l) Provisions
Provisions are recognized when the Atento Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Provisions for restructuring include penalties for the cancellation of leases and other contracts, as well as employee termination payments. Provisions are not recognized for future operating losses.
When the Atento Group is virtually certain that some or all of a provision is to be reimbursed, for example under an insurance contract, a separate asset is recognized in the statement of financial position, and the expense relating to the provision is recorded in the statements of operations, net of the expected reimbursement.
Provisions are measured at the present value of expenditure expected to be required to settle the obligation, using a pretax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the specific risks inherent to the obligation. Any increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognized as a finance cost.
Contingent liabilities represent possible obligations to third parties, and existing obligations that are not recognized, given that it is not likely that an outflow of economic resources will be required in order to settle the obligation or because the amount cannot be reliably estimated. Contingent liabilities are not recognized on the consolidated statement of financial position unless they are recorded as part of a business combination.