Quarterlytics / Industrials / Industrial - Distribution / Abertis Infraestructuras S.A. / FY2017 Annual Report

Abertis Infraestructuras S.A.
Annual Report 2017

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FY2017 Annual Report · Abertis Infraestructuras S.A.
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INTEGRATED ANNUAL  REPORT 2017commitment & delivery02ABERTIS AT A GLANCE 0601Letter from the Chairman 10Letter from the Vice-chairman and  Chief Executive Officer 1403ABERTIS IN 20172017 Milestones 20 04STRATEGYStrategy 24 Opportunities and industry challenges 26Strategic Plan 28Strategic Programs 34CSR Master Plan 35Global Footprint 38Awards and Recognitions 51 SAFE AND  INNOVATIVE ROADSRoad Safety 74Road Tech 84Quality Management and Client Focus 92COMPLIANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT07Ethics and Compliance 62Risk Control 68CORPORATE GOVERNMENT06Adaptation to the Code of  Good Governance 54Corporate Governance Structure 56Group’s Management Committee 590508VALUE CREATIONSHAREHOLDERSFigures and results 99Financial Management 108Shareholder Retribution 112SOCIETYTax Contribution 117Contribution to the Environment 119Contribution to the Community 124 Supplier Management  and Supply Chain 130HUMAN TEAMCommitted to Talent 135Professional Development 138Safety and Health 142OUTLOOKABOUT THIS REPORT 152102018 Course of action 15009ABERTIS AT A GLANCE01Value creationWe combine  commitment to our shareholders and employees with our contribution to the growth of the countries in which we operate.Financial strength and industrial experienceAbertis is a leader on one of today’s greatest global challenges: the sustainable financing of the infrastructure of the future.  Safe and innovative roadsWe invest in technology and smart engineering to make sure our customers have the best experience.Partnering with governmentsOur long-term commitment and high quality services make us a trusted partner to governments.International leaderWe manage thousands of kilometers of high capacity, high quality roads around the world.  Solid results:Revenue +13%Ebitda + 14%Investments €3,728Mn15 countriesMore than 15,000 collaborators8,650kilometersLong-term visionWe want to be a part of the solution to problems associated with the increase in global traffic. Mobility innovationLeaders in free-flow tollsystemsGlobal road safety campaignsCommitted to society and the environmentResponsibility and transparency Dividends+10% Over €1,800Mnin tax contributionsMore than 60 years of experienceBest practicesManagement excellenceNet profit + 13%2017 FiguresABERTIS AT A GLANCE701  ABERTIS  AT A GLANCELETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN02day to provide a service of the highest quality to users through modern, 
safe and sustainable infrastructures. 

Thank you very much.

Salvador Alemany Mas
Chairman

01 LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Dear shareholders,

It  is  my  pleasure  to  present  you  the  Integrated  Annual  Report  for  the 
2017  financial  year.  A  report  which,  according  to  the  requirements 
established  in  the  current  accountability  regulations,  contains  financial 
and  non-financial  information  that  allow  consolidating  an  integrated 
vision  of  the  economic,  environmental,  social  and  good  governance 
performance of our organization, thus meeting the expectations of our 
various  stakeholders.  The  Integrated  Annual  Report  and  its  annex  have 
been  prepared  according  to  the  main  international  standards  on  the 
matter and have been reviewed externally.

The  results  of  our  activity  throughout  the  year  2017  reflect  the  good 
performance of the business, driven by the growth of traffic in our main 
markets.  In  turn,  the  increase  of  our  stake  in  Sanef  in  France  and  A4 
Holding in Italy together with the new Via Paulista concession granted to 
Arteris  in  Brazil  and  the  agreement  reached  with  the  Argentine 
government for the extension of the concessions of Ausol and GCO, are 
elements  that  allow  us  to  embrace  the  future  with  optimism.  These 
operations contribute to the renewal of our concessions portfolio, with 
new additions that replace those that will end their journey in the coming 
years. A strategy focused on achieving stability in the generation of cash 
flow, which is necessary to achieve our commitment to generate value 
for our shareholders.

The behavior of the Abertis share throughout 2017 can be described as 
exceptional, in the strictest sense of the word. The announcement of the 
Takeover Offer made by Atlantia last May, and the subsequent competing 
offer  announced  by  Hochtief  in  October  reveal  an  unprecedented 
situation for our company.

The interest shown by these two business groups to achieve a controlling 
position in the shareholding of Abertis is an example of the attractiveness 
that our company has today, endorsing a track record of success that has 
allowed  us  to  position  ourselves  as  world  leaders  in  the  industry.  This, 
together with the high liquidity of our stock market value, has allowed 
them to compose two offers that have had a very positive reception from 
the markets.

This situation has benefited our shareholders, who have seen the value of 
their shares increase by nearly 40% over the entire year. A return that is 
added to the total dividend of 80 cents per share for the year 2017, which 
the Board of Directors has agreed to propose to the General Shareholders’ 
Meeting.

Since Abertis’ inception in 2003, and until the end of 2017, the average 
annual  return  of  the  share  was  10.28%,  including  stock  market 
appreciation,  bonus  issues  and  dividend  yield.  Likewise,  during  the  last 
five years the cumulative yield rose to 113% with an annual average of 
16%, for a shareholder who had bought his or her shares on December 
31, 2012 and did not sell them until December 31 of 2017.

In  the  area  of    corporate  governance,  2017  saw  the  incorporation  as 
independent  directors  of  Mr.  Xavier  Brossa  Galofré  and  Mr.  Antonio 
Viana-Baptista. With these appointments, ratified by the General Meeting 
in March, the Board has 9 independent directors or 60% of the total.

Also in this area, last October the Board of Directors agreed to the move 
our  registered  office.  A  temporary  decision  that  seeks  to  protect  the 
general  interests  of  the  company  and  its  shareholders  avoiding  any 
uncertainty that could impact the current circumstances.

With respect to corporate social responsibility matters, Abertis has once 
again renewed its commitment with the United Nations Global Compact 
and the Sustainable Development Goals, known as the 2030 Agenda. In 
this sense, it has joined the initiative developed by the Spanish Network 
of  the  United  Nations  Global  Compact  to  promote  knowledge  and 
contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in 
the business world.

Throughout  2017,  work  has  continued  on  the  development  of  specific 
CSR plans in each country and progress has been made to include the new 
activities  and  countries  in  the  materiality  analysis.  Actions  have  been 
developed to promote eco-efficiency and the circular economy that will 
contribute  to  achieving  the  objectives  of  reducing  greenhouse  gas 
emissions and recovering construction waste. And, the objectives that we 
have set ourselves in terms of equal opportunities and diversity, as well as 
in the field of occupational health and safety, are equally ambitious.

I  would  also  like  to  highlight  the  collaboration  agreement  signed  with 
UNICEF to combat the main cause of death of school-age children, road 
accidents, offering children a safe journey to and from school. With this 
agreement, UNICEF recognizes our commitment to road safety and our 
program  of  campaigns  adapted  to  the  needs  of  the  most  vulnerable 
groups. 

More and more agencies and entities are evaluating our compliance in 
economic,  environmental,  social  and  good  governance  matters.  These 
external  evaluations  allow  us  to  continue  working  permanently  to 
improve the systemic performance of the organization, which has led us 
to remain in the main sustainability indices one more year. 

To conclude, on behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish to thank you for 
the trust you have placed in us and in the work of the thousands of people 
who, from the companies that make up the Abertis group, strive every 

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INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN 11

0INFORME ANUAL INTEGRADO 2017INFORME ANUAL INTEGRADO 20170LETTER FROM  THE VICE-CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER0202  LETTER FROM THE VICE-CHAIRMAN 
AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Dear shareholders,

2017 has been an important year for Abertis. On the one hand, in the last 
twelve  months  the  Group  has  entered  a  new  market  -India-  and  has 
strengthened  its  position  in  the  markets  where  it  was  already  present 
-France, Italy and Brazil - with an investment in growth of about 3,700 
million euros. On the other hand, the period of the 2015-2017 Strategic 
Plan has been successfully completed, and it is the result of a significant 
collective effort by the entire team of the Group.

2017, INVESTMENT AND GROWTH

Abertis  has  recorded  double-digit  growth  in  its  main  figures  in  2017, 
closing the year with a net profit of nearly 900 million euros, and revenues 
that, for the first time in history, have exceeded 5,000 million euros.

These figures have been boosted by the improvement in the operating 
margin  and  also  by  the  inclusion  of  the  results  of  minority  interests, 
following a broad participation purchase plan executed during the year.

Thus, in France, Abertis has assumed 100% control of Sanef (from 52% at 
the  end  of  2016);  and  in  Italy,  the  company  has  increased  its  stake  in 
A4Holding with the purchase of minority interests, from the initial 51.4% 
to more than 90% (until January 2018).

In the last 12 months, the Group has invested more than 3,700 million 
euros, allowing it to increase its concessional average life and consolidate 
its strategy of continuous investment in its network, and with an eye set 
on two clear objectives: road safety - through the Road Safety program 
-  and  the  adaptation  of  our  infrastructures  to  an  increasingly  digitized 
and  interconnected  world  -  through  the  Road  Tech  program  -  both  of 
which are strategic for the Group.

2015-2017 STRATEGIC PLAN: FULFILLING OUR COMMITMENTS

The year 2017 is also special for Abertis since it closes the period linked 
to the 2015-2017 Strategic Plan which has been successfully completed, 
exceeding its commitments across its four strategic pillars: growth, focus, 
efficiencies and shareholder remuneration.

Between  2015  and  2017  Abertis  has  entered  new  countries  with  new 
subsidiaries, such as Emovis or Eurotoll, and through the purchase of new 
concessions  in  countries  such  as  Italy,  Brazil  or  India,  consolidating  its 
position as a world leader in the industry with a presence in 15 countries 
in Europe, America and Asia.

In turn, the company has completed its process of focusing on the toll 
road sector, which accounts for 100% of the business in the consolidated 
accounts of the Group.

In terms of efficiencies, Abertis has strengthened its efforts to search for 
synergies in our operations and among the Group’s various companies. 
Three  years  later,  our  international  subsidiaries  stand  out  for  their 
efficiency, their adaptation to the needs of the industry in their respective 
countries, and their management excellence, by leveraging and sharing 
the Group’s know-how and best practices throughout the world.

Lastly, Abertis has continued to improve shareholder remuneration with 
an annual increase in remuneration of 10%.

Abertis’ broad - international and institutional - shareholder base and the 
latest shareholding shifts are another example of the growing attraction 
offered by the Group’s industrial and business project, which in 2017 was 
placed at the center of attention of the infrastructure sector in the world.

A TEAM COMMITTED TO THE PROJECT

to 

the  project, 

At Abertis, we fulfill our commitments, and this is possible thanks to the 
daily  collaborative  effort  of  the  entire  team  of  the  Group.  Their 
commitment 
for  continuous 
improvement, their resolve before the day-to-day challenges, and their 
ability to adapt to change in a constantly-changing industrial environment 
have  allowed  us  to  meet  all  the  objectives  we  had  set  ourselves  more 
than three years ago today.

their  enthusiasm 

Today, Abertis has consolidated itself as the international leader in the 
toll  road  industry,  a  more  internationalized,  competitive,  efficient, 
sustainable  and  attractive  group  for  its  employees,  customers  and 
shareholders. In short, a better company for society.

Thank you very much for trusting the entire Abertis team.

Francisco Reynés Massanet
Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

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INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

LETTER FROM THE VICE-CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

15

ABERTIS  IN 2017032017 MILESTONESABERTIS IN 201719INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT1803/01  ABERTIS IN 2017KILOMETERS (DIRECTLY MANAGED)7,994 kmsKILOMETERS (INDIRECTLY MANAGED)654 kmsCONCESSIONS43KILOMETERS TRAVELLED75 million TOTAL ADT24,368 vehicles +2.5%FATALITY RATE1.3 -6%ELECTRONIC TOLL TRANSACTIONS62% +2ppACCIDENT RATE21.3 -3%REVENUE€5,323 Mn +13%EBITDA3,480 Mn€ +14%TOTAL INVESTMENTS€3,728 MnDISCRETIONARY CASH FLOW€1,987 Mn +20%ACCRUED DIVIDENDS€792 Mn€ +10%NET DEBT€15,367 Mn (4.4xEbitda)CORPORATE RATINGBBB+ (Fitch Ratings) BBB (Standard & Poor’s)NET PROFIT897 Mn€ +13%TAX CONTRIBUTION€1,832 Mn FINAL WORKFORCE15,099 peopleWORK-RELATED ACCIDENTS-32%OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY TRAINING106,934 hours -27% CO2e  EMISSIONS /REVENUE (SCOPES 1 & 2)-13%COMMUNITY315LOCAL SUPPLIER PURCHASES91%INDEX FTSE4GOODTwo consecutive yearsinitiatives developed As per the scope of non-financial information (specified in Chapter 7 of this report)111111 GLOBAL LEADERSAFE AND INNOVATIVE ROADSFINANCIAL STRENGTHVALUE CREATION FOR SOCIETY03/02 2017 MILESTONES

JANUARY

AUGUST

• 

Sanef agrees with the French government a €147Mn 
investment in exchange for an increase in tariffs 

•  Ausol reaches new agreement with Argentina for a US$430Mn 

investment in exchange for an extension of the term of the 

FEBRUARY

•  Abertis purchases an additional 8.53% of A4 Holding

MARCH

•  Abertis closes the purchase of two toll roads in India for 

€133Mn

APRIL

concession

OCTOBER

• 

Emovis launches free-flow toll in the Mersey Gateway Bridge 
in the United Kingdom

•  Repurchase of part of the bonds issued by Autostrada Brescia-

Verona-Vincenza (€200Mn) with maturity in 2020

•  Global partnership with UNICEF to prevent damages caused to 

children as a result of car accidents

•  The Group signs its first “sustainable credit” for €100Mn

•  Abertis reaches 100% stake in Sanef, its French subsidiary

•  Arteris wins the Via Paulista concession in Brazil

NOVEMBER

•  Autopistas opens the first free flow toll in Spanish AP-7 toll 

•  HIT, owner of French subsidiary Sanef, issues bonds for 

road

JUNE

•  Grupo Concesionario del Oeste agrees with Argentina 

Government a US$250Mn investment in exchange for an 

extension of the term of the concession

•  Abertis reaches global agreement with Waze in 7 countries to 

join its Connected Citizens program 

JULY

•  Abertis reaches 84% ownership of A4 Holding after several 

acquisitions from minority stakeholders

€1,000Mn and repurchases €140Mn of bonds from a previous 

issue

DECEMBER

•  Arteris opens the duplication of the Régis Bittencourt toll road 
in the Serra do Cafezal after a total investment of €330Mn
•  Abertis renews its presence in the FTSE4Good indices for the 

second year in a row

Additionally, on May 15, 2017, Atlantia announced its decision to make a public takeover offer on all Abertis Infraestructuras shares. The acceptance period of this takeover offer 
was suspended on October 18 when the company Hochtief submitted a competing offer to acquire also 100% of the shares of Abertis Infraestructuras. This competing offer is 
pending authorization from the National Securities Market Commission at the close of fiscal year 2017.

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INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

2017 MILESTONES

21

STRATEGY04STRATEGY OPPORTUNITIES AND INDUSTRY CHALLENGESSTRATEGIC PLANSTRATEGIC PROGRAMSCSR MASTER PLANGLOBAL FOOTPRINTAWARDS AND RECOGNITIONSBASIS FOR VALUE  
CREATION

•  Be the reference company in the industry. Nobody is better placed 

than Abertis to set the pace on quality and innovation.

•  Our  long-term  commitment  and  the  high  quality  of  our  services 

make us a great partner for the Administrations.

•  Continuous investment in technology and smart engineering, which 
allows  us  to  maintain  maximum  levels  of  service  in  our  toll  road 
networks  day  after  day,  guaranteeing  clients  a  fast,  comfortable, 
easy and safe journey.

•  By combining financial strength and industrial experience: we have 
a  strong  financing  capacity  in  world  markets  and  have  the  best 
know-how in the industry.

•  By  being  part  of  the  solution  to  problems  associated  with  the 
increase of world traffic, such as congestion and climate change.

INDUSTRIAL VISION

ENGINEERING

Our  team  of  engineers  is  committed  to  keeping  the  highest  levels  of 
service,  quality  and  technology  in  our  toll  roads;  to  guarantee  their 
optimized maintenance in order to contribute to extending their lifecycle; 
and to control construction risks in all expansion and renovation projects 
in order to ensure compliance with planned schedules. 

TECHNOLOGY

Abertis’  experts  promote  the  use  of  innovative  solutions  geared  at 
increasing efficiency, safety and quality of service. All of the above with 
the  goal  of  ensuring  efficient  and  safe  traffic  management  through 
diligent monitoring of traffic conditions, efficient control of traffic flows, 
etc., while providing continuous information to the client. 

OPERATIONS 

Abertis’ industrial team develops and deploys best practices and policies 
that are based on the Group’s broad experience and know-how.

04/01 STRATEGY 

Abertis is the global leader in toll road management with over 8,600 kilometers 
managed and a presence in 15 countries in Europe, America and Asia. 

Abertis  is  the  leading  international  road  infrastructure  management 
group by kilometers managed, with 8,648 kilometers of high capacity and 
quality roads and presence in 15 countries in Europe, America and Asia.

Fueled by its commitment to research and innovation, Abertis combines 
advances in high capacity infrastructures with new technologies to drive 
innovative solutions to meet the challenges of the future of mobility.

Abertis is the leading national road operator in countries such as Spain, 
Chile,  and  Brazil,  and  has  an  important  presence  in  France,  Italy  and 
Puerto Rico. The company has stakes in the management of more than 
650 kilometers indirectly managed.

Abertis is listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange and is part of the selective 
Ibex 35, as well as of international indices FTSEurofirst 300 and Standard 
& Poor’s Europe 350.

Thanks  to  the  internationalization  strategy  developed  by  the  Group  in 
recent  years,  today  more  than  70%  of  Abertis’  revenues  come  from 
outside Spain, with significant contributions from France, Brazil and Chile. 

Abertis’ top priority is driver safety. The company invests continuously in 
smart technology and engineering to ensure that its customers experience 
a safe, comfortable, fast and easy journey when they choose to travel on 
the Group’s toll roads.

Abertis’  vision  is  to  be  the  world’s  leading  operator  in  infrastructure 
management  at  the  service  of  mobility  and  communications.  Our 
mission: to promote and manage toll roads in a sustainable and efficient 
way, contributing to the development of the infrastructures of society in 
harmony with the well-being of our employees, and to create long-term 
value for our shareholders.

At Abertis we operate with integrity guided by our values:

 Managing with responsibility and trust on people. 
Finding solutions for the development of infrastructures through dialogue and collaboration with our stakeholders.
Staying ahead and adapting to the needs of our clients and users through innovation and continuous improvement.

• 
• 
• 
•  Driving efficiency in our organization based on simplicity and pragmatism.
•  Being transparent to assess our rigor and credibility.

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INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

STRATEGY

25

04/02  INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES 

AND CHALLENGES

The toll road management industry offers several opportunities and poses a number 
of challenges of different nature that will have an impact on the future business 
prospects in the coming years. 

OPPORTUNITIES

MOBILITY AS A SERVICE

ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE DEFICIT

Big data and the collaborative economy are driving mobility as a service, 
a  new  transport  paradigm  centered  on  the  user.  This  new  way  of 
understanding  mobility  establishes  a  closer  link  between  supply  and 
demand,  in  which  users  seek  the  greatest  efficiency  in  their  travel 
decisions.

Globally, the estimated infrastructure deficit is set in trillions of dollars, 
corresponding  a significant part to  road  transport infrastructure. In the 
coming  years,  plenty  of  opportunities  will  arise  both  in  new  roads 
designing in developing markets such as India or Latin America, and in the 
upgrading  of  existing  ones  in  mature  markets  such  as  Europe  and  the 
United States.

DIGITIZATION AND CONNECTIVITY

Road infrastructure should incorporate new digital components such as 
wireless networking technologies, digitization, the Internet of Things and 
artificial  intelligence,  which  will  be  vital  for  better  managing  the  new 
generation of autonomous and connected vehicles.

NEW PAYMENT SYSTEMS

The demand for free-flow tolling systems is growing due to the advantages 
they  bring  through  both  the  reduction  in  travel  times  and  carbon 
emissions and the ease of payment.

GENERATING FINANCIAL RESOURCES

There  are  multiple  road  transportation  costs,  including  construction, 
maintenance,  congestion  and  pollution.  At  a  time  when  investment  in 
infrastructure is paramount as a driver for economic growth, the private 
sector can contribute to the much-needed investments in infrastructure. 
The implementation of pay-per-use schemes in toll roads can be a way to 
transfer the risk of demand of infrastructure projects. 

CHALLENGES

TRAFFIC GROWTH MANAGEMENT

The increase in traffic (it is estimated that the number of vehicles in the 
world will grow 4 times by 2050) will pose important challenges such as 
pollution,  congestion  and  other  externalities  on  road  safety  and  public 
health,  imposting  new  ways  of  traffic  management  that  seek  a  more 
sustainable, efficient and safe mobility.

EVOLUTION OF THE ECONOMIC SITUATION

The uncertainty in the evolution of macroeconomic data and the collapse 
of  prices  of  raw  material  along  with  other  elements  such  as  stalling 
investments and weak improvement of the productivity can contribute to 
discouraging consumption and road transportation. 

INCREASING COMPETITION

In recent years, a number of new international players with interest in 
assets  such  as  toll  roads  have  appeared  in  the  market.  These  are 
fundamentally  infrastructure  investment  funds  and  pension  funds.  The 
current scenario, which is marked by low interest rates, have led these 
funds to increasingly invest in infrastructure assets due to their attractive 
profitability. 

REGULATIONS AND LEGAL SECURITY

The majority of the Group’s businesses are in the form of concessions, 
and thus, limited in time, based on agreements with governments, and 
carrying  the  duty  to  guarantee  the  concessional  obligations  and  the 
investment  commitments.  The  legal  security  that  protects  bilateral 
contracts is a cornerstone of the industry. 

ADAPTING TO SOCIETY’S NEW EXPECTATIONS 

Toll road clients and other stakeholders have new expectations that are 
related  to  services,  customer  care,  new  technologies,  transparency  and 

flexibility, among others.

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INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

27

04/03  STRATEGIC PLAN

In 2017 Abertis has invested over €3,600 Mn in growth transactions. 

GROWTH DEALS IN 2017

GROWTH IN THE EXISTING ASSET BASE 

In 2017 Abertis gained control of 100% of the Holding d’Infraestructures 
de Transport (HIT) holding, a company controlling 100% of Sanef, after 
successive  acquisitions  of  capital  from  the  rest  of  the  minority 
shareholders.  Abertis  has  invested  more  than  2,200  million  euros 
throughout  the  year  in  this  process,  which  strengthens  the  Group’s 
presence in its biggest market.

Abertis has also increased its stake in A4 Holding, its Italian subsidiary. 
The Group has closed agreements to acquire several minority interests 
until reaching close to 90% of the capital of the A4 and A31 toll roads 
concessionaire, which has been already completed in January 2018.

The Group has also strengthened its position in Brazil. In October, Arteris 
- a subsidiary of Abertis - signed the concession contract for Via Paulista 
in São Paulo. The concession was awarded by the State of São Paulo in 
April for a period of 30 years.

It is a concession totalling 720 kilometers, which includes 317 kilometers 
managed  by  Autovias  (belonging  to  the  Arteris  Group)  and  other 
additional 401 kilometers, which, up to the time of the bidding process, 
were under direct management by the State of São Paulo.

With these operations, Abertis has achieved a greater balance of its global 
portfolio by growing in economies with stable concessional frameworks 
and a clear commitment to public-private partnerships in the toll road 
sector.

NEW ACQUISITIONS

In March, Abertis closed the agreement with the MSIIPL and SMIT funds, 
controlled by Macquarie and State Bank of India, for the acquisition of 
two  of  India’s  main  toll  roads,  NH-44  and  NH-45,  for  a  total  of  133 
million euros.

After this deal, Abertis controls 100% of concessionaire Trichy Tollway 
Private  Limited  (TTPL),  which  manages  the  NH-45  toll  road  (State  of 
Tamil Nadu), and 74% of Jadcherla Expressways Private Limited (JEPL), 
which holds the concession of the NH-44 toll road (State of Talangana). 
These  two  toll  roads  are  located  in  regions  that  are  experiencing  an 
economic  growth  that  is  above  the  average  of  the  whole  of  India  and 
both have GDP levels that are among the highest in the country.

This  transaction,  which  represents  the  Group’s  entry  into  the  Asian 
market,  is  an  important  step  in  Abertis’  commitment  to  geographical 
diversification, with presence in an expanding continent and in one of the 

CONTINUOUS SEARCH FOR NEW OPPORTUNITIES

In 2017, the Abertis Business Development area analyzed more than 40 
projects in 18 countries, of which seven projects have been successfully 
completed,  enabling  Abertis  to  consolidate  its  presence  in  countries 
where  it  already  conducts  business  (France,  Brazil,  Italy  and  Argentina) 
and to gain access to new countries with high potential in the field of 
road concessions (India).

Without prejudice of the passivity duty due to the takeover offers on 
Abertis, the company keeps on working on a business-as-usual basis, 

and it is in a position to leverage all the opportunities that may arise. 

Targeted markets

North America
Western Europe
Latin America
Australia
India

countries with the highest potential growth in the world, reinforcing the 
Group’s leadership and balancing its global exposure to different markets.

PRIVATE-PUBLIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS

In January, Abertis’ French subsidiary Sanef reached an agreement with 
the  French  Government  for  the  implementation  of  a  new  investment 
plan  for  the  upgrade  of  its  network.  Under  the  agreement,  Sanef  will 
invest 147 million euros in various projects in exchange for a rate increase 
of between 0.27% (Sanef) and 0.40% (Sapn) per year from 2019 to 2021.

This new plan will improve the French road network around four basic 
objectives: road safety, traffic flow, quality of service and environmental 
sustainability, while giving a new boost to the French economy through 
large-scale work aimed at promoting the activity and employment of the 
country’s businesses network.

In August, Ausol, a subsidiary of the Abertis Group in Argentina, agreed 
with the Ministry of Transportation on new investments in its toll road 
network. This agreement contemplates an additional investment plan to 
improve the current road network for a total of US$430 million, which 
will be fully financed with future revenues of the concession thanks to the 
extension  of  the  current  contract,  set  to  end  in  2020,  until  the  end  of 
2030.

Two months earlier, in mid-June of this year, the Group had reached a 
similar  agreement  with  the  Argentine  Government  regarding  its  other 
concessionaire in the country, Grupo Concesionario del Oeste S.A. (GCO), 
which also contemplates an investment plan of US$250 million and an 
extension of the concession term until the year 2030.

Abertis  thus  reinforces  its  commitment  to  public-private  partnerships 
with the goal of achieving solutions aimed at creating future value for the 
territories through agreements with governments for new investments in 
exchange  for  extensions  of  the  term  of  concessions  or  through  rate 
increases.

In  this  sense,  the  Group  has  reached  important  agreements  in  the 
majority of countries where it operates, including Argentina, France, Italy, 
Brazil, Chile and Puerto Rico. In addition, the operation shows the Group’s 
ability to grow its portfolio of existing assets, by increasing the average 
term of its concessions.

28

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

STRATEGIC PLAN

29

SHAREHOLDER REMUNERATION  
IN 2017

Delivering  on  the  commitment  established  in  the  2015-2017  Strategic 
Plan, the dividend per share has grown 10% in 2017.

With this policy of shareholder remuneration, Abertis will have distributed 
nearly 2,166 million euros in the 2015-2017 period in ordinary dividends 
alone.

ORDINARY ACCRUED DIVIDENDS  €Mn

DIVIDEND PER SHARE  €

792

+10%

723

0.80

+10%

0.73

2016

2017

2016

2017

ORDINARY ACCRUED DIVIDENDS  €Mn

+10%

2017 shareholder remuneration

+10%

792

723

DIVIDEND PER SHARE  €

0.80

+10%

0.73

For more information, see the Shareholder Remuneration section in this 
2016
report.

2017

2016

2017

30

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

STRATEGIC PLAN

31

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT2015-2017 STRATEGIC PLAN:  COMMITMENT AND DELIVERY3233DRIVERS FOR GROWTH2015-2017 GROWTH TRANSACTIONS2015-2017 STRATEGIC PLAN:  COMMITMENT AND DELIVERY 201520162017CHILE: 100% of Autopista del Soland LibertadoresINDIA: Purchase oftwo toll roadsBRAZIL:Awarding of Via PaulistaCHILE: 100% consolidation ofAutopista CentralBRAZIL: Purchase ofArteris minoritystakesFRANCE:100% SanefITALY: Purchase ofA4 HoldingITALY: 84% A4 HoldingSPAIN: Control of TúnelsPUERTO RICO: Extension of MetropistasFRANCE: Plan Relance IFRANCE: Plan Relance IIINVESTMENT AGREEMENTS WITH GOVERNMENTSFRANCEPlan Relance I and II €750 MnBRAZIL Network upgrade €2,000 MnCHILEAutopista Central  (under negotiation)  and Autopista del Sol ∼€800 MnPUERTO RICO  Extension of PR-22  and PR-5 €125 MnITALYNorth Connection  project€1,500 MnARGENTINAUpgrade of GCO  and Ausol€565 MnMore than €7,000 Mn invested in growth since 2015FOCUSEFFICIENCIESNew efficiency plans FRANCE, BRAZIL AND SPAIN2016ANNUAL AND CUMULATIVE SAVINGS - EFFICIENCIES  €Mn2017163201574179TOTAL 2015-20174162016ORDINARY ACCRUED DIVIDENDS  €Mn2017723+11%792+10%2015651+10%2016DIVIDEND PER SHARE  €20170.730.8020150.692016ORDINARY ACCRUED DIVIDENDS  €Mn2017723+11%792+10%2015651+10%2016DIVIDEND PER SHARE  €20170.730.8020150.69Shareholder remuneration 2015-2017 +10%INCREASED SHAREHOLDER  REMUNERATIONOver €400 Mn of cumulative  savings since 2015Over €2,100 Mn  in ordinary dividends2015CELLNEX TELECOM iPO2015DISPOSAL LAST ASSETS INAIRPORTSMBJ (Jamaica) andSantiago de Chile2015CELLNEX TELECOM iPO2015DISPOSAL LAST ASSETS INAIRPORTSMBJ (Jamaica) andSantiago de ChileA PURE TOLL ROAD OPERATORINTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORTCSRMASTERPLAN3435ROAD SAFETY Abertis’ Road Safety program builds on more than 60 years of knowledge and experience in toll road construction and management with the highest international standards.The Group invests in smart technology and engineering to ensure that its customers have the best experience when traveling on our roads.Abertis applies advanced construction and management practices and collaborates with reference institutions and organizations worldwide.Looking ahead, Abertis conducts awareness-raising initiatives every year aimed at groups such as children and young people, and promotes university research.04/04  STRATEGIC PROGRAMS The Group’s two strategic programs seek to respond to the main challenges of future mobility, such as road safety, congestion and pollution. ROAD TECHAbertis is concerned about the mobility of the future. The company manages roads in an efficient and state-of-the-art way, innovating in technology and investing in smart engineering programs for a sustainable future.Abertis’ Road Tech program promotes projects aimed at the new challenges of mobility, such as electric, connected or autonomous vehicles.Abertis also leads innovation in the digitalization of road payment methods and promotes mobility solutions with the implementation of free-flow toll projects in many countries.TOGETHER FORSAFER ROADS®Road Tech ReportCompany businessesPayment systems  issuersFree-flow and tolling  technologyCollaborative projectsElectric vehiclesConnected vehiclesFor more information about these strategic programs, see the Safe and Innovative Roads section in this report. Road Techafrontando los retos del crecimiento del tráficoEscrito por: 04/05  CSR MASTER PLAN The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy and the materiality analysis constitute the basis for the definition of the CSR Master Plan. MASTER PLANThe Board of Directors’ CSR Committee is responsible for the follow-up and development of the CSR Master Plan, with the Corporation’s CSR Department acting as the global coordinator; and the different business departments involved in all the activities and countries, acting as the operating parties.•   In 2017 the 2016-2020 CSR Master Plan was deployed internationally, with the goal of building action plans available in each country, that would centralize and deploy all actions related to the achievement of the different objectives set in the Master Plan.• Work was undertaken for the progressive inclusion of Italy, India and Emovis in the existing CSR formal management processes, the initial result of which is their direct participation in the ESG (Environment, Social and Good Governance) accountability exercise.• Abertis’ CSR Department has conducted workshop sessions in Brazil, Chile and Argentina. The sessions have identified specific management and operational aspects that affect the deployment of actions related to the management of ESG impacts, as well as contextual facts that help explain and adapt the management approach of each of the aspects.The development of the Road Tech and Road Safety strategic programs together with the deployment of the best corporate governance practices and the management of the rest of the environmental and social aspects through the CSR Master Plan centralize the management approach of the material ESG aspects in connection with the organization’s activities. The direct link with the Strategic Plan is formalized through the inclusion of shared monitoring indicators for both the Strategic Plan and the CSR Master Plan.Data related to detailed performance by activity and country for each of the strategic objectives of the CSR Master Plan are detailed in the Annex linked to this report. EXTERNAL EVALUATIONSThe frequency and significance of external evaluations of environmental, social and good governance matters have increased, as have their degree of systematization and procedure. This is partially due to the relevance and inclusion of the results in the decision-making process of the different stakeholders, including the investment and finance sector.Participation in different evaluations has secured Abertis’ continued presence, in different reference indices, such as the STOXX, MSCI and FTSE4Good families of the ESG indices. On the other hand, CDP has evaluated the performance of the organization and ranked it under the B category. After several years of Abertis’ presence in the DJSI indices, the results obtained in the evaluation of 2017 have not allowed the company’s maintenance in them.STRATEGIC PILLARS AND OBJECTIVES

The CSR Master Plan is based on Human Rights as a prevention and 
risk  management  principle  spanning  the  entire  plan.  This  consists 
of  four  pillars  and  13  strategic  objectives  that  are  deployed  into  38 

quantitative common objectives spanning the entire organization (the 
details about these objectives can be consulted in the Annex to this 
report). 

2016-2020 CSR MASTER PLAN FOLLOW-UP SUMMARY

STRATEGIC PILLAR

ASSESSMENT OF QUANTITATIVE GOALS FOLLOW-UP

Good governance, 
transparency and 
accountability

•  The number of breaches of the code of ethics has increased in relation to the previous year, although the number 

of complaints has decreased. 

•  All claims have been addressed, with a positive trend with respect to compliance with the recommendations of 

the Code of Good Governance. 

•  Training in the code of ethics and prevention of corruption together with awareness-raising actions have 

continued to involve different stakeholders. 

•  The systematization of the supplier ESG evaluation is in the process of being implemented, although progress 
made in Brazil points to a significant increase in the tracking indicator in terms of the number of suppliers 
evaluated and approved according to CSR (applicable to the 4 pillars).

•  We must continue with the deployment of actions for the inclusion of human right aspects in due diligence 

processes. 

STRATEGIC PILLAR

ASSESSMENT OF QUANTITATIVE GOALS FOLLOW-UP

Ecoefficiency

•  Scopes 1 and 2 CO2e emissions have increased by 15% in absolute values and have decreased by 13% in relative 
values in according to revenue in relation to the base year (2015). The calculation methodology for scope 3 has 
been refined and will be shared for extensive use by the rest of the countries and activities. Actions are being 
carried out to manage the emissions of the company’s own fleet of vehicles and vehicles transitting the toll roads. 
The assessment of energy management systematization to be conducted by the different activities and countries 
is pending.

•  The usage percentage of electronic toll payment collection has exceeded 60% due to its extensive use in some 

countries. This objective will be reviewed next year in order to assess its modification.

•  The development of products and services with positive ESG impacts is pending, which relate directly to the goal 
of favoring the use of less polluting vehicles and focusing further on construction waste management and related 
actions.

Integration with the 
community

•  The number of projects and the volume of resources allocated to the relationships with the communities have 

remained constant, as has the volume of local purchases.

•  All claims have been addressed and actions have been continued in terms of biodiversity enhancement. The 

identification of natural species is in the process of being systematized across the board, and the assessment of 
the services provided by ecosystems in relation to noise is still pending.

•  The number of road accidents has remained constant, although the number of fatalities has decreased in 

comparable terms. The increase in absolute terms results from the inclusion of India data. Accident and fatality 
rates have improved, although in the latter case India’s incidence on the global figure does not reflect this 
improvement.

•  All claims have been addressed, and road safety campaigns and related education and research projects have 

Safety and quality

continued.

•  Workplace accidents have evolved positively, and the number of health and safety training hours and other skills/

competence training hours has also increased.

•  The trend towards gender balance is maintained, and work must continue to achieve equal pay.

•  The number of people with functional disabilities has increased through direct contracting.

36

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

CSR MASTER PLAN

37

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORTGLOBAL FOOTPRINT3839BARCELONATARRAGONACURITIBASÃO PAULOGIRONALOGROÑOMADRIDSEGOVIAADANEROÁVILAALICANTELEÓNASTORGASEVILLECÁDIZBILBAOGLOBAL LEADER IN ROAD MANAGEMENT04/06  GLOBAL FOOTPRINT Assets inCountries158,600Km under management43Concessions15,099CollaboratorsSPAIN Control: Abertis Infraestructuras, Autopistas, Acesa, Aucat, Invicat, Aumar, Iberpistas, Castellana, Avasa, Túnels, Aulesa.  Non-control: Autema, Accesos de Madrid, Henarsa, Ciralsa, Trados 45Concessions14Kilometers (indirectly managed)219Collaborators2,058 ADT (vehicles) +3.9%20,876Tn of CO2 (scopes 1 and 2)  -9.3%22,361Kilometers (directly managed)1,559 More thanFRANCE 

Control: Sanef, Sapn, Abertis Mobility Services 
Non-control: Alis, Aliénor, Léonord

ITALY 

Control: A4 Holding

CAEN

REIMS

ALENÇON

PARIS

STRASBOURG

LYON

LANGON

PAU

4

Concessions

1,761 

275

Kilometers (directly managed)

(Indirectly managed)

23,456 

Tn of CO2 (scopes 1 and 2) 
+13.4%

2,756 

Collaborators

24,836

ADT (vehicles) +1.5%

PIOVENE 
ROCCHETTE

BRESCIA

PADOVA

BADIA
POLESINE

236

Kilometers

64,589

ADT (vehicles) +3.2%

1

Concession

609

Collaborators

1,903 

Tn of CO2 (scopes 1 and 2)

40

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

GLOBAL FOOTPRINT

41

BRAZIL 

CHILE 

Control: Arteris, Autovias, Centrovias, Intervias, Vianorte, Fernão Dias, Fluminense, Régis Bittencourt, Litoral Sul, Planalto Sul, 
Latina Manutençao

Control: VíasChile, Autopista Central, Rutas del Elqui, Rutas del Pacífico, Autopista del Sol,  
Autopista Los Libertadores, Autopista de los Andes

9

3,250

Concessions

Kilometers

44,063  

Tn of CO2 (scopes 1 and 2) 
+15,7%

5,375 

Collaborators

18,255

ADT (vehicles) +3.2%

6

Concessions

771

Kilometers

1,231 

26,810 

Collaborators

ADT (vehicles) +4.0%

17,041 

Tn of CO2 (scopes 1 and 2) 
+8.6%

42

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

GLOBAL FOOTPRINT

43

FRANCAARARASFLORIANÓPOLISCURITIBASÃO PAULOSÃO CARLOSRIBEIRÃO PRETOBELO HORIZONTERÍO DEJANEIROSANTIAGODE CHILELOS ANDESLA SERENAVIÑA DE MARSAN ANTONIOOVALLEQUILOTAPUERTO RICO 

ARGENTINA

Control: Metropistas, Autopistas de Puerto Rico, Abertis Mobility Services

Control: Ausol, Grupo Concesionario del Oeste

ARECIBO

SAN JUAN

BARCELONETA VEGA ALTA

2

Concessions

80

90

Kilometers

64,645

Collaborators

ADT (vehicles) -2.9%

2,334

Tn of CO2 (scopes 1 and 2) 
-29.5%

44

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

2

Concessions:

175

Kilometers

2,160 

82,825

Collaborators

ADT (vehicles) -1.7%

17,041  

Tn of CO2 (scopes 1 and 2) 
+8.6%

GLOBAL FOOTPRINT

45

SAN FERNANDOSAN ISIDROLUJÁNBUENOS AIRESINDIA 

Control: Trichy Tollway Private Limited, Jadcherla Expressways Private Limited

2

Concessions

53

152

Kilometers

19,613

Collaborators

ADT (vehicles) +9.6%

2,417

Tn of CO2 (scopes 1 and 2)

IRELAND 

Control: Abertis Mobility Services 
M-50 (Dublin) – Free-flow operation

86

Collaborators

UNITED KINGDOM

Control: Abertis Mobility Services
Dartford Crossing (London) and Mersey Gateway (Liverpool) - Free-flow operation

Financial stake: RMG. A1-M Alconbury-Peterborough. A419/417 Swindon-Gloucester

74

Kilometers

427

Collaborators (Emovis)

UNITED STATES 

Control: Abertis Mobility Services
Research and Development Center (New York)

LIVERPOOL

ALCONBURY

GLOUCESTER

LONDON

SWINDON

NEW YORK

DUBLIN

43

Collaborators

46

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

GLOBAL FOOTPRINT

47

HYPERABADJADCHERLATRICHYULUNDURPETPETERBOROUGHCANADA

Control: Abertis Mobility Services 
Golden Ears Bridge, Port Mann Bridge- Free-flow operation

36

Collaborators

VANCOUVER

MONTREAL

CROATIA 

Control: Abertis Mobility Services 
Research and Development Center

42

Collaborators

SPLIT

HUNGARY

Control: Abertis Mobility Services 
Operations office

10 

Collaborators

COLOMBIA

Financial stake: Coviandes
Bogotá-Villavicencio Toll Road

86

Kilometers

BUDAPEST

BOGOTÁ

VILLAVICENCIO

48

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

GLOBAL FOOTPRINT

49

ABERTIS MOBILITY SERVICES

8

Presence in: USA,  
Canada, Puerto Rico, United 
Kingdom, Ireland, Croatia, 
France, Hungary

341

3.8 

Million transactions  
per year (Emovis)

Million electronic toll 
accounts (Emovis)

715 

150,000 

55,000 

Collaborators

Devices (Eurotoll)

Km network (Eurotoll)

OTHER NON-CONSOLIDATED STAKES

HISPASAT

CELLNEX

57 %

34 %

Stake

Stake

04/07 AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

• 
• 

The Legal 500 Spain awards the Abertis Corporate Legal Advisor Department, led by Marta Casas 
 “Women and Traffic management” Award by the Spanish Association of Traffic Engineers and Mobility Experts, for Lourdes Roquet, Autopistas 
Operations Director

•  Bronze Leon at the Cannes Creativity Festival for the Speed-o-track app by Arteris (Brazil) 
•  Valor Carreira Best People Management Award for Arteris (Brazil) 
•  Highest qualification (three stars) for the Autopistas’ Truck Parks, by the European Professional Association ESPORG (Spain)
•  1st and 2nd place for Rutas del Pacífico and Autopista del Sol respectively, as the toll roads with the best reputation in the industry, by the 

Reputation Institute (Chile)

•  4 COPSA Awards (in the CSR, Innovation and Road Safety categories) for ViasChile’ projects on social action, reintegration and accident 

prediction

•  Centrovias, Autovias, Intervias, Vianorte and Litoral Sul, at the Top 20 by the Brazilian National Transport Confederation 
•  Grandes e Líderes “500 Maiores do Sul” (Revista Amanhã y PwC) Award to Litoral Sul (Arteris)
• 
•  Valor Compartido Award from Sustainability Hub to VíasChile for its project on the scouting and social rehabilitation of imprisoned women 

The Arteris’ Process Intelligencee Analytics Project, awarded by the KofaxInspire 2017

(Chile)

•  Recognition to VíasChile from the Global Compact Global Network as one of the 5 best companies in the field of anti-corruption, with an 

emphasis on its voluntary adhesion to the Code of Good Tax Practices (Chile)

50

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

51

 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE05ADAPTATION TO THE CODE OF GOOD GOVERNANCECORPORATE GOVERNANCE STRUCTUREGROUP’S MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE05/01  COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE 
OF GOOD GOVERNANCE

For Abertis, a good Corporate Governance is an essential factor for  
sustainability and long-term growth.

STRATEGIC GOALS

  Achieve excellence in Good Governance

 Foster Corporate Social Responsibility and good Corporate 
Governance practices

15

40 %

60 %

53

Board members

Women

Independent board members

Recommendations fulfilled

GOOD GOVERNANCE BEST PRACTICES

Abertis follows a Corporate Governance policy of promoting diversity 
within  its  decision-making  bodies.  In  recent  years,  the  company  has 
increased  the  number  of  independent  directors,  gender  diversity  and 
the diversity of geographical and industry origins of the members of its 
Board of Directors and its Committees.

In  2017,  the  Board  of  Directors  approved  the  appointment  of  two 
new  directors:  Xavier  Brossa  Galofré  and  Antonio  Viana-Baptista, 
as  independent  directors.  These  appointments  have  contributed  to 
increase  the  percentage  of  independent  members  and  broaden  the 
international profile within the Board.

As of December 31, 2017, Abertis’ Board of Directors has 9 independent 
directors,  representing  60%  of  its  members,  thus  in  alignment  with 
Corporate Governance best practices.

Commited  to  transparency,  Abertis  complies  with  Good  Governance 
regulations  applicable  to  listed  companies  and  with  most  of  the 
recommendations of the Code of Good Governance.

Of the 64 recommendations (58 of which apply), Abertis complies with 
53.  Furthermore,  the  Chairman  reports  to  the  General  Shareholders 
Meeting on the compliance with these recommendations and provides 
justification in the case of the unfulfilled ones. 

For  more 
Governance Report (ACGR) 

information,  please  consult  Abertis’  Annual  Corporate 

54

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE OF GOOD GOVERNANCE

55

 
05/02  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 

STRUCTURE

The functioning of the Group’s management bodies is described in detail in the 
ACGR, which highlights the functions of the Board of Directors as the top governance 
body at the company. 

Board of Directors

Executive Committee

Audit and Control  
Committee

Appointments and  
Remunerations Committee

Corporate Social  
Responsibility Committee

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Salvador Alemany Mas  Chairman

Marcelino Armenter Vidal

Susana Gallardo Torrededia

Carmen Godia Bull, representing G3T, S.L.

Juan-José López Burniol

Miquel Roca Junyent  Secretary, non-Board Member

Josep Maria Coronas Guinart  Vice-secretary, non-Board Member

Antonio Viana-Baptista

Xavier Brossa Galofré

Carlos Colomer Casellas

María Teresa Costa Campi

Luis Guillermo Fortuño

Sandra Lagumina 

Enrico Letta 

Mónica López-Monís Gallego

Marina Serrano González

Francisco Reynés Massanet  Vice-Chairman - Chief Eexcutive Officer

Proprietary

Independent

Executive

As of December 31, 2017

56

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

57

BOARD COMMITTEES

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chairman: Salvador Alemany Mas

Members: Francisco Reynés Massanet, Marcelino Armenter Vidal, 
Xavier Brossa Galofré, Carlos Colomer Casellas, María Teresa Cos-
ta Campi, Luis Guillermo Fortuño, Juan-José López Burniol, Mónica 
López-Monís Gallego 

APPOINTMENTS AND REMUNERATIONS  
COMMITTEE

Chairman: Mónica López-Monís Gallego

Members: Marcelino Armenter Vidal, María Teresa Costa Campi,
Juan-José López Burniol, Mónica López-Monís Gallego,  
Marina Serrano González

Secretary, non-Board Member: Miquel Roca Junyent 

Secretary, non-Board Member: Josep Maria Coronas Guinart

Vice-secretary, non-Board Member: Josep Maria Coronas Guinart

AUDIT AND CONTROL COMMITTEE

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY  
COMMITTEE

Chairman: Carlos Colomer Casellas

Chairman: María Teresa Costa Campi 

Members: Marcelino Armenter Vidal, Xavier Brossa Galofré, 
Susana Gallardo Torrededia, Antonio Viana-Baptista

Members: Carlos Colomer Casellas, Luis Guillermo Fortuño, Carmen 
Godia Bull, representing G3T, S.L., Sandra Lagumina

Secretary, non-Board Member: Marta Casas Caba

Secretary, non-Board Member: Josep Maria Coronas Guinart

05/03  GROUP’S MANAGEMENT  

COMMITTEE

Vice-Chairman – Chief Executive Officer   
Francisco Reynés Massanet

General Secretary and Corporate 
Affairs Managing Director
Josep Maria Coronas Guinart

Chief Financial  
Officer
José Aljaro Navarro

Chief Industrial  
Officer
Josep Lluís Giménez Sevilla

Business Development  
Director
Sebastián Morales Mena

People and Organization 
Director 
Joan Rafel Herrero

Autopistas (Spain)
Managing Director 
Anna Bonet Olivart

Sanef (France)
Managing Director
Lluís Deulofeu Fuget

Arteris (Brazil)
Chief Executive Officer
David Díaz Almazán

VíasChile (Chile)
Managing Director   
Luis Miguel de Pablo Ruiz

A4 Holding (Italy)
Executive Chairman 
Carlos del Río Carcaño

58

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

GROUP'S MANAGEMENT  COMMITTEE

59

*  As of December 31, 2017

COMPLIANCE AND RISK  MANAGEMENT06ETHICS AND COMPLIANCERISK CONTROL06/01  ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE 

The Abertis Group is fully committed to conducting its activities with honesty, 
integrity and in compliance with the law, in its relationships with all its stakeholders. 

STRATEGIC GOALS

 Develop an organizational culture based on ethical principles

  Reject all forms of corruption

211

Reports received in 2017 (-11.3%)

84% 

Resolved 

CODE OF ETHICS

MAIN INITIATIVES IN 2017

The  Abertis  Group  is  fully  committed  to  conducting  business  with 
honesty, integrity and in accordance with the law, be it in its relations 
with its employees or with the rest of the individuals that are part of its 
stakeholders. 

These  guidelines  of  conduct  are  reflected  in  the  Code  of  Ethics  of  the 
Abertis Group, a core code of the Group, whose principles are deployed in 
all the internal regulations. This Code of Ethics captures the principles and 
values that must guide the behavior of employees, as well as suppliers, 
customers,  distributors,  external  professionals  and  representatives  of 
governments.

The Group does not tolerate any act that is contrary to the Code of Ethics 
and formally and expressly condemns any form of corruption and its firm 
commitment to comply with the law. Any infringement carries penalties 
of a contractual nature for infringing employees, as well as sanctions of a 
commercial or administrative nature for the rest of the individuals who 
are part of the stakeholders.

The  Ethics  and  Criminal  Prevention  Committees  are  entrusted  with 
managing  ethics  and  the  criminal  prevention  model.  The  design, 
implementation  and  supervision  of  regulatory  compliance  processes 
and the rollout of the criminal prevention model are carried out by the 
Compliance  functions  of  the  Abertis  Group.  Abertis’  Audit  and  Control 
Committee regularly monitors all complaints and irregularities arising in 
all Group companies.

• 

Training:

–  delivered in-person, covering workplace harassment aspects
–  delivered  online,  on  the  improper  use  of  information  by  non-

executive staff 

–  reminder campaigns in matters related to corruption, conflicts of 
interest, ethics channel, ethics and criminal prevention committees 
of  the  Abertis  Group,  workplace  harassment  and  information 
management. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Deployment  of  a  common  methodology  for  the  assessment  of 
criminal risks.

Streamlining of the Criminal Prevention model in all of the Group’s 
business units.

French companies have adapted to the requirements of the Loi Sapin 
II Act.

Preparation  of  Abertis’  risk  and  legal  enforcement  matrices  with 
respect to Environment, Labor and Prevention of Occupational Risks, 
which  reinforce  responsible  management  and  the  respect  for  the 
environment and the physical safety of employees and suppliers.

• 

Improvement  and  permanent  updating  of  the  Group’s  policies  and 
rules as per Compliance requirements.

62

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT

63

 
 
ETHICS CHANNEL

COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT MODEL

All  Group  companies,  except  Italy  and  India,  have  mechanisms  for 
reporting irregularities of any kind that guarantee confidentiality in the 
investigation and the analysis of all communications received. 

complaint or question regarding the Code of Ethics of the Abertis Group 
and / or its Local Codes of Ethics.

The  corresponding  Ethics  and  Criminal  Prevention  Committees  are 
responsible for investigating and proposing solutions in the event of any 

Abertis’  ethics  channel  as  well  as  the  Group’s  Code  of  Ethics  and 
Compliance  standards  are  available  at  the  company’s  website  
www.abertis.com.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

AUDIT AND CONTROL COMMITTEE

ETHICS AND CRIMINAL PREVENTION 
CORPORATE COMMITTEE

ETHICS AND CRIMINAL PREVENTION 
LOCAL COMMITTEES

CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER

LOCAL COMPLIANCE OFFICERS

REPORTS RESOLVED BY TYPE OF RESOLUTION

3.2%
7%

3.2%

OTHER DISCIPLINARY 
MEASURES
TERMINATION

OTHER DISCIPLINARY 
MEASURES

7%

TERMINATION

5.9%

WARNINGS

5.9%

WARNINGS

2016

2016

83.8%

DISCARDED

83.8%

DISCARDED

4.6%

4.6%

6.8%

TERMINATION

6.8%

OTHER DISCIPLINARY 
MEASURES
TERMINATION

OTHER DISCIPLINARY 
MEASURES

19.6%

WARNINGS

19.6%

WARNINGS

2017

2017

68.9%

DISCARDED

68.9%

DISCARDED

Brazil Integrity Program

In 2017 Arteris launched its Integrity Program (Compliance) with the aim of guaranteeing and promoting an ethical environment in the 
company, among its collaborators and third parties. The program is structured into five pillars that support the set of measures, instruments and 
responsibilities for preventing, detecting and extinguishing or mitigating potential risks. The launch of the program has been accompanied by an 
awareness campaign and mandatory training on the Arteris Code of Conduct.

The reduction in the number of complaints received and discarded with 
respect  to  2016  indicates  an  improvement  in  the  level  of  knowledge 
about the use of the system and the implementation of awareness and 
training procedures related to the Code of Ethics.

During  the  course  of  2017  and  in  addition  to  the  resolution  of  all 
reports received during the year, all reports that were still pending from 
the previous fiscal year have also been handled. Of these, 85.7% have 
already been resolved. 

64

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT

65

 
BREAKDOWN OF REPORTS

BREAKDOWN OF REPORTS RECEIVED BY COUNTRY

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

Brazil

France

Spain

Chile

Argentina

Italy

66

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT

67

06/02  RISK CONTROL

The Abertis Group has implemented a risk management model in all countries  
where it operates. 

MAIN RISKS AND INTERNAL CONTROL

The  Abertis  Group  faces  different  risks  that  are  inherent  to  the 
different countries where it operates. Therefore, it has implemented a 
risk management model – approved and monitored by the Audit and 

Control Committee – that applies to all business and corporate units in 
all countries where it operates.

RISK TYPE

MAIN RISKS

CONTROL MEASURES

Context and regulatory risks 
and risks deriving from the 
specific nature of the Group’s 
business

•  Decrease in demand due to the economic 

•  Internationalization and selective growth policy 

situation of some countries. 

and Investment Committees.

•  Creation of alternative infrastructures.

•  Collaboration with governments.

•  Risks deriving from the integration of acquired 

•  Efficiency plans.

businesses.

•  Mobility changes.

•  Entry of new competitors in some sectors of 

•  Coordination for ensuring adequate compliance 

with the existing local legislation and 
anticipation to regulatory changes.

activity. 

•  Insurance coverage.

•  Regulatory changes and socio-political  

changes.

•  Catastrophic risks.

RISK TYPE

MAIN RISKS

CONTROL MEASURES

Financial risks

•  Foreign exchange risk.

•  Interests rates and foreign exchange rates 

•  Liquidity risk.

•  Cash flow interest rate risk.

•  Debt refinancing risk and credit rating 

variations.

management policy.

•  Monitoring and extension of debt maturity 

and monitoring of potential impacts on credit 
ratings.

Industrial risks

•  Client and employee safety.

•  Specific policies, procedures, plans and control 

•  Adaptation risks and rapid response to 

technological changes in operational systems 
and the onset of new technologies. 

systems for each area. 

•  Investment program monitoring and control 

(opex and capex committees).

•  Control risks in construction projects.

•  Road safety, operations and management 

•  Risks associated with the correct maintenance 

system improvement plans (traffic, tunnels).

and quality of infrastructures.

•  Risk monitoring and analysis and 

•  Training and talent retention risks.

•  Supplier dependency.

•  Business disruption.

•  Environmental risks.

implementation of Corporate insurance 
programs. 

•  Environmental management system.

Financial information risks, 
fraud and compliance

•  Integrity and security of financial and 

operations related information.

•  Internal Financial Information Control System 
(IFICS) organizational and supervision model.

•  Information manipulation fraud, corruption 

•  Compliance model en vez de function 

and embezzlement.

implemented at the Group.

•  Tax.

•  Legal compliance and compliance with internal 

and contractual regulations.

68

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

RISK CONTROL

69

COMPREHENSIVE RISK CONTROL

The members of the company’s Government bodies commit to ensuring 
that all company-relevant risks are duly identified, appraised and prioritized. 
As well, they are commited to establish the mechanisms and basic principles 
required to achieve a level of risk that allows a sustainable growth of our 
share value and shareholder remuneration, protect the Group’s reputation, 
promote good Corporate Governance practices and provide quality service 
in all infrastructures operated by the Group. 

(mitigated by internationalization and geographical diversification), the 
persistence  to  restrict  availability  and  the  public  and  private  financing 
terms of some countries (mitigated by strict financial discipline), damages 
as a result of adverse climatic conditions (mitigated by a corporate policy 
of insurance coverage and contingency plans), and the reduction of the 
average life of road concessions (mitigated through the achievement of 
new  public-private  agreements  in  most  of  the  countries  in  which  the 

In  2017,  the  main  materialized  risks  are  those  related  to:  political  and 
social instability in some of the countries in which the Group operates 

Group operates).

RISK CATEGORIES BY VOLUME

7%

FINANCIAL

18%

INFORMATION 
AND COMPLIANCE

34%

GROWTH /
STRATEGIC

41%

INDUSTRIAL

RISK ASSESSMENT BY CATEGORY
Medium

Low

High

High

Medium

Low

47%

47%

50%

50%
3%
INDUSTRIAL
3%
INDUSTRIAL

26%

26%

59%

59%

15%

GROWTH / STRATEGIC
15%

GROWTH / STRATEGIC

42%

42%

55%

55%

3%
INFORMATION
3%
AND COMPLIANCE
INFORMATION
AND COMPLIANCE

29%

29%

57%

57%

14%

FINANCIAL
14%

FINANCIAL

37%

37%

55%

55%

8%
TOTAL

8%
TOTAL

ABERTIS RISK CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT MODEL

Board, Audit & 
Control 
Committee

Management 
Committee

Risk Control 
(Corporation)

Definition of value 
levers

Definition of key 
topics (main risks)

Definition of 
initiatives for each 
key topic

Methodology, 
Homogenization, 
Coordination

Abertis 
consolidated risk 
map

Coordination

Monitoring and 
follow-up

Business Unit

Risk identificacion 
and appraisal

Business Unit risk 
maps

Development of 
initiatives and 
control systems

IDENTIFY AND APPRAISE

PRIORITIZE

CONTROL

MONITOR

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INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

RISK CONTROL

71

SAFE AND  INNOVATIVE ROADS07ROAD SAFETYROAD TECHQUALITY MANAGEMENT AND CLIENT FOCUS07/01  ROAD SAFETY 

As the global leader in the toll road management industry, road safety is our priority.

STRATEGIC GOALS

  Guarantee and promote road safety

 Develop products and services with a positive 
environmental, social and good governance (ESG) impact

21.3 -3.2% 1.3 -6.1%

€43 Mn

Accident rate (FR1)

Fatality rate (FR3)

Investment in road safety

  * FR1 = Number of accidents with victims / Traffic in 108 veh x Km
** FR3 = Number of fatalities / Traffic in 108 veh x Km

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INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

ROAD SAFETY PROGRAM

Through the Global Road Safety program, cross-functional teams from all 
disciplines  and  geographical  locations  work  together  in  the  Group  to 
ensure road safety best practices are known and applied in all Abertis toll 
roads.

We work in interdisciplinary groups in all business units creating a single 
global vision for the Group, bringing together both the most operations-
intensive  units  and  those  closest  to  the  client,  their  environment  and 
society in general.

We share this global vision with an ambition: reaching the zero fatalities 
goal on all Abertis roads, with 100% safe toll roads.

As a result of this strategy, the main units of the Group have continuously 

improved their accident and fatality rates in recent years. 

YEAR-ON-YEAR CHANGE

FR1

FR3

2017

-3.2%

-6.1%

2016

-2.6%

-5.4%

2015

-3.6%

-15.8%

Abertis works on a vision of road safety that shares the values of the 
Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020, which 
focuses on 5 pillars: Safe infrastructures, road safety management, safer 
vehicles, safer users and post-crash response.

ROAD SAFETY

75

 
 
100% SAFE ROADS

Abertis brings more than 60 years of knowledge and experience in road 
construction and management with the highest quality standards. The 
Abertis Group abides to the most recognized policies and procedures in 
the industry to ensure road safety in all areas of our activity.

•  Guerville  viaduct  (France).  Declared  a  public 

interest,  the 
construction  of  a  third  structure  in  the  Guerville  viaduct  is  under 
way using the most advanced techniques, with the goal of causing 
no inconvenience to the existing traffic.

APPLICATION OF THE BEST PLANNING, DESIGN AND 
CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES

• 

 Enlargement  to  double  capacity  of  the  Serra  do  Cafezal 
section  in  the  Régis  Bittencourt  toll  road  (BR-116).  Arteris 
has  completed  this  ambitious  project  in  December  2017  after 
successfully  completing  7  years  of  work.  The  enlargement  of  this 
road has resulted in: 

PROJECT FIGURES

–  30 months of work
–  180,000 cubic meters of earthworks
–  Work on 2 kilometers of roads
–  Length of the new structure: 360 meters
–  3,000 tons of steel.

–  Improvements in the level of service;
–   The  handling  of  more  than  80  critical  points  identified  by  the 

Strategic Accident Reduction Group;

–  The adoption of new methodologies and practices such as the use 
of more adherent asphalt, preventive signage, new concrete barriers, 
pedestrian walkways and wildlife crossings.

–   Innovative  tunnels,  reaching  quality  levels  that  exceed  the 
country’s standards, with a new pedestrian emergency tunnel and 
a modern automation and safety system, featuring the duplication 
of ventilation devices, specific lighting devices, fire prevention and 
mitigation  systems  and  an  intelligent  flammable  liquid  drainage 

system.

PROJECT FIGURES

–  30 kilometers of enlarged toll road
–  4 tunnels, 3 bridges and 36 viaducts
–  12 wildlife crossings
–  2 pedestrian walkways
–  More than 2,000 workers involved 

OTHER INITIATIVES FOR THE APPLICATION OF MANAGEMENT 
AND OPERATIONS BEST PRACTICES

Autopistas

•  New Road Safety Center which seeks to position itself as a Center for Studies and Analysis and a Road Safety Center 

of Excellence (CoE) for public and private governments and institutions.

•  Seat Cone Project, which entails retrofitting a van for lane closing, placing and removing cones on the lanes, in order 

to improve the working conditions of our employees and the quality of service for our customers.

•  Cardio-protected Road Project: Installation of 33 semiautomatic defibrillators at toll stations and in service areas and 

a training plan for all staff to promote the knowledge on the use of cardioprotective devices.

Arteris

•  Speed-o-Track: Arteris has created the Speed-o-Track app in Brazil together with Spotify and Google Maps, an app 

that alerts drivers if they exceed the speed limit. Drivers enter their Spotify account and select a song list. Thanks to 
the GPS data provided by Google Maps, the device detects the speed allowed on the road and the speed of the driver. 
If the allowed speed limit is exceeded, the music accelerates.

A4 Holding

•  Use of a sound-absorbing draining layer of pavement along 100% of the toll road, which has led to an improvement 
in the indeces that measure the quality of the pavement in terms of roughness and regularity by more than 20% in 
the last ten years.

Abertis Argentina 

•  Toll booth reinforcement.

•  Installation of new speed radars.

VíasChile

•  The new Maipo bridge of Autopista Central, featuring anti-seismic technology and LED lamps.

•  Implementation of Gate-Guard for making transfers and traffic management in Rutas del Pacífico.

Abertis India

•  Improvement of crossing or intersection signage through the installation of light posts and the use of rough paint on 

the pavement.

Metropistas

•  Installation of new LED lighting:

•  2,674 lamps.

•  48.5% reduction in energy consumption.

•  Improved maintenance, quality of lighting, visibility and safety.

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77

OPTIMAL SAFETY MANAGEMENT

AGREEMENT FOR A SAFER MOBILITY

Standardizing  actions  and  training:  In  2017  efforts  were  made  to 
standardize best internal practices from across all of the Group’s units 
in order to achieve a global vision on road safety.

The commitment to the road safety of our customers also drives us to 
look for partners whom we believe can add more value to our mission.

–    Several documents began to be drafted in 2017 such as the White 
Paper on Tunnel Safety Strategy, the White Paper on the Quality 
Management System, and the White Paper on Crisis Management.
–   The Group has continued to promote employee training on road 
safety  to  ensure  the  best  operation  and  maintenance  through 
drills in most of the concessions, such as France, Spain or Chile.

• 

 In Argentina, a special drill was conducted involving the transport of 
dangerous goods. The drill sequence consisted of a fuel spill from a 
bulk transport in the fuel pump sector, primary assistance, relevant 
notices  in  the  face  of  imminent  fire,  evacuation  and  receiving 
the  different  representatives  including  the  transfer  of  a  wounded 
person.

For more information on safety training for Group employees please see 
the “Safety and Health” section.

•  A4 Holding (Italy) works in collaboration with Autovie Venete and 
CAV to offer integrated information to drivers in the north of the 
country. Thus, through a single source, it is possible to obtain real-
time information of all the toll roads linking the north of Italy (from 
Brescia to Udine, Gorizia and Trieste, including the Mestre ring road 
(Venice)).

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT  
OF ACCIDENT PREDICTION SYSTEMS 

•  VíasChile works together with the Institute of Complex Systems of 
the University of Chile on an accident prediction model, which has 
obtained the COPSA Award in the Innovation category.

The  project,  which  began  2  years  ago,  takes  place  along  2  kilometers 
of the Central toll road as a test, seeks to prevent risk situations and 
alert users promptly, leveraging many possibilities offered by real-time 
information collected by the toll road’s electronic systems.

A first phase has enabled the identification of the variables that have 
an  impact  on  the  occurrence  of  accidents,  and  even  predict  70%  of 
occurrences. In 2017 we have worked on creating a software that allows 
sending the information to the toll road control center for processing, 

Connected Citizens Program

In 2017 Abertis has signed a global agreement to join Waze’s Connected Citizens Program, the pioneering social navigation application and mobile 
technology  that  offers  free  real-time  traffic  information,  fed  by  the  largest  community  of  drivers  in  the  world.  Abertis  thus  becomes  the  first 
company to adhere to the program in seven countries: Spain, France, Italy, Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Puerto Rico.

Abertis uses the application as a sensor to understand traffic in real time as well as as another communication channel to inform its customers. The 
company receives anonymous information in real time directly from the source: the drivers.

On the other hand, users of the application obtain updated information from Abertis from the traffic management centers the Group has in each 
business unit, as well as the roadwork program information or information on other incidents that could affect travel.

with  the  aim  of  developing  better  actions  geared  at  alerting  users 
adequately and try to prevent accidents.

CONTINUOUS EVALUATION OF ALL ASPECTS  
OF ROAD SAFETY MANAGEMENT

autonomous  driving,  the  increasing  use  of  Big  Data  and  the  Internet 
of  Things,  or  the  collaborative  economy,  to  name  but  a  few  factors, 
will  undoubtedly  have  an  effect  on  road  safety.  For  this  reason, 
Abertis  participates  in  important  international  projects  together  with 
automobile companies to improve the safety of the cars of the future.

–      Through  its  own  management  software  that  monitors  both  the 

state of the pavement and structures and retaining walls.

For more information about these and other projects, please see the “Road 
Tech” section.

–    Through independent security controls: in addition to the internal 
control  systems,  the  Abertis  Group  works  with  independent 
entities  such  as  the 
iRAP  Foundation  (International  Road 
Assessment Program), which carries out safety audits of roads.

IRAP is a non-profit institution based in the United Kingdom dedicated 
to  saving  lives  on  the  road.  They  develop  a  scientific  methodology 
and  predictive  tools  recognized  by  higher-level  institutions  such  as 
the  United  Nations,  the  World  Bank  or  the  Asian  Development  Bank, 
among others, with projects in more than 80 countries.

In 2017, Abertis has become the first private road operator to cooperate 
globally  with  iRAP.  This  methodology  will  allow  Abertis  to  know  the 
level of safety of its toll roads in a standardized and highly professional 
manner, identifying all areas of improvement that can help define the 
Group’s future investment plans.

SAFER CARS

In  2017  the  Group  has  seen  its  Road  Tech  and  Road  Safety  strategic 
programs  converge  more  and  more,  setting  a  trend  toward  using 
new  technologies  in  the  sector  to  enhance  road  safety.  Advances  in 

POST-CRASH RESPONSE

The  Group  continues  to  work  to  offer  the  best  possible  solutions  in 
the  event  of  an  accident.  Our  recent  innovations  include  advanced 
intelligent  transport  systems  and  an  application  that  automatically 
detects irregular situations in tunnels.

• 

• 

 EIn  Chile,  the  fleet  of  emergency  vehicles  has  been  modernized 
with  the  new  incorporation  of  electric  motorcycles  for  paramedic 
personnel.

In Argentina, it has been reached an agreement with the ambulance 
service  provider  to  obtain  data  of  each  medical  assistance  given: 
time delay data and injury category (severity). This way, the Quality 
area  produces  statistical  control  charts,  analyzes  cases  that  are 
outside the control limits and takes improvement actions.

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79

SAFER USERS

At  Abertis,  we  not  only  focus  on  infrastructures,  but  also  dedicate  a 
special  effort  to  our  customers  through  studies  and  observatories  to 
assess their driving habits with the goal to knowing them better, as well 
as through safe driving awareness campaigns.

Using a similar methodology, observations of toll road drivers’ behavior 
are made through detailed observation and analysis in those sections 
of  the  network  that,  due  to  their  characteristics,  allow  us  to  analyze 
behaviors and draw general conclusions. They focus on specific analysis 
factors such as speed, safety distances, lane occupation, use of the turn 
signal or use of the telephone behind the wheel.

DRIVING OBSERVATORY

In  2017,  the  Sanef  Driving  Observatory  became  internationalized. 
Thus, Autopistas (Spain), Arteris (Brazil), VíasChile (Chile), Metropistas 
(Puerto Rico) and Argentina (Ausol and GCO) have conducted Driving 
Observations in their respective territories.

By  2018,  the  Abertis  Global  Observatory  will  be  launched,  which  will 
allow  us  to  understand  the  global  trends  accross  the  world  and  the 
specific characteristics in each of our markets, with the aim of applying 
this knowledge to better adjust our awareness campaigns. The creation 
in Spain of an Observatory focusing on heavy vehicles is also planned 
for 2018.

MAIN AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS DEVELOPED IN 2017

Autopistas 

•  Behind the barrier campaign: Communication plan and distribution of road safety kits, including the necessary material to 

deal with emergency situations and increase maximum safety and comfort.

•  Adventure on the Road: A family day to provide insights into road management and road safety through Autopistas’ mobile 

application.

•  Summer playrooms, to favor and foster resting times of families in service areas.

Sanef 

•  Speeding campaigns: Vous me voyez? Ralentissez!

•  Campaigns against sleepiness.

•  Alternatives to fines: actions whereby fines in case of violation are replaced by road safety training. 

•  Instagram campaign to favor periodic rests: #OnPoseporlaPause.

Arteris

•  Celebration of the 4th Road Safety Forum, with a greater international outreach.

•  Celebration of the 2nd Youth Forum (90 young people between 12 and 17 years old from 4 states).

•  Awareness campaign on nightlife venues addressed to young people.

•  Campaign to promote adequate vehicle maintenance, including inspections and sharing.

•  Projeto Escola (590 schools, more than 287,000 students and more than 16,000 teachers in its 16-year history).

•  Action Tô de Cinto, Tô Seguro (2 workshops, 11 meetings, with an impact on more than 5,000 people).

VíasChile

•  Campaigns against the stoning of vehicles that use roads; educational talks were held on the toll roads with the highest 
number of incidents, in addition to educational film activities in communities (COPSA 2017 prize in the Road Safety 
category).

•  The School Project, which supports the training of basic education children, reaching 131 schools on the 6 concessionaires.

Puerto Rico

•  No Texteo (I don’t text), against the use of mobile while driving.

•  Driver’s Education with the Transportation Safety Education Park (PESET) - Road Safety Education Program in an interactive 

park to raise awareness among children about the importance of prevention.

•  Other campaigns on the use of safety belts, protective seats or on the observance of speed limits.

Argentina 

•  Campaign against alcohol at the wheel: Manejá sin alcohol (Drive without alcohol).

•  Campaign against the use of technological devices at the wheel.

•  Awareness campaign on nightlife venues addressed to young people.

India

•  National program on eye exams of heavy vehicle drivers, in collaboration with the Government and various NGOs.

•  Driver’s education campaigns in schools.

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ROAD SAFETY

81

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORTROAD SAFETY8283COMMITMENT TO GLOBAL ROAD SAFETYAbertis’ commitment to road safety goes beyond our toll roads. We understand that it is a global problem, and we want to contribute our know-how and experience to face this challenge, which is already one of the Millennium Development Goals.The Abertis Foundation has also played an important role in raising awareness among society through responsible driving. Its activities seek to accompany citizens throughout their lives, with actions adapted to all ages.Likewise, in 2017 Abertis granted the first Road Safety Awards, which recognize PhD theses or Master’s final projects that focus on road safety aspects. In October, the First International Road Safety Award was also awarded, recognizing the best work among the winners of the national prizes in this category of each academic Chair (Brazil, Chile, Spain, France and Puerto Rico).UNICEF and Abertis, together for child road safety In October, Abertis and UNICEF reached a ground-breaking collaboration agreement to combat the main cause of death in school-age children: road accidents.The alliance focuses on the prevention of road traffic injuries in children and will strengthen and expand UNICEF’s existing work to protect children on the world’s roads and provide a safe route to school.In order to help develop national responses to this global challenge, the program will first be implemented in the Philippines and Jamaica, which, like many low- and middle-income countries, experience a severe health burden from child road traffic injury. This agreement marks the first global corporate contribution to UNICEF programs to prevent road traffic injuries in children. It is the largest agreement on road safety focusing on children.Goal: Safe Journey to SchoolUS$3 Mn contributed between 2017-2019Countries: The Philippines and Jamaica with plans to extend to other countries soon.For more information on the Foundation and the Abertis Academic Chairs see the “Contribution to the Community” section.EIn 2017 the Group has intensified its work with other institutions with the purpose of sharing its experience and knowledge for the preparation of studies on road safety. This is the case of the webinar organized with the International Road Federation on “Forgiving Roads.” In addition, it collaborates with the International Transportation Forum and companies from the sector in the report “Safety and Security on the road to automated transport”, to define the policies that must regulate road safety and digital security before the challenges of the new connected and autonomous mobility.The new Road Safety Center (CESVI) of Autopistas has triggered two more studies on other aspects of road safety:–  The analysis of heavy vehicle accidents–  Study of free velocities in toll roadsISO AS A TOOL AND FRAMEWORK FOR GLOBAL ROAD  SAFETY MANAGEMENTImplemented - ISO 39001Certified - ISO 390010%20%40%60%80%100%Implemented - in houseImplementation under wayNo formal systemROAD SAFETY MANAGEMENT BASED ON REVENUEThe case of Chile stands out where, following Autopista Central’s ISO 39001 certification, a pilot project is being developed for the implementation of an accident prediction and emergency management model according to international standard ISO 22320.The implementation of a formal road safety management system allows the permanent systematization of practices and performance monitoring within a cycle of continuous improvement. Thus, 31.9% of the toll roads business (Spain, Chile and Argentina) has an implemented and / or certified management system according to international standard ISO 39001.07/02  ROAD TECH 

The intersection between new technologies and road infrastructure. 

STRATEGIC GOALS

Innovate and incorporate the best technological practices

 Development of products and services with a positive ESG impact

More than 10

Road Tech Projects

At Abertis, we know that managing the mobility of the future will bring about important challenges but also great opportunities. Through our “Road 
Tech” strategic program, we work at the crossroads between road infrastructure and new technologies. Our ambition is to become the platform for a 
safer, smarter and more sustainable mobility.

INNOVATIVE ROADS

SOLUTIONS FOR SMART ROADS  
AND INTEGRATED MOBILITY:

• 

• 

 C-Roads Project: a project promoted by the European Union that 
analyzes  the  possibilities  of  intelligent  systems  in  cooperative 
transport and autonomous driving systems. One of the five projects 
in  Spain  is  the  one  carried  out  in  the  Mediterranean  Corridor  in 
several sections of the AP-7 toll road of Autopistas (Spain). Its main 
purpose is to check the functioning of C-ITS (Cooperative Intelligent 
Transport Systems) services on toll roads. Both Autopistas (Spain) 
and Sanef (France) participate in this project in their own countries. 

 V2I Connectivity (Vehicle to Infrastructure): Autopistas (Spain) 
works  on  the  development  and  implementation  of  advanced 
communication solutions applied to mobility between vehicle and 
infrastructure. In Italy, A4 Holding participates in the Smart Road 
Project, a pilot program to equip 10km of toll road with road units 
for DSRC (Dedicated short-range communications) communications 
in the 5.9Ghz frequency for traffic and safety information.

• 

• 

• 

Implementation  of  the  Internet  of  Things  (IoT):  A4  Holding 
(Italy) researches the connectivity of different sensors and network 
technology to monitor the state of the infrastructure.

Sanef  (France)  also  works  with  an  IoT  sensor  system  to  improve 
service  and  optimize  operations.  In  the  Reims  region,  there  is  the 
first stretch of toll road that has been fully equipped with connected 
solutions in the country. The project, which involves the installation 
of 250 IoT devices, will optimize toll road operation and maitenance 
equipment routes and improve service quality.

 Wireless  connections:  Several  Group  concessionaires,  such  as 
A4Holding  or  Sanef  (France),  are  deploying  Wi-Fi  connections 
across the network. In Brazil, the new Via Paulista will have Wi-Fi 
coverage throughout its entire length as a communications system 
between the user and the concessionaire.

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85

 
 
SOLUTIONS FOR CONNECTED AND AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES:

SOLUTIONS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES:

• 

• 

 SCOOP@F  Project:  A  project  involving  the  deployment  of 
cooperative 
in  3,000 
intelligent  transport  systems  (C-ITS) 
vehicles and 2,000 km of roads to exchange information on traffic 
conditions.  As  part  of  this  project,  Sanef  (France)  has  begun  to 
collaborate with Renault to improve the range of autonomous cars 
in construction works and toll lane passing zones.

 Inframix:  this  is  a  3-year  research  project  of  the  European 
Commission designed to evaluate the future role of infrastructures 
during  the  period  of  coexistence  between  conventional  and 
autonomous vehicles, with the aim of making roads faster, safer and 
socially  sustainable  for  all  traffic  participants.  Autopistas  (Spain) 
has offered a section of the 20-kilometer AP-7 toll road to conduct 
tests in the three priority components of the project: dynamic lane 
allocation, construction zones, traffic jams and congestion.

• 

• 

• 

 Fabric:  Sanef  (France),  together  with  22  partners,  is  studying  the 
feasibility  and  development  of  wireless  road  charging  solutions 
for  electric  vehicles.  We  analyze  the  technological  developments 
required  in  the  pavements,  as  well  as  the  operational  restrictions 
once implemented.

 E-way  corridor:  a  project  for  experimenting  with  an  electric  toll 
road corridor for heavy vehicles. The tests are being carried out in 
the Seine Valley’s A13 toll road. Abertis’ subsidiary in France, Sanef, 
participates together with other companies to analyze which of the 
different  solutions  -  power  rail,  induction  or  directly  contactless 
charging- will be more convenient in the future.

 Corri-door  (France):  A  consortium  with  multiple  agents  -  EDF, 
Sodetrel,  Renault,  Nissan,  BMW,  Volkswagen,  ParisTech  and  toll 
road operators, including Sanef - joining forces in the development 
of the electric vehicle. The project consists in the installation of fast-
charging electric devices across the road network in France, making 
chargers available every 80km that allow users to charge 80% of the 
battery in 30 minutes.

86

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

ABERTIS MOBILITY SERVICES 

At  Abertis,  innovation  extends  across  many  areas.  On  the  one  hand, 
through  the  analysis  of  how  new  trends  in  mobility  can  impact  our 
traditional business. On the other, through the commitment to a new 
line  of  business  based  on  Mobility  as  a  Service  (MasS),  which  shifts 
the focus of attention of mobility from the mode of transport to the 
individual  who  understands  mobility  as  a  point-to-point  service  with 
new and different needs.

In  2017  Abertis  Mobility  Services,  the  Group’s  multimodal  mobility 
services  division,  was  born  as  a  result  of  the  continuous  evolution  of 
new technologies and the search for solutions for safer, more efficient, 
smarter and more sustainable mobility and the need to reflect a global 
vision on the subject, with the mission to:

dedicated  to  the  search  for  new  businesses  within  the  concession 
industry, as well as the creation of Innovation Committees consisting of 
members of the technology departments from across all business units.
Abertis  Mobility  Services  was  born  to  respond  to  these  changes  and 
become  the  pioneering  platform  for  a  modern  and  efficient  mobility, 
focused on different types of customers:

On the one hand, governments and road operators (B2A), through the 
subsidiary Emovis. On the other, vehicle fleet companies (B2B), through 
Eurotoll, which has joined the Abertis Group 100% in 2017. It is one of 
the largest issuers of electronic payment devices, or OBUs (On-Board-
Unit) in Europe. 

Lastly, citizens are the direct client of subsidiaries such as Bip & Go and 
Bip & Drive, the toll payment devices industry.

–   Manage the Group’s assets related to these services under a single 
vision and common strategy, in order to build a value proposition 
aligned with market trends.

–   Develop  business  opportunities  in  the  field  of  mobility  services, 

complementing the Group’s current strategy.

–   Act as the center of excellence for mobility solutions of the Abertis 

Group.

The creation of the Abertis Mobility Services division responds to the 
Group’s renewed drive for innovation, by reinforcing the human team 

FREE-FLOW SYSTEMS

Abertis  offers  advisory  services,  design,  implementation,  operation 
and  maintenance  of  free-flow  mobility  solutions  through  Emovis,  its 
technology and services division.

The division operates some of the largest electronic toll infrastructures 
in  the  world  in  the  United  Kingdom  (Dartford  Crossing  -  160,000 
vehicles per day), Ireland (M-50 (145,000 vehicles per day), the United 
States and Canada. It is present in 7 countries: Canada, United States, 
Puerto Rico, United Kingdom, Ireland, France and Croatia.

Eurotoll

In 2017, Abertis has formalized the purchase of 100% of Eurotoll. This acquisition seeks to boost the development of a business, that of electronic 
toll payment management for heavy vehicles, complementary to the toll concessions. Also, this acquisition will improve Abertis’ position before the 
implementation of the new EETS standard (European Electronic Tolling Service) in several European countries.

8,000 client accounts
150,000 devices in Europe
Services across a 55,000 network in 16 countries
Offices in France, Belgium, Poland and Hungary

Main projects in 2017

• 

 Implementation  and  management  of  free-flow  electronic  toll  on 
the Mersey Bridge (United Kingdom).

• 

The  Mersey  Gateway  Project  is  one  of  the  largest  infrastructure 
initiatives in the United Kingdom in recent years and is considered 
one  of  the  40  major  projects  of  the  National  Infrastructure  Plan 
and one of the top 100 infrastructure projects in the world (KPMG).

Inauguration:  
October 14

Characteristics:  
6-lane bridge over the Mersey River between 
the towns of Runcorn and Widnes

Expected number of vehicles: 
+65,000 / day

Up to 1,000 payment devices  
issued each day (before its opening)

More than 80,000 registered users before  
its inauguration, 60% online

Travel time savings:  
from 10 min to 1 hour in moments of great affluence

 Modernization of the electronic toll systems of the A25 toll road, 
a strategic axis in the Montréal metropolitan region (Canada). The 
project  was  executed  without  affecting  the  infrastructure’s  traffic 
flow.

•  After completing the pilot program, Autopistas has finally installed 
the free-flow lane at La Roca toll plaza on the AP-7 toll road. This 
technology  enables  automatic  toll  payments,  without  gates  and 
without the need to stop, and traveling at a speed of up to 60 km 
per hour.

• 

Installation of the first automatic reversible bidirectional electronic 
gantry in Puerto Rico. The gantry has 10 lanes, two of them reversible 
that allow changing the direction of the lanes automatically without 
human  intervention  and  without  interrupting  traffic,  therefore 
speeding  the  journeys  on  the  toll  road.  At  present,  analyses  are 
under way to transfer this technology to other concessions of the 
Group.

•  Road Usage Charge Pilot Project (RUC), a pay-per-use pilot project 
for  road  use  in  the  state  of  Washington  (USA).  The  RUC  system 
establishes payments based on the distance traveled, so that drivers 
can pay based on how much they use the Washington State road 
network  based  on  the  number  of  miles  travelled.  Emovis  will  be 

88

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

ROAD TECH

89

responsible  for  implementing  a  back-office  system  that  will  store 
the  information  in  the  cloud,  as  well  as  providing  an  on-board 
device  (OBD-II)  and  app  technology  that  will  record  user  mileage 
and charge the amount established based on the route taken. This 
project  adds  to  the  pilot  project  that  is  currently  in  operation  in 
the State of Oregon, which counts with the participation of 1,000 
volunteers. 

In  addition,  Emovis  continues  to  promote  its  research  and 
development  in  other  technologies  such  as  thermal  cameras  for 
calculating  the  number  of  vehicles  through  heat;  or  “fingerprint” 
technologies to recognize the shape of the vehicle and facilitate its 
recognition.

INTEROPERABILITY AND PAYMENT DEVICES

The Abertis Group works to make road travel a comfortable and easy 
experience for the client.

• 

 Eurotoll  continues  to  increase  the  interoperability  of  its  Tribox 
Air device, equipped with DSRC / GNSS / GSM and “over the air” 
technology, a single device for traveling in France, Spain, Portugal, 
Austria, Belgium (in 2017), and soon, Germany.

•  Bip  &  Go  and  Bip  &  Drive,  issuers  of  payment  devices  owned  by 
Abertis,  are  also  making  progress  in  the  interoperability  of  their 
devices not only between countries, but also for their use beyond 
the toll road (shopping centers, gas stations, car parks...).

•  Bip  &  Drive  has  launched  in  2017  the  first  exclusive  VíaT  for 
motorcyclists, consisting of a bracelet that incorporates the Vía-T 
pass, valid for all toll roads in Spain, France and Portugal.

• 

Through Autopase, its issuer of payment devices, VíasChile has also 
made progress in the field of interoperability among the division’s 
concessionaries in the country. 

ADVANCED PAYMENT SYSTEMS

The  Abertis  Group  continues  to  innovate  in  the  field  of  payment 
systems and models.

• 

 Autopistas  has  launched  the  Ronda  Gi,  a  free  device  designed  to 
facilitate the mobility to enter and exit tolls on the Girona ring road 
of the AP-7 toll road. With this device, vehicles traveling on this free 
section do not have to stop at the tolls. In addition, customers who 
have the device can enjoy a number of advantages and are provided 
with information to plan their journeys.

•  VíasChile has installed the “stop and go” electronic payment service 
on  the  Libertadores  and  Rutas  del  Pacífico  toll  roads.  The  device 
allows  vehicles  to  pass  through  the  tollgate  without  the  need  to 
manually  pay  the  toll.  These  are  the  only  two  inter-urban  toll 
roads in the country featuring these multifunction tolls, which do 
not require registration or an additional contract and have a single 
invoice.

Los Libertadores toll road figures: 

Increase in road capacity  
from 250 vehicles / hour to 650.

Average toll drive-through time  
of less than 6 seconds

• 

• 

 In  Argentina,  an  agreement  has  been  reached  with  Banco  Nación 
to  create  a  prepaid  toll  system  linked  to  each  user  through  their 
mobile phones.

Emovis has launched an application  that allows paying the toll in 
the  M-50  ring  road  in  Dublin  via  a  mobile  application.  In  France, 
Sanef is also experimenting with payments via mobile on the A13 
toll road, with Autopistas currently studying this as well.

As  a  result  of  these  improvements,  the  percentage  of  automatic  or 
electronic  toll  transactions  has  increased  in  the  Group  up  to  76.4% 
(+2.9pp) of the total, of which 62.9% are electronic toll (+2.8pp) only, 
with  Argentina  (+8.6pp)  and  Italy  (+5pp)  among  the  countries  that 
have grown the most.

ROAD TECH:  
A COLLABORATIVE SANDBOX

In  France,  through  the  Open  Innovation  project,  a  start-up 
company  selection  process  has  been  opened  allowing  them  to 
test their innovations in Sanef.

Through partnership and collaboration with governments and innovators 
large  and  small,  the  Group  seeks  to  accelerate  the  evolution  of  new 
technologies and develop its full potential in the field of infrastructures.

•  Open  Innovation  project:  which  seeks  to  create  a  platform  for 
better  mobility,  greater  security  and  better  service.  The  Abertis 
Group  has  begun  to  search  for  new  partners  to  create  a  hub  for 
companies in the Road Tech ecosystem.

Open Innovation

20 selected companies

14 submitted projects

5 projects in deep assessment phase

The Group also works on a study on the future of mobility with 
experts from the World Economic Forum. 

Road Tech Report, by the Intelligence Economist Unit

This year, Abertis has worked with the The Economist Group’s studies division on the Road Tech report: Addressing the challenges of traffic growth, 
based on detailed interviews with key experts in infrastructures, technologies and transportation from different sectors and geographical areas, to 
assess the challenges of the mobility of the future. The report was presented this year in cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Brussels or Dubai and has 
served to open the debate on how new road technologies (Road Tech) are transforming the transportation sector and are the key to a smarter and 
more sustainable mobility in the future.

www.abertis.com/en/roadtechreport

90

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

ROAD TECH

91

07/03  QUALITY MANAGEMENT  

AND CUSTOMER FOCUS

Our commitment to road safety and new technologies has a clear objective:  
the satisfaction of our customers.

STRATEGIC GOALS

 Provide quality services (fluidity, comfort and information to the 
customer)

 Quality products and services with a positive ESG impact

93% of revenue

ISO 9001

QUALITY MANAGEMENT

QUALITY MANAGEMENT ACCORDING TO REVENUE

Our  commitment  to  road  safety  and  new  technologies  has  a  clear 
objective: the satisfaction of our customers. All our initiatives have in our 
customers our raison d’être.

Our customer focus drives us to work on the quality management of our 
roads through different lines of action: road safety, information security, 
and  obtaining  and  maintaining  international  certificates  that  back  our 
management performance.

The Group is currently working on the definition of a new White Paper on 
the  Quality  Management  System  that  seeks  to  unify  all  of  the  Group’s 
quality-related  policies  and  standardize  the  processes  of  each  business 
unit to create a common vision into quality management throughout the 
entire Group.

92.6%  of  the  revenue  has  a  quality  management  system  implemented 
and/or  certified  according  to  the  ISO  9001  international  standard.  This 
percentage includes all activities except those developed in India. In the 
case  of  Chile,  the  system  has  been  implemented  in  Autopista  Central, 
which represents more than 50% of the business’ turnover of the activity 
in  the  country;  in  the  rest  of  the  roads,  it  is  in  the  process  of  being 
implemented. 

In some cases such as Puerto Rico (Metropistas) and Argentina (GCO), the 
certification was renewed during the course of 2017 based on the most 
recent version of the standard (2015). 

Likewise,  the  activities  in  Spain  have  a  specific  information  security 

management system based on the international standard ISO 27001.

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Implemented - ISO 9001

Certified - ISO 9001

No formal system

Implementation under way

CUSTOMER QUALITY SURVEYS

Satisfaction  surveys  are  conducted  periodically  for  both  general  and 
specific users of the infrastructures. In addition to the general surveys, 

RESULT OF DIFFERENT CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEYS 
CONDUCTED AMONG CUSTOMERS (SCALE FROM 1 TO 10)

Spain

France

Brazil

Italy

Chile

2016

2017

6.9

8

8

7.3

6.5

6.7

7.9

8.2

7.2

7.5

Puerto Rico

7.6 (bi-annual)

92

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

QUALITY MANAGEMENT  AND CUSTOMER FOCUS

93

 
 
• 

 In 2017 Autopistas presented the “Customer’s Voice”, which monitors 
customer  satisfaction  in  service  areas  by  conducting  surveys  using 
QR codes in customers’ restaurant sales receipts.

Progress was also made in obtaining a customer satisfaction index 
and  a  recommendation  index  or  NPS  (Net  Promoter  Score).  The 
results  obtained  will  allow  identifying  the  strengths  that  must  be 
preserved and analyze opportunities for improvement. 

• 

• 

In turn, Sanef (France) ranked first in the Customer Quality survey 
conducted by the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Sea in 2017.

In  addition  to  the  general  surveys,  in  2017  Argentina  has  carried 
out a specific exercise to measure the level of satisfaction among 
tow-truck users.

In 2017, 2.1 million queries, complaints and suggestions were received, 
of which almost 100% have been resolved. Brazil, Chile and Argentina are 
the  countries  that  concentrate  the  highest  volume  of  communications 
received.

EVOLUTION OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF QUERIES, COMPLAINTS AND SUGGESTIONS RECEIVED

2017

2016

2015

0

500,000

1.000,000

1,500,000

2,000,000

2,500,000

Brazil

France

Spain

Chile

Argentina

CUSTOMER COMMUNICATIONS

In  2017  the  use  of  information  channels  has  intnsified  by  improving 
existing ones and creating new ones by leveraging social networks. The 
goal  is  to  consolidate  an  ecosystem  of  relationships  and  dialogue  with 
customers and citizens.

INTERNET

• 

 A4  Holding  (Italy)  and  Eurotoll  have  launched  a  new  website  in 
2017, with renewed contents and services.

•  Autopistas’  new  blog  (blog.autopistas.com),  a  content  space  on 
topics  related  to  road  safety  and  the  driving  industry,  offering 
reports, driving tips, industry-related articles, updated information 
and  publications  related  to  the  results  of  studies  from  the  Road 
Safety Center (CESVI) in Autopistas.

TV AND RADIO

• 

 A4  Holding  (Italy)  opens  its  operations  center  every  week  to  a 
local television team (Brescia, Verona, Vicenza and Padua) for the 
recording  of  the  “Qui  Centro  Operativo”  program,  which  reports 
on everything that can help ensure the fluidity and road safety of 
drivers during their journey on the A-4 toll road (traffic forecasts, 
work schedules, incidents due to anticipated events, etc.).

•  Radio  Sanef  reinforced  its  content  this  summer,  constantly 
informing  about  the  summer  vacation  campaign.  In  2017,  Sanef 
107.7 was chosen for the second year in a row as the best thematic 
radio of the year in the Salon de la Radio.

ON-SITE

• 

In Brazil, the use of Artificial Intelligence is currently under study for 
the customer service chat.

• 

 VíasChile reinforced its mobile customer service offices to facilitate 
electronic payment in areas located far from urban centers.

SOCIAL MEDIA

• 

 Use  of  Instagram  to  approach  the  user  and  promote  responsible 
driving  through  the  hashtags  #onposepourlapause  (Sanef)  and 
#ContigoHastaDondeQuierasllegar (Autopistas).

•  On the occasion of the summer vacation campaign, Arteris offered 
a live broadcast through its Twitter account of surveillance camera 
images of the Litoral Sul.

•  Autopistas  has  created  its  customer  service  Twitter  account  and 

activated its corporate profile in LinkedIn. 

•  Autopistas: open days at the control and customer service centers 
in  Segovia  and  Logroño  including  an  educational  session  on  road 
safety for children.

ACCIONISTAS

94

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

QUALITY MANAGEMENT  AND CUSTOMER FOCUS

95

VALUE  CREATION08SHAREHOLDERS FIGURES AND RESULTSFINANCIAL MANAGEMENTSHAREHOLDER RETRIBUTIONSOCIETY TAX CONTRIBUTIONCONTRIBUTION TO THE ENVIRONMENTCONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY SUPPLIER MANAGEMENT AND SUPPLY CHAINHUMAN TEAM COMMITTED TO TALENTPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTSAFETY AND HEALTHSHAREHOLDERS. FIGURES AND RESULTS 9908/01  FIGURES AND RESULTS Revenue Ebitda€5,323 Mn +13%€3,480 Mn +14% Net profit€897 Mn +13%Ebit€2,058 Mn +10%STRATEGIC GOALS  Grow in new concessions profitably  and with financial discipline  Promote agreements with Governments to increase  the average life and optimize tariffs  Increase revenues and efficiently manage expenses, making recurrent cash flow growSHAREHOLDERSMAIN FIGURES 

In  2017,  the  positive  evolution  of  traffic  on  the  Group’s  toll  roads 
continued, which continues to grow at a good pace in the company’s 
main markets. The consistent levels of activity achieved in Spain, Chile 
and Italy stand out, as well as the continued growth in France and the 
change of trend in Brazil. India, a market that has joined the Group in 
2017, has also experienced a significant growth in traffic. The negative 
evolution of the activity in Puerto Rico is mainly due to the impact of 
Hurricane Maria last September.

Traffic 2017

Spain

France

Italy

Brazil

Chile

Puerto Rico

Argentina

India

ADT 

20,876

24,836

64,589

18,255

26,810

64,645

82,825

19,613

Total Abertis

24,368

Var. ADT

+3.9%

+1.5%

+3.2%

+3.2%

+4.0%

-2.9%

-1.7%

+9.6%

+2.5%

PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT* JANUARY - DECEMBER 2017 (€Mn)

Operating revenue

Operating expenses

Ebitda

Ebitda (like-for-like)

Depreciation and amortization of revalued assets

Operating result (Ebit)

Net financial result

Shares of profits (losses) of associates

Income tax

Discontinued operations

Minority interests

Net profit

Net profit (like-for-like)

Dec. 2017

Dec. 2016

5,323

-1,843

3,480

-1,422

2,058

-786

19

-365

72

-102

897

4,707

-1,642

3,065

-1,192

1,872

-611

30

-287

7

-216

796

Var.

13%

14%

7%

10%

13%

24%

*  2016 consolidated profit and loss account restated considering the impact of the classification of the discontinued activities pursuant to NIF 5.  

REVENUES

Revenues have increased 13% up to 5,323 million euros, mainly due to 
consolidation from the global integration of A4 and the two toll roads 
in India, the positive evolution of the activity and the favorable impact 
of the exchange rate of the Brazilian real and the Chilean peso.

Seventy-four  percent  of  Abertis’  revenues  come  from  outside  Spain. 
The French market has consolidated as the largest for the Group (32%), 
followed by Spain (26%).

REVENUE

8%

ROW

26%

SPAIN

10%

CHILE

16%

BRAZIL

8%

ITALY

32%

FRANCE

Revenue 2017

Spain

France

Italy

Brazil

Chile

Puerto Rico

Argentina

Rest of the world (ROW)

Holding

€Mn

1,362

1,690

423

851

514

131

227

122

3

Total Abertis

5,323

100

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

SHAREHOLDERS. FIGURES AND RESULTS 

101

 
 
 
 
 
 
EBITDA

The gross operating margin (EBITDA) reached 3,480 million euros (+14%), 
although when discounting perimeter and other non-recurrent impacts, 
the like-for-like EBITDA grew 7% more than in the previous year.

The result of operations (EBIT) of the year grew 9.9%, 9.2% in like-for-

like terms.

Likewise, the results of the Group have been favored by the implementation 
of  a  series  of  measures  to  improve  efficiency  and  optimize  operating 
expenses, which the Group will continue to focus on in the coming years.

Ebitda 2017

Spain

France

Italy

Brazil

Chile

Puerto Rico

Argentina

Rest of the world (ROW)

Holding

€Mn

1,112

1,161

215

429

402

92

71

35

-36

Total Abertis

3,480

EBITDA

6%

ROW

12%

CHILE

12%

BRAZIL

6%

ITALY

31%

SPAIN

33%

FRANCE

102

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

SHAREHOLDERS. FIGURES AND RESULTS 

103

FINANCIAL RESULT

SHARE OF PROFITS FROM  
ASSOCIATES

The net financial result amounts to -786 million euros, of which -677 
million euros correspond to the financial cost of the debt and the rest 
amounted to -107 million euros. 

The  contribution  of  registered  companies  using  the  equity  method 
amounts to 19 million euros.

BALANCE STATEMENT

Total  assets  as  of  December  31,  2017  amounted  to  29,831  million 
euros, representing a reduction of 4.3% compared to the close of 2016, 
mainly due to the impact of the purchase of minority interests of HIT 
and A4 Holding and the impact of the depreciation of the Brazilian real, 
the Chilean peso and the US dollar. 

On the other hand, consolidated net equity reached 4,777 million euros, 
30.8% less than at the end of 2016, due to the impact of the purchase 
of minority stakes and negative conversion differences, among others. 

INCOME TAX

The  income  tax  expense  amounts  to  365  million  euros,  with  the 
following tax rates in the main countries where Abertis operates: Spain, 
25%;  France,  39.4%  (compared  to  a  prior  of  34.4%);  Italy,  27.9% 
(compared to a prior 31.4%); Brazil, 34% and Chile, 25.5% (compared 
to a prior of 24%).

RESULT

The  consolidated  result  for  the  year  2017  attributable  to  the 
shareholders  has  reached  897  million  euros,  which  represents  an 
increase with respect to 2016 of 13% and 24% in like-for-like terms.

CASH FLOW 

During 2017 Abertis generated a gross cash flow (before investments 
and dividend payments) of 2.073 million euros. Discretionary cash flow 
was  1,987  million  euros,  which  in  like-for-like  terms  is  11.5%  higher 
than  in  2016.  The  cash  flow  of  the  Group  is  enough  to  support  the 
investment  plan  that  the  company  is  undertaking  to  improve  the 
infrastructure  of  its  assets  and  also  allows  the  company  to  maintain 
one of its main strategic pillars: shareholder remuneration.

BALANCE STATEMENT JANUARY-DECEMBER 2017 (€Mn)

ASSETS

LIABILITIES

Dec. 2017

Dec. 2016

Tangible and intangible assets

20,128

22,506

Financial fixed assets

Current assets

Cash flow

Assets held for sale

Total assets

Net equity

4,075

1,373

2,458

1,796

4,281

1,819

2,529

50

29,831

31,186

47%

OTHER
ASSETS

29,831

€Mn

ASSETS

4,777

6,901

LIABILITIES

Non-current financial debt

16,217

15,210

Non-current liabilities

47%

OTHER
ASSETS

Current financial debt

Current liabilities

29,831

€Mn

Liabilities held for sale

4,988

1,608

1,613

53%

Total liabilities

29,831

31,186

628

FIXED AND INTANGIBLE 
44
ASSETS (WITHOUT 
GOODWILL)

5,348

1,695

1,988

84%

CURRENT AND 
NON-CURRENT 
LIABILITIES

29,831

€Mn

16%

NET EQUITY

84%

CURRENT AND 
NON-CURRENT 
LIABILITIES

29,831

€Mn

53%

FIXED AND INTANGIBLE 
ASSETS (WITHOUT 
GOODWILL)

16%

NET EQUITY

104

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

SHAREHOLDERS. FIGURES AND RESULTS 

105

 
 
 
INVESTMENTS

MAIN INVESTMENTS IN 2017

Inorganic growth:

•  Acquisition  of  an  additional  47.45%  in  Holding  d’Infraestructures 
de  Transport  (HIT),  the  company  that  controls  100%  of  Sanef, 
reaching 100% of its control (2,214 million euros).

• 

• 

• 

The closing of the purchase of 100% of two toll roads in India (133 
million euros).

The acquisition of an additional 32.16% of A4 Holding (179 million 
euros).

The awarding of the Via Paulista 30-year concession in Brazil (396 
million euros).

Expansion of road capacity:

• 

• 

• 

In  Brazil,  Arteris  continues  to  work  on  the  expansion  and 
improvement  of  the  roads.  Worth  highlighting  in  2017  are  the 
pavement recovery works, the completion of the duplication of the 
Serra  do  Cafezal  in  Régis  Bittencourt,  the  duplication  of  lanes  in 
Fluminense and the works of the and the works of the Florianópolis 
ring road in Litoral Sul (458 million euros).

In France, Sanef has continued working on the improvement of its 
network as part of the agreement reached in 2016 with the French 
Government (Plan Relance), highlighting the construction of a third 
structure in the Guerville viaduct, among others (151 million euros).

In  Chile,  the  construction  of  the  new  Maipo  bridge  in  Autopista 
Central  and  the  construction  of  a  new  section  in  Autopista  Los 
Andes (80 million euros) stand out.

INORGANIC EXPANSIONS

179

PURCHASE OF A4 
HOLDING MINORITY 
STAKES

135

INDIA ASSETS + ROW

396

VIA PAULISTA

2,924

€Mn

2,214

PURCHASE OF 
HIT MINORITY 
STAKES

2017 
Investments

Operations

Expansions 

Spain

France

Italy

Brazil

Chile

Rest of the 
world (ROW)

Holding

12

39

1

24

4

5

1

6

151

15

458

80

9

0

Inorganic 
Expansions

Total

0

19

2,214

2,404

179

396

0

135

0

195

878

83

148

1

Total Abertis

85

719

2,924

3,728

106

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

 
08/02  FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Abertis has succeeded in reducing the average cost of consolidated debt  
down to 4% in 2017.

KEY FINANCIAL DEALS IN 2017

STRATEGIC GOAL

  Achieve a healty and efficient financial structure

Refinancing operations

Over €10,000 Mn

2015-2017

•  Abertis  has  signed  loan  agreements  with  credit  institutions  for  a 
total  value  of  2,140  million  euros,  and  with  maturities  between 
2018 and 2022.

December 31, 2017) with two tranches, the first one with maturity 
in October 2022 and a CDI 12m + 1,60% coupon and the second 
one with maturity in 2024 and a IPCA 12m + 5.09% coupon.

• 

Throughout  the  year,  promissory  notes  with  quarterly  maturities 
were  issued,  with  a  promissory  note  amounting  to  100  million 
euros due in January 2018 remaining at the end of 2017.

•  Arteris  closed  also  an  issue  of  bonds  for  72  million  Brazilian  reais 
(approximately  18  million  euros)  with  maturity    in  January  2018 
and a CDI 12m + 1.80% coupon.

•  HIT, a French subsidiary of Abertis, has issued bonds worth 1,000 
million  euros:  500  million  euros  with  maturity  in  2023,  and  500 
million euros with maturity in 2027.

•  Vías  Chile  has  closed  the  voluntary  redemption  of  bonds  of 
Autopista Los Libertadores for an amount of 120 million euros and 
of  Rutas  del  Pacífico  for  an  amount  of  190  million  euros  (in  the 
latter case the transaction was completed in January 2018).

•  HIT has reepurchased bonds for 140 million euros from a previous 
issue with maturity in October 2021, at an interest rate of 4.875%. 

•  A4  Holding  has  repurchsed  bonds  for  200  million  euros  from  an 

issue with maturity in 2020. 

•  Arteris  completed  the  issuance  of  new  bonds  for  1,615  million 
Brazilian  reais  (approximately  407  million  euros  at  the  close  of 

With these operations, the Group extends the profile of debt maturities 
and highlights the efficiency in the active management of the company’s 
balance  sheet.  It  also  strengthens  its  ability  to  take  advantage  of 
the  opportunities  offered  by  the  credit  market  to  obtain  attractive 
conditions and continues to generate value for its shareholders.

Sustainable credit

Abertis  has  signed  its  first  sustainable  credit  with  ING  for  a  total  of  100  million  euros  at  3  years  with  the  possibility  to  extend  maturity  by  an 
additional year. This loan is characterized by the fact that its cost is indexed to the company’s environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) 
performance, such that the cost is reduced if there is a positive evolution in these areas.
The measurement of the sustainability rating applicable to the credit subscribed with ING is made by the rating agency Sustainalytics, an independent 
leader in ESG analysis and assessments, which supports investors around the world in the development and implementation of responsible investment 
strategies.

108

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

SHAREHOLDERS. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

109

FINANCIAL STRUCTURE

Following the policies defined by the Board of Directors, the financial 
structure  of  the  Abertis  Group  seeks  to  limit  the  risks  to  which  it  is 
exposed due to the nature of the markets in which it operates.

roads  in  India  and  the  operating  and  expansion  investments  made  in 
the year.

Abertis maintains a high percentage of debt at a fixed rate or at a rate 
fixed through hedging, minimizing to a large extent the possible effects 
of stress in the credit market. 

Abertis’  net  financial  debt  increased  by  990  million  euros  in  2017, 
mainly  due  to  the  impact  of  the  acquisitions  of  minority  interests  in 
Italy  and  France,  the  payment  of  dividends,  the  purchase  of  the  toll 

Net debt

Net debt/Ebitda

Debt maturity

Fixed debt 

Average cost of  
consolidated debt

2017

2016

€15,367 Mn

€14,377 Mn

4.4x

4.7x

5.3 years

5.9 years

79%

4,0%

90%

4,8%

CREDIT RATING

Agency

Fitch Ratings

Long term

Short term

Standard & Poor’s 

Date of evaluation

Rating

Outlook

25/10/2017

25/10/2017

BBB+

F2

Rating Watch Negative

Rating Watch Negative

Long term

24/10/2017

BBB

Developing Outlook

110

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

SHAREHOLDERS. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

111

Less than 1 yearBetween 1 and 3 yearsBetween 3 and 5 yearsBetween 5 and 10 yearsMore than 10 years0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%DEBT MATURITY9%19%25%42%5%08/03  SHAREHOLDER REMUNERATION 

Abertis has increased its shareholder remuneration by 10% in 2017.

STRATEGIC GOAL

  Sustainable growth in share value and remuneration

Annual yield

+16% 

2013-2017

Accrued dividends

€792 Mn

2017

Market CAGR

+10% 

2009-2017

EVOLUTION OF ABERTIS SHARE IN 2017  

23/01
Accelerated placement
of 2.5% of OHL in
Abertis

03/04
GSM 2017

24/04
Abertis obtains 
100% of HIT

19/06 
GCO extension 
process begins

21/08
Begin Ausol
extension
process

29/09
Bond repurchase
by A4 Holding

17/11
Repurchase of HIT
bonds and issuance
of two new bonds

21/03
TSJM ruling on 
the accounting
treatment of AP-7

03/05
Agreement to 
reach 85.36%
of A4 Holding

15/05
Atlantia announces
takeover bid on Abertis

26/04
Arteris wins 
Via Paulista 
concession

20

18

16

14

1 2

10

8

1 2,000

+39.5%

11,500

18/10
Hochtief announces
takeover bid on Abertis

11,000

10,500

09/10
CNMV authorizes
takeover bid by
Atlantia

10,000

+7.4%

9,500

9,000

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

N OV

D EC

Abertis share price

IBEX 35 index

Closing price

Maximum price

Minimum price

Number of shares

Capitalization

Annual yield 2013-2017* 

Treasury stock

2017

€18.55 / share

€19.06  

€13.24

990,381,308

€18,372Mn

+16%

8%

*  Includes stock appreciation, bonus issues and dividend yield for shareholders who purchased on December 31, 2012 and have not sold their shares until December 31, 2017

112

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

SHAREHOLDERS. SHAREHOLDER REMUNERATION 

113

 
DIVIDEND

On April 3, 2017, the General Shareholders’ Meeting of Abertis agreed to 
the  distribution  of  a  second  and  final  payment  of  the  2016  dividend 
charged against available voluntary reserves of 0.37 euros gross per share, 
which  became  effective  in  April  of  2017.  In  this  way,  the  total  2016 
dividend was 0.73 gross euros per share, representing 723 million euros 
and implies an increase of 10% over the total distributed amount against 
the results of the previous year. 

The aforementioned Shareholders’ Meeting agreed to offer shareholders 
the possibility to choose between receiving the second payment of the 
2016  dividend  of  0.37  euros  gross  per  share  in  cash  or  through  the 
awarding of shares of Abertis Infraestructuras, S.A. from shares held by 
the Company. 15.3% of the share capital of Abertis Infraestructuras, S.A. 
has opted to collect said dividend in the Company’s own shares, which 

has  entailed  the  delivery  of  2.9  million  treasury  shares  representing 
0.29% of the share capital of Abertis Infraestructuras, S.A.

The Board of Directors has agreed to propose to the Ordinary General 
Shareholders’  Meeting  the  distribution  of  a  second  and  final  dividend 
payment for 2017 of 0.40 euros gross per share. With all of the above, 
considering the first dividend payment already distributed of also 0.40 €/
share, the total 2017 dividend will amount to 792.3 million euros, and 
represents an increase of 10% over the total distributed amount in 2016.

Thus, in compliance with the commitment established in the 2015-2017 
Strategic  Plan,  shareholder  remuneration  has  experienced  an  average 
increase of 10% per year in the period (specifically 10% in 2017, 11% in 

2016 and 10% in 2015).

SHAREHOLDER STRUCTURE*

114

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

SHAREHOLDERS. SHAREHOLDER REMUNERATION 

115

*  As per the notification submitted to Abertis in December 2017 and December 2016: Participation through Criteria Caixa, S.A.U. of 15.07% and Inversiones Autopistas, S.A. of 
6.07% and under a syndication agreement with G3T, S.L. and BCN Godia, S.L.U. of 0.26% and 0.15% respectively (15.08% through Criteria Caixa, S.A.U. and 7.17% through 
Inversiones Autopistas, S.A., as of the close of 2016).

2016ORDINARY ACCRUED DIVIDEND  €Mn20177237922016DIVIDEND PER SHARE  €20170.730.80+10%+10%2016ORDINARY ACCRUED DIVIDEND  €Mn20177237922016DIVIDEND PER SHARE  €20170.730.80+10%+10%CAGR: +8%1st payment2nd payment200820092010201120122013201420152016201740212%5%5%15%5%5%5%10%11%10%422443512538565593651723792FREE FLOAT78.45%CRITERIA CAIXA, SAU21.55%SOCIETY. TAX CONTRIBUTION117SOCIETY08/04  TAX CONTRIBUTIONAbertis’ tax policy is based on transparency and the responsible and cautious application of tax laws. The Group is committed to its duty to pay taxes to contribute to public finances, which provide the essential public services for the progress and socio-economic development of the countries in which it operates.Since 2014, Abertis voluntarily adheres to the Code of Good Tax Practices, which contains a set of recommendations agreed between the Spanish Agencia Tributaria (Tax Agency) and the Foro de Grandes Empresas (Large Company Forum). The company complies with its principles of performance.Following the principles that have guided its actions since its incorporation, Abertis avoids the use of opaque structures, processes or systems with fiscal purposes that seek to shift profits to low tax jurisdictions (tax havens) or prevent tax authorities from identifying the end party responsible for the activities or the ultimate owner of the goods or rights involved. Additionally, the Board of Directors is notified on an on-going basis about the tax policies being applied.TAX CONTRIBUTION 2017Country*Total contribution (€Mn)France867Spain237Argentina216Brazil215Chile141Italy132Other**24Total1,832*  Changes in perimeter with respect to 2016: Italy includes Grupo A4 Holding for all of 2017 and section Other includes Trichy Tollway Pvt Ltd and Jadcherla Expressways Pvt Ltd concessionaries of India since the date of acquisition (2/3/17).** Includes United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Mexico and India, among others.€1,832 Mn €219,339  per kilometer of directly managed toll roadTotal tax contributionTax contributionTAX CONTRIBUTION  
IN 2017

1,021  of  which  have  corresponded  to  taxes  paid  and  taxes  collected 
respectively.  In  this  sense,  the  Abertis  Group  includes  all  dependant 
companies that are consolidated by the global integration method10.

Abertis  makes  quantifiable  economic  and  social  contributions  through 
the payment of public taxes in the different countries in which it operates. 
Said payments imply a strong effort in order to comply with all formal 
notification and collaboration obligations before the Spanish Tax Agency 
as well as with all relevant responsibilities.

Following  OECD  cash  basis  methodology,  the  total  tax  contribution  of 
the  Abertis  Group  in  2017  amounted  to  1,832  million  euros,  811  and 

In 2017, for every 100 euros of Abertis’ revenue, 34 euros are destined to 
the payment of taxes. Specifically, 15 euros go to the payment of taxes 
paid and 19 euros go to the payment of taxes collected.

Likewise, the tax contribution per kilometer of toll roads directly managed 
by Abertis amounts to 219,339 euros, of which 94,053 euros and 125,286 

euros correspond to taxes paid and taxes collected respectively.

BREAKDOWN OF TOTAL TAX CONTRIBUTION

08/05   CONTRIBUTION  

TO THE ENVIRONMENT

Abertis applies preventive measures to preserve the environment and reduce 
pollution, giving shape to a more efficient, responsible and sustainable 
operations model.

STRATEGIC GOALS

  Reduce the carbon footprint

 Innovation based on circular economy criteria  
of the activity’s value chain

 Develop products and services with positive environmental  
and social criteria

  Enhance and preserve the natural capital

-13% 

Emissions of CO2e (scopes 1 and 2)  
(Tn/€Mn of revenue)  

€23 Mn +3% 

Destined to the environment

Taxes paid are those that represent an effective cost for the company 
(payments of Income Tax, local taxes, indirect taxes on goods and services and 
social security for the business quota). 

Taxes collected are those that do not affect the result but are collected by 
Abertis on behalf of the tax administration or are paid on behalf of other 
taxpayers (value added tax, withholdings and social security for the worker’s 
contribution).

* Includes taxes paid by the Hispasat Group that amount to €58 Mn (€43 Mn of taxes paid and €15 Mn of taxes collected). 

*Perimeters 2016 and 2017 non comparable.

118

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

SOCIETY. CONTRIBUTION TO THE ENVIRONMENT

119

1,021€Mn€OTHER TAXES€86MnVAT AND OTHER INDIRECT TAXES€822MnEMPLOYMENT RELATED TAXES€113Mn811MnTAXES AND OTHER€115Mn €315MnINDIRECTTAXESSOCIAL SECURITY€137MnINCOME TAX€244MnTAXES COLLECTEDTAXES PAID1,832€MnCHILE8%ITALY7%ARGENTINA12%12%BRAZILFRANCE47%OTHER1%SPAIN13%1,021€Mn€OTHER TAXES€86MnVAT AND OTHER INDIRECT TAXES€822MnEMPLOYMENT RELATED TAXES€113Mn811MnTAXES AND OTHER€115Mn €315MnINDIRECTTAXESSOCIAL SECURITY€137MnINCOME TAX€244MnTAXES COLLECTEDTAXES PAID 
 
INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORTSOCIETY. CONTRIBUTION TO THE ENVIRONMENT120121The Abertis Group applies a set of measures aimed at minimizing environmental impact and which start from the design phase of the infrastructure itself, seeking a balance between sustainability and economic and technical viability. This allows defining and implementing preventive measures to preserve the environment and reduce pollution, giving shape to a more efficient, responsible and sustainable operations model.79.6% of revenue has an environmental management system implemented and/or certified according to the ISO 14001 international standard.Implemented - ISO 14001Certified - ISO 140010%20%40%60%80%100%No formal systemImplementation under wayPUERTO RICOCHILEBRAZIL12%33.6%ARGENTINA13.4%SPAIN17.5%FRANCE18.3%1.8%CO2e EMISSIONS (SCOPES 1 AND 2) BY COUNTRYITALY1.5%INDIA1.9%CLIMATE CHANGEAbertis has formally identified the risks and opportunities arising from climate change and is currently in the process of conducting an economic assessment of the former as part of its corporate risk management framework and specific projects developed in this area.The emissions derived from the use of the infrastructures, as well as the intensity related to liquid fuels and materials and energy used during maintenance and construction are some of the main sources of emissions related to the activity.Annually, Abertis takes part in the climate change performance and management analysis conducted by the Carbon Disclosure Project, through the preparation of a detailed report on the management of risks and opportunities as well as details of its carbon footprint.The calculation of the footprint, expressed in tons of CO2e, is a fundamental element for Abertis to determine which priority areas and processes the organization must focus on that require action, as well as to evaluate the advances taking place in response to actions implemented in the field of greenhouse gas emissions reduction. In 2017, scope 1 and 2 CO2e emissions were reduced by 13% relative to revenue with respect to 2016 in a non-constant perimeter. If an estimate of the scope 1 and 2 CO2e emissions is included from the new additions (India and Italy) in the year 2016, the evolution would represent an increase of 3.5%. Total emissions in relation to revenue have increased 16.6%.* *  The emissions included in the calculation of the carbon footprint are the following: scope 1 emissions: emissions derived from the direct consumption of fuels and refrigerant gases; scope 2 emissions: indirect emissions derived from electricity consumption; scope 3 emissions: other indirect emissions derived from the suppliers of the organization and from the use of the products and services provided by the organization (vehicles traveling on the included toll roads).Of the total emissions of the Group in 2017, 86.3% of the contaminating emissions come from the vehicles that transit through its toll road network. In this sense, Abertis works to facilitate the circulation and implementation of more ecological, quieter and safer vehicles on its roads (see Road Tech section).Likewise, with regard to the management of scope 1 and 2 emissions, different actions have been developed focused on contributing to the established overall emissions reduction target.•  In 2017, Autopistas obtained the environmental quality certification granted by the Generalitat de Catalunya, which recognizes Aucat’s and Invicat’s fleet of environmentally-friendly vehicles that contribute to ecoefficiency and sustainability. This action was developed as part of the deployment of the sustainable mobility plan formalized during the year.• Among the measures implemented by Autopistas through its Electrical Maintenance Master Plan are the regulation of the lighting flux, the optimization of outdoor lighting or the renovation and installation of LED technology lamps.• Photovoltaic panels, recycled material collection systems and a waste segregation center have been installed in Brazil.CIRCULAR ECONOMYAlthough most wastewater generated during the activities is similar to domestic wastewater, appropriate measures are available to ensure an adequate management thereof in the case of other types of wastewater, including containment ponds and other treatment and purification techniques. Worth highlighting is the treatment of wastewater through the use of roots and the installation of rainwater collection tanks in Brazil with the aim of optimizing water consumption and promoting actions related to circular production processes.• Sanef (France) advances in it aquifer protection program which, as part of the Relance Plan, will entail a total investment of 55 million euros. In 2017, work has been carried out on the construction of water collection and treatment ponds in 12 locations along the A4 and A1 toll roads, with an investment of 25 million euros.• In Autopista Los Libertadores (VíasChile), where water for irrigation is scarce, a system of reuse of treated water was implemented, allowing to irrigate the landscaping areas of the urban section of this route. This project allowed increasing the availability of water in the sector, reduce transportation time and costs and reduce emissions from transportation.Generated waste346,046  TnNon-hazardous wasteConstruction waste99.7%  77.7%  Adequate waste management is integrated into daily operations. Road maintenance is another way in which the environmental footprint can be reduced, often through R&D. During 2017, work has continued on the development of joint projects with the goal of identifying the feasibility of reusing construction waste for the conservation of pavements.Likewise, possible collaboration agreements are being explored with different stakeholders for the reuse of the waste generated by the activity, including the potential energy recovery thereof and specific containers have been installed for the recovery of this type of waste during construction work.Hazardous wasteOrdinary wet sludge0.3%49.7% BIODIVERSITY AND NATURAL CAPITAL

1,418.3 km of Abertis’ toll roads are located in zones of special biodiversity 
interest, mainly in France, Brazil, Spain and Italy.

• 

In India, the Government is collaborating in the Mission for a clean 
India campaign, which aims to promote hygiene standards to ensure 
cleaner roads.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT PREVENTION MEASURES 
(BIODIVERSITY)

–  emergency plans
–  conservation and cleaning plans
–  environmental monitoring programs
–  environmental liability recovery programs
–  awareness and education campaigns
–  installation of wildlife crossings and enclosures
–  compensatory planting

•  Awareness-raising  is  another  of  the  Group’s  tools  to  reduce  its 
environmental footprint. In Brazil, through Arteris, the Group conducts 
awareness campaigns during the holidays as well as other campaigns 
on  the  occasion  of  Water  Day,  Environment  Day,  Tree  Day  and 
others. Likewise, Spain is also committed to raising awareness among 
partners  and  collaborating  companies  by  establishing  requirements 
for  better  environmental  practices.  Similarly,  France  has  continued 
with awareness actions related to the biodiversity of the environment 
in the vicinity of roads.

• 

In  addition,  environmental  emergency  kits  have  been  installed  in 
construction  sites  in  Brazil,  and  specific  supervisory  measures  have 
been  carried  out  of  environmental  matters  affecting  construction 
work, together with specific wildlife studies.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT PREVENTION MEASURES (NOISE)

–  installation of acoustic screens
–  measurement of the acoustic impact by means of control points

During 2017, acoustic impact studies were conducted in a total of 2,511 
kilometers in mostly Spain, Brazil, Chile and Italy, which represents 31% 
of the total kilometers managed.

• 

France has worked on the isolation of the facades of Roberval Castle 
(along the A1 toll road), by updating the strategic noise maps (in the 
same way as Spain) and noise prevention plans for the environment 
and the noise observatory.

•  Argentina works both on the use of noise reducing asphalt, as well as 

on the deployment of reforestation plans.

For more information please see the Annex to this Report.

122

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

SOCIETY. CONTRIBUTION TO THE ENVIRONMENT

123

08/06   CONTRIBUTION  

TO THE COMMUNITY

Abertis collaborates with the community through projects relating to road safety,  
the environment, culture and social accessibility.

STRATEGIC GOAL

  Generate positive synergies with local communities

DIRECT RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMMUNITY

315

€6.3 Mn +5% 

Initiatives developed in 2017

Destined to social initiatives and sponsorships

During  2017,  the  companies  of  the  Group  in  the  different  countries 
have participated in a total of 82 associations. Also worth noting is the 
continuation of the 1% cultural projects in Spain and the Rouanette Law 
in Brazil.

Abertis actively participates in the local communities in which it operates 
through  different  mechanisms, 
formalization  of 
communication channels and the establishment of direct relationships, as 
well as through involvement in industry and generalist associations and 
coordinating and executing sponsorship and social action projects.

including 

the 

•  Red  Viva  Program  (Chile):  Prior  to  the  development  of  new 
interventions  due  to  capacity  expansion  construction  work,  a 
mapping  of  stakeholder  groups  that  are  linked  to  the  territory  and 
the local community was carried out, in which their expectations and 
needs that are to be incorporated into the design and execution of the 
works are identified. The Red Viva program coordinates the actions 
geared at building links with the territory, formalizing a systematic 
direct relationship with the local community and generating positive 
social  impacts  of  the  operations.  Once  the  works  are  completed 
and the new infrastructure begins operations, the Red Viva program 
continues the relationships established in the initial phases.

124

INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT

SOCIETY. CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY

125

Hurricane Relief Aid in Puerto Rico

In  order  to  contribute  to  the  recovery  efforts  following  Hurricane  Maria  in  Puerto  Rico,  Abertis  and  Goldman  Sachs,  parties  to  the  Metropistas 
consortium partners, consortium, have donated US$ 1 million toward aid after the hurricane swept through the island.

The donation will be channeled through three non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that have been actively involved in various aspects of post-
hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico: United for Puerto Rico, the American Red Cross and Team Rubicon, each of which will receive an equal portion 
of the total.

 
THE ABERTIS FOUNDATION

The  Abertis  Foundation  represents  institutionally  and  strategically  the 
organization’s commitment to the environment and the local community, 
and  coordinates  the  identification  of  positive  synergies  in  different 
countries.  On  an  annual  basis,  it  publishes  the  activities  report,  which 
provides details about the actions that have been conducted.

The  Castellet  Castle,  the  Abertis  Foundation’s  headquarters,  also  hosts 
the headquarters of the UNESCO International Center for Mediterranean 
Biosphere Reserves (CIURBN), which coordinates a network of 60 reserves 
in 15 Mediterranean countries with the aim to build bridges for dialogue, 
cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and experiences.

MAIN UNDERTAKINGS IN 2017

Road Safety: 

•  Te queda una vida (“You have one life left”) and “#SumaTuLuz” 
(Sum up your light): Awareness actions in nightlife areas in Madrid 
and Catalonia to alert young people about the risks of driving after 
having consumed alcohol or drugs, or on the dangers of distractions 
caused by the use of mobile phones.

•  Cooperante  Vial  (Road  cooperant):  a  project  taking  place  in 
Barcelona  and  Madrid  where  young  people  with  Down  syndrome 
observe  and  take  notes  of  the  mobility  habits  around  schools  and 
then provide suggestions for improvement.

•  KanGo!:  Third  edition  of  a  project  that  combines  road  safety  with 

disabilities in Barcelona.

• 

Senior Driver Observatory: A workshop about the subject of driving 
after 70 held in Madrid in June.

Environment:

• 

Italy-Spain  collaboration:  The  Abertis  Foundation,  together  with 
the  Spanish  Embassy  in  Rome  and  the  Royal  Academy  of  Spain  in 
Rome,  has  presented  in  Italy  its  program  to  promote  collaboration 
between both countries within the framework of UNESCO’s Network 
of Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves.

•  Mediterranea 2017: the CIURBN hosted the MEDITERRANEA 2017 
convention in September, the first forum for Sustainable Tourism in 
Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves.

ABERTIS ACADEMIC CHAIRS

Since 2003, Abertis and the Abertis Foundation have been promoting the 
creation  of  different  academic  chairs  in  collaboration  with  renowned 
universities and national and international academic institutions. Aware 
of the importance of working with the academic world to ensure social 
and  economic  progress,  Abertis  promotes  training,  research  and  the 
transfer of knowledge between University and Corporations.

The  first  Academic  Chair  was  established  in  Spain  together  with  the 
Polytechnic University of Catalonia - BarcelonaTec, and was subsequently 
followed  by  France  (IFSTTAR-École  des  Ponts);  Puerto  Rico  (University 
of  Puerto  Rico);  Chile  (Pontificia  Universidad  Católica  de  Chile)  and 
Brazil  (University  of  São  Paulo).  More  recently,  the  Abertis-UPM  Chair 
(Polytechnic University of Madrid) was also created.

1st Abertis Road Safety Award

The International Network of Abertis Academic Chairs has granted its first International Road Safety Award in 2017, which recognizes the best work 
among the winners of the national prizes of each Chair (Brazil, Chile, Spain, France and Puerto Rico).
The award went to Dr. Hédi Hamdane, from the Aix-Marseille University (France). In his thesis, the author develops several road safety systems for 
vehicles to detect pedestrians and thus avoid impact. These systems analyze the trajectory of the vehicle by processing images with sensors; the 
emergency brake is activated whenever a pedestrian is detected in its path.

SOCIAL ACTION AND SPONSORSHIPS

2017 MILESTONES

• 

 VíasChile  has  received  the  Valor  Compartido  Award  from 
Sustainability  Hub  for  its  project  on  the  scouting  and  social 
rehabilitation of imprisoned women.

•  Arteris continues to promote the Projeto Escola (School Project) in 

Brazil. In 2017, the project opened to people with disabilities.

• 

Thanks to the collaboration of Grupo Abertis, the Sant Joan de Déu 
Hospital in Barcelona has added to its new hall (a large 600-square 
meter space joining the external consultations, child hospitalization 
and women’s areas) several interactive games related to the human 
body to provide fun to children, patients and relatives during their 
waiting times. 

•  Also  in  Brazil,  the  Jovens  Aprendizes  (Young  apprentices)  project 
combines volunteering with labor integration. Its aim is to integrate 
young people living in shelters near the Autopista BR-101 into the 
work environment of Fluminense.

•  Demos  Project:  Sanef  has  signed  an  agreement  with  the  Paris 
Philarmonic  to  finance  the  musical  education  of  disadvantaged 
children. 

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SOCIETY. CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY

127

CULTURAL SPONSORSHIP

• 

 Abertis along with its Foundation and subsidiaries of Grupo Sanef 
and  A4  Holding  have  sponsored  several  exhibitions  of  Pablo 
Picasso’s artwork in Spain, Italy and France.

•  A4  Holding  has  also  sponsored  the  exhibition  “Da  Caravaggio  a 
Bernini.  Capolavori  del  Seicento  italiano  nelle  Collezioni  Reali  di 
Spagna”.

•  Abertis’ subsidiaries in Argentina, Ausol and GCO, have brought to 
Buenos Aires unique works from Joan Miró as part of the exhibition 
“Miró:  The  experience  of  watching”,  open  to  the  public  from 
October 25 until February 25, 2018 at the Buenos Aires National 
Museum of Fine Arts. 

Total investment in social action initiatives and sponsorships in 2017 was 
6.3 million euros, for projects of different characteristics according to the 
Abertis and LBG classification.

Methodology from the London Benchmarking Group (LBG), which 
enables item standardization based on different classifications 
and provides tools for measuring their impact. 

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PERCENTAGE DISTRIBUTION OF CONTRIBUTIONS BY AREA OF ACTIVITY (ABERTIS CLASSIFICATION)PERCENTAGE DISTRIBUTION OF CONTRIBUTIONS BY AREA OF ACTIVITY (LBG CLASSIFICATION)MOBILITY AND ROAD SAFETYCULTURAL ACCESIBILITYPRESERVATION OFTHE ENVIRONMENTTRAINING / RESEARCH7.2%41.4%EDUCATIONSOCIALWELL-BEINGHEALTH7.4%5.8%OTHER2.3%ART AND CULTURE40.7%SOCIO-ECONOMICDEVELOPMENT15.7%ENVIRONMENT7.6%12.9%10%8.2%SOCIAL ACCESIBILITY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT33.2%HUMANITARIANAID7.6%PERCENTAGE DISTRIBUTION OF CONTRIBUTIONS BY AREA OF ACTIVITY (ABERTIS CLASSIFICATION)PERCENTAGE DISTRIBUTION OF CONTRIBUTIONS BY AREA OF ACTIVITY (LBG CLASSIFICATION)MOBILITY AND ROAD SAFETYCULTURAL ACCESIBILITYPRESERVATION OFTHE ENVIRONMENTTRAINING / RESEARCH7.2%41.4%EDUCATIONSOCIALWELL-BEINGHEALTH7.4%5.8%OTHER2.3%ART AND CULTURE40.7%SOCIO-ECONOMICDEVELOPMENT15.7%ENVIRONMENT7.6%12.9%10%8.2%SOCIAL ACCESIBILITY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT33.2%HUMANITARIANAID7.6%INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORTSOCIETY. SUPPLIER MANAGEMENT  AND SUPPLY CHAIN13013108/07   SUPPLIER MANAGEMENT  AND SUPPLY CHAIN Abertis works with qualified suppliers with proven technical, financial, ethical and responsible performance credentials.Purchases from local suppliers91% CONTRACTING POLICY AND PROCEDURE The supplier management policy and the implemented contracting procedures establish, among other requirements, the qualification and evaluation of suppliers in matters pertaining to ESG. A formal system has been implemented in Brazil, Spain and Chile, through a joint evaluation tool that collects information on supplier performance and management in connection with different environmental, social and good governance aspects. Thus, it is possible to obtain an indicator of the performance of each supplier and establish a system of incentives for continuous improvement. In the rest of the countries, work is under way to integrate equivalent supplier evaluation procedures, although 100% of the critical suppliers have already been evaluated.The ultimate goal is to ensure the standardization under common criteria in all countries and progressively increase the volume of purchases from these suppliers.The increase in the number of evaluated suppliers according to CSR scoring in Brazil stands out, where the evaluation is a prerequisite to participate in the bidding processes. The good performance of this measure makes it a good case for replicability in other countries to encourage the increased participation of suppliers in this type of ESG performance evaluation exercises.Abertis’ supplier policy is based on the principles of competence, long-term relationship, adequate planning, efficiency and control. Abertis has several control mechanisms in place with the purpose of assuring adequate compliance with these principles and their traceability in order to revent certain risks. Said mechanisms combine committees and management tools that ensure that each and every contract is justified, that describe the implications resulting from not proceeding with them, and that verify their profitability.The implemented supplier contracting process is electronic and includes a formal assessment and qualification process based on the risk levels associated with the supplier company.Supplier involvement in the development of products and services with positive ESG (environmental, social and good governance) impacts is important, especially when they participate in activities related to road maintenance and construction. The objectives of the Master Plan in relation to external collaborators are present in the four strategic pillars of the plan, due to the cross-cutting impact they have on each of the aspects. In this sense, 100% of the tenders in 2017 have been formalized under environmental and social clauses (ESG).The scope of the non-financial information and the main management procedures related to ESG aspects includes external collaborators, and performance in connection with the actions conducted a part of the life cycle of the organization’s activity is reflected in the data presented.2017 HIGHLIGHTS

• 

 2nd Supplier Convention at Autopistas, which brought together more 
than 100 people on behalf of 65 suppliers to discuss Road Safety, Risk 
Prevention, Supplier Evaluations and Customer Service. 

•  Arteris has conducted the environmental assessment and monitoring 

of all construction works in Brazil.

•  VíasChile  has  launched  a  training  program  for  its  different 
concessionaries addressed to all personnel involved in the purchase 
of goods and services. The idea is to showcase the general guidelines 
of  the  Procurement  processes,  the  stages  of  the  acquisition  of 
goods  and  services  and  the  use  of  the  Contracts  and  Instruments 
Management System as a support to the management of company 
contracts. 

•  3rd  edition  of  the  Abertis  Global  Purchasing  Meeting,  with  the 
participation  of  all  people  involved  in  the  Purchases  Department 
of all countries. 

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HUMAN TEAM. COMMITTED  TO TALENT135EQUIPO HUMANO08/08  COMMITTED  TO TALENTAbertis strives to create a culture of respect, inclusion, collaboration, safety and health in the workplace.Executives come from the local community89% Collaborators (final workforce)15,099Heads of deparment24%      Executives17% Total workforce37%         WomenSTRATEGIC GOALS Guarantee the safety and health of people at the workplace.  Promote a team that is satisfied, committed and aligned with our goals and values. Guarantee equal opportunities Boost quality of employment  Attract, develop and retain professional talent within a multicultural contextHUMAN TEAMA total of 342 people have taken parental leave during the year, with a 
retention rate of 99.2% for men and 90% for women.

training and selection, among others. The overall remuneration ratio for 
women is 83.2%, a slightly higher percentage than the previous year.

The  presence  of  women  in  executive  and  management  positions  has 
increased, thus consolidating a positive trend over time. Nevertheless, it 
is necessary to keep on working to guarantee the gender balance across 
all professional categories. All countries have regulations linked to equal 
opportunities, although only Spain imposes the obligation to prepare a 
specific  equality  plan  in  relation  to  the  various  management  aspects 
surrounding this matter, in addition to remuneration, such as promotion, 

Similarly,  some  countries  have  specific  legislation  on  the  hiring  of 
functional-diverse people. Brazil, France and Spain require the hiring of a 
percentage of hiring of functional-diverse people, either workers, either 
directly or indirectly, through the use of alternative measures.

WORKFORCE CHARACTERISTICS

Workforce

Permanent contract

Full-time

Turnover

Men

63%

97%

95%

17%

Women

Total

37%

94%

85%

25%

15,099

95%

91%

20% 

DIVERSITY AND EQUALITY 

The center of the entire Abertis universe is the people that make up its 
human  team.  A  cross-functional  and  diverse  team  whose  mission  is  to 
consolidate Abertis as the world’s leading toll road operator and a global 
reference in the field of road mobility.

Abertis’ team is made up of nearly 15,000 people that combine the talent 

to ensure that our toll roads become high quality roads for our customers.

This way, the Abertis Group strives to create a culture of respect, inclusion, 
collaboration,  safety  and  health  in  the  workplace.  The  vision  of  the 
Human  Resources  teams  is  to  create  a  positive  environment  in  which 
people  can  share  the  Group’s  values  and  leverage  their  capabilities  - 
experience, knowledge and skills - to achieve the levels of excellence with 
which  to  contribute  to  the  consolidation  of  Abertis  as  a  reference 
company in the industry.

The  Group  promotes  diversity  through  hiring,  internal  promotion  and 
training and development programs.

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FINAL WORKFORCE AS OF DEC 31, 201715,099REST2%EMOVIS5%SPAIN14%CHILE8%ARGENTINA14%36%BRAZILFRANCE18%ITALY4%* The average number of Abertis employees at the end of December 31, 2017 includes 205 employees associated with non-current assets held for sale (233 employees as of December 31, 2016), which means the average number of employees without considering those associated with these assets and/or businesses discontinued in the current or previous years would amount to 14,841 in 2017 and 14,889 in 2016.*Less than 30Between 30 and 45Between 45 and 55 More than 55BRAZILFRANCESPAINCHILEARGENTINAPUERTO RICO20%40%60%80%100%ITALYINDIAWORKFORCE BY AGE GROUPS AS OF DECEMBER 31* This graph and the following in this chapter are calculated from data with a non-financial information scope (specified in chapter “About this report”)*AVERAGE FUNCTIONAL-DIVERSE WORKFORCE  (DIRECT HIRING)BrazilFrance0%20%40%60%80%100%ArgentinaSpainItaly 
 
 
08/09  PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

 OPEN CULTURE

Abertis  bases  its  business  corporate  culture  on  the  basis  of  collective 
intelligence resulting from the sum of the intelligence of the entire team. 
The  company  has  consolidated  the  so-called  “Open  Culture”  through 
various programs:

Likewise,  the  Corporation  has  continued  to  work  with  different  Open 
initiatives,  such  as  the  second  edition  of  In  Abertis,  based  on  trust; 
the Nice to Meet You meetings; the Open Challenges or the Come In 
session dedicated to international intelligence presentations.

Open  Circles:  Participatory  sessions  to  connect  with  the  vision  of  the 
Corporation.

• 

Come in!: Short presentations enabling direct and transparent access to 
knowledge about the organization’s relevant issues and projects.

 In 2017 Sanef has completely renewed its corporate headquarters 
by  adapting  “open  space”  criteria.  The  company  is  studying  the 
renovation of other corporate buildings with these same criteria. A4 
Holding also plans to adapt its Verona offices to this new concept 
that seeks transparency, participation and teamwork.

Open  Challenges:  Participatory  and  voluntary  projects.  In  2017,  the 
projects of the 5 teams have been approved. The most advanced one is 
the Innovation project that seeks the mobilization of 180 people of the 
corporation through a program consisting of several actions (6 in 2018).

•  Autopistas has launched the Focus project on cultural transformation 
at the company, with initiatives such as a new intranet with access 
to all employees, a new workforce rotation policy that gives greater 
flexibility, and the implementation of process-based management.

Nice  2  Meet  you:  Short  presentations  about  each  department  of  the 
Corporation  to  promote  greater  knowledge  in  the  various  areas  and  a 
greater efficiency. In 2017, 5 units were submitted: Tax, Legal Counsel, 
Risk  Control  and  Internal  Audit,  Engineering  and  Construction  and 
Information and Technology Systems.

• 

In India, an inverse training program was launched whereby country 
employees were able to learn about the cultural differences between 
the Asian country and the rest of the countries of the Group.

Ninety per cent of executive-level vacancies in the last five years have been filled via 
internal promotion.

SUCCESSION AND  
DEVELOPMENT PLANS

PROMOTION OF TALENT

In  2017,  Abertis  has  started  the  implementation  of  its  Succession 
Plan for both the Corporation and the subsidiaries. This plan allows to 
identify  the  successors  of  all  critical  positions  at  the  company  (“high 
potentials”) and provide a global and cross-cutting vision to making the 
most of the organization’s talent base.

Talent  promotion  and  retention  are  the  main  elements  that  make  up 
Abertis’ professional development policy. Therefore, committing to this 
talent base is a fundamental pillar of our people management policy. One 
of the Group’s strategic objectives is to ensure that at least 75% of the 
executives and managers vacancies are filled by internal candidates.

The  Succession  Plan  is  already  under  way  in  most  of  the  Group’s 
business units. At present, the training needs of the so-called successors 
with respect to the responsibilities of the positions to which they are 
appointed are being analyzed.

Likewise,  in  2017  work  has  continued  on  a  development  program  for 
managers and key employees and specific training has been developed in 
the field of cultural competences as a result of the greater international 
and cultural diversity conforming the Group’s employee base. 

• 

 In 2017 the HR Standards were created, a tool that helps streamline 
the  development  objectives  and  the  improvement  of  the  Human 
Resources departments of all business units.

Proof  of  this  is  the  importance  that  the  company  gives  to  people 
development initiatives, such as the Abantis program, designed for the 
executive  development  of  high  potential  employees  within  the  Group 
and  which  is  now  in  its  fourth  edition,  and  the  “Talent  Development 
Program”, both developed in collaboration with top business schools.

In the last five years, 39 executive positions have been renewed in the 
Group, 32% of the total number of Abertis executives. Ninety per cent of 
these new management positions have been filled by internal promotion 
via  vertical  or  horizontal  movements.  In  addition,  more  than  48%  of 
employees  who  have  gone  through  the  Talent  program  are  currently 
holding a leading position in the Group.

The Group has established a Management by Objectives system for the 
promotion of talent. Currently, 100% of the executives positions, 96.2% 
of managers (heads of department) and 60.3% of the remaining positions 
are under this performance evaluation system.

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INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORTHUMAN TEAM.  PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT140141KNOWLEDGE NETWORKSTo encourage the efficient use of this collective intelligence, Abertis has created the Connectis knowledge network, a space that allows people involved in the different phases of the operation to share knowledge and work collaboratively with the goal of implementing continuous improvement processes across the entire group.Toll roads of Brazil, France, Spain, Chile, Argentina and Puerto Rico are actively involved and, specifically, the areas of civil construction works, operations and exploitation, technology and information systems and procurement.The initiatives identified in Connectis become projects that are implemented by the different activities and countries jointly, thus sharing good practices and the challenges encountered, from a broader perspective that enriches all stages of the project. This allows implementing continuous improvement processes across the entire Group using tools such as e-learning or webinars.WORK ENVIRONMENTThe Group periodically conducts work climate surveys to measure employee satisfaction and develop action plans focused on improving the well-being of the staff.•  In 2017, actions have been launched that focus on the analysis of the current performance evaluation processes and the promotion criteria for their revision and modification after the results of the work climate survey conducted among central services employees in 2016, which saw a participation of nearly 90%.• Arteris (Brazil) has conducted the satisfaction survey as part of the Valor Carreira project, whose results have been satisfactory and an overall satisfaction rate of 80%.• Vías (Chile) has conducted the “Yo opino (I give my opinion)” survey at the central offices, and it is planned to be rolled out in the toll roads.CORPORATE  VOLUNTEERINGAbertis wants to encourage and support volunteering activities with the ...creation of the Abertis Infraestructuras and Abertis Foundation “Altruis Volunteer Program”, through which its professionals can spontaneously donate part of their time, skills, knowledge and economic support to improve society.This implies carrying out activities of a general interest that meet welfare, social services, civic action, educational, cultural, scientific, sports, health, development cooperation, environmental, defense of the social economy or research criteria oriented to that end, as well as development of associative life, the promotion of volunteering services or any other of similar nature at the national level.In Brazil and through its Voluntários program, Arteris employees travel around the toll roads to locate homeless youth living near the infrastructures.Among other corporate volunteering actions, Sanef workers in France give music lessons to small orchestras consisting of children without economic resources.Likewise, VíasChile’s landscaping professionals in Chile teach classes to women in prison to encourage their re-integration into the workplace. Also in VíasChile, as part of the “Construye tu Futuro (Build your Future)” plan, succeeded in helping more than 170 young people from highly socially vulnerable backgrounds in 2017 obtain state scholarships to pursue higher education careers. Thanks to this program, nearly 500 young people have gained access to technical and professional careers, with the support of tutors and volunteering collaborators of VíasChile.For more information, please see the Contribution to the Community section.TRAININGAlmost all countries have specific training plans aligned with the direct needs of collaborators and the achievement of the strategic objectives of the Group. Abertis has set the goal that, in the coming years, each employee of the Group will receive a minimum of one development action per year, thus increasing the average number of training hours per worker.• Autopistas has launched the CAMPUS platform with the aim of conducting online training through a platform available on the company’s intranet. Due to the geographical dispersion of collaborators, it is a very useful tool that allows reaching out to the entire workforce simultaneously and offer regulatory-required training courses (health and safety, collective agreements and ISO certifications basically) and also required training applicable to the entire staff.• Online Arteris University. The Arteris University was created in 2016 with the goal of sharing the knowledge about the business among internal collaborators, and promoting the professional development among talented company employees. In July 2017, the Arteris University was strengthened through the creation of the Arteris Online University and the Arteris Operations University.Arteris Online University: 31 published courses; 92%  active collaborators in the networkArteris Operations University: training for 362 collaborators; 54 courses completed.20162015TOTAL INVESTMENT IN TRAINING  €Mn AND AVERAGE HOURS PER COLLABORATOR20174.00.01.02.03.024.012.09.06.03.00.015.018.021.022.517.721.53.33.44.7Investment in trainingAverage training hoursInvestment in training€4.7 Mn08/10  SAFETY AND HEALTH 

EVOLUTION OF ACCIDENT RATES

GLOBAL ACCIDENT FREQUENCY RATE: 10.7 (-27.7%)

The Group has launched the Global Health and Safety Program with the aim of 
reducing accidents at work.

-32%

Workplace accidents

106,934 hours

of health and safety training

In 2017, work-related accidents were significantly reduced, with drops observed across all main indicators. It is the result of unrelenting work to 
prevent risks and of the actions implemented in all of the Group’s concessionaires.

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WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS50030025020015010050035052135214628742527920285169400450TotalWomenMenINCIDENT RATE40.030.020.010.00.026.128.229.135.339.319.521.715.922.6TotalWomenMen201520162017201520162017201520162017FREQUENCY RATE10.00.017.018.213.614.815.614.920.0TotalWomenMen201520162017SEVERITY RATE0.50.00.550.610.430.500.540.461.0TotalWomenMen10.711.79.00.340.390.25WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS50030025020015010050035052135214628742527920285169400450TotalWomenMenINCIDENT RATE40.030.020.010.00.026.128.229.135.339.319.521.715.922.6TotalWomenMen201520162017201520162017201520162017FREQUENCY RATE10.00.017.018.213.614.815.614.920.0TotalWomenMen201520162017SEVERITY RATE0.50.00.550.610.430.500.540.461.0TotalWomenMen10.711.79.00.340.390.25MANAGEMENT SYSTEM  
PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL

92.3% of turnover has a formal health and safety implemented and/or 
certified management system based on the OHSAS 18001 international 
standard. Operations in India, one of the concessionaires in Puerto Rico 
and one in Argentina, as well as the operations in Italy lack this type of 
formalized systems. 

aimed  at  preventing  occupational  risks.  These  committees  have  met 
on a total of 522 occasions, with the goal of addressing various issues 
such as training, safety activities, planning monitoring, investigation of 
events  and  coordination  with  contracted  companies  involving  25,924 
employees.

The analysis of workplace risks, the deployment of preventive measures, 
training and the provision of specific equipment and the monitoring of 
performance indicators on a permanent basis are some of the actions 
included in the systems.

Likewise,  85%  of  the  workforce  is  covered  by  a  health  and  safety 
committee,  which  jointly  between  the  workers  and  the  organization, 
conduct a specific follow-up of the application plans and the measures 

Workplace accidents have continued with a downward trend, as have the 
related rates, according to the established objective. Nevertheless, the 
potential incidence of India must be assessed as soon as the procedures 
and  the  safety  culture  are  consolidated  that  allow  to  obtain  related 
data. During the year 2017, one collaborator died in France due to an 
accident, and there were a total of 209 accidents among subcontractors, 
which are not included in the data analyzed in this report.

HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AS A FUNCTION OF REVENUE

MAIN ACTIONS IN 2017

• 

 Global  Occupational  Safety  Program:  Aligned  with  the  Global 
Road  Safety  program,  the  Global  Occupational  Safety  Program 
was launched in 2017 with the aim to work together as a Group to 
reduce accidents at work.

•  Ongoing  training:  During  2017,  106,934  hours  of  Health  and 

Safety training were completed at Group level (-27.1%).

•  Global  Corporate  Challenge:  Promotion  of  physical  activity 
among Sanef employees. For 100 days, employees (divided into 7 
teams) wore a pedometer to measure their physical activity. They 
competed  symbolically  between  teams  to  see  who  had  gone  the 
furthest.  The  goal  is  to  encourage  employees  to  make  progress, 
in  particular  by  exceeding  the  10,000  step  per  day  threshold 
recommended by the WHO.

• 

• 

Improved worker safety: In France, Sanef has driven actions such 
as the 9 golden rules of prevention and has completely banned the 
consumption of alcohol among its workers during corporate events, 
and has conducted several awareness actions as well. 

Implementation  of  the  Workplace  Risk  Reduction  Index  (IRR) 
as  a  Strategic  Objective  of  Arteris.  In  order  to  have  available 
proactive  measures  to  measure  and  monitor  health  and  safety  at 
work,  the  toll  roads  in  Brazil  have  designed  an  index  that  relates 
the  number  of  accidents  that  occur  to  the  number  of  audits 
or  prevention  actions  that  have  been  developed,  since  a  direct 
relationship between these two variables has been observed. 

•  Other actions performed:

–  Specific monitoring and control audits
–  Psycho-social evaluations
–  Procedures for continuous improvement

–  Workshops and awareness-raising activities.

Sanef’s 9 golden rules of prevention

1. Remain aware and be concerned about safety
2. Comply with and enforce safety rules
3. Do not act with haste
4. Keep calm
5. Choose a safe route and do not run
6. Keep workspaces neat and clean
7. Control the vehicle and respect traffic laws
8. Make sure you have the necessary resources, carry/wear the right equipment and know the rules
9. Take care of the material and ensure its proper use

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Implemented - OHSASImplemented - In-house0%20%40%60%80%100%Certified - OHSASNo formal systemECONOMIC VALUE ADDED 

The Economic Value Added (EVA) shows the economic value generated 
by the Abertis Group and at the same time describes how that value is 
distributed among those elements that have contributed to its creation.

The economic value generated by Abertis in the year 2017 has amounted 
to  5,655.9  million  euros,  of  which  74.9%  has  been  distributed  and 
25.1% has been retained by the organization.

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EVA - CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL ACCOUNTSPROVISIONSOTHER EXPENSESRESERVES1.8%1.9%AMORTIZATIONS25.1%DIVIDENDS14%SUPPLIERS14.5%INVESTMENT IN SOCIAL ACTION0.1%ENVIRONMENTAL EXPENSES0.4%INCOME TAX AND OTHER TAXES12.6%FINANCIAL EXPENSES18.2%PERSONNEL EXPENSES11.3%0.1% 
 
OUTLOOK092018 COURSE OF ACTION09/01  2018 COURSE OF ACTION

Spain

•  Analysis of new lines of business in Spain through the new Development office. 

•  Study of new concession tenders that may open up in the near future.

Puerto Rico

the model in the mid term.

•  New CapEx program for the rehabilitation of damages caused by hurricane María and re-assessment of 

•  Manage insurance claims as a result of hurricane María. 

•  Under study the implementation of the free-flow system in the Teodoro Moscoso bridge.

•  Deployment of the specific CSR action plan.

•  Work with the governments and other local social agents to move forward with initiatives geared at 

Argentina

•  Design of the project for new investments in concessions (nearly $700 million): lane expansion, 

France

Italy

improving mobility.

•  CSR and sustainability action plan.

•  Continuation of the Plan Relance investment plan.

•  Analysis of the new investment plan (Grand Paris).

•  Deployment of the specfic CSR action plan.

•  Complete the integration with the Group.

•  Extend the Open Space model at the Verona offices.

•  Advance with the Northern Connection project: begin construction works at the Veneto section and 

obtain the green light for the Trento section. 

•  Advance with the lane expansion project for the Brescia-Verona section.

•  Analysis of new concessions.

•  Deployment of the specfic CSR action plan.

Brazil

•  Commissioning of Via Paulista and implementation of Group best practices. 

•  Continuation of the investment plan with landmark works such as the area surrounding the city of 

Florianópolis, the duplication of the Fluminense toll road in Rio de Janeiro and the negotiation of new 
investments.

•  Analysis of new concessions that may appear in the market as part of the Programa de Parcerias de 

Investimentos (PPI) Program.

•  Strategic sustainability plan.

network improvements, etc. 

•  Analysis of new public-private partnership opportunities in road concessions. 

•  Deployment of the specific CSR action plan.

India

•  Advance with the integration with the Group. 

•  Create organizational teams with local collaborators that can become integrated in the international 

diversity of the Group.

•  Streamline and integrate the two assets under a common brand and with uniform management 

criteria. 

•  Analysis of new growth opportunities in the country by leveraging the Infrastructures Plan announced 

by the country’s Government. 

•  Deployment of the specfic CSR action plan.

Abertis Mobility Services

•  Search for new opportunities in free-flow, truck tolling and Road Use Chargning projects with a focus 

in the United States, Europe and Latin America.

•  Promote the leadership of eurotoll as a provider of EETS services for heavy vehicles in Europe.

•  Development of new business related to mobility (congestion charging, Maas, etc.).

•  Continue to promote innovation in advanced and non-intrusive free-flow technological solutions for 
application in new projects and their deployment within the business units of the Abertis Group.

•  Deployment of the specfic CSR action plan.

Chile

•  Begin construction work of the Nudo Quilicura- Autopista Central intersection and Autopista del Sol’s 

Corporation

•  Analysis, adaptation and valuation of the new industry and corporate situation.

third lane.

•  Negotiations with governments for new investments in Ruta Los Libertadores and Ruta-68.

•  Re-tendering for the Rutas del Elqui concession and analysis of tenders for new concessions.

•  Deployment of the specfic CSR action plan.

•  Analysis of new public-private partnerships in the different business units. 

•  Reinforce the Group’s strategic programs: Road Safety and Road Tech (applicable to all business units 

of the Group).

•  Update the materiality analysis including the new activities and geographical locations.

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ABOUT  THIS REPORT1010/01   REPORTING  

METHODOLOGY

This  report  and  its  annex  have  been  prepared  pursuant  to  the  current 
legal  requirements  in  terms  of  accountability,  and  abiding  to  the  main 
international  standards  related  to  economic,  social,  environmental  and 
good governance information, specifically:

SRS GRI

 IIRC
FRAMEWORK

UNGC COP /
SDG

INTEGRATED
ANNUAL
REPORT

ESG 
ASSESSMENTS 
(CDP, DJSI,...)

ACCOUNTABILITY

The framework of the IIRC together with the SRS standards of the Global 
Reporting Initiative, the policy for the preparation of progress reports and 
the  Sustainable  Development  Goals  of  the  Global  Compact,  the 
relationship  standards  with  Accountability  stakeholders  and  the 
recommendations for the publication and evaluation of external analysts 
and evaluators in ESG matters constitute the basis for the definition and 
development of the contents of the IAI and its annexes.

This methodology includes the international references on non-financial 
information that are included in the European Non-Financial Information 
Directive,  whose  transposition  has  been  made  effective  through  the 
approval of Royal Decree 18/2017 of 24 November. Other publications of 
the  organization  complement  the  information  and  the  accountability 
exercise,  providing  a  complete  picture  of  its  activity  and  of  its  ESG 
impacts.

The  organization’s  Board  of  Directors  and  the  CSR  Committee  are  the 
bodies responsible for the oversight and formulation of the information 
contained  in  the  Annual  Report  and  its  annexes.  Likewise,  the  external 
audit and review of the financial and non-financial information has been 
carried out respectively, according to the review reports annexed both to 
this report and to the financial statements of the organization.

SCOPE OF THE  
INFORMATION

The financial information in this report includes the total activity of the 
organization, and the scope of non-financial information includes 96.8% 
of the total revenue and 94% of the workforce as of December 31, 2017. 

The  main  changes  with  respect  to  the  previous  year  in  the  scope  of 
non-financial  information  are  the  inclusion  of  activities  in  Italy  and 
India, as well as the activity of Túnels in Spain, and the Emovis business 
unit  present  in  different  countries,  but  the  inclusion  of  which  in  2017 
covers  only  its  central  services  located  in  France,  and  the  exclusion  of 
the  satellite  telecommunications  activity.  Likewise,  any  limitation  in 
scope of a specific datum has been detailed in the RSC 2017 Master Plan 
Monitoring Annex document.

COMPANIES INCLUDED IN THE SCOPE OF NON-FINANCIAL INFORMATION

TOLL ROADS

SPAIN - Autopistas, Acesa, Aucat, Invicat, Aumar, Iberpistas, Castellana, Avasa, Aulesa and Túnels.

FRANCE - Sanef, Sapn and BPNL SAS.

ITALY - A4 Holding, A4 Mobility, Autostrada Bs Vr Vi Pd SpA, A4 Trading SpA.

BRAZIL - Arteris, Autovias, Centrovias, Intervias, Vianorte, Planalto Sul, Fluminense, Fernão Dias, Régis Bittencourt, Litoral Sul and Latina Manutenção 
de Rodovias. 

CHILE - VíasChile, Autopista Central, Autopista Los Libertadores, Autopista del Sol, Autopista Los Andes, Rutas del Elqui, Rutas del Pacífico and linked 
operators: Operadora Sol, Operadora Los Libertadores, Operadora Andes, Operadora del Pacífico and GESA.

PUERTO RICO - Metropistas and APR.

ARGENTINA - Ausol and GCO.

INDIA - Jadcherla Expressways Private Limited and Trichy Tollway Private Limited.

ABERTIS MOBILITY SERVICES - Emovis SAS.

CENTRAL SERVICES

Abertis Infraestructuras and Abertis Foundation. 

The remaining 3.2% comprises the following companies:

• 

 Direct  participation:  Abertis  Infraestructuras  Finance  B.V,  Abertis 
Motorways  UK  Ltd,  Abertis  USA  Corp,  Abertis  Mobility  Services, 
S.L.  (except  Emovis  S.A.S),  Abertis  PDC,  S.A.  and  Abertis  Telecom 
Satélites. 

• 

Indirect participation: Sanef Aquitaine S.A.S, Bip & Go S.A.S, Leonord 
Exploitation SAS, Acufon Spa, Globalcar Services Spa, A4 Mobility 
S.r.l. and Via Paulista, S.A.

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ABOUT THIS REPORT. REPORTING  METHODOLOGY

155

CALCULATION METHODOLOGIES

The calculation methodologies related to non-financial information are 
determined  in  the  specified  standards  (especially  those  of  the  Global 
Reporting Initiative) as well as international references related to certain 
specific areas, such as ISO 14064: 1-2012: “The Greenhouse Gas Protocol, 
a  Corporate  Accounting  and  Reporting  Standard”  and  the  criteria 
established  in  the  “Corporate  Value  Chain  (Scope  3)  Accounting  and 

Reporting Standard”, published in 2011 by the World Resources Institute 
(WRI)  and  the  World  Business  Council  for  Sustainable  Development 
(WBCSD) together with the Climate Disclosure Standards Board (CDSB), 
for the calculation of the carbon footprint and the methodology from the 
London Benchmarking Group for the quantification of the contribution 
to the community.

Free translation for information purposes

ABOUT THIS REPORT. REPORTING  METHODOLOGY 157