NS is a company that is based in the Netherlands and has a single Dutch shareholder, the Dutch State. In this annual report we are therefore primarily accounting for our actions for our Dutch stakeholders. NS focuses on the passengers and ensuring that their door-to-door journeys are comfortable. NS focuses primarily on improving operational performance on the railways, supported by activities that include bicycle facilities, stations and improving the door-to-door journey together with other public transport partners. In addition, we aim to remain a financially healthy organisation. Our stakeholders expect that from us as well. In addition, they want above all to see accountability for our non-financial results. To many stakeholders, the customer satisfaction, safety and punctuality are much more important than the financial position. This is also reflected in the regular dialogues with our stakeholders.
In order to offer passengers the best possible service at the right price, we are also accumulating experience abroad. That keeps us on our toes. Our goals in Europe are to acquire knowledge and experience, and to do so profitably. Like other major European state railway companies, we are preparing for possible further liberalisation of the market. Activities abroad have to contribute to the public interests in the Netherlands. This annual report has been written primarily for the Dutch stakeholders. They say that they believe our activities in Europe are a materially relevant theme. That is also why we have included Abellio’s results abroad as a separate chapter.

In addition to the financial statements and our combined auditor’s report thereon, the NS Annual Report 2016 contains other information, which consists of:

• The NS Management Report, which is included in chapters I, II and III

• The Report by the Supervisory Board, which is included as part of Chapter I, and

• the other information, in accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of the Netherlands Civil Code.