Annual Report 2007 - Antofagasta plc

40A Basis of Preparation of the Balance Sheet and Related Notes of the Parent CompanyThe Antofagasta plc parent company balance sheet and related notes have been prepared in accordance withUnited Kingdom generally accepted accounting principles (“UK GAAP”) and in accordance with UK companylaw. The financial information has been prepared on a historical cost basis. The financial statements have beenprepared on a going concern basis. The functional currency of the Company and the presentational currencyadopted is US dollars.A summary of the principal accounting policies is set out below. There were no changes in accounting policiesin 2007.The preparation of financial statements in conformity with UK GAAP requires the use of estimates andassumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statementsand the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Although these estimates are based onmanagement’s best knowledge of the amount, event or actions, following implementation of these standards,actual results may differ from those estimates.As permitted by section 230 of the Companies Act 1985, the profit and loss account of the parent companyis not presented as part of these financial statements. The profit after tax for the year of the parent companyamounted to US$597.1 million (2006 – US$485.9 million).40B Principal Accounting Policies of the Parent Companya) Currency translationThe Company’s functional currency is the US dollar. Transactions denominated in other currencies, includingthe issue of shares, are translated at the rate of exchange ruling on the date of the transaction. Monetary assetsand liabilities, including amounts due from or to subsidiaries, are translated at the rate of exchange ruling at theend of the financial year. Exchange differences are charged or credited to the profit and loss account in the yearin which they arise.b) Revenue recognitionInterest is accounted for on an accruals basis. Dividends proposed by subsidiaries are recognised as income bythe Company when they represent a present obligation of the subsidiaries, i.e. in the period in which they areformally approved for payment.c) Dividends payableDividends proposed are recognised when they represent a present obligation, i.e. in the period in which they areformally approved for payment. Accordingly, an interim dividend is recognised when paid and a final dividend isrecognised when approved by shareholders.d) Investments in subsidiariesInvestments in subsidiaries represent equity holdings in subsidiaries and long-term amounts owed by subsidiaries.Such investments are valued at cost less any impairment provisions. Investments are reviewed for impairmentif events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. When a reviewfor impairment is conducted, the recoverable amount is assessed by reference to the net present value ofexpected future cash flows of the relevant income generating unit or disposal value if higher.As explained in Note 40D, amounts owed by subsidiaries due in foreign currencies are translated at year endrates of exchange with any exchange differences taken to the profit and loss account.e) Current asset investments and cash at bank and in handCurrent asset investments comprise highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into known amountsof cash and which are subject to insignificant risks of changes in value, typically maturing within twelve months.FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCash at bank and in hand comprise cash in hand and deposits repayable on demand.Antofagasta plc Annual Report and Financial Statements 2007 135