ESMA · ESMA_QA_1877 Published Answer Updated

Definition of an APM; Paragraph 17 to 19 and 24 of the APMs Guidelines.

Regulation
Transparency Directive (TD) Directive 2004/109/EC
Topic
Alternative Performance Measures (APM)
Submitted
2017-07-12
Answered
2017-07-12

Question

Is ‘result of operating activities’ an APM for the purpose of the APMs Guidelines?

Answer

[ESMA32-51-370 APM Q11] Unless the applicable financial reporting framework defines or specifies “result of operating activities”, this measure is an APM for the purpose of the APMs Guidelines. Despite the fact that there is a reference in paragraph 55 of the Basis for Conclusion of IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements to ‘results of operating activities’, operating results or results from operating activities are not defined or specified in IFRS. Therefore, under the IFRS framework, measures labelled as ‘operating results’, ‘results of operating activities’ or other similar labels are within the scope of the APMs Guidelines when presented outside financial statements. In case such APMs are presented inside and outside financial statements please refer to question ESMA_QA_1868 (historic reference ESMA32-51-370 APM Q2 ). [16/02/2026] This is the revised Q&A version which will be effective from 1 January 2027:   Answer: Unless the applicable financial reporting framework defines or specifies “result of operating activities”, this measure is an APM for the purpose of the APMs Guidelines. Despite the fact that there is a reference in paragraph 55 of the Basis for Conclusion of IAS 1  Presentation of Financial Statements  to ‘results of operating activities’, Given that IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements specifies ‘operating profit or loss’, if the  operating results or results from operating activities are calculated and presented in accordance with IFRS 18, this measure is no longer an APM  are not defined or specified in IFRS .  Measures labelled as ‘operating results’ or ‘results of operating activities’ that are not calculated in accordance with IFRS 18 are APMs. Therefore, if presented outside financial statements and within regulated information documents, issuers should comply with the APM Guidelines and specifically consider the APM Guidelines requirements regarding (mis) labelling.  Therefore,  However, under other relevant applicable financial reporting framework , measures labelled as ‘operating results’, ‘results of operating activities’ or other similar labels are  may be within the scope of the APMs Guidelines when presented outside financial statements if these are not defined or specified in such applicable financial reporting framework.  In case such APMs are presented inside and outside financial statements please refer to ESMA_QA_1868 (historic reference ESMA32-51-370 APM Q2 ) .

This Q&A is published by European Securities and Markets Authority and is non-binding. It does not constitute legal advice. Updated weekly from official ESA sources.

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