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3. Significant accounting policies

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements and have been applied consistently by Heineken entities.

The adoption in 2005 of IAS 32 and 39 financial instruments by Heineken and its effect on the balance sheet as at 1 January 2005 is disclosed in note 24.

Certain comparative amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year’s presentation of geographical segmentation (see note 5) and of gains and losses on sale of property, plant & equipment, intangible assets and subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates (see note 7).

(a) Basis of consolidation

(i) Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by Heineken. Control exists when Heineken has the power, directly or indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing control, potential voting rights that presently are exercisable or convertible are taken into account. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. Accounting policies have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by Heineken.

(ii) Associates

Associates are those entities in which Heineken has significant influence, but not control, over the financial and operating policies. The consolidated financial statements include Heineken’s share of the total recognised income and expenses of associates on an equity-accounted basis, from the date that significant influence commences until the date that significant influence ceases. When Heineken’s share of losses exceeds the carrying amount of the associate, the carrying amount is reduced to nil and recognition of further losses is discontinued except to the extent that Heineken has an obligation or has made a payment on behalf of the associate.

(iii) Joint ventures

Joint ventures are those entities over whose activities Heineken has joint control, established by contractual agreement and requiring unanimous consent for strategic financial and operating decisions. The consolidated financial statements include Heineken’s proportionate share of the entities’ assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses with items of a similar nature on a line-by-line basis, from the date that joint control commences until the date that joint control ceases.

(iv) Transactions eliminated on consolidation

Intra-Heineken balances and transactions, and any unrealised gains and losses or income and expenses arising from intra-Heineken transactions, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Unrealised income arising from transactions with associates and joint ventures are eliminated to the extent of Heineken’s interest in the entity. Unrealised expenses are eliminated in the same way as unrealised income, but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment.

(b) Foreign currency

(i) Foreign currency transactions

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated to the respective functional currencies of Heineken entities at the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are retranslated to the functional currency at the exchange rate at that date. The foreign currency gain or loss arising on monetary items is the difference between amortised cost in the functional currency at the beginning of the period, adjusted for effective interest and payments during the period, and the amortised cost in foreign currency translated at the exchange rate at the end of the period. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are measured at fair value are retranslated to the functional currency at the exchange rate at the date that the fair value was determined. Foreign currency differences arising on retranslation are recognised in the income statement, except for differences arising on the retranslation of available-for-sale (equity) investments. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that are measured at cost remain translated into the functional currency at historical exchange rates.

(ii) Foreign operations

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on consolidation, are translated to Euro at exchange rates at the balance sheet date. The revenue and expenses of foreign operations are translated to Euro at exchange rates approximating the exchange rates ruling at the dates of the transactions.

Foreign currency differences are recognised directly in equity as a separate component. Since 1 January 2004, the date of transition to IFRS, such differences have been recognised in the translation reserve. The cumulative currency differences at the date of transition to IFRS were deemed to be zero. When a foreign operation is disposed of, in part or in full, the relevant amount in the translation reserve is transferred to the income statement.

The following exchange rates, for most important countries in which Heineken has operations, were used while preparing these financial statements:

Year end Average
In EUR 2006 2005 2006 2005
CLP 0.001423 0.001651 0.001502 0.001442
EGP 0.133333 0.148588 0.138910 0.139265
NGN 0.005910 0.006464 0.006217 0.006137
PLN 0.261097 0.259081 0.256988 0.248562
RUB 0.028825 0.029416 0.029323 0.028442
SGD 0.495050 0.510204 0.501968 0.483394
USD 0.758380 0.845380 0.797258 0.804366

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(c) Non-derivative financial instruments

(i) General

Non-derivative financial instruments comprise investments in equity and debt securities, trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents, loans and borrowings, and trade and other payables.

Non-derivative financial instruments are recognised initially at fair value plus, for instruments not at fair value through profit or loss, any directly attributable transaction costs, except as described below. Subsequent to initial recognition non-derivative financial instruments are measured as described below.

A financial instrument is recognised if Heineken becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets are derecognised if Heineken’s contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial assets expire or if Heineken transfers the financial asset to another party without retaining control or substantially all risks and rewards of the asset. Regular way purchases and sales of financial assets are accounted for at trade date, i.e., the date that Heineken commits itself to purchase or sell the asset. Financial liabilities are derecognised if Heineken’s obligations specified in the contract expire or are discharged or cancelled.

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits. Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of Heineken’s cash management are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the statement of cash flows.

Accounting for interest income and expenses and net finance expenses is discussed in note 3(o).

(ii) Held to maturity investments

If Heineken has the positive intent and ability to hold debt securities to maturity, they are classified as held-to-maturity. Debt securities are loans and long-term receivables and are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses. Investments held-to-maturity are recognised or derecognised on the day they are transferred to/by Heineken.

Held to maturity investments include advances and loans to customers of Heineken.

(iii) Available-for-sale investments

Heineken’s investments in equity securities and certain debt securities are classified as available-for-sale. Subsequent to initial recognition, they are measured at fair value and changes therein, except for impairment losses (see note 3h(i)), and foreign exchange gains and losses on available-for-sale monetary items (see note 3b(i)), are recognised directly in equity, When these investments are derecognised, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised directly in equity is recognised in the income statement. Where these investments are interest bearing, interest calculated using the effective interest method is recognised in the income statement. Available-for-sale investments are recognised/derecognised by Heineken on the date it commits to purchase/sell the investments.

(iv) Investments at fair value through profit or loss

An investment is classified as at fair value through profit or loss if it is held for trading or is designated as such upon initial recognition. Investments are designated at fair value through profit or loss if Heineken manages such investments and makes purchase and sale decisions based on their fair value. Upon initial recognition, attributable transactions costs are recognised in the income statement when incurred.

Investments at fair value through profit or loss are classified as current assets and are measured at fair value, with changes therein recognised in the income statement. Investments at fair value through profit and loss are recognised/derecognised by Heineken on the date it commits to purchase/sell the investments.

(v) Share capital – repurchase of share capital

When share capital recognised as equity is repurchased, the amount of the consideration paid, including directly attributable costs, is recognised as a deduction from equity. Repurchased shares are classified as treasury shares and are presented in the reserve for own shares.

(d) Derivative financial instruments

(i) General

Heineken uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to foreign currency and interest rate risks exposures.

Derivative financial instruments are recognised initially at fair value, with attributable transaction cost recognised in the income statement as incurred. Derivatives for which hedge accounting is not applied are accounted for as instruments at fair value through profit or loss. When derivatives qualify for hedge accounting, subsequent measurement is at fair value, and changes therein accounted for as described in note 3d(ii). The fair value of interest rate swaps is the estimated amount that Heineken would receive or pay to terminate the swap at the balance sheet date, taking into account current interest rates and the current creditworthiness of the swap counter parties.

(ii) Cash flow hedges

Changes in the fair value of the derivative hedging instrument designated as a cash flow hedge are recognised directly in equity to the extent that the hedge is effective. To the extent that the hedge is ineffective, changes in fair value are recognised in the income statement.

If the hedging instrument no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, then hedge accounting is discontinued and the cumulative unrealised gain or loss recognised in equity is recognised in the income statement immediately. When a hedging

instrument is terminated, but the hedged transaction still is expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss at that point remains in equity and is recognised in accordance with the above-mentioned policy when the transaction occurs. When the hedged item is a non-financial asset, the amount recognised in equity is transferred to the carrying amount of the asset when it is recognised. In other cases the amount recognised in equity is transferred to the income statement in the same period that the hedged item affects the income statement.

(iii) Economic hedges

Hedge accounting is not applied to derivative instruments that economically hedge monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. Changes in the fair value of such derivatives are recognised in the income statement as part of foreign currency gains and losses.

(e) Property, Plant and Equipment (P, P & E)

(i) Owned assets

Items of property, plant and equipment are measured at cost less government grants received (refer iv), accumulated depreciation (refer v) and impairment losses (refer accounting policy 3h(ii)).

Cost comprises the initial purchase price increased with expenditures directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset (like transports and non-recoverable taxes). The cost of self-constructed assets includes the cost of materials and direct labour and any other costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to a working condition for its intended use (like an appropriate proportion of production overheads).

Spare parts that are acquired as part of an equipment purchase and only to be used in connection with this specific equipment are initially capitalised and amortised as part of the equipment.

Where an item of property, plant and equipment comprises major components having different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items of property, plant and equipment.

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(ii) Leased assets

Leases in terms of which Heineken assumes substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. Upon initial recognition P, P & E acquired by way of finance lease is measured at an amount equal to the lower of its fair value and the present value of the minimum lease payments.

Other leases are operating leases and are not recognised on Heineken’s balance sheet.

(iii) Subsequent expenditure

The cost of replacing part of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognised in the carrying amount of the item if it is probable that the future economic benefits embodied within the part will flow to Heineken and its cost can be measured reliably. The costs of the day-to-day servicing of property, plant and equipment are recognised in the income statement as incurred.

(iv) Government grants

Government grants related to plant, property and equipment and grants relating to research and development activities are recognised when it is reasonably assured that Heineken will comply with the conditions attaching to them and the grants will be received.

(v) Depreciation

Depreciation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of items of property, plant and equipment, and major components that are accounted for separately. Land and assets under construction are not depreciated. The estimated useful lives are as follows:

• Buildings 30-40 years
• Plant and equipment 10-30 years
• Other fixed assets 5-10 years

The depreciation methods, residual value as well as the useful lives are reassessed annually.

(vi) Gains and losses on sale

Gains and losses on sale of items of P, P & E, are presented in the income statement as other income. Gains and losses are recognised in the income statement when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer, recovery of the consideration is probable, the associated costs can be estimated reliably, and there is no continuing management involvement with the P, P & E.

(f) Intangible assets

(i) Goodwill

Goodwill arises on the acquisition of subsidiaries and joint ventures and represents the excess of the cost of the acquisition over Heineken’s interest in net fair value of the net identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquiree.

Goodwill arising on the acquisition of associates is included in the carrying value of the associate.

In respect of acquisitions prior to 1 October 2003, goodwill is included on the basis of deemed cost, being the amount recorded under previous GAAP.

Goodwill on acquisitions purchased before 1 January 2003 has been deducted from equity.

Goodwill arising on the acquisition of a minority interest in a subsidiary represents the excess of the cost of the additional investment over the carrying amount of the net assets acquired at the date of exchange.

Goodwill is measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses (refer accounting policy 3h(ii)). Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units and is tested annually for impairment. In respect of associates, the carrying amount of goodwill is included in the carrying amount of the associate.

Negative goodwill is recognised directly in the income statement.

(ii) Brands

Brands acquired, separately, or as part of a business combination are capitalised as part of a brand portfolio if the portfolio meets the definition of an intangible asset and the recognition criteria are satisfied. Brand portfolios acquired as part of a business combination include the customer base related to the brand because it is assumed that brands have no value without a customer base and vice versa. Brand portfolios acquired as part of a business combination are valued at fair value based on the royalty relief method. Brands and brand portfolio’s acquired separately are measured at cost. Brands and brand portfolio’s are amortised on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life.

(iii) Software, research and development and other intangible assets

Purchased software is measured at cost less accumulated amortisation (refer v) and impairment losses (refer accounting policy 3h(ii)). Expenditure on internally developed software is capitalised when the expenditure qualifies as development activities, otherwise it is recognised in the income statement when incurred.

Expenditure on research activities, undertaken with the prospect of gaining new technical knowledge and understanding, is recognised in the income statement when incurred.

Development activities involve a plan or design for the production of new or substantially improved products and processes. Development expenditure is capitalised only if development costs can be measured reliably, the product or process is technically and commercially feasible, future economic benefits are probable, and Heineken intends to and has sufficient resources to complete development and to use or sell the asset. The expenditure capitalised includes the cost of materials, direct labour and overhead costs that are directly attributable to preparing the asset for its intended use. Other development expenditure is recognised in the income statement when incurred.

Capitalised development expenditure is measured at cost less accumulated amortisation (refer v) and accumulated impairment losses (refer accounting policy 3h(ii)).

Other intangible assets that are acquired by Heineken are measured at cost less accumulated amortisation (refer v) and impairment losses (refer accounting policy 3h(ii)). Expenditure on internally generated goodwill and brands is recognised in the income statement when incurred.

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(iv) Subsequent expenditure

Subsequent expenditure is capitalised only when it increases the future economic benefits embodied in the specific asset to which it relates. All other expenditure is expensed when incurred.

(v) Amortisation

Amortisation is charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets, other than goodwill, from the date they are available for use. The estimated useful lives are as follows:

• Brands 15-25 years
• Software 3 years
• Capitalised development costs 3 years
(vi) Gains and losses on sale

Gains and losses on sale of intangible assets, are presented in the income statement as other income. Gains and losses are recognised in the income statement when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer, recovery of the consideration is probable, the associated costs can be estimated reliably, and there is no continuing management involvement with the intangible assets.

(g) Inventories

(i) General

Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value, based on the First In First Out principle and includes expenditure incurred in acquiring the inventories and bringing them to their existing location and condition. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of completion and selling expenses.

(ii) Finished products and work in progress

Finished products and work in progress are measured at manufacturing cost based on weighted averages and takes into account the production stage reached. Costs include an appropriate share of direct production overheads based on normal operating capacity.

(iii) Other inventories and spare parts

The cost of other inventories is based on weighted averages.

Spare parts are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Value reductions and usage of parts are charged to the income statement. Spare parts that are acquired as part of an equipment purchase and only to be used in connection with this specific equipment are initially capitalised and amortised as part of the equipment.

(h) Impairment

(i) Financial assets

A financial asset is considered to be impaired if objective evidence indicates that one or more events have had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of that asset.

An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortised cost is calculated as the difference between its carrying amount, and the present value of the estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate. An impairment loss in respect of an available-for-sale financial asset is calculated by reference to its current fair value.

Individually significant financial assets are tested for impairment on a individual basis. The remaining financial assets are assessed collectively in groups that share similar credit risk characteristics.

All impairment losses are recognised in the income statement. Any cumulative loss in respect of an available-for-sale financial asset recognised previously in equity is transferred to the income statement.

An impairment loss is reversed if the reversal can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised. For financial assets measured at amortised cost and available-for-sale financial assets that are debt securities, the reversal is recognised in the income statement. For available-for-sale financial assets that are equity securities, the reversal is recognised directly in equity.

(ii) Non-financial assets

The carrying amounts of Heineken’s non-financial assets, other then inventories (refer accounting policy g) and deferred tax assets (refer accounting policy p), are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. For goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite lives or that are not yet available for use, recoverable amount is estimated at each reporting date.

An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. A cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable asset group that generates cash flows that largely are independent from other assets and groups. Impairment losses are recognised in the income statement. Impairment losses recognised in respect of cash-generating units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the units and then to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the unit (group of units) on a pro rata basis.

The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.

An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. In respect of other assets, impairment losses recognised in prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any indications that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.

(i) Assets held for sale

Non-current assets (or disposal groups comprising assets and liabilities) that are expected to be recovered primarily through sale rather than through continuing use are classified as held for sale. Immediately before classification as held for sale, the assets (or components of a disposal group) are remeasured in accordance with Heineken’s accounting policies. Thereafter the assets (or disposal group) are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less cost to sell. Any impairment loss on a disposal group first is allocated to goodwill, and then to remaining assets and liabilities on a pro rata basis, except that no loss is allocated to inventories, financial assets, deferred tax assets and employee benefit assets, which continue to be measured in accordance with Heineken’s accounting policies. Impairment losses on initial classification as held for sale and subsequent gains or losses on remeasurement are recognised in the income statement. Gains are not recognised in excess of any cumulative impairment loss.

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(j) Employee benefits

(i) Defined contribution plans

Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognised as an expense in the income statement when they are due.

(ii) Defined benefit plans

Heineken’s net obligation in respect of defined benefit pension plans is calculated separately for each plan by estimating the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods; that benefit is discounted to determine its present value, and any unrecognised past service costs and the fair value of any plan assets are deducted. The discount rate is the yield at balance sheet date on AA rated bonds that have maturity dates approximating the terms of Heineken’s obligations.

The calculations are performed by qualified actuaries using the projected unit credit method. Where the calculation results in a benefit to Heineken, the recognised asset is limited to the net total of any unrecognised actuarial losses and past service costs and the present value of any future refunds from the plan or reductions in future contributions to the plan.

When the benefits of a plan are improved, the portion of the increased benefit relating to past service by employees is recognised as an expense in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the average period until the benefits become vested. To the extent that the benefits vest immediately, the expense is recognised immediately in the income statement.

In respect of actuarial gains and losses that arise, Heineken applies the corridor method in calculating the obligation in respect of a plan. To the extent that any cumulative unrecognised actuarial gain or loss exceeds ten per cent of the greater of the present value of the defined benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets, that portion is recognised in the income statement over the expected average remaining working lives of the employees participating in the plan. Otherwise, the actuarial gain or loss is not recognised.

(iii) Other long-term employee benefits

Heineken’s net obligation in respect of long-term employee benefits, other than pension plans, is the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods; that benefit is discounted to determine its present value, and the fair value of any related assets is deducted. The discount rate is the yield at balance sheet date on high-quality credit-rated bonds that have maturity dates approximating the terms of Heineken’s obligations. The obligation is calculated using the projected unit credit method.

(iv) Termination benefits

Termination benefits are recognised as an expense when Heineken is demonstrably committed, without realistic possibility of withdrawal, to a formal detailed plan to terminate employment before the normal retirement date. Termination benefits for voluntary redundancies are recognised if Heineken has made an offer encouraging voluntary redundancy, it is probable that the offer will be accepted, and the number of acceptances can be estimated reliably.

(v) Share-based payment plan (long-term incentive plan)

At 1 January 2005 Heineken established a share plan for the Executive Board members (see note 27), as at 1 January 2006 Heineken also established a share plan for senior management members (see note 27).

The share plan for the Executive Board is fully based on external performance conditions, whilst the plan for senior management members is for 25 per cent based on external market performance conditions and for 75 per cent on internal performance conditions.

The grant date fair value of the share rights granted is recognised as personnel expenses with a corresponding increase in equity. The costs of the share plan for the Executive Board members are spread evenly over the performance period. The costs of the share plan for senior management members are spread evenly over the performance period and are partly adjusted to reflect the actual number of share rights that will vest.

The fair value is measured at grant date using the Monte Carlo model taking into account the terms and conditions of the plan.

(vi) Short-term benefits

Short-term employee benefit obligations are measured on an undiscounted basis and are expensed as the related service is provided.

A liability is recognised for the amount expected to be paid under short-term benefits if the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation to pay this amount as a result of past service provided by the employee and the obligation can be estimated reliably.

(k) Provisions

(i) General

A provision is recognised if, as a result of a past event, Heineken has a present legal or constructive obligation that can be estimated reliably, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability.

(ii) Restructuring

A provision for restructuring is recognised when Heineken has approved a detailed and formal restructuring plan, and the restructuring has either commenced or has been announced publicly. Future operating costs are not provided for. The provision includes the benefit commitments in connection with early retirement, relocation and redundancy schemes.

(iii) Onerous contracts

A provision for onerous contracts is recognised when the expected benefits to be derived by Heineken from a contract are lower than the unavoidable cost of meeting its obligations under the contract. The provision is measured at the present value of the lower of the expected cost of terminating the contract and the expected net cost of continuing with the contract. Before a provision is established, Heineken recognises any impairment loss on the assets associated with that contract.

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(l) Revenue

(i) Products sold

Revenue from the sale of products in the ordinary course of business is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of sales tax, excise duties, customer discounts and other sales-related discounts. Revenue from the sale of products is recognised in the income statement when the amount of revenue can be measured reliable, the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer, recovery of the consideration is probable, the associated costs and possible return of products can be estimated reliably, and there is no continuing management involvement with the products.

(ii) Other revenue

Other revenue are proceeds from sale of by-products, POS material, royalties, rental income and technical services to third parties, net of sales tax. Sales of by-products and POS materials are recognised in the income statement when ownership has been transferred to the buyer. Royalties are recognised in the income statement on an accrual basis in accordance with the substance of the relevant agreement. Rental income and technical services are recognised in the income statement when the services have been delivered.

(m) Other income

Other income are gains from sale of P, P & E, intangible assets and (interests in) subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, net of sales tax. They are recognised in the income statement when ownership has been transferred to the buyer.

(n) Expenses

(i) Operating lease payments

Payments made under operating leases are recognised in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives received are recognised in the income statement as an integral part of the total lease expense, over the term of the lease.

(ii) Finance lease payments

Minimum lease payments under finance leases are apportioned between the finance expense and the reduction of the outstanding liability. The finance expense is allocated to each period during the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Contingent lease payments are accounted for by revising the minimum lease payments over the remaining term of the lease when the lease adjustment is confirmed.

(o) Interest income, interest expenses and other net finance expenses

Interest income and expenses are recognised as they accrue, using the effective interest method.

Other finance income comprises dividend income, gains on the disposal of available-for-sale financial assets, changes in the fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, foreign currency gains, and gains on hedging instruments that are recognised in the income statement. Dividend income is recognised on the date that Heineken’s right to receive payment is established, which in the case of quoted securities is the ex-dividend date.

Other finance expenses comprise unwinding of the discount on provisions, changes in the fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, foreign currency losses, impairment losses recognised on financial assets, and losses on hedging instruments that are recognised in the income statement.

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(p) Income tax

Income tax comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the income statement except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly to equity, in which case it is recognised in equity.

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantially enacted at the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

Deferred tax is recognised using the balance sheet method, for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is not recognised for the following temporary differences: the initial recognition of goodwill, the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit, and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries and joint ventures to the extent that the Company is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference and they will probably not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applied to the temporary differences when they reverse, based on the laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.

(q) Earnings per share

Heineken presents basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) data for its ordinary shares. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is determined by adjusting the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares, which comprise share rights granted to employees.

(r) Segment reporting

A segment is a distinguishable component of Heineken that is engaged either in providing related products or services (business segment), or in providing products or services within a particular economic environment (geographical segment), which is subject to risks and rewards that are different from those of other segments. Heineken’s primary format for segment information is based on geographical segments.

(s) New standards not yet adopted

The following new standard and amendment to standard is not yet effective for the year ended 31 December 2006, and has not been applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements:

IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures and the Amendment to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements: Capital Disclosures require extensive disclosures about the significance of financial instruments for an entity’s financial position and performance, and qualitative and quantitative disclosures on the nature and extent of risks. IFRS 7 and amended IAS 1, which will become mandatory for Heineken’s 2007 financial statements, will require additional disclosures with respect to Heineken’s financial instruments and share capital.

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