Plan Tranches. The Performance Period of each Plan Tranche is three years (Tranche I 2018-2020, Tranche II 2019-2021, Tranche III 2020-2022, Tranche IV 2021-2023).

For each Plan Tranche, three Performance Targets will be determined, giving every Performance Target an individual weighting. The Performance Targets will be determined and measured over a three years period (e.g. Tranche I: January 1, 2018 until December 31, 2020).

For each Performance Target, the determination of values of 80%, 100% and 160% of target achievement is required. Once a Performance Period has ended, the definitive number of Performance Stocks is derived by multiplying the number of Performance Stocks granted by the total target achievement, rounded to nearest integer.

Shareholders

Each share entitles the holder thereof to attend all general meetings of the shareholders, either in person or by proxy, to address the general meeting of the shareholders and to exercise voting rights. Each share entitles the holder to one vote at a general meeting of the shareholders. There is no minimum shareholding required to be able to attend or vote at a general meeting of the shareholders.

Shareholders holding – individually or collectively – at least five per cent of the issued share capital of the company (i) have the right to put items on the agenda of the General Meeting; and (ii) have the right to table drafts resolutions for items included or to be included on the agenda of the General Meeting.

An Annual General Meeting shall be held within six months of the preceding financial year in. The Articles of Association of the company require General Meetings (in addition to the annual General Meeting) to be convened if shareholders representing at least ten per cent of the company's share capital so require.

The Annual General Meeting shall be held on April 26, 2018 in Luxembourg. Luxembourg law distinguishes between ordinary resolutions and extraordinary resolutions. Extraordinary resolutions relate to proposed amendments to the articles of incorporation and certain other limited matters. All other

Corporate Governance

resolutions are generally ordinary resolutions.

Extraordinary resolutions are generally required for any of the following matters, amongst others:

  • a) an increase or decrease of the authorized or issued capital
  • b) a limitation or exclusion of preemptive rights
  • c) approval of a statutory merger or de-merger (scission) or certain other restructurings
  • d) dissolution of the company, and e) an amendment to the Articles of Association

Extraordinary resolutions must generally be adopted at a general meeting of the shareholders by a two-thirds majority of the votes validly cast on such resolution. Abstentions are not considered as "votes".

Independent Auditors

In accordance with the Luxembourg law on commercial companies, the company's annual and consolidated accounts are certified by an approved statutory auditor (réviseur d'enterprises agréé) appointed by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting. The Annual General Meeting held on October 18, 2017 approved the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers, Société coopérative as approved statutory auditor (réviseur d'enterprises agréé).

Luxembourg Law on Takeover Bids

The following disclosures are made in accordance with article 11 of the Luxembourg Law on Takeover Bids of May 19, 2006.

a) Share capital structure

Befesa S.A. has issued one class of shares which is admitted to trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. No other securities have been issued. The issued share capital as at December 31, 2017 amounts to EUR 94,575,646.35 represented by 34,066,705 ordinary shares, each fully paid-up.

b) Transfer restrictions

At of the date of the annual report, Befesa S.A. shares are freely transferable but shall be subject to the provisions of the applicable insider dealing and market manipulation laws. Befesa's Securities Dealing Code contains restrictions on dealings by the directors, the Management, and certain employees of the Company and its subsidiaries.

c) Major shareholding

The majority shareholder of Befesa S.A. as at December 31, 2017 is Bilbao LuxCo S.A. holding directly 45.36% of the share capital.

d) Special control rights

All the issued and outstanding shares have equal voting rights. The Company has not issued any securities granting any special control rights to their holders.

e) Control system in employee share scheme

Befesa S.A.'s board of directors is not aware of any issue regarding section e) of article 11 of the Luxembourg law on Takeover Bids of May 19, 2006.

f) Voting rights

Each issued share of Befesa S.A. entitles one vote. The Articles of Association of Befesa S.A. do not contain any restriction

Corporate Governance continued

on voting rights. In accordance with the Articles of Association, a record date for admission to a general meeting of shareholders is set, and supporting documents for the shareholdings and proxies shall be received by Befesa S.A. by the fourteenth (14th) day before the relevant date at twenty-four (24:00) hours Luxembourg time.

g) Shareholder's agreements with transfer restrictions

Befesa S.A.'s Board of Directors has no information about any agreements between shareholders which may result in restrictions on the transfers of shares of the Company, except for the transfer restrictions disclosed in section 4.9 (Market Protection Agreement (Lock-Up)) of the prospectus of Befesa S.A., the shares issued by Befesa S.A. are freely transferable in accordance with legal requirements for shares in dematerialized form.

h) Appointment of Board members, amendments of the Articles of Association

Rules governing the appointment and replacement of members of the Board of Directors and changes to the Articles of Association are contained in Article 11 and 32 of the Articles of Association of Befesa S.A.. The document is available at www.befesa.com/web/ en/informacion_inversores/gobiernocorporativo/index.html

In particular, the following applies:

• The members of the Board of Directors

are appointed by the General Meeting of shareholders for a period not exceeding six years. They may be removed with, or without cause, and/or replaced at any time by a resolution adopted by the general Meeting of shareholders of Befesa S.A.

• Resolutions to amend the Articles of Association may be adopted by a majority of two thirds of the votes validly cast, if the quorum of half of the share capital is met. If the quorum requirement of half of the share capital of Befesa S.A. is not met at the first meeting, then the shareholders may be re-convened to a second meeting. No quorum is required in respect of such second meetings and the resolutions are adopted by twothirds of the votes validly cast.

Appointments of new board members are made taking into account diversity of skills, professional and educational background, knowledge, experience, geographic location, nationality and gender to find the most suitable candidate for the vacant or new position in order to ensure an effective management of the Company's business.

i) Powers of the Board of directors

The powers of the Board of Directors are regulated in Articles 6, 12 and 13 of the Articles of Association of Befesa S.A. and in Section 1 of the Corporate governance section of the 2017 Annual Report. The Articles of Association are available at www.befesa.com/web/en/informacion_ inversores/gobierno-corporativo/index.html

Corporate Governance

In particular, the following applies:

  • Befesa S.A. is managed by its Board of Directors.
  • The Board of Directors is vested with the broadest powers to perform all acts necessary or useful to accomplish Befesa S.A.'s object.
  • The Board of Directors may delegate the daily management of Befesa S.A. and the representation of Befesa S.A. for that daily management to one or more persons or committees specifying the limits of such delegated powers and the manner to exercise them.
  • The Board of Directors may appoint an audit committee, a nomination and remuneration committee, an operations committee and/or any other committees it may deem necessary in order to deal with specific tasks.
  • The Board of Directors is authorized, up to the maximum amount of the authorized capital to (i) increase the issued share capital in one or several tranches with or without share premium; (ii) issue subscription and/ or conversion rights in relation to new shares or instruments within the limits of the authorized capital under the terms and conditions of warrants, convertible bonds, notes or similar instruments; (iii) determine the place and date of the issue or successive issues, the issue price, the terms and conditions of the subscription of and paying up on the new shares and instruments; (iv) remove or limit the statutory preferential subscription right of the shareholders.

j) Significant agreements

With exception to the senior facility agreement (IPO refinancing) the are no significant agreements to which Befesa S.A. is party and which take effect, alter or terminate upon a change of control of Befesa S.A. following a takeover bid.

k) Agreements with Directors and employees

As of December 31, 2017 there are no agreements in place between Befesa S.A. and its directors or employees providing for compensation if these directors or employees resign, or are made redundant without valid reason, or if their employment ceases because of a takeover bid.

Compliance

Befesa has enacted a Code of Conduct which is binding for all employees and which is the cornerstone of our Compliance Management System (CMS). The Code of Conduct is available under the Investor Relations / Corporate Governance / Compliance section of the Company's website (www.befesa. com). According to our Code of Conduct we respect and support the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights in line with the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We have also established other complimentary compliance policies; such as anticorruption, antitrust, conflict of interest, anti-money laundering, international sanctions, environmental, social and corporate (ESG), health & safety and IT. The Group has a training program in place to ensure that all employees are fully aware of the Code of Conduct and of our other compliance policies.

Corporate Governance continued

After the IPO, Befesa has established a Group Securities Dealing Code designed to ensure compliance with the disclosure obligations and closed period rules that apply to our Company in accordance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (MAR) since the listing on the Frankfurter Stock Exchange, which imposes a range of obligations related to the handling of inside information and other related areas. This Group Securities Dealing Code applies to all employees and directors of Befesa S.A. and its fully consolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures.

The Group has a Compliance Officer and a Compliance Committee in charge of monitoring compliance with the Group's compliance policies. Compliance activities are also supplemented by the work of the internal audit department and the establishment of a whistleblowing channel.

The detailed Compliance Policy is available for all the employees within the intranet of the company.

Corporate Governance

Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Income Statement

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

Consolidated Cash Flows Statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Responsibility Statement

Independent Auditor's Report

Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2017

(Thousand euro)

Assets Note(s) 2017 2016
Non-current assets:
Intangible assets
Goodwill 6 335,564 339,034
Other intangible assets, net 7 88,162 91,152
423,726 430,186
Property, plant and equipment, net 8
Property, plant and equipment in use 229,996 237,983
Property, plant and equipment under construction 18,195 12,352
248,191 250,335
Non-current financial assets 10
Investments in subsidiaries and associates 150 1,309
Other non-current financial assets 5,088 20,523
5,238 21,832
Deferred tax assets 19 94,975 93,626
Total non-current assets 772,130 795,979
Current assets:
Assets classified as held for sale 27.2 57,591
Inventories 11 45,192 30,410
Trade and other receivables 12 52,109 62,113
Trade receivables from related companies 12 – 25 795 916
Accounts receivable from public authorities 12 – 20 10,266 10,358
Other receivables 12 11,734 10,576
Other current financial assets 13 300 1,758
Cash and cash equivalents 4 117,582 59,054
Total current assets 237,978 232,776
Total assets 1,010,108 1,028,755

Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2017

(Thousand euro)

Equity and liabilities Note(s) 2017 2016
Equity:
Parent Company 14
Share capital 94,576 64,093
Share premium 288,744 233,087
Hedging and revaluation reserves (57,013) (47,163)
Reserves of consolidated companies (205,836) (45,449)
Translation differences (562) (2,400)
Net profit/(loss) for the period 49,251 (52,914)
169,160 149,254
Non-controlling interests 14 10,567 8,931
Total equity 179,727 158,185
Non-current liabilities:
Long-term provisions 18 4,908 5,245
Financial debt 15 519,154 552,577
Deferred tax liabilities 19 55,596 59,180
Other non-current liabilities 16 32,679 49,820
Total non-current liabilities 612,337 666,822
Current liabilities:
Liabilities related to assets held for sale 27.2 7,209
Financial debt 15 5,083 29,307
Trade payables to related companies 25 1,497 1,604
Trade and other payables 113,358 98,052
Short-term provisions 690 2,971
Other payables
Accounts payable to Public Administrations 16–20 14,976 14,720
Other current liabilities 16 82,440 49,885
97,416 64,605
Total current liabilities 218,044 203,748
Total equity and liabilities 1,010,108 1,028,755

Consolidated Income Statement for the year ended 31 December 2017

(Thousand euro)

Note(s) 2017 2016
Continuing operations:
Revenue 5 724,789 611,687
+/– Changes in stocks of finished products and work in progress 14,775 (3,595)
Procurements 22 (388,214) (297,163)
Other operating income 22 9,475 9,344
Staff costs 22 (72,789) (72,136)
Other operating expenses 22 (135,059) (119,334)
Amortisation/depreciation, impairment and provisions 22 (30,535) (44,496)
Operating profit 122,442 84,307
Financial income 2,589 6,335
Financial expenses 23 (50,696) (58,123)
Net exchange differences (136) 1,960
Finance income/(loss) (48,243) (49,828)
Profit/(loss) before tax 74,199 34,479
Corporate income tax 20 (23,017) (13,736)
Profit/(loss) for the year from continuing operations 51,182 20,743
Profit/(loss) for the year from discontinued operations 27.1 3,779 (71,795)
Profit/(loss) for the year 54,961 (51,052)
Attributable to:
Parent company owners 49,251 (52,914)
Non-controlling interests 5,710 1,862
Earnings(losses) per share from continuing and
discontinued operations attributable to owners of the
parent (expressed in euro per share)
Basic earnings per share
– From continuing operations 29 0.87 (2.44)
– From discontinued operations 29 0.15 (3.38)
1.02 (5.82)
Diluted earnings per share
– From continuing operations 29 0.87 (2.25)
– From discontinued operations 29 0.15 (3.11)
1.02 (5.36)

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended 31 December 2017

(Thousand euro)

Note(s) 2017 2016
Consolidated profit/(loss) for the year 54,961 (51,052)
Other comprehensive income from continuing operations:
Items that may subsequently be reclassified to income
statement:
Income and expense recognized directly in equity (41,390) (56,915)
– Cash-flow hedges 17 (65,246) (75,413)
– Translation differences 4,785 (4,045)
– Tax effect 19 19,071 22,543
Transfers to the income statement 36,325 6,213
– Cash-flow hedges 17 51,893 8,855
– Tax effect 19 (15,568) (2,642)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year net of tax
from continuing operations
(5,065) (50,702)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) from discontinued
operations:
Items that may subsequently be reclassified to results:
– Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations (3,926) 1,637
Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year net of tax
from discontinued operations
(3,926) 1,637
Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year, net of tax (8,991) (49,065)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year 45,970 (100,117)
Attributable to:
Parent company owners 41,239 (101,126)
Non-controlling interests 4,731 1,009
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to the parent
company's owners resulting from:
Continuing operations 37,460 (31,536)
Discontinued operations 3,779 (69,590)

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended 31 December 2017

(Thousand euro)

Attributable to owners of the parent
Share
capital
(Note 14)
Share
premium
(Note 14)
Hedging and
revaluation
reserves
(Note 14)
Other
shareholder
contributions
(Note 14)
Other
reserves
(Note 14)
Translation
differences
(Note 14)
Net profit
(loss) for
the period
(Note 14)
Non
controlling
interests
(Note 14)
Total equity
Balances at 31 December
2015 55,090 222,090 (506) 9,027 (7,130) (845) (35,394) 16,929 259,261
Net profit/(loss) for 2016 (52,914) (52,914)
Profit for the year attributable
to non-controlling interests 1,862 1,862
Transfer of hedges to profit
or loss (Note 17) 6,213 6,213
Changes in valuation of
hedges (Note 17) (52,870) (52,870)
Translation differences (1,555) (853) (2,408)
Total comprehensive income
for 2016 (46,657) (1,555) (52,914) 1,009 (100,117)
Distribution profit/(loss) of
2015 (35,394) 35,394
Capital increase (Note 14) 9,003 10,997 (9,027) (10,973)
Other operations with
shareholders 200 200
Other changes (222) (222)
Changes in the scope of
consolidation (Note 2.5) 8,070 (9,007) (937)
Balances at 31 December 64,093 233,087 (47,163) 200 (45,649) (2,400) (52,914) 8,931 158,185
2016
Net profit/(loss) for 2017 49,251 49,251
Profit for the year attributable
to non-controlling interests
5,710 5,710
Transfer of hedges to profit
or loss (Note 17) 36,325 36,325
Changes in valuation of
hedges (Note 17) (46,175) (46,175)
Translation differences 1,838 (979) 859
Total comprehensive income
for 2017 (9,850) 1,838 49,251 4,731 45,970
Distribution profit/(loss) of
2016 (52,914) 52,914
Interim dividend (Note 14) (16,830) (16,830)
Capital increase (Note 14) 30,483 72,287 (102,770)
Other changes 200 (200) (4,503) (2,738) (7,241)
Changes in the scope of
consolidation (Note 2.5) (357) (357)
Balances at 31 December
2017 94,576 288,744 (57,013) (205,836) (562) 49,251 10,567 179,727

Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Cash Flow Statements for the year ended 31 December 2017 (Thousand euro)

2017 2016 Cash flows from operating activities: Continuing operations 74,199 34,479 Discontinued operations 2,051 (67,082) Profit/(loss) for the year before tax including discontinued operations 76,250 (32,603) Adjustments for: Depreciation and amortisation charge (Notes 7 and 8) 30,535 40,533 Impairment losses – 19,248 (Profit)/loss from disposals (note 27) (2,944) 54,986 Changes in provisions 213 2,896 (Profit)/loss from associates – (163) Interest income (2,589) (2,090) Finance costs 50,696 60,765 Other profit and loss (1,147) (1,133) Exchange differences 136 (1,731) Changes in working capital Trade receivables and other current assets 6,362 (16,424) Inventories (14,782) 3,474 Trade payables 22,244 2,950 Other cash flows from operating activities: Interest paid (49,656) (55,722) Other payments (2,977) (83) Taxes paid (20,792) (18,833) Net cash flows from operating activities 91,549 56,070 Cash flows from investing activities: Investments in Group and associated companies (1,868) (3,160) Investments in intangible assets (1,308) (2,262) Investments in property, plant and equipment (Note 8) (24,383) (30,208) Other financial assets (Note 10) – 1,118 Collections from disposals of Group and associated companies, net of cash (Note 27) 52,366 752 Collections from sale of property, plant and equipment – 205 Investments in other current financial assets (446) – Dividends received – 174 Interest received 241 209 Net cash flows from investing activities 24,602 (33,172) Cash flows from financing activities: Cash bank inflows from bank borrowings and other liabilities 520,802 5,142 Cash bank outflows from bank borrowings and other liabilities (576,518) (15,852)

Transactions involving non-controlling interests – (6,756) Dividends paid to holders of redeemable preferred shares (3,075) – Net cash flows from financing activities (58,791) (17,466) Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (1,787) (868) Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 55,573 4,566 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of year 62,009 57,443 Cash and cash equivalents at the year end from continuing operations 117,582 59,054 Cash and cash equivalents at the year-end classified as assets held for sale – 2,955

(Thousand euro)

1. General information

Befesa, S.A. (formerly Bilbao Midco, S.à.r.l) (hereinafter the "Parent Company" or the "Company") was incorporated in Luxembourg on 31 May 2013 as a "société à responsabilité limitée" subject to Luxembourg law for an unlimited period of time. The Company's registered office is at 46 Boulevard Grande-Duchesse Charlotte, L-1330 Luxembourg. On 1 March 2018, the registered office of the Company was transferred to 46, Boulevard Greande-Duchesse Charlotte, L-1330, Luxembourg.

The object of the Company is the acquisition, holding and disposal of interests in Luxembourg and/or in foreign companies and undertakings, as well as the administration, development and management of such interests.

The Company may provide loans and financing in any other kind or form, or grant guarantees or security in any other kind or form, for the benefit of the companies and undertakings forming part of the group of which the Company is a member.

The Company may also invest in real estate, in intellectual property rights or any other movable or immovable assets in any kind or form.

The Company may borrow in any kind or form and issue bonds, notes or any other debt instruments as well as warrants or other share subscription rights.

In a general fashion, the Company may carry out any commercial, industrial or financial operation, which it may deem useful in the accomplishment and development of its object.

The Company's financial year starts on 1 January and ends on 31 December.

On 15 July 2013, the Company closed the acquisition of 100% of Befesa Medio Ambiente, S.L. and its subsidiaries (hereinafter "Befesa Medio Ambiente" or "Befesa"). The Company and its subsidiaries are hereinafter referred to as the "Group".

On October 18, 2017, the extraordinary General Shareholders' Meeting of the Company converted the Company's corporate form from a private limited liability company to a public limited company.

On the same date, the extraordinary General Shareholders' Meeting of the Company decided to change the name of the Company from Bilbao Midco, S.à.r.l to Befesa, S.A.

Befesa is an international industrial group (see Appendix) which engages mainly in the management and treatment of industrial residues (see Note 5).

The Majority of the systems, equipment and facilities included in Group's property, plant and equipment should be deemed to be assigned to the management and treatment of industrial residues and, in general, to the protection and improvement of the environment, either because of the business activities carried on by the Group or because of their nature (industrial residues). Most of the expenses and revenues for 2017 and 2016 should be understood to accrue in the normal course of the aforementioned activities. The information, if any, on possible provisions for contingencies and charges and on possible contingencies, liability and grants, if any, arising from the normal performance of the activities constituting the Group's company purpose, and other environmental measures are described, as and when appropriate, in the related notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Since 3 November 2017 Befesa, S.A. is a listed company on the stock exchange of Frankfurt (Germany) (Note 14).

2. Basis of presentation of the consolidated financial statements and basis of consolidation

2.1 Fair presentation

The Company's consolidated financial statements for 2017 were formally prepared:

  • In accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (EU-IFRS), in conformity with the Regulation (EC) of the European Parliament and of the Council, including International Accounting Standards (IAS) and the interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) and by the Standing Interpretations Committee (SIC). The principal accounting policies and measurement bases applied in preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements are summarised in Note 3.
  • On an historical cost basis modified by the fair valuation of assets and liabilities (financial assets and liabilities including derivatives) at fair value.
  • Considering all the mandatory accounting policies and rules and measurement bases with a material effect on the consolidated financial statements, as well as the alternative permitted by the relevant standards in this connection, which are specified in Note 3.
  • So that they present fairly Group's consolidated equity and financial position at 31 December 2017 and the results of its operations, changes in consolidated equity and consolidated cash flows in the year then ended.
  • On the basis that the accounting records kept by the Parent and by the other Group companies, which include the joint arrangements in which they had interests at 31 December 2017. However, since the accounting policies and measurement bases used in preparing Befesa, S.A. consolidated financial statements (IFRS) differ from those used by the Group companies (local standards), the required adjustments and reclassifications were made on consolidation to unify the policies and methods used and to make them compliant with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union.
  • The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires Management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the group's accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements, are disclosed in Note 2.4.
  • The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Luxemburg's legal and regulatory framework.
  • Whenever necessary, certain comparative amounts have been reclassified to conform to changes in presentation in the current year.

In 2016 the Parent company's Board of Directors took the decision to divest and sell off practically all companies that comprised the Industrial Waste Management Segment (except for the subsidiary Befesa Argentina, S.A. which was sold during 2017). As a result of this decision, in December 2016 Befesa Gestión de Residuos Industriales, S.L., Befesa Gestión PCB, S.A., Gestión y Valorización Integral del Centro S.L., Residuos Industriales de la Madera de Córdoba, S.A., Betearte, S.A., Ecología Canaria, S.A. and Befesa Plásticos, S.L were sold.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as at 31 December 2017 (continued)

(Thousand euro)

2. Basis of presentation of the consolidated financial statements and basis of consolidation (continued)

Additionally, the assets and liabilities of Solarca, S.L. (and its subsidiaries), Soluciones Ambientales del Norte, S.A. and Befesa Perú, S.A. were classified as "held for sale" at 31 December 2016 and the consolidated income statement for the companies was classified as "Profit/(loss) from discontinued operations" (Note 27). These companies were sold on 29 March 2017. As required under IFRS 5, the operations of the aforementioned companies (to the date of its sale) are classified under profit/(loss) for the year from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated income statement.

In 2017 the Group decided to sell the company Befesa Argentina, S.A. The results from this company are classified under profit/(loss) for the year from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated income statement (Note 27).

2.2 Adoption of new standards and interpretations issued.

The Group consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017 have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adopted for utilization in the European Union (IFRS-EU) and approved under European Commission Regulations in force at 31 December 2017, taking into account all accounting principles and standards and compulsory measurement criteria with a significant effect, as well as the alternatives that legislation allows.

As a result of certain International Financial Reporting Standards coming into effect in January 2017, the Company has adapted its consolidated financial statements to those standards. These standards are set out below:

2.2.1 List and summary of standards, amendments to standards and interpretations published to date

a) Mandatory standards, amendments and interpretations for all years starting as from 1 January 2017

IAS 7 (Amendment), 'Cash flow statements', regarding the Disclosure initiative

An entity is required to disclose information that will allow users to understand changes in liabilities arising from financing activities. This includes changes arising from:

  • cash flows, such as drawdowns and repayments of borrowings; and
  • non-cash changes, such as acquisitions, disposals and unrealized exchange differences.

Debt from financing activities will be debt for which cash flows were, or future cash flows will be, classified as financing activities in the statement of cash flows. Additionally, an entity should include changes in financial assets (for example, assets that hedge liabilities arising from financing liabilities) in the new disclosures if such cash flows were, or will be, included in cash flows from financing activities.

The amendment suggests that a reconciliation between the opening and closing balances in the balance sheet for liabilities arising from financing activities would meet the disclosure requirement.

The Group has included more specifically the additional required information in the Note 15.

IAS 12 (Amendment), "Recognition of deferred tax assets for unrealized losses"

The amendments to IAS 12 clarify the requirements for the recognition of deferred tax assets for unrealized losses. The amendment clarifies the accounting treatment of deferred tax when an asset is measured at fair value and that fair value is less than the asset's tax base. It also clarifies other aspects of accounting for deferred tax assets.

This amendment has not had a significant impact on the Group Consolidated Annual Accounts.

Annual improvements to IFRS: 2014 - 2016 cycle

Modifications affect IFRS 12 "Disclosure of interests in other entities" and apply to annual exercises beginning on January 1, 2017. The main amendment concerns a clarification of the scope of the standard.

b) Standards, amendments and interpretations not yet in force, although could be taken in advance of the exercises beginning after 1st January 2017

At the date of signature of this Consolidated Annual Accounts, the IASB and the IFRS Interpretations Committee had published rules, modifications and interpretations that will be detailed below, though the Group has not adopted them beforehand.

IFRS 4 (Amendment) 'Applying IFRS 9 'Financial instruments' with IFRS 4 'Insurance contracts"

This amendment affects insurance companies and will therefore not affect the Group.

IFRS 9 "Financial instruments":

It approaches the classification, valuation and recognition of financial assets and financial liabilities. The complete version of the IFRS 9 published in July 2014 and replaces the guide of the IAS 39 about the classification and valuation of financial instruments. The IFRS 9 maintains but simplifies the mixed valuation model and establishes three main categories of valuation for the financial assets: amortised cost, fair value through other comprehensive income ('FVOCI') and fair value through profit or loss ('FVPL'). The base of classification depends on the entity business model and the characteristics of the contractual flows of cash of the financial assets. It is required that the investments in Equity instruments are valued at fair value with changes in profit and loss, with the irrevocable election at initial recognition to present in other comprehensive income subsequent changes in the fair value, unless the instrument is held for trading. If the equity instrument is held for trading, the subsequent changes in the fair value are presented in profit and loss. Under IFRS9, there is a new model of impairment losses, the model of expected credit losses, which replaces the model impairment losses incurred in IAS 39 and which will lead to recognition of losses before it has been done in IAS 39. The IFRS 9 relaxes the requirements for the coverage effectiveness. Under IAS 39, a hedge must be highly effective, both going forward and in the past. IFRS 9 replaces this line by stipulating an economic relationship between the hedged item and the hedging instrument. It also requires the hedged ratio is the same as the ratio used by the entity to manage risk. Lastly, extensive information is required, including reconciliation of the initial and final amounts of the provision for estimated credit losses, assumptions and data, and a reconciliation of the transition between the categories of initial classification under IAS 39 and the new classification categories under IFRS 9.

(continued) (Thousand euro)

2. Basis of presentation of the consolidated financial statements and basis of consolidation (continued)

IFRS 9 is effective for years starting on or after 1 January 2018; and the Group has not adopted early application. IFRS 9 will be applied retroactively but restatement of the comparative figures will not be required.

The Group has decided not to restate comparative figures and present the impact of IFRS 9 adoption at 1 January 2018, date of transition, in the opening retained earnings, following practical guidance in the standard.

The Group does not expect an impact in its financial assets categorized under amortized costs.

For transactions recorded as hedging transactions by the Group, the Group only registers as such those that it considers to be highly effective coverage. Therefore, no significant incidences are expected in the amendment of IFRS 9.

The new model for the recognition of impairment losses is based in the expected credit losses instead of incurred credit losses (actual model under IAS 39). It affects mainly to the financial assets and assets of contracts of IFRS 15 (trade receivables) of the Group at the end of the period.

Regarding credit risks from trade receivables, it is not expected that the new standard will mean a significant increase in the impairment provisions as they all are short term balances related to high credit rated companies, or otherwise the collection is guaranteed by high credit rated financial institutions.

The Group's management is working to obtain recurring information resources regarding the required disclosures which is to be published in 2018, and issues are not expected to have the required information available.

IFRS 15 "Ordinary revenues from Contracts with Customers"

In May 2014, the IASB and FASB jointly issued a converging statement on the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. Under this standard, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of an asset or service, i.e. when it has both the ability to direct the use and obtain the benefits of the asset or service. IFRS 15 includes new guidance to determine whether revenue should be recognized over time or at a point in time. It requires broad disclosure of both recognized revenues and revenues expected to be recognized in the future in relation to existing contracts. Similarly, quantitative and qualitative information should be provided on the significant judgements made by management in determining revenue recognized and any changes in such judgements.

Subsequently, in April 2016 the IASB published amendments to this standard. Although they do not amend the basic principles, they provide clarification on the most complex aspects.

IFRS 15 is effective for the years commencing on or after 01 January 2018 and the Group has not early-applied this standard.

The Group has analyzed the main types of contracts with clients and based on the situation of the Group regarding these transactions, a significant impact is not expected in any case.

IFRS 15 (Amendment) "Clarifications to IFRS 15 'Revenue from contracts with customers"

The IASB has amended IFRS 15 with the aim of:

  • Clarifying the guidance on identifying performance obligations, accounting for licenses of intellectual property and the principal versus agent assessment (gross versus net revenue presentation).
  • Adding new and amended illustrative examples for each of these areas of guidance.
  • Including additional practical expedients related to transition to the new revenue standard.

Although these amendments do not alter the underlying premise of IFRS 15, they do clarify some of the more complex aspects of applying this standard.

The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018.

The potential consequences of these amendments have been evaluated along with the assessment of IFRS 15 adoption.

IFRS 16 "Leases"

In January 2016, the IASB published this new standard, as a result of a joint project with the FASB, which repeals IAS 17, "Leases".

The IASB and FASB reached the same conclusions on several topics connected with accounting for leases, including the definition of a lease, the requirement, as a general rule, to recognize leases on the balance sheet and the measurement of lease liabilities. Under the new standard, a 'right-of-use asset' and a lease liability reflecting future lease payments are recognized, with the exemption for certain short-term leases or leases of low-value assets.

There are still differences between IASB and FASB regarding the recognition and presentation of lease expenses in the income statement and cash flow statement.

This IFRS will apply to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019. It may be adopted early as IFRS 15 but only if the entity is at the same time applying IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers.

The Group has no intention of early adopting this standard and expects to choose the 'simplified approach' in the transition, without rexpressing comparative figures.

Management is in the process of analyzing the Group's main existing operating leases in order to quantify the recognition on its balance sheet of the right of use associated with the leased items and the corresponding liability in respect of the instalments payable under the lease payment schedules. The Group is currently analyzing all of these agreements.

Based on the information currently under analysis, management estimates that the accounting effects of application of the new standard (in terms of the assets and financial liabilities to be recognized) on the balance sheet and income statement (presentation and reclassification in profit and loss over time) will not have a significant impact on the Group's financial position or earnings performance.

(continued) (Thousand euro)

2. Basis of presentation of the consolidated financial statements and basis of consolidation (continued)

c) Standards, amendments and interpretations of existing standards that cannot be early adopted or have not been adopted by the European Union:

At the date of these Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared, the IASB and IFRS Interpretations Committee had published the following standards, amendments and interpretations that have not yet been adopted by the European Union.

IFRS 10 (Amendment) and IAS 28 (Amendment) "Sale or contribution of assets between an investor and its associates or joint ventures"

These amendments clarify the accounting treatment of the sale or contribution of assets between an investor and its associates and joint ventures. This will depend on whether the non-monetary assets sold or contributed to an associate or joint venture constitute a business. The investor will recognize the total gain or loss when the nonmonetary assets constitute a "business". If the assets do not meet the definition of a business, the investor should recognize the profit or loss to the extent of other investors' interests. These modifications will only apply when an investors sell or contribute assets to its associate and joint venture.

A wider review is being planned that could result in the simplification of the accounting for these transactions and other aspects regarding associates and joint ventures.

Based on the situation of the Group regarding these transactions, it is not expected that these modifications will have a significant impact for the Group in any case.

IFRS 2 (Amendment): "Classification and measurement of share-based payment transactions"

The amendment to IFRS 2, which was developed through the IFRS Interpretations Committee, clarifies how to account for certain types of share-based payment transactions. In this respect, it provides the requirements for accounting for:

  • The effects of the conditions for the irreversibility and non-determinant conditions for the irreversibility of the grant on the measurement of share-based payments settled in cash;
  • Share-based payments, settled net of tax withholdings; and
  • The amendment of the terms and conditions of a share-based payment, which changes the classification of the transaction from cash settled to equity settled.

IFRS 2 is effective for years starting on or after 1 January 2018; early application is permitted.

Given the scant volume of share-based payment transactions, this amendment is not expected to have a significant impact when adopted by the European Union.

Annual improvements to IFRS: 2014 – 2016 cycle

The improvements affect IFRS 1 and IAS 28 and are applicable in annual reporting periods beginning on, or after 1 January 2018. The main amendments relate to:

  • IFRS 1 'First-time adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards'. Deletion of short-term exemptions for first-time adopters.
  • IAS 28 'Investments in associates and joint ventures' Measuring an associate or joint venture at fair value.

These improvements are not expected to affect the Group when adopted by the European Union.

IAS 40 (Amendment) 'Transfers of investment property'

This amendment clarifies that in order to transfer a property in or out of investment properties there has to be an evident change of use. To conclude whether there has been a change of use, there has to be an assessment of whether the property complies with the definition of an investment property.

This amendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018. Early adoption is permitted.

The Group does not have or expect to have investment properties.

IFRIC 22, 'Foreign currency transactions and advanced consideration'

This Interpretation tackles how to determine the date of the transaction when applying the standard on foreign currency transactions, IAS 21. The Interpretation applies where an entity either pays or receives consideration in advance for foreign currency-denominated contracts.

The amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018. Earlier application is permitted.

In light of the Group's current situation, this Interpretation is not expected to have a significant impact on it when it is adopted by the European Union.

IFRS 17 "Insurance contracts"

On 18 May 2017, the IASB finished its long-standing project to develop an accounting standard on insurance contracts and published IFRS 17, 'Insurance Contracts'. IFRS 17 replaces IFRS 4, which currently permits a wide variety of practices. IFRS 17 will fundamentally change the accounting by all entities that issue insurance contracts and investment contracts with discretionary participation features.

The standard applies to annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2021. IFRS 17 has not yet been adopted by the European Union.

Considering the Group activities, this new IFRS will not have any impact on the Group when it is adopted by the European Union.

(continued) (Thousand euro)

2. Basis of presentation of the consolidated financial statements and basis of consolidation (continued)

IFRIC 23: Uncertainty over income tax treatments

This interpretation gives additional requirements to those of IAS 12 "Income tax", specifying how to reflect the impacts of uncertainty over income tax accounting. This interpretation clarifies how the recognition and measurement requirements of IAS 12 'Income taxes', are applied where there is uncertainty over income tax treatments.

The Interpretation is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019, though earlier application is permitted.

It is not expected to have a significant impact on the Group.

IFRS 9 (Amendment) 'Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation'

The terms of instruments with prepayment features with negative compensation – where the lender could be forced to accept an amount of prepayment substantially lower than the unpaid amounts of principal and interest – were incompatible with the notion of "reasonable additional compensation" for the early termination of a contract under IFRS 9. As a result, such instruments would not have contractual cash flows that are only capital and interest payments, which would lead them to be accounted for at fair value with changes in the profit and loss account. The amendment to IFRS 9 clarifies that a party may pay or receive reasonable compensation when a contract is terminated in advance, which could allow these instruments to be valued at amortized cost or at fair value through other comprehensive income. The amendment will be effective for annual exercises beginning on January 1, 2019, although early application is allowed.

The Group does not usually have instruments subject to these clauses, so it is not estimated that their importance may have significant effects.

IAS 28 (Amendment) 'Long-term interests in associates and joint ventures'.

This limited scope amendment clarifies that the long-term interests in an associate or joint venture that, in substance, form part of the net investment in the associate or in the joint venture, but to which the entity does not apply the equity method, are accounted for in accordance with the requirements of IFRS 9 "Financial instruments". The amendment will be effective for annual exercises beginning on or after January 1, 2019, although early application is allowed.

It is not expected to have significant effects for the Group.

Annual improvements to IFRS: 2015 – 2017 cycle

These improvements, which will apply to exercises beginning from January 1, 2019, provided its adoption by the EU, refer to:

  • IFRS 3 "Business Combinations": A previously held share in a joint operation is re-measured when the control of the business is obtained.
  • IFRS 11 "Joint agreements": A previously held share in a joint operation is not measured once the joint control of the business is obtained.

• IFRS 12 "Disclosure of interest in other entities": All the tax consequences of the payment of dividends are accounted for in the same way.

IFRS 23 "Borrowing costs ": Any specific loan originally made to develop an eligible asset is considered part of the generic loans when the asset is ready for use or sale.

IAS 19 (Amendment) 'Modification, reduction or settlement of the plan'.

Companies must determine pension expenditures when changes in a defined benefit plan occur. The amendment is effective from 1 January 2019, subject to its adoption by the European Union.

The Group does not expect to have significant impacts in relation to these improvements when they come into force.

2.3 Functional currency

These consolidated financial statements are presented in thousand euro, since the euro is the currency used in the main economic area in which the Group operates. Foreign operations are recognized in accordance with the policies established in Note 3. The main currencies other than the euro in which the Group carries out its transactions are the US dollar, Korean Won, Swedish krona, Turkish lira and Pound Sterling.

2.4 Responsibility for the information and estimates made

The information in these consolidated financial statements is the responsibility of the Board of Directors of the Parent Company.

In the Group´s consolidated financial statements for 2017 estimates are occasionally made by the senior management of the parent Company and of the consolidated companies, later ratified by the directors, in order to qualify certain of the assets, liabilities, income, expenses and obligations reported herein. Those estimates relate to the following:

Impairment losses on goodwill and certain assets (see Notes 3.1, 6, 7 and 8).

The Group verifies annually whether there is an impairment loss in respect of goodwill and other assets, in accordance with the accounting policy described in Note 3. The recoverable amounts in cash-generating units (CGUs) have been determined based on calculations of value in use. These calculations require the use of estimates.

With respect to the assumptions used to determine EBITDA (operating profit plus depreciation and amortisation, essential to calculate free cash flow) of the CGUs and its future growth, a conservative scenario has been used, such that negative variations in the gross margin are unlikely to arise.

Useful lives of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (see Notes 3.2, 3.3, 7 and 8).

Management determines the estimated useful lives and related depreciation/amortisation charges for its fixed assets. This estimate is based on the actual decline in the asset's value due to use, operation and possession. Management will increase depreciation/amortisation charges when the useful life is lower than the lifetime estimated previously or will depreciate or eliminate technically obsolete or non-strategic assets which have been abandoned or sold.

(continued) (Thousand euro)

2. Basis of presentation of the consolidated financial statements and basis of consolidation (continued)

Corporate income tax and deferred taxes (Note 3.16, 19 and 20)

The Group is subject to income taxes in numerous jurisdictions. A major degree of judgement is required to determine the provision for income tax. There are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate determination of the tax is uncertain during the ordinary course of business. Tax is calculated based on Management's best estimates according to the current situation as regards tax legislation and taking into account expected developments in this area in the different instructions applied to the Group. The Group recognizes liabilities in respect of possible tax claims on the basis of estimates concerning whether additional tax will be required. When the final tax result differs from the amounts initially recognized, such differences will have an impact on corporate income tax and provisions for deferred tax in the year in which the relevant calculation is made.

The Group only recognizes deferred tax assets up to the limit of estimated future taxable profits. These calculations require the use of estimates and a sensitivity analysis is performed of the most significant variables in such estimates.

Fair value of derivatives or other financial instruments

The fair value of financial instruments that are not quoted in an active market (e.g. OTC derivatives) is determined by using valuation techniques. The Group uses judgement to select a series of methods and makes assumptions that are mainly based on the market conditions existing at each balance sheet date.

The amount of certain provisions and/or contingent liabilities

Provisions are recognized when it is likely that a present obligation, resulting from past events, will give rise to a future outflow of funds, and if the amount of the obligation can be reliably estimated. Significant estimates are required to fulfil the applicable accounting requirements. Group management makes estimates, evaluating all relevant information and events, of the probability of occurrence of a contingency and the amount of the liability to be settled in the future.

Although these estimates were made on the basis of the best information available at 31 December 2017 on the events analyzed, events that take place in the future might make it necessary to change these estimates (upwards or downwards) in coming years. Changes in accounting estimates would be applied prospectively in accordance with the requirements of IAS 8, recognizing the effects of the change in estimates in the related consolidated income statement.

2.5 Consolidated Group and consolidation scope

Scope of consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017 were prepared from the individual accounting records at that date of Befesa SA. (the Parent Company – see Note 1) and of the subsidiaries, associates and joint arrangements listed in Appendix.

Subsidiaries

"Subsidiaries" are entities (including structured entities) over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed to or entitled to obtain variable income as a result of its involvement in the investee and has the capacity to use its power over it to influence such income. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group. They are de-consolidated from the date that control ceases.

Subsidiaries are fully-consolidated. Full consolidation requires the inclusion in the Parent's consolidated balance sheet of all the assets, rights and obligations of the subsidiaries and the inclusion in the consolidated income statement of all the income and expenses taken into account in determining the subsidiaries' profit or loss, after making the corresponding adjustments for consistency and eliminations.

All balances, transactions and results among consolidated companies are eliminated at consolidation. Also, the main accounting policies are brought into line with those applied by the Parent by making the appropriate valuation adjustments for consistency.

The acquisition method is used to account for the acquisition of a subsidiary i.e. assets and liabilities and contingent liabilities are measured at fair value on the date of the acquisition (fair value of assets transferred, liabilities incurred with the former owners of the acquiree and the shares in equity issued by the Group). Any excess of the acquisition cost over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is recognized as goodwill. Any shortfall in the acquisition cost with respect to the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired (i.e. a discount on acquisition) is taken to profit or loss on the acquisition date. Acquisition-related costs are expensed in the year in which they are incurred. For each business combination, the Group may opt to recognize any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at fair value or at the proportional part of the non-controlling interest of the amounts recognized in respect of the net identifiable assets of the acquiree. The share of third parties of the equity of their investees is presented within Group's equity under "Non-Controlling Interests" in the consolidated balance sheet. The profit for the year is presented under "Profit/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interests" in the consolidated income statement and, where appropriate, in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income or consolidated statement of changes in equity.

If the business combination is achieved in stages, the carrying value on the acquisition date of the acquirer's previously-held equity interest in the acquiree is re-measured at fair value at the acquisition date. Any gain or loss arising on this subsequent measurement is recognized in profit or loss for the year.

Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the Group is recognized at fair value on the acquisition date. Subsequent changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration classified as an asset or a liability are recognized in accordance with IAS 39 in profit or loss or in other comprehensive income. Contingent consideration which is classified as equity is not remeasured and its subsequent settlement is recognized in equity.

Profit/loss generated by entities acquired during a year is consolidated taking into consideration only such profit/loss for the period between the date of acquisition and the end of that year. Consolidation of the profit/loss generated by entities disposed of during a year is carried out taking into consideration only those for the period between the beginning of the year concerned and the date of disposal.

Items recognized in the balance sheet and income statement of fully-consolidated foreign companies are translated to euros at the year-end exchange rates. This method consists of translating to euros all the assets, rights and obligations at the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the consolidated financial statements, the consolidated income statement items at the average exchange rates for the year, and equity at the historical exchange rates at the date of acquisition (or, in the case of retained earnings, at the average exchange rates for the year in which they were generated), and the differences are recognized with a charge or a credit, as appropriate, to "Equity of the Parent – Translation Differences" in the consolidated balance sheet.

(continued) (Thousand euro)

2. Basis of presentation of the consolidated financial statements and basis of consolidation (continued)

None of the functional currencies of the subsidiaries, associates and joint operations located abroad relate to hyperinflationary economies as defined by IFRSs (IAS 29). Accordingly, at the 2017 accounting close it was not necessary to adjust the consolidated financial statements of any of the subsidiaries or associates to correct for the effect of inflation.

All balances and transactions between fully-consolidated companies are eliminated on consolidation.

The main aggregates of the fully-consolidated companies at 31 December 2017 are shown in the Appendix.

Joint arrangements

The Group has applied IFRS 11 to all joint arrangements. Investments in joint arrangements under IFRS 11 are classified as joint ventures or joint operations, depending on the contractual rights and obligations of each investor.

The Group has assessed the nature of its joint arrangements and determined that they are all joint operations.

A joint operation takes place when the investors have rights over the assets and obligations with respect to the liabilities under an arrangement. Joint operations are accounted for using the proportionate method of consolidation. The Group includes its share of the assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and cash flows of joint operation on a line-by-line basis, together with the items in its own accounts that are similar in nature. The Group recognizes its share of the profit or loss deriving from the sale of Group assets to the joint operation in its consolidated financial statements in the proportion corresponding to other members. The Group does not recognize its share of the profits or losses of a joint operation deriving from the purchase by the Group of assets from the joint operation until the assets are sold to an independent third party. However, a loss is recognized immediately on a transaction if it reveals a reduction in the net realisable value of current assets or any impairment loss.

The consolidation of the "joint operations" (Recytech S.A.S (steel segment)), in the consolidated financial statements means increasing assets, liabilities, income and expenses by approximately EUR 18,937 thousand, EUR 4,749 thousand, EUR 26,325 thousand and EUR 15,806 thousand, respectively (31 December 2016: EUR 12,956 thousand, EUR 3,288 thousand, EUR 18,877 thousand and EUR 12,834 thousand, respectively), before consolidation adjustments and eliminations.

Associates

The associates over which the Group is in a position to exercise significant influence, but not control, were accounted for in the consolidated balance sheet using the equity method (unless they were classified as held for sale). For the purpose of preparing the consolidated financial statements, it was considered that the Group is in a position to exercise significant influence over companies in which it has an investment of 20% or more of the share capital, except in specific cases where, although the percentage of ownership is lower, the existence of significant influence can be clearly demonstrated.

Under the equity method, the investment is initially recognized at cost and the carrying value is increased or reduced to recognize the investor's interest in the results of the investee following the acquisition date.

The Group's investments in associates include the goodwill identified in the acquisition, net of any accumulated impairment losses.

The Group's share of the losses or profits subsequent to the acquisition of its associates is recognized in the consolidated income statement, and its share of changes subsequent to the acquisition is recognized in other comprehensive income with the corresponding adjustment to the carrying amount of the investments. When the Group's share of the losses of an associate is equal to or exceeds its ownership interest therein, including any other unsecured account receivable, the Group does not recognize any additional losses unless it has incurred legal or constructive obligations or has made payments on behalf of the associate.

At each financial reporting date, the Group determines whether there is any objective evidence that the investment in the associate has become impaired. If impairment is detected, the Group calculates the amount of the impairment loss as the difference between the recoverable amount of the associate and its carrying value and recognizes the amount in the item share in profit/(loss) in associates in the consolidated income statement.

Gains or losses on upward and downward transactions between the Group and its associates are recognized in the Group´s consolidated financial statements only to the extent that they relate to investments of other investors in the associates that are not related to the investor. Unrealized losses are eliminated unless the transaction discloses evidence of an impairment loss on the asset transferred. The accounting policies of the associates have been changed wherever necessary to ensure consistency with the policies applied by the Group.

Dilution losses and gains arising on investments in associates are recognized in the income statement.

Transactions with non-controlling interests

The Group recognizes transactions with non-controlling shareholders as transactions with Group's equity owners. In acquisitions of non-controlling interests, the difference between the consideration paid and the related proportion of the carrying amount of the subsidiary's net assets is recognized in equity. Gains or losses on disposals of noncontrolling interests are also recognized in full in equity.

When the Group ceases to exercise control or a significant influence, any interest retained in the entity is remeasured at its fair value and the increase in the carrying amount of the investment is recognized in profit or loss. Fair value is the initial carrying amount for the purposes of subsequently measuring the interest retained in the associate, joint venture or financial asset. In addition, any amount previously recognized in other comprehensive income in connection with the related entity is accounted for as if the Group had sold directly all the related assets and liabilities. This could mean that the amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss.

If the ownership interest in an associate is reduced but significant influence is retained, only the proportional part of the amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income is reclassified to profit or loss.

(continued) (Thousand euro)

2. Basis of presentation of the consolidated financial statements and basis of consolidation (continued)

Changes in the scope of consolidation.

Following is a description of the main changes in the scope of consolidation in 2017 and 2016:

2017

Exclusion from the scope of consolidation

On 29 March 2017 the sale of the IES segment subsidiaries Befesa Perú, S.A., Soluciones Ambientales del Norte, S.A. and Solarca, S.L. and its subsidiaries was completed.

Additionally, on 30 August 2017 Befesa Argentina, S.A. was sold.

The results from the operations of these companies in 2017, as well as the income from the sales have been classified as discontinued operations (Note 27).

2016

Additions to the scope of consolidation and other movements:

In 2016 the minority shareholder of Befesa Zinc Korea Ltd. exercised the put option it held over 20% of its stake in that company. The Group recognized a liability amounting to EUR 6.1 million in 2014 for this put option, charged to parent company reserves, on the understanding that the risks and rewards had not been transferred to the parent company. The liability measured at fair value at year-end 2015 amounted to EUR 9.1 million and the final price paid on exercising the option in 2016 was EUR 8.3 million. Income amounting to EUR 0.8 million was recognized in the accompanying income statement for 2016.

Exclusion from the scope of consolidation

As mentioned in Note 27, certain Group companies in the Industrial Waste Management segment were sold during 2016, this activity being classified as a discontinued operation. This affected the companies Befesa Gestión de Residuos Industriales, S.L., Befesa Plásticos, S.L., Befesa Gestión PCB, S.A., Gestión y Valorización Integral del Centro S.L., Residuos Industriales de la Madera de Córdoba, S.A., Betearte, S.A., Ecología Canaria, S.A and other minor operations which were not consolidated.

3. Accounting principles and policies and measurement methods applied

3.1 Goodwill

This heading in the consolidated balance sheet reflects the difference between the price paid to acquire certain consolidated subsidiaries and the Group's interest in the fair value of the net assets (assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities) of those companies at the date of acquisition.

Any excess of the Group interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the company acquired over the acquisition cost of the investment is allocated to income on the date of acquisition.

Goodwill is recognized as an asset and at the end of each reporting period it is estimated whether any impairment has reduced its value to an amount lower than its carrying amount. If so, impairment losses are recognized for the goodwill, which must not be reversed in a subsequent period.

Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units (CGUs) for the purpose of impairment testing. The goodwill is allocated to the CGUs that are expected to benefit from the business combination in which the goodwill arises.

On disposal of a subsidiary or associate, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the gain or loss on disposal.

3.2 Other intangible assets

Intangible assets are recognized initially at acquisition or production cost and are subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses.

Internally generated intangible assets – Research and development expenditure

Expenditure on research activities is recognized as an expense in the year in which it is incurred. In conformity with IFRS, the Group classifies as internally generated intangible assets the expenses incurred in the development of projects that meet the following conditions:

  • The expenditure is specifically identified and controlled by project and its distribution over time is clearly defined.
  • The Directors have well-founded reasons for believing that there are no doubts as to the technical success or the economic and commercial viability of the projects, on the basis of their level of completion and order book.
  • The Group has the necessary technical, financial and other resources to complete the development work.
  • The development cost of the asset, which includes, where appropriate, the staff costs of the Group's personnel working on the projects, can be measured reliably.

Internally-generated intangible assets are amortised on a straight-line basis over the period that they are expected to generate income, which is generally in five years. The technical, economic and financial potential of each project is reviewed at each year-end. If a project is progressing negatively or there are no financing plans to assure effective completion, the related amount is charged to income in full.

Where no internally generated intangible asset can be recognized, development expenditure is accounted for as an expense in the year in which it is incurred.

The Group has recognized the work performed on its intangible assets in relation to the development of new technologies for which there is a high probability of technical and economic success as a decrease in the income statement headings which reflect the carrying amount of capitalised expenses for an amount of EUR 915 thousand (31 December 2016: EUR 900 thousand). The amounts capitalised during the year mainly relate to projects aimed at improving aluminium scrap treatment processes developed by the subsidiary Befesa Aluminio, S.L.

(continued) (Thousand euro)

3. Accounting principles and policies and measurement methods applied (continued)

Computer software

The acquisition and development costs incurred in relation to the basic computer systems used in the management of the Group are recognized with a charge to "Other Intangible Assets" in the consolidated balance sheet. Computer system maintenance costs are recognized with a charge to the consolidated income statement for the year in which they are incurred.

Computer software is amortised on a straight-line basis over the useful life of the assets (5 years).

Concessions, patents, licenses and similar items

In general, the amounts recognized by the Group in connection with concessions, patents, licenses and similar items relate to the cost incurred in acquiring them, which is amortised on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life based on the concession arrangement.

The capitalised concessions have a maximum estimated useful life of 25 years.

Licenses acquired in a business combination are recognized at fair value at the acquisition date and have an indefinite useful life (Note 3.4). Licenses with indefinite useful life are tested for impairment at least annually (Note 7).

3.3 Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recognized at acquisition cost less any accumulated depreciation and any recognized impairment losses. However, prior to the date of transition to IFRS, the Group revalued certain items of property, plant and equipment as permitted by the applicable legislation. In accordance with IFRS, the Group considered the amount of the restatements as part of the cost of the assets.

Costs of expansion, modernisation or improvements leading to increased productivity, capacity or efficiency or to a lengthening of the useful lives of the assets are capitalised. Repairs that do not lead to a lengthening of the useful life of the assets and maintenance expenses are charged to the consolidated income statement for the year in which they are incurred.

In-house work on non-current assets is recognized at accumulated cost (external costs plus in-house costs, determined on the basis of in-house warehouse materials consumption and manufacturing costs allocated using hourly absorption rates similar to those used for inventory valuation). In 2017 EUR 688 thousand were recognized in this connection (2016: EUR 790 thousand) (Note 22.2). At 31 December 2017, the work performed by the Group on its property, plant and equipment is recognized under "Other Operating Income" in the consolidated income statement. This amount mainly relates to work carried out in the subsidiary Befesa Aluminio S.L in connection with production process improvements and product development (2016: work carried out in the subsidiaries Befesa Aluminio S.L.) (Note 8).

The Group depreciates property, plant and equipment using the straight-line method (land is not subject to depreciation), distributing the cost of the assets over the following years of estimated useful life:

Average years
of estimated
useful life
Buildings 25 – 50
Plant and machinery 10 – 25
Other plant, tooling and furniture 5 – 10
Computer hardware and other items of plant, property and equipment 4 – 10

Since the Group has to meet certain costs in relation to the closure of its facilities, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet includes the provisions raised for such costs (Note 18).

Assets' residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted as appropriate, at each balance sheet date.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount of the items sold.

An asset's carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset's carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount (Note 3.4).

3.4 Asset impairment

At each reporting date, the Group reviews non-current assets to determine whether there is any indication that they might have undergone an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where the asset itself does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

In addition, at each balance sheet date, the possible impairment of goodwill and of any intangible assets which have not yet come into operation or which have an indefinite useful life is analyzed.

The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use, which is taken to be the present value of the estimated future cash flows. In order to calculate value in use, the assumptions used include discount rates, growth rates and forecast changes in selling prices and costs. The directors estimate pre-tax discount rates, which reflect the time value of money and the risks specific to the cash-generating unit. The growth rates and the changes in selling prices and costs are based on in-house and industry forecasts, and experience and future expectations, respectively.

(continued) (Thousand euro)

3. Accounting principles and policies and measurement methods applied (continued)

If the recoverable amount of an asset is less than its carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference with a charge to "Amortisation/Depreciation, impairment and provisions" in the consolidated income statement. Impairment losses recognized for an asset in prior years are reversed with a credit to the aforementioned heading when there is a change in the estimates concerning the recoverable amount of the asset, increasing the carrying amount of the asset, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized, except in the case of the impairment of goodwill, which cannot be reversed.

3.5 Financial instruments

Financial investments

In accordance with the classification criteria established by IAS 39, the Group classifies its current and non-current financial assets in the following categories:

  • Loans and receivables. These are financial assets originated by the companies in exchange for supplying cash, goods or services directly to a debtor. Assets included in this category are initially recognized at fair value plus the transaction costs and are subsequently reflected at amortised cost in accordance with the effective interest method. However, the required measurement adjustments are made and the related losses are recognized on the basis of the risk of possible doubtful debts in respect of collection of the various balances. Interest calculated using the effective interest method is recognized in the consolidated income statement.
  • Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss. Assets acquired with the intention of generating a profit from short-term fluctuations in their prices or from differences between their purchase and sale prices, and financial derivatives that qualify for fair value hedge accounting. The assets included in this category are stated in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value, and the gains and losses from changes in fair value are recognized in the net profit or loss for the year.

The fair value of a financial asset on a given date is taken to be the amount for which it could be bought or sold on that date by two knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm's length transaction acting prudently. The most objective and common reference for the fair value of a financial instrument is the price that would be paid for it on an organized, transparent and deep market ("quoted price" or "market price"). If this market price cannot be determined objectively and reliably for a given financial instrument, its fair value is estimated on the basis of the price established in recent transactions involving similar instruments or of the discounted present value of all the future cash flows (collections or payments), applying a market interest rate for similar financial instruments (same term, currency, interest rate and same equivalent risk rating).

• Held-to-maturity investments. These are financial assets with fixed or determinable payments and fixed maturities that the Group has the intention and ability to hold from the date of purchase to the date of maturity. Assets included in this category are initially recognized at fair value plus transaction costs and are subsequently reflected at amortised cost in accordance with the effective interest method.

Interest calculated using the effective interest method is recognized in the consolidated income statement.

The amortised cost is understood to be the initial cost minus principal repayments, plus or minus, as appropriate, cumulative amortisation, using the effective interest method, on any difference between that initial amount and the total repayment amount upon maturity, and minus any potential reduction for impairment or default.

The effective interest rate is taken to be the discount rate that, at the acquisition date of the asset, exactly matches the initial carrying amount of a financial instrument to all its estimated cash flows of all kinds through its residual life.

• Financial assets available for sale. These are financial assets not classified in any of the aforementioned three categories, nearly all of which relate to equity investments. These assets are also presented in the consolidated balance sheet at market value which, in the case of unlisted companies, is obtained using alternative methods, such as comparison with similar transactions or, if sufficient information is available, by discounting expected future cash flows. Changes in this market value are recognized with a charge or credit to "Hedging and revalutation reserves" in the consolidated balance sheet until the investments are disposed of, when the accumulated balance under this heading, relating to the investments, is allocated in full to the consolidated income statement.

Equity investments in unlisted companies, the market value of which cannot be measured reliably using alternative methods such as those indicated in the preceding paragraph, are measured at cost.

The Group's Management determines the most appropriate classification for each asset on acquisition and reviews the classification at each balance sheet date.

Factoring

The Group derecognizes trade receivables for the amount of the receivables sold to banks provided that the factor assumes in full the bad and past-due debt risk relating to non-recourse factoring agreements. At 31 December 2017 and 2016, the unmatured balances receivable derecognized as a result of the aforementioned non-recourse factoring transactions amounted to EUR 48,606 thousand and EUR 33,108 thousand, respectively. However, the Group does not derecognize collection rights factored when substantially all the risks associated with them are retained.

Cash and cash equivalents

This heading includes cash, current bank accounts and deposits, and if appropriate, deposits and asset repos which meet the following requirements:

  • They are convertible into cash.
  • On acquisition, they mature in less than three months.
  • They are not subject to significant value fluctuation risk.
  • They form part of the Company's normal cash management policy.

Bank overdrafts, if they arise, are included in borrowings in current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.

(continued) (Thousand euro)

3. Accounting principles and policies and measurement methods applied (continued)

Debentures, bonds and bank borrowings

Loans, debentures and similar interest-bearing items are initially recognized at the amount received, net of direct issue costs, i.e. equal to the subsequent application of the amortised cost model using the effective interest rate. Financial costs are recognized on an accrual basis in the consolidated income statement using the effective interest method and they are aggregated to the carrying amount of the financial instrument to the extent that they are not settled in the year in which they arise. Also, obligations under finance leases are recognized at the present value of the lease payments under "Accounts payable for finance leases" in the consolidated balance sheet (Note 15).

Trade and other payables

Accounts payable are initially recognized at fair value and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate.

Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting

The Group's activities expose it mainly to the financial risks of changes in foreign exchange rates and interest rates and of changes in the fair value of certain assets (mainly zinc). To hedge this exposure to foreign exchange rates and to totally or partially hedge sales transactions of physical tonnes containing zinc, the Group uses foreign currency hedges, currency futures and zinc derivative contracts to hedge highly probable transactions. The Group does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes (see Note 17).

Financial derivatives are initially measured at fair value on the date the derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured to reflect their fair value at all times. Gains and losses arising from these changes are recognized in the consolidated income statement, unless the derivative has been designated as a hedge which is highly effective, in which case it is recognized as follows:

  • In the case of fair value hedges, if any, changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments designated as hedges and changes in the fair value of a hedged item due to the hedged risk are recognized with a charge or credit, as appropriate, to the consolidated income statement.
  • In the case of cash flow hedges and hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation, changes in the fair value of the hedging derivatives are recognized, in respect of the ineffective portion of the hedges, in the consolidated income statement, and the effective portion is recognized under "Hedging and revaluation reserves" and "Translation Differences" in the consolidated balance sheet. The accumulated loss or gain under these headings is recognized in the consolidated income statement in the same period as that in which the hedged item affects net profit or loss or in the year of disposal.

If a hedge of a firm commitment or forecast transaction results in the recognition of an asset or a liability, this balance is taken into account in the initial measurement of the asset or liability arising from the hedged transaction. If a hedge of a firm commitment or forecast transaction does not result in the recognition of an asset or a liability, the amounts credited or charged, respectively, to "Hedging and revaluation reserves" in the consolidated balance sheet are recognized in the consolidated income statement in the same period as that in which the hedged item affects net profit or loss.

At the time of the discontinuance of the hedge, the accumulated gain or loss at that time in the "Hedging and revaluation reserves" continues to be reflected under that heading until the transaction hedged is realized, at which time the profit or loss on that transaction will be adjusted. If a hedged transaction is no longer expected to occur, the gain or loss recognized under the aforementioned heading is transferred to the consolidated income statement.

The total fair value of a hedging derivative is classified in non-current assets or liabilities, if the time remaining to maturity of the hedged item is more than 12 months, and in current assets or liabilities if the time remaining to maturity of the hedged item is less than 12 months.

Derivatives embedded in other financial instruments are treated as separate derivatives when their characteristics and risks are not closely related to those of the host contracts and the host contracts are not carried at fair value; unrealized gains or losses are charged or credited to the consolidated income statement.

The fair value of financial instruments is calculated as follows:

  • The market value of derivatives listed on an organized market is their market price at the year end;
  • To measure derivatives not traded on an organized market (or traded derivatives with terms longer than those traded on organized markets), the Group uses assumptions based on year-end market conditions, which are compared with the valuations issued by banks or by independent third parties.

Financial assets and liabilities recognized as a result of the measurement at fair value of the aforementioned hedging instruments affected "Current Financial Assets – Other Financial Assets", "Other Current Financial Assets", "Other Non-Current Liabilities" and "Other Payables – Other Current Liabilities", as described in Note 16.

3.6 Inventories

"Inventories" in the consolidated balance sheet includes the assets that the Group:

  • Holds for sale in the ordinary course of its business;
  • Has in the process of production, construction or development for such sale; or
  • Expects to consume in the production process or in the provision of services.

Raw materials and goods held for resale are measured at the lower of FIFO cost or market. Ancillary products, consumables and spare parts are measured at the lower of the price per the last invoice or market value, which does not differ significantly from FIFO cost.

Work in progress and finished goods are measured at the lower of market value and average production cost. Average production cost is calculated as the specific cost of the supplies and services plus the applicable portion of the direct and indirect cost of labor and general manufacturing expenses. Other warehouse materials are measured at the lower of average acquisition cost and market value.

Obsolete, defective or slow-moving materials have been reduced to their realisable value.

(continued) (Thousand euro)

3. Accounting principles and policies and measurement methods applied (continued)

3.7 Classification between current and non-current

Assets and liabilities are classified as current when they relate to the Group's ordinary operations cycle, usually regarded as one year, and also assets expected to be sold, consumed, realized or settled in the short-term as from the year end, as well as financial assets held for trading, except for financial derivatives maturing in more than one year, and cash and cash equivalents. Assets that do not meet these requirements are classified as non-current assets.

Similarly, current liabilities are liabilities associated with the normal operating cycle, financial liabilities held for trading, except for financial derivatives that will be settled in a period exceeding one year and, in general, all obligations that will mature or be extinguished in the short-term. All other liabilities are classified as non-current liabilities.

3.8 Share capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity.

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are presented in equity as a deduction, net of taxes, from revenue obtained.

Where any Group company purchases the Company's equity share capital (treasury shares), the consideration paid, including any directly attributable incremental costs (net of income taxes), is deducted from equity attributable to equity holders of the Company until the shares are cancelled, reissued or sold. Where such shares are subsequently disposed of or reissued, any consideration received, net of any directly attributable incremental transaction costs and the related income tax effects, is included in equity attributable to the Company's equity owners.

3.9 Grants, donations and bequests received

The Group companies recognize grants received as follows:

  • Capital grants are recognized at their fair value when there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and the Group fulfils all the conditions attaching to them; they are recognized as other non-current liabilities and taken to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the useful lives of the assets that they fund.
  • Grants related to income are credited to income when they are definitively granted and are recognized as income.

3.10 Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets

In the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, the Parent's Directors drew a distinction between:

  • Provisions: credit balances covering present obligations at the balance sheet date arising from past events that could give rise to a loss for the companies, which is certain as to its nature but uncertain as to its amount and/or timing.
  • Contingent liabilities: possible obligations arising from past events, the existence of which will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more future events not wholly within the control of the consolidated companies and which do not meet the requirements for recognition as provisions.

• Contingent assets: possible assets that arise from past events and the existence of which will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more future events not wholly within the control of the companies. Contingent assets, if they are significant, are detailed in the notes of the financial statements, but they are not accounted until their contingency has been solved.

The Group recognizes provisions for the estimated amount required to suitably meet its liability, whether it be legal or constructive, probable or certain, arising from contingencies, litigation in process or obligations, which arise as a result of past events, for which it is more probable than not that an outflow of resources will be required, provided that it is possible to make a reasonable estimate of the amount in question. Provisions are recognized when the liability or obligation arises with a charge to the relevant heading in the consolidated income statement based on the nature of the obligation, for the present value of the provision when the effect of discounting the obligation is material.

Provisions for pensions and similar obligations

Several Group companies have certain defined benefit obligations to their employees to supplement social security retirement pensions. These obligations had been externalised at 31 December 2017 and 2016. Subsidiaries' obligations as pension plan promoters are established in the contribution of a percentage of employees' pensionable salaries. These commitments are not significant on a Group scale.

Other provisions

In addition to the above, "Long-term provisions" in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet also includes, where applicable, the estimated amounts required to close certain facilities (note 3.3), and the estimated amounts required to settle any liability that might arise from ongoing litigations and other significant obligations, when it is considered more probable than not that these obligations will have to be met, while any contingent liabilities (possible obligations that arise from past events whose existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence or nonoccurrence of one or more future events not wholly within the control of the Group) are not recognized in the consolidated financial statements, but rather are disclosed, as required by IAS 37 (see Note 18).

3.11 Revenue recognition

a) Revenue

Revenue from sales is measured at the fair value of the assets or rights received as consideration for the goods and services provided in the normal course of the Group companies' business, net of discounts and applicable taxes. Sales of goods are recognized when they are delivered and ownership is transferred. Revenue is shown net of value added taxes, returns, rebates and discounts, and after eliminating intra-group sales.

The Group recognizes revenue when the amount may be reliably estimated and it is likely that the future economic benefits will flow to the Group. The amount of revenue is not considered to be reliably measurable until all contingencies relating to the sale have been resolved. The Group bases its estimates on past results, taking into account the type of client, the type of transaction and the specific terms of each agreement.

(continued) (Thousand euro)

3. Accounting principles and policies and measurement methods applied (continued)

b) Interest income

Interest income is accrued on a time proportion basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and the effective interest rate applicable, which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to that asset's carrying amount.

c) Income from dividends

Income from dividends is recognized when the shareholder's right to receive payment is established.

3.12 Recognition of contract revenue and costs

When the outcome of a construction contract can be estimated reliably, contract revenue and contract costs are recognized by reference to the stage of completion of the contract activity at the consolidated balance sheet date.

The Group presents as a debtor account, in the heading trade and other receivables, the gross amount of the difference between revenues recognized for the work on all projects under way and the progress billings made. The Group records as a creditor account on the liabilities side of the balance sheet the gross amount owing to customers for the work on the entire project under way in the amount by which the progress billings exceed recognized income.

Any losses on contract work in progress are recognized in full as an expense in the consolidated income statement when they become known or can be estimated.

3.13 Leases

The Group classifies leases as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

Assets held under finance leases are classified in the appropriate non-current asset category based on their nature and function at the lower of the fair value of the leased asset and the aggregate present values of the amounts payable to the lessor plus the price of exercising the purchase option, with a credit to "Accounts payable for finance leases" in the consolidated balance sheet. Each lease payment is distributed between the liability and financial charges. The interest part of the financial charge is charged to the income statement during the term of the lease, in order to obtain a constant regular interest rate on the debt pending repayment in each period. These assets are depreciated using similar criteria to those applied to the assets of the same nature owned by the Group.

Expenses arising on operating leases are allocated to "Other Operating Expenses" in the consolidated income statement over the term of the lease on an accrual basis.

3.14 Interest cost

Interest costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of assets, in accordance with IAS 23 for assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time to be prepared for their intended use or sale, are added to the cost of those assets, until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale. Investment income earned on the temporary investment of specific borrowings pending their expenditure on qualifying assets is deducted from the interest costs eligible for capitalisation.

All other interest costs are recognized in the consolidated income statement in the year in which they are incurred.

3.15 Foreign currency

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group entities are measured using a currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates ("functional currency").

Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transaction. During the year, the impact of differences between the exchange rate at the date of the transaction and the rate prevailing at the date of settlement are recognized with a charge or credit to income.

Also, foreign currency fixed-income securities and receivables and payables at 31 December of each year are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Any exchange differences arising are recognized with a charge or a credit, as appropriate, to "Net Exchange Differences" in the consolidated income statement.

3.16 Income tax, deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities

Expense for income tax and other similar taxes applicable to the foreign consolidated entities is recognized in the consolidated income statement, except when it results from a transaction the result of which is recognized directly in equity, in which case the related tax is also recognized in equity.

Current income tax expense is calculated by aggregating the current tax arising from the application of the tax rate to the taxable profit (tax loss) for the year, after deducting allowable tax credits, plus the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any tax loss and tax credit carry-forwards and deductions.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities include temporary differences measured at the amount expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases, and tax loss and tax credit carry-forwards. These amounts are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the asset is realized or the liability is settled.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for all taxable temporary differences, unless, in general, the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill. In addition, deferred tax assets recognized for tax loss and tax credit carry-forwards and temporary differences are only recognized if it is considered probable that the consolidated companies will have sufficient future taxable profits against which they can be utilised.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized are re-assessed at each balance sheet date in order to ascertain whether they still exist, and the appropriate adjustments are made based on the findings of the analyzes performed (see Notes 19 and 20).

In view of the Group's international nature, there are several tax rates depending on the applicable legislation, ranging mainly from 20% to 35%.

(continued) (Thousand euro)

3. Accounting principles and policies and measurement methods applied (continued)

3.17 Severance indemnities

Under current labor legislation, the consolidated companies are required to pay termination benefits to employees terminated under certain conditions. Therefore, termination benefits that can be reasonably quantified are recognized as an expense in the year in which the decision to terminate the employment relationship is taken and a valid expectation is created vis-á-vis third parties in this respect.

At 31 December 2017, directors do not expect any significant dismissals or terminations to arise in the future and, accordingly, no provision was recognized in this connection in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

3.18 Non-current assets (or disposal groups) held for sale and discontinued operations

Non-current assets (or disposal groups) are classified as held for sale when their carrying amount is to be recovered mainly through a sale transaction instead of through continued use and a sale is considered highly probable. They are measured at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell, except for assets such as deferred tax assets, assets relating to employee remuneration, financial assets and investment property that are carried at fair value and contractual rights under insurance contracts, which are specifically exempt from this requirement.

An impairment loss is recognized for any initial or subsequent decrease in the value of an asset (or disposal group) to its fair value less costs to sell. A gain is recognized for any subsequent increases in fair value less costs to sell of an asset (or disposal group) but not for an amount in excess of the accumulated impairment loss recognized previously. The gain or loss not recognized previously on the date of sale of a non-current asset (or disposal group) is recognized on the date on which it is written off.

Non-current assets (including those that are part of a disposal group) are not amortised/depreciated while they are classified as held for sale. Interest and other expenses attributable to the liabilities of a disposal group classified as held for sale continue to be recognized.

Non-current assets classified as held for sale and the assets of a disposal group classified as held for sale are presented separately from other assets on the balance sheet. The liabilities of a disposal group classified as held for sale are presented separately from other liabilities on the balance sheet.

A discontinued operation is a component of an entity that has been sold or classified as held for sale and which represents a line of business or a significant geographical area of operation, separate from the rest, forms part of an individual and coordinated plan to dispose of that line or area of operation or is a subsidiary acquired solely for resale. The profit/(loss) on discontinued operations is presented separately in the income statement.

3.19 Environmental matters

The Group recognizes environmental investments at acquisition or production cost, net of the related accumulated depreciation/amortisation, and classifies them by nature in the appropriate non-current asset accounts.

Expenses incurred in order to comply with the applicable environmental legislation are classified by nature under "Other Operating Expenses" in the accompanying consolidated income statement.

3.20 Related-party transactions

The Group performs all its transactions with related parties at fair value. In addition, transfer prices are adequately supported and, therefore, the Parent's Directors consider that there are no material risks in this connection that might give rise to significant liabilities in the future.

3.21 Dividend distribution

Dividend distribution to the Parent Company's shareholders is recognized as a liability in the Group's financial statements in the period in which the dividends are approved by the Parent Company´s shareholders.

3.22 Segment information

The operating segments are presented consistently with the management approach, in accordance with the information used internally at the highest decision-making level. The maximum authority for decision-making is responsible for assigning resources to operating segments and evaluating the segments' performance. Segment reporting is disclosed in Note 5.

3.23 Consolidated statement of cash flow

The following terms are used in the consolidated statement of cash flow, which was prepared using the indirect method, with the meanings specified:

  • Cash flows. Inflows and outflows of cash and cash equivalents, which are short-term, liquid investments that are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.
  • Operating activities. The principal revenue-producing activities of the Group companies and other activities that are not investing or financing activities.
  • Investing activities. Acquisition and disposal of long-term assets and other investments not included in cash and cash equivalents.
  • Financing activities. Activities that result in changes in the size and composition of the equity and borrowings that are not operating activities.

4. Financial risk management policy

The activities carried on by the Group through its business segments are exposed to several financial risks: market risk (including foreign currency risk, fair value interest rate risk and price risk), credit risk, liquidity risk and cash flow interest rate risk. The Risk Management Model used by the Group focuses on the uncertainty in financial markets and attempts to minimise the potential adverse effects on the Group's earnings.

Risk management is carried out by the Corporate Financial Department in accordance with internal management rules. This Department identifies, assesses and hedges financial risks in close cooperation with the different operating units. The internal management rules provide written policies for global risk management, as well as for specific areas such as foreign currency risk, interest rate risk, and liquidity risk, use of derivative and non-derivative instruments and investment of cash surpluses. There were no changes in risk management policies between 2017 and 2016.

(continued) (Thousand euro)

4. Financial risk management policy (continued)

4.1 Financial risk factors

a) Market risk

i) Foreign currency risk

The Group companies operate internationally and, therefore, are exposed to foreign currency risks in foreign currency transactions (especially between the US dollar, Korean Won, Swedish krona, Turkish lira and Pound Sterling).

To control the foreign currency risk that arises from future commercial transactions and recognized assets and liabilities, the Group companies use derivative contracts. Foreign currency risk arises when future commercial transactions and recognized assets and liabilities are denominated in a currency that it is not Group's functional currency.

All the transactions, assets and liabilities are presented in foreign currency at the subsidiary located in a given country and, therefore, translation differences arise on consolidation.

For financial reporting purposes, each subsidiary designates hedges with the Corporate Financial Department as fair value hedges or as cash flow hedges, as appropriate. Additionally, at the corporate level, external foreign currency hedges are designated as foreign currency risk hedges on certain assets, liabilities or future transactions.

The detail of the most significant foreign currency transactions (basically in US dollar, Korean Won, Swedish krona, Turkish lira and Pound Sterling) having an impact on the results of continuing operations in the consolidated income statement is as follows (figures in thousand euro):

2017 2016
Sales 185,713 94,255
Purchases 74,135 36,498

The most significant foreign currency transactions impacting the results of discontinued operations are detailed below (figures in thousand euro):

2017 2016
Sales 3,693 9,203
Purchases 548 3,820

Since most transactions (expenses and revenues) shown above are carried out locally by the subsidiaries, a significant part of these transactions denominated in a currency other than the euro are actually denominated in the functional currency of the subsidiary, and therefore do not give rise to a significant exposure to foreing currency risk.

There are no significant trade balances nor loans denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of each subsidiary at the end of 2017.

Part of the transactions in foreign currency have been hedged, pursuant to the Group's policy.

The Group owns several foreign operations, whose net assets are exposed to the risk of foreign currency translation. Below are presented, in thousand euro, major net assets by currency (including non-controlling interests):

Currency 2017 2016
Swedish Krona 4,964 8,386
Korean Won 56,688 50,193
Turkish Lira 16,639 11,039
Argentinian Peso 2,073
Great British Pound 1,950 (1,734)

For the subsidiaries whose assets and liabilities are carried as held for sale, at 31 December 2016 the main net assets by currency (including non-controlling interests) were:

Currency Thousand Euro
2016
Peruvian sol 13,496
Chilean pesos 1,343

If the average exchange rate of the euro in 2017 and 2016 had depreciated/appreciated by 10% on all functional currencies other than the euro, with other variables remaining constant, equity and results for the year would not have changed significantly.

ii) Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk

The Group's interest rate risk mainly arises from variable interest rate finance debt.

To manage interest rate risk, in certain situations, the Group uses floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps, either for the total amount or a portion of the loan and either for the full term or a portion thereof.

In 2017 and 2016, had the average interest rates on the finance debt denominated in euros increased/decreased by 10 basic points, with all other variables remaining constant, the profit after tax for the year would not have been significantly affected as a result of the hedging policies in place.

The exposure of the Group´s finance debt to variations in interest rates is set out below:

2017 2016
Total external finance debt (Note 15) 524,237 581,884
Finance debt included as liabilities related to assets held for sale 1,353
Fixed-rate finance debt (Note 15) (464,024)
Effect of interest rate swaps (Note 17) (316,000)
Finance debt subject to variable interest rate 208,237 119,213

(continued) (Thousand euro)

4. Financial risk management policy (continued)

iii) Price risk

Earnings in the Steel, Salt slags and Aluminium segments are exposed to the movement of recycled metal prices (zinc and aluminium). The Group manages price risk through the acquisition of options in exchange for a premium through which it assures a minimum sale price or through commodity swaps. Befesa's policy in the steel waste recycling segment is to hedge between 60% and 70% of the sale transactions, which are subject to the risk of changes in selling prices.

These financial instruments are initially analyzed to assess whether they can be treated as hedging instruments and, if so, the accounting rules specific to these instruments may be applied.

Note 17 contains a breakdown of derivative financial instruments arranged on the selling prices of these metals.

b) Credit risk

Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, financial instruments, derivatives and bank deposits, as well as "Trade and other receivables" including receivables outstanding and committed transactions.

Regarding cash and cash equivalents, the Group's credit policy is to use only entities that have been given high independent credit ratings. Most of the balances are held in credit institutions located in the eurozone, mainly in Spain and Germany, being their credit risk rated at least BBB or above.

Most receivables and work in progress relate to several customers in various industries and countries. In most cases, the contracts provide for progress billings, billings at the beginning of the provision of service or billings upon delivery of the product.

It is standard practice for the Group to reserve the right to cancel projects in the event of any material breach and, in particular, of default on payment.

Additionally, under most contracts the Group has a firm commitment from several banks for the acquisition, without recourse, of receivables. Under these agreements, the Group pays a fee to the banks for assuming its credit risk, plus interest and a spread on the financing received. In all cases, the Group assumes liability for the validity of the receivables.

In this regard, factored receivables are recognized off the balance sheet provided that all the conditions established in IAS 39 are met for their de-recognition from the consolidated balance sheet. An analysis is performed to determine whether the risks and rewards inherent to ownership of the related financial assets have been transferred, comparing the company's exposure to changes in the amounts and timing of net cash flows from the transferred asset before and after the transfer. Once the exposure of the company factoring the receivables to these changes has been eliminated or substantially reduced, then the financial asset in question is deemed to have been transferred.

Additionally, some Group companies work with insurance companies that establish the credit guaranteed, normally insuring around 95% of the risk hedged in case of insolvency. The Finance Department continually seeks to adjust the limits granted to business needs. The Group allows for an acceptable level of commercial risk, which is established based on each specific customer, market and circumstance (history of non-payment, solvency, etc.).

Consequently, as regards the balance of trade and other receivables, the potential effect of trade receivables for which there are factoring agreements would have to be excluded, as well as the effect of other trade receivables that can be factored but which have not yet been sent to the factor at the year end and assets that are covered by credit insurance and that are reflected in this balance. Through this policy, the Group minimises its credit risk exposure in relation to these assets.

Trade and other receivables, other receivables, current financial assets and cash are the Group's main financial assets and represent its maximum exposure to credit risk, in the event that the counterparty does not meet its obligations.

c) Liquidity risk

A prudent management of liquidity risk entails the maintenance of sufficient cash and marketable securities, availability of financing through a sufficient level of committed credit facilities and the capacity to settle market positions. Given the dynamic nature of the core businesses, the Group's Treasury Department has the objective of maintaining flexible financing through the availability of committed credit lines.

Management monitors the Group's liquidity reserve projections and changes in net borrowings, calculated as follows at 31 December 2017 and 2016:

2017 2016
Cash and cash equivalents 117,582 59,054
Other current financial assets (Note 13) 300 1,758
Undrawn credit facilities and unused financing (Note 15) 75,000 30,000
Liquidity reserve 192,882 90,812
PIK Toggle notes (Note 15) 162,025
Finance debt (Note 15) 524,030 419,523
Accounts payable for finance leases (Note 15) 207 336
Cash and cash equivalents (117,582) (59,054)
Other current financial assets (Note 13) (300) (1,758)
Net finance debt 406,355 521,072
Less non-current borrowings (Note 15) (519,154) (552,577)
Current net finance debt (112,799) (31,505)

Cash and cash equivalents comprise:

2017 2016
Cash on hand and at banks 117,582 59,054
Total 117,582 59,054

(continued) (Thousand euro)

4. Financial risk management policy (continued)

One of Group's strategic objectives is the optimisation and most efficient possible use of its assets and resources assigned to the business. Therefore, the Group pays special attention to the net operating working capital invested in it. In this respect, as in previous years, during 2017 and 2016 the Group made significant efforts to control and reduce collection periods with customers and other debtors and to optimise payment terms, unifying policies and conditions across the Group.

The table below presents an analysis of the financial liabilities that will be settled, grouped to reflect the term remaining from the balance sheet date to contractual maturity. This breakdown does not include long-term provisions (Note 18) since they do not have a contractual maturity date. However, the Parent's Directors consider that these liabilities will be settled in a period of more than five years. The amounts shown in the table relate to the cash flows stipulated in the contract.

Within one
year
Between 1 and
2 years
Between 2 and
5 years
More than
5 years
At 31 December 2017
Bank borrowings (Note 15) 5,083 497 518,657
Trade and other payables (*) 212,271 277 24,798 92
Unaccrued interest payable 17,004 17,004 50,919
At 31 December 2016
Bank borrowings (Note 15) 29,307 483,844 68,733
Trade and other payables (*) 164,261 4,099 35,940 1,415
Unaccrued interest payable 45,456 26,905 1,837

(*) Long term payables do not include capital grants amounting to EUR 7.5 and EUR 8.4 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

There follows an analysis of financial liabilities recognized under Liabilities related to assets held for sale at year-end 2016 (Note 27):

Less than
1 year
Between 1 and
2 years
Between 2 and
5 years
More than
5 years
At 31 December 2016
Borrowings 463 846 44
Trade and other payables 4,804 135

d) Capital risk

The Group manages its equity investments to ensure that its subsidiaries have a guarantee of continuity in terms of their assets and financial position, maximizing shareholder return by optimising the structure of equity and liabilities on the liabilities side of the subsidiaries' balance sheets.

Capital management is the responsibility of the Group's strategy committee, the approach of which focuses on increasing the value of the business in the long-term for shareholders and investors as well as for employees and customers. The objective is to achieve constant, sustained results through organic and, where necessary, inorganic growth. For this purpose, on the one hand, a balance in the businesses is required, with control of financial risks, combined with the necessary financial flexibility to achieve such objectives.

The Group's capital management policy focuses on achieving a financial structure that optimises the cost of capital while maintaining a solid financial position. This policy makes the creation of value for the shareholder compatible with access to financial markets at a competitive cost in order to cover both debt refinancing requirements and investment plan financing needs not covered by the funds generated by the business.

The detail of the debt/equity ratios (excluding balances with Group companies) at 31 December 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

2017 2016
Total bank borrowings (Notes 15) 524,237 581,884
Less: Cash and cash equivalents (117,582) (59,054)
Other current financial assets (Note 13) (300) (1,758)
Net debt 406,355 521,072
Total non-preferred equity 179,727 (63,905)
Total Preferred equity 222,090
Total equity 179,727 158,185
Total capital invested 586,082 679,257
Borrowing ratio 69.3% 76.7%

Including Preferred Equity

Excluding Preferred Equity (only in 2016)

2016
Total bank borrowings (Notes 15) 581,884
Less: Cash and cash equivalents (59,054)
Other current financial assets (Note 13) (1,758)
Net debt 521,072
Total non-Preferred equity (63,905)
Total capital invested 457,167
Borrowing ratio 114%

(continued) (Thousand euro)

4. Financial risk management policy (continued)

4.2 Fair value estimation

IFRS 13 establishes as fair value the value that would be received or paid for an asset or liability in an orderly transaction at the measurement date, whether it is observable or has been estimated using a valuation technique. For this purpose, consistent data with features that market participants would consider in the transaction are selected.

IFRS 13 maintains the principles of the other standards while setting the full framework for fair value measurement when it is mandatory under other IFRS and establishes the additional information to be disclosed about fair value measurements.

The requirements of IFRS 13 are met by the Group in the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities when fair value is required by other IFRS.

Based on the content of IFRS 13 and in accordance with IFRS 7 on financial instruments measured at fair value, the Group reports on estimating the fair value hierarchy levels as follows:

  • Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1).
  • Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable either directly (i.e. reference prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices) (Level 2).
  • Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable market data) (Level 3).

The table below shows the Group's assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value at 31 December 2017 and 2016:

2017

Level 2 Level 3 2017
Assets
– Derivatives (Note 17) 908 908
Total assets at fair value 908 908
Liabilities
– Derivatives (Note 17) 81,413 81,413
Total liabilities at fair value 81,413 81,413

2016

Level 2 Level 3 2016
Assets
– Derivatives (Note 17) 124 124
Total assets at fair value 124 124
Liabilities
– Derivatives (Note 17) 67,276 67,276
– Other liabilities at fair value (Note 2.5) 9,217 9,217
Total liabilities at fair value 67,276 9,217 76,493

a) Financial instruments level 2

The fair value of financial instruments not traded in an active market is determined using valuation techniques. The Group employs a variety of methods such as estimated discounted cash flows and uses assumptions based on the market conditions at each balance sheet date. If all significant data required to calculate the fair value of an instrument are observable, the instrument is included in level 2.

Specific techniques for measuring financial instruments include:

  • The fair value of swap interest rates is calculated as the present value of future estimated cash flows.
  • The fair value of derivative contract exchange rates is determined using forward exchange rates quoted in the market at the balance sheet date.
  • It is assumed that the book value of receivables and trade payables approximates their fair value.
  • The fair value of financial liabilities for financial reporting purposes is estimated by discounting future contractual cash flows at the current market interest rate that is available to the Group for similar financial instruments.

The instruments included in Level 2 relate to derivative financial instruments (Note 17).

b) Financial instruments level 3

If one or more of the significant inputs are not based on observable market data, the financial instrument is included in Level 3.

There are no level 3 financial instruments as at 31 December 2017.

The instruments included in Level 3 as at 31 December 2016 correspond to the outstanding debt for the acquisition of Solarca, S.L. (Note 2.5).

(continued) (Thousand euro)

4. Financial risk management policy (continued)

Key assumptions in the measurement of these liabilities were mainly based on the expected future return generated by the company. As a result of the assessment carried out at the year end 2016, an adjustment was made to the liability recognized, generating income in the income statement amounting to EUR 2.3 million.

The Group has no compensation agreements for financial assets and liabilities at 31 December 2017 and 2016 and Solarca, S.L. has been sold during 2017 (Note 27).

5. Segment reporting

The Board of Directors is ultimately responsible for making the Group's operational decisions, as the Board of Directors, as the Chief operating decision maker (CODM). The Board reviews the Group's internal financial information in order to assess its performance and allocate resources to the segments.

In 2016 the Group changed its oversight, analysis and reporting structure. As a result, the composition of the segments to be reported on changed. The aluminium segment on which the Group reported until 31 December 2015 was restated and the information is disclosed in the Salt Slags and Aluminium segments.

As a result, the Board of Directors has analyzed the business based on the two segments indicated below as the Industrial Waste Management Segment ceased to be a reporting segment in 2016 following the operations described in Notes 2 and 27. These segments practically relate in full to the following:

  • Steel Dust Recycling Services ("Steel Dust")
  • Aluminium Salt Slags Recycling Services:
  • Salt Slags Recycling ("Salt Slags")
  • Secondary Aluminium Production ("Secondary Aluminium")

These segments correspond to the Group's principal activities (products and services), the sales of which (fee for the services and/or sale of the recycled waste) determine the Group's revenue.

The Board of Directors assesses the performance of the operating segments, based mainly on operating income before interest and taxes (EBIT), depreciation/amortisation and provisions (EBITDA).

This measurement basis excludes the effects of non-recurring expenses and those incurred in atypical transactions (adjusted EBIT and EBITDA). The financial information received by the Board of Directors also includes financial income and expenses and tax aspects, as well as cash flow and net debt.

The accounting policies and measurement bases applied to the information furnished to the Board of Directors are consistent with those applied in the consolidated financial statements.

a) Segment reporting

Set out below is the distribution by segment of EBIT and adjusted EBIT for the years ended 31 December 2017 and 2016 (thousand euro):

2017
Steel Salt slags Aluminium Corporate,
other
minor and
eliminations
Total
Revenue 332,079 83,397 353,466 (44,153) 724,789
Income/Expenses from operations
(except revenue, depreciation and
amortisation/depreciation charge
and provisions)
(212,244) (58,535) (346,483) 45,450 (571,812)
Amortisation/Depreciation,
impairment and provisions
(16,219) (7,448) (5,481) (1,387) (30,535)
EBIT (Operating profit/(loss)) 103,616 17,414 1,502 (90) 122,442
Extraordinary impairments/
provisions
2,001 2,001
EBITDA adjustments (c+d) 14,848 2,279 2,338 (12) 19,453
Adjusted EBIT 118,464 19,693 3,840 1,899 143,896
2016 (*)
Steel Salt slags Aluminium Corporate,
other
minor and
eliminations
Total
Revenue 281,081 78,896 285,475 (33,765) 611,687
Income/Expenses from operations
(except revenue, depreciation and
amortisation/depreciation charge
and provisions)
(184,459) (54,856) (277,811) 34,242 (482,884)
Amortisation/Depreciation,
impairment and provisions (a)
(23,204) (12,176) (6,908) (2,208) (44,496)
EBIT (Operating profit/(loss)) (b) 73,418 11,864 756 (1,731) 84,307
Extraordinary impairments/
provisions (**)
5,563 5,793 865 2,882 15,103
EBITDA adjustments (c+d) 2,328 312 1,351 (38) 3,953
Adjusted EBIT 81,309 17,969 2,972 1,113 103,363

(*) It does not include the part of the Industrial Waste Management Segment classified as a discontinued operation (Note 27).

(**) It includes, mainly, the impairment of property, plant and equipment at 31 December 2016 in the steel segment amounting to EUR 5 million (Note 8), and in the salt slags segment amounting to EUR 5 million (Note 8).

(continued) (Thousand euro)

5. Segment reporting (continued)

The reconciliation of adjusted EBIT to results attributable to the parent company is as follows:

2017 2016
Adjusted EBIT 143,896 103,363
– Extraordinary impairments/provisions (2,001) (15,103)
– EBITDA adjustments (19,453) (3,953)
Operating profit/(loss) 122,442 84,307
Financial income (expense) (48,243) (49,828)
Corporate income tax (23,017) (13,736)
Profit/(loss) attributable to continuing operations 51,182 20,743
Profit/(loss) attributable to discontinued operations 3,779 (71,795)
Non-controlling interests (5,710) (1,862)
Profit/(loss) attributed to the parent company 49,251 (52,914)

Set out below is the distribution by segment of EBITDA for the years ended 31 December 2017 and 2016 (thousand euro):

2017
Steel dust Salt slags Secondary
aluminium
Corporate,
other
minor and
eliminations
Total
Revenue 332,079 83,397 353,466 (44,153) 724,789
Income/Expenses from operations
(except revenue, depreciation and
amortisation/depreciation charge and
provisions)
(212,244) (58,535) (346,483) 45,450 (571,812)
Amortisation/Depreciation, impairment
and provisions (a)
(16,219) (7,448) (5,481) (1,387) (30,535)
EBIT (Operating profit/(loss)) (b) 103,616 17,414 1,502 (90) 122,442
EBITDA (Operating profit/(loss)
before amortisation/depreciation
and provisions) (a+b)
119,835 24,862 6,983 1,297 152,977
One-time projects (c) 14,390 1,669 2,103 18,162
Non-recurrent costs/incomes (d) 458 610 235 (12) 1,291
Adjusted EBITDA 134,683 27,141 9,321 1,285 172,430
2016 (*)
Steel dust Salt slags Secondary
aluminium
Corporate,
other
minor and
eliminations
Total
Revenue 281,081 78,896 285,475 (33,765) 611,687
Income/Expenses from operations
(except revenue, depreciation and
amortisation/depreciation charge and
provisions)
(184,459) (54,856) (277,811) 34,242 (482,884)
Amortisation/Depreciation, impairment
and provisions (a)
(23,204) (12,176) (6,908) (2,208) (44,496)
EBIT (Operating profit/(loss)) (b) 73,418 11,864 756 (1,731) 84,307
EBITDA (Operating profit/(loss)
before amortisation/depreciation
and provisions) (a+b)
96,622 24,040 7,664 477 128,803
One-time projects (c) 1,854 312 117 859 3,142
Non-recurrent costs/incomes (d) 474 1,234 (897) 811
Adjusted EBITDA 98,950 24,352 9,015 439 132,756

(*) It does not include the part of the Industrial Waste Management Segment classified as a discontinued operation (Note 27).

The reconciliation of operating results to results attributable to the parent company is as follows:

2017 2016
Adjusted EBITDA 172,430 132,756
– One-time projects (18,387) (3,142)
– Non-recurrent costs/incomes (1,066) (811)
Amortisation/Depreciation, impairment and provisions (30,535) (44,496)
Operating profit/(loss) 122,442 84,307
Financial income (expense) (48,243) (49,828)
– Share in profits of companies carried under the equity method
Corporate income tax (23,017) (13,736)
Profit/(loss) attributable to continuing operations 51,182 20,743
Profit/(loss) attributable to discontinued operations 3,779 (71,795)
Non-controlling interests (5,710) (1,862)
Profit/(loss) attributed to the parent company 49,251 (52,914)

(continued) (Thousand euro)

5. Segment reporting (continued)

The detail of sales by geographical segment for the years ended 31 December 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

Geographical area 2017 % 2016 (*) %
Spain 194,834 26% 160,830 26%
Germany 96,907 15% 90,022 15%
France 48,843 7% 49,005 8%
United Kingdom 43,863 6% 29,070 5%
Rest of Europe 205,434 28% 171,406 28%
South Korea 29,336 4% 13,517 2%
Rest of the world 105,572 14% 97,837 16%
724,789 100% 611,687 100%

(*) It does not include the part of the Industrial Waste Management Segment classified as a discontinued operations (Note 27).

The distribution of the property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (excluding goodwill and licenses) is as follows (Notes 7 and 8):

2017 2016 (*)
Spain 62,410 62,337
Germany 90,868 92,592
France 24,536 25,678
United Kingdom 10,107 10,192
Rest of Europe 13,774 8,132
Turkey 2,777 3,772
South Korea 50,881 56,323
Rest of the world 1,461
255,353 260,487

(*) The information for 2016 includes assets associated with discontinued operations (Note 27).

Other segment items included in the consolidated income statement are as follows:

2017 2016 (*)
Steel dust Salt slags Secondary
aluminium
Corporate,
other
minor and
eliminations
Total Steel Salt slags Aluminium Corporate,
other
minor and
eliminations
Total
Depreciation/
amortisation charge:
– Property, plant and
equipment (Notes 8
and 22)
(14,000) (7,109) (4,341) (77) (25,527) (16,273) (6,538) (5,228) (194) (28,233)
– Intangible assets
(Note 7 and 22)
(1,346) (339) (1,004) (1,306) (3,995) (1,405) (270) (850) (1,981) (4,506)
– Reversal/(recognition)
of impairment losses
and other (Note 22)
(873) (136) (4) (1,013) (5,526) (5,368) (830) (33) (11,757)
Total (16,219) (7,448) (5,481) (1,387) (30,535) (23,204) (12,176) (6,908) (2,208) (44,496)

(*) It does not include the part of the Industrial waste management segments classified as a discontinued operation in 2016 (Note 27).

The detail of the segment assets and liabilities is as follows:

2017 2016 (*)
Steel dust Salt slags Secondary
aluminium
Corporate,
other
minor and
eliminations
Total Steel Salt slags Aluminium Corporate,
other
minor and
eliminations
Total
Assets
Intangible assets 357,549 49,595 14,599 1,983 423,726 361,891 49,673 23,589 (4,967) 430,186
Property, plant and
equipment
125,377 55,907 66,164 743 248,191 124,629 58,454 65,272 1,980 250,335
Investments in
associates and other
non-current assets
59,783 1,442 27,015 11,973 100,213 55,832 1,500 33,011 25,115 115,458
Current assets 132,886 15,473 39,794 49,825 237,978 101,940 15,458 50,864 6,923 175,185
Assets held for sale 57,591 57,591
Total assets 675,595 122,417 147,572 64,524 1,010,108 644,292 125,085 172,736 86,642 1,028,755
Equity and liabilities
Equity 168,730 68,385 28,328 (85,716) 179,727 151,778 64,946 39,037 (97,576) 158,185
Non-current liabilities 352,043 42,694 50,867 166,733 612,337 376,337 48,704 71,962 169,819 666,822
Current liabilities 154,822 11,338 68,377 (16.493) 218,044 116,177 11,435 61,737 7,190 196,539
Liabilities related to
assets held for sale
7,209 7,209
Total equity and
liabilities
675,595 122,417 147,572 64,524 1,010,108 644,292 125,085 172,736 86,642 1,028,755

(*) It does not include the part of the Industrial waste management segments classified as a discontinued operation in 2016 (Note 27).

(continued) (Thousand euro)

5. Segment reporting (continued)

Investments in the corresponding period were as follows (excluding the effect of translation differences):

2017 (*) 2016 (*)
Steel Salt slags Aluminium Corporate
and
eliminations
Total Steel Salt slags Aluminium Corporate
and
eliminations
(*)
Total
Additions to
non-current assets
(Notes 7 and 8)
16,373 6,256 5,220 160 28,009 7,596 9,579 4,559 7,739 29,473
Disposals of
non-current assets
(Notes 7 and 8)
(2,408) (43) (1,330) (50) (3,831) (2,262) (37) (13,249) (15,548)
Changes in the scope
of consolidation
(Notes 7 and 8)
(2,372) (2,372) (157,967) (157,967)
Net investments
in the period
(Notes 7 and 8)
13,965 6,213 3,890 (2,262) 21,806 5,334 9,542 4,559 (163,477) (144,042)

(*) It includes additons, disposals and variation in the scope of consolidation relating the part of the Industrial waste management segments discontinued in 2016 and 2017.

Investments in non-current assets include additions to property, plant and equipment (see Note 8) and intangible assets (see Note 7).

Inter-segment transfers and transactions (if any) are arranged under the same usual commercial terms and conditions as those that should also be available to unrelated third parties.

b) Information on customers

Customer concentration is calculated based on the representativeness of the five most significant customers of the business unit's revenue of each segment are as follows:

%
2017 2016
Steel dust 81.3% 76.8%
Salt slags 31.5% 31.5%
Secondary aluminium 40.7% 29.2%

6. Goodwill

The detail of the "Goodwill" balance in the consolidated balance sheets at 31 December 2017 and 2016 and of movements in 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

Thousand euro
Balance at 31 December 2015 353,094
Transfers to assets classified as held for sale (14,060)
Balance at 31 December 2016 339,034
Others (3,470)
Balance at 31 December 2017 335,564
Balance at
01/01/16
Transfers
to assets
classified as
held for sale
Balance at
31/12/16
Others Balance at
31/12/17
Steel dust 293,768 293,768 (2,990) 290,778
Salt slags 36,213 36,213 (384) 35,829
Secondary aluminium 9,053 9,053 (96) 8,957
Industrial environmental solutions
(Note 27)
14,060 (14,060)
353,094 (14,060) 339,034 (3,470) 335,564

Impairment analysis

The Group has implemented a procedure whereby at each year-end any impairment of goodwill and licenses with indefinite useful life (Note 7) is analyzed.

The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use, which is taken to be the present value of estimated future cash flows.

When calculating the value in use of the principal items of goodwill and licenses with indefinite useful life, the assumptions used were as follows:

  • Projections of the cash flows of the cash generating unit/group of cash generating units in question are made for periods of between five and ten years (when based on past experience it is possible to predict cash flows accurately over a period longer than five years), calculating a residual value based on flow for the last year projected, provided that this flow is representative of a normalised flow to reflect margin and cash flow experience in those businesses, as well as future expectations. Perpetuity growth is not envisaged (g=0).
  • The gross margins used in the calculation of the value for 2017 and 2016 are in line with the profit expected to be obtained based on past experience of profits of each of the segments and on new contracts existing in each case.

(continued) (Thousand euro)

6. Goodwill (continued)

  • To discount the flows, a discount rate is used based on the weighted average cost of capital for assets of this type, adjusted, where necessary, on the basis of the additional risk that could be contributed by certain types of activity.
  • In any case, further sensitivity analyzes are conducted, particularly with regard to the discount rate used and the residual growth rate, to ensure that the effect of possible changes in estimates of these rates does not have an impact on the recoverability of the recognized goodwill and licenses with indefinite useful life.

The measurement methods indicated above led to discount rates used to perform the impairment test in a range of between 5.00% and 8.47% in 2017 and 2016. The discount rates used are net of taxes and reflect the risks specific to the significant CGU segments. The directors consider that a change in the discount rate used (approximately 50 basic points) would not have a significant impact on these consolidated financial statements.

The cash flow budget is determined by Group management in their strategic plans, considering a similar activity structure as the present one and based on previous years' experience.

At the end of 2017 and 2016, estimates were made of the recoverable amounts of the cash-generating units to which goodwill and/or licenses with indefinite useful life had been allocated in accordance with Note 3.1 and the methods described above. No impairment has been recognized in 2017 and 2016.

The results of the sensitivity analyzes carried out on the main assumptions were also taken into account in this conclusion.

7. Other intangible assets

Movements in "Other Intangible Assets" in the consolidated balance sheet for 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

Development
expenditure
Licenses and
other (*)
Computer
software
Administrative
concessions
and others
Total
Cost:
Balance at 31/12/16 7,005 81,000 17,664 1,960 107,629
Changes in scope of consolidation (439) (439)
Additions 1,279 29 1,308
Disposals (18) (18)
Transfers 3 3
Translation differences (net) (28) 5 (23)
Balance at 31/12/17 8,284 81,000 17,211 1,965 108,460
Accumulated amortisation
Balance at 31/12/16 (3,388) (11,449) (1,640) (16,477)
Changes in scope of consolidation 147 147
Additions (1,230) (2,648) (137) (4,015)
Disposals 17 17
Translation differences (net) 36 (6) 30
Balance at 31/12/17 (4,618) (13,897) (1,783) (20,298)
Other intangible assets,
net at 31/12/16
3,617 81,000 6,215 320 91,152
Other intangible assets, net at
31/12/17
3,666 81,000 3,314 182 88,162

(*) These licenses were considered to have an indefinite useful life. They were tested for impairment as at 31 December 2017 (Note 6).

(continued) (Thousand euro)

Development
expenditure
Licenses and
other (*)
Computer
software
Administrative
concessions
and others
Total
Cost:
Balance at 31/12/15 10,905 81,000 24,113 2,099 118,117
Changes in scope of consolidation (4,831) (5,357) (39) (10,227)
Additions 2,570 183 2,753
Disposals (95) (109) (204)
Transfers 95 (52) 309 352
Translation differences (net) (12) (111) 8 (115)
Transfer to assets classified as held
for sale
(1,627) (1,003) (417) (3,047)
Balance at 31/12/16 7,005 81,000 17,664 1,960 107,629
Accumulated amortisation
Balance at 31/12/15 (5,944) (11,546) (1,618) (19,108)
Changes in scope of consolidation 3,254 3,295 39 6,588
Additions (1,401) (3,837) (271) (5,509)
Disposals 95 130 225
Translation differences (net) 2 47 (9) 40
Transfer to assets classified as held
for sale
606 462 219 1,287
Balance at 31/12/16 (3,388) (11,449) (1,640) (16,477)
Other intangible assets, net at
31/12/15
4,961 81,000 12,567 481 99,009
Other intangible assets, net at
31/12/16
3,617 81,000 6,215 320 91,152

7. Other intangible assets (continued)

Licenses are intangible assets with an indefinite useful life. The recoverability of these licenses has been evaluated by Group's management based on impairment tests disclosure in Note 6.

2017

The most significant additions for the year relate to development expenses capitalised in Aluminium segment amounting to EUR 1,279 thousand.

2016

The most significant additions for the year relate to development expenses capitalised in subsidiaries amounting to EUR 1,775 thousand, of which EUR 900 thousand relates to continuing operations.

Changes in the scope of consolidation mainly relate to the sale of the subsidiaries indicated in Note 2.5 in the Industrial Waste Management segment.

Additionally, the intangible assets of the companies indicated in Note 2.1 of the Industrial Waste Management Segment which had not been sold at 31 December 2016 were transferred to the assets held for sale group, except for those assets related to the subsidiary Befesa Argentina, S.A.

Investment commitments

At 31 December 2017 and 2016 the Group had no significant investment commitments.

8. Property, plant and equipment

Movements in this consolidated balance sheet caption in 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

2017

Land and
buildings
Plant and
machinery
Other
property,
plant and
equipment
Fixed
assets in
progress
Total
Cost:
Balance at 31/12/16 156,388 406,051 26,152 12,353 600,944
Changes in the scope of
consolidation
(432) (734) (767) (1,933)
Additions 429 8,565 1,561 16,146 26,701
Disposals (137) (3,469) (191) (16) (3,813)
Transfers 132 8,684 654 (9,473) (3)
Translation differences (net) (505) (2,645) (147) (815) (4.112)
Balance at 31/12/17 155,875 416,452 27,262 18,195 617,784
Accumulated depreciation and
provisions:
Balance at 31/12/16 (52,921) (261,118) (18,953) (332,993)
Changes in the scope of
consolidation
34 245 589 868
Additions (4.130) (20,225) (1,208) (25,563)
Disposals 71 3,321 182 3,574
Translation differences (net) 174 1,858 105 2,137
Balance at 31/12/17 (56,772) (275,920) (19,285) (351,977)
Impairment losses at 31/12/16 (17,616) (17,616)
Impairment losses at 31/12/17 (17,616) (17,616)
Carrying amount at 31/12/16 103,467 127,316 7,199 12,353 250,335
Carrying amount at 31/12/17 99,103 122,916 7,977 18,195 248,191

(continued) (Thousand euro)

8. Property, plant and equipment (continued)

2016

Land and Plant and Other
property,
plant and
Fixed assets
buildings machinery equipment in progress Total
Cost:
Balance at 31/12/15 204,997 504,996 54,269 16,189 780,451
Changes in the scope of
consolidation (28,015) (97,061) (22,459) (206) (147,741)
Additions 1,028 13,080 2,108 10,504 26,720
Disposals (5,912) (7,253) (1,928) (251) (15,344)
Transfers (40) 11,952 550 (12,505) (43)
Translation differences (net) 597 (4,989) (132) (820) (5,344)
Transfer to assets classified as held
for sale
(16,267) (14,674) (6,256) (558) (37,755)
Balance at 31/12/16 156,388 406,051 26,152 12,353 600,944
Accumulated depreciation and
provisions:
Balance at 31/12/15 (63,566) (308,359) (40,386) (412,311)
Changes in the scope of
consolidation
7,399 57,674 17,932 83,004
Additions (5,467) (27,159) (2,398) (35,024)
Disposals 2,731 5,859 1,513 10,103
Translation differences (net) (37) 3,455 96 3,514
Transfer to assets classified as held
for sale
6,019 7,412 4,290 17,721
Balance at 31/12/16 (52,921) (261,118) (18,953) (332,993)
Impairment losses at 31/12/15 (7,616) (7,616)
Additions (10,000) (10,000)
Impairment losses at 31/12/16 (17,616) (17,616)
Carrying amount at 31/12/15 141,431 189,021 13,883 16,188 360,523
Carrying amount at 31/12/16 103,467 127,317 7,199 12,353 250,336

2017

The main additions for the year relate to investments made in Befesa Aluminio, S.L., amounting to 5,7 million euro, and compliance investments made in Scandust, amounting to 7 million euro. Remaining additions relate to other investments in health and safety and environmental projects and maintenance investments made at each plant.

2016

The main additions for the year basically relate to investments in health and safety and environmental projects and maintenance investments made at each plant.

Changes in the scope of consolidation mainly relate to the sale of the subsidiaries indicated in Note 2.5 in the Industrial Waste Management segment.

Additionally, the tangible assets of the companies indicated in 2.1 of the Industrial Waste Management Segment which had not been sold at 31 December 2016 were transferred to assets held for sale, except for those assets related to the subsidiary Befesa Argentina, S.A.

Impairment losses

In 2017 no impairment has been recognized.

In 2016 the Group recognized PPE impairment in respect of Befesa Valera, SAS and Befesa Salt Slags, Ltd. amounting to EUR 5 million each, after estimating that future cash flows generated by these subsidiaries would not be sufficient to recover the carrying amount of the plant.

Insurance

The Group takes out insurance policies to cover possible risks to which its property, plant and equipment are subject. The coverage is considered to be sufficient.

Capitalisation of borrowing costs

There are no borrowing costs capitalised in 2017 and 2016.

Mortgaged property, plant and equipment

At 31 December 2017 and 2016 there are no significant fixed assets pledged to secure loans.

Investment commitments

At 31 December 2017 and 2016 the Group had no significant investment commitments.

(continued) (Thousand euro)

9. Investments accounted for using the equity method

There are no investments in associates at 31 December 2017 and 2016.

In 2015, the only investment accounted using the equity method was Ecología Canararia, S.A. that was deconsolidated as a result of the sale of the subsidiaries indicated in note 2.5. Its results for 2016 until its disposal were considered as results on discontinued operations.

Gross changes in "Investments accounted for using the equity method" in the consolidated balance sheet in 2016 were as follows:

2016
Opening balance 1,526
Results of investments accounted for using the equity method 163
Dividends paid (174)
Variation in consolidation scope (Note 2.5) (1,515)
Closing balance

10. Non-current financial assets

The detail of "Non-Current Financial Assets" is as follows:

2017

Balance at
31/12/2016
Additions/
(Charge
for the year)
Disposals Balance at
31/12/2017
Investments in subsidiaires and associates
Investments in Group companies 5,877 (2,261) 3,616
Investments in associates and other companies 980 (980)
Value adjustments (5,548) (784) 2,866 (3,466)
1,309 (784) (375) 150
Long-term loans
Other long-term loans 35,312 1,310 (23,686) 12,936
Value adjustments (14,924) 5,949 (8,975)
Derivative financial instruments (Note 17) 908 908
Other non-current financial assets 135 84 219
20,523 2,302 (17,737) 5,088
Total 21,832 1,518 (18,112) 5,238

2016

Balance at
31/12/2015
Changes
in scope of
consolidation,
net
Additions/
(Charge
for the year)
Disposals Transfers
to assets
classified
as held for
sale (Note 27)
Balance at
31/12/2016
Investments in
subsidiaires and
associates
Investments in Group
companies
4,175 1,200 591 (58) (31) 5,877
Investments in associates
and other companies
2,101 (1,121) 980
Value adjustments (3,574) (1,725) (318) 59 10 (5,548)
2,702 (525) 273 (1,120) (21) 1,309
Long-term loans
Other long-term loans 37,566 (3,559) 6,653 (5,178) (170) 35,312
Value adjustments (14,643) (706) (4,417) 4,842 (14,924)
Other non-current
financial assets
1,423 (862) 165 (411) (180) 135
24,346 (5,127) 2,401 (747) (350) 20,523
Total 27,048 (5,652) 2,674 (1,867) (371) 21,832

a) Investments in Group companies and associates

Set forth below is certain significant information relating to the investments in Group companies and associates which are not accounted for using the equity method or fully-consolidated, as the case may be, because they are being liquidated, they have not commenced operations or their effect is not material:

2017 % Direct
and indirect
ownership
interest
Book Cost Value
adjustments
Share
capital
Reserves and
translation
differences
Profit/(loss)
for the year
Group companies
Befesa Silvermet Izmir A.S. 53.70% 811 (784) 11 16 (10)
Other 2,804 (2,681)
3,615 (3,465)

(continued) (Thousand euro)

10. Non-current financial assets (continued)

2016 % Direct
and indirect
ownership
interest
Book Cost Value
adjustments
Share
capital
Reserves and
translation
differences
Profit/(loss)
for the year
Group companies
Befesa Silvermet Izmir A.S. 55.9% 1,148 580 9 (181)
Other 4,729 (4,568)
5,877 (4,568)
Associates and other
companies
Other 980 (980)
980 (980)

The net variation in consolidation in 2016 for equity investment relates mainly to the sale of the companies indicated in note 2.5.

2017

Registered address Activity
Group companies
Befesa Silvermet Izmir A.S. Turkey Recovery of metals

2016

Registered address Activity
Group companies
Befesa Silvermet Izmir A.S. Turkey Recovery of metals

The fair value of the investments under this heading is calculated, in general, based on their underlying carrying amount or value in use, taking into account the circumstances related to each company.

The assets and liabilities of the companies classified as equity investments in which the Group retains control or joint control are not significant with respect to the consolidated assets and liabilities.

b) Other long-term loans

At 31 December 2017 and 2016, this heading includes an account receivable from a non-fully consolidated group company relating to prior years´ input VAT vis-à– vis the Portuguese tax authorities on the purchase of aluminium scrap. In 2014, this balance was totally impaired (EUR 7.4 million), considering the time elapsed and the development of the ongoing litigation.

In addition, this heading mainly includes in 2017 loans with the non-consolidated group companies Aluminio en Discos S.A.U (EUR 1.5 million, fully impaired) and Exeltium, S.A.S. (EUR 2.5 million).

At 31 December 2016, other loans are included with group companies that were not fully consolidated, namely Befesa Industrial Services USA, Inc. (EUR 4.1 million), Aluminio en Discos, S.A.U. (EUR 1.6 million) and Befesa Colombia, S.A.S. (EUR 1.5 million). Such balances with group companies were fully accrued at 31 December 2016.

At 31 December 2016, it also includes EUR 16.9 million related to an upstream loan to Bilbao LuxCo, S.A. (Note 25) granted by the Company, with a maturity date ending the 1 December 2018 and an interest rate of 11%, approximately. This loan has been cancelled during 2017 as payment of the interim dividend distribution approved in the period (Note 14).

11. Inventories

The detail of "Inventories" in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at 31 December 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

2017 2016
Finished goods 19,160 6,563
Goods in progress and semi-finished goods 821 294
Work in progress 84 84
Raw materials 12,202 11,601
Other 12,529 11,312
Advances to suppliers 396 556
Total 45,192 30,410

The Group has taken out insurance policies to cover risks relating to inventories. The coverage provided by these policies is considered to be sufficient.

12. Accounts receivable

The breakdown of the accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at 31 December 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

2017 2016
Work completed not invoiced 1,940 1,889
Trade and other receivables 52,406 62,278
Trade receivables from related companies (Note 25) 795 916
Other receivables 11,734 10,576
Public authorities (Note 20) 10,266 10,358
Less– Allowance for doubtful debts (2,237) (2,054)
Total 74,904 83,963

Accounts receivable are stated at their nominal value, which does not differ significantly from their fair value, based on related cash flows discounted at market rates.

(continued) (Thousand euro)

12. Accounts receivable (continued)

The recoverability of trade and other receivables is assessed of individual balance basis. Balances that are matured but which have not exceeded the period of collection agreed with customers (ranging between 30 and 60 days) are not considered as bad debt. At 31 December 2017 and 2016, there were no balances that had exceeded the agreedupon collection terms or the habitual payment periods for which impairment losses had not been recognized. The trade receivables for which impairment losses were not recognized relate to independent customers which have no recent history of default. All trade balances mature in less than twelve months.

At 31 December 2017 and 2016, impairment losses had been recognized for all receivables, past due or otherwise, the recoverability of which was considered to be doubtful at those dates. Impairment losses were recognized on the basis of an estimate of the reasonable loss corresponding to each trade receivable.

All impaired accounts receivable are more than twelve months past due.

Accounts receivable that are impaired mainly relate to balances with specific collection problems identified individually. Taking into account collection efforts in progress, a high percentage of those receivables (albeit undetermined) is expected to be recovered.

Changes in the allowances for doubtful debts relating to the Group's trade and other receivables for 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

2017 2016
Opening balance (2,054) (2,815)
Provision for impairment (458) (285)
Write-off uncollectible accounts receivable and other transfers 275
Changes in the scope of consolidation (Note 2,5) 1,046
Closing balance (2,237) (2,054)

The credit quality of trade receivables that have not become impaired can be classified as highly satisfactory, since in substantially all of the cases the risks are accepted and covered by credit risk insurers and/or banks and financial institutions.

The maximum exposure to credit risk at the date of presentation of the financial information is the fair value of each of the accounts receivable disclosed above and, in all cases, taking into consideration the aforementioned credit insurance coverage.

The detail of the accounts receivable denominated in foreign currency and recognized at the end of 2017 and 2016 in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet is as follows (in thousand euro):

2017 2016
US dollars 2,326 8,912
Swedish krona 2,026 31
Argentine peso 3,092
Pound sterling 1,965 733
Korean won 5,008 2,413
Other 1,048 51
12,373 15,232

13. Other current financial assets

The detail of "Other Current Financial Assets" in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at 31 December 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

2017 2016
Derivative financial instruments (Note 17) 124
Other short-term loans 240 1,574
Short-term guarantees and deposits 60 60
Total 300 1,758

The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the carrying amount of the financial instruments classified as loans and receivables.

14. Equity

a) Share capital

As at 31 December 2015, subscribed and fully paid-up capital was represented by 5,728,116 Class-A preference shares and 5,503,246,234 Class-B ordinary shares with a par value of EUR 0.01 each, totalling EUR 55,089,743.50.

During 2016, there was a capital increase, consisting in the issuing of 900,344,916 new Class– B shares with a par value of EUR 0.01 each. The capital increase was performed with a share premium amounting to EUR 10,997 thousand. This capital increase was subscribed by Bilbao LuxCo, S.A., which contributed with the convertible bond, acquired from Abengoa for an amount of EUR 20 million.

Consequently, as at 31 December 2016, subscribed and fully paid-up capital was represented by 5,728,116 Class-A preference shares and 6,403,591,150 Class-B ordinary shares with a par value of EUR 0.01 each.

Afterwards, there was transfer of Bilbao MidCo's shares between Bilbao LuxCo, S.A. and Triton Luxembourg II GP Bilbao, S.C.A.

(continued) (Thousand euro)

14. Equity (continued)

Consequently, at 31 December 2016, the Parent's shareholder structure was as follows:

Percentage of
ownership
2016
Bilbao LuxCo, S.A. 88.91%
Triton Luxembourg II GP Bilbao, S.C.A. 11.09%
Total 100%

At 31 December 2016, the Class A preference shares and Class B ordinary shares differed as follows: in respect of each distribution of dividend, the amount allocated to this effect shall be distributed in the following order of priority:

  • First, each Class A Preference share shall entitle to the Preference share return (preference share return means the cumulative dividend in an amount of 10% per annum of the nominal value of the preference shares and share premium attached to these preference shares).
  • Second, any remaining dividend amount after allocation of the Preference share return shall be allocated pro rata among the Class B Ordinary shares.

On 18 October 2017, the shareholders changed the legal form of the Company from a limited liability company (société à responsabilité limitée) into a limited company (société anonyme).

The shareholders also resolved to reduce the total number of shares, to cancel the nominal value of the shares, and to set the Company´s share capital at EUR 64,093,192.67 divided into 20,633 class A preference shares and 23,066,112 ordinary shares. All the shares dematerialized. The authorized capital is set at EUR 138,809,495.32 divided into 49,999,998 shares.

On 2 November 2017, prior to the closing of the Initial Public Offer ("IPO"), the 20,633 class A preference shares were converted into 11,000,593 ordinary shares, increasing the share capital to EUR 94,575,646.35.

As of the date of the IPO, on 3 November 2017, a 45.18% of the ordinary shares of the Company got listed in the Frankfurt Stock Exchange at an initial price of EUR 28.

The number of shares as at 31 December 2017 is 34,066,705, with a par value of EUR 2.77 each.

The Shareholder structure as at 31 December 2017 is as follows:

Percentage
of ownership
2017
Triton 49.3%
Management 3.2%
Freefloat 47.5%
Total 100%

b) Share premium and other reserves

The detail in the consolidated balance sheet is as follows:

2017 2016
Share premium 288,744 233,087
Hedging reserves and revaluation reserves (57,013) (47,163)
Reserves of consolidated companies (205,836) (45,449)
Total 25,895 140,475

Share premium

The share premium may be used to provide for the payment of any shares which the Parent Company may repurchase from its shareholders, to offset any net realized losses, to make distributions to its shareholders, in the form of a dividend, or to allocate funds to the Legal reserve.

During 2017, the Company approved an interim dividend distribution to the selling shareholder under the class A preference shares in an aggregate amount of EUR 16,829,225.15. Following the payment of such dividend, the outstanding debt owed by Bilbao LuxCo, S.A. to the Company was offset against the dividend (Note 10).

Additionally the share premium has been increased by EUR 72,287,087 by the contribution in kind indicated in note 14.a) and calculated on 2 November 2017.

Reserves of consolidated companies

This reserves include, together with other reserves of consolidated companies, the legal reserve required by the Luxembourg law. On 2 May 2017, the Annual General Meeting of shareholders approved the allocation to the legal reserve of EUR 6,409 thousand from the net profit of the year 2016.

Other shareholder contributions

At 31 December 2015 this amount referred to the fair value measurement of the convertible bond at the acquisition date in 2013 of the Befesa Medio Ambiente Group. The measurement was made considering the Befesa Medio Ambiente Group's value based on the value-in-use method.

In 2016, Bilbao LuxCo, S.A. acquired from Abengoa the convertible bond for an amount of EUR 20 million. After that, Bilbao LuxCo, S.A. has signed a contribution agreement with Befesa, S.A. (formerly Bilbao MidCo, S.à r.l.) for which Bilbao LuxCo, S.A. has agreed to subscribe for 900,344,916 new Class-B shares with a nominal value of EUR 0.01 per share. The shares have been issued for a total amount of EUR 20,000,000, including a share premium in a total amount of EUR 10,996,550.84. Bilbao LuxCo, S.A. has agreed to pay for these shares by way of a contribution in kind which consists of the aforementioned convertible bond held by the subscriber in the Company, representing a total amount of EUR 20,000,000.

(continued) (Thousand euro)

14. Equity (continued)

c) Translation differences

The breakdown, by company, of "Translation Differences" at 31 December 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

Company or group of companies 2017 2016
Befesa Argentina, S.A. (3,284)
Befesa Perú, S.A. (164)
Befesa Zinc Korea, Ltd. 4,989 5,201
Befesa Salt Slags, Ltd. (1,412) (910)
Soluciones Ambientales del Norte, S.A. (401)
Befesa Scandust AB (938) (787)
Befesa Silvermet Iskenderum, A.S. (2,037) (1,280)
Other (1,164) (775)
Total (562) (2,400)

d) Profit/(Loss) for the period

The detail, by business segment, of the contribution to consolidated profit/(loss) attributable to the Parent for the years ended 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2016 is as follows:

2017 2016
Steel dust 46,627 21,263
Salt slags 12,523 6,075
Secondary aluminium 113 (1,164)
Corporate, other minor and consolidation adjustments (*) (13,791) (7,293)
Profit/(loss) for the year from discontinued operations 3,779 (71,795)
Total 49,251 (52,914)

(*) Consolidation adjustments are mainly related to the elimination of dividends and changes in impairment losses on investments attributable to the Parent. In addition, the consolidation adjustments attributable to the other companies are included in their respective income statements.

e) Non-controlling interests

The detail of "Equity – Non-Controlling Interests" on the liabilities side of the accompanying consolidated balance is as follows:

2017 2016
Industrial Environmental Solutions:
Solarca Qatar, W.L.L. 357
Steel:
Befesa Silvermet Turkey, S.L. 10,567 8,574
10,567 8,931

Summary information on subsidiaries with non-controlling material shareholdings

Below are the main figures of the Befesa Silvermet Turkey, S.L. and its subsidiaries, expressed in thousand euro.

2017

Subgroup/Company Befesa
Silvermet
Turkey S.L. and
its subsidiaries
Assets 28,451
Liabilities 5,648
Equity 22,803
Sales 26,604
Profit before taxes 15,978
Profit after taxes 12,322

2016

Subgroup/Company Befesa
Silvermet
Turkey S.L. and
its subsidiaries
Assets 22,024
Liabilities 2,582
Equity 19,442
Sales 14,221
Profit before taxes 6,470
Profit after taxes 5,151

At 31 December 2017 and 2016, the percentages of non-controlling interests for Befesa Silvermet Turkey, S.L. amounted to 46.1% and 44.1%, respectively.

f) Capital management

The Group's capital management focuses on achieving a financial structure that optimises cost of capital while maintaining a solid financial position. This policy reconciles the creation of value for the shareholder with access to financial markets at a competitive cost in order to cover both debt refinancing requirements and investment plan financing needs not covered by the funds generated by the business (Note 4.1.d.).

Group management considers that the minimal leverage ratio is a good indicator of the degree to which the objectives set are being achieved. At 31 December 2017 and 2016, most of the debts are related to business acquisitions made in prior years.

(continued) (Thousand euro)

15. Financial debt

The detail of the related line items in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet is as follows:

2017 2016
Current
maturity
Non-current
maturity
Current
maturity
Non-current
maturity
Bank loans and credit facilities 3,973 519,017 24,289 552,411
Unmatured accrued interest 1,040 4,848
Accounts payable for finance leases 70 137 170 166
Total 5,083 519,154 29,307 552,577

Fair values of borrowings are not materially different to their carrying amounts, since the interest payable is close to current market rates.

The main terms and conditions of the borrowings are as follows:

Limit in 2017 2016
nominal currency
(thousand
currency)
Effective
interest rate
Maturity
date
Current
maturity
Non-Current
maturity
Current
maturity
Non-Current
maturity
EUR 636,000 Euribor + 2.75% 2022 1,040 518,636
EUR 300,000 8.875% 2018 3,328 298,671
EUR 150,000 10.50%–11.25% 2018 1,359 160,666
EUR 167,500 Euribor + 2.25%
(Euribor + 4.25%
until July 2016)
2020 23,151 92,578
Other 4,043 518 1,469 662
5,083 519,154 29,307 552,577

On October 19, 2017, in order to standardize the financial structure of the Group, the company as parent and certain of its subsidiaries as borrowers and guarantors entered into an EUR 636,000 thousand Facilities Agreement. This post-IPO agreement is intended to raise financing for all the Group and cancel the Group's previous current and non-current borrowings in connection to the EUR 300.0 million Zinc Notes, EUR 150.0 million PIK Notes and the EUR 167.5 million Syndicated Loan.

Upon completion of the IPO on November 3, 2017 (Note 1) the Facilities Agreement took effect on December 7, 2017.

The Facility Agreement has been signed by the parent company of the Group (Befesa, S.A.) and has been designed to meet the financing needs of all Group companies.

The Facilities Agreement comprises:

  • Term Loan B Facility Commitment in an amount of EUR 526 million, which is a bullet with a maturity of 5 years.
  • RCF in an amount of EUR 75 million with a maturity of 5 years.
  • A Guarantee Facility Commitment in an amount of EUR 35 million with a maturity of 5 years.

Interest in the initial term loan B facility is Euribor plus a margin of 2.75% and 2.5% in the case of RCF. These margins can be adjusted downwards up to 2% in the case of term loan B and up to 1.5% in the case of RCF according to established depending on the ratio of net financial debt/EBITDA.

The Facilities Agreement provides a financial covenant based on the Net Leverage which shall not exceed the ratio 4.5:1 for any relevant period. The covenant only applies if the total amount of all drawings under the RCF exceeds 40% of the commitments under the RCF. At 31 December 2017, the RCF has not been yet drawn and no financial covenant applies.

The Facilities Agreement limits dividend distribution if any Group company incurs an event of default as defined in the agreement.

As a result of entering in the described refinancing, the following indebtedness were early prepaid:

  • EUR 300 million senior secured notes issued on May 11, 2011 by Zinc Capital, S.A maturing May 2018. Zinc Capital, S.A. is a non-Befesa Group special purpose vehicle without assets or business operations other than those relating to the bond issue.
  • EUR 167.5 million refinanced syndicated loan signed on July 28, 2016 by Befesa Medioambiente, S.L. maturing March 2020.
  • Bilbao Luxembourg issued in 2013 EUR 150,000 thousand of its 10.50%/11.25% PIK Toggle Notes due 2018 pursuant to an indenture. The Notes were issued among Befesa Holding S.à r.l. as parent guarantor and Citibank, N.A., London Branch as Trustee, as Security Agent and as Principal Paying Agent, Transfer Agent and Registrar Agent. An amount of EUR 148,125 thousand was drawn at 31 December 2016 under these Notes.

At 31 December 2017 and 2016 Other mainly includes short-term payables with banks on the factoring of accounts receivable and amounts payable for leases.

The repayment schedule for long-term loans is as follows:

2017 2016
2018 469,495
2019 441 14,349
2020 56 68,529
2021 21 126
Subsequent years 518,636 78
Total 519,154 552,577

(continued) (Thousand euro)

15. Financial debt (continued)

At 31 December 2017, an amount of EUR 75 million was undrawn yet from the syndicated financing arrangement (EUR 17 million in 2016), (Note 4.c). In addition, at 31 December 2016, the Group had unused credit facilities with no personal guarantee arranged, totalling EUR 13 million. These facilities were cancelled during 2017.

The evolution of the net financial debt during the year 2017 is as follows:

Cash
and cash
equivalents
(Note 4)
Other
current
financial
assets
(Note 13)
Finance
debt
(Note 15)
Other
current
financial
liabilities
Total
Net financial debt as at 31 December 2016 (59,054) (1,758) 581,884 521,072
Cash Flows (56,432) (55,716) (112,148)
Exchange rate adjustments (1,787) 184 (13) (1,616)
Changes in consolidation scope (309) 1,390 1,081
Other non-monetary movements (116) (1,918) (2,034)
Net financial debt as at 31 December 2017 (117,582) (300) 524,237 406,355

15.1 Financing currencies

The carrying amount of the Group's borrowings is denominated in the following currencies:

2017 2016
Euro 522,550 581,283
Swedish krona 1,687 601
524,237 581,884

16. Other current and non-current payables

2017 2016
Current
maturity
Non-current
maturity
Current
maturity
Non-current
maturity
Other Group Liabilities 1,197
Payable to non-current asset suppliers 4,908 1,145
Derivative financial instruments (Note 17) 57,173 24,240 36,289 30,987
Accounts payable to public authorities (Note 20) 14,976 14,720
Remuneration payable 8,657 6,747
Other 11,702 8,439 5,704 17,636
Total 97,416 32,679 64,605 49,820

"Other" mainly includes the capital grants not yet released to income and debts with official bodies amounting to approximately EUR 8.6 million (2016: EUR 8.4 million) and the financial liabilities related to the last derivative settlements of the period amounting to EUR 10.3 million in 2017 (2016: EUR 1.0 million). Additionally EUR 9.2 million were recognized in 2016 respect of future payments to be made for the acquisition of the subsidiary Solarca, SL and its subsidiaries Solarca, SL has been sold in 2017 and this debt has been cancelled as a part of the sale (Note 4.2).

17. Financial derivatives

The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge the risks to which its activities, operations and future cash flows are exposed, which are mainly risks arising from changes in exchange rates, interest rates and the market price of certain metals, mainly zinc. The detail of the balances that reflect the measurement of derivatives in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at 31 December 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

2017 2016
Cash flow hedges non-current assets (Note 10)
Interest rate SWAP 908
908
Cash flow hedges current assets (Note 13):
Foreign currency SWAP 124
124
Total assets 908 124
Cash flow hedges non-current liabilities (Note 16):
SWAP contracts for zinc 24,240 30,987
24,240 30,987
Cash flow hedges current liabilities (Note 16):
SWAP contracts for zinc 57,152 36,217
Foreign currency SWAP 21 72
57,173 36,289
Total liabilities 81,413 67,276

(continued) (Thousand euro)

17. Financial derivatives (continued)

Zinc derivative contracts

The detail of the tonnes hedged and of the maturity of the related contracts at 31 December 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

Tons
31 December 2017 31 December 2016
2018 2019 and
subsequent
years
2017 2018 and
subsequent
years
Hedge (in tonnes)
Swap contract for zinc 92,400 138,600 73,200 67,100
92,400 138,600 73,200 67,100

Derivatives are designated to hedge highly probable forecast transactions (sales) and the full effect of the hedge is recognized in equity, net of tax effect, considering its assessment as highly effective hedging instruments. The portion transferred to profit/(loss) each year is recognized under "Revenue" in the income statement at each settlement date.

• Interest rate swaps (floating to fixed)

In the context of the Group debt refinancing process, the Company has contracted an interest rate swap during 2017. The notional amounts of the IRSs outstanding at 31 December 2017 totalled EUR 316,000 thousand (Note 4.1), which were classified as highly effective hedging instruments.

At 31 December 2017, the fixed interest rate is 0.3580% and the main benchmark floating rate was Euribor. This derivative matures in 2022.

At 31 December 2016 the Group had no interest rate swaps.

• Foreign currency cash flow hedges

At 31 December 2017, currency purchase contracts (swaps or forwards) amounted to:

  • US dollar sales: USD 6,983 thousand.
  • US dollar purchases: USD 8,500 thousand.
  • GBP Purchases: GBP 467 thousand.

At 31 December 2016, currency purchase contracts (swaps or forwards) amounted to:

  • US dollar sales: USD 19,490 thousand.
  • EUR sales: EUR 9,316 thousand.

Highly probable future hedged transactions denominated in foreign currency are expected to take place on various dates within the next twelve months. The gains and losses recognized in the hedging reserve in equity in connection with forward foreign currency contracts at 31 December 2017 and 2016 are recognized in profit or loss in the year in which the hedged transactions affect the income statement. Gains and losses in equity in respect of currency forwards at 31 December 2017 will be transferred to the income statement over the next 12 months.

18. Long-term provisions

The detail of "Long-Term Provisions" on the liability side of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and of movements in 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

Provisions
for litigation,
pensions
and similar
obligations
Other
provisions for
contingencies
and charges
Total
long-term
provisions
Balance at 01 January 2016 2,033 10,895 12,928
Period provisions charged to income 230 166 396
Provisions used (83) (83)
Transfers 115 115
Changes in the scope of consolidation (Note 2.5) (7,918) (7,918)
Transfers to liabilities related to assets held for sale (Note 27) (193) (193)
Balance at 31 December 2016 2,263 2,982 5,245
Period provisions charged to income 571 30 601
Transfers (639) (299) (938)
Balance at 31 December 2017 2,195 2,713 4,908

The Group companies Befesa Valera, S.A.S. and Befesa Zinc Gravelines, S.A.S. recognize a provision of approximately EUR 2.2 million at 31 December 2017 and 2016 for the present value of the estimated costs of dismantling the concession for the performance of their activities at the Port of Dunkirk (France) following its termination (Note 8).

In addition, the Group has recognized other provisions under "Other provisions for contingencies and charges" to meet liabilities, whether legal or implicit, probable or certain, arising from contingencies, on-going litigations and tax obligations, which arise as the result of past events and are more likely than not to require an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits from the Group to settle the obligation, provided that a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

(continued) (Thousand euro)

19. Deferred taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities relate to the income taxes levied by the same tax authority. At 31 December 2017 and 2016 there was no material offset of deferred tax assets and liabilities.

The Group recognizes deferred tax assets, tax loss carry-forwards and unused tax credits and tax relief to the extent that their future realisation or utilisation is sufficiently assured.

The detail of "Deferred Tax Assets" and "Deferred Tax Liabilities" in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet for 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

2017 2016
Deferred tax assets arising from:
Tax loss carry-forwards and tax credits and tax relief 65,769 65,822
Revaluation of derivative financial instruments 23,749 20,019
Other deferred tax assets 5,457 7,785
Total deferred tax assets 94,975 93,626
Deferred tax liabilities arising from:
Asset revaluation 33,103 33,656
Revaluation of derivative financial instruments 254
Deferred tax liability arising from the tax deductibility of goodwill 19,646 19,646
Other deferred tax liabilities 2,593 5,878
Total deferred tax liabilities 55,596 59,180

Amounts corresponding to deferred tax assets are as follows:

2017 2016
Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax assets recoverable in more than 12 months 94,975 93,626
Deferred tax assets recoverable within 12 months
Total deferred tax assets 94,975 93,626

Movements in deferred tax assets and liabilities in 2017 and 2016 relate to:

2017

Recognized in
Balance at
31/12/16
Income
statement
Equity Consolidation
change
(Note 2.5)
Balance at
31/12/17
Deferred tax assets
Tax losses carry-forwards
and deductions
65,822 256 (309) 65,769
Derivatives 20,019 (15,590) 19,320 23,749
Others 7,785 (1,941) 61 (448) 5,457
Total deferred tax assets 93,626 (17,275) 19,072 (448) 94,975
Deferred tax liabilities
Revaluations 33,656 (553) 33,103
Goodwill 19,646 19,646
Derivates 254 254
Other (temporary differences) 5,878 (3,273) (12) 2,593
Total deferred tax liabilities 59,180 (3,826) 242 55,596

2016

Recognized in Transfer to
Balance at
31/12/15
Income
statement
Equity Consolidation
change
(Note 2.5)
assets and
liabilities
held for sale
(Note 27)
Balance at
31/12/16
Deferred tax assets
Tax losses carry
forwards and
deductions
76,175 (5,912) (33) (1,300) (3,108) 65,822
Derivatives 415 (2,869) 22,473 20,019
Others 4,810 3,220 (49) (313) 117 7,785
Total deferred tax
assets
81,400 (5,561) 22,391 (1,613) (2,991) 93,626
Deferred tax liabilities
Revaluations 34,290 (634) 33,656
Goodwill 19,373 1,098 (825) 19,646
Other (temporary
differences)
7,984 (1,333) (193) 144 (724) 5,878
Total deferred tax
liabilities
61,647 (869) (193) (681) (724) 59,180

(continued) (Thousand euro)

19. Deferred taxes (continued)

The main amounts and changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities in 2017 and 2016, in addition to those arising from the revaluation of derivatives disclosed in Note 17, were as follows:

2017

  • Movements recognized in equity relate mainly to the tax effect of the measurement of derivatives hedging zinc prices (Note 17).
  • Deconsolidation relates basically to the tax credits recognized mainly by Befesa Argentina, S.A. (Note 2.5).

2016

  • The Group has recognized EUR 2.9 million in tax credits and deductions on tax loss carry-forwards, most originating in the Basque Tax Group, as the Directors of the parent company understand that they may be recovered within a reasonable timeline.
  • In 2016 a write-off has been recognized in respect of tax credits amounting to EUR 10 million, as they are considered not recoverable within a reasonable timeline and they relate to Befesa Gestión de Residuos Industriales, S.L. which was sold.
  • Movements recognized in equity relate mainly to the tax effect of the measurement of derivatives hedging zinc prices (Note 17).
  • Deconsolidation relates basically to the tax credits recognized mainly by Befesa Plásticos, S.A. (Note 2.5).

20. Public administrations

The detail of "Tax Receivables" and "Tax Payables" on the asset and liability sides, respectively, of the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at 31 December 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

2017 2016
Receivable
(Note 12)
Payable
(Note 16)
Receivable
(Note 12)
Payable
(Note 16)
VAT 6,468 2,635 5,884 3,307
Withholdings and interim payments 3 906 470 988
Corporate income tax 1,905 9,179 3,442 8,127
Social Security bodies 53 1,800 64 2,018
Other 1,837 456 498 280
Total 10,266 14,976 10,358 14,720

"Accounts Payable to Public Authorities" on the liability side of the accompanying consolidated balance sheet includes the liability relating to applicable taxes, mainly personal income tax withholdings, VAT and projected income tax relating to the profit for each year, mainly net of tax withholdings and pre-payments made each year.

The Group's Parent Company, Befesa, S.A., is subject to the Luxembourg Law (Note 1).

Befesa Medioambiente HoldCo, S.L. heads the fiscal Group of companies subject to the Biscayne tax regulation. That tax group comprises Befesa Medioambiente HoldCo, S.L., Befesa Medio Ambiente, S.L.U., MRH Residuos Metálicos, S.L.U., Alianza Medioambiental, S.L.U., Befesa Aluminio, S.L., Befesa Aluminio Comercializadora, S.L.U., Befesa Zinc, S.A.U., Befesa Zinc Comercial, S.L.U., Befesa Zinc Óxido, S.L.U., Befesa Zinc Aser, S.L.U. Befesa Steel R&D, S.L.U. and Befesa Zinc Sur, S.L.U.

It was reported that Befesa, S.A., with tax residence at 46 Boulevard Grande-Duchesse Charlotte, L-133(Luxembourg) and register identification number B0177697, acknowledged being the parent company of consolidated tax group 00914/BSC, in accordance with Article 85.2 of Biscayne law for Income tax.

Given the consideration of Befesa, S.A. as a non-resident in Spain, Befesa Medioambiente HoldCo, S.L. was designated at the entity representing group 00914/BSC, in accordance with the provisions of the third paragraph of Article 83.2 of Biscayne law for Income tax. In this regard, it should be noted that all companies belonging to tax group 00914/BSC are subject to the same regional regulations for income tax purposes, namely, that of Biscay.

The German companies Befesa Zinc Germany GmbH, Befesa Steel Services GmbH, Befesa Zinc Freiberg GbmH and Befesa Zinc Duisburg GmbH file consolidated tax returns under the tax legislation applicable to them in Germany; Befesa Zinc Gravelines, S.A.S.U. and Befesa Valera S.A.S. file consolidated tax returns under the tax legislation applicable to them in France, and the German companies Befesa Salzschlacke GmbH and Befesa Aluminium Germany GmbH file consolidated tax returns under the tax legislation applicable to them in Germany.

The other Group companies file individual income tax returns in accordance with the tax legislation applicable to them.

The Group companies subject to Biscay tax legislation, including those which form part of the tax group, generally have the years that have not become statute-barred, 2013 onwards, open for review by the tax authorities for income tax and the last four years for the other main taxes and tax obligations applicable to them, in accordance with current legislation.

The difference between the tax charge allocated to each year and the tax payable for that year, recognized in "Deferred Tax Assets" and "Deferred Tax Liabilities" on the asset and liability sides, respectively, of the consolidated balance sheets at 31 December 2017 and 2016, arose as a result of the following noteworthy circumstances:

  • Temporary differences arising from the differences between the carrying amounts of certain assets and liabilities and their tax bases. The main differences arose from the measurement of assets and liabilities arising from the valuation of derivatives in relation to which the difference between the tax base and the carrying amount is not tax deductible and the deductibility of the amortisation of certain items of goodwill taken in accordance the regulations applicable to each company.
  • Different accounting and tax methods for recognising certain provisions.

Income tax is calculated on the basis of the accounting profit determined by applying generally accepted accounting principles, which does not necessarily coincide with the taxable profit.

The fully-consolidated foreign subsidiaries calculate income tax expense and tax charges for the taxes applicable to them in conformity with the legislation of, and at the tax rates in force in, their respective countries (Nota 3.16).

(continued) (Thousand euro)

20. Public administrations (continued)

The reconciliation of accounting profit/(loss) for the year to income tax expense for the year is as follows:

2017 2016
Profit/(Loss) before tax from continuing operations 74,199 34,479
Profit/(Loss) before tax from discontinued operations 2,052 (67,082)
Total accounting profit/(loss) before tax 76,251 (32,603)
Non-deductible expenses and non-computable income:
– Other permanent differences (123) (272)
Adjusted accounting profit/(loss) 76,128 (32,875)
Tax charge in the Parent Company's territory (18,714) 17,355
Tax credits generated in the year and not capitalised (4,243) (28,764)
Recognition of unused tax credits, tax relief and tax loss carry-forwards,
net of provisions
(8,856)
Others 1,668 1,816
Income tax expense (21,289) (18,449)
– From continuing operations (23,017) (13,736)
– From discontinuing operations 1,728 (4,713)

The unused tax credit recognized by the Group amount to EUR 24.7 million at 31 December 2017 (2016: EUR 24 million) corresponding mainly to credits on double tax deductions, export activities and contributions to company promotion undertakings. The tax credits not recognized on deductions amounted to EUR 25.4 million at 31 December 2017 (EUR 23.3 million in 2016).

Tax credits on tax loss carry-forwards available for offset recognized in the Group at 31 December 2017 amounted to EUR 41.0 million (31 December 2016: EUR 41.8 million). Unrecognized tax credits on tax loss carry-forwards amounted to EUR 78.8 million at 31 December 2017 (31 December 2016: EUR 68.5 million).

The Directors of the Group companies and of the Parent consider that the tax assets recognized in all the circumstances described above will be offset in the income tax returns of the Group companies taken individually or of the companies forming the consolidated tax group, as appropriate, within the applicable deadlines and limits.

21. Guarantee commitments to third parties and contingencies

At 31 December 2017 and 2016, a number of Group companies had provided guarantees for an overall amount of approximately EUR 34.8 million (31 December 2016: EUR 32.8 million) to guarantee their operations vis-à-vis customers, banks, government agencies and other third parties.

The Group has contingent liabilities for litigation arising in the ordinary course of business from which no significant liabilities are expected to arise other than those for which provisions have already been recognized.

In December 2016 there was a temporary stoppage at the Scandust plant (Sweden) as a result of action related to the update of the activity license initiated by the local Country Council. Group management has commissioned several advisors to assess the existing environmental risk and potential economic effect of the corrective measures, as well as invested into measures required to reopen the plant. As a consequence, the plant is operating from May 2017. At 31 December 2016 a provision amounting to EUR 2.5 million was recognized by management, as their best estimate of the liability deriving from this incident. The Group has an insurance policy that will mitigate the relevant expenses and has recognized during 2017 an additional income from the insurance under the heading "Other operating income" amounting to approximately EUR 3.4 million (2016: EUR 2.3 million) (Note 22).

22. Income and expenses

22.1 Raw materials and consumables

The detail of "Procurements" in the consolidated income statement for the years 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

2017 2016
Cost of raw materials and other supplies used 389,997 294,118
Changes in goods held for resale, raw materials and other inventories (1,783) 1,110
Subcontracted work 1,935
Total 388,214 297,163

22.2 Other operating income

The detail of "Other Operating Income" in the consolidated income statement for the years 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

2017 2016
In-house work on non-current assets (Note 3.3) 688 790
Income from income-related grants 2,247 1,463
Services and other operating income 6,540 7,091
Total 9,475 9,344

22.3 Staff costs

The detail of "Staff Costs" in the consolidated income statement for the years 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

2017 2016
Wages and salaries 59,191 58,172
Employer´s social security contributions 11,563 11,803
Other welfare costs 2,035 2,161
Total 72,789 72,136

(continued) (Thousand euro)

22. Income and expenses (continued)

The average number of employees at the Group in 2017 and 2016 in continuing and discontinued operations, by professional category, were as follows:

Average number of employees
2017 2016
Management 40 54
Experts 150 217
Professionals 222 386
Operators and assistants 828 1,276
Total 1,240 1,933

Of the Group's average headcount in 2017, 154 had temporary employment contracts (2016: 517 employees).

In 2017, the average number of employees from companies consolidated following the proportional method amounted to 47 (2016: 48 employees).

The average number of employees with the Group in 2017 in discontinued operations was 124 employees (2016: 697 employees).

The average number of employees in 2017 and 2016, in continuing and discontinued operations, by country, was as follows:

Average number of employees
2017 2016
Spain 388 888
Germany 374 373
France 107 108
United Kingdom 41 53
Rest of Europe 75 85
Turkey 95 104
South Korea 51 53
Rest of the world 109 269
Total 1,240 1,933

The number of employees at 2017 and 2016 year-end, by gender, was as follows:

2017 2016
Men Women Men Women
Management 33 5 43 6
Experts 104 30 140 33
Professionals 142 53 186 76
Operators and assistants 688 52 891 82
Total 967 140 1,260 197

The workforce of the joint operations in which the Group holds ownership interests is included in full when calculating the average number of employees and the status of the workforce at the year-end, by gender, shown above.

At year-end there were no employees under discontinued operations (2016: 237 employees).

22.4 Other operating expenses

2017 2016
Research and development expenditure 452 347
External services 125,557 108,604
Taxes other than income tax 2,265 2,014
Losses on, impairment of and changes in allowances 155 141
Other current operating expenses 6,630 8,228
Total 135,059 119,334

22.5 Amortisation/depreciation, impairment and provisions

2017 2016
Amortisation of intangible assets (Note 7) 3,995 4,506
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (Note 8) 25,527 28,233
Impairment of fixed assets (Notes 7 and 8) 10,000
Other 1,013 1,757
Total 30,535 44,496

23. Financial expenses

The breakdown of this balance in the 2017 and 2016 consolidated income statements is as follows:

2017 2016
Interest expense 44,907 48,611
Other finance costs 4,269 4,773
Impairment losses 1,520 4,739
Total 50,696 58,123

(continued) (Thousand euro)

24. Remuneration of the Board of Directors

a) Directors' remuneration and other benefits

In 2017 the members of the Parent's Board of Directors earned approximately EUR 275 thousand for salaries and attendance fees for discharging their duties in the Group companies (2016: EUR 10 thousand).

Also, as at 31 December 2017 and during the year ended thereon, the Parent had not granted any loans, advances or other benefits to its former or current Directors.

In addition, the Parent Company did not have any pension or guarantee obligations to any current members of the Board of Directors.

b) Remuneration of senior executives

The annual remuneration (mainly wages and social security) of the managing directors of Befesa, S.A. industrial groups (see Note 1), and of people discharging similar duties in 2017 amounted to EUR 2,707 thousand (2016: EUR 2,409 thousand).

The Group companies have not assumed any obligations relating to pensions or other types of supplementary retirement benefits with senior executive personnel.

Incentives to executives and other matters

In 2017 and 2016 there were no other transactions with senior executives outside the normal course of business.

In January 2018, the Parent Company approved two different compensation plans for some members of the Group management:

  • A compensation plan linked to the evolution of the share price consisting of 79.018 shares that will be exercisable after three years of signing the agreement (November 2017). The agreed remuneration is conditioned to the continuation of the beneficiaries as directors of the Group.
  • A compensation plan linked to the evolution of certain key indicators determined in the agreement (cumulative EBIT, cumulative cash flow and return on inputs of strategic projects). The plan consists of four periods of three years each starting from January 2018 to January 2021 and considers 89.107 shares per period. The agreed remuneration plan is conditioned to the continuation of the beneficiaries as directors of the Group.

The settlement of the Plan is to be chosen by the Board of Directors of the Company, by means of cash or by exercising the purchase option of the shares at the reference price, after considering compliance with the mentioned indicators.

25. Balances and transactions with related parties

All the significant balances at period-end between the consolidated companies and the effect of the transactions between them were eliminated on consolidation.

The detail of the balances with shareholders and Group and related companies at 31 December 2017 and the transactions effected with them in 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

2017

Accounts
receivable
and other
current
financial
assets
(Note 12)
Long-term
loans
Accounts
payable
Other non
current
liabilities
(Note 16)
Sales and
other
income
Purchases
and other
expenses
Financial
income
Financial
cost
Bilbao Lux.Co S.A. 1,446 20
Recytech, S.A. 301 1,481 1,819 12,719
Befesa Zinc (Thailand)
Limited
494
Other 39 16 2 5
Total 795 39 1,497 1,819 12,719 1,448 25

2016

Accounts
receivable
and other
current
financial
assets
(Note 12)
Long-term
loans
Accounts
payable
Other non
current
liabilities
(Note 16)
Sales and
other
income
Purchases
and other
expenses
Financial
income
Financial
cost
Bilbao Lux.Co S.A. 293 16,853 374 1,702 25
Triton IV Managers
Limited
1,125
Recytech, S.A. 333 998 1,426 8,233
Other 290 33 232 72 64 337
Total 916 16,886 1,604 1,197 1,490 8,233 2,039 25

(continued) (Thousand euro)

25. Balances and transactions with related parties (continued)

The balances and transactions of Group companies relate to sale and purchase transactions and other commercial operations on an arm's length basis.

All transactions are commercial and do not accrue interest, except for loans and the above credit facilities with the Group, carried out on an arm's length basis, the maturity of which are ordinary for these types of transactions.

The Parent Company's Directors do not consider, taking into account that transactions with related parties are carried out on an arm's length basis, that they could give rise to significant liabilities in the future.

Long-term loan receivable from Bilbao LuxCo as at 31 December 2016 was offset against dividend payable to this related party (Note 14.b.)

26. Information on the environment

The Parent and the subsidiaries maintain their production facilities in such a way as to meet the standards established by the environmental legislation of the countries in which the facilities are located.

Property, plant and equipment include investments made in assets intended to minimise environmental impact and protect and improve the environment. In 2017 no significant environmental investments were made.

In 2017 and 2016 the Group did not incur any significant expenses relating to environmental activities.

27. Assets held for sale and discontinued operations

In 2016 the Parent company's Board of Directors took the decision to divest and sell off practically all companies that comprised the Industrial Waste Management Segment. As a result of that decision, in December 2016 Befesa Gestión de Residuos Industriales, S.L., Befesa Gestión PCB, S.A., Gestión y Valorización Integral del Centro S.L., Residuos Industriales de la Madera de Córdoba, S.A., Betearte, S.A., Ecología Canaria, S.A., Befesa Plásticos, S.L. and other minor not consolidated operations were sold. Additionally, the assets and liabilities of Solarca, S.L (and its subsidiaries), Soluciones Ambientales del Norte, S.A. and Befesa Perú, S.A were classified as held for sale at 31 December 2016. These companies were sold on 29 March 2017.

As required under IFRS 5, the operations of these companies in 2016 (to the date of sale for the first group of companies) are classified under profit/(loss) for the year from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated income statement in 2016.

On March 2017 the Companies classified as held for sale at 31 December 2016 were sold. Additionally, the Group has sold on 30 August 2017 the company Befesa Argentina, S.A. The operations of these companies and the results from the sale have been classified as discontinued operations.

27.1 Discontinued operations – companies sold in the year

Information on cash flows and results

The information on cash flows and results is for the years ended 31 December 2017 and 2016.

2017 2016
Revenue 7,100 50,504
Expenses (7,290) (58,685)
Financial results (704) (5,411)
Profit/(loss) before taxes (894) (13,592)
Corporate income tax 229 (11,000)
Profit/(loss) after tax from discontinued operations (665) (24,592)
Profit/(loss) on the sale of subsidiaries after income tax 4,444 (47,765)
Profit/(loss) from discontinued operations 3,779 (72,357)
Addition/(disposal) cash from operating activities – net 1,111 (5,151)
Addition/(disposal) cash from investing activities – net 51,901 (1,764)
Addition/(disposal) cash from financing activities – net 77 7,798
Net inflow of cash generated by the subsidiary 53,089 883

Detail of sale of subsidiaries

2017
Consideration receivable
• Cash received 33,672
• Amounts receivable
Carrying amount of net assets sold 30,727
Profit/(loss) on the sale before income tax 2,945
Income tax expense 1,499
Profit/(loss) on the sale after income tax 4,444

(continued) (Thousand euro)

27. Assets held for sale and discontinued operations (continued)

The carrying amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of sale were:

Net assets sold
Goodwill 14,060
Intangible assets and PP&E 23,100
Long-term financial assets 371
Deferred tax assets 3,533
Investments carried under the equity method
Long-term receivables
Inventories 1,144
Receivables 17,562
Other current assets 1,517
Cash and cash equivalents 3,089
Total assets 64,376
Deferred tax liabilities 724
Provisions 457
Financial liabilities 29,855
Accounts payable and other liabilities 6,539
Total liabilities 37,575
Translation differences 3,926
Net assets 30,727

27.2 Discontinued operations – classified as held for sale in 2016

Information on cash flows and results

The information on cash flows and results is for the year ended 31 December 2016:

2016
Revenue 28,727
Expenses (25,608)
Financial results (1,623)
Profit/(loss) before tax 1,496
Corporate income tax (934)
Profit/(loss) after tax 562
Net cash flows from operating activities 2,643
Net cash flows from investing activities (3,923)
Net cash flows from financing activities 1,235
Net inflow of cash generated by the subsidiary (45)

Detail of subsidiaries classified as held for sale in 2016: The analysis of assets and liabilities held for sale is as follows:

31/12/2016
Goodwill (Note 6) 14,060
Intangible assets and property, plant and equipment (Notes 7 and 8) 21,794
Long-term financial assets (Note 10) 371
Deferred tax assets (Note 19) 2,991
Inventories 1,144
Receivables 14,149
Other current assets 127
Cash and cash equivalents 2,955
Assets held for sale 57,591
Deferred tax liabilities (Note 19) 724
Provisions (Note 18) 193
Financial liabilities 1,353
Accounts payable and other liabilities 4,939
Liabilities related to assets held for sale 7,209
Net assets held for sale 50,382

28. Auditors' fees

The fees for professional services rendered by PwC Network firms and other audit firms to Befesa and its subsidiaries are as follows:

Thousand Euro:
2017 Services
rendered
by PwC
Services
rendered
by other
audit firms
Audit services 475 19
Other assurance services 845 58
Tax advisory services 62
Other non-audit services 855
2,175 139

(continued) (Thousand euro)

28. Auditors' fees (continued)

Thousand euro
2016 Services
rendered
by PwC
Services
rendered
by other
audit firms
Audit services 601 19
Other assurance services 22
Tax advisory services 41 85
Other non-audit services 837
1,501 104

29. Earnings per share

a) Basic earning/(losses) per share (EUR per share)

2017 2016
From continuing operations attributable to the ordinary equity holders
of the company 0.87 (2.44)
From discontinued operations 0.15 (3.38)
Total basic earnings/(losses) per share attributable to the ordinary equity
holders of the company 1.02 (5.82)

b) Diluted earning/(losses) per share (EUR per share)

Total diluted earning/(losses) per share attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the company as at 31 December 2016 amounted to (5.36) EUR. As at 31 December 2017, there are no differences between basic and diluted earning/ (losses) per share.

c) Reconciliation of earnings used in calculating earning per share

Thousand Euros
2017 2016
Profit/(loss) for the year from continuing operations 51,182 20,743
Less Non-controlling interests from continuing operations (5,710) (1,880)
Profit/(loss) from continuing operations attributable to the ordinary equity
holders of the company
45,472 18,863
Less: cumulative preference share return (23,659) (70,821)
21,813 (51,958)
Profit/(loss) for the year from discontinued operations 3,779 (71,795)
Less Non-controlling interests from discontinued operations (18)
Profit/(loss) from discontinued operations attributable to the ordinary equity
holders of the company
3,779 (71,777)
Profit/(loss) attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the company used
in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share
25,592 (123,735)

d) Weighted average number of shares used as the denominator

Number in thousand
2017 2016
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used as the denominator in
calculating basic earnings per share
25,025 21,262
Adjustments for calculation of diluted earnings per share:
Convertible bond 1,804
Weighted average number of ordinary shares and potential ordinary shares
used as the denominator in calculating diluted earnings per share
25,025 23,066

Convertible bond into potential ordinary shares has been included in the determination of diluted earnings per share from their date of issue until the date of its contribution to the parent company share capital in 2016. It has not been included in the determination of basic earnings per share.

During 2017, a grouping of shares has been carried out so that 6,403,591,150 ordinary shares were converted into 23,066,112 shares. This conversion factor has been applied for the purpose of calculating the benefit per share, as if it had been carried out at the beginning of the 2016 exercise.

30. Subsequent events

No significant Event has occurred after the close of the year outside of the normal activities of the Befesa Group.

Appendix I

Subsidiaries, joint operations and associates

2017

Thousand euro (31/12/2017)
Entity Address Activity % Interest Auditor Share Reserves Translation
differences
Results Interim
dividend
Subsidiaries
Befesa Holding S.à r.l. Luxembourg Holding 100% (1) 13 426,991 (1,550)
Befesa Medioambiente Holdco, S.L. Biscay Holding 100% (1) 77,870 332,527 (5,100)
Befesa Management Services Germany Holding 100% PwC 25 589 211
Befesa Medio Ambiente, S.L. Biscay Holding 100% PwC 150,003 (96,496) (3,722)
Alianza Medioambiental, S.L. Biscay Holding 100% (1) 104,359 (28,148) 8,417
MRH Residuos Metálicos S.L.U. Biscay Holding 100% (1) 15,600 74,771 24,339
– Befesa Salzschlacke Gmbh Germany Aluminium waste 100% PwC 25 1,888 8,140 (5,153)
treatment
– Befesa Aluminium Germany GmbH Germany Aluminium waste
treatment
100% PwC 25 303
– Subgroup Zinc Befesa Zinc, S.A.U. Biscay Holding 100% PwC 25,010 37,392 35,804
• Befesa Zinc Comercial, S.A. (Sociedad Biscay Sale of recycled 100% PwC 60 9,658 276
Unipersonal) waste
• Befesa Zinc Aser, S.A. (Sociedad Unipersonal) Biscay Recovery of metals 100% PwC 4,260 8,577 30,529 (28,000)
• Befesa Zinc Sur, S.L. (Sociedad Unipersonal) Badajoz Recovery of metals 100% (1) 605 246 2
• Befesa Zinc Óxido, S.A. (Sociedad Unipersonal) Biscay Recovery of metals 100% PwC 1,102 5,331 93
• Befesa Steel R&D, S.L. (Sociedad Unipersonal) Biscay projects and technology
Development of
innovation
100% (1) 3 1,970 29
• Befesa Valera, S.A.S. France Recovery of metals 100% PwC 4,000 (2.730) 466
• Befesa Zinc Gravelines, S.A.S. France Waelz oxide treatment 100% PwC 8,000 1,613 710
• Befesa ScanDust AB Sweden Recovery of metals 100% PwC 5,310 8,663 (187) (8,822)
• Befesa Silvermet Turkey, S.L. Biscay Holding 53,70% (1) 9,775 4 3,877 (4,230)
• Befesa Silvermet Iskenderun Turkey Recovery of metals 100% PwC 5,344 1,349 (4,408) 11,867
• Befesa DisTicaret Turkey Recovery of metals 100% PwC 1,198 274 (553) 1,568
• Befesa Zinc Germany GmbH Germany Holding 100% PwC 25 5,826 24,018 (27,000)
• Befesa Steel Services GmbH Germany Sales and logistics 100% PwC 2,045 67,109 367
• Befesa Zinc Duisburg GmbH Germany Recovery of metals 100% PwC 5,113 5,890 (378)
• Befesa Zinc Korea Ltd. South Korea Recovery of metals 100% PwC 17,015 23,810 4,989 10,874

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as at 31 December 2017

(continued) (Thousand euro)

Thousand euro (31/12/2017)
Entity Address Activity % Interest Auditor Share Reserves Translation
differences
Results Interim
dividend
• Befesa Zinc Freiberg GmbH & Co. KG Germany Recovery of metals 100% PwC 1,000 (3,243) (621)
• Befesa Aluminio, S.L.U. Biscay Recovery of metals 100% PwC 4,767 55,521 6,528
• Befesa Aluminio Comercializadora, S.L Biscay Marketing company 100% (1) 90 21
• Befesa Salt Slags, SLtd. United Recovery of metals 100% PwC 27,108 (21,098) (2,018) (2,042)
Kingdom
Joint operations
– Recytech, S.A. France Recovery of metals 50% Deloitte 6,240 1,098 21,038

(1) Companies not subject to statutory audit.

(continued) (Thousand euro)

Thousand euro (31/12/2016)
Entity Address Activity % Interest Auditor Share Reserves Translation
differences
Results Interim
dividend
Subsidiaries
Befesa Holding S.à r.l. Luxembourg Holding 100% PwC 13 444,251 (15)
Bilbao (Luxembourg), S.A. Luxembourg Holding 100% PwC 31 246 (195)
Befesa Medioambiente Holdco, S.L. Biscay Holding 100% (2) 77,870 346,319 (5,721)
Befesa Management Services Germany Holding 100% (2) 25 371 218
Befesa Medio Ambiente, S.L. Biscay Holding 100% PwC 150,003 209,296 (177,562)
1. AMA Subgroup
Alianza Medioambiental, S.L. Biscay Holding 100% PwC 104,359 12,267 (43,324)
– Befesa Argentina, S.A. Argentina Industrial cleaning and 100% PwC 8,328 3,814 (10,192) 123
waste treatment
– Befesa Perú, S.A. (1) Perú Waste treatment 100% PwC 639 3,574 370 706
– Soluciones Ambientales del Norte
Ltda., S.A.(1)
Chile Waste treatment 100% PwC 6,581 (4,560) (964) 287
– Solarca S.L. (1) Tarragona Chemical cleaning and
steam and air blowing
100% PwC 343 7,523 948
– Solarca CLM, S.L. (1) Castilla La
Mancha
Chemical cleaning and
steam and air blowing
100% (2) 186 348 29
– Sabsco UK, Ltd. (1) Kingdom
United
Chemical cleaning and
steam and air blowing
100% Wilkins
Kennedy
407 186 (71) 404
– Solarca France, Sarl (1) France Chemical cleaning and
steam and air blowing
100% PwC 43 490 162
– Sabsco Asia (1) Singapore Chemical cleaning and
steam and air blowing
100% NACN
International
130 (11) (1) (185)
– Solarca USA, Corp (1) USA Chemical cleaning and
steam and air blowing
100% (2) 1 458 (21) (365)
– Sabsco Malasia (1) Malaysia Chemical cleaning and
steam and air blowing
100% Mustapharaj 21 14 2 (131)
– Solarca Qatar, WLL (1) Qatar Chemical cleaning and
steam and air blowing
49% Morison
Menon
51 655 29 (34)
– Solarca Portugal (1) Portugal Chemical cleaning and
steam and air blowing
100% (2) 100 9 72

2016

164 BEFESA Annual Report 2017

Thousand euro (31/12/2016)
Entity Address Activity % Interest Auditor Share Reserves Translation
differences
Results Interim
dividend
2. MRH Residuos Metálicos S.L.U. Biscay Holding 100% (2) 15,600 68,646 21,800
– Befesa Salzschlacke Gmbh Germany Aluminium waste treatment 100% PwC 25 7,440 (1,764)
– Befesa Aluminium Germany GmbH Germany Aluminium waste treatment 100% (2) 25 304 (975)
– Subgroup Zinc Befesa Zinc, S.A.U. Biscay Holding 100% PwC 25,010 38,955 19,112
– Befesa Zinc Comercial, S.A.
(Sociedad Unipersonal)
Biscay Sale of recycled waste 100% PwC 60 8,647 1,011
– Befesa Zinc Aser, S.A. (Sociedad
Unipersonal)
Biscay mineral containing waste
Recovery of metal and
100% PwC 4,260 8,315 25,874 (22,500)
– Befesa Zinc Sur, S.L. (Sociedad Unipersonal) Badajoz Recovery of metal and
material containers
100% (2) 605 (56) 301
– Befesa Zinc Óxido, S.A. (Sociedad
Unipersonal)
Biscay Recovery of metals 100% PwC 1,102 5,248 83
– Befesa Steel R&D, S.L. (Sociedad
Unipersonal)
Biscay and technology innovation
Development of projects
100% (2) 3 1,956 14
– Befesa Valera, S.A.S. France Recovery of metals 100% PwC 4,000 8,039 (11,769)
– Befesa Zinc Gravelines, S.A.S. France Waelz oxide treatment 100% PwC 8,000 944 670
– Befesa ScanDust AB Sweden Recovery of metals 100% PwC 5,310 2,484 (36) 628
– Befesa Silvermet Turkey, S.L. Biscay Holding 55.90% (2) 10,301 1,205 499 (340)
– Befesa Silvermet Iskenderun Turkey Recovery of metals 100% PwC 6,788 1,436 (2,876) 3,696
– Befesa DisTicaret Turkey Recovery of metals 100% PwC 1,198 (551) (233) 1,580
– Befesa Zinc Germany GmbH Germany Holding 100% PwC 25 355 25,972 (20,500)
– Befesa Steel Services GmbH Germany Sales and logistics 100% PwC 2,045 66,777 332
– Befesa Zinc Duisburg GmbH Germany Recovery of metals 100% PwC 5,113 7,699 (732)
– Befesa Zinc Korea Ltd. South Korea Recovery of metal and
mineral waste
80% PwC 17,015 28,258 5,201 (280)
– Befesa Zinc Freiberg GmbH & Co. KG Germany Recovery of metals 100% PwC 1,000 (561) (372)
– Befesa Aluminio, S.L.U. Biscay Recovery of metals 100% PwC 4,767 60,717 3,066
– Befesa Aluminio Comercializadora, S.L. Biscay Marketing company 100% PwC 90 21
– Befesa Salt Slags, Ltd. Kingdom
United
Recovery of metals 100% PwC 21,399 (13,450) (1,995) (7,688)
Joint operations
– Recytech, S.A. France Recovery of metals 50% Deloitte 6,240 1,012 12,086

(1) Companies which at 31 December 2016 are classified as held for sale.

(2) Companies not subject to statutory audit.

165 BEFESA Annual Report 2017

Responsibility Statement

We, Javier Molina Montes and Wolf Uwe Lehmann, respectively Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, confirm, to the best of our knowledge, that:

  • the 2017 consolidated financial statements of Befesa S.A. presented in this Annual Report, which have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of Befesa S.A. and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, and
  • the Management Report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of Befesa S.A. and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

Luxembourg, March 13, 2018

Javier Molina Montes Wolf Uwe Lehmann

Independent Auditor's Report

$\bar{p}\bar{wc}$
Audit report
To the Shareholders of
Befesa S.A.
Report on the audit of the consolidated financial statements
Our opinion
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the
consolidated financial position of Befesa S.A. (the "Company") and its subsidiaries (the "Group") as at
31 December 2017, and of its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for the
year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by
the European Union.
Our opinion is consistent with our additional report to the Audit Committee or equivalent.
What we have audited
The Group's consolidated financial statements comprise:
• the consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2017;
the consolidated income statement for the year then ended;
٠
the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended;
the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended;
٠
the consolidated cash flow statements for the year then ended; and
the notes to the consolidated financial statements, which include a summary of significant
۰
accounting policies.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with the EU Regulation No 537/2014, the Law of 23 July 2016
on the audit profession (Law of 23 July 2016) and with International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) as
adopted for Luxembourg by the "Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier" (CSSF). Our
responsibilities under those Regulation, Law and standards are further described in the
"Responsibilities of the "Réviseur d'entreprises agréé" for the audit of the consolidated financial
statements" section of our report.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for
our opinion.
We are independent of the Group in accordance with the International Ethics Standards Board for
Accountants' Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (IESBA Code) as adopted for Luxembourg by
the CSSF together with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the consolidated
financial statements. We have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities under those ethical
requirements.
PricewaterhouseCoopers, Société coopérative, 2 rue Gerhard Mercator, B.P. 1443, L-1014 Luxembourg
Т: +352 494848 1, F: +352 494848 2900, илли рис.lu
Cabinet de révision agréé. Expert-comptable (autorisation gouvernementale n°10028256)

Independent Auditor's Report (continued)

Consolidated Financial Statements

Independent Auditor's Report (continued)

$\bar{p}\bar{wc}$
Responsibilities of the Board of Directors and those charged with governance for the consolidated
financial statements
The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated
financial statements in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, and for such internal
control as the Board of Directors determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated
financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the Board of Directors is responsible for assessing
the Group's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going
concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Board of Directors either intends to
liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.
Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Group's financial reporting process.
Responsibilities of the "Réviseur d'entreprises agréé" for the audit of the consolidated financial
statements
The objectives of our audit are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial
statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue
an audit report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a
guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with the EU Regulation No 537/2014, the Law of
23 July 2016 and with ISAs as adopted for Luxembourg by the CSSF will always detect a material
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material
if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic
decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated financial statements.
As part of an audit in accordance with the EU Regulation No 537/2014, the Law of 23 July 2016 and
with ISAs as adopted for Luxembourg by the CSSF, we exercise professional judgment and maintain
professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:
• identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements,
whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and
obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of
not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from
error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the
override of internal control:
obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures
that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the
effectiveness of the Group's internal control;
evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting
estimates and related disclosures made by the Board of Directors;

Independent Auditor's Report (continued)

Other matter
The Corporate Governance Report includes the information required by Article 68ter Paragraph (1)
Letters a), b), e), f) and g) of the Law of 19 December 2002 on the commercial and companies register
and on the accounting records and annual accounts of undertakings, as amended.
PricewaterhouseCoopers, Société coopérative
Represented by
Luxembourg, 14 March 2018
Markus Mee

Consolidated Financial Statements

Statutory Annual Accounts

176

Notes to the Statutory Annual Accounts

Statutory Annual Accounts

Responsibility Statement

Independent Auditor's Report

Statutory Annual Accounts as at 31 December 2017 (euro)

Balance Sheet Note(s) 2017 2016 Assets A. Subscribed capital unpaid I. Subscribed capital not called II. Subscribed capital called but unpaid B. Formation expenses 132,48 320,96 C. Fixed assets 774.521.878,18 265.873.281,41 I. Intangible assets 1. Costs of development 2. Concessions, patents, licences, trade marks and similar rights and assets, if they were a) acquired for valuable consideration and need not be shown under C.I.3 b) created by the undertaking itself 3. Goodwill, to the extent that it was acquired for valuable consideration 4. Payments on account and intangible assets under development II. Tangible assets 1. Land and buildings 2. Plant and machinery 3. Other fixtures and fittings, tools and equipment 4. Payments on account and tangible assets in the course of construction III. Financial assets 3. 774.521.878,18 265.873.281,41 1. Shares in affiliated undertakings 3.1 248.521.878,18 265.873.281,41 2. Loans to affiliated undertakings 3.2 526.000.000,00 3. Participating interests 4. Loans to undertakings with which the undertaking is linked by virtue of participating interests 5. Investments held as fixed assets 6. Other loans

Balance Sheet Note(s) 2017 2016
D. Current assets 8.584.748,47 3.640.654,86
I. Stocks
1. Raw materials and consumables
2. Work in progress
3. Finished goods and goods for resale
4. Payments on account
II. Debtors 4. 8.489.051,38 3.634.500,00
1. Trade debtors
a) becoming due and payable within one year
b) becoming due and payable after more than
one year
2. Amounts owed by affiliated undertakings
a) becoming due and payable within one year
b) becoming due and payable after more than
one year
3. Amounts owed by undertakings with which the
undertaking is linked by virtue of participating
interests
8.489.051,38 3.634.500,00
a) becoming due and payable within one year 4.923.051,38
b) becoming due and payable after more than
one year
3.566.000,00 3.634.500,00
4. Other debtors
a) becoming due and payable within one year
b) becoming due and payable after more than
one year
III. Investments
1. Shares in affiliated undertakings
2. Own shares
3. Other investments
IV. Cash at bank and in hand 95.697,09 6.154,86
E. Prepayments 5. 7.364.017,39 2.340,00
TOTAL (ASSETS) 790.470.776,52 269.516.597,23

Statutory Annual Accounts as at 31 December 2017

(continued) (euro)

Balance Sheet Note(s) 2017 2016
CAPITAL, RESERVES AND LIABILITIES
A Capital and reserves 6 250.493.596,08 267.748.362,58
I. Subscribed capital 6.1 94.575.646,35 64.093.192,67
II. Share premium account 6.2 288.744.501,22 233.286.638,84
III. Revaluation reserve
IV. Reserves 6.409.319,27
1. Legal reserve 6.3 6.409.319,27
2. Reserve for own shares
3. Reserves provided for by the articles of
association
4. Other reserves, including the fair value reserve
a) other available reserves
b) other non available reserves
V. Profit or loss brought forward -138.810.329,41 -271.437.572,46
VI. Profit or loss for the financial year -425.541,35 241.806.103,53
VII. Interim dividends
VIII. Capital investment subsidies
B. Provisions 7. 581.210,32 17.828,15
1. Provisions for pensions and similar obligations
2. Provisions for taxation 50,00
3. Other provisions 581.210,32 17.778,15
C. Creditors 8. 532.031.952,73 1.750.406,50
1. Debenture loans
a) Convertible loans
i) becoming due and payable within one year
ii) becoming due and payable after more than
one year
b) Non convertible loans
i) becoming due and payable within one year
ii) becoming due and payable after more than
one year
2. Amounts owed to credit institutions 8.1 527.039.752,00
Balance Sheet Note(s) 2017 2016
a) becoming due and payable within one year 1.039.752,00
b) becoming due and payable after more than
one year
526.000.000,00
3. Payments received on account of orders in so far as they
are shown separately as deductions from stocks
a) becoming due and payable within one year
b) becoming due and payable after more than one
year
4. Trade creditors 8.2 2.436.609,30
a) becoming due and payable within one year 2.436.609,30
b) becoming due and payable after more than one
year
5. Bills of exchange payable
a) becoming due and payable within one year
b) becoming due and payable after more than one
year
6. Amounts owed to affiliated undertakings 8.3 2.555.591,43 1.750.406,50
a) becoming due and payable within one year 336.815,07
b) becoming due and payable after more than one
year
2.555.591,43 1.413.591,43
7. Amounts owed to undertakings with which the
undertaking is linked by virtue of participating interests
a) becoming due and payable within one year
b) becoming due and payable after more than one
year
8. Other creditors
a) Tax authorities
b) Social security authorities
c) Other creditors
i) becoming due and payable within one year
ii) becoming due and payable after more than
one year
D. Deferred income 9. 7.364.017,39
TOTAL (CAPITAL, RESERVES AND LIABILITIES) 790.470.776,52 269.516.597,23

Statutory Annual Accounts as at 31 December 2017

(continued) (euro)

Note(s) 2017 2016
PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
1. Net turnover
2. Variation in stocks of finished goods and in work in
progress
3. Work performed by the undertaking for its own
purposes and capitalised
4. Other operating income 10. 1.465.841,44
5. Raw materials and consumables and other external
expenses
-1.920.814,30 -153.583,14
a) Raw materials and consumables
b) Other external expenses 11. -1.920.814,30 -153.583,14
6. Staff costs 12.
a) Wages and salaries
b) Social security costs
i)
relating to pensions
ii)
other social security costs
c) Other staff costs
7. Value adjustments -188,48 -188,48
a) in respect of formation expenses and of tangible and
intangible fixed assets
-188,48 -188,48
b) in respect of current assets
8. Other operating expenses
9. Income from participating interests
a) derived from affiliated undertakings
b) other income from participating interests
10. Income from other investments and loans forming
part of the fixed assets
964.333,33
a) derived from affiliated undertakings 3.2 964.333,33
b) other income not included under a)
Note(s) 2017 2016
11. Other interest receivable and similar income 216.859,22 250.736.376,55
a) derived from affiliated undertakings 250.736.376,55
b) other interest and similar income 9. 216.859,22
12. Share of profit or loss of undertakings accounted for
under the equity method
13. Value adjustments in respect of financial assets and
of investments held as current assets
14. Interest payable and similar expenses -1.143.207,56 -8.773.291,40
a) concerning affiliated undertakings -19.863,01 -3.636.601,94
b) other interest and similar expenses 8. -1.123.344,55 -5.136.689,46
15. Tax on profit or loss 13.
16. Profit or loss after taxation -417.176,35 241.809.313,53
17. Other taxes not shown under items 1 to 16 -8.365,00 -3.210,00
18. Profit or loss for the financial year -425.541,35 241.806.103,53

Notes to the Statutory Annual Accounts as at 31 December 2017

(euro)

1. General information

Befesa S.A. (the "Company") (formerly Bilbao Midco S.à r.l) was incorporated in Luxembourg on 31 May 2013 as a "société à responsabilité limitée" subject to the Luxembourg law for an unlimited period of time. On 18 October 2017, the shareholders resolved to the convert the Company from its current form of a "société à responsabilité limitée" into a "société anonyme" without creating a new legal entity or affecting the legal existence or personality of the Company in any manner, and to change the change name of the Company into Befesa S.A.. As at 31 December 2017, the registered office of the Company is established at 2C, Rue Albert Borschette, L-1246, Luxembourg. On 1 March 2018, the registered office of the Company was transferred to 46, Boulevard Grande-Duchesse Charlotte, L-1330 Luxembourg.

The object of the Company is the acquisition, holding and disposal of interests in Luxembourg and/or in foreign companies and undertakings, as well as the administration, development and management of such interests.

The Company may provide loans and financing in any other kind or form, or grant guarantees or security in any kind or form, for the benefit of the companies and undertakings forming part of the group of which the Company is a member.

The Company may also invest in real estate, in intellectual property rights or any other movable or immovable assets in any kind or form.

The Company may borrow in any kind or form and issue bonds, notes or any other debt instruments as well as warrants or other share subscription rights.

In a general fashion, the Company may carry out any commercial, industrial or financial operation, which it may deem useful in the accomplishment and development of its object.

Following the Initial Public Offer ("IPO") held on 3 November 2017, the Company is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

The Company's financial year starts on 1 January and ends on 31 December each year.

The Company also prepares consolidated accounts in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union ('IFRS'). The consolidated financial statements are available at the registered office of the Company.

The provisions of the law of 18 December 2015 on the annual accounts and consolidated accounts and the grand-ducal regulation of 18 December 2015 on the layout of balance sheet and profit and loss accounts, amending the law of 19 December 2002 have been transposed in these annual accounts.

2. Summary of significant accounting policies

2.1 Basis for preparation

The annual accounts have been prepared in accordance with Luxembourg legal and regulatory requirements, under the historical cost convention. The accounting policies and valuation rules are besides the ones laid down by the law of 19 December 2002, as amended, determined and applied by the Board of Directors.

The preparation of annual accounts requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires the Board of Directors to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the accounting policies. Changes in assumptions may have a significant impact on the annual accounts in the period in which the assumptions changed. The Board of Directors believes that the underlying assumptions are appropriate and that the annual accounts therefore present the financial position and results fairly.

The Company makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the next financial year. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under circumstances.

2.2 Significant accounting policies

2.2.1 Foreign currency translation

The Company maintains its books and records in Euro ("EUR") and the Balance Sheet and the Profit and Loss account are expressed in this currency.

Other assets and other liabilities (except specific cases) denominated in currencies other than EUR are translated at the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the balance sheet, unless this would lead to an unrealised exchange gain.

As a result, realised exchange gains and losses and unrealised exchange losses are recorded in the profit and loss account. Unrealised exchange gains are not recorded.

Specific cases:

Current assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than EUR (having an economic link and similar characteristics) are recorded at the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the balance sheet.

Long term debt denominated in currencies other than EUR having an economic link with receivables recorded in financial assets (and having similar characteristics) are translated at the historical exchange rates ("back to back" loans).

2.2.2 Formation expenses

Formation expenses include costs in connection with the incorporation of the Company and any subsequent capital increases. Formation expenses are amortized on a straight line basis over a period of five years.

Notes to the Statutory Annual Accounts as at 31 December 2017

(continued) (euro)

2.2.3 Financial assets

Shares in affiliated undertakings, participating interests and securities held as fixed assets are valued at acquisition cost, including the expenses incidental thereto.

Loans to affiliated undertakings are recorded at their nominal value, including the expenses incidental thereto.

In case of durable depreciation in value according to the opinion of the Board of Directors, value adjustments are made in respect of financial assets, so that they are valued at the lower figure to be attributed to them at the balance sheet date. These value adjustments are not continued if the reasons for which they were recorded have ceased to apply.

Pre-acquisition reserves distributions received from affiliated undertakings are considered to be a reimbursement of the investment, and therefore are accounted for as a reduction of the Company's cost of the participation in the affiliated undertaking.

2.2.4 Debtors

Debtors are recorded at their nominal value. They are subject to value adjustments where, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, their recovery is compromised. These value adjustments are not maintained if the reasons for which the value adjustments were made have ceased to apply.

2.2.5 Prepayments

This asset item includes expenditures incurred during the financial year but relating to a subsequent financial year.

2.2.6 Provisions

Provisions are intended to cover losses or debts the nature of which is clearly defined and which at the date of the balance sheet are either likely to be incurred or certain to be incurred but uncertain as to their amount or as to the date on which they will arise.

Provisions may also be created in order to cover charges which have their origin in the financial year under review or in a previous financial year, the nature of which is clearly defined and which at the balance sheet date are either likely to be incurred, or certain to be incurred but uncertain as to their amount or as to the date on which they will arise.

Provision for taxation

Provisions for taxation corresponding to the difference between the tax liability estimated by the Company and the advance payments for the financial years for which the tax return has not yet been filed are recorded under the caption "Provisions".

2. Summary of significant accounting policies continued

2.2.7 Creditors

Creditors are recorded at their reimbursement value. When the amount repayable on account is greater than the amount received, the difference is shown as an asset and is written off over the period of the debt.

2.2.8 Deferred income

This liability item includes income received during the financial year but relating to a subsequent financial year.

3. Financial assets

3.1 Shares in affiliated undertakings

Name of Company Registered office % of ownership Net book value
31.12.2016
(EUR)
Additions/
(Reductions)
for the year
(EUR)
Net book value
31.12.2017
(EUR)
Befesa Holding
S.à r.l. Luxembourg 100 % 247.532.853,80 (17.243.403,23) 230.289.450,57
Befesa Medio
Ambiente, S.L. Spain 6 % 18.340.427,61 (108.000,00) 18.232.427,61
Total 265.873.281,41 (17.351.403,23) 248.521.878,18
Name of Company Net Equity as at
31.12.2017
(EUR)
Result
YTD 2017
(EUR)
Befesa Holding S.à r.l. 222.442.760,04 (1.521.487,62)
Befesa Medio Ambiente, S.L. 182.393.470,00 (16.758.269,00)

Befesa Holding S.à r.l.

In October 2017, Befesa Holding distributed an interim dividend (with charge to pre-acquisition reserves) for a total amount of EUR 17,243,403.23.

Befesa Medio Ambiente, S.L.

During the year 2017, the carrying value of this investment has been adjusted by EUR 108.000,00 following the assignment and set-off of a claim from the former owner of the Group.

In the opinion of the Board of Directors, no durable depreciation in value has occurred on shares in affiliated undertakings as at 31 December 2017, accordingly no value adjustment was recorded.

Notes to the Statutory Annual Accounts as at 31 December 2017

(continued) (euro)

3.2 Loans to affiliated undertakings

Balance as at
31.12.2017
Balance as at
31.12.2016
Name of Borrower Instruments (EUR) (EUR)
Befesa Medio Ambiente, S.L. Loan 526.000.000,00
Total 526.000.000,00

On 7 December 2017, the Company granted a loan of EUR 526.000.000,00 to Befesa Medio Ambiente, S.L. The principal economic terms of this loan match the principal economic terms of the Facility granted to the Company (Note 8.1).

As at 31 December 2017, the nominal amount of this loan is EUR 526.000.000,00 (2016: EUR 0) and accrued interest amount to EUR 964.333,33 (2016: EUR 0) (Note 4). The interest income of the year amounts to EUR 964.333,33 (2016: EUR 0).

In the opinion of the Board of Directors, no durable depreciation in value has occurred on loans to affiliated undertakings as at 31 December 2017, accordingly no value adjustment was recorded.

4. Debtors

Total
31.12.2017
(EUR)
Total
31.12.2016
(EUR)
Amounts owed by affiliated undertakings
Becoming due and payable within one year 4.923.051,38
Becoming due and payable after more than one year 3.566.000,00 3.634.500,00
Total 8.489.051,38 3.634.500,00

As at 31 December 2017, the amounts owed by affiliated undertakings becoming due and payable within one year are mainly composed of EUR 2.053.451,38 (2016: EUR 0) for the costs recharged to the subsidiary (Note 10). The balance also includes accrued interest: EUR 964.333,33 (2016: EUR 0) on the loan granted to Befesa Medio Ambiente, S.L. (Note 3.2), EUR 75.418,67 (2016: EUR 0) on the interest rate swap ("IRS") granted to this same subsidiary. This IRS has the same principal economic terms than the IRS granted to the Company (Note 8.1).

As at 31 December 2017, the amounts owed by affiliated undertakings becoming due and payable after more than one year are composed of cash advances mainly granted to affiliated undertakings. The balance bears no interest.

In the opinion of the Board of Directors, the recovery of debtors is not compromised as at 31 December 2017, accordingly no value adjustment was recorded.

5. Prepayments

Total
31.12.2017
(EUR)
Total
31.12.2016
(EUR)
Arrangement fees 6.276.407,45
Capitalized costs 1.087.609,94
Other prepaid expenses 2.340,00
Total 7.364.017,39 2.340,00

Arrangement fees of EUR 6.360.000,00 (2016: EUR 0) have been paid in relation to the Facility agreement granted to the Company (Note 8.1). These transactions costs have been recognized and are amortized all along the length of the facility. As at 31 December 2017, the prorated amortisation amounts to EUR 83.592,55 (2016: EUR 0).

In addition, some costs related to the facility have also been capitalized for an amount of EUR 1.102.095,31 (2016: EUR 0), and amortized similarly. As at 31 December 2017, the prorated amortisation amounts to EUR 14.485,37 (2016: EUR 0).

6. Capital and reserves

6.1 Subscribed capital

Balance
31.12.2016
(EUR)
Movements of
the year
(EUR)
Balance
31.12.2017
(EUR)
Class A Preference Shares 57.281,17 (57.281,17)
Class B Ordinary shares 64.035.911,50 (64.035.911,50)
Ordinary Shares 94.575.646,35 94.575.646,35
Subscribed capital 64.093.192,67 30.482.453,68 94.575.646,35

As at 31 December 2016, the subscribed capital was fully paid up and represented by 5.728.117 Class A preference shares and 6.403.591.150 Class B ordinary shares with a nominal value of EUR 0,01, each for a total amount of EUR 64.093.192,67.

At the time of the conversion of Bilbao Midco S.à r.l. into Befesa S.A., the Company reduced its total number of shares, cancelled the nominal value of the shares, and set the Company's share capital at EUR 64.093.192,67 divided into 20.633 class A preference shares and 23.066.112 ordinary shares.

Prior to the IPO, the 20.633 Class A preference shares have been converted into 11.000.593 ordinary shares.

As at 31 December 2017, the subscribed capital is fully paid up and represented by 34.066.705 ordinary shares without nominal value, representing a total amount of EUR 94.575.646,35.

Notes to the Statutory Annual Accounts as at 31 December 2017

(continued) (euro)

6.2 Share premium account

The movements on the share premium account during the year are as follows:

Balance Movements of Balance
31.12.2016 the year 31.12.2017
(EUR) (EUR) (EUR)
Share Premium account 233.286.638,84 55.457.862,38 288.744.501,22

The movements of the year are explained by:

  • (i) EUR 16.829.225,15 decrease following distribution as an interim dividend on 17 October 2017.
  • (ii) EUR 72.827.087,53 increase following the conversion of the Class A preference shares into ordinary shares.

6.3 Legal Reserve

In accordance with the Luxembourg relevant law, the Company is required to transfer a minimum of 5% of its net profit for each financial year to a legal reserve. This requirement ceases to be necessary once the balance on the legal reserve reaches 10% of the issued share capital. If the legal reserve later falls below the 10% threshold, at least 5% of net profits must be allocated again toward the reserve. The legal reserve is not available for distribution to the shareholders.

7. Provisions

As at 31 December 2017, provisions mainly consist of provisions for other external charges.

8. Creditors

8.1 Amounts owed to credit institutions

Total
31.12.2017
(EUR)
Total
31.12.2016
(EUR)
Amounts becoming due and payable within one year 1.039.752,00
Amounts becoming due and payable after more than one year 526.000.000,00
Total 527.039.752,00

On 19 October 2017, the Company entered into a Facility agreement of EUR 636.000.000,00. An amount of EUR 526.000.000,00 was drawdown on 7 December 2017. The Facility bears interests at 2,75% margin + 3 months Euribor "0" Floor, and matures on 7 December 2022. Simultaneously, the Company also entered into an Interest Rate Swap agreement ("IRS"), also maturing on 7 December 2022. This IRS covers notional amount of EUR 316.000.000,00, and the fixed rate is 0,358%, and the benchmark floating rate is Euribor.

As at 31 December 2017, the amounts becoming due and payable within one year are composed of EUR 964.333,33 (2016: EUR 0) accrued interest on the facility, and of EUR 75.418,67 (2016: EUR 0) accrued interest on the IRS.

8. Creditors continued

8.2 Trade Creditors

As at 31 December 2017, the trade creditors consist of accrued invoices for EUR 2.436.609,30 (2016: EUR 0).

8.3 Amounts owed to affiliated undertakings

Total
31.12.2017
(EUR)
Total
31.12.2016
(EUR)
Amounts becoming due and payable within one year 336.815,07
Amounts becoming due and payable after more than one year 2.555.591,43 1.413.591,43
Amounts becoming due and payable after more than five years
Total 2.555.591,43 1.750.406,50

As at 31 December 2017, the amounts becoming due and payable after more than one year are composed of a payable of EUR 1.255.591,43 (2016: EUR 1.363.5941,43) to one of the subsidiary, and cash advances of EUR 1.300.000,00 (2016: EUR 50.000,00) granted by a subsidiary.

9. Deferred income

The Facility agreement granted to the Company on 7 December 2017 (Note 8.1) and the loan granted to Befesa Medio Ambiente, S.L. (Note 3.2) have the same principal economic terms. The arrangement fees EUR 6.360.000,00 (2016: EUR 0) and costs capitalised EUR 1.102.095,31 (2016: EUR 0) on the Facility (Note 5) have been accounted for equally on the loan granted to Befesa Medio Ambiente, S.L.. As at 31 December 2017, the prorated amortisation of the arrangement fees amounts to EUR 83.592,55 (2016: EUR 0), and the prorated amortisation of the capitalised costs amounts to EUR 14.485,37 (2016: EUR 0).

10. Other operating income

The other operating income consists of the costs the Company recharged to its subsidiary for the year 2017.

11. Other external expenses

The other external expenses are composed of the following:

01.01.2017-
31.12.2017
(EUR)
01.01.2016 -
31.12.2016
(EUR)
Accounting, auditing and domiciliation fees 46.762,32 36.467,73
Banking and similar services 400,97 146,25
Legal fees 1.324.313,01 106.259,16
Other commissions and professional fees 548.988,00 10.360,00
Miscellaneous 350,00 350,00
Total 1.920.814,30 153.583,14

The legal and professional fees are mainly composed of costs related to the IPO.

Notes to the Statutory Annual Accounts as at 31 December 2017

(continued) (euro)

The professional services provided by PwC Network firms to Befesa S.A. and its affiliated undertakings are as follows :

(Thousand EUR) 2017 2016
Audit services 475 601
Other assurance services 845 22
Tax advisory services 41
Other non-audit services 855 837
Total 2.175 1.501

12. Staff costs

The average number of employees for the year 2017 was nil (2016: 0).

13. Tax on profit or loss

The Company is subject to the general tax regulation applicable in Luxembourg.

14. Related parties transactions

Unless previously disclosed, the Company did not enter into related party transactions which have not been concluded under normal market conditions.

15. Off balance sheet items

On 19 October 2017, the Company entered into a Facility agreement of EUR 636.000.000,00 (Note 8.1). In this context, the Company pledged the shares of Befesa Holding S.à r.l. and Befesa Medio Ambiente, S.L..

On 7 December 2017, the Company entered into an Interest Rate Swap agreement ("IRS") in relation with the Facility agreement (Note 8.1).

16. Advances and loans granted to the members of the management and supervisory bodies

Neither advances nor loans have been granted by the Company to the members of the management and supervisory bodies.

17. Subsequent events

In January 2018, the Parent Company approved two different compensation plans for some members of the Group management:

  • A compensation plan linked to the evolution of the share price consisting of 79.018 shares that will be exercisable after three years of signing the agreement (November 2017). The agreed remuneration is conditioned to the continuation of the beneficiaries as directors of the Group.
  • A compensation plan linked to the evolution of certain key indicators determined in the agreement (cumulative EBIT, cumulative cash flow and return on inputs of strategic projects). The plan consists of four periods of three years each starting from January 2018 to January 2021 and considers 89.107 shares per period. The agreed remuneration plan is conditioned to the continuation of the beneficiaries as directors of the Group.

The settlement may be liquidated, at the Company's discretion, by means of cash or by exercising the purchase option of the shares at the reference price, after considering compliance with the mentioned indicators.

On 1 March 2018, the registered office of the Company was transferred to 46, Boulevard Grande-Duchesse Charlotte, L-1330 Luxembourg.

Responsibility Statement

We, Javier Molina Montes and Wolf Uwe Lehmann, respectively Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, confirm, to the best of our knowledge, that:

  • The 2017 annual accounts presented in this Annual Report, which have been prepared in accordance with Luxembourg legal and regulatory requirements, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of Befesa S.A.; and
  • The management report on the annual accounts included in this Annual Report, which has been combined with the management report on the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report, gives a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of Befesa S.A., or Befesa S.A. and its consolidated subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as applicable, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

Luxembourg, March 13, 2018

Javier Molina Montes Wolf Uwe Lehmann

Independent Auditor's Report

Audit report
To the Shareholders of
Befesa S.A.
Report on the audit of the annual accounts
Our opinion
In our opinion, the accompanying annual accounts give a true and fair view of the financial position of
Befesa S.A. (the "Company") as at 31 December 2017, and of the results of its operations for the year
then ended in accordance with Luxembourg legal and regulatory requirements relating to the
preparation and presentation of the annual accounts.
Our opinion is consistent with our additional report to the Audit Committee or equivalent.
What we have audited
The Company's annual accounts comprise:
the balance sheet as at 31 December 2017;
the profit and loss account for the year then ended; and
٠
• the notes to the annual accounts, which include a summary of significant accounting policies.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with the EU Regulation No $537/2014$ , the Law of 23 July 2016 on the
audit profession (Law of 23 July 2016) and with International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) as adopted for
Luxembourg by the "Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier" (CSSF). Our responsibilities under
those Regulation, Law and standards are further described in the "Responsibilities of the
"Réviseur d'entreprises agréé" for the audit of the annual accounts" section of our report.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for
our opinion.
We are independent of the Company in accordance with the International Ethics Standards Board for
Accountants' Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (IESBA Code) as adopted for Luxembourg by
the CSSF together with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the annual accounts.
We have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities under those ethical requirements.
PricewaterhouseCoopers, Société coopérative, 2 rue Gerhard Mercator, B.P. 1443, L-1014 Luxembourg
T: +352 494848 1, F: +352 494848 2900, www.pwc.lu
Cabinet de révision agréé. Expert-comptable (autorisation gouvernementale n°10028256)
R.C.S. Luxembourg B65 477 - TVA LU25482518

Independent Auditor's Report (continued)

Independent Auditor's Report (continued)

pwc
Responsibilities of the "Réviseur d'entreprises agréé" for the audit of the annual accounts
The objectives of our audit are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the annual accounts as a
whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an audit report
that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that
an audit conducted in accordance with the EU Regulation No 537/2014, the Law of 23 July 2016 and
with ISAs as adopted for Luxembourg by the CSSF will always detect a material misstatement when it
exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the
aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the
basis of these annual accounts.
As part of an audit in accordance with the EU Regulation No 537/2014, the Law of 23 July 2016 and
with ISAs as adopted for Luxembourg by the CSSF, we exercise professional judgment and maintain
professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:
identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the annual accounts, whether due to fraud
or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence
that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a
material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may
involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal
control;
• obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures
that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the
effectiveness of the Company's internal control;
evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting
٠
estimates and related disclosures made by the Board of Directors;
conclude on the appropriateness of the Board of Directors' use of the going concern basis of
accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related
to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going
concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our
audit report to the related disclosures in the annual accounts or, if such disclosures are inadequate,
to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of
our audit report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to cease to continue
as a going concern;
evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the annual accounts, including the
٠
disclosures, and whether the annual accounts represent the underlying transactions and events in a
manner that achieves fair presentation;
We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned
scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in
internal control that we identify during our audit.

Additional Information

Financial Calendar, IR Events & IR Contact

Disclaimer

For a full understanding of this Annual Report and Befesa's activities, please see below a glossary of certain technical terms used herein.

Aluminium alloy A mixture of two or more elements in which aluminium is the
predominant metal
Aluminium concentrates Secondary aluminium residue generated during the recycling process
of salt slags and SPL, which can either be landfilled or sold to various
industries as an input material for further production cycles
Aluminium residue Aluminium scrap and other residues mainly containing aluminium,
such as drosses, shavings and cuttings, that can be recycled
Aluminium scrap Material from various goods that have reached completion of their
useful lives, that mainly contains aluminium and can be recycled
Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) A type of metallurgical furnace which uses iron ore as its base raw
material to produce steel
Coke An input material used in our steel residue recycling processes
Crude steel dust Hazardous waste resulting from the production of crude steel by mini
mills
Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) A furnace used by mini-mills to melt scrap steel that can be easily
started and stopped to respond to changes in demand
Galvanized steel Steel with a protective coating containing zinc that protects against
corrosion
Leaching A hydrometallurgical process that increases the zinc content of Waelz
oxide by removing impurities like fluorides and chlorines
Lime An input material used in our steel dust recycling process
Mini-mills Steel production facilities for the production of steel by melting the
recycled scrap steel in Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF), as opposed to
directly from iron ore (which is the primary iron resource used in
traditional Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) steel factories)
Plasma furnace A furnace used for recycling stainless steel residue by processing the
residue, coke and lime amongst other materials in a plasma generator
to recover metals (mainly nickel, chromium and molybdenum)
Rotary oven A tube-shaped oven that rotates around a central axis while materials
are being treated
Salt slags A hazardous waste generated by the production of secondary
aluminium
Scrap steel Recycled steel that serves as an input material for steel manufacturers
using mini-mill facilities
SPL Spent Pot Linings or aluminium electrolysis cells are hazardous waste
materials generated in the production process of primary aluminium
Stainless steel residue A hazardous residue resulting from the stainless steel production from
scrap stainless steel
Steel residue Crude steel dust and stainless steel residue
Submerged arc welding furnace A furnace used for recycling stainless steel residue by processing
stainless steel residue, coke and lime amongst other materials in
a charging device to recover metals (mainly nickel, chromium and
molybdenum)
Tolling fee A fee charged to stainless steel manufacturers to collect and treat
stainless steel residue and return to them metals (mainly nickel,
chromium and molybdenum) recovered in the process
Valorization The recovery of valuable materials from waste
Waelz kiln A kiln used for processing crude steel dust by mixing crude steel
dust, coke and lime in the kiln containing a rotating furnace, which
vaporizes the zinc and lead components contained in the crude steel
dust and produces Waelz oxide
Waelz oxide A product with a high concentration of zinc that is generated in the
crude steel dust recycling process and that is used in the production
of zinc
Zinc smelter A type of industrial plant or establishment that engages in zinc
smelting, i.e. the conversion of zinc ore concentrates and Waelz oxide
into zinc metal

Financial Calendar, IR Events & IR Contact

Financial Calendar Thursday, March 15, 2018 Publication of Report for the Full Year 2017 & Analyst Call

Thursday, April 26, 2018 Annual General Meeting in Luxembourg

Thursday, May 24, 2018 Publication of Statement for the Q1 2018 & Analyst Call

Thursday, August 30, 2018 Publication of Interim Report for the H1 2018 & Analyst Call

Thursday, November 22, 2018 Publication of Statement for the Q3 2018

& Analyst Call

Note: We cannot rule out changes of dates. We recommend checking them in the Investor Relations / Financial Calendar section of our website (www.befesa.com)

IR Events January 8-9, 2018 New York, German Investment Seminar (Commerzbank)

March 8, 2018 London, Global Resources Conference (Citi)

March 16, 2018 London, Pan-European Business Services Conference (Citi)

June 6-8, 2018 Berlin, dbAccess Berlin Conference (Deutsche Bank)

June 11-13, 2018 Boston, 2018 Cross Sector Insight Conference (Stifel)

September 11-13, 2018 London, Small and Mid Caps Europe (JP Morgan)

September 24-26, 2018

Munich, Berenberg & Goldman Sachs German Corporate Conference

Note: We cannot rule out changes of dates. We recommend checking them in the Investor Relations / IR news section of our website (www.befesa.com)

IR Contact Rafael Pérez, Director of Investor Relations and Strategy

T: +49 (0) 2102 1001 340 E: [email protected]

Published on Thursday, March 15, 2018 You can find this and other publications online in the Investor Relations / Reports and presentations section of our website (www.befesa.com)

Disclaimer

This report contains forward-looking statements and information relating to Befesa and its affiliates that are based on the beliefs of its management, including assumptions, opinions and views of Befesa and its affiliates as well as information cited from third party sources.

Such statements reflect the current views of Befesa and its affiliates or of such third parties with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions.

Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Befesa and its affiliates to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, amongst others: changes in general economic, political, governmental

and business conditions globally and in the countries in which Befesa and its affiliates does business; changes in interest rates; changes in inflation rates; changes in prices; changes to national and international laws and policies that support industrial waste recycling; legal challenges to regulations, subsidies and incentives that support industrial waste recycling; extensive governmental regulation in a number of different jurisdictions, including stringent environmental regulation; management of exposure to credit, interest rate, exchange rate and commodity price risks; acquisitions or investments in joint ventures with third parties; inability to obtain new sites and expand existing ones; failure to maintain safe work environments; effects of catastrophes, natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, unexpected geological or other physical conditions, or criminal or terrorist acts at one or more of our

plants; insufficient insurance coverage and increases in insurance cost; loss of senior management and key personnel; unauthorized use of our intellectual property and claims of infringement by us of others intellectual property; our ability to generate cash to service our indebtedness changes in business strategy and various other factors.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected or targeted.

Befesa and its affiliates do not assume any guarantee that the assumptions underlying forward-looking statements are free of errors nor do they accept any responsibility for the future accuracy of the opinions expressed herein or the actual occurrence of the forecasted

developments. No representation (express or implied) is made as to, and no reliance should be placed on, any information, including projections, estimates, targets and opinions, contained herein, and no liability whatsoever is accepted as to any errors, omissions or misstatements contained herein or otherwise resulting, directly or indirectly, from the use of this document.

Befesa and its affiliates do not intend, and do not assume any obligations, to update these forward-looking statements.

Befesa S.A. 46, Boulevard Grande-Duchesse Charlotte L-1330, Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

www.befesa.com

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