EADS N.V. (2010)
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements [extract]
2. Summary of significant accounting policies
Revenue recognition [extract]
For construction contracts, when the outcome can be estimated reliably, revenues are recognised by reference to the percentage of completion (“PoC”) of the contract activity by applying the estimate at completion method. The stage of completion of a contract may be determined by a variety of ways. Depending on the nature of the contract, revenue is recognised as contractually agreed technical milestones are reached, as units are delivered or as the work progresses. Whenever the outcome of a construction contract cannot be estimated reliably – for example during the early stages of a contract or when this outcome can no longer be estimated reliably during the course of a contract’s completion – all related contract costs that are incurred are immediately expensed and revenues are recognised only to the extent of those costs being recoverable (“early stage method of accounting”). In such specific situations, as soon as the outcome can (again) be estimated reliably, revenue is from that point in time onwards accounted for according to the estimate at completion method, without restating the revenues previously recorded under the early stage method of accounting. Changes in profit rates are reflected in current earnings as identified. Contracts are reviewed regularly and in case of probable losses, loss-at-completion provisions are recorded. These loss-at-completion provisions in connection with construction contracts are not discounted.