ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2022

General Information About Financial Statements [Abstract]

ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES

NOTE 1: ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES ArcelorMittal (“ArcelorMittal” or the “Company”), together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates steel manufacturing and mining facilities in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Africa. Collectively, these subsidiaries and facilities are referred to in the consolidated financial statements as the “operating subsidiaries”. These consolidated financial statements were authorized for issuance on March 8, 2023 by the Company’s Board of Directors.

1.1 Basis of presentation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for equity instruments and certain trade receivables at fair value through other comprehensive income ("FVOCI"), financial assets at fair value through profit or loss ("FVTPL"), derivative financial instruments and biological assets, which are measured at fair value less cost to sell, inventories, which are measured at the lower of net realizable value or cost, and the financial statements of the Company’s Venezuelan tubular production facilities Industrias Unicon CA (“Unicon”) and the Company's Argentinian operation Acindar Industria Argentina de Aceros S.A. ("Acindar"), for which hyperinflationary accounting is applied (see note 2.2.2). The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) and are presented in U.S. dollar with all amounts rounded to the nearest million, except for share and per share data.

As from April 1, 2021, ArcelorMittal implemented changes to its organizational structure whereby primary responsibility for captive mining operations whose output is mainly consumed by their respective steel segments has been transferred to such segments. The Mining segment retains primary responsibility for the operation of the seaborne oriented operations at ArcelorMittal Mining Canada G.P. and ArcelorMittal Infrastructure Canada G.P. ("AMMC") and ArcelorMittal Liberia Limited, and continues to provide technical support to all mining operations within the Company. Accordingly, the Company modified the structure of its segment information in order to reflect changes in its approach to managing its operations and segment disclosures have been recast to reflect this new segmentation in conformity with IFRS. Only the seaborne-oriented operations of AMMC and ArcelorMittal Liberia Limited are reported within the Mining segment. The results of all other mines are henceforth accounted for within the steel segment that they primarily supply.

1.2 Use of judgment and estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS recognition and measurement principles and, in particular, making the critical accounting judgments requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Management reviews its estimates on an ongoing basis using currently available information. Changes in facts and circumstances or obtaining new information or more experience may result in revised estimates, and actual results could differ from those estimates.

The following summary provides further information about the Company’s critical accounting policies under which significant judgments, estimates and assumptions are made. It should be read in conjunction with the notes mentioned in the summary:

Deferred tax assets (note 10.4): The Company assesses the recoverability of deferred tax assets based on future taxable income projections, which are inherently uncertain and may be subject to changes over time. Judgment is required to assess the impact of such changes on the measurement of these assets and the time frame for their utilization. In addition, the Company applies judgment to recognize income tax liabilities when they are probable and can be reasonably estimated depending on the interpretation, which may be uncertain, of applicable tax laws and regulations. ArcelorMittal periodically reviews its estimates to reflect changes in facts and circumstances.

Provisions for pensions and other post-employment benefits (note 8.2): Benefit obligations and plan assets can be subject to significant volatility, in particular due to changes in market conditions and actuarial assumptions. Such assumptions differ by plan, take local conditions into account and include discount rates, expected rates of compensation increases, health care cost trend rates, mortality and retirement rates. They are determined following a formal process involving the Company's expertise and independent actuaries. Assumptions are reviewed annually and adjusted following actuarial and experience changes.

Provisions (note 9): Provisions, which result from legal or constructive obligations arising as a result of past events, are recognized based on the Company's, and in certain instances, third-party's best estimate of costs when the obligation arises. They are reviewed periodically to take into consideration changes in laws and regulations and underlying facts and circumstances.

Impairment of tangible and intangible assets, including goodwill (note 5.3): In order to assess the recoverable amount of tangible

and intangible assets at cash-generating unit ("CGU") level and of goodwill at group of cash-generating unit ("GCGU") level, the Company mainly determines their value in use on the basis of the present value of cash flow projections. The estimates, judgments and assumptions applied for the value in use calculations relate primarily to growth rates, expected changes to average selling prices, shipments and direct costs. Assumptions for average selling prices and shipments are based on historical experience and expectations of future changes in the market. When determining value in use, management also applies judgement when assessing whether cash flows expected to arise to achieve sustainability and decarbonization targets are deemed to maintain the same level of economic benefits or whether they improve or enhance the asset's performance. Discount rates are reviewed annually.

Business combinations (note 2.2.3): Assets acquired and liabilities assumed as part of a business combination are recorded at their acquisition-date fair values. Similarly, consideration including consideration receivable and contingent consideration is measured at fair value. In connection with each of its acquisitions, the Company undertakes a process to identify all assets and liabilities acquired, including intangible assets. Determining the fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities requires the use of valuation techniques which may include judgment and estimates and which may affect the allocation of the amount of consideration paid to the assets and liabilities acquired and goodwill or gain from a bargain purchase recorded as part of the business combination. Estimated fair values are based on information available at acquisition date and on expectations and assumptions that have been deemed reasonable by management. There are several methods that can be used to determine the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The "income approach" is based on the forecast of the expected future cash flows adjusted to present value by applying an appropriate discount rate that reflects the risk factors associated with the cash flow streams. Some of the more significant estimates and assumptions inherent in the income method or other methods include the amount and timing of projected future cash flows; the discount rate selected to measure the risks inherent in the future cash flows (weighted average cost of capital); the assessment of the asset's life cycle and the competitive trends impacting the asset, including consideration of any technical, legal, regulatory or economic barriers to entry. The "cost approach" estimates the value of an asset based on the current cost to reproduce of replace the asset. Replacement cost is determined based on market data subsequently adjusted for physical, functional and economic obsolescence. The most common purchase accounting adjustments relate to the following assets and liabilities:

•The fair value of identifiable intangible assets (generally patents, customer relationships, technology,

brand or favorable contracts) is estimated based on the above-mentioned income approach;

•Property, plant and equipment is recorded at market value, or, if not available, depreciated replacement cost;

•The fair value of pension and other post-employment benefits is determined separately for each plan using actuarial assumptions valid as of the acquisition date relating to the population of employees involved and the fair value of plan assets.

•Inventories are estimated based on expected selling prices at the date of acquisition reduced by an estimate of selling expenses and a normal profit margin.

•Adjustments to deferred tax assets and liabilities of the acquiree are recorded to reflect the deferred tax effects of the fair value adjustments relating to identifiable assets and liabilities other than goodwill.

Determining the estimated residual useful lives of tangible and intangible assets acquired requires judgement and certain intangible assets may be considered to have indefinite useful lives.

Financial instruments (note 6.1.5) and financial amounts receivable (note 4.5 and 4.6): Certain of the Company's financial instruments are classified as Level 3 as they include unobservable inputs. In particular, the Company uses estimates to compute unobservable historical volatility based on movements of stock market prices for the fair valuation of the call option on the 1,000 mandatory convertible bonds.

Mineral reserve and resource estimates (note 5.2): Proven iron ore and coal reserves are those quantities whose recoverability can be determined with reasonable certainty from a given date forward and under existing government regulations, economic and operating conditions; probable reserves have a lower degree of assurance but high enough to assume continuity between points of observation. Mineral resource estimates constitute the part of a mineral deposit that have the potential to be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time of the resource determination. The potential for economic viability is established through qualitative evaluation of relevant technical and economic factors likely to influence the prospect of economic extraction. A measured mineral resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape, and physical characteristics are so well established that they can be estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support production planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing information gathered

through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough to confirm both geological and grade continuity. An indicated mineral resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity, grade or quality, densities, shape and physical characteristics, can be estimated with a level of confidence sufficient to allow the appropriate application of technical and economic parameters, to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit. The estimate is based on detailed and reliable exploration sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes that are spaced closely enough for geological and grade continuity to be reasonably assumed. An inferred mineral resource is that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality can be estimated on the basis of geological evidence and limited sampling, and reasonably assumed but not verified geological and grade continuity. The estimate is based on limited information and sampling gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes. Estimates of mineral reserves and resources and the estimates of mine life have been prepared by ArcelorMittal experienced engineers and geologists and detailed independent verifications of the methods and procedures are conducted on a regular basis by external consultants. Reserves and resources are updated annually and calculated using a reference price duly adjusted for quality, ore content, logistics and other considerations. In order to estimate reserves and resources, estimates are required for a range of geological, technical and economic factors, including quantities, grades, production techniques, recovery rates, production costs, transport costs, commodity demand, commodity prices and exchange rates. Estimating the quantity and/or grade of reserves and resources requires the size, shape and depth of ore bodies to be determined by analyzing geological data such as drilling samples. This process may require complex and difficult geological judgments to interpret the data. Because the economic assumptions used to estimate reserves and resources change from period to period, and because additional geological data is generated during the course of operations, estimates of reserves and resources may change from period to period. 1.3 Accounting standards applied

1.3.1 Adoption of new IFRS standards, amendments and interpretations applicable from January 1, 2022

On January 1, 2022, the Company adopted narrow-scope amendments to IFRS 3, IAS 16 and IAS 37 issued by IASB on May 14, 2020 and minor amendments as part of annual improvements 2018-2020 to IFRS 1, IFRS 9, IFRS 16 and IAS 41. Amendments to IAS 16 "Property, Plant and Equipment" are applied retrospectively while amendments to IFRS 3 "Business Combinations", to IAS 37 "Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets" and the minor amendments as part of the Annual Improvements 2018-2020 are applied prospectively. These amendments did not have any material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company.

•Amendments to IFRS 3 "Business Combinations" updated the reference to the Conceptual Framework for financial reporting, without changing the accounting requirements for business combinations.

•Amendments to IAS 16 "Property, Plant and Equipment" prohibit deducting from the cost of an item of property, plant and equipment any proceeds from selling items produced while bringing that asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. Instead, an entity recognizes the proceeds from selling such items and related cost in profit or loss.

•Amendments to IAS 37 "Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets" clarify that the cost of fulfilling a contract comprises the costs a company includes when assessing whether a contract will be loss-making are costs that relate directly to the contract. Costs that relate directly to a contract can either be incremental costs of fulfilling that contract or an allocation of other costs that relate directly to fulfilling the contract. The amendments are to be applied prospectively to contracts for which the Company has not yet fulfilled all of its obligations as of January 1, 2022.

•Minor amendments as part of the Annual Improvements 2018-2020 to:

•IFRS 1 "First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards" related to cumulative translation differences for a subsidiary as a first time user.

•IFRS 9 "Financial Instruments" related to which fees an entity includes when it applies the ‘10 per cent’ test in assessing whether to derecognize a financial liability.

▪IFRS 16 "Leases" removing the reimbursement of leasehold improvements by the lessor from illustrative example 13 in order to resolve any potential confusion regarding the treatment of lease incentives and

▪IAS 41 "Agriculture" removing the requirement for entities to exclude taxation cash flows when measuring the fair value of a biological asset using a present value technique to ensure consistency with the requirements in IFRS 13.

1.3.2 New IFRS standards, amendments and interpretations applicable from 2023 onward

On May 18, 2017, the IASB issued IFRS 17 "Insurance Contracts", which is designed to achieve the goal of a consistent, principle-based accounting for insurance contracts. IFRS 17 requires insurance liabilities to be measured at a current fulfillment value and provides a more uniform measurement and presentation approach for all insurance contracts. IFRS 17 supersedes IFRS 4 "Insurance Contracts" and related interpretations. On June 25, 2020, the IASB issued amendments to IFRS 17, including a deferral of the effective date to periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023. IFRS 17 should be applied retrospectively unless impracticable, with earlier adoption permitted if both IFRS 15 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" and IFRS 9 "Financial Instruments" have also been applied. On December 9, 2021, the IASB issued a narrow-scope amendment to the transition requirements of IFRS 17 for entities that first apply IFRS 17 and IFRS 9 at the same time whereby an entity is permitted to present comparative information about a financial asset as if the classification and measurement requirements of IFRS 9 had been applied to that financial asset before.

On February 12, 2021, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2. The amendments are intended to help preparers in deciding which accounting policies to disclose in their financial statements and gives further clarity on the materiality assessment of accounting policies. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023 and are to be applied prospectively, with early adoption permitted.

On February 12, 2021, the IASB also issued amendments to IAS 8. The amendments clarify the distinction between a change in accounting policies and a change in accounting estimates. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023 and changes in accounting policies or accounting estimates on or after the start of that period with early adoption permitted. Changes in accounting policies are to

be applied retrospectively while changes in accounting estimates are to be applied prospectively.

On May 7, 2021, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 12 "Income Taxes" for deferred taxes related to assets and liabilities arising from a single transaction. The amendments clarify how to account for deferred tax on transactions such as leases and decommissioning obligations. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023 with early adoption permitted. The amendments are to be applied retrospectively.

On January 23, 2020, the IASB issued narrow-scope amendments to IAS 1 to clarify how to classify debt and other liabilities as current or non-current. The amendments aim to promote consistency in applying the requirements by helping companies determine whether, in the statement of financial position, debt and other liabilities with an uncertain settlement date should be classified as current (due or potentially due to be settled within one year) or non-current. The amendments include clarifying the classification requirements for debt a company might settle by converting it into equity. On July 15, 2020, the IASB postponed the effective date of the amendments. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2023 and are to be applied retrospectively, with early adoption permitted.

On October 31, 2022, the IASB has issued 'Non-current Liabilities with Covenants (Amendments to IAS 1)' to clarify how conditions with which an entity must comply within twelve months after the reporting period affect the classification of a liability. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2024 and are to be applied retrospectively, with early adoption permitted.

On September 22, 2022, the IASB issued amendments to IFRS 16 "Leases" with respect to the lease liability in a sale and leaseback transaction. The amendments require a seller-lessee to subsequently measure lease liabilities arising from a leaseback in a way that it does not recognize any amount of the gain or loss that relates to the right of use it retains. The new requirements do not prevent a seller-lessee from recognizing in profit or loss any gain or loss relating to the partial or full termination of a lease. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2024 with early adoption permitted. The amendments are to be applied retrospectively.

The Company does not expect that the adoption of these amendments will have a material impact to its consolidated financial statements. The Company does not plan to early adopt any amendments.