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SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2017
Corporate Information And Statement Of IFRS Compliance [Abstract] |
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a) | Statement of Compliance
T hese consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS”). The consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on March 13, 2018.
(b) | Basis of Preparation
The consolidated financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis. Standards and guidelines not yet effective for the current accounting period are described in Note 3(s), Future Changes in Accounting Policies.
(i) | Subsidiaries
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our partnership and subsidiaries over which our partnership has control. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date of acquisition, being the date on which our partnership obtains control, and continue to be consolidated until the date when control is lost. Our partnership (investor) controls an investee when it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. Together, our partnership and its subsidiaries are referred to as “Brookfield Infrastructure” in these financial statements. Non-controlling interests may be initially measured either at fair value or at the non-controlling interests’ proportionate share of the fair value of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. The choice of measurement basis is made on an acquisition by acquisition basis. Subsequent to acquisition, the carrying amount of non-controlling interests is the amount of those interests at initial recognition plus the non-controlling interests’ share of subsequent changes in partnership capital in addition to changes in ownership interests. Total comprehensive income is attributed to non-controlling interests, even if this results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance. Holding LP has issued Redeemable Partnership Units held by Brookfield, which may, at the request of the holder, require the Holding LP to redeem the Redeemable Partnership Units for cash consideration equal to the market price of our partnership’s units. This right is subject to our partnership’s right of first refusal which entitles it, at its sole discretion, to elect to acquire any Redeemable Partnership Unit so presented to Holding LP in exchange for one of our partnership’s units subject to certain customary adjustments. All intercompany balances, transactions, revenues and expenses are eliminated in full.
(ii) | Associates and Joint Ventures
Associates and joint ventures are entities over which our partnership has significant influence or joint control. Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee but does not constitute control. Our partnership accounts for investments over which it has significant influence using the equity method, and are recorded as Investments in associates and joint ventures on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Interests in investments accounted for using the equity method are initially recorded at cost. If the cost of the associate is lower than the proportionate share of the investment’s underlying fair value, our partnership records a gain on the difference between the cost and the underlying fair values of the identifiable net assets of the associate. If the cost of the associate is greater than our partnership’s proportionate share of the underlying fair value, goodwill and other adjustments arising from the purchase price allocation relating to the associate is included in the carrying amount of the investment. Subsequent to initial recognition, the carrying value of our partnership’s interest in an investee is adjusted for our partnership’s share of comprehensive income or loss and distributions from the investee. Profits or losses resulting from transactions with an associate are recognized in the consolidated financial statements based on the interests of unrelated investors in the associate.
(c) | Foreign Currency Translation
The U.S dollar is the functional and presentation currency of Brookfield Infrastructure. Each of Brookfield Infrastructure’s subsidiaries, associates and jointly controlled entities determines its own functional currency and items included in the financial statements of each subsidiary and associate are measured using that functional currency. Assets and liabilities of foreign operations having a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar are translated at the rate of exchange prevailing at the reporting date and revenues and expenses at average rates during the period. Gains or losses on translation are included as a component of other comprehensive income. On disposal of a foreign operation resulting in the loss of control, the component of other comprehensive income due to accumulated foreign currency translation relating to that foreign operation is reclassified to net income. Gains or losses on foreign currency denominated balances and transactions that are designated as hedges of net investments in these operations are reported in the same manner. On partial disposal of a foreign operation in which control is retained, the proportionate share of the component of other comprehensive income or loss relating to that foreign operation is reclassified to non-controlling interests in that foreign operation. Foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities are translated using the rate of exchange prevailing at the reporting date and non-monetary assets and liabilities measured at fair value are translated at the rate of exchange prevailing at the date when the fair value was determined. Revenues and expenses are measured at average rates during the period. Gains or losses on translation of these items are included in net income. Gains and losses on transactions which hedge these items are also included in net income or loss. Foreign currency denominated non-monetary assets and liabilities, measured at historic cost, are translated at the rate of exchange at the transaction date.
(d) | Business Combinations
Business acquisitions in which control is acquired are accounted for using the acquisition method, other than those between and among entities under common control. The consideration of each acquisition is measured at the aggregate of the fair values at the acquisition date of assets transferred by the acquirer, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity instruments issued by Brookfield Infrastructure in exchange for control of the acquiree. Acquisition related costs are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operating Results as incurred and included in other expenses. Where applicable, the consideration for the acquisition includes any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement, measured at its acquisition-date fair value. Subsequent changes in fair values are adjusted against the cost of the acquisition where they qualify as measurement period adjustments. All other subsequent changes in the fair value of contingent consideration classified as liabilities will be recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operating Results, whereas changes in the fair values of contingent consideration classified within partnership capital are not subsequently re-measured. Where a business combination is achieved in stages, Brookfield Infrastructure’s previously held interests in the acquired entity are remeasured to fair value at the acquisition date, that is, the date Brookfield Infrastructure attains control and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operating Results. Amounts arising from interests in the acquiree prior to the acquisition date that have previously been recognized in other comprehensive income are reclassified to the Consolidated Statements of Operating Results, where such treatment would be appropriate if that interest were disposed of. If the initial accounting for a business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, Brookfield Infrastructure reports provisional amounts for the items for which the accounting is incomplete. Those provisional amounts are adjusted during the measurement period, or additional assets or liabilities are recognized, to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the amounts recognized as of that date. The measurement period is the period from the date of acquisition to the date Brookfield Infrastructure obtains complete information about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. The measurement period is subject to a maximum of one year subsequent to the acquisition date. If, after reassessment, Brookfield Infrastructure’s interest in the fair value of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets exceeds the sum of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree and the fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree if any, the excess is recognized immediately in profit or loss as a bargain purchase gain. Contingent liabilities acquired in a business combination are initially measured at fair value at the date of acquisition. At the end of subsequent reporting periods, such contingent liabilities are measured at the higher of the amount that would be recognized in accordance with IAS 37, Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets (“IAS 37”) and the amount initially recognized less cumulative amortization recognized in accordance with IAS 18, Revenue (“IAS 18”).
(e) | Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less.
(f) | Accounts Receivable
Trade receivables are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less any allowance for uncollectability.
(g) | Property, Plant and Equipment
Brookfield Infrastructure uses the revaluation method of accounting for all classes of property, plant and equipment. Property, plant and equipment is initially measured at cost and subsequently carried at its revalued amount, being the fair value at the date of the revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Revaluations are made on at least an annual basis, and on a sufficient basis to ensure that the carrying amount does not differ significantly from fair value. Where the carrying amount of an asset is increased as a result of a revaluation, the increase is recognized in other comprehensive income or loss and accumulated in equity within the revaluation surplus reserve, unless the increase reverses a previously recognized impairment recorded through net income, in which case that portion of the increase is recognized in net income. Where the carrying amount of an asset is decreased, the decrease is recognized in other comprehensive income to the extent of any balance existing in revaluation surplus in respect of the asset, with the remainder of the decrease recognized in net income. Revaluation gains are included in other comprehensive income, but are not subsequently recycled into profit or loss. An item of property, plant and equipment and any significant part initially recognized is derecognized upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected from its use or disposal. The gain or loss arising on disposal or retirement of an item of property, plant and equipment is determined as the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operating Results. However, any balance accumulated in revaluation surplus is subsequently recorded in retained earnings when an asset is derecognized and not transferred to profit or loss. Depreciation of an asset commences when it is available for use. Property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight line or declining-balance basis over the estimated useful lives of each component of the assets as follows:
Buildings |  | Up to 70 years
Transmission stations, towers and related fixtures |  | Up to 40 years
Leasehold improvements |  | Up to 50 years
Plant and equipment |  | Up to 40 years
Network systems |  | Up to 60 years
Track |  | Up to 40 years
District energy systems |  | Up to 50 years
Gas storage assets |  | Up to 50 years
Depreciation on property, plant and equipment is calculated on a straight-line or declining-balance basis so as to depreciate the net cost of each asset over its expected useful life to its estimated residual value. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the period of the lease or estimated useful life, whichever is the shorter, using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives, residual values and depreciation methods are reviewed at the end of each annual reporting period, with the effect of any changes recognized on a prospective basis.
(h) | Investment Property
Brookfield Infrastructure uses the fair value method to account for assets classified as investment property. An asset is determined to be an investment property when it is principally held to earn rental income or for capital appreciation, or both. Investment property is initially measured at cost including transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, investment properties are carried at fair value. Gains or losses arising from changes in fair value are included in profit or loss. Fair values are primarily determined by valuation of the lease term and freehold reversion. An income capitalization approach is used by applying a yield to the rental income of the capitalization rate is reflective of the characteristics, location and market of each property. Fair value is estimated by management of our partnership with due consideration given to observable market inputs, where available.
(i) | Asset Impairment
At each reporting date Brookfield Infrastructure assesses whether for assets, other than those measured at fair value with changes in values recorded in profit or loss, there is any indication that such assets are impaired. This assessment includes a review of internal and external factors which includes, but is not limited to, changes in the technological, political, economic or legal environment in which the entity operates in, structural changes in the industry, changes in the level of demand, physical damage and obsolescence due to technological changes. An impairment is recognized if the recoverable amount, determined as the higher of the estimated fair value less costs of disposal or the discounted future cash flows generated from use and eventual disposal from an asset or cash generating unit is less than its carrying value. The projections of future cash flows take into account the relevant operating plans and management’s best estimate of the most probable set of conditions anticipated to prevail. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset or cash generating unit is increased to the lesser of the revised estimate of recoverable amount and the carrying amount that would have been recorded had no impairment loss been recognized previously.
(j) | Intangible Assets
Intangible assets acquired in a business combination and recognized separately from goodwill are initially recognized at their fair value at the acquisition date. Brookfield Infrastructure’s intangible assets are comprised primarily of conservancy rights, service concession arrangements and customer order backlogs. Subsequent to initial recognition, intangible assets acquired in a business combination are reported at cost less accumulated amortization unless indefinite-lived and accumulated impairment losses, on the same basis as intangible assets acquired separately. Public service concessions that provide Brookfield Infrastructure the right to charge users for a service in which the service and fee is regulated by the grantor are accounted for as an intangible asset under IFRIC 12, Service Concession Arrangements. Concession arrangements were acquired as part of the acquisition of the Australian regulated terminal operation, Brazilian regulated gas transmission, and Chilean, Indian and Peruvian toll roads and were initially recognized at their fair values. The intangible asset at the Australian regulated terminal operation relates to use of a specific coal port terminal for a contractual length of time and is amortized over the life of the contractual arrangement with 83 years remaining on a straight-line basis. The intangible assets at the Brazilian regulated gas transmission operation relate to pipeline concession contracts, amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the contractual arrangement. The intangible assets at the Chilean, Indian and Peruvian toll roads relate to the right to operate a road and charge users a specified tariff for a contractual length of time and is amortized over the life of the contractual arrangement with an average of 16, 6, and 25 years remaining, respectively. The conservancy right was acquired as part of the acquisition of the U.K. port operation and was recorded at its fair value. As a right in perpetuity issued by the Statutory Harbour Authority in the U.K., the conservancy right is classified as having an indefinite life and is subject to an annual impairment assessment. The customer order backlog was acquired as part of the acquisition of the U.K. regulated distribution operation and was initially recorded at its fair value. The customer order backlog represents the present value of future earnings derived from the build out of contracted connections at the acquisition date of the U.K. regulated distribution operation. The customer order backlog is amortized over its estimated useful life of 15 years. Gains or losses arising from derecognition of an intangible asset are measured as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and are recognized in profit or loss when the asset is derecognized.
(k) | Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the price paid for the acquisition of an entity over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired. Goodwill is allocated to the cash generating unit or units to which it relates. Brookfield Infrastructure identifies cash generating units as identifiable groups of assets that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment annually or more often if events or circumstances indicate there may be impairment. Impairment is determined for goodwill by assessing if the carrying value of a cash generating unit, including the allocated goodwill, exceeds its recoverable amount determined as the greater of the estimated fair value less costs of disposal or the value in use. Impairment losses recognized in respect of a cash generating unit are first allocated to the carrying value of goodwill and any excess is allocated to the carrying amount of assets in the cash generating unit. Any goodwill impairment is charged to profit or loss in the period in which the impairment is identified. Impairment losses on goodwill are not subsequently reversed. On disposal of a subsidiary, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the gain or loss on disposal of the operation.
(l) | Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to Brookfield Infrastructure and the revenue and costs incurred or to be incurred can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. Amounts disclosed as revenue are net of estimated customer returns, trade allowances, rebates and other similar allowances. When our partnership receives a transfer of cash or property, plant and equipment from a customer, it assesses whether the constructed or acquired item of property, plant and equipment meets the definition of an asset in accordance with IFRIC 18, Transfer of Assets from Customers (“IFRIC 18”). If the definition of an asset is met, our partnership recognizes the item of property, plant and equipment at its cost and recognizes revenue or deferred revenue, as applicable, for the same amount based on the appropriate revenue recognition policy. Brookfield Infrastructure recognizes revenue when the specific criteria have also been met for each of Brookfield Infrastructure’s activities as described below. Cash received by Brookfield Infrastructure from customers is recorded as deferred revenue until revenue recognition criteria are met. Utilities Revenue from utilities infrastructure is derived from the transmission of energy and natural gas, the distribution of energy and from Brookfield Infrastructure’s Australian regulated terminal operation. Distribution and transmission revenue is recognized when services are rendered based upon usage or volume during that period. Terminal infrastructure charges are charged at set rates per tonne of coal based on each customer’s annual contracted tonnage and is then recognized on a pro-rata basis each month. Brookfield Infrastructure’s Australian regulated terminal operation also recognizes handling charges based on tonnes of coal shipped through the terminal. Brookfield Infrastructure’s regulated distribution operation receives customer contributions which are recorded in deferred revenue and released on a percentage of completion basis in accordance with IFRIC 18 and IAS 11. Transport Revenue from transport infrastructure consists primarily of freight, toll road operations and transportation services revenue. Revenue is recognized when services are provided and rendered based primarily on usage or volume throughput during the period. Energy Revenue from energy infrastructure consists primarily of energy transmission and storage as well as district energy services. Revenue is recognized when services are provided and rendered based primarily on usage or volume throughput during the period. Communications Infrastructure Revenue from communications infrastructure is derived from contracts with media broadcasting and telecom customers to access infrastructure. Customers pay upfront and recurring fees to lease space on towers to host their equipment. Recurring rental revenue is recognized on a straight line basis based on lease agreements. Upfront payments which are separable from the recurring revenue under IFRIC 18 are recognized on a percentage of completion basis on the construction asset they relate to.
(m) | Financial Instruments and Hedge Accounting
The following summarizes Brookfield Infrastructure’s classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities:
|  | Classification |  | Measurement
Financial assets |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents |  | Loans and receivables |  |  | Amortized cost |
Accounts receivable and other |  | Loans and receivables |  |  | Amortized cost |
Restricted cash and deposits |  | Loans and receivables |  |  | Amortized cost |
Marketable securities |  | Available-for-sale |  |  | Fair value |
Financial assets |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative assets |  | FVTPL(1) |  |  | Fair value |
Other financial assets |  | Loans and receivables/ Available-for-sale |  |  | Amortized cost/ Fair value |
Financial liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |
Corporate borrowings |  | Other liabilities |  |  | Amortized cost |
Non-recourse borrowings |  | Other liabilities |  |  | Amortized cost (2)
Accounts payable and other |  | Other liabilities |  |  | Amortized cost |
Preferred shares |  | Other liabilities |  |  | Amortized cost |
Financial liabilities |  | FVTPL(1) |  |  | Fair value |
(1) | Fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”), except for derivatives in certain hedge relationships.
(2) | Except for derivatives embedded in the related financial instruments that are classified as FVTPL and measured at fair value.
Our partnership maintains a portfolio of marketable securities comprised of liquid equity and debt securities. The marketable securities are classified as available-for-sale and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date with the change in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income. When a decline in the fair value of an available-for-sale financial asset has been recognized in other comprehensive income and there is objective evidence that the asset is impaired, the cumulative loss that had been recognized in other comprehensive income is reclassified from equity to profit or loss as a reclassification adjustment. Brookfield Infrastructure selectively utilizes derivative financial instruments primarily to manage financial risks, including interest rate and foreign exchange risks. Derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value. Hedge accounting is applied when the derivative is designated as a hedge of a specific exposure and there is assurance that it will continue to be highly effective as a hedge based on an expectation of offsetting cash flows or fair value. Hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively when the derivative no longer qualifies as a hedge or the hedging relationship is terminated. Once discontinued, the cumulative change in fair value of a derivative that was previously recorded in other comprehensive income by the application of hedge accounting is recognized in profit or loss over the remaining term of the original hedging relationship as amounts related to the hedged item are recognized in profit or loss. The assets or liabilities relating to unrealized mark-to-market gains and losses on derivative financial instruments are recorded in Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, respectively.
(i) | Items Classified as Hedges
Realized and unrealized gains and losses on foreign exchange contracts, designated as hedges of currency risks relating to a net investment in a subsidiary with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar are included in equity and are included in net income in the period in which the subsidiary is disposed of or to the extent partially disposed and control is not retained. Derivative financial instruments that are designated as hedges to offset corresponding changes in the fair value of assets and liabilities and cash flows are measured at estimated fair value with changes in fair value recorded in profit or loss or as a component of equity as applicable. Unrealized gains and losses on interest rate contracts designated as hedges of future variable interest payments are included in equity as a cash flow hedge when the interest rate risk relates to an anticipated variable interest payment. The periodic exchanges of payments on interest rate swap contracts designated as hedges of debt are recorded on an accrual basis as an adjustment to interest expense. The periodic exchanges of payments on interest rate contracts designated as hedges of future interest payments are amortized into profit or loss over the term of the corresponding interest payments.
(ii) | Items Not Classified as Hedges
Derivative financial instruments that are not designated as hedges are carried at estimated fair value, and realized and unrealized gains and losses are recognized in net income in the period the gains and losses occur. Other financial assets are classified as loans and receivables or available-for-sale securities based on their nature and use within our partnership’s business and are recorded initially at fair value. Other financial assets classified as available-for-sale are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date with the change in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income. Other financial assets classified as loans and receivables are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment. Assets classified as loans and receivables are impaired when there exists objective evidence that the financial asset is impaired.
(n) | Income Taxes
Income tax expense represents the sum of the tax accrued in the period and deferred income tax.
(i) | Current income tax
Current income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be paid to tax authorities, net of recoveries based on the tax rates and laws enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date. Current income tax relating to items recognized directly in partnership capital are also recognized directly in partnership capital and other comprehensive income.
(ii) | Deferred income tax
Deferred income tax liabilities are provided for using the liability method on temporary differences between the tax bases used in the computation of taxable income and carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred income tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences, carry forward of unused tax credits and unused tax losses, to the extent that it is probable that deductions, tax credits and tax losses can be utilized. Such deferred income tax assets and liabilities are not recognized if the temporary difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable income nor the accounting income, other than in a business combination. The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent it is no longer probable that the income tax asset will be recovered. Deferred income tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries and associates, and interests in joint ventures, except where Brookfield Infrastructure is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred income tax assets arising from deductible temporary differences associated with such investments and interests are only recognized to the extent that it is probable that there will be sufficient taxable income against which to utilize the benefits of the temporary differences and they are expected to reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period in which the liability is settled or the asset realized, based on tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period. The measurement of deferred income tax liabilities and assets reflect the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which Brookfield Infrastructure expects, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority within a single taxable entity or Brookfield Infrastructure intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis in the case where there exist different taxable entities in the same taxation authority and when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities.
(o) | Assets Held for Sale
Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. This condition is regarded as met only when the sale is highly probable and the non-current asset or disposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition. Management must be committed to the sale, which should be expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year from the date of classification subject to limited exceptions. When Brookfield Infrastructure is committed to a sale plan involving loss of control of a subsidiary, all of the assets and liabilities of that subsidiary are classified as held for sale when the criteria described above are met, regardless of whether Brookfield Infrastructure will retain a non-controlling interest in its former subsidiary after the sale. Non-current assets and disposal groups classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of their previous carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. Non-current assets classified as held for sale and the assets of a disposal group are presented separately from other assets in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and are classified as current. The liabilities of a disposal group classified as held for sale are presented separately from other liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Once classified as held for sale, property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are not depreciated or amortized, respectively.
(p) | Provisions
Provisions are recognized when Brookfield Infrastructure has a present obligation, either legal or constructive, as a result of a past event, it is probable that Brookfield Infrastructure will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. The amount recognized as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the end of the reporting period, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where a provision is measured using the cash flows estimated to settle the obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash flows. When some or all of the economic benefits required to settle a provision are expected to be recovered from a third party, the receivable is recognized as an asset if it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received and the amount of the receivable can be measured reliably.
(q) | Critical Accounting Judgments and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make critical judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources, during the reporting period. These estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. Critical judgments made by management and utilized in the normal course of preparing Brookfield Infrastructure’s consolidated financial statements are outlined below.
(i) | Common control transactions
IFRS 3 (2008) Business Combinations does not include specific measurement guidance for transfers of businesses or subsidiaries between entities under common control. Accordingly, Brookfield Infrastructure has developed a policy to account for such transactions taking into consideration other guidance in the IFRS framework and pronouncements of other standard-setting bodies. Brookfield Infrastructure’s policy is to record assets and liabilities recognized as a result of transactions between entities under common control at the carrying value on the transferor’s financial statements, and to have the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, Consolidated Statements of Operating Results, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and Statements of Cash Flows reflect the results of combining entities for all periods presented for which the entities were under the transferor’s common control, irrespective of when the combination takes place.
(ii) | Financial instruments
Brookfield Infrastructure’s accounting policies relating to derivative financial instruments are described in Note 3(m), Financial Instruments and Hedge Accounting. The critical judgments inherent in these policies relate to applying the criteria to the assessment of the effectiveness of hedging relationships. Estimates and assumptions used in determining the fair value of financial instruments are equity and commodity prices; future interest rates; the credit worthiness of the company relative to its counterparties; the credit risk of our partnership and counterparty; estimated future cash flows; and discount rates.
(iii) | Revaluation of property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is revalued on a regular basis. The critical estimates and assumptions underlying the valuation of property, plant and equipment are set out in Note 12, Property, Plant and Equipment.
(iv) | Fair values in business combinations
Brookfield Infrastructure accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting. This method requires the application of fair values for both the consideration given and the assets and liabilities acquired. The calculation of fair values is often predicated on estimates and judgments including future cash flows discounted at an appropriate rate to reflect the risk inherent in the acquired assets and liabilities (refer to Note 5, Acquisition of Business for details of business combinations). The determination of the fair values may remain provisional for up to 12 months from the date of acquisition due to the time required to obtain independent valuations of individual assets and to complete assessments of provisions. When the accounting for a business combination has not been completed as at the reporting date, this is disclosed in the financial statements, including observations on the estimates and judgments made as of the reporting date.
(v) | Assets held for sale
Brookfield Infrastructure applies judgment to determine whether an asset or disposal group is available for immediate sale in its present condition and that its sale is highly probable and therefore should be classified as held for sale at the balance sheet date. Conditions that support a highly probable sale include the following: an appropriate level of management is committed to a plan to sell the asset or disposal group, an active programme to locate a buyer is initiated, the asset is being actively marketed for sale at a price reasonable in relation to its fair value, the sale is highly probably within 12 months of classification as held for sale, and actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that plan will be significantly changed or withdrawn.
(vi) | Impairment of goodwill, intangibles with indefinite lives and investment in associates and joint ventures
The impairment assessment of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives requires estimation of the value-in-use or fair value less costs of disposal of the cash-generating units to which goodwill or the intangible asset has been allocated. Brookfield Infrastructure uses the following critical assumptions and estimates: the circumstances that gave rise to the goodwill, timing and amount of future cash flows expected from the cash-generating unit; discount rates; terminal capitalization rates; terminal valuation dates and useful lives. The impairment assessment of investments in associates and joint ventures requires estimation of the recoverable amount of the asset. Other estimates utilized in the preparation of our partnership’s financial statements are: depreciation and amortization rates and useful lives; recoverable amount of goodwill and intangible assets; ability to utilize tax losses and other tax measurements. Other critical judgments utilized in the preparation of our partnership’s financial statements include the methodologies for calculating amortization, determination of operating segments and determination of control.
(r) | Recently adopted accounting standard amendments
Brookfield Infrastructure applied, for the first time, certain amendments to Standards applicable to Brookfield Infrastructure that became effective January 1, 2017. The impact of adopting these amendments on our partnership’s accounting policies and disclosures are as follows: IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows (“IAS 7”) In January 2016, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 7, effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017. The amendment requires that the following changes in liabilities arising from financing activities are disclosed (to the extent necessary): (i) changes from financing cash flows; (ii) changes arising from obtaining or losing control of subsidiaries or other businesses; (iii) the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates; (iv) changes in fair values; and (v) other changes. Amendments to IAS 7 were applied prospectively and resulted in no material impact to Brookfield Infrastructure’s consolidated financial statements.
(s) | Future Changes in Accounting Policies
Standards issued, but not yet adopted IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers—(“IFRS 15”) IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers specifies how and when revenue should be recognized as well as requiring more informative and relevant disclosures. This standard also requires additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. IFRS 15 supersedes IAS 18, Revenue, IAS 11, Construction Contracts and a number of revenue-related interpretations. IFRS 15 applies to nearly all contracts with customers: the main exceptions are leases, financial instruments and insurance contracts. IFRS 15 must be applied for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. An entity may adopt the standard on a fully retrospective basis or on a modified retrospective basis. Our partnership has a global team in place to evaluate the financial statement and any corollary impact of adopting IFRS 15, has participated in strategic planning sessions with Brookfield and has developed an adoption plan. Management has also assessed major revenue streams, and has substantially completed accumulating, identifying and inventorying detailed information on major contracts that may be impacted by the changes at the transition date. The key areas of focus within the context of the standard are primarily in relation to the identification of performance obligation and the evaluation of the appropriate period of recognition of revenue for each of these performance obligations. Our partnership has finalized the documented analysis and assessed potential impact to IT systems and internal controls. We will adopt the new revenue guidance effective January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective approach, by recognizing the cumulative effect of initially applying the new standard as an adjustment to opening retained earnings as if the standard had always been in effect and whereby comparative periods will not be restated. No material adjustments required upon adoption have been noted to date, however further technical analysis and quantitative assessments are required to conclude on the overall impact. IFRS 9 Financial Instruments—(“IFRS 9”) In July 2014, the IASB issued the final publication of IFRS 9, superseding IAS 39, Financial Instruments. This standard establishes principles for the financial reporting of financial assets and financial liabilities that will present relevant and useful information to users of financial statements for their assessment of the amounts, timing and uncertainty of an entity’s future cash flows. This new standard also includes a new general hedge accounting standard which will align hedge accounting more closely with an entity’s risk management activities. It does not fully change the types of hedging relationships or the requirement to measure and recognize ineffectiveness, however, it will allow more hedging strategies that are used for risk management to qualify for hedge accounting and introduce more judgment to assess the effectiveness of a hedging relationship. The standard has a mandatory effective date for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. Our partnership has a global team in place to evaluate the financial statements and any corollary impact of IFRS 9 on its consolidated financial statements and business processes. To date, management has participated in a number of strategic planning and analysis sessions with its subsidiaries and associates in order to evaluate the impact of IFRS 9 with a primary focus on the appropriateness of financial asset classification and the consideration of the financial asset impairment requirements under this standard. The evaluation of changes resulting from IFRS 9 relating to hedge accounting have been substantially completed and it has been determined that certain hedge accounting relationships relating to aggregated foreign currency exposures will qualify for hedge accounting under this new standard. Consequently, the partnership has completed the hedge documentation for these relationships in order to apply hedge accounting to these relationships prospectively commencing on January 1, 2018. In addition, our partnership has elected certain gas storage contracts to be measured at fair value through profit or loss. Next steps involve the finalization of documented analyses and drafting pro-forma disclosures that will be required upon initial adoption of this standard and thereafter. We are progressing as planned toward the implementation of IFRS 9. Our partnership has decided to adopt IFRS 9 retrospectively with no restatement of comparatives. A cumulative catch-up adjustment will be recorded through equity upon initial adoption. No material adjustments required upon adoption have been noted to date, however further technical analysis and quantitative assessments are required to conclude on the overall impact. IFRS 16 Leases—(“IFRS 16”) The IASB has published a new standard, IFRS 16. The new standard brings most leases on-balance sheet for lessees under a single model, eliminating the distinction between operating and finance leases. Lessor accounting however remains largely unchanged and the distinction between operating and finance leases is retained. IFRS 16 supersedes IAS 17, Leases and related interpretations and is effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019, with earlier adoption permitted if IFRS 15 has also been applied. Brookfield Infrastructure is currently evaluating the impact of IFRS 16 on its consolidated financial statements. Amendments and Interpretations, not yet adopted IFRIC 22 Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Considerations—(“IFRIC 22”) In December 2016, the IASB issued IFRIC 22, effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The interpretation clarifies that the date of the transaction for the purpose of determining the exchange rate to use on initial recognition of the related asset, expense or income (or part of it) is the date on which an entity initially recognizes the non-monetary asset or non-monetary liability arising from the payment or receipt of advance consideration. The Interpretation may be applied either retrospectively or prospectively. Adoption will occur on a prospective basis and it is not anticipated that the impact will be material. IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments—(“IFRIC 23”) In June 2017, the IASB published IFRIC 23, effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. The interpretation requires an entity to assess whether it is probable that a tax authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment used, or proposed to be used, by an entity in its income tax filings and to exercise judgment in determining whether each tax treatment should be considered independently or whether some tax treatments should be considered together. The decision should be based on which approach provides better predictions of the resolution of the uncertainty. An entity also has to consider whether it is probable that the relevant authority will accept each tax treatment, or group of tax treatments, assuming that the taxation authority with the right to examine any amounts reported to it will examine those amounts and will have full knowledge of all relevant information when doing so. The interpretation may be applied on either a fully retrospective basis or a modified retrospective basis without restatement of comparative information. Brookfield Infrastructure is currently evaluating the impact of IFRIC 23 on its consolidated financial statements.

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