Net Assets

Compared with the end of 2016, total assets decreased from €76,496 million to €75,651 million. Noncurrent assets were reduced by €2,130 million to €48,420 million, predominantly from the lower amount of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment. This was mainly the result of currency effects as well as amortization, depreciation and impairments that exceeded the level of investments. Growth of €1,285 million in current assets, which totaled €27,231 million, resulted primarily from the increase in trade accounts receivable that accompanied the considerable rise in sales, in addition to higher other receivables and miscellaneous assets.