AI Terminal

MODULE: AI_ANALYST
Interactive Q&A, Risk Assessment, Summarization
MODULE: DATA_EXTRACT
Excel Export, XBRL Parsing, Table Digitization
MODULE: PEER_COMP
Sector Benchmarking, Sentiment Analysis
SYSTEM ACCESS LOCKED
Authenticate / Register Log In

Geox

Annual Report Mar 26, 2018

4421_10-k_2018-03-26_d4084866-733c-4e51-a89d-15a2b2e49da4.pdf

Annual Report

Open in Viewer

Opens in native device viewer

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Geox S.p.A. Registered Offices in Italy - Via Feltrina Centro 16, Biadene di Montebelluna (Treviso) Share Capital - Euro 25,920,733.1 fully paid Tax Code and Treviso Companies Register No. 03348440268

DIRECTORS' REPORT 5
Profile 6
Strategy 7
Critical success factors 8
Research and Development 9
The distribution system 10
The production system 11
Human Resources 12
Shareholders 13
Financial communication 13
Geox on the Stock Exchange 13
Control of the Company 14
Shares held by directors and statutory auditors 14
Company officers 15
Report on corporate governance and ownership structure 16
Group Structure 18
Principal risks and uncertainties to which Geox S.p.A. and the Group are exposed 19
The Group's economic performance 21
Economic results summary 21
Sales 22
Cost of sales and Gross Profit 24
Operating expenses and Operating income (EBIT) 24
EBITDA 25
Income taxes and tax rate 25
The Group's financial performance 26
Treasury shares and equity interests in parent companies 29
Stock Option 29
Transactions between Related Parties 30
Outlook for operation and significant subsequent events 31

Profile

The Geox Group creates, produces, promotes and distributes Geox-brand footwear and apparel, the main feature of which is the use of innovative and technological solutions that can guarantee the ability to breathe and remain waterproof at the same time.

The extraordinary success that Geox has achieved is due to the technological characteristics of its shoes and apparel. Thanks to a technology that has been protected by 39 different patents and by 12 more recent patent applications, "Geox" products ensure technical characteristics that improve foot and body comfort in a way that consumers are able to appreciate immediately.

Geox's innovation stems essentially from the creation and development of special outsoles: thanks to a special membrane that is permeable to vapour but impermeable to water, rubber outsoles are able to breathe and leather outsoles remain waterproof. In the apparel sector the innovation increases the expulsion of body's internal humidity thanks to hollow spaces and aerators.

Geox is market leader in Italy in its own segment and is one of the leading brands world-wide in the "International Fashion-Lifestyle Casual Footwear Market" (source: Shoe Intelligence, 2017).

Strategy

The Geox Group's strategic plan, focused on a sustainable and profitable growth, is based on several key elements, including:

Product innovation

Product innovation is fundamental for the consolidation of Geox's competitive advantage. The strategic plan provides the constant strengthening of the competitive advantage which comes from the uniqueness of the product and from innovation in footwear and clothing, focusing on the strengths that have always distinguished the Group, such as the physical benefits of transpiration.

International expansion

The strategic plan provides for a geographic balancing of sales by:

  • focusing on core markets;
  • developing new markets with high growth potential.

Sales channels

The strategic plan provides for each distribution channel to have a particular focus and specialization:

  • sustainable growth in the wholesale market, mainly through the specialization of a dedicated sales force and increased market penetration and multibrand customer loyalty, by using the formula of corner shops and shopin-shop;
  • rationalization and development of the retail channel, with the closure of shops that are not in line with the expected profitability standards and the opening of new stores with strict profitability criteria;
  • growth of the online channel which has significant growth potential.

Product and supply chain

The strategic plan includes:

  • control of the processes and various stages of production with improved delivery times and quality;
  • implementation of projects to improve efficiency in the supply chain;
  • reduction of complexity in the range of products on offer, both in footwear and clothing, and the development of new products;
  • improvement of business processes in order to reduce structural costs and increase the profitability of the Group.

Critical success factors

Geox owes its success to certain strengths which, taken together, distinguish it from the rest of the footwear sector, both in Italy and abroad, namely:

Technology

Constant focus on the product with the application of innovative and technological solutions developed by Geox and protected by patents.

Focus on the consumer

Cross-market positioning for products, with a vast range of shoes for men, women and children in the medium to medium/high price range (family brand).

Brand recognition

Strong recognition of the Geox brand thanks to an effective communication strategy and its identification by the consumer with the "breathing" concept.

Distribution

A network of monobrand Geox which has been developed according to each country's distribution structure and calibrated to the widespread network of multibrand clients. The goal of both networks is to optimize market share and, at the same time, to promote the Geox brand to end-consumers on a consistent basis.

Supply chain

A flexible delocalized business model in outsourcing, capable of efficiently managing the production and logistics cycle while the Company maintains control over critical phases of the value chain, so as to ensure product quality and timely deliveries.

Research and Development

The applied research carried out by Geox in 2017 was directed to the identification of innovative solutions for improving products and manufacturing processes, through the study of the active breathing element of shoe soles, the development of new products for footwear and apparel and certification of the materials used.

This experimentation has allowed Geox to develop footwear and apparel that combine comfort and well-being with a greater ability to breathe, to be waterproof and to be highly resistant.

Over the course of 2017, new application solutions were developed for footwear, characterised by a high level of flexibility, breathability, lightness and cushioning. For example, some new models, with a dynamic and sophisticated design, have taken the traditional concept of breathability one step further. The exclusive Net Breathing System® technology and the innovative Inner Breathing System ensure exceptional breathability for the entire foot, in every direction. There was a particular focus on optimising the design and materials used for the sole in order to ensure stability and grip even on irregular and uneven surfaces.

With regard to apparel, the patented breathing system was combined with special openings in the garment to improve air circulation on the inside, ensuring superior comfort in the hottest weather conditions and during intense activity.

Geox's sustainable innovation philosophy was introduced with the NEW:DO™ shoe, designed to optimise product sustainability, followed by the NEW:DO™ jacket, which includes recycled materials.

Geox innovation is protected by 39 patents and 12 recent patent applications.

The distribution system

Geox distributes its products through over 10,000 multi-brand selling points and also through a Geox shops network (Franchising and DOS – directly operated stores).

As of December 31, 2017, the overall number of "Geox Shops" came to 1,095, of which 656 in franchising and 439 operated directly.

Geox Shops

(*) Europe includes: Austria, Benelux, France, Germany, UK, Iberia, Scandinavia, Switzerland.

The production system

Geox's production system is organized so as to ensure the attainment of three strategic objectives:

  • maintaining high quality standards;
  • continuously improving flexibility and time to market;
  • increasing productivity and reducing costs.

Production takes place in selected factories mainly in the Far East. All stages of the production process are strictly under the control and coordination of Geox organization.

Great care is taken by the Group in selecting third-party producers, taking into account their technical skills, quality standards and ability to handle the production volumes which are assigned by the agreed deadlines.

All of the output from these manufacturing locations is consolidated at the Group's distribution centers in Italy for Europe, New Jersey for the North America, Tokyo for Japan, Shanghai for China and Hong Kong for the rest of Asia.

It's to be noted that during 2017 the investment in the Serbian plant has been started with a full production capacity. The plant, co-financed by the Republic of Serbia, is located in Vranje, an area where there is a high level of know-how in the production of footwear.

Human Resources

At December 31, 2017 the Group had 5,345 employees, showing an increase of 49 employees compared with 5,296 employees at 31 December 2016.

As of December 31, 2017 the employees were splitted as follows:

Level 31-12-2017 31-12-2016
Managers 44 45
Middle Managers 233 165
Office Staff 674 822
Shop Employees 3,039 3,021
Factory Workers 1,355 1,243
Total 5,345 5,296

The graph shows the employees of the Group at 31 December 2017, broken down by geographic area:

Shareholders

Financial communication

Geox maintains a constant dialogue with individual shareholders, institutional investors and financial analysts through its Investor Relations function, which actively provides information to the market to consolidate and enhance confidence and level of understanding of the Group and its businesses.

The Investor Relations section, at www.geox.biz, provides historical financial data and highlights, investor presentations, quarterly publications, official communications and real time trading information on Geox shares.

Geox on the Stock Exchange

Geox S.p.A. has been listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since December 1, 2004. The following table summarizes the main share prices and stock market values for the last 3 years:

Share price and stock market information 2017 2016 2015
Earnings per share [Euro] 0.06 0.01 0.04
Equity per share [Euro] 1.35 1.39 1.43
Dividend per share [Euro] 0.06 0.02 0.06
Pay-out ratio [%] 101.10 257.92 155.40
Dividend yield (at 12.31) 2.07 0.90 1.47
Year-end price [Euro] 2.89 2.21 4.08
MTA high [Euro] 3.85 4.08 4.36
MTA low [Euro] 1.90 1.80 2.57
Price per share/EPS 48.75 285.00 105.72
Price per share/Equity per share 2.15 1.59 2.85
Stock market capitalization [thousands of Euro] 749,861 572,848 1,058,084
Number of shares making up the share capital 259,207,331 259,207,331 259,207,331

Control of the Company

LIR S.r.l. holds a controlling interest in the share capital of Geox S.p.A. with a shareholding of 71.10%. LIR S.r.l., with registered offices in Montebelluna (TV), Italy, is an investment holding company that belongs entirely to Mario Moretti Polegato and Enrico Moretti Polegato (who respectively own 85% and 15% of the share capital).

The shareholder structure of Geox S.p.A. based on the number of shares held is as follows:

Shareholder structure (*) Number of
shareholders
Number of
shares
from 1 to 5.000 shares 10,971 12,520,793
from 5.001 to 10.000 shares 563 4,320,291
10.001 shares and over 516 242,366,247
Total 12,050 259,207,331

(*) As reported by Computershare S.p.A. on December 29, 2017.

Shares held by directors and statutory auditors

As mentioned previously, the directors Mr. Mario Moretti Polegato and Mr. Enrico Moretti Polegato directly hold the entire share capital of LIR S.r.l., the Parent Company of Geox S.p.A..

Directors, statutory auditors and executives with strategic responsibilities have submitted declarations that they hold 100,000 shares of the Company as of December 31, 2017.

Company officers

Board of Directors

Mario Moretti Polegato (1) Chairman and Executive Director Matteo Carlo Maria Mascazzini (1) CEO and Executive Director (*) Claudia Baggio Director Lara Livolsi (3) Independent Director Alessandro Antonio Giusti (2) (3) Director Duncan L. Niederauer Francesca Meneghel (2) Manuela Soffientini (2) Ernesto Albanese (3)

Name Position and independent status (where applicable)

Enrico Moretti Polegato (1) Vice Chairman and Executive Director Independent Director Independent Director Independent Director Independent Director

(1) Member of the Executives Committee (2) Member of the Audit, Risk and Sustainability Committee (3) Member of the Nomination and Compensation Committee

(*) Powers and responsibilities for ordinary and extraordinary administration, within the limits indicated by law and the Articles of Association, in compliance with the powers of the Shareholders' Meeting, the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, in accordance with the Board of Directors' resolution of February 1, 2018.

Board of Statutory Auditors

Name Position
Sonia Ferrero Chairman
Francesco Gianni Statutory Auditor
Fabrizio Colombo Statutory Auditor
Fabio Buttignon Alternate Auditor
Giulia Massari Alternate Auditor

Independent Auditors

Deloitte & Touche S.p.A.

Report on corporate governance and ownership structure

Corporate Governance

The Geox Group has implemented the Code of Conduct for Italian Listed Companies published in March 2006 and updated in July 2015, with suitable amendments and adjustments considering the characteristics of the Group.

In accordance with the regulatory requirements, every year we prepare a "Report on Corporate Governance and Ownership Structure", as per Art. 123-bis of the TUF, which contains a general description of the system of corporate governance adopted by the Group. It also contains information on the ownership structure and implementation of the Code of Conduct with an explanation of the main governance practices applied and the characteristics of the risk management and internal control systems involved in the process of financial reporting. Also explained here are the mechanisms that govern the functioning of the Shareholders' Meeting and the composition and functioning of the board of directors and board of statutory auditors and their sub-committees.

The Report on Corporate Governance and the Ownership Structure is available in the Governance section of the Company's website: www.geox.biz.

The following is a summary of the main aspects relating to this directors' report.

Main characteristics of the risk management and internal control systems

The internal control system and the company risk management are processes designed by the Board of Directors, management and others in the corporate structure; they consist of a set of rules, procedures and organizational structures designed to identify, measure, manage and monitor the main risks; they ensure that the management of the business is in line with the corporate objectives, and they help protecting the business wealth, the efficiency and effectiveness of the business processes, the reliability, accuracy and promptness of the financial reporting, the compliance with laws and rules as well as with the article of associations and internal procedures.

In compliance with Law n. 262/2005, the Group has therefore put in place procedures aimed to increase the transparency of the company disclosure and to make more effective the internal control system and in particular the controls related to the financial reporting.

In line with this definition, the system for managing the existing risks in relation to Geox's process of financial reporting forms part of the Group's wider system of internal control and Group Risk management.

As part of its supervision and coordination of subsidiaries, Geox S.p.A. establishes the general principles according to which the internal control system is meant to function for the entire Group. Each subsidiary adopts these principles in line with local regulations and applies them to organizational structures and operating procedures that are suitable for their specific context. Geox has introduced tools for supervising and assessing the internal control system, allocating specific responsibilities to certain players who have been clearly identified.

The CEO and the Financial Reporting Manager, in accordance with the principles of operation of the Internal Control System and Risk Management for the financial reporting process, identify the main risks therein levied annually in a prudent and careful way (so-called scoping activities). The identifying risks process passes through the identification of the group companies and operating flows subject to material errors or fraud, with reference to the economic variables included in the financial statements of Geox S.p.A. and/or the consolidated financial statement. Companies and significant processes in relation to the financial reporting process are identified through quantitative and qualitative analysis. The identification of risks is operated through a classification based on the main sources of risk identified by the Executive Director in charge of supervising the Internal Control System and Risk Management. Control activities are policies and procedures that ensure the proper implementation of management responses to risk. The control activities are implemented throughout the organization, at every hierarchical and functional level. The assessment of control procedures is made by parsing the appropriate design of the control activities and their effective and efficient implementation of the course of time. In relation to the financial reporting process, control activities are evaluated in two semi-annual sessions followed, where appropriate, as many phases of follow-up if some critical issues are identified.

In summary, the main players of the Internal Control System and Risk Management as it relates to the process of financial reporting are as follows:

  • The Financial Reporting Manager ex Art. 154-bis of the TUF, who has the responsibility for defining and evaluating specific procedures designed to monitor the risks involved in the process of preparing accounting documents;
  • The Internal Auditing Department, which remains independent and objective in an advisory role concerning the

methods of verifying the adequacy and effective application of the control procedures defined by the Financial Reporting Manager. Moreover, as part of a wider activity that involves evaluating the entire company's Internal Control System and Risk Management, the Internal Auditing Department also has to bring to the attention of the Audit and Risk Committee and of the Financial Reporting Manager any circumstances that might affect the financial reporting process. The task is properly carried out in compliance with the Internal Audit Plan;

  • The Director in charge of supervising the Internal Control System and Risk Management, as the main promoter of initiatives designed to evaluate and manage corporate risks;
  • The Audit and Risk Committee, which analyses the results of audits on the Internal Control System and Risk Management and reports periodically to the Board of Directors on any action that needs to be taken;
  • The Supervisory Body as per D.Lgs 231/01, which intervenes as part of its duties to look out for the corporate crimes envisaged in D.Lgs 231/01, identifying risk scenarios and personally verifying compliance with the control procedures. The Supervisory Body also monitors compliance with and application of the Group's Code of Ethics.

The Group adopted some time ago its own model of organization, management and control as per D.Lgs 231/01, steadily updated to include the new crimes, most recently on November 12, 2015. In particular, financial reporting is protected by a series of controls that are carried out during the various corporate processes that lead to the formation of the figures shown in the financial statements. These control activities apply not only to the areas that are closely linked to the business (sales, purchases, inventory, etc.), but also to those areas that provide support in the processing of accounting entries (closing the accounts, IT systems management, etc.). These control procedures are defined by the Financial Reporting Manager. He also checks periodically that they are being applied properly. The outcome of the assessments made by the Financial Reporting Manager is reported in the certification that he provides in accordance with paras. 5 and 5-bis of art. 154-bis of the TUF.

In compliance with (Italian) Legislative Decree no. 254/2016, the Group has prepared a separate report containing nonfinancial information. This report, published on the Group's website (www.geox.biz), identifies the topics that are considered to be of material importance for reporting purposes. These topics were defined by considering both the point of view of the company's own organisation (through workshops and interviews conducted internally), and the results of benchmarking activities carried out with reference to the Group's main competitors in the fashion industry, as well as studies linked to the world of sustainability.

Please refer to the aforementioned report for all aspects regarding the information required by the decree, relating to environmental and social matters, aspects linked to employees, the respect of human rights, anti-corruption, diversity in the Board of Directors and other sustainability issues.

The structure of the Group controlled by Geox S.p.A., which acts as an operating holding company, is split into 3 macro-groups:

  • Non-EU trading companies. Their role is to monitor and develop the business in the various markets. They operate on the basis of licensing or distribution agreements stipulated with the Parent Company.
  • EU companies. At the beginning their role was to provide commercial customer services and coordinate the sales network in favor of the Parent Company which distributes the products directly on a wholesale basis. Then, they started to manage the Group's own shops in the various countries belonging to the European Union.
  • European trading companies. They are responsible for developing and overseeing their area in order to provide a better customer service, increasing the presence of the Group through localized direct sales force and investments in showrooms closer to the market. The trading companies in Switzerland, Russia and Turkey also have the need of purchasing a product immediately marketable in the territory, having already complied with the customs.

Principal risks and uncertainties to which Geox S.p.A. and the Group are exposed

Business risks

In terms of business risks, the Group is exposed to:

  • the impact of the macroeconomic, political and social environment, in terms of changes in the purchasing power of consumers, their level of confidence and their propensity to consume;
  • changes in national and international regulations;
  • climatic conditions;
  • changes in customers' tastes and preferences in different geographical areas in which the Group operates;
  • the image, perception and recognition of the Geox brand by its consumers;
  • uncertainty about management's ability to define and implement successfully its business, marketing and distribution strategy;
  • uncertainty about the ability to maintain the current distribution network, as well as the ability of the Geox Group to further expand its network of brand stores by acquiring new premises;
  • uncertainty about the ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified resources;
  • policies implemented by competitors and the possible entry of new players into the market.

Financial risk

The Geox Group constantly monitors the financial risks to which it is exposed in order to evaluate in advance any possible negative impacts and to undertake appropriate corrective action to mitigate or correct such risks. The Group is exposed to a variety of financial risks: credit risk, interest rate risk, exchange rate risk and liquidity risk.

These risks are managed and coordinated at Parent Company level on the basis of hedging policies that also entail the use of derivatives to minimize the effects of exchange rate fluctuations (especially in the U.S. dollar).

Credit risk

The Geox Group tends to minimize the risk of insolvency on the part of its customers by adopting credit policies designed to concentrate sales on reliable and creditworthy customers. In particular, the credit management procedures implemented by the Group, which involve the use of contracts with major credit insurance companies, the evaluation of available information on customer solvency, the use of credit limits for each customer and strict control over compliance with the terms of payment, make it possible to reduce credit concentration and the related risk. Credit exposure is also spread over a large number of counterparties and customers.

Risks connected to fluctuations in interest rates

Indebtedness to the banking system exposes the Group to the risk of interest rate fluctuations. Floating rate loans, in particular, run the risk of cash flow variations.

The Group regularly assesses its exposure to the risk of changes in interest rates but, considering expectations of stability in the dynamics of interest rates and the short-term nature of the debt, the Group did not deem it necessary to implement general policies to hedge the risk of interest rate fluctuations, but rather entered into a Interest Rate Swap (IRS) transaction to hedge the medium-long term loan for a residual amount of Euro 12 million and at a 0.62% rate.

Risks connected to fluctuations in exchange rates

The Geox Group also carries on its activity in countries outside the Euro-zone, which means that exchange rate fluctuations are an important factor to be taken into consideration. The Group initially calculates the amount of exchange risk that is involved in the budget for the coming period. It then gradually hedges this risk during the process of order acquisition to the extent that the orders match the forecasts. These hedges take the form of specific forward contracts and options for the purchase and the sale of the foreign currency. The Group is of the opinion that its policies for handling and limiting this type of risk are adequate. However, it cannot exclude the possibility that sudden fluctuations in exchange rates could have consequences on the results of the Geox Group.

Liquidity risk

This risk can arise when a company is unable to obtain the financial resources it needs to support its operational activities in a timely manner and at reasonable economic conditions. The cash flows, funding requirements and liquidity of the Geox Group are constantly monitored at central level under the control of the Group treasury in order to ensure effective and efficient management of financial resources.

The Group's economic performance

Economic results summary

The main results are outlined below:

  • Net sales of Euro 884.5 million, with a decrease of 1.8% compared to Euro 900.8 million in 2016;
  • EBITDA of Euro 64.0 million, compared to Euro 47.6 million in 2016, with a 7.2% margin;
  • EBIT of Euro 30.1 million, compared to Euro 12.8 million of 2016, with a 3.4% margin;
  • Net income of Euro 15.4 million, compared to Euro 2.0 million in 2016.

In the following table a comparison is made between the consolidated income statement for 2017 and 2016:

(Thousands of Euro) 2017 % 2016 %
Net sales 884,529 100.0% 900,763 100.0%
Cost of sales (456,914) (51.7%) (471,314) (52.3%)
Gross profit 427,615 48.3% 429,449 47.7%
Selling and distribution costs (47,268) (5.3%) (49,557) (5.5%)
General and administrative expenses (317,624) (35.9%) (324,987) (36.1%)
Advertising and promotion (22,561) (2.6%) (36,798) (4.1%)
Operating result 40,162 4.5% 18,107 2.0%
Restructuring charges (10,020) (1.1%) (5,273) (0.6%)
EBIT 30,142 3.4% 12,834 1.4%
Net financial expenses (3,392) (0.4%) (5,556) (0.6%)
PBT 26,750 3.0% 7,278 0.8%
Income tax (11,367) (1.3%) (5,268) (0.6%)
Tax rate 42.5% 0% 72.4%
Net result 15,383 1.7% 2,010 0.2%
EPS (Earnings per shares) 0.06 0.01
EBITDA 63,989 7.2% 47,558 5.3%
Restructuring charges (10,020) (5,273)
EBITDA adjusted 74,009 8.4% 52,831 5.9%

EBITDA: is the EBIT plus depreciation, amortization and can be directly calculated from the financial statements as integrated by the notes (Note 5).

EBITDA and EBITDA adjusted are not defined under IFRS accounting standards applied in the European Union and therefore their definition should be attentively assessed and analyzed by investors. Those measures are included in this report in order to improve the level of transparency for the financial community. Management considers that adjusted measures help evaluating Group's operating performance and help the comparison with companies operating in the same sector. Those indicators aim to give a supplementary view of results excluding the impact of unusual, not recurring and not operating items.

Disclaimer

This Report, and in particular the section entitled "Outlook for operation and significant subsequent events", contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the Group's current expectations and projections about future events and, by their nature, are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. They relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur or exist in the future, and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on them. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in such statements as a result of a variety of factors, including: volatility and deterioration of capital and financial markets, changes in commodity prices, changes in general economic conditions, economic growth and other changes in business conditions, changes in government regulation (in each case, in Italy or abroad), and many other factors, most of which are outside of the Group's control.

Sales

2017 consolidated net sales amount to Euro 884.5 million, substantially in line with last year (-1.8% at current forex, -1.7% at constant forex) with the growth of the wholesale channel partially compensating for the planned optimization of the mono-brand store network.

Revenues by Distribution Channel

(Thousands of Euro) 2017 % 2016 % Var. %
Wholesale 400,995 45.3% 395,318 43.9% 1.4%
Franchising 121,404 13.7% 134,621 14.9% (9.8%)
DOS* 362,130 40.9% 370,824 41.2% (2.3%)
Geox Shops 483,534 54.7% 505,445 56.1% (4.3%)
Net sales 884,529 100.0% 900,763 100.0% (1.8%)

* Directly Operated Store

Wholesale revenues, representing 45% of Group revenues (44% in 2016) amount to Euro 401.0 million in line with expectations (+1.4% at current forex, +1.6% at constant forex). This trend is due to a substantially stable performance in Italy and in the rest of Europe, double-digit growth recorded in Russia, Eastern Europe, China and by the online channel.

Sales of the DOS channel, which represent 41% of Group revenues, declined to Euro 362.1 million (-2.3% at current forex, -2.1% at constant forex). This trend is due to:

  • the planned network optimization in Europe and expansion in more responsive markets such as Russia, Eastern Europe and China (overall -16 net closures).
  • stable LFL sales (+0.5%) generated by the directly operated stores (comparable store sales) (-1.0% in 2016). In particular comparable sales in the third quarter grew by 3.2% thanks to the good performance reported in September in all main markets. The fourth quarter was positive thanks to November and December that reversed the trend recorded in October (affected by unusual weather conditions in key markets, as already reported in the last press release and by the industry's players). The overall second half was up 2%.

Sales of the franchising channel, which account for 14% of the Group revenues, amount to Euro 121.4 million, with a decrease of 9.8% (-10.3% at constant forex). This trend reflects the dynamics reported above and is also due to the store network rationalization plan (-62 net closures) and the slight decline in comparable sales.

Monobrand Stores Distribution Network - Geox Shops

As of December 31, 2017, the overall number of Geox Shops was 1,095 of which 439 DOS. During 2017, 70 new Geox Shops were opened and 136 were closed in line with the rationalization plan of the DOS network in more mature markets and the expansion in countries where the Group's presence is still limited but developing well.

12-31-2017 12-31-2016 2017
Geox
Shops
of which
DOS
Geox
Shops
of which
DOS
Net
Openings
Openings Closings
Italy 304 137 352 129 (48) 4 (52)
Europe (*) 310 155 346 173 (36) 5 (41)
North America 42 42 48 48 (6) 1 (7)
Other countries (**) 439 105 415 105 24 60 (36)
Total 1,095 439 1,161 455 (66) 70 (136)

(*) Europe includes: Austria, Benelux, France, Germany, UK, Iberia, Scandinavia, Switzerland.

(**) Includes Under License Agreement Shops (168 as of December 31 2017, 156 as of December 31 2016). Sales from these shops are not included in the franchising channel.

Revenues by Region

(Thousands of Euro) 2017 % 2016 % Var. %
Italy 257,520 29.1% 270,118 30.0% (4.7%)
Europe (*) 382,893 43.3% 396,565 44.0% (3.4%)
North America 56,893 6.4% 60,678 6.7% (6.2%)
Other countries 187,223 21.2% 173,402 19.3% 8.0%
Net sales 884,529 100.0% 900,763 100.0% (1.8%)

(*) Europe includes: Austria, Benelux, France, Germany, UK, Iberia, Scandinavia, Switzerland.

Sales in Italy, which accounted for 29% of sales (30% in 2016) amounted to Euro 257.5 million, compared to Euro 270.1 million in 2016. This trend is mainly due to the planned optimization of the retail network (-48 net closures), the slight reduction in LFL sales recorded by DOS and a stable wholesale channel.

Sales in Europe, which accounted for 43% of Group sales, amounted to Euro 382.9 million, compared to Euro 396.6 million in 2016. The 3.4% decrease is mainly due to the planned rationalization of the mono-brand store network (-36 net closures), the slight increase in the LFL sales recorded by DOS and a stable wholesale channel.

North American sales amounted to Euro 56.9 million, down 6.2% (-5.6% at constant forex) mainly due to the performance on the Canadian market, the stable LFL sales recorded by DOS and the rationalization of the monobrand stores (-6 net closures).

Sales in other Countries increased by 8.0% compared to 2016 (+7.9% at constant exchange rates) with positive performance both in the wholesale channel and in terms of LFL sales recorded by DOS with a particularly strong growth in Russia, Eastern Europe and China.

Revenues by Product

(Thousands of Euro) 2017 % 2016 % Var. %
Footwear 796,664 90.1% 815,538 90.5% (2.3%)
Apparel 87,865 9.9% 85,225 9.5% 3.1%
Net sales 884,529 100.0% 900,763 100.0% (1.8%)

Footwear sales represented 90% of consolidated sales amounting to Euro 796.7 million, -2.3% (-2.1% at constant forex). Apparel sales accounted for 10% of consolidates sales at Euro 87.9 million, compared to Euro 85.2 million (+3.1% at current forex, + 3.0% at constant forex).

Cost of sales and Gross Profit

Cost of sales, as a percentage of sales, was 51.7% compared to 52.3% of 2016, producing a gross margin of 48.3% (47.7% in 2016).

The increase in gross margin increase is mainly thanks to specific measures on supply chain efficiency.

Operating expenses and Operating income (EBIT)

Selling and distribution expenses as a percentage of sales were 5.3%, showing a slightly decrease compared to last year (5.5% in 2016).

General and administrative expenses were equal to Euro 317.6 million, recording a decrease of Euro 7.4 million compared to the previous year thanks to the actions taken to improve efficiency, reduce structural costs and renegotiate store rents.

Advertising and promotions expenses amounted to Euro 22.6 million, equal to 2.6% of revenues, compared to Euro 36.8 million in 2016. A&P trend reflected the overall optimisation of expenses relating to advertising and display material for stores and a different approach to media buying and marketing mix. The Group is increasing marketing expenses in coop advertising and the digital and performance marketing relating to the web (approx. Euro 7 million and accounted in G&A item).

The operating result excluding special items was equal to Euro 40.2 million (4.5% on sales) compared with Euro 18.1 million of 2016 (2.0% on sales).

Special items were recorded for 10.0 million due to the termination of employment of the previous Chief Executive Officer (4.3 million), the expected optimization of the network of directly operated and franchised stores and the measures implemented to reduce general costs.

The operating result (EBIT) was equal to Euro 30.1 million (3.4% on sales) compared to Euro 12.8 million of 2016 (1.4% on sales).

2017 % 2016 %
Footwear Net sales 796,664 815,538
EBIT 34,950 4.4% 18,404 2.3%
Apparel Net sales 87,865 85,225
EBIT (4,808) (5.5%) (5,570) (6.5%)
Total Net sales 884,529 900,763
EBIT 30,142 3.4% 12,834 1.4%

The table below analyses the EBIT obtained across business segments in which the Group operates:

EBITDA

EBITDA was Euro 64.0 million, 7.2% of sales, compared to Euro 47.6 million of 2016 (5.3% on sales).

The EBITDA adjusted, excluding special items mentioned above, was equal to Euro 74.0 million, 8.4% on sales compared to 52.8 million of 2016 (5.9% on sales).

Income taxes and tax rate

Income taxes were equal to Euro 11.4 million (42.5% tax rate), compared to Euro 5.3 million of 2016.

The Group's financial performance

The following table summarizes the reclassified consolidated balance sheet:

(Thousands of Euro) Dec. 31, 2017 Dec. 31, 2016
Intangible assets 52,061 54,715
Property, plant and equipment 61,326 66,140
Other non-current assets - net 42,567 41,575
Total non-current assets 155,954 162,430
Net operating working capital 226,277 251,856
Other current assets (liabilities), net (19,562) (10,933)
Net invested capital 362,669 403,353
Equity 349,483 359,717
Provisions for severance indemnities, liabilities and charges 7,808 7,704
Net financial position 5,378 35,932
Net invested capital 362,669 403,353

The Group balance sheet shows a negative financial position of Euro 5.4 million strongly improving from Euro -35.9 million as of December 31, 2016, after fair value adjustment of derivatives, which negatively affected 2017 for Euro 20.5 million (+15.7 million as of December 31, 2016). This result is mainly due to the profitability improvement, the strict control of the net working capital and in particular to the decrease of inventories.

The following table shows the mix and changes in net operating working capital and other current assets (liabilities):

(Thousands of Euro) Dec. 31, 2017 Dec. 31, 2016
Inventories 283,227 336,767
Accounts receivable 120,356 111,417
Accounts payable (177,306) (196,328)
Net operating working capital 226,277 251,856
% of sales for the last 12 months 25.6% 28.0%
Taxes payable (8,810) (9,379)
Other non-financial current assets 25,368 35,416
Other non-financial current liabilities (36,120) (36,970)
Other current assets (liabilities), net (19,562) (10,933)

Net operating working capital as a percentage of revenue is equal to 25.6% compared to 28.0% of 2016.

This change is mainly due to the decrease in warehouse stock for products from the 2018 Spring/Summer and 2017 Fall/Winter seasons linked to the different timing and value of purchases made compared to the previous year.

The following table gives a reclassified consolidated cash flow statement:

(Thousands of Euro) 2017 2016
Net result 15,383 2,010
Depreciation, amortization and impairment 33,846 34,724
Other non-cash items 10,052 13,962
59,281 50,696
Change in net working capital 23,195 (63,063)
Change in other current assets/liabilities 16,076 2,229
Cash flow from operations 98,552 (10,138)
Capital expenditure (30,841) (30,624)
Disposals 4,373 1,009
Net capital expenditure (26,468) (29,615)
Free cash flow 72,084 (39,753)
Dividends (5,184) (15,552)
Change in net financial position 66,900 (55,305)
Initial net financial position - prior to fair value adjustment of derivatives (51,620) 4,217
Change in net financial position 66,900 (55,305)
Translation differences (132) (532)
Final net financial position - prior to fair value adjustment of derivatives 15,148 (51,620)
Fair value adjustment of derivatives (20,526) 15,688
Final net financial position (5,378) (35,932)
During 2017 capex of Euro 30.8 million were made, in line with 2016.

Consolidated capital expenditure is analyzed in the following table:

(Thousands of Euro) 2017 2016
Trademarks and patents 531 1,094
Opening and restructuring of Geox Shop 16,393 12,995
Pruduction plant 698 2,332
Industrial plant and equipment 2,695 2,971
Logistic 3,054 2,258
Information technology 6,653 7,813
Offices furniture, warehouse and fittings 817 1,161
Total 30,841 30,624

The following table gives a breakdown of the net financial position:

(Thousands of Euro) Dec. 31, 2017 Dec. 31, 2016
Cash and cash equivalents 75,616 38,663
Current financial assets - excluding derivatives 418 1,341
Bank borrowings and current portion of long-term loans (44,729) (66,578)
Current financial liabilities - excluding derivatives (117) (174)
Net financial position - current portion 31,188 (26,748)
Non-current financial assets 22 23
Long-term loans (16,062) (24,895)
Net financial position - non-current portion (16,040) (24,872)
Net financial position - prior to fair value adjustment of
derivatives
15,148 (51,620)
Fair value adjustment of derivatives (20,526) 15,688
Net financial position (5,378) (35,932)

Treasury shares and equity interests in parent companies

Note that pursuant to art. 40.2 d) of D.Lgs 127, the Group does not hold any of its own shares nor shares in parent companies, whether directly or indirectly, nor did it buy or sell such shares during the period.

Stock Option

On December 18, 2008, the Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting authorized a divisible cash increase in capital, waiving option, for a maximum par value of Euro 1,200,000, by issuing up to n. 12,000,000 ordinary shares to service one or more share incentive plans reserved for the directors, employees and/or collaborators of the Company and/or its subsidiaries, in order to encourage beneficiaries to pursue the Company's medium-term plans, increase their loyalty to the Company and promote better relations within the Company.

At the date of this report there is one cycle of stock option plan. The cycle is made up of a vesting period, from the date the options are granted, and a maximum period to exercise them (exercise period). Any options not vesting or, in any case, not exercised by the expiration date is automatically cancelled to all effects, releasing both the Company and the beneficiary from all obligations and liabilities.

The ability to exercise the options, which is determined tranche by tranche, depends on the Company achieving certain cumulative targets during the vesting periods, with reference to economic indicators, as shown in the Geox Group's consolidated business plan.

The plan, which was approved by the Board on April 19, 2016, establishes a maximum number of options (4,000,000) and envisages a grant cycle to be made within the month of December 2017.

A number of 2,495,067 options were granted with a strike price calculated as the average of the official price of Geox in the thirty days prior the date of the grant, amounted to Euro 2.86 (for 1,795,901 options), to Euro 1.995 (for 572.905 options) and to Euro 3.61 (for 126.261options).

The vesting period is 3 years and ends with the approval of the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018, while the exercise period ends on December 31, 2020. The exercise of the Options is subject to the achievement of Net Profit as resulting from the Geox Group's Business Plan.

With regards the 2014 Stock Option Plan, it's to be noted that these Stock Options could not be exercised because the performance results were not achieved.

The stock options granted to the directors of the Group and the executives with strategic responsibilities are summarized below:

Option held at the beginning of the year Option granted during the period
(A)
Name
(B)
Position
(1)
Number of
option
(2)
Average
Strike Price
(3)
Average
Expiry Date
(4)
Number of
option
(5)
Average
Strike Price
(6)
Average
Expiry Date
Gregorio Borgo (*) CEO - - - 572,905 1.995 2020
Giorgio Presca (**) CEO 554,564 2.039 2020 - - -
Giorgio Presca (**) CEO 1,007,368 2.86 2020 - - -
Executives with strategic responsibilities
Executives with strategic responsibilities
841,407
1,872,316
2.039
2.86
2020
2020
-
-
-
-
-
-
Options exercised during the period Options
expired in
2017 (***)
Options held at the end of the period
(A) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11)=1+4-7-10 (12) (13)
Name Number of
option
Average
Strike Price
Average
Expiry Date
Number of
option
Number of
option
Average
Strike Price
Average
Expiry Date
Gregorio Borgo - - - - 572,905 1.995 2020
Giorgio Presca - - - 554,564 - 2.039 2020
Giorgio Presca - - - 1,007,368 - 2.86 2020
Exec. Strat. Resp. - - - 841,407 - 2.039 2020
Exec. Strat. Resp. - - - 455,053 1,417,263 2.86 2020

(*) Starting date January 12, 2017

(**) Termination date January 12, 2017

(***) Options expired for termination of employment, for the expiration of the exercise-period or non-achievement of performance targets laid down in the plan

Transactions between Related Parties

During the period, there were no transactions with related parties which can be qualified as unusual or atypical. Any related party transactions formed part of the normal business activities of companies in the Group. Such transactions are concluded at standard market terms for the nature of goods and/or services offered.

Information on transactions with related parties is provided in Note 31 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Outlook for operation and significant subsequent events

On January 18, 2018 the Board of Directors of Geox S.p.A. acknowledged the resignation of Mr. Gregorio Borgo as CEO with effect from the same date and his resignation as an employee with effect from January 31, 2018.

On the same date Geox S.p.A. Board of Directors has appointed Mr. Matteo Mascazzini as Board Member, with the favourable opinion of the Board of Statutory Auditors, and has made the proposal to appoint him as CEO of the Company.

On February 1, 2018 the Board of Directors of Geox S.p.A. has acknowledged the acceptance of Matteo Mascazzini as a member of the Board of Directors and subsequently appointed him as the Company's new Chief Executive Officer and Executive Committee member, with effect from the same date.

With regard to business outlook, management would like to highlight the following:

I. SS18 order backlog for the wholesale channel shows a growth of 3.5% and an increase in gross margin in line with expectations;

II. Management will continue to implement plans to improve margin performance through specific measures targeting product, channel and price mix;

III. Solid growth in the e-commerce channel is expected to continue;

IV. The initiatives to further increase productivity, ensure a lean organization and boost operating efficiency, which were successfully implemented in 2017, are set to continue in 2018;

V. The number of DOS, after the optimization completed over the last few years, will remain substantially stable (with new openings in high-potential markets), and will be subject to a process of restyling aimed at improving network performance. Stores managed by third parties, on the other hand, will be subject to a certain degree of rationalization;

VI. Owing to these measures, capex and A&P are expected to increase in 2018 vs. 2017.

These combined measures are aimed at pursuing sustainable and profitable growth, with profitability expected to increase even further compared with 2017.

Biadene di Montebelluna, February 23, 2018

for the Board of Directors The Chairman Mr. Mario Moretti Polegato

Consolidated income statement

(Thousands of Euro) Notes 2017 of which
related party
2016 of which
related party
Net sales 3-31 884,529 69 900,763 2,293
Cost of sales 31 (456,914) 7 (471,314) 48
Gross profit 427,615 429,449
Selling and distribution costs (47,268) - (49,557)
General and administrative expenses 4-31 (317,624) (4,180) (324,987) 4,861
Advertising and promotion 31 (22,561) (220) (36,798) (270)
Restructuring charges 7 (10,020) - (5,273) -
EBIT 3 30,142 12,834
Net financial expenses 8 (3,392) - (5,556) -
PBT 26,750 7,278
Income tax 9 (11,367) - (5,268) -
Net result 15,383 2,010
Earnings per share [Euro] 10 0.06 0.01
Diluted earnings per share [Euro] 10 0.06 0.01

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

(Thousands of Euro) 2017 of which
related party
2016 of which
related party
Net income 15,383 2,010
Other comprehensive income that will not be
reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
- Net gain (loss) on actuarial defined-benefit plans (29) - (31) -
Other comprehensive income that may be
reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
- Net gain (loss) on Cash Flow Hedge, net of tax (23,306) - 3,760 -
- Currency translation 2,902 - (1,333) -
Net comprehensive income (5,050) 4,406

Consolidated statement of financial position

(Thousands of Euro) Notes Dec. 31, 2017 of which
related
party
Dec. 31, 2016 of which
related
party
ASSETS:
Intangible assets 11 52,061 54,715
Property, plant and equipment 12 61,326 66,140
Deferred tax assets 13 36,394 36,316
Non-current financial assets 18-30 22 23
Other non-current assets 14 13,512 14,368
Total non-current assets 163,315 171,562
Inventories 15 283,227 336,767
Accounts receivable 16-31 120,356 134 111,417 1,514
Other non-financial current assets 17-31 25,368 1,902 35,416 1,902
Current financial assets 18-30 2,110 20,997
Cash and cash equivalents 19 75,616 38,663
Current assets 506,677 543,260
Total assets 669,992 714,822
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:
Share capital 20 25,921 25,921
Reserves 20 308,179 331,786
Net income 20 15,383 2,010
Equity 349,483 359,717
Employee severance indemnities 2,698 2,658
Provisions for liabilities and charges 21
22
5,110 5,046
Long-term loans 23 16,062 24,895
Other long-term payables 24 7,339 9,109
Total non-current liabilities 31,209 41,708
Accounts payable 25-31 177,306 1,503 196,328 1,190
Other non-financial current liabilities 26 36,120 36,970
Taxes payable 27-31 8,810 9,379
Current financial liabilities 18-30 22,335 4,142
Bank borrowings and current portion of long-term
loans 28 44,729 66,578
Current liabilities 289,300 313,397
Total liabilities and equity 669,992 714,822

Consolidated statement of cash flow

(Thousands of Euro) Notes 2017 2016
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net result 20 15,383 2,010
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
(used) by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization and impairment 5 33,846 34,724
Increase in (use of) deferred taxes and other provisions 4,374 8,151
Provision for employee severance indemnities, net 25 18
Other non-cash items 5,653 5,793
43,898 48,686
Change in assets/liabilities:
Accounts receivable (131) (12,118)
Other assets 17,704 (1,253)
Inventories 40,456 (22,713)
Accounts payable (17,130) (28,232)
Other liabilities (1,417) 1,454
Taxes payable (211) 2,028
39,271 (60,834)
Operating cash flow 98,552 (10,138)
CASH FLOW USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditure on intangible assets 11 (12,490) (9,537)
Capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment 12 (18,351) (21,087)
(30,841) (30,624)
Disposals 4,373 1,009
(Increase) decrease in financial assets 866 (1,079)
Cash flow used in investing activities (25,602) (30,694)
CASH FLOW FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Increase (decrease) in short-term bank borrowings, net 5,789 (1,501)
Loans:
- Proceeds 20,000 72,537
- Repayments (55,355) (20,854)
Dividends 32 (5,184) (15,552)
Cash flow used in financing activities (34,750) 34,630
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 38,200 (6,202)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period 19 38,663 44,483
Effect of translation differences on cash and cash equivalents (1,247) 382
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period 19 75,616 38,663
Supplementary information to the cash flow statement:
- Interest paid during the period 3,394 3,772
- Interest received during the period 2,216 1,281
- Taxes paid during the period 4,101 4,016

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

(Thousands of Euro) Share Legal Share Transla- Cash flow Retained Net Group
capital reserve premium tion hedge earnings income equity
reserve reserve reserve
Balance at December 31, 2015 25,921 5,184 37,678 (2,733) 7,701 287,104 10,008 370,863
Allocation of 2015 result - - - - - 10,008 (10,008) -
Recognition of cost stock option plans - - - - - (15,552) - (15,552)
Net comprehensive result - - - (1,333) 3,760 (31) 2,010 4,406
Balance at December 31, 2016 25,921 5,184 37,678 (4,066) 11,461 281,529 2,010 359,717
Allocation of 2016 result - - - - - 2,010 (2,010) -
Distribution of dividends - - - - - (5,184) - (5,184)
Net comprehensive result - - - 2,902 (23,306) (29) 15,383 (5,050)
Balance at December 31, 2017 25,921 5,184 37,678 (1,164) (11,845) 278,326 15,383 349,483

Explanatory notes

1. Information about the Company: the Group's business activity

The Geox Group coordinates the third-party suppliers production and sells Geox-brand footwear and apparel to retailers and end-consumers. It also grants distribution rights and/or use of the brand name to third parties in markets where the Group has chosen not to have a direct presence. Licensees handle production and marketing in accordance with licensing agreements and pay Geox royalties.

Geox S.p.A. is a joint-stock company incorporated in Italy and controlled by Lir S.r.l..

2. Accounting policies

Form and contents of the consolidated financial statements

These explanatory notes have been prepared by the Board of Directors on the basis of the accounting records updated to December 31, 2017. They are accompanied by the directors' report on operations, which provides information on the results of the Geox Group. The consolidated financial statements have been drawn up in compliance with the International Financial Reporting Standards adopted by the European Union (IFRS, which include IAS). The accounting principles and policies used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are the same as last year.

To facilitate comparison with the previous year, the accounting schedules provide comparative figures: at December 31, 2016 and for the year 2016 in the case of the income statement.

The reporting currency is the Euro and all figures have been rounded up or down to the nearest thousand Euro.

Scope of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2017 include the figures, on a line-by-line basis, of all the Italian and foreign companies in which the Parent Company holds a majority of the shares or quotas, directly or indirectly. The companies taken into consideration for consolidation purposes are listed in the attached schedule entitled "List of companies consolidated at December 31, 2017".

Format of financial statements

The Group presents an income statement using a classification based on the "cost of sales" method, as this is believed to provide information that is more relevant. The format selected is that used for managing the business and for management reporting purposes and is consistent with international practice in the footwear and apparel sector.

For the Statement of financial position, a format has been selected to present current and non-current assets and liabilities.

The Statement of cash flow is presented using the indirect method.

In connection with the requirements of the Consob Resolution No. 15519 of July 27, 2006 as to the format of the financial statements, specific supplementary column has been added for related party transactions so as not to compromise an overall reading of the statements (Note 31).

Consolidation principles

The financial statements of the subsidiaries included in the scope of consolidation are consolidated on a line-by-line basis, which involves combining all of the items shown in their financial statements regardless of the Group's percentage interest.

If the companies included in the scope of consolidation are subject to different regulations, the most suitable reporting formats have been adopted to ensure maximum clarity, truth and fairness. The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries are reclassified where necessary to bring them into line with Group accounting policies. They are also adjusted to ensure compliance with IFRS.

In particular, for the subsidiaries included in the scope of consolidation:

  • the book value of equity investments included in the scope of consolidation is eliminated against the equity of the companies concerned according to the full consolidation method. If the Group's direct or indirect investment is less than 100%, minority interests are calculated and shown separately;
  • if purchase cost exceeds the net book value of the related shareholders' equity at the time of acquisition, the difference is allocated to specific assets of the companies acquired, with reference to the their fair value at the acquisition date and amortized on a straight-line basis having regard to the useful life of the investment. If appropriate, any amounts which are not allocated are recorded as goodwill. In this case, the amounts are not amortized but subjected to impairment testing at least once a year, or whenever considered necessary;
  • if the book value exceeds the purchase cost, the difference is credited to the income statement.

The following are also eliminated:

  • receivables and payables, costs and revenues and profits and losses resulting from intragroup transactions, taking into account the related tax effects;
  • the effects of extraordinary transactions involving Group companies (mergers, capital contributions, etc).

Accounting standards, amendments and interpretations applied since January 1, 2017

  • Amendments to IAS 7 "Disclosure Initiative" introducing additional disclosures that enable users of financial statements to evaluate changes in liabilities arising from financing activities.
  • Amendments to IAS 12 Income Taxes "Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised Losses" that clarify how to account for deferred tax assets related to debt instruments measured at fair value.

There were no effects from the adoption of these amendments.

Accounting standards, amendments and interpretations effective not yet applicable and not early adopted by the Group

At the date of this financial statements, the European Union has not yet completed its endorsement process for these amendments:

  • IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers which has an effective date from January 1, 2018. This standard establishes a new model for recognizing revenues which is applicable to all contracts with customers, with the exception of those falling under the scope of application of other IAS/IFRS standards such as leasing, insurance contracts and financial instruments. The directors do not expect the application of IFRS 15 to have a significant impact on the amounts recorded as revenues and on the related information reported in the Group's consolidated financial statements.
  • The final version of IFRS 9 Financial instruments which includes the results of the IASB plan to replace IAS 39. IFRS 9 introduces improvements in the accounting requirements for classification and measurement of financial assets, for impairment of financial assets and for hedge accounting. The standard is effective for financial years beginning on January 1, 2018 and on. The directors do not expect the application of IFRS 9 to have a significant impact on the amounts and on the related disclosed information.
  • IFRS 16 Leases ("IFRS 16") which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract. IFRS 16, which is not applicable to service contracts, but only applicable to leases or lease components of a contract, defines a lease as a contract that conveys to the customer (lessee) the right to use an asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. IFRS 16 is effective from January 1, 2019. The Directors expect that the application of IFRS 16 may have a significant impact on the accounting of leasing contracts and on the related information reported in the Company's financial statements. However, it is not possible to provide a reasonable estimate of this impact until the Company has completed a detailed analysis of the relative contracts.
  • The document "Applying IFRS 9 Financial Instruments with IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts" is effective from January 1, 2018. The directors do not expect the application of this amendments to have a significant impact on the amounts and on the related information reported in the company's financial statements.

Accounting standards, amendments and interpretations not yet approved by European Union

  • IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts;
  • Amendment to IFRS 2 "Classification and measurement of share-based payment transactions";
  • Document "Annual Improvements to IFRSs: 2014-2016 Cycle";
  • Interpretation of IFRIC 22 "Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration";
  • Amendment to IAS 40 "Transfers of Investment Property";
  • Document IFRIC 23 – Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments;
  • Amendment to IFRS 9 "Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation";
  • Amendment to IAS 28 "Long-term Interests in Associates and Joint Ventures";
  • Document "Annual Improvements to IFRSs: 2015-2017 Cycle";
  • Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28 "Sales or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture";
  • IFRS 14 Regulatory Deferral Accounts.

Translation of foreign currency financial statements into Euro

The financial statements of foreign companies denominated in currencies other than the Euro are translated as follows:

  • income statement items are translated at the average exchange rate for the period, whereas the closing rate is used for balance sheet items, except for net income and equity;
  • equity items are translated at the historical exchange rate.

The difference between the equity translated at historical rates and the assets and liabilities translated at closing rates is recorded as a "Translation reserve" under "Reserves" as a part of consolidated equity.

The exchange rates used, as published by the Italian Exchange Office (U.I.C.), are as follows:

Currency Average for As at Average for As at
12-31-2017 12-31-2017 12-31-2016 12-31-2016
US Dollar 1.1293 1.1993 1.1066 1.0541
Swiss Franc 1.1115 1.1702 1.0902 1.0739
British Pound 0.8762 0.8872 0.8189 0.8562
Canadian Dollar 1.4644 1.5039 1.4664 1.4188
Japanese Yen 126.6545 135.0100 120.3138 123.4000
Chinese Yuan 7.6264 7.8044 7.3496 7.3202
Czech Koruna 26.3272 25.5350 27.0343 27.0210
Russian Ruble 65.8877 69.3920 74.2224 64.3000
Polish Zloty 4.2563 4.1770 4.3636 4.4103
Hungarian Forint 309.2730 310.3300 311.4594 309.8300
Macau Pataca 9.0654 9.6532 8.8492 8.4201
Serbian Dinar 121.3703 118.6386 123.1017 123.4031
Vietnam Dong 25,652.0000 27,233.0000 24,749.1091 23,991.8431
Indonesian Rupiah 15,113.2000 16,239.1200 14,720.4512 14,173.4300
Turkish Lira 4.1214 4.5464 3.3427 3.7072

Subjective assessments

In applying the Group's accounting policies, the directors take decisions based on the following subjective assessments (excluding those involving estimates) which can have a significant impact on the figures in the financial statements.

Operating lease commitments (with the Group acting as lessor)

The Group has stipulated commercial lease agreements for the properties that it uses. Under these agreements, which are classified as operating leases, the Group is of the opinion that it retains all of the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the assets.

Estimates and assumptions

Drawing up financial statements and notes in compliance with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that can affect the value of the assets and liabilities in the balance sheet, including disclosures on contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date. The estimates and assumptions used are based on experience and other relevant factors. So it cannot be exclude that the results over the coming months may differ from what has been forecasted, and this in turn could lead to adjustments that obviously cannot be estimated or foreseen as of today. Estimates and assumptions are revised periodically and the effects of each variation made to them are reflected in the income statement for the period when the estimate is revised.

The items in the financial statements that are principally affected by these situations of uncertainty are: deferred tax assets, pension funds and other post-employment benefits, the provisions for obsolescence and slow-moving inventory and returns, provision for bad and doubtful accounts, asset impairment.

The following is a summary of the critical valuation processes and key assumptions used by management in the process of applying the accounting standards with regard to the future and which could have significant effects on the values shown in the financial statements.

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax assets are booked on all carry-forward tax losses to the extent that it is probable that there will be adequate taxable income in the future to absorb them. The directors are required to make a significant subjective assessment to determine the amount of deferred tax assets that should be recognized. They have to assess the timing and amount of future taxable income and develop a tax planning strategy for the coming years. The book value of the tax losses that have been recognized is shown in note 13.

Pension funds and other post-employment benefits

The cost of defined-benefit pension plans and other post-employment benefits (healthcare) is determined by means of actuarial valuations. Actuarial valuations involve making assumptions about discount rates, the expected return on investment, future pay rises, mortality rates and the future increase in pensions. Because of the long-term nature of these plans, such estimates are subject to a high degree of uncertainty. Further details are provided in note 21.

Provision for returns

The Group has provided for the possibility that products already sold may be returned by customers. To this end, the Group has made certain assumptions based on the quantity of goods returned in the past and their estimated realizable value. Further details are provided in note 16.

Provision for obsolete and slow-moving inventory

The Group has set up provisions for products in inventory that may have to be sold at a discount, which means that they will have to be adjusted to their estimated realizable value. For this purpose, the Group has developed assumptions regarding the quantity of goods sold at a discount in the past and the possibility of selling them through the Group's own outlets. Further details are provided in note 15.

Provision for bad and doubtful accounts

The provision for bad and doubtful accounts is calculated on the basis of a specific analysis of items in dispute and of those balances which, even if not in dispute, show signs of delayed collection. Evaluating the overall amount of trade receivables that are likely to be paid requires the use of estimates regarding the probability of collecting such items, so it is an assessment that is subject to uncertainties. Further details are provided in note 16.

Asset Impairment

The Group has set up provisions against the possibility that the carrying amounts of tangible and intangible assets may not be recoverable from them by use. The directors are required to make a significant subjective assessment to determine the amount of asset impairment that should be recognized. They estimate the possible loss of value of assets in relation to future economic performance closely linked to them.

Accounting policies

The financial statements are prepared on a historical cost basis, amended as required for the valuation of certain financial instruments. They are also prepared on a going-concern basis.

The main accounting policies are outlined below:

Intangible assets

Intangible assets with a finite useful life are recorded at purchase or production cost, including directly-related charges, and amortized systematically over their residual useful lives, as required by IAS 36.

Amortization is applied systematically over the useful life of the assets based on the period that they are expected to be of use to the Group. The residual value of intangible assets at the end of their useful life is assumed to be zero, unless there is a commitment on the part of third parties to purchase the asset at the end of their useful life or there is an active market for them. As regards the item key money, it is pointed out that in France the protection provided to the tenant by the local law, supported by the market practice, allows the recognition of a recovering value of each trading position, even at the end of the contract. This led the directors to estimate a residual value of the key money paid at the end of each lease.

The directors review the estimated useful life of intangible assets at the end of each period.

Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized; instead, they are subjected to impairment testing.

The following table summarizes the useful life (in years) of the various intangible assets:

Trademarks 10 years
Geox patents 10 years
Other patents and intellectual property rights 3-5 years
Key money Period of the rental contract
Other intangible assets Period of the rental contract

Trademarks include the costs incurred to protect and disseminate them.

Similarly, Geox patents include the costs incurred to register, protect and extend new technological solutions in various parts of the world.

The other patents and intellectual property rights mainly relate to the costs of implementing and customizing software programs which are amortized in 3-5 years, taking into account their expected future use.

Key money includes:

  • amounts paid to acquire businesses (shops) that are managed directly or leased to third parties under franchising agreements;
  • amounts paid to access leased property by taking over existing contracts or persuading tenants to terminate their contracts so that new ones can be signed with the landlords. The premises were then fitted out as Geox shops.

Goodwill is initially recognized by capitalizing the excess cost of acquisition compared with the fair value of the net assets of the company recently acquired. Goodwill is not amortized; instead, it is subjected to impairment testing at least once a year, or more frequently if there is evidence of a loss in value, to verify whether its value has been impaired. The elements that satisfy the definition of "assets acquired in a business combination" are only accounted for separately if their fair value can be established with a reasonable degree of reliability.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are booked at their purchase or construction cost, which includes the price paid for the asset (net of any discounts and allowances) and any directly-related purchasing and start-up costs. Property, plant and equipment are shown at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and write-downs/write backs.

The residual value of the assets, together with their estimated useful life, is reviewed at least once a year at the end of each accounting period and written down if it is found to be impaired in accordance with IAS 36, regardless of the amount of depreciation already charged. The value is reinstated in subsequent years if the reasons for the write-down no longer apply.

Routine maintenance costs are charged in full to the income statement, whereas improvement expenditure is allocated to the assets concerned and depreciated over their residual useful life.

The following table shows the useful life in years related to the depreciation rates applied:

Building 20-30 years
Plant and machinery 5-8 years
Photovoltaic plant 11 years
Industrial and commercial equipment from 2 to 4 years
Moulds 2 years
Office furniture 8 years
Electronic machines 5 years
Motor vehicles 4 years
Internal transport and trucks 5 years
Leasehold improvements Period of contract *
Shop equipment Lower of contract period and 8 years
Shop fittings 4 years
Concept stores 2-4 years

* Depreciated over the lower of the useful life of the improvements and the residual duration of the lease.

Assets acquired under finance leases are shown in the consolidated financial statements at their nominal value at the start of the contract, at the same time recognizing the financial liability owed to leasing companies. These assets are depreciated using the depreciation schedules normally applied to similar types of fixed assets.

Impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

The book value of the Geox Group's property, plant and equipment and intangible assets is reviewed whenever there is internal or external evidence that the value of such assets, or group of assets (defined as a Cash Generating Unit or CGU), may be impaired. Goodwill, consolidation differences and intangible assets with an indefinite useful life have to be subjected to impairment testing at least once a year.

Impairment tests are performed by comparing the book value of the asset or of the CGU with its realizable value, represented by its fair value (net of any disposal costs) or, if greater, the present value of the net cash flows that the asset or CGU is expected to generate.

If the book value of the asset is greater than its recoverable value this asset is consequently impaired in order to align it to its recoverable value.

Each unit, to which the specific values of assets are allocated (tangible and intangible), represents the lowest level at which the Group monitors such assets.

The Group's terms and conditions for reinstating the value of an asset that has previously been written down are those established by IAS 36. Write backs of goodwill are not possible under any circumstances.

Financial instruments

Financial instruments held by the Group are presented in the financial statements as described in the following paragraphs:

  • Other non-current financial assets comprise investments in unconsolidated companies, held-to-maturity securities, non-current loans and receivables and other non-current available-for-sale financial assets;
  • Current financial assets include trade receivables, receivables from financing activities, current securities, and other current financial assets (which include derivative financial instruments stated at fair value as assets), as well as cash and cash equivalents;
  • Cash and cash equivalents include cash at banks, units in liquidity funds and other money market securities that are readily convertible into cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value;
  • Financial liabilities refer to debts, which includes asset-backed financing, and other financial liabilities (which include derivative financial instruments stated at fair value as liabilities), trade payables and other payables.

Non-current financial assets other than investments, as well as current financial assets and financial liabilities, are accounted for in accordance with IAS 39.

Current financial assets and held-to-maturity securities are recognized on the basis of the settlement date and, on initial recognition, are measured at acquisition cost, including transaction costs.

Subsequent to initial recognition, available-for-sale and held for trading financial assets are measured at fair value. When market prices are not available, the fair value of available-for-sale financial assets is measured using appropriate valuation techniques e.g. discounted cash flow analysis based on market information available at the balance sheet date.

Gains and losses on available-for-sale financial assets are recognized directly in equity until the financial asset is disposed or is determined to be impaired; when the asset is disposed of, the cumulative gains or losses, including those previously recognized in equity, are reclassified into the income statement for the period; when the asset is impaired, accumulated losses are recognized in the income statement. Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value of held for trading financial instruments are included in the income statement for the period.

Loans and receivables which are not held by the Group for trading (loans and receivables originating in the course of business), held-to-maturity securities and all financial assets for which published price quotations in an active market are not available and whose fair value cannot be determined reliably, are measured, to the extent that they have a fixed term, at amortized cost, using the effective interest method. When the financial assets do not have a fixed term, they are measured at acquisition cost. Receivables with maturities of over one year which bear no interest or an interest rate significantly lower than market rates are discounted using market rates.

Assessments are made regularly as to whether there is any objective evidence that a financial asset or group of assets may be impaired. If any such evidence exists, an impairment loss is included in the income statement for the period.

Accounts receivable are initially recognized at their fair value and then adjusted at the estimated realizable value by means of a provision for bad and doubtful accounts, accrued when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect the receivable for the original value.

The accrual for the doubtful debts found is charged to the income statement. Receivables subject to impairment are written off when it's confirmed that they are not recoverable.

Receivables sold to the factor without recourse (pro-soluto) have been removed from the Balance Sheet as the relative contract transfers ownership of the receivables, together with all cash flows generated by said receivable and all related risks and benefits, to the factor.

Except for derivative instruments, financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.

Financial assets and liabilities hedged by derivative instruments are measured in accordance with hedge accounting principles applicable to fair value hedges: gains and losses arising from remeasurement at fair value, due to changes in relevant hedged risk, are recognized in the income statement and are offset by the effective portion of the loss or gain arising from remeasurement at fair value of the hedging instrument.

Derivative financial instruments

Derivative financial instruments are used for hedging purposes, in order to reduce currency, interest rate and market price risks. In accordance with IAS 39, derivative financial instruments qualify for hedge accounting only when at the inception of the hedge there is formal designation and documentation of the hedging relationship, the hedge is expected to be highly effective, its effectiveness can be reliably measured and it is highly effective throughout the financial reporting periods for which the hedge is designated.

All derivative financial instruments are measured in accordance with IAS 39 at fair value.

When derivative financial instruments qualify for hedge accounting, the following accounting treatment applies:

  • Fair value hedge Where a derivative financial instrument is designated as a hedge of the exposure to changes in fair value of a recognized asset or liability that is attributable to a particular risk and could affect the income statement, the gain or loss from remeasuring the hedging instrument at fair value is recognized in the income statement. The gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk adjusts the carrying amount of the hedged item and is recognized in the income statement;
  • Cash flow hedge Where a derivative financial instrument is designated as a hedge of the exposure to variability in future cash flows of a recognized asset or liability or a highly probable forecasted transaction and could affect income statement, the effective portion of any gain or loss on the derivative financial instrument is recognized directly in equity. The cumulative gain or loss is removed from equity and recognized in the income statement at the same time as the economic effect arising from the hedged item affects income. The gain or loss associated with a hedge or part of a hedge that has become ineffective is recognized in the income statement immediately. When a hedging instrument or hedge relationship is terminated but the hedged transaction is still expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss realized to the point of termination remains in equity and is recognized in the income statement at the same time as the underlying transaction occurs. If the hedged transaction is no longer probable, the cumulative unrealized gain or loss held in equity is recognized in the income statement immediately.

If hedge accounting cannot be applied, the gains or losses from the fair value measurement of derivative financial instruments are recognized immediately in the income statement.

Inventories

Inventories of finished products are measured at the lower of purchase or production cost and their estimated net realizable or replacement value. For raw materials, purchase cost is calculated at the weighted average cost for the period.

For finished products and goods, purchase or production cost is calculated at the weighted average cost for the period, including directly-related purchasing costs and a reasonable proportion of production overheads.

Obsolete and slow-moving goods are written down according to the likelihood of them being used or sold.

Employee benefits

Benefits paid to employees under defined-benefit plans on termination of employment (employee severance indemnities) are recognized over the period that the right to such benefits accrues.

The liability arising under defined-benefit plans, net of any assets servicing the plan, is determined using actuarial assumptions and recorded on an accruals basis in line with the work performed to earn the benefits. The liability is assessed by independent actuaries.

The amount reflects not only the liabilities accrued up to the balance sheet date, but also future pay rises and related statistical trends.

The benefits guaranteed to employees through defined-contribution plans (also in virtue of the recent changes in the Italian regulations on pensions) are recognized on an accruals basis; at the same time, they also give rise to the recognition of a liability at face value.

Share-based payments (stock options)

Some group employees receive part of their compensation in the form of share-based payments. Employees therefore provide services in exchange for shares ("equity-based transactions").

The cost of equity-based transactions with employees is measured on the basis of the fair value at the grant date. The fair value is determined by an independent appraiser using an appropriate valuation method. Further details are provided in note 29.

The cost of the equity-based transactions and the corresponding increase in equity is accounted for from the time that the conditions for the attainment of the objectives and/or provision of the service are met, and ends on the date when the employees concerned have fully accrued the right to receive the compensation (the "maturity date").

The accumulated costs recorded for such transactions at the end of each accounting period up to the maturity date are compared with a best estimate of the number of equity securities that will effectively reach maturity at the end of the maturity period. The gain or loss posted to the income statement reflects the change in the accumulated cost recorded at the beginning and end of the accounting period.

No costs are booked for rights that do not reach full maturity, except in the case of rights whose granting is linked to market conditions. These are treated as if they had matured independently of the underlying market conditions, as long as all the other conditions are met.

If the initial conditions are changed, at the very least a cost has to be indicated, assuming that the conditions have remained the same. Moreover, a cost is recorded for each change implying an increase in the total fair value of the payment plan, or in any case when the change is favorable to the employees. This cost is measured taking into account the date on which the change takes place.

If rights are cancelled, they are treated as though they had reached maturity on the date of cancellation and any unrecorded costs relating to these rights are recognized immediately. However, if a cancelled right is replaced by a new right and the latter is recognized as a replacement on the date it is granted, the cancelled right and the new right are treated as though they were a change in the original right, as explained in the previous paragraph.

The dilutive effect of any vested options not yet exercised is reflected in the calculation of the dilution of earnings per share (see note 10).

Provisions for liabilities and charges

Provisions for liabilities and charges are recognized when there is an effective obligation (legal or implicit) deriving from a past event, providing there will probably be an outlay of resources to settle the obligation and the amount of the obligation can be reliably estimated.

Provisions represent the best estimate of the amount that the business would have to pay to settle the obligation or transfer it to third parties at the balance sheet date. Provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows if the effect of discounting the value of money is significant.

Revenue and income

Revenues are recognized on an accruals basis.

Revenues derive from the Company's ordinary operations and include sales revenues, commissions and fees, interest, dividends, royalties and lease installments. They are recognized net of any returns, discounts, allowances and bonuses. Revenues from the sale of products are recognized when the Company transfers most of the risks and benefits of ownership of the goods and collection of the amount billed is reasonably certain.

Revenues deriving from services rendered are accounted for with reference to the stage of completion of the transaction at the balance sheet date.

Royalties are accounted for on an accruals basis in accordance with the substance of the contractual agreements. Interest income is accounted for on an accruals basis, in a way that takes into account the actual yield of the assets concerned.

Dividends are accounted for when the shareholders become entitled to receive the payment.

Costs and expenses

Costs and expenses are accounted for on an accruals basis.

Leasing

To be able to define a contractual arrangement as a lease (or as one containing a lease), it's necessary to look at the substance of the arrangement. It must also be assessed whether fulfillment of the contract depends on the use of one or more specific assets and if the arrangement transfers the right to use such assets. The situation can only be reviewed after the start of the contract if one of the following conditions is met:

  • (a) there is a change in the contractual conditions, other than a renewal or extension of the contract;
  • (b) a renewal option is exercised or an extension is granted, unless the terms of the renewal or extension were included in the terms of the lease from the start;
  • (c) there is a change in the condition according to which fulfillment depends on a specific asset; or
  • (d) there is a substantial change in the asset.

If a review is carried out, accounting for the lease will begin or end on the date of the change in the circumstances that gave rise to the review for scenarios a), c) or d) and at the date of the renewal or extension for scenario b).

Operating lease installments are treated as costs in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the life of the contract.

Government Grants

Government grants are recognized in the financial statements when there is reasonable assurance of the Group's compliance with the conditions for receiving such grants and that the grants will be received. Government grants are recognized as income over the periods necessary to match them with the related costs which they are intended to offset.

Income tax

Current income taxes

Current income taxes for the period are calculated on the basis of taxable income in accordance with the tax rules in force in the various countries.

Geox S.p.A. joined, as parent company, a new domestic tax consolidation for three years (2014-2016), then renewed for other three years, with the two Italian subsidiaries Geox Retail S.r.l. and XLOG S.r.l..

Deferred taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized on temporary differences between the amounts shown in the balance sheet and their equivalent value for fiscal purposes. Deferred tax assets are also recognized on the tax losses carried forward by Group companies when they are likely to be absorbed by future taxable income earned by the same companies.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the various countries in which the Geox Group operates in the tax periods when the temporary differences reverse or expire. Deferred tax assets are recorded to the extent that, according to future plans, there is likely to be sufficient taxable income to cover deductible temporary differences.

The book value of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and if necessary reduced to the extent that future taxable income is no longer likely to be sufficient to recover all or part of the assets. These write-downs are reversed if the reasons for them no longer apply.

Income taxes on the amounts booked directly to equity are also charged directly to equity rather than to the income statement.

Earnings per share (EPS)

Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the net income attributable to the Parent Company's shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period.

Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing the net income attributable to the Parent Company's shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding, taking into account the effects of all potentially dilutive ordinary shares (e.g. employee stock option plans).

Potential liabilities

Geox S.p.A. underwent a tax audit by the Veneto Tax Authorities (Large Taxpayers Office) for fiscal years 2012-2013- 2014-2015 with regard to Transfer Pricing versus European companies.

The audit was completed on October 18, 2017 with the notification of their tax audit report. The Company has, as usual, reserved the right to provide the necessary clarifications, depositing appropriate counter-arguments as it considers the points made by Tax Authorities to be highly questionable, being convinced that Geox S.p.A. operated within the law. Also in the light of the existing regulations and tools in order to avoid the double taxation within EU, the Company, supported by its own fiscal consultants, believes that the remarks moved from the Tax Authorities are not based on valid economic reasons.

On December 22, 2017 a tax demand has been issued for the year 2012 without application of penalties ( ex art. 1, sub. 6, D.Lgs December 18, 1997, n. 471) and, in regards to this tax demand, on January 16, 2018 the company has filed a tax settlement (ex art.6, sub.2, D.Lgs June 19th 1997, n. 218).

3. Segment reporting

For management purposes, the Group runs and controls its business according to the type of products being supplied, and for disclosure purposes these consist of two operating segments: footwear and apparel.

The directors monitor the results of these two business units separately so that they can make decisions regarding the allocation of resources and check the return on investment. The yield of each segment is evaluated on the basis of the operating result, which is allocated to the various operating segments as follows:

  • Net sales, cost of sales, direct selling costs and advertising are input directly to the segment concerned as they are clearly identifiable;
  • General and administrative costs, including non-industrial depreciation and amortization, are input to the segment concerned to the extent that they are directly attributable. When such costs are common to various segments, they are allocated in proportion to their respective percentage of total cost of sales;
  • The Group's financial activities (including financing costs and revenues) and income taxes are handled at Group level and not allocated to the individual segments;
  • There are no problems of transfer pricing between segments as they are totally independent from each other.

The following table provides information on the Group's business segments:

2017 % 2016 %
Footwear Net sales 796,664 815,538
D&A 30,682 31,471
EBIT 34,950 4.4% 18,404 2.3%
Apparel Net sales 87,865 85,225
D&A 3,165 3,253
EBIT (4,808) (5.5%) (5,570) (6.5%)
Total Net sales 884,529 900,763
D&A 33,847 34,724
EBIT 30,142 3.4% 12,834 1.4%

Segment assets and liabilities are all managed at Group level, so they are not shown separately by segment. The only exception to this rule is the value of inventories, which amount to Euro 257,085 thousand for footwear (Euro 300,160 thousand in 2016) and Euro 26,142 thousand for apparel (Euro 36,607 thousand in 2016).

The following table provides Net sales on the Group's geographical segments:

(Thousands of Euro) 2017 % 2016 % Var. %
Italy 257,520 29.1% 270,118 30.0% (4.7%)
Europe (*) 382,893 43.3% 396,565 44.0% (3.4%)
North America 56,893 6.4% 60,678 6.7% (6.2%)
Other countries 187,223 21.2% 173,402 19.3% 8.0%
Net sales 884,529 100.0% 900,763 100.0% (1.8%)

(*) Europe includes: Austria, Benelux, France, Germany, UK, Iberia, Scandinavia, Switzerland.

4. General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses are analyzed in the following table:

2017 2016 Change
Wages and salaries 112,038 115,728 (3,690)
Rental expenses 92,431 95,885 (3,454)
Other costs 123,207 129,843 (6,636)
Rental income (6,017) (7,163) 1,146
Other income (4,035) (9,306) 5,271
Total 317,624 324,987 (7,363)

Rental and lease expenses relate to the shops, offices and industrial property leased by the Group.

Rental income relates to the Geox Shops owned by the Group and leased to third parties under franchising agreements.

Other costs mainly include: depreciation and amortization, services and consulting, sample costs, utilities, insurance, maintenance and bank charges.

Other income mainly includes sales of miscellaneous goods and insurance compensation.

Research and the ongoing conception and implementation of innovative solutions is a significant factor in the Group's strategies because, as already explained in the directors' report on operations, product innovation is fundamental to maintain and strengthen the Group's competitive advantage.

Research and development is a complex corporate process, which ranges from the study of technical solutions involving materials that are able to breathe while remaining waterproof, to the concession of new patents and the development of new product lines. This process can be broken down into the following stages:

  • pure research, which consists of verifying the performance of the materials used in Geox footwear and apparel. This activity's vocation is to create new patents and to implement solutions that use particular materials to make products that can breathe and at the same time remain waterproof;
  • applied research, which consists of creating the collections, passing through the various phases of design, prototyping and modeling.

Research and development makes use of dedicated personnel, who transmit the results of their work to all those (designers, product managers, production technicians, etc.) who take part in the definition, industrialization and production of the Group's products. R&D costs are all written off to income during the period and amounted in total to Euro 13,585 thousand (in 2016 Euro 16,056 thousand).

The fees due to the directors, statutory auditors and executives with strategic responsibilities for 2017 are listed below. These amounts, in Euro, include the fees due for performing the same functions in Geox S.p.A. and in other companies included in the scope of consolidation.

Name
Position
Period in
office
Exp. Of
Mand.
Fixed
Emolument
Non cash
Benefits
(*)
Bonus
and other
incentives
Other
Remuneration
Incentives
Mario Moretti Polegato from 01-01 (1) 1,800,000 -
Chairman to 12-31-17 (2)
Enrico Moretti Polegato from 01-01 (1) 150,000 -
Deputy Chairman to 12-31-17 (3)
Gregorio Borgo from 01-12 1,137,555 10,741 5,969 -
CEO and Executive Director to 12-31-17 (4) (5)
Giorgio Presca from 01-01 - - - - 4,350,000
CEO and Executive Director to 01-12-17 (8)
Duncan Niederauer from 01-01 (1) 25,000 - - - -
Independent Director to 12-31-17 (7)
Alessandro Antonio Giusti from 01-01 (1) 100,000 - - - -
Director to 12-31-17 (9)
Claudia Baggio from 01-01 (1) 25,000 - - - -
Director to 12-31-17 (10)
Lara Livolsi from 01-01 (1) 45,000 - - - -
Independent Director to 12-31-17 (11)
Francesca Meneghel from 01-01 (1) 45,000 - - - -
Independent Director to 12-31-17 (12)
Manuela Soffientini from 01-01 (1) 35,000 - - - -
Independent Director to 12-31-17 (13)
Ernesto Albanese from 01-01 (1) 35,000 - - - -
Independent Director to 12-31-17 (14)
Sonia Ferrero from 01-01 (1) 75,000 - - - -
Chairman of the Board of St. Auditors to 12-31-17 (15)
Fabrizio Colombo from 01-01 (1) 50,000 - - - -
Statutory Auditor to 12-31-17 (16)
Francesco Gianni
Statutory Auditor
from 01-01
to 12-31-17
(1) 50,000
(16)
- - - -
Livio Libralesso from 01-01 352,241 7,150 53,051 - -
General Manager - Corporate to 12-31-17 (6)
Executives with stategic responsabilities
(**)
1,885,956
(17)
95,660 185,784
(18)
- -

(*) Includes fringe benefits

(**) Aggregated amounts

(1) Term of office expires at General Meeting held to approve the financial statements at December 31, 2018

(2) Includes remuneration as Chairman, member of Executives Committee and member of the Ethics Committee

(3) Includes remuneration as Deputy Chairman and member of Executives Committee

  • (4) Includes remuneration as CEO, Executive with strategic responsibilities and member of the Executives Committee
  • (5) Includes lump sum bonus as Executive with strategic responsibilities

(6) Includes remuneration as Executive with strategic responsibilities and compensation as General Manager - Corporate

(7) Includes compensation as Independent Director

(8) Includes amounts related to the termination agreement as member of Board of Director and as executive employee of Geox S.p.A.

(9) Includes compensation as Non-Independent Director, Chairman of Audit and Risk Committee, member of Compensation Committee and member of Nomination Committee

  • (10) Includes compensation as Non-Independent Director
  • (11) Includes compensation as Independent Director and Chairman of Compensation Committee and Nomination Committee
  • (12) Includes compensation as Independent Director, Chairman of Audit and Risk Committee and Lead Independent Director

(13) Includes compensation as Independent Director and member of Audit and Risk Committee

  • (14) Includes compensation as Independent Director and member of Compensation Committee and Nomination Committee
  • (15) Includes compensation as Chairman of the Board of Statutory Auditor
  • (16) Includes compensation as member of the Board of Statutory Auditor
  • (17) Includes salary as Executives with strategic responsibilities (social security paid by the company are not included)
  • (18) Includes lump-sum bonus

5. Depreciation, amortization and payroll costs included in the consolidated income statement

The following table shows all of the depreciation and amortization charges included in the consolidated income statement:

2017 2016 Change
Industrial depreciation
Non-industrial depreciation and amortization
6,070
27,776
5,359
29,365
711
(1,589)
Total 33,846 34,724 (878)

Non-industrial amortization decreased of 878 thousand from Euro 34,724 thousand of 2016 to Euro 33,846 thousand of 2017.

Payroll costs amounted to Euro 150,101 thousand (in 2016 Euro 147,297 thousand).

6. Personnel

The average number of employees is shown below:

2017 2016
Managers 43 49 (6)
Middle managers 230 168 62
Office staff 682 831 (149)
Shop employees 2,792 3,077 (285)
Factory workers 1,326 1,038 288
Total 5,073 5,163 (90)

The average number of employees for 2017 amounted to 5,073, decreased of 90 units compared to 2016. The change is mainly due by the increase in factory workers in the Serbian Plant and the decrease in shop employees due to the planned rationalization of DOS network.

7. Restructuring charges

Special items were recorded for 10,020 thousand due to the termination of employment of the previous Chief Executive Officer (Euro 4.3 million), the expected optimization of the network of directly operated and franchised stores (Euro 3.8 million) and the measures implemented to reduce general costs (Euro 1.9 million).

8. Net financial expenses

This item is made up as follows:

2017 2016 Change
7,374 6,075 1,299
(10,513) (11,535) 1,022
(253) (96) (157)
2,164
(3,392) (5,556)

Interest income is made up as follows:

2017 2016
Interest from banks 51 104 (53)
Interest from customers 431 173 258
Other interest income 6,892 5,798 1,094
Total 7,374 6,075 1,299

Other interest income mainly consists of the effect of accounting for financial derivatives as explained in note 30.

Interest expense is made up as follows:

2017 2016
Bank interest and charges 299 234 65
Interest on loans 496 685 (189)
Other interest expense 6,857 7,840 (983)
Financial discounts and allowances 2,861 2,776 85
Total 10,513 11,535 (1,022)

The decrease in "Interest on loans" is mainly due to the decrease in the average debts towards banks.

Other interest expense mainly consists of the effect of accounting for financial derivatives as explained in note 30.

Financial discounts and allowances relate to the discounts granted to customers who pay in advance, as per practice in various European markets.

Exchange differences are made up as follows:

2017 2016 Change
Exchange gains 38,309 41,460 (3,151)
Exchange losses (38,562) (41,556) 2,994
Total (253) (96) (157)

9. Income taxes

Income taxes were equal to Euro 11,367 thousand, showing a 42.5% tax rate, compared to Euro 5,268 thousand of 2016.

The following table shows reconciliation between the Group's effective tax burden and its theoretical tax charge, based on the current tax rate in force during the period in Italy (the country of Geox S.p.A., the Parent Company):

2017 % 2016 %
PBT 26,750 100.0% 7,278 100.0%
Theoretical income taxes (*) 6,420 24.0% 2,001 27.5%
Effective income taxes 11,367 42.5% 5,268 72.4%
Difference due to: 4,947 18.5% 3,267 44.9%
1) different tax rates applicable in other countries (578) (2.2%) (742) (10.2%)
2) permanent differences:
i) IRAP and other local taxes 1,319 4.9% 1,012 13.9%
ii) writedowns of deferred tax asset 3,690 13.8% 3,124 42.9%
iii) previous years' taxes 43 0.2% (634) (8.7%)
iv) other 473 1.8% (1,465) (20.1%)
3) different tax rates applicable in other countries - 0.0% 1,972 27.1%
Total difference 4,947 18.5% 3,267 44.9%

(*) Theoretical income taxes based on the tax rates applicable to Geox S.p.A.

10. Earnings per share

EPS is calculated by dividing the net income for the period attributable to the ordinary shareholders of the Parent Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period.

Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing the net income for the period attributable to the Parent Company's shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period, taking into account the effects of all potentially dilutive ordinary shares (for example, vested options under a stock option plan that have not yet been exercised).

The following table shows the result and the number of ordinary shares used to calculate basic and diluted EPS in accordance with IAS 33:

2017
Earning per share (Euro) 0.06 0.01
Diluted earnings per share (Euro) 0.06 0.01
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
- basic 259,207,331 259,207,331
- diluted 259,207,331 259,207,331

11. Intangible assets

Intangible assets are made up as follows:

Balance at
Dec. 31, 2017
Balance at
Dec. 31, 2016
Change
Industrial patents and intellectual property rights 13,404 14,556 (1,152)
Trademarks, concessions and licenses 610 689 (79)
Key money 34,589 36,253 (1,664)
Assets in process of formation and payments on account 2,320 2,079 241
Goodwill 1,138 1,138 -
Total 52,061 54,715 (2,654)

The following table shows the changes in intangible assets during 2017:

12-31-16 Purchases Translation Amort./ Disposals Other 12- 31-17
and capital. Differences write-down Changes
Intangible assets with finite useful life:
Industrial patents and intellectual property rights 14,556 4,610 (4) (7,837) - 2,079 13,404
Trademarks, concessions and licenses 689 45 - (124) - - 610
Key money 36,253 5,515 (44) (4,460) (2,675) - 34,589
Assets in process of formation and payments on
account
2,079 2,320 - - - (2,079) 2,320
Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life:
Goodwill 1,138 - - - - - 1,138
Total intangible assets 54,715 12,490 (48) (12,421) (2,675) - 52,061

Investments during the period mainly concern:

  • personalization of the IT system for a total of Euro 4,123 thousand;
  • the costs incurred for the registration, extension and protection of patents in various parts of the world (Euro 487 thousand);
  • key money costs (Euro 5,515 thousand) for the amounts paid to access leased properties by taking over existing contracts or persuading tenants to terminate their contracts so that new ones could be signed with the landlords. The premises were then fitted out as Geox shops;
  • assets in process of formation for a total of Euro 2,320 thousand. Such amounts mainly include the sums paid for the further implementations and customizing of the new IT system.

Each shop is considered a CGU and, other than those flagship stores, which, despite being open for more than two years showed negative results in terms of operating margin, it was decided to assess the recoverability of the carrying value. This assessment was based on expected results and took into consideration the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) for the Group's main market areas. If the value in use of a CGU is lower than its book value, its assets are written down accordingly.

The intangible assets impairment fund amounts to Euro 496 thousand as of December 31, 2017 (Euro 464 as of December 31, 2016).

12. Property, plant and equipment

Details of property, plant and equipment are shown in the following table:

Balance at
Dec. 31, 2017
Balance at
Dec. 31, 2016
Changes
Land and buildings 10,404 10,566 (162)
Plant and machinery 8,770 9,897 (1,127)
Industrial and commercial equipment 3,503 3,784 (281)
Other assets 12,797 14,324 (1,527)
Leasehold improvements 24,254 27,379 (3,125)
Construction in progress and payments on account 1,598 190 1,408
Total 61,326 66,140 (4,814)

The following table shows the changes in property, plant and equipment during 2017:

12-31-16 Purchases Translation Amort./ Disposals Other 12-31-17
and capital. Differences write-down Changes
Land and buildings 10,566 274 411 (847) - - 10,404
Plant and machinery 9,897 1,071 223 (2,263) (158) - 8,770
Industrial and commercial equipment 3,784 2,879 (4) (3,149) (7) - 3,503
Other assets 14,324 5,695 (212) (6,650) (436) 76 12,797
Leasehold improvements 27,379 6,834 (461) (8,516) (1,097) 115 24,254
Construction in progress and payments on
account
190 1,598 1 - - (191) 1,598
Total property, plant and equipment 66,140 18,351 (42) (21,425) (1,698) - 61,326

Investments during the period mainly concern:

  • The purchase of equipment by the productive subsidiary in Serbia;
  • The purchase of industrial equipment (mainly moulds for shoe soles) by the parent company Geox S.p.A. and its productive subsidiary in Serbia;
  • Geox shop fittings and hardware for Euro 4,371 thousand, office and showroom fittings for Euro 266 thousand, office and head office hardware for Euro 1,058 thousand;
  • leasehold improvements of Euro 6,834 thousand. These additions relate to industrial buildings and offices for Euro 1,267 thousand and to premises fitted out as Geox Shop for Euro 5,567 thousand;
  • construction in progress of Euro 1,598 thousand. This amount mainly includes the sums paid for the subsidiary Xlog S.r.l. to implement a semi-automatic order picking system, which will come into operation in 2018.

Each shop is considered a CGU and, other than those flagship stores, which, despite being open for more than two years showed negative results in terms of operating margin, it was decided to assess the recoverability of the carrying value. This assessment was based on expected results and took into consideration the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) for the Group's main market areas. If the value in use of a CGU is lower than its book value, its assets are written down accordingly.

The tangible assets impairment fund amounts to Euro 1,988 thousand as of December 31, 2017 (Euro 2,512 thousand as of December 31, 2016).

Other assets are made up as follows:

Balance at
Dec. 31, 2017
Balance at
Dec. 31, 2016
Change
Electronic machines 2,468 2,200 268
Furniture and fittings 10,267 12,041 (1,774)
Motor vehicles and internal transport 62 83 (21)
Total 12,797 14,324 (1,527)

13. Deferred taxes

The following table analyses the change in deferred tax assets and the nature of the items and temporary differences that gave rise to them. The Group has offset the deferred tax assets and liabilities as the law permits the compensation of fiscal assets with fiscal liabilities.

Balance at
Dec. 31, 2017
Balance at
Dec. 31, 2017
Change
Carry-forward tax losses 2,531 7,282 (4,751)
Depreciation and amortization and impairment 7,132 8,270 (1,138)
Evaluation derivates 3,551 - 3,551
Provision for obsolescence and slow-moving inventory and
returns
16,809 16,862 (53)
Provision for agents' severance indemnities 606 657 (51)
Other 6,993 6,909 84
Deferred tax assets 37,622 39,980 (2,358)
Depreciation and amortization (1,191) - (1,191)
Evaluation derivates - (3,489) 3,489
Other (37) (175) 138
Deferred tax liabilities (1,228) (3,664) 3,627
Total deferred taxes 36,394 36,316 1,269

The deferred tax assets on carry-forward tax losses, which at December 31, 2017 amount to Euro 2,531 thousand mainly relate to Geox S.p.A. This amount has been subjected to a strict evaluation by the directors in order to book it only if future taxable profit are likely to occur, against which such losses can be utilized.

Derivatives that are defined as cash flow hedges and valued on a mark-to-market basis booked directly to equity require all related taxes also to be booked directly to equity and not to the income statement. The deferred tax assets booked directly to equity amount to Euro 3,568 thousand (Euro -3,486 thousand in 2016).

Deferred tax assets included in "Other" are mainly related to provisions for liabilities and charges (note 26).

Deferred tax assets have been calculated at the tax rates applied in the various countries concerned.

14. Other non-current assets

Other non-current assets are made up as follows:

Balance at
Dec. 31, 2017
Balance at Dec.
31, 2016
Change
Accounts receivable from others in 1 to 5 years 10,469 11,088 (619)
Accounts receivable from others in more than 5 years 3,043 3,280 (237)
Total 13,512 14,368 (856)

Accounts receivable from others relate principally for Euro 8,080 thousand of guarantee deposits for utilities and shop leases (from 1 to 5 years: Euro 5,171 thousand; over 5 years: Euro 2,909 thousand) and accounts receivable, payable from 1 to 5 years, for Euro 1,165 thousand.

Prepaid expenses for lease payments made in advance for Euro 4,267 thousand (from 1 to 5 years: Euro 4,133 thousand; over 5 years: 134 thousand).

15. Inventories

The following table shows the breakdown of inventories:

Balance at
Dec. 31, 2017
Balance at
Dec. 31, 2016
Change
Raw materials 11,483 13,521 (2,038)
Work in process and semi-finished products 428 190 238
Finished products and goods for resale 270,531 322,176 (51,645)
Furniture and fittings 785 880 (95)
Total 283,227 336,767 (53,540)

Inventories of finished products include goods in transit acquired from countries in the Far East.

2017 shows a decrease in the value of inventories mainly linked to the different timing and value of purchases made compared to the previous year.

Furniture and fittings relate to furnishings that will be used or sold to franchisees for opening new Geox Shops.

The book value of inventories is not significantly different from their current cost at the end of the period.

Inventories are shown net of the provision for obsolete and slow-moving inventory, which is considered adequate for a prudent valuation of finished products from previous collections and raw materials that are no longer used.

The provision for obsolete and slow-moving inventory is analyzed below:

14,070
14,905
(175)
(13,905)

Balance at December 31 14,895

The write-down mainly reflects the adjustment to market value based on statistical forecasts of discounted sales of products from previous collections.

16. Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable are made up as follows:

Balance at
Dec. 31, 2017
Balance at
Dec. 31, 2016
Change
Gross value 174,396 176,156 (1,760)
Provision for bad and doubtful accounts (11,936) (10,681) (1,255)
Provision for returns and credit notes (42,104) (54,058) 11,954
Net value 120,356 111,417 8,939

Accounts receivable amounted to Euro 174,396 thousand at December 31, 2017, showing an decrease of Euro 1,760 thousand compared to December 31, 2016.

It's to be noted that, over the course of 2017, this item was influenced by non-recourse factoring transactions, amounted to Euro 18,374 thousand at the end of the year (Euro 21,894 at December 31, 2016).

The following is an ageing analysis of accounts receivable:

Not yet due Past due
0 - 90 days
Past due
91 - 180
days
Past due
over 180
days
Total
Gross value of trade receivables at December 31, 2017 120,471 33,796 12,079 8,050 174,396
Gross value of trade receivables at December 31, 2016 126,992 33,341 6,433 9,390 176,156

As regards the sales made to individual customers, there are no situations of particular concentration as all are well under the threshold of 10% of total revenues. The book value of trade receivables coincides with their fair value. The Group continues to maintain tight control over credit. This management practice ensures that the investment in working capital is limited.

Accounts receivable are adjusted to their estimated realizable value by means of a provision for bad and doubtful accounts based on a review of individual outstanding balances. The provision at December 31, 2017 represents a prudent estimate of the current collection risk.

Changes in the provision during the year are as follows:

Balance at January 1 10,681
Provisions 2,681
Translation differences (50)
Utilizations (1,376)

Balance at December 31 11,936

The risk of customer insolvency is significantly mitigated as specific contracts with leading credit insurance companies cover credit risk on most of the turnover. The clauses provide that, initially, the insurance is configured solely as a request to accept the credit risk up to previously agreed credit limits. The insurance does become operating only after a formal communication of non-payment by the due date. The increase of the fund is relative to the prudent assessment of the risk on the portion of receivables not covered by insurance.

Changes in the provision for returns and credit notes during 2017 are as follows:

Balance at January 1 54,058
Provisions 41,505
Translation differences (358)
Utilizations (53,101)
Balance at December 31 42,104

The provision for returns has been estimated based on the potential returns and credit notes arising from the trade agreements signed with customers, in particular with franchising ones. The reduction in the provision booked in 2017, compared to last year, is due to the planned optimization of the franchising stores (62 net closures during the year).

17. Other non-financial current assets

This item is made up as follows:

Balance at
Dec. 31, 2017
Balance at
Dec. 31, 2016
Change
Tax credits 4,313 4,344 (31)
VAT recoverable 5,871 15,292 (9,421)
Advances to vendors 1,697 2,285 (588)
Other receivables 6,411 6,954 (543)
Accrued income and prepaid expenses 7,076 6,541 535
Total 25,368 35,416 (10,048)

As at December 31, 2017 the Group has a tax credit for an amount of Euro 1,902 thousand towards the ultimate Parent Company LIR S.r.l..

Other receivables include:

  • Euro 1,581 thousand due from a credit insurance representing the value of claims assigned for which reimbursement has not yet been received;
  • Euro 873 thousand of customs duty paid in USA on the purchase of goods to be sent to Canada; the Group will obtain a rebate of this amount from the local tax authorities.

Prepaid expenses mainly include prepayments for rent and for other rentals.

18. Financial assets and liabilities

The book value of the financial assets and liabilities shown below coincides with their fair value.

The following table shows the breakdown of this item:

Balance at
Dec. 31, 2017
Balance at
Dec. 31, 2016
Change
Term bank deposits 22 23 (1)
Total non current financial assets 22 23 (1)
Fair value derivative contracts 1,692 19,656 (17,964)
Loans granted by Geox 418 1,341 (923)
Total current financial assets 2,110 20,997 (18,887)
Fair value derivative contracts (22,218) (3,968) (18,250)
Other current financial liabilities (117) (174) 57
Total current financial liabilities (22,335) (4,142) (18,193)

The term bank deposits of Euro 22 thousand include amounts lodged to guarantee rent contracts on foreign shops.

As regards the mark-to-market derivative contracts, see the comments in note 30.

19. Cash and cash equivalents

The amount of Euro 75,616 thousand relates to short term deposits for Euro 1,179 thousand, a current account in Euro for Euro 55,411 thousand, a current account in US Dollars for Euro 4,331 thousand, a current account in Chinese Yuan for Euro 1,269 thousand, a current account in Canadian Dollars for Euro 3,361 thousand, a current account in British Pound for Euro 1,991 thousand, a current account in Hong Kong Dollars for Euro 1,092 thousand, a current account in Hungarian Forint for Euro 1,230, a current account in Polish Zloty for Euro 2,143 thousand and other currencies for the rest. The term deposits relate to investments of surplus cash remunerated at a rate linked to Euribor. The cash on the current account in US Dollars is used to pay suppliers in the Far East when their invoices fall due; it has a yield substantially in line with the reference rate.

The book value of the financial assets and liabilities shown below coincides with their fair value.

20. Equity

Share capital

The share capital of Euro 25,921 thousand is fully paid and is made up of 259,207,331 shares with a par value of Euro 0.10 each.

Other reserves

This item is made up as follows:

Balance at Dec.
31, 2017
Balance at Dec.
31, 2016
Change
Legal reserve 5,184 5,184 -
Share premium reserve 37,678 37,678 -
Translation reserve (1,164) (4,066) 2,902
Reserve for cash flow hedges (11,845) 11,461 (23,306)
Retained earnings 278,326 281,529 (3,203)
Total 308,179 331,786 (23,607)

The legal reserve amounts to Euro 5,184 thousand. This reserve is not distributable.

The share premium reserve was set up for Euro 33,466 thousand in 2004 as a result of the public offering of shares which increased the share capital by Euro 850 thousand.

During 2005, this reserve was increased by Euro 1,548 thousand following the early exercise of a tranche of the stock option plans reserved for management; this involved an increase in capital of Euro 34 thousand.

During 2008, this reserve was increased by Euro 2,635 thousand following the early exercise of the stock option plans reserved for management; this involved an increase in capital of Euro 36 thousand.

During 2009, this reserve was increased by Euro 29 thousand following the early exercise of the stock option plans reserved for management; this involved an increase in capital of Euro 1 thousand.

The reserve for cash flow hedges, for Euro -11,845 thousand, originated as a result of valuing the financial instruments defined as cash flow hedges at December 31, 2017. Fair value valuation of cash flow hedges is stated net of the tax effect as explained in greater detail in note 30. This reserve is not distributable.

Retained earnings consist of unallocated results earned in previous years for an amount of Euro 195,758 thousand.

Amounts are shown net of tax, where applicable.

The following is a reconciliation between the Parent Company's equity and net income for the period and the Group's equity and net income for the period:

Description Net income
for the period
2017
Equity
12-31-2017
Net income
for the period
2016
Equity
12-31-2016
Parent company's equity and net income 11,954 365,016 45 380,560
Differences between the carrying value of the
investments in subsidiaries and the Group share of
their equity
13,685 (6,126) 8,046 (15,891)
Group share of affiliates' results (308) (308) (1,963) (1,963)
Effect of the reorganization in 2001 - - 1,387 -
Elimination of intragroup transactions on inventories (3,551) (16,320) 347 (12,769)
Elimination of intragroup dividens and investments
write-off
(4,769) - (6,954) -
Other adjustments (1,628) 7,221 1,102 9,780
Group equity and net income 15,383 349,483 2,010 359,717

21. Employee severance indemnities

Employee severance indemnities at December 31, 2017 amount to Euro 2,698 thousand, as shown in the following table:

Balance at December 31, 2016 2,658
Increase for acquisition 132
Reversal of 0.50% withholding (252)
Reversal of 11% flat-rate tax (6)
Payments to supplementary pension schemes (1,149)
Advances granted to employees (263)
Provision for the period 4,076
Payments to supplementary pension schemes run by INPS net of amounts paid to leavers (2,496)
Change as a result of actuarial calculations 13
Translation differences (15)

Balance at December 31, 2017 2,698

Changes in the provision for severance indemnities during 2017 show a utilization of Euro 1,149 thousand for payments to supplementary pension funds and one of Euro 2,496 thousand for payments to supplementary pension schemes run by INPS. This is because, based on the legislative changes introduced by Law 296/06, with effect from June 30, 2007, severance indemnities accruing after January 1, 2007 have to be paid by companies (with more than 50 employees) to a special treasury fund set up by INPS or, if the employee prefers, to a supplementary pension fund that complies with D.Lgs 252/05.

Instead, companies book a short-term payable which is then cancelled when the amount is paid over to INPS.

The actuarial valuation of the severance indemnities is carried out on the basis of the Projected Unit Credit Method in accordance with IAS 19. This method involves measurements that reflect the average present value of the pension obligations that have accrued on the basis of the period of service that each employee has worked up to the time that

the valuation is carried out, without extrapolating the employee's pay according to the legislative amendments introduced by the recent Pension Reform. The various stages of the calculation can be summarized as follows:

  • for each employee on the books at the date of the valuation, an extrapolation of the severance indemnity already accrued up to the time that it will probably be paid;
  • for each employee, a calculation of the severance indemnity that will probably have to be paid by the Company when the employee leaves due to dismissal, resignation, disability, death and retirement, as well as if an advance is requested;
  • discounting the probable payments to the date of the valuation.

The actuarial model used for the valuation of the provision for severance indemnities is based on various assumptions, some demographic, others economic and financial. The main assumptions used in the model are as follows:

  • mortality rates: RG48 life expectancy table
  • disability rates: INPS tables split by age and gender
  • employee turnover rate: 2.00%
  • discount rate (index Iboxx Corporate AA con duration 10+): 1.45%
  • rate of severance indemnities increase: 2.625%
  • inflation rate: 1.50%

The following table shows the effect that there would be on the obligation for the defined benefit obligation as a result of changes of significant actuarial assumptions at the year-end:

Changes in assumptions

+1% employee turnover rate (26)
-1% employee turnover rate 30
+1/4% inflation rate 54
-1/4% inflation rate (53)
+1/4% discount rate (81)
-1/4% discount rate 85

22. Provisions for liabilities and charges

This item is made up as follows:

Balance at
Dec. 31, 16
Utilization Provisions Translation
differences
Actuarial
adjustment
Balance at
Dec. 31, 17
Provision for agents' severance indemnities 4,625 (199) 397 (63) (66) 4,694
Other
Total
421
5,046
(5)
(204)
-
397
-
(63)
-
(66)
416
5,110

The "provision for agents' severance indemnities" is provided for on the basis of legislative rules and collective agreements that regulate situations in which agency mandates may be terminated. Provisions represent the best estimate of the amount that the business would have to pay to settle the obligation or transfer it to third parties at the balance sheet date. The cumulative effect of the actuarial valuation carried out in accordance with IAS 37 amounts to Euro 128 thousand.

"Other" reflects mainly an estimate of the risks involved in outstanding disputes.

23. Long-term loans

Long term loans amount to Euro 16,062 thousand and refer entirely to the parent company Geox S.p.A.. The item includes the long-term portion (Euro 4.0 million) of the floating rate loan signed in 2016 for a residual amount of Euro 12 million with expiring date April 20, 2019 and the long-term portion (Euro 12 million) of the fixed rate loan signed in 2017 for a residual amount of Euro 20 million and expiring date March 31, 2020.

The loans are subject to a financial covenant for which Group net financial position must be lower than 75% of Group Equity.

This covenant has been accomplished at balance sheet date.

24. Other long-term payables

This item is made up as follows:

Balance at Dec. 31,
2017
Guarantee deposits 1,116 1,214 (98)
Accrued expenses and deferred income 6,223 7,895 (1,672)
Total 7,339 9,109 (1,770)

The guarantee deposits refer to amounts received from third parties to guarantee business lease contracts (for Geox Shops).

Accrued expenses and deferred income mainly relate to shop lease contracts and the amount due beyond 12 months of the grant received by Republic of Serbia for the construction and start-up of the factory in Vranje for a total amount of Euro 11,250 thousand.

25. Accounts payable

Accounts payable at December 31, 2017 amount to Euro 177,306 thousand, with an decrease of Euro 19,022 thousand if compared with December 31, 2016. All amounts are due within the next 12 months.

Terms and conditions of the above financial liabilities:

  • Trade payables are normally settled within 30-120 days and do not generate interest;
  • The terms and conditions applied to related parties are the same as those applied to third parties.

The book value of accounts payable coincides with their fair value.

26. Other non-financial current liabilities

This item is made up as follows:

Balance at
Dec. 31, 2017
Balance at
Dec. 31, 2016
Change
Social security institutions 4,796 4,630 166
Employees 11,706 10,134 1,572
Provisions for liabilities and charges 4,572 5,097 (525)
Other payables 7,816 9,332 (1,516)
Accrued expenses and deferred income 7,230 7,777 (547)
Total 36,120 36,970 (850)

The amounts due to social security institutions mainly relate to pension contributions for 2017, paid in 2018.

The amounts due to employees include payroll, bonuses and accrued vacation not yet taken as of December 31, 2017.

The provisions for liabilities and charges mainly include the estimated costs related to the change in corporate governance started in the previous years.

Other payables are mainly advances received from customers and the short term part of the guarantee deposits received from third parties.

Accrued expenses and deferred income mainly relate to shop lease contracts for the period and the amount due within 12 months of the grant received by Republic of Serbia for the construction and start-up of the factory in Vranje.

27. Taxes payable

This item is made up as follows:

Balance at
Dec. 31, 2017
Balance at
Dec. 31, 2016
Change
Witholding taxes 3,756 3,809 (53)
VAT payable 3,983 5,335 (1,352)
Other 1,071 235 836
Total 8,810 9,379 (569)

28. Bank borrowings and current portion of long-term loans

This item is made up as follows:

Balance at Dec. 31,
2017
Balance at
Dec. 31, 2016
Change
Bank borrowings
- cash advances 12,729 7,424 5,305
- loans 32,000 59,154 (27,154)
Total 44,729 66,578 (21,849)

The item "loans" includes the portion due within 12 months of the loans signed by the parent company Geox S.p.A. for Euro 16.0 million (see note 23), the floating rate loan signed in 2016 for a residual value of Euro 5.0 million and expiring date July 28, 2018 and the revolving credit lines entered by the parent company Geox S.p.A., for an amount of Euro 11 million and floating rate.

29. Share-based payments

Stock option plans

In accordance with IFRS 2, the adoption of a stock option plan requires that the fair value of the options at the grant date is recognized as a cost. This cost is charged to the income statement over the vesting period, and a specific equity reserve is booked. The fair value of these options has been determined by an independent expert using the binomial method.

At the date of this report there are two cycles of stock option plans. The cycles are made up of a vesting period, from the date the options are granted, and a maximum period to exercise them (exercise period). Any options not vesting or, in any case, not exercised by the expiration date are automatically cancelled to all effects, releasing both the Company and the beneficiary from all obligations and liabilities.

The ability to exercise the options, which is determined tranche by tranche, depends on the Company achieving certain cumulative targets during the vesting periods, based on economic ratios, as shown in the Geox Group's consolidated business plan. If targets are not achieved, no costs are charged to the Financial Statements.

30. Risk management: objectives and criteria

Credit risk

Geox Group policy is to insure its trade receivables, thereby minimizing the risk of bad debts due to non-payment and/or significant payment delays on the part of customers. The policy of insuring against credit risk is applied to the main part of the Geox Group's accounts receivable from third parties.

The maximum risk involved in the Group's financial assets, which include cash and cash equivalents, derivative and other financial assets, is the book value of these assets in the event of counterparty insolvency.

Interest rate risk

Indebtedness to the banking system exposes the Group to the risk of interest rate fluctuations. Floating rate loans, in particular, run the risk of cash flow variations. At 31 December 2017, the Group's indebtedness to the banking system amounts to Euro 60.8 million and is partially floating rate. This floating rate debt is based on technical forms related to working capital and is therefore self-liquidating (orders, invoices, bills); in other words, it is short term and linked to the Group's normal business activity with frequent extinctions and re-openings during the course of the year according to seasonal nature of the sector's financial cycle.

In this context, given expectations of stability in the dynamics of interest rates and the short-term nature of the debt, the Group did not deem it necessary to implement general policies to hedge the risk of interest rate fluctuations, but rather entered into a 3-year Interest Rate Swap (IRS) transaction to hedge the medium-long term loan taken out in 2016 for a residual amount of Euro 12.0 million and a 0.62% rate.

In terms of sensitivity analysis, we would emphasize that a positive (negative) variation of 50 b.p. in the level of interest rates applicable to short-term variable-rate financial liabilities that are not hedged would have resulted in a higher (lower) annual financial burden, gross of tax, of approximately Euro 352 thousand.

Exchange risk

The Geox Group also carries on its activity in countries outside the Euro-zone, which means that exchange rate fluctuations are an important factor to be taken into consideration.

The principal exchange rates to which the Group is exposed are the following:

  • EUR/USD, in relation to purchases of finished product in U.S. dollars, made by Geox S.p.A., typically in the Far East, where the U.S. dollar is the reference currency for trade;
  • EUR/GBP, EUR/CHF, EUR/RUB, EUR/PLN in relation to sales in the British, Swiss, Russian and Polish territories;
  • USD/CAD, in relation to sales in Canadian dollars made by the subsidiary of the Group in the U.S. to Canada.

The Group initially calculates the amount of exchange risk, from trading transactions forecast for the coming 12 months, that is involved in the budget for the coming period. It then gradually hedges this risk during the process of order acquisition to the extent that the orders match the forecasts. These hedges take the form of specific forward contracts and options for the purchase and sale of the foreign currency. Group policy is not to arrange derivative transactions for speculative purposes.

The Board of Directors believes that the risk management policies adopted by the Geox Group are appropriate.

Group companies may find themselves with trade receivables or payables denominated in a currency different from the money of account of the company itself. In addition, it may be convenient from an economic point of view, for companies to obtain finance or use funds in a currency different from the money of account. Changes in exchange rates may result in exchange gains or losses arising from these situations. It is the Group's policy to hedge fully, whenever possible, the exposure resulting from receivables, payables and securities denominated in foreign currencies different from the company's money of account.

68 Some of the Group's subsidiaries are located in countries which are not members of the European monetary union. As the Group's reference currency is the Euro, the income statements of those entities are converted into Euro using the average exchange rate for the period, and while revenues and margins are unchanged in local currency, changes in exchange rates may lead to effects on the converted balances of revenues, costs and the result in Euro.

The assets and liabilities of consolidated companies whose money of account is different from the Euro may acquire converted values in Euro which differ based on the fluctuation in exchange rates. The effects of these changes are recognized directly in the item Cumulative Translation Adjustments reserve, included in Other Comprehensive income.

There have been no substantial changes in 2017 in the nature or structure of exposure to currency risk or in the Group's hedging policies.

The Group's financial statements as at December 31, 2017, could be materially affected by fluctuations in the exchange rates, mainly referred to the US dollar. The impact on the Group's result at December 31, 2017 resulting from a hypothetical, unfavorable and instantaneous change of 10% in the exchange rates of the leading foreign currencies with the Euro would have been approximately Euro 424 thousand, while in case of a favorable change of 10% in exchange rates the impact would have been approximately Euro 559 thousand.

Receivables, payables and future trade flows whose hedging transactions have been analyzed were not considered in this analysis. It is reasonable to assume that changes in exchange rates will produce the opposite effect, of an equal or greater amount, on the underlying transactions that have been hedged.

Liquidity risk

The sector in which the Group operates is very seasonal in nature. The year can be split into two collections (Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter), which more or less coincide with the first and second half. On the one hand, purchases and production are concentrated in the three months prior to the half-year in question, leading to an increase in inventory and, subsequently, the absorption of cash. On the other hand the wholesale and franchising sales are concentrated in the first three months of the half-year in question, transforming inventory into receivables. The same period sees the completion of payment of accounts payable. Receipts from customers and end consumers, on the other hand, are collected before the end of the half-year in question. These situations bring about very strong seasonal trends, also in the Group's financial cycle, which leads to peaks of absorption of financial resources in December to February and in June to August.

The Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining tight control over the various components of working capital, especially inventory and accounts receivable. The Group's credit risk hedging policies guarantee short-term collection of all accounts receivable, even those from customers in financial difficulty, eliminating almost entirely the risk of insolvency. In addition, the finished products remained in stores at the end of the season are then disposed of in a planned way in the outlets owned by the Group and through promotional sales to third parties.

The Group also has bank lines of credit in line with the strong balance sheet and which are also roomy compared to seasonal phenomena described above.

Fair value and related hierarchy

As at December 31, 2017 financial instruments are as follows:

Notional
value on
12-31-17
Fair value
on 12-31-17
(debit)
Fair value
on 12-31-17
(credit)
Notional
value on
12-31-16
Fair value
on 12-31-16
(debit)
Fair value
on 12-31-16
(credit)
FX Forward buy agreements to hedge exch. rate risk 99,514 11 (4,357) 125,261 6,275 (130)
FX Forward sell agreements to hedge exch. rate risk 148,470 1,682 (699) 151,854 1,063 (3,769)
FX Currency Option agreem. to hedge exch. rate risk 216,793 - (17,139) 222,939 12,318 -
Interest Rate Swap 12,000 - (23) 20,000 - (69)
Total financial assets/(liabilities) 476,777 1,692 (22,218) 520,054 19,656 (3,968)

IFRS 7 requires financial instruments recognized in the statement of financial position at fair value to be classified on the basis of a hierarchy that reflects the significance of the inputs used in determining fair value.

The following levels are used in this hierarchy:

  • Level 1 quoted prices in active markets for the assets or liabilities being measured;
  • Level 2 inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices) on the market;
  • Level 3 inputs that are not based on observable market data.

All the financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value at December 31, 2017 are classified on Level 2. In 2017 there were no transfers from Level 1 to Level 2 or to Level 3 or vice versa.

The Group holds the following derivatives to cover exchange rate fluctuations at December 31, 2017:

  • FX forward exchange agreements to hedge future purchases and sales of foreign currency;
  • FX Currency Option agreements for future purchases and sales of foreign currency.

These agreements hedge future purchases and sales planned for the Spring/Summer 2018 and Fall/Winter 2018 seasons.

The fair value mentioned above agrees with the amount shown in the balance sheet. The fair value measurement of the derivatives being analyzed was carried out by means of independent valuation models on the basis of the following market data posted on December 31, 2017:

  • Short-term interest rates on the currencies in question as quoted on www.euribor.org and www.bba.org.uk;
  • The spot exchange rates taken directly from the European Central Bank's website and the relative volatility posted by Bloomberg.

With regard to derivative financial instruments to hedge the interest rate risk, at December 31, 2017, the Group held only an Interest Rate Swap (IRS), used to alter the profile of original interest rate risk exposure from variable rate to fixed rate. On set dates, this IRS exchanges interest flows with the counterparties, calculated on the basis of a reference notional value, at the agreed fixed and variable rates.

31. Related-party transactions

Pursuant to IAS 24, the Group's related parties are companies and people who are unable to exercise control or significant influence and associated companies. Finally, are considered related parties the members of the Board of Directors, the Statutory Auditors and Executives with strategic roles of the Group and their families.

The Group has dealings with the ultimate parent company (LIR S.r.l.) and with third parties that are directly or indirectly linked by common interests to the majority shareholder. The commercial relations with these parties are based on the utmost transparency and normal market conditions. Net sales mainly relate to the sale of "Geox" products in monobrand shops owned by managers that work for the Group. General and administrative expenses principally relate to leases for buildings used by the Group.

The main effects on profit and loss of the transactions with these parties for 2017 and 2016 are summarized below:

Total 2017 Parent
company
Affiliated
company
Other related
parties
Total of which
related parties
Effect on
Total (%)
Net sales 884,529 - 69.00 - 69.00 0.01%
Cost of sales (456,914) - 7.00 - 7.00 0.00%
General and administrative expenses (317,624) (297) (3,879) (4) (4,180) 1.32%
Advertising and promotion (22,561) (220) - - (220) 0.98%
Total
2016
Parent
company
Affiliated
company
Other related
parties
Total of which
related parties
Effect on
Total (%)
Net sales 900,763 - 261 2,032 2,293 0.25%
Cost of sales (471,314) - 48 - 48 (0.01%)
General and administrative expenses (324,987) (297) 4,567 591 4,861 (1.50%)
Advertising and promotion (36,798) (285) (1) 16 (270) 0.73%

The main effects on financial statement of the transactions with these parties at December 31, 2017 and at December 31, 2016 are summarized below:

Balance at
Dec. 31, 2017
Parent
company
Affiliated
company
Other related
parties
Total of which
related parties
Effect on
Total (%)
Accounts receivable 120,356 52 82 - 134 0.11%
Other non-financial current assets 25,368 1902 - - 1,902 7.50%
Accounts payable 177,306 151 1,352 - 1,503 0.85%
Balance at
Dec. 31, 2016
Parent
company
Affiliated
company
Other related
parties
Total of which
related parties
Effect on
Total (%)
Accounts receivable 111,417 46 1,468 - 1,514 1.36%
Other non-financial current assets 35,416 1,902 - - 1,902 5.37%
Accounts payable 196,328 215 975 - 1,190 0.61%

32. Dividends paid and proposed

2017 2016
Dividends declared and paid during the year (**): 5,184 15,552
Dividends declared and paid during the year - per share (*): 0.02 0.06
Dividends proposed to the shareholders' meeting (not yet recognized as
a liability at December 31) (***):
15,552 5,184
Dividends proposed to the shareholders' meeting (not yet recognized as
a liability at December 31) - per share (*):
0.06 0.02

(*) Amount in Euro

(**) Amount in Euro/thousand

(***) Amount in Euro/thousand calculated on the 259,207,331 shares outstanding on February 23, 2018

33. Commitments and contingent liabilities

The Group has stipulated leases for a number of industrial and commercial premises with an average duration of 5-6 years in Italy and 10 years on average abroad. In certain cases, mainly in Italy, the contract provides for tacit renewal on expiry for another 6 years. These contracts can be index-based according to the annual trend in ISTAT's consumer-price index.

The future rental payments under these contracts, as of December 31, are as follows:

12-31-2017
Within 1 year 69,428
Within 1-5 years 153,823
Beyond 5 years 64,983
Total 288,234

34. Significant subsequent events after December 31, 2017

On January 18, 2018 the Board of Directors of Geox S.p.A. acknowledged the resignation of Mr. Gregorio Borgo as CEO with effect from the same date and his resignation as an employee with effect from January 31, 2018.

On the same date Geox S.p.A. Board of Directors has appointed Mr. Matteo Mascazzini as Board Member, with the favourable opinion of the Board of Statutory Auditors, and has made the proposal to appoint him as CEO of the Company.

On February 1, 2018 the Board of Directors of Geox S.p.A. has acknowledged the acceptance of Matteo Mascazzini as a member of the Board of Directors and subsequently appointed him as the Company's new Chief Executive Officer and Executive Committee member, with effect from the same date.

No other subsequent events occured after December 31, 2017.

***

Biadene di Montebelluna, February 23, 2018

for the Board of Directors The Chairman Mr. Mario Moretti Polegato

Attachment 1

Biadene di Montebelluna, February 23, 2018

ATTESTATION

OF THE INDIVIDUAL AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ART- 154-BIS, PARAS. 5 AND 5-BIS OF LEGISLATIVE DECREE 58 OF FEBRUARY 24, 1998 "THE FINANCIAL INTERMEDIATION CODE".

The undersigned Matteo Carlo Maria Mascazzini, Chief Executive Officer of Geox S.p.A. and Livio Libralesso, Financial Reporting Manager of Geox S.p.A., attest, bearing in mind the provisions of art. 154-bis, paras. 3 and 4 of Legislative Decree 58 of February 24, 1998:

  • the adequacy in relation to the characteristics of the enterprise and
  • the effective application,

of the administrative and accounting procedures for preparing the consolidated financial statements during 2017.

They also confirm that the consolidated financial statements:

  • a) agree with the books of account and accounting entries;
  • b) are prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards adopted by the European Union, as well as the provisions issued to implement art. 9 of Legislative Decree 38/2005, and to the best of their knowledge, they are able to give a true and fair view of the assets and liabilities, results and financial position of the Issuer and of the other enterprises included in the consolidation;
  • c) provide a fair and correct representation of the financial conditions, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and for the year 2017;
  • d) Director's report includes a reliable operating and financial review of the Company as well as a description of the main risks and uncertainties to which it is exposed.

Matteo Carlo Maria Mascazzini Livio Libralesso Livio Libralesso CEO Financial Reporting Manager

________________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ _____________________________________

Attachment 2

Pursuant to Art. 149-duodecies of the Issuers' Regulations:

Type of services Entity that provided the services Beneficiary Fees 2017
(Euro/000)
Fees 2016
(Euro/000)
Auditing Auditors of the Parent Company Parent company 133 133
Attestation services Auditors of the Parent Company Parent company - -
Tax advisory services Same network as the Parent Company's
auditors
Parent company - 42
Other services Auditors of the Parent Company Parent company - -
Total Parent Company 133 175
Auditing i) Auditors of the Parent Company Subsidiaries 22 22
ii) Same network as the Parent
Company's auditors
Subsidiaries 167 164
Attestation services i) Auditors of the Parent Company Subsidiaries - -
ii) Same network as the Parent
Company's auditors
Subsidiaries - -
Tax advisory services i) Auditors of the Parent Company Subsidiaries - -
ii) Same network as the Parent
Company's auditors
Subsidiaries - -
Other services i) Auditors of the Parent Company Subsidiaries - -
ii) Same network as the Parent
Company's auditors
Subsidiaries - 3
Total Subsidiaries 189 189
Total 322 364

Attachment 3

LIST OF COMPANIES INCLUDED IN THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS AT DECEMBER 31, 2017

Name Location Year Currency Share % held
end capital Directly Indirectly Total
- Geox S.p.A. Biadene di Montebelluna (TV), Italy Dec. 31 EUR 25,920,733
- Geox Deutschland Gmbh Munich, Germany Dec. 31 EUR 500,000 100.00% 100.00%
- Geox Respira SL Barcelona, Spain Dec. 31 EUR 1,500,000 100.00% 100.00%
- Geox Suisse SA Lugano, Switzerland Dec. 31 CHF 200,000 100.00% 100.00%
- Geox UK Ltd London, U.K. Dec. 31 GBP 1,050,000 100.00% 100.00%
- Geox Japan K.K. Tokyo, Japan Dec. 31 JPY 100,000,000 100.00% 100.00%
- Geox Canada Inc. Mississauga, Canada Dec. 31 CAD 100 100.00% 100.00%
- S&A Distribution Inc. New York, Usa Dec. 31 USD 1 100.00% 100.00%
- Geox Holland B.V. Breda, Netherlands Dec. 31 EUR 20,100 100.00% 100.00%
- Geox Retail S.r.l. Biadene di Montebelluna (TV), Italy Dec. 31 EUR 100,000 100.00% 100.00%
- Geox Hungary Kft Budapest, Hungary Dec. 31 HUF 10,000,000 99.00% 1.00% 100.00%
- Geox Hellas S.A. Athens, Greece Dec. 31 EUR 220,000 100.00% 100.00%
- Geox Retail Slovakia Sro Prievidza, Slovak Rep. Dec. 31 EUR 6,639 100.00% 100.00%
- Geox France Sarl Sallanches, France Dec. 31 EUR 15,000,000 100.00% 100.00%
- S&A Retail Inc. New York, Usa Dec. 31 USD 200 100.00% 100.00%
- Geox Asia Pacific Ltd Hong Kong, China Dec. 31 USD 1,282 100.00% 100.00%
- XLog S.r.l. Signoressa di Trevignano (TV), Italy Dec. 31 EUR 110,000 100.00% 100.00%
- Geox Rus LLC Moscow, Russian Dec. 31 RUB 900,000 100.00% 100.00%
- Geox AT Gmbh Wien, Austria Dec. 31 EUR 35,000 100.00% 100.00%
- Geox Poland Sp. Z.o.o. Warszawa, Poland Dec. 31 PLN 5,000 100.00% 100.00%
- Geox Portugal S.U. LDA Lisbon, Portugal Dec. 31 EUR 300,000 100.00% 100.00%
- Technic Development D.O.O. Vranje Vranje, Serbia Dec. 31 RSD 802,468,425 100.00% 100.00%
- Geox Macau Ltd Macau, China Dec. 31 MOP 5,000,000 100.00% 100.00%
- Geox Trading Shangai Ltd Shanghai, China Dec. 31 CNY 69,269,816 100.00% 100.00%
- Dongguan Technic Footwear Apparel Design Ltd Dongguan, China Dec. 31 CNY 3,795,840 100.00% 100.00%
- Geox Turkey A.Ş. Istanbul, Turkey Dec. 31 TRY 1,750,000 100.00% 100.00%
- Technic Development Vietnam Company Ltd Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Dec. 31 VND 3,403,499,500 100.00% 100.00%
- G.R. MI. S.r.l. Biadene di Montebelluna (TV), Italy Dec. 31 EUR 20,000 100.00% 100.00%

Company's data and information for Shareholders

Registered office

Via Feltrina Centro, 16 31044 Biadene di Montebelluna (TV)

Legal data

Share Capital: Euro 25,920,733.1 i.v. Economic and Administrative Database no. 265360 Treviso Commercial Register and Taxpayer's Code no. 03348440268

Investor Relations

Simone Maggi [email protected] ph. +39 0423 282476

Livio Libralesso General Manager – Corporate – CFO

Documents for shareholders

www.geox.biz (investor relations section)

Talk to a Data Expert

Have a question? We'll get back to you promptly.