Summary of Significant Accounting and Valuation Methods

The main accounting and valuation methods are summarized in the following overview:

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Accounting and Valuation Method

 

Description

 

 

 

Recognition of sales and income

 

Sales are recognized on delivery of goods or services and on the transfer of risk to the purchaser.

Expense recognition

 

Expenses are recognized when incurred and when the service is utilized.

Taxes

 

Deferred taxes are recognized for temporary differences, for consolidation measures recognized in income and for tax loss carryforwards whenever their realization is sufficiently probable.

Intangible assets and property, plant and equipment

 

These are measured at amortized cost. They are generally amortized/depreciated on a straight-line basis.

Government grants

 

Incentives provided by government bodies either reduce acquisition or production costs, or are recognized in the statement of income.

Inventories

 

These are measured at amortized cost using the average cost method.

Receivables and other assets

 

These are measured at amortized cost. Risks are accounted for through valuation allowances.

Provisions for pensions and similar obligations

 

These are determined using the projected unit credit method. Actuarial gains and losses are recognized in equity under other equity items. The return on plan assets is calculated using the discount rate for the defined benefit obligation.

Financial instruments

 

On initial recognition, financial instruments (other financial assets and financial liabilities) are measured at fair value.