47.1 Accounting policy

A provision is a liability of uncertain timing or amount. A provision is recognized on the basis of a current obligation arising from past events, the settlement of which will result in an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits. A provision amount is determined based on a reliable estimation of this outflow at the balance sheet date.

Provisions for guarantees and sureties are determined as a difference between the expected value of a balance sheet exposure arising from an off-balance sheet liability and the present value of expected future cash flows obtained from the balance sheet exposure resulting from the liability granted.

The provision for restructuring costs is recognized only if, in addition to the general criteria for recognizing provisions, also the specific criteria pertaining to provisions for restructuring costs are satisfied. These include, among others, holding a detailed, formal restructuring plan and evoking a justified expectation of the parties to which the plan pertains that restructuring actions will be taken (through commencement of implementation of the plan or announcement of its key elements).

In connection with the accepted accounting and the fact that PZU Group companies have not separated assets of defined benefit plans, the carrying amount of provisions for defined benefit plans is equal to the carrying amount of their corresponding liabilities.

Defined contribution plans include the costs of contributions constituting statutory charges on employee salaries incurred by the employer. They include, among others, part of the contributions for retirement and disability pension insurance, Labor Fund, Guaranteed Employee Benefit Fund and the charge for the Company Social Benefit Fund. The costs of defined contribution plans are charged to the profit and loss account in the period to which they pertain.