2018 Registration document and annual fi nancial report - BNP PARIBAS162

4 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2018

4

Notes to the fi nancial statements

Measurement of goodwill The BNP Paribas Group tests goodwill for impairment on a regular basis.

Cash-generating units

The BNP Paribas Group has split all its activities into cash-generating units(1) representing major business lines. This split is consistent with the Group s organisational structure and management methods, and refl ects the independence of each unit in terms of results and management approach. It is reviewed on a regular basis in order to take account of events likely to affect the composition of cash-generating units, such as acquisitions, disposals and major reorganisations.

Testing cash-generating units for impairment

Goodwill allocated to cash-generating units is tested for impairment annually and whenever there is an indication that a unit may be impaired, by comparing the carrying amount of the unit with its recoverable amount. If the recoverable amount is less than the carrying amount, an irreversible impairment loss is recognised, and the goodwill is written down by the excess of the carrying amount of the unit over its recoverable amount.

Recoverable amount of a cash-generating unit

The recoverable amount of a cash-generating unit is the higher of the fair value of the unit less costs to sell, and its value in use.

Fair value is the price that would be obtained from selling the unit at the market conditions prevailing at the date of measurement, as determined mainly by reference to actual prices of recent transactions involving similar entities or on the basis of stock market multiples for comparable companies.

Value in use is based on an estimate of the future cash fl ows to be generated by the cash-generating unit, derived from the annual forecasts prepared by the unit s management and approved by Group Executive Management, and from analyses of changes in the relative positioning of the unit s activities on their market. These cash fl ows are discounted at a rate that refl ects the return that investors would require from an investment in the business sector and region involved.

1.c TRANSLATION OF FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS

The methods used to account for assets and liabilities relating to foreign currency transactions entered into by the Group, and to measure the foreign exchange risk arising on such transactions, depend on whether the asset or liability in question is classifi ed as a monetary or a non- monetary item.

Monetary assets and liabilities(2) expressed in foreign currencies

Monetary assets and liabilities expressed in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency of the relevant Group entity at the closing rate. Foreign exchange differences are recognised in the profi t and loss account, except for those arising from fi nancial instruments designated as a cash fl ow hedge or a net foreign investment hedge, which are recognised in equity.

Non-monetary assets and liabilities expressed in foreign currencies

Non-monetary assets may be measured either at historical cost or at fair value. Non-monetary assets expressed in foreign currencies are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction (date of initial recognition of the non-monetary asset or the non-monetary liability that might arise for example from the payment or receipt of advance consideration) if they are measured at historical cost, and at the closing rate if they are measured at fair value.

Foreign exchange differences relating to non-monetary assets denominated in foreign currencies and recognised at fair value (equity instruments) are recognised in profi t or loss when the asset is classifi ed in Financial assets at fair value through profi t or loss and in equity when the asset is classifi ed under Financial assets at fair value through equity .

1.d NET INTEREST INCOME, COMMISSIONS AND INCOME FROM OTHER ACTIVITIES

1.d.1 Net interest income

Income and expenses relating to debt instruments measured at amortised cost and at fair value through shareholders equity are recognised in the income statement using the effective interest rate method.

The effective interest rate is the rate that ensures the discounted value of estimated future cash fl ows through the expected life of the fi nancial instrument or, when appropriate, a shorter period, is equal to the carrying amount of the asset or liability in the balance sheet. The effective interest rate measurement takes into account all fees received or paid that are an integral part of the effective interest rate of the contract, transaction costs, and premiums and discounts.

Commissions considered as an additional component of interest are included in the effective interest rate, and are recognised in the profi t and loss account in Net interest income . This category includes notably commissions on fi nancing commitments when it is considered that the setting up of a loan is more likely than unlikely. Commissions received in respect of fi nancing commitments are deferred until they are drawn and then included in the effective interest rate calculation and amortised over the life of the loan. Syndication commissions are also included in this category for the portion of the commission equivalent to the remuneration of other syndication participants.

(1) As defi ned by IAS 36.

(2) Monetary assets and liabilities are assets and liabilities to be received or paid in fi xed or determinable amounts of cash.