EADS uses EBIT pre-goodwill impairment and exceptionals as a key indicator of its economic performance. The term “exceptionals” refers to such items as depreciation expenses of fair value adjustments relating to the EADS merger, the Airbus Combination and the formation of MBDA, as well as impairment charges thereon.

Set forth below is a table reconciling EADS’ profit before finance costs and income tax (as reflected in EADS’ IFRS consolidated income statement) with EADS’ EBIT*.