Accounting principles for the financial statements 2021
Company’s background
Rapala VMC Corporation (“company”) is a Finnish public limited liability company organized under the laws of Finland, domiciled in Asikkala and listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki stock exchange since 1998. The parent company Rapala VMC Corporation and its subsidiaries (“the Group”) operate in some 40 countries and the company is one of the leading fishing tackle companies in the world.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared for the accounting period of 12 months from January 1 to December 31, 2021. The Board of Directors of the company has approved these financial statements for publication at its meeting on February 9, 2021. Under Finland’s Companies Act, shareholders have the option to accept or reject the financial statements in a meeting of shareholders, which will be held after the publication of the financial statements. The meeting has also the option of changing the financial statements.
A copy of the consolidated financial statements is available at the Group’s website www.rapalavmc.com or from Mäkelänkatu 87, 00610 Helsinki, Finland.
Basis for preparing the consolidated financial statements
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), including IAS and IFRS standards as well as the SIC and IFRIC interpretations in effect on December 31, 2021. The term ‘IFRS standards’ refers to standards and interpretations which are approved and adopted by the European Union (regulation EY 1606/2002) and thus are in force in the Finnish legislation. The Group has not early adopted any new, revised or amended standards or interpretations.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, unless otherwise stated.
Changes in accounting principles
The Group has taken into account in its accounting principles the IAS 38 Intangible Assets: Configuration or Customization Costs in a Cloud Computing Arrangement. The Group has paid focus on how a customer should account for the costs of configuring or customizing the supplier’s application software in a SaaS arrangement. It includes guidelines when configuration and customization costs result in the recognition of an intangible asset, when expensed and when considered as a prepayment.
Amendments to IFRS 16 Leases. As a direct consequence of the continued Covid-19 pandemic, the IASB extended the period of a relief to lessees from applying IFRS 16 guidance on lease modifications to rent concessions. The Group has elected not to use this practical expedient.
Amendments to IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures and IFRS 16 Leases. The 2nd phase amendments provide temporary reliefs which address the financial reporting effects when an interbank offered rate (IBOR) is replaced with an alternative nearly risk-free interest ratio (RFR).
The changes in accounting principles do not have any material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements or disclosures for the current or previous reporting periods.
Applied new and amended standards and interpretations
The International Accounting Standards Board has announced the following new or amended standards and interpretations, which the Group has not yet adopted. The Group will apply each standard and interpretation as of its effective date or, if the effective date is some other date than the first day of the accounting period, as of the beginning of the financial year following the effective date.
Amendments to IFRS 3 Business Combinations (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2022). The amendments add an exception to the recognition principle in IFRS 3 to avoid gains or losses on the acquisition of any liabilities after the acquisition date. The exception requires the Group to apply the criteria in IAS 37 or IFRIC 21, instead of the Conceptual Framework, to determine whether a present obligation exists at the acquisition date. The amendment also clarifies IFRS 3 to the extent that contingent assets do not qualify for recognition.
Amendments to IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2022). The amendments prohibit deducting any proceeds received from the cost of Property, Plant and Equipment before the intended use.
Amendments to IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2022). The amendments clarify which type of costs are included in the cost of fulfilling a contract when assessing whether a contract is onerous. The cost of fulfilling a contract include both incremental costs and an allocation of other direct costs.
Amendments to IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2022). The annual improvement clarifies the 10% fees in a test to determine whether new or modified financing qualifies for derecognition of financial liabilities. The fees include only those paid between the borrower and the lender.
Amendments to IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2023). The amendment introduces a new definition of accounting estimates to distinguish them more clearly from changes in accounting policies and corrections of errors. An accounting estimate would be a change in input or valuation technique from a certain point in time.
Amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements and IFRS Practice Statement 2 Making Materiality Judgements (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2023). Significant accounting principles will be replaced by material accounting principles. The amendment also includes guidance and examples for assessing materiality in the presentation of accounting principles.
Amendments to IAS 12 Income taxes (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2023). The amendment narrows the scope of the initial recognition exception of deferred taxes so that it no longer applies to transactions which give rise to an equal temporary difference between taxable and deductible taxes. It would apply to assets and liabilities arising from individual transactions, such as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities or asset retirement obligations and corresponding asset components, if their deferred taxes are not equal.
Amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements (effective tentatively for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2024). The amendments clarify that the Group has the right to defer settlement of a liability at the end of the reporting period if it meets the conditions specified on that date.
The standards listed above or other standards that take effect on January 1, 2022 or later are not expected to have a material impact on Rapala VMC’s consolidated financial statements.
Consolidation principles
The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the company and its subsidiaries in which it has control. The control is based either to governing power established through direct or indirect holding of over 50% of the voting rights and/or control established through other means. The financial statements of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same accounting period as the company, using consistent accounting policies.
Acquired subsidiaries are accounted for using the acquisition cost method, according to which the assets and liabilities of the acquired company are measured at fair value at the date of acquisition. The excess of the consideration over the fair value of net assets acquired is recognized as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition is less than the fair value of the Group’s share of the net assets acquired, the difference is recognized directly through income statement. Goodwill on consolidation is not amortized but tested for impairment annually. Consideration includes the fair value of any contingent consideration arrangement. Also, cost directly related to acquisition were included in the cost of acquisition up to 1 January 2010. The consolidated financial statements include the results of acquired companies for the period from the completion of the acquisition. Conversely, divestments are included up to their date of sale.
Associated companies are companies where the Group holds voting rights of 20–50% and/or in which the Group has significant influence, but not control. Joint ventures are companies, over which the Group has contractually agreed to share control with another venturer. Currently associated companies and joint ventures are included in the consolidated financial statements using the equity method. Under the equity method, the Group’s share of the profit or loss of an associate or a joint venture is recognized in the consolidated income statement before operating profit.
The Group’s interest in an associated company or a joint venture is carried in the balance sheet at an amount that reflects the Group’s share of the net assets of the associate or joint venture together with goodwill on acquisition, as amortized, less any impairment. Unrealized gains, if any, between the Group and the associated companies or joint ventures are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s ownership. Associated companies’ and joint ventures’ financial statements have been converted to correspond with the accounting principles in use in the Group. If the Group’s share of losses exceeds the carrying amount of the investment, the carrying amount is reduced to nil and any recognition of further losses ceases unless the Group has incurred obligations in respect of the associated companies or joint venture.
The investments in subsidiaries have been eliminated using the acquisition cost method. All transactions between Group companies as well as assets and liabilities, dividends and unrealized internal margins in inventories and tangible assets have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. Non-controlling interest is presented separately from the net profit and disclosed as a separate item in the equity in accordance with the share of the non-controlling interest. All transactions with non-controlling interests are recorded in equity when the parent company remains in control. When the Group loses the control in a subsidiary, the remaining investment is recognized at fair value through the income statement.
Foreign currency transactions and translations
Each entity in the Group determines its own functional currency and items included in the financial statements of each entity are measured using that functional currency.
Foreign currency transactions are translated into functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the functional currency rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Non-monetary items denominated in foreign currency, measured at fair value, are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair value was determined. Other non-monetary items have been translated into the functional currency using the exchange rate on the date of the transaction. Foreign exchange gains and losses for operating business items are recorded in the appropriate income statement account before operating profit. Foreign exchange gains and losses from the translation of monetary interest-bearing assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in financial income and expenses. Exchange differences arising on a monetary item that forms a part of a net investment in a foreign operation are recognized in the statement of other comprehensive income and recognized in profit or loss on disposal of the foreign operation.
The consolidated financial statements are presented in euros, which is the company’s functional and reporting currency. Income statements of subsidiaries, whose functional and reporting currencies is not euro, are translated into the Group reporting currency using the average exchange rate for the year. Their balance sheets are translated using the exchange rate of balance sheet date. All exchange differences arising on the translation are entered in the statement of other comprehensive income and presented in equity. The translation differences arising from the use of the purchase method of accounting and after the date of acquisition as well as fair value changes of loans which are hedges of such investments are recognized in statement of other comprehensive income and presented in equity. On the disposal of a subsidiary, whose functional and reporting currency is not euro, the cumulative translation difference for that entity is recognized in the income statement as part of the gain or loss on the sale.
Any goodwill arising on the acquisition of a foreign company and any fair value adjustments to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities arising on the acquisition are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign subsidiary and translated using the exchange rate of balance sheet date. Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising from the acquisition prior to January 1, 2004 have been treated as assets and liabilities of the Group, i.e. in euros.
Revenue recognition
Net sales comprise of consideration received less indirect sales taxes, discounts and exchange rate differences arising from sales denominated in foreign currency. Sales of goods are recognized after the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have passed to the buyer and no significant uncertainties remain regarding the consideration, associated costs and possible return of goods. The costs of shipping and distributing products are included in other operating expenses. Revenues from services are recorded when the service has been performed.
Rental income arising from operating leases is accounted for on a straight-line basis over the lease terms. Royalty income is recorded according to the contents of the agreement. Interest income is recognized by the effective yield method. Dividend income is recognized when the company has acquired a right to receive the dividends.
Income taxes
The Group’s income tax expense includes taxes of the Group companies based on taxable profit for the period, together with tax adjustments for previous periods and the change in deferred income taxes. The income tax effects of items recognized directly in other comprehensive income are similarly recognized. The current tax expense for the financial year is calculated from the taxable profit based on the valid tax rate of each country. The tax is adjusted with possible taxes related to previous periods. The share of results in associated companies is reported in the income statement as calculated from net profit and thus including the income tax charge.
Deferred taxes are provided using the liability method, as measured with enacted tax rates, to reflect the temporary differences at the balance sheet date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes. The main temporary differences arise from the depreciation difference on tangible assets, fair valuation of net assets in acquired companies, intra-group inventory profits, defined benefit plans, inventory allowances and other provisions, untaxed reserves and tax losses carried forward. Temporary differences are recognized as a deferred tax asset to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available, against which the deductible temporary difference can be utilized.
Research and development costs
Research and development costs are expensed as they are incurred, unless they relate to a clearly defined project that meets certain criteria. Development costs for such projects are capitalized if they are separately identifiable and if the products are assessed to be technically feasible and commercially viable and the related future revenues are expected to exceed the aggregate deferred and future development costs and related production, selling and administrative expenses, and if adequate resources exist or will be available to complete the project. Capitalized development costs include all directly attributable material, employee benefit and testing costs necessary to prepare the asset to be capable of operating in the manner intended. Research and development costs that were initially recognized as an expense are not to be capitalized at a later date.
Amortization of such a product is commenced when it is available for use. Unfinished products are tested annually for impairment. Capitalized development expenses are amortized on a straight-line basis over their expected useful lives, a maximum of five years.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the net assets of the subsidiary, associated undertaking or joint venture acquired after January 1, 2004. Until 31.12.2009, any costs directly attributable to the business combination, such as professional fees, were included to the cost of an acquisition. From 1.1.2010 onwards, costs related to acquisitions are recognized directly to income statement. Goodwill from the combination of operations acquired prior to January 1, 2004 corresponds to the carrying amount according to the previous financial statement standards, which has been used as the assumed acquisition cost according to IFRS.
Goodwill is tested annually for impairment. For this purpose, goodwill has been allocated to cash generating units. Goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment loss, and is not amortized.
Intangible assets
Intangible assets include customer relations, trademarks, capitalized development expenses, patents, copyrights, licenses and software. An intangible asset is recognized in the balance sheet only if it is probable that the future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the Group, and the cost of the asset can be measured reliably. Intangible assets are stated at cost, amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected useful lives which vary from 3 to 15 years and adjusted for any impairment charges.
Trademarks and other intangible assets whose useful life is estimated to be indefinite are estimated to affect cash flow accumulation for an undefined period of time. The expected useful life for most trademarks is indefinite and therefore they are not amortized. These intangibles are measured at cost less any accumulated impairment loss and not amortized. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested for impairment annually. The valuation of intangible assets acquired in a business combination is based on fair value as at the date of acquisition.
Expected useful lives and indefinite lives of intangible assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date and, where they differ significantly from previous estimates, amortization periods are changed accordingly.
Tangible assets
Tangible assets are stated at historical cost, amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected useful life and adjusted for any impairment charges. The valuation of tangible assets acquired in a business combination is based on fair value as at the date of acquisition. Land is not depreciated as it is deemed to have an indefinite life.
Depreciation is based on the following expected useful lives:
Buildings and structures 10–25 years
Machinery and equipment 5–10 years
Other tangible assets 3–10 years
Expected useful lives of tangible assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date and, where they differ significantly from previous estimates, depreciation periods are changed accordingly. Ordinary maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. The cost of significant renewals and improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful lives of the related assets. Gains and losses on sales and disposals are determined by comparing the received proceeds with the carrying amount and are included in the income statement in other operating income and expenses.
Depreciation of a tangible asset is discontinued when the tangible asset is classified as being held-for-sale in accordance with IFRS 5 standard Non-Current Assets Held-for-sale and Discontinued Operations.
Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs, that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset, are capitalized as part of the cost of that asset. Other borrowing costs are expensed when incurred.
Accounting treatment of government grants (IAS 20) due to COVID-19
As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world implemented support measures to help businesses and economies. Government assistance comes in many forms and therefore Rapala VMC Corporation specified its accounting policy concerning grants received in 2020.
The Group continues to recognize government grants or subsidies when there is reasonable assurance that it will comply with all conditions attached and the grant will be received. Government grants are recognised in statement of income over the periods in which Group recognises the expenses which the grants are intended to compensate. However, the accounting treatment for grants depends on nature and type of the grant.
Due to the COVID-19 situation, Rapala VMC Corporation has received 0.2 MEUR (1.4) of governmental subsidies related to salaries and other personnel expenses, which are shown as deduction of personnel expenses in statement of income. No general business subsidies were received during 2021 (0.6 in 2020). These were shown as other income in statement of income in 2020.
In 2020 the Group was granted government-backed loans which amounted to 12.2 MEUR and for which the terms differ from market-based terms. The Group accounts for the benefit of government-backed loans at a below-market interest rate as a government grant. The difference between the fair value of the loan on initial recognition and the amount received is accrued and recognized as grant in other operating income. This totaled to EUR 0.3 (0.2) million.
Additionally, rent reliefs of 0.1 MEUR were received during 2020 but none during 2021. These were granted by private lessors and are therefore outside of the scope of IAS 20. In 2020 the Group performed impairment assessment due to COVID-19 situation and there was no indication that assets may be impaired.
Impairments of tangible and intangible assets
The carrying amounts of tangible and intangible assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If indication exists, the recoverable amount is measured. Indications of potential need for impairment may be for example changes in market conditions and sales prices, decisions on significant restructurings or change in profitability.
Goodwill, intangible assets with indefinite useful lives and unfinished intangible assets are in all cases tested annually. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest cash generating unit level for which there are separately identifiable, mainly independent, cash inflows and outflows.
An impairment loss is the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is determined by reference to discounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. Discount rate used is a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. Impairment loss is immediately recognized in the income statement.
Impairment losses attributable to a cash-generating unit are used to deducting first the goodwill allocated to the cash-generating unit and, thereafter, the other assets of the unit on an equal basis. The useful life of the asset to be depreciated is reassessed in connection with the recognition of the impairment loss. A previously recognized impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. However, the reversal must not cause that the adjusted value is higher than the carrying amount that would have been determined if no impairment loss had been recognized in prior years. Impairment losses recognized for goodwill are not reversed.
Accounting for leases
Group as a lessee
Group’s capitalised lease agreements consist mainly of buildings as production facilities, office premises and warehouses, also the Group has several vehicle lease agreements. The Group recognises a right-of-use (ROU) asset and a lease liability at the commencement of the lease. At the commencement date, a right-of-use asset as defined by IFRS 16 is measured at cost. The Group applies the two available exemptions, which relate to short-term contracts, in which the lease term is less than 12 months, or low-value assets, which are expensed to other operating expenses.
The nominal lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. The lease payments are discounted using the lessee´s incremental borrowing rate. The incremental borrowing rates used are relevant interbank rates and the Group’s internal finance margins. The incremental borrowing rates are currency specific.
The initial measurement of the lease payments does not include possible variable elements. Variable lease payments not included in the initial measurement of the lease liability are recognised directly in the statement of income. The lease term is the non-cancellable period of the lease plus period covered by an option to extend or option to terminate if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise the extension option. Management judgment based on realistic estimates is used when determining the lease term, especially concerning lease agreements containing termination and purchase options and lease agreements with indefinite lease terms.
Subsequently, the right-of-use assets are measured at initial measurement less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. The right-of-use assets are depreciated and interest on lease liabilities recognised in the statement of income over the lease term. The lease liabilities are subsequently measured at initial recognition less occurring lease payments that are allocated to the principal.
Lease payments are presented as repayments of liabilities and related interest expenses. The lease payments are presented in the cash flow from financing activities and the interest related to leases are presented in the cash flow from operating activities. Lease payments related to short-term leases, low-value assets and variable payments are presented in the cash flow from operating activities. Modifications to lease agreements may result in adjustments to existing right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. A gain or loss arising from a modification and a termination of a lease agreement is recognised in other operating income or other operating expenses in the statement of income.
Group as a lessor
IFRS 16 did not modify substantially how a lessor recognizes lease agreements. Those leases under which the Group is a lessor are classified as operating leases. Leased assets are presented in the balance sheet under tangible assets according to the nature of the asset. They are depreciated over their estimated useful lives in accordance with the depreciation policy used for comparable assets in own use. Lease income is recognized in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Group acting as a lessor is not material to the Group consolidated financial statements.
Financial assets
Financial assets are initially measured at fair value at trade date. Subsequently, financial assets are classified and measured at amortized cost, at fair value through other comprehensive income, or at fair value through profit and loss.
Financial assets are measured at amortized cost when business model is hold-to-collect and cash flows are solely payments of principal and interest. Financial assets at amortized cost include non-derivative financial assets such as cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and loan receivables.
Loan and trade receivables are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method less any expected credit losses. Initially recognized amount includes directly attributable transaction costs. Gains and losses are recognized in the income statement when loans and receivables are derecognized, impaired, and through the amortization process.
Financial assets measured at fair value through profit and loss are assets which are derivatives not in hedge accounting.
Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive income are equity instruments where entity has done an irrevocable election at initial recognition for particular investments in equity instruments that would otherwise be measured at fair value through profit or loss.
Impairment of financial assets is assessed regularly and when the carrying value exceeds the fair value or recoverable value of discounted cash flows, appropriate impairment is recognized in the income statement.
For trade receivables Rapala applies IFRS 9 expected credit loss assessment. See note 22.
Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting
When hedge accounting is applied it is fulfilled according to IFRS 9. The Group is exposed to financial risks related especially to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates for loans and borrowings. Derivative financial instruments are used, from time to time, to hedge financial risk. All derivatives are initially recognized at fair value on the date derivative contract is entered into, and are subsequently remeasured at fair value on each balance sheet date. Determination of fair values is based on quoted market prices and rates, discounting of cash flows and option valuation models. The fair values of these instruments are received from the respective bank or calculated to match the current market price. Currently, the Group does not have embedded derivatives.
Derivatives may be designated as hedging instruments, in which case hedge accounting is applied. At the inception of a hedge relationship, the Group designates and documents the hedge relationship to which the Group wishes to apply hedge accounting and the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge. The documentation includes identification of the hedging instrument, the hedged item or transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged and how the entity will assess the effectiveness of changes in the hedging instrument’s fair value in offsetting the exposure to changes in the hedged item’s fair value or cash flows attributable to the hedged risk. Such hedges are expected to be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows and are assessed on an ongoing basis to determine that they actually have been highly effective throughout the financial reporting periods for which they were designated. In the case hedge accounting is applied, the accounting for hedging instruments is dependent on the particular nature of the hedging relationship.
In cash flow hedges, changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that are designated and effective as hedges of future cash flows are recognized as other comprehensive income and the ineffective portion is recognized immediately in the income statement. Accumulated fair value changes recognized in the statement of other comprehensive income are reclassified into income statement in the period when the hedged cash flow affects income. Changes in fair value of derivative instruments are recognized in the income statement based on their nature either in the operative costs if the hedged item is an operative foreign currency transaction or as financial income or expenses, if the hedged item is a monetary transaction.
Changes of the fair value of derivative financial instruments that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recorded in the income statement together with the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk.
The changes in the fair values of derivatives that are designated as hedging instruments but are not accounted for according to the principles of hedge accounting are recognized in the income statement based on their nature either in the operative costs, if the hedged item is an operative transaction, or as financial income or expenses, if the hedged item is a monetary transaction.
In principal, the fair values of derivative instruments are presented in the statement of financial position under short-term or long-term non-interest bearing assets or liabilities based on their maturity. Derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges of monetary assets or liabilities, are presented in the same group of interest-bearing assets or liabilities as the hedged instrument.
Effective portion of changes in the fair values of foreign currency hedges used against the translation differences arising from the consolidation of net investments in foreign subsidiaries are recognized in translation differences in the statement of other comprehensive income. The ineffective portion is recognized in financial income and expenses. Accumulated fair value changes recognized in the items of other comprehensive income are reclassified into income statement if the hedged subsidiary is disposed of partially or in its entity.
Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are initially recognized at fair value at trade date. After initial recognition, the financial liabilities are subsequently measured and categorized at amortized cost, at fair value through profit and loss, or as derivatives designated at hedging instruments in an effective hedge. Financial liabilities, except derivatives, are initially recognized at the fair value of the consideration received plus directly attributable transactions costs. After initial recognition, they are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Also commercial paper programs are measured at amortized cost. Gains and losses are recognized in the income statement when the liabilities are derecognized, impaired and through the amortization process.
Financial liabilities include current and non-current liabilities and they can be interest-bearing or non-interest-bearing. Contingent considerations of business combinations are classified as non-interest-bearing financial liabilities.
Recognition and derecognition of financial assets and liabilities
Financial assets and liabilities are recognized at trade date. A financial asset or a financial liability is recognized on the balance sheet only when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the financial instrument.
A financial asset is derecognized only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or when it transfers the financial asset, so that all the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are substantially transferred. A financial liability or a part of a financial liability is removed from the balance sheet only when it is extinguished, that the obligation specified in the contract is discharged or cancelled or expires.
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method or, alternatively, weighted average cost where it approximates FIFO. The cost of finished goods and work in progress comprises raw materials, direct labor, depreciation, other direct costs and related production overheads, but excludes borrowing costs. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale. Inventories are presented net of net realizable value allowance recognized for obsolete and slow-moving inventories.
Trade receivables
Trade receivables are carried at their anticipated realizable value, which is the original invoice amount less an estimated valuation allowance. A credit loss allowance of trade receivables is made when there is objective evidence (such as significant overdue of receivables and unsuccessful dunning attempts or known financial difficulties and thus increased probability of customer insolvency) that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. The assessment and decision for credit loss allowances is done locally in each business unit on case-by-case basis.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Bank overdrafts are included within borrowings in current interest-bearing loans.
Hybrid bond
A hybrid bond is an instrument which is presented under equity in the consolidated financial statements. A hybrid bond is subordinated to the company’s other debt obligations, but has seniority over other equity items. The yield on a hybrid bond is paid if the Group distributes a dividend. If no dividend is distributed, the Group will make a separate decision on whether to pay the yield. Unpaid yields are accumulated. The holders of a hybrid bond do not possess the same rights as shareholders concerning control or voting at General Meetings of shareholders.
Own shares
Own shares acquired by the Group, including directly attributable costs, are presented as a deduction from the total equity on the day of trading in the consolidated financial statements. Purchases or subsequent sales of treasury shares are presented as changes in equity.
Provisions
Provisions are recognized in the balance sheet when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, and it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Where the Group expects some or all of a provision to be reimbursed, the reimbursement is recognized as a separate asset but only when the reimbursement is virtually certain. Provisions are valued at the net present value of the expenses required to cover the obligation. The discount factor used when calculating present value is selected so that it describes the market view of the time value of the money and the risk relating to the obligation at the time of examination.
A warranty provision is recognized when a product containing a warranty clause is sold. The size of the sum involved is determined on the basis of what is known about past warranty costs. A restructuring provision is recognized when the Group has compiled a detailed restructuring plan, launched its implementation or has informed the parties concerned.
Waste electrical and electronic equipment
The Group is a distributor of electrical equipment that falls under the EU Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment. Expected costs are recognized as part of other operating expenses and as a current non-interest-bearing payable.
Employee benefits
Employee benefit obligations
Throughout the Group operates various pension plans in accordance with local conditions and practices. The plans are classified as either defined contribution plans or defined benefit plans. The contributions to defined contribution plans are charged to the income statement in the year to which they relate.
For defined benefit plans, costs are assessed using the projected unit credit actuarial valuation method, in which the cost of providing benefit is charged to the income statement so as to spread the regular cost over the service lives of employees in accordance with the advice of qualified actuaries who carry out a full valuation of the plan. The benefit obligation is measured as the present value of estimated future cash outflows. Defined benefit liability comprises of the present value of the defined benefit obligation less the fair value of plan assets. All actuarial gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive income immediately as they occur. The past service cost is recognized as an expense in the income statement.
Share-based payments
Share-based payment programs are valued at fair value on the grant date and recognized as an expense in the income statement during the vesting period with a corresponding adjustment to the equity or liability. In the cash settled option program the liability is revalued at each balance sheet date with changes in fair value recognized in the income statement. The income statement effect of the share-based payments programs is recognized in employee benefit expenses.
The expense of the share-based payments determined at the grant date reflects the Group’s estimate of the number of options or share rewards that will ultimately vest. Grant date is the date at which the entity and another party agree to a share-based payment arrangement, being when the entity and the counterparty have a shared understanding of the terms and conditions of the arrangement. The options are valued at fair value using Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The non-market criteria are not included in the fair value of the option but taken into account in the number of options that are assumed to vest. On a regular basis the Group reviews the assumptions made and revises its estimates of the share-based payments that are expected to be settled. The changes in the estimates are recognized in the income statement with a corresponding adjustment to the equity or liability.
When the share options are exercised, the proceeds received, net of any transaction costs, are credited in the fund for invested non-restricted equity.
Dividend
The dividend proposed by the Board of Directors is not deducted from distributable equity until approved by the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders.
Earnings per share
Earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to the shareholders of the company by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year, excluding shares purchased by the Group and held as treasury shares, if any.
Diluted earnings per share amounts have been calculated by applying the “treasury stock” method, as if the options were exercised at the beginning of the period, or on the issuance of options, if that occurs later during the period, and as if the funds obtained thereby were used to purchase common stock at the average market price during the period. In addition to the weighted average number of shares outstanding, the denominator includes the incremental shares obtained through the assumed exercise of the options. The assumption of exercise is not reflected in earnings per share when the exercise price of the options exceeds the average market price of the shares during the period. The share options have a diluting effect only when the average market price of the share during the period exceeds the exercise price of the options.
Operating profit
The IAS 1 (Presentation of Financial Statements) standard does not define operating profit. The Group has defined it as follows: Operating profit is the net amount arising from adding other operating income and share of results in associates and joint ventures to net sales, deducting cost of sales corrected for changes in inventories and cost of production for own use, deducting costs related to employee benefits, depreciation and possible impairments as well as other operating expenses. Foreign exchange differences and changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments are included in operating profit in case they originate from operative business items; otherwise they are booked in financial income and expenses.
Cash flow statement
Cash and cash equivalents presented in the cash flow statement comprise cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Cash generated from operating activities has been reported using the indirect method. All income taxes paid during the financial year are presented in Net cash generated from operating activities, unless they can be particularly allocated to net cash from (used in) investing or financing activities. Unrealized exchange gains and losses from cash and cash equivalents denominated in foreign currencies are presented on a separate row before cash and cash equivalents at the end of period, separate from cash generated from (used in) operating, investing and financing activities.
Comparable operating profit and items affecting comparability
In order to reflect the underlying business performance and to enhance comparability between financial periods, the Group presents alternative performance measures. Comparable operating profit is operating profit excluding mark-to-market valuations of operative currency derivatives and other items affecting comparability, which include material restructuring costs, impairments, gains and losses on business combinations and disposals, insurance compensations and other non-operational items. Alternative performance measures should not be considered in isolation as a substitute for measures of performance in accordance with IFRS.
Critical accounting estimates and judgments
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from these estimates. In addition, judgment has to be exercised in applying the accounting principles of the financial statements. Management’s estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and plausible future scenarios, which are continually evaluated. Possible changes in estimates and assumptions are recognized in the accounting period during which estimates and assumptions were fixed and in all subsequent accounting periods.
The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of uncertainty related to estimations at the balance sheet date, that have significant risk of causing material adjustments to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next accounting period, are discussed below.
Determining fair value of acquisitions
The fair values of acquired working capital and tangible assets were evaluated by the Group and when needed external appraisal personnel before the acquisition. The fair value of intellectual property rights (trademarks, patents and technology) and customer relations are established with discounting the related cash flows.
Impairment testing
The carrying amounts of tangible and intangible assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. Goodwill, intangible assets with indefinite useful lives and unfinished tangible assets are in all cases tested annually. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest cash generating unit level for which there are separately identifiable, mainly independent, cash inflows and outflows. An impairment loss is the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is determined by reference to discounted future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. These calculations require the use of estimates.
Income taxes
The Group reviews at each balance sheet date especially the carrying amount of deferred tax assets. Deferred taxes are provided using the liability method, as measured with enacted tax rates, to reflect the temporary differences at the balance sheet date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes. The main temporary differences arise from the depreciation difference on tangible assets, fair valuation of net assets in acquired companies, intra-group inventory profits, defined benefit plans, inventories and other provisions, untaxed reserves and tax losses carried forward. Temporary differences are recognized as a deferred tax asset to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available, against which the deductible temporary difference can be utilized. The likelihood for the recovery of deferred tax assets from future taxable income is assessed, and to the extent the recovery is not considered likely the deferred asset is adjusted in accordance. At each balance sheet date the Group reviews whether distribution of earnings in subsidiaries is in its control and probable, and books a deferred tax accordingly.
Defined benefit obligations
Costs for defined benefit plans are assessed using the projected unit credit actuarial valuation method. Several statistical and other actuarial assumptions are used in calculating the expense and liability related to the plans. These factors include assumptions about the discount rate, future salary increase and annual inflation rate. Statistical information used may differ from actual results. Changes in actuarial assumptions are recognized in other comprehensive income immediately as they occur which could have a slight impact on the Group’s statement of comprehensive income.
Provisions
The timing of the recognition of a provision is based on management’s estimate of the moment when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation, as a result of a past event, and it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.
Hyperinflation
The Group may have operations in hyperinflatory economies. The financial statements of a subsidiary whose functional currency is the currency of a hyperinflationary economy are restated in accordance of IAS 29 (Financial Reporting in Hyperinflatory Economies) in case the adjustments are material in relation to the Group’s consolidated financial statements.
Rounding of figures
The consolidated financial statements are presented in millions of euros. All figures in these accounts have been rounded. Consequently, the sum of individual figures can deviate from the presented sum figure. Key figures have been calculated using exact figures.
In the financial statements, EUR 0.0 million means the figure is less than EUR 50 000. If the amount is EUR 0, the cell is left empty.
