Operating segments
Group functions and consolidation
Group functions
| In € million | 2016 | 2015 | 
| Operating expenses (net) | –49.6 | –27.9 | 
| Net investment income | 152.8 | 207.1 | 
| Earnings before taxes | 51.1 | 151.7 | 
In the Group functions segment, operating expenses increased by 77.9 per cent to €49.6 million (2015: €27.9 million) due to investments in the context of the innovation and investment programme. Net investment income amounted to €152.8 million (2015: €207.1 million). Earnings before taxes fell to €51.1 million (2015: €151.7 million).
Consolidation
| In € million | 2016 | 2015 | 
| Net investment income | –117.4 | –197.9 | 
| Earnings before taxes | –89.0 | –182.8 | 
Net investment income in the consolidation segment amounted in 2016 to €–117.4 million (2015: €–197.9 million). Earnings before taxes improved to €–89.0 million (2015: €–182.8 million).

