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. It also comprises disposal impacts related to goodwill and fair value adjustments resulting from these transactions.

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