Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Basic information and principles of the report
2. Changes in Group structure
3. Summary of significant accounting policies
| New or revised IFRS standards and interpretations 2017 and their adoption by the Group | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard/Interpretation | Enactment | Relevance for Geberit | Adoption |
| IAS 7 – Statement of Cash Flows | 1.1.2017 | The amendments to IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows are part of the IASB’s Disclosure Initiative and are directed to improve the understanding about the development of changes to financial liabilities. The amendments require disclosures about changes in financial liabilities arising from financing activities, including changes arising from cash flows and changes arising from non-cash changes (such as foreign exchange gains or losses). These amendments had limited impact on the notes to the consolidated financial statements. |
1.1.2017 |
| IAS 12 – Income Taxes | 1.1.2017 | These amendments on the recognition of deferred tax assets for unrealised losses clarify how to account for deferred tax assets related to debt instruments measured at fair value. These amendments had no impact on the consolidated financial statements. |
1.1.2017 |
| New or revised IFRS standards and interpretations as from 2018 and their adoption by the Group | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard/Interpretation | Enactment | Relevance for Geberit | Adoption |
| IFRS 2 – Share-based Payment | 1.1.2018 | The amendment clarifies the accounting treatment of: 1) The effects of vesting and non-vesting conditions on the measurement of cash-settled share-based payments (clarification that the valuation is not in the scope of IFRS 13 ‘Fair Value Measurement’) 2) Share-based payment transactions with a net settlement feature for withholding tax obligations 3) Modifications to the terms and conditions of a share-based payment that changes the classification of the transaction from cash-settled to equity-settled. This amendment has no impact on the consolidated financial statements. |
1.1.2018 |
| IFRS 9 – Financial Instruments | 1.1.2018 | Geberit adopted IFRS 9 early as of 1 January 2017. The Group elected to apply the limited exemption in IFRS 9 relating to transition for classification and measurement and impairment, and accordingly has not restated comparative periods. The nature of the main changes resulting from the new standard is as follows: 1) Classification and measurement of financial instruments: Financial assets are classified and subsequently measured at amortised cost or fair value through income statement based on both the entity's business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial assets. The classification of financial liabilities does not follow the approach used for the financial assets and remains unchanged. 2) Impairment of financial assets: The new impairment model is an expected credit loss ("ECL") model which implies both an earlier recognition of impairment losses and a disclosure of more timely and forward-looking information. A simplified approach must be applied for trade receivables or contract assets that result from transactions within the scope of IFRS 15 and that do not contain a significant financing component. With this approach no changes in credit risk are tracked but instead a loss allowance is recognised based on lifetime ELCs at each reporting date. 3) Hedge accounting: The new hedge accounting model is less rules-based, aligning accounting more closely with the Group`s risk management practices and enabling a wider range of different economic hedging strategies. The early adoption of IFRS 9 did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements and no adjustment was required to equity at 1 January 2017. |
1.1.2017 |
| IFRS 15 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers | 1.1.2018 | IFRS 15 establishes a five-step model to account for revenue arising from contracts with customers. Revenue shall be recognised at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Group expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services. The Group focuses on sanitary technology and bathroom ceramics in the sanitary industry. The products are primarily sold through the wholesale channel for which revenue is recognised at a point in time according to the different terms of delivery. Certain contracts include variable consideration components such as discounts or sales based rebates. Based on an analysis the Group reallocated certain payments to customers but this does not have any material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Based on an assessment IFRS 15 does not have any material impact on recognition and measurement of revenue. IFRS 15 mainly results in increased disclosures. |
1.1.2018 |
| IFRS 16 – Leases | 1.1.2019 | Under current IAS 17 lessees are required to make a distinction between a finance lease (on balance sheet) and an operating lease (off balance sheet). The new standard requires lessees to recognise a lease liability reflecting future lease payments and a ‘right-of-use asset’ for virtually all lease contracts. The IASB included an optional exemption for certain short-term leases and leases of low-value assets. Under IFRS 16, a contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. These amendments will have an impact on the consolidated financial statements and the impact is currently under evaluation. Based on a preliminary assessment the value of right-of-use assets will be around MCHF 100. A financial liability representing the future lease payments will be shown at approximately the same amount. |
1.1.2019 |
| IFRIC 22 – Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Considerations | 1.1.2018 | The interpretation clarifies the recognition of a non-monetary asset or non-monetary liability arising from the pre-payment or receipt of advance consideration denominated in a foreign currency, before the related asset, expense or income is recognised. It determines that the applicable exchange rate shall be the date of the transaction on which the Group initially recognises the non-monetary pre-payment asset or non-monetary deferred liability. If there are multiple payments or receipts in advance, the entity must determine a date of the transactions for each payment or receipt of advance consideration. The amendment has no impact on the consolidated financial statements. |
1.1.2018 |
| IFRIC 23 – Uncertainty over income tax treatments | 1.1.2019 | This IFRIC clarifies the accounting treatment when there is uncertainty over whether a tax treatment will be accepted by tax authorities and defines that it is in the scope of IAS 12 and not IAS 37. The interpretation clarifies that the uncertainties may be treated separately or together as a group, providing factors to determine the unit of account. It is to be assumed that tax authorities will examine those treatments and have full knowledge of all related information. Both current and deferred income taxes are accounted based on the probabilities that certain treatments will be accepted, determined by the most likely amount method or the expected value method. Uncertain tax treatments are reassessed following a change in circumstances or due to new information, while the absence of comment from the tax authority alone is unlikely to lead to a change in the estimate. The amendment has no material impact on the consolidated financial statements. |
1.1.2019 |
| Annual improvements of IFRS | various | The ordinary annual clarifications and minor amendments of various standards have no material impact on the consolidated financial statements. | various |
Foreign currency translation
The functional currencies of the Group’s subsidiaries are generally the currencies of the local jurisdiction. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transaction, or at a rate that approximates to the actual rate at the date of the transaction. At the end of the accounting period, receivables and liabilities in foreign currency are valued at the rate of exchange prevailing at the consolidated balance sheet date, with resulting exchange rate differences charged to the income statement. Exchange rate differences related to loans that are part of the net investment in foreign entities are recorded in “other comprehensive income” and disclosed as cumulative translation adjustments.
For the consolidation, assets and liabilities stated in functional currencies other than Swiss francs are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing at the consolidated balance sheet date. Income and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates (weighted sales) for the period. Translation gains or losses are recorded in “other comprehensive income” and disclosed as cumulative translation adjustments.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, balances with banks and short-term, highly liquid financial investments with maturities of three months or less at their acquisition date that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates to their fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of historical or manufacturing costs, or net realisable value. The manufacturing costs comprise all directly attributable costs of material and manufacture and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. Historical cost is determined using the weighted average cost formula, while the manufacturing cost is determined using the standard cost formula. Net realisable value corresponds to the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs of completion and the selling costs. Allowances are made for obsolete and slow-moving inventories.
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are carried at historical or manufacturing costs less accumulated depreciation. Betterment that increases the useful lives of the assets, substantially improves the quality of the output, or enables a substantial reduction in operating costs is capitalised and depreciated over the remaining useful lives. Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method based on the following useful lives: buildings (15–50 years), production machinery and assembly lines (8–25 years), moulds (4–6 years), equipment and furnishings (4–25 years) and vehicles (5–10 years). Properties are not regularly depreciated. Repair and maintenance related to investments in property, plant and equipment are charged to the income statement as incurred.
Borrowing costs of all material qualifying assets are capitalised during the construction phase in accordance with IAS 23. A qualified asset is an asset for which an extensive period (generally more than a year) is required to transform it to its planned usable condition. If funds are specifically borrowed, the costs that can be capitalised are the actual costs incurred less any investment income earned on the temporary investment of these borrowings. If the borrowed funds are part of a general pool, the amount that can be capitalised must be determined by applying a capitalisation rate to the expenses related to this asset.
If there is any indication for impairment, the actual carrying amount of the asset is compared to its recoverable amount. If the carrying amount is higher than its estimated recoverable amount, the asset is reduced accordingly and the difference is charged to the income statement.
Intangible assets and goodwill
The Group records goodwill as the difference between the purchase price and the net assets of the company acquired, both measured at fair value. If the value of net assets is higher than the purchase price, this gain is credited immediately to the income statement.
Goodwill and intangibles such as patents, trademarks and software acquired from third parties are initially stated and subsequently measured at cost. Goodwill, trademarks and other intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not regularly amortised but tested for impairment on an annual basis. Since the capitalised trademarks are an inherent element of the business model of the Geberit Group and are therefore used over an indefinite time period, they are assigned an indefinite useful life. Impairments are recorded immediately as expenses in the consolidated income statements and, in the case of goodwill, not reversed in subsequent periods. The amortisation of intangible assets with a definite useful life is calculated using the straight-line method based on the following useful lives: patents and technology (4–10 years), trademarks (5 years), software (4–6 years) and capitalised development costs (6 years).
Valuation of intangible assets and goodwill
Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life and goodwill are tested for impairment at each reporting date, at least. In this process, the actual carrying amount of the asset is compared with the recoverable amount. If the carrying amount is higher than its estimated recoverable amount, the asset is reduced correspondingly. The Group records the difference between recoverable amount and carrying amount as expense. The valuation is based on single assets or, if such valuation is not possible, on the level of the group of assets for which separately identifiable cashflows exist.
For the impairment tests of intangible assets with an indefinite useful life and goodwill, the Group applies the most recent business plans (period of four years) and the assumptions therein concerning development of prices, markets and the Group’s market shares. To discount future cashflows, the Group applies market or country-specific discount rates. Management considers the discount rates, the growth rates and the development of the operating margins to be the crucial parameters for the calculation of the recoverable amount. More detailed information is disclosed in Note 11.
Provisions
The Group recognises provisions when it has a present legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefits as a result of past events, and when a reasonable estimate of the size of the obligation can be made. The Group warrants its products against defects and accrues provisions for such warranties at the time of sale based on estimated claims. Actual warranty costs are charged against the accrued provisions when incurred.
Net sales
Net sales are recognised when the risks and rewards are transferred, which normally happens when the products are shipped, i.e. when they are handed over to the carrier at the ramp of a Geberit logistics centre. Net sales include the invoiced amounts after deduction of the rebates shown on the customer's invoice. Customer bonuses and cash discounts granted subsequently are deducted as well.
Customer bonuses are sales deductions linked to the achievement of predefined sales targets. Cash discounts are sales deductions recognised on receipt of timely payments.
Marketing expenses
All costs associated with advertising and promoting products are recorded as expenses in the financial period during which they are incurred.
Taxes
The consolidated financial statements include current income taxes based on the taxable earnings of the Group companies and are calculated according to national tax rules. Deferred taxes are recorded on temporary differences between the tax base of assets and liabilities and their carrying amount using the “liability method”. Deferred taxes are calculated either using the current tax rate or the tax rate expected to be applicable in the period in which these differences will reverse. If the realisation of future tax savings related to tax loss carryforwards and other deferred tax assets is not or no longer probable, the deferred tax assets are reduced accordingly.
A liability for deferred taxes is recognised only for non-refundable taxes at source and other earning distribution-related taxes for subsidiaries for which available earnings are intended to be remitted and of which the parent company controls the dividend policy (see Note 18).
Leasing
Property, plant and equipment acquired on a lease and deemed to be owned in respect of their risks and rewards are classified under finance leasing. Leased property, plant and equipment are capitalised and depreciated over their estimated useful life. The corresponding lease obligations are recognised as liabilities. Payments under operating leases are reported as operating expenses on a straight-line basis and charged directly to the income statement accordingly.
Research and development cost
The majority of the expenses are incurred in relation to basic research, product and product range management, customer software development and R&D support/overheads, and these are charged directly to the income statement. The residual expenses relate to development costs for new products. If these concern major development projects, they are reviewed at each balance sheet date in order to verify whether the capitalisation criteria of IAS 38.57 are fulfilled. In the case that all criteria are fulfilled, the expenses are capitalised and amortised over a period of six years (see Note 27).
Retirement benefit plans
The Group manages different employee pension plans structured as both defined benefit and defined contribution plans. These pension funds are usually governed by the regulations of the countries in which the Group operates.
For defined benefit plans, the present value of the defined benefit obligation is calculated periodically by independent pension actuaries using the projected unit credit method on the basis of the service years and the expected salary and pension trends. Actuarial gains and losses are immediately recognised in other comprehensive income as “Remeasurements of pension plans”. This item also includes the return on plan assets/reimbursement rights (excluding the interest based on the discount rate) and any effects of an asset ceiling adjustment. For defined benefit plans with an independent pension fund, the funded status of the pension fund is included in the consolidated balance sheet. Any surplus is capitalised in compliance with IAS 19.64 and IFRIC 14. The annual net periodic pension cost calculated for defined benefit plans are recognised in the income statement in the period in which they occur.
For defined contribution plans, the annual costs are calculated as a percentage of the pensionable salaries and are also charged to the income statement. Except for the contributions, the Group does not have any other future obligations.
Participation plans
Rebates granted to employees when buying Geberit shares under share purchase plans are charged to the income statement in the year the programmes are offered.
The fair value of the options allotted as part of the management long-term incentive and the management share purchase plan is determined at the grant date and charged on a straight-line basis to personnel expenses over the vesting period. The values are determined using the binomial model.
Earnings per share
The number of ordinary shares for the calculation of the earnings per share is determined on the basis of the weighted average of the issued ordinary shares less the weighted average number of the treasury shares. For the calculation of diluted earnings per share, an adjusted number of shares is calculated as the sum of the total of the ordinary shares used to calculate the earnings per share and the potentially dilutive shares from option programmes. The dilution from option programmes is determined on the basis of the number of ordinary shares that could have been bought for the amount of the accumulated difference between the market price and exercise price of the options. The relevant market price used is the average Geberit share price for the financial year.
Earnings per share and diluted earnings per share are defined as the ratio of the attributable net income to the relevant number of ordinary shares.
Financial instruments
Financial assets are carried at amortised cost less allowances for expected credit losses. IFRS 9 was early adopted on 1 January 2017. Consequently, allowances must be made on the basis of the expected credit losses of financial instruments rather than on the basis of any loss incurred as has been the case to date.
Financial liabilities are carried at amortised cost. The carrying amount of such items reasonably approximates to their fair value.
Debts are initially recorded at fair value, net of transaction costs, and subsequently measured at amortised cost according to the effective interest rate method. The Group classifies debts as non-current when, at the balance sheet date, it has the unconditional right to defer settlement for at least 12 months after the balance sheet date.
Derivatives are initially recorded at fair value and subsequently adjusted for fair value changes. The recognition of derivatives in the Group’s balance sheet is based on internal valuations or on the valuation of the respective financial institution. See Note 15 for an allocation of the balance sheet items to the classification by categories.
Hedge accounting
Geberit purchases derivative financial instruments for the purpose of economically hedging specific commitments (see Note 4). No hedge accounting was applied in 2017 or 2016.