Accounting and Valuation Methods

The financial statements of Wacker Chemie AG and its German and international subsidiaries are prepared in accordance with uniform accounting and valuation principles.

The accounting methods correspond to those used for the last consolidated financial statements as of the end of the previous fiscal year. They have been supplemented by new accounting standards to be applied for the first time in 2014. There may be limits to comparability in the case of significant acquisitions of fully consolidated companies. If this is the case, this topic is dealt with in the explanation of the scope of consolidation. Where prior-year figures have been adjusted, explanations are provided in the relevant Notes and the figures are restated in the section entitled “Changes in Accounting and Valuation Methods.”

The Group’s consolidated financial statements are based on acquisition and production costs (historical costs), with the exception of the items reflected at fair value, such as available-for-sale financial assets, derivatives, and plan assets within the scope of pension obligations.

Certain financial instruments are recognized at fair value, while other assets and liabilities are usually disclosed at fair value in the notes to the financial statements. The fair value of an asset or liability is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

Calculation of the fair value of financial instruments may require making quite involved estimates, the nature of which is determined by the extent to which non-observable input parameters are taken into account. When calculating fair value, WACKER strives to include as many observable input parameters as possible and to keep the use of non-observable factors to a minimum. Various factors determine whether the value of an input parameter is observable or not, including the type of financial instrument in question, the existence of a market for the instrument, specific features of the transaction, liquidity and general market conditions. If the fair value cannot be reliably determined, the carrying amount is taken as an approximate value to determine fair value.

In accordance with IFRS 13, financial assets and liabilities that are measured or recognized at fair value in the consolidated financial statements must be measured and classified according to the fair value hierarchy. This hierarchy consists of three levels, to which the input parameters are assigned in accordance with the extent to which they are observable during the corresponding measurement process.

Sales encompass the fair value of the counterperformance or claim received for the goods and services that were sold within the scope of ordinary activities. These are reported without VAT and other taxes incurred in connection with sales and without discounts and price reductions. Sales revenues are recognized when the goods and services owed have been delivered and the main opportunities and risks of ownership have passed to the purchaser. Sales from services are recognized once services are rendered. Sales are not reported if there are risks attached to the receipt of the consideration. Provisions are recognized for risks from returns of finished goods and merchandise, warranties and other complaints using the specific identification method. Information on the development of sales by division and region is provided in the section on segment reporting.

WACKER does not conduct any business that requires using the percentage-of-completion method for recognizing sales of long-term production contracts.

Cost of goods sold shows the costs of the products, merchandise and services sold. In addition to directly attributable costs, such as material costs, personnel expenses and energy costs, it contains overheads including depreciation and inventory writedowns. This item also includes the cost of outward freight.

Selling expenses include costs incurred by the sales organization and the cost of advertising, market research, and application support on customers’ premises. This item also includes commission expenses.

Research and development expenses include costs incurred in the development of products and processes. Research costs in the narrow sense are recognized as expenses when they are incurred, and are not capitalized. Development costs are capitalized only if all the prescribed recognition criteria have been met, the research phase can be separated clearly from the development phase, and the costs incurred can be allocated to the individual project phases without any overlaps. Additionally, there must be sufficient certainty that future cash inflows will take place.

General administrative expenses include the pro rata payroll and material costs of corporate control functions, human resources, accounting and information technology, unless they have been charged as an internal service to other cost centers and thus, in certain circumstances, to other functional areas.

Operating expenses are reported as expenses when the service is utilized, i.e. when the expense is incurred. Interest income is valued pro rata temporis, taking account of the outstanding loan amount and the effective interest rate to be applied. Dividend income from financial investments is reported when the legal claim to payment arises.

Intangible assets acquired against payment are measured at cost and, if their useful lives can be determined, are amortized on a straight-line basis. The useful life is taken to be between three and 15 years unless otherwise indicated, e.g. by the life of a patent. The useful life is reviewed annually and, if necessary, revised to correspond to new expectations. Amortization of intangible assets (apart from goodwill) is allocated to the functional areas that use the assets. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives undergo an annual impairment test. At present, no intangible assets with indefinite useful lives have been capitalized.

Internally generated intangible assets are capitalized if it is probable that a future economic benefit can be associated with the use of the asset and the costs of the asset can be determined reliably. They are recognized at cost and amortized on a straight-line basis. Their stated useful lives correspond to those of the intangible assets acquired against payment. If development costs are capitalized, they consist of the costs directly attributable to the development process. Capitalized development costs are amortized over the useful life of the corresponding production facilities as from the start of production.

Goodwill is not amortized. Existing goodwill undergoes an annual impairment test. If the impairment test indicates a recoverable amount that is lower than the carrying amount, the goodwill is reduced to its recoverable amount and an impairment loss is recognized. Furthermore, the intrinsic value is examined when events or circumstances indicate possible impairment. Impairments of goodwill are presented under other operating expenses.

Property, plant and equipment is capitalized at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over its expected economic life. The useful life is reviewed annually and, if necessary, revised to correspond to new expectations. In addition to the purchase price, acquisition costs include incidental acquisition costs as well as any costs incurred in the demolition, dismantling, and /or removal of the asset in question from its site and in the restoration of that site. Any reductions in the price of acquisition reduce the acquisition costs. Property, plant and equipment is not revalued on the basis of the provisions in IAS 16. Day-to-day maintenance and repair costs are expensed as incurred. Costs for replacing parts or carrying out major overhauls of property, plant and equipment are capitalized if future economic benefits are likely to accrue to the Group and if the costs can be measured reliably.

Grants from third parties reduce acquisition and production costs. Unless otherwise indicated, these grants (investment subsidies) are provided by government bodies. Income grants that are not offset by future expenses are recognized as income. Until the funds have been received, grants are recognized as separate assets. For grants involving a legal claim, the claim to the grant is capitalized as an asset if the company has fulfilled, on the balance sheet date, the material requirements for provision of such a grant and has submitted, by the closing date, the necessary application form or is highly likely to do so by this date.

Financing costs that were incurred in connection with particular, qualifying assets and which can be attributed directly or indirectly to them are capitalized as part of acquisition or production costs until the assets are used for the first time. In addition, financing costs are not reported as part of acquisition or production costs. WACKER accounts for financing costs in accordance with IAS 23 (Borrowing Costs) if they concern major, long-term investments in production plants.

The cost of internally generated assets includes all costs directly attributable to the production process as well as an appropriate portion of the production-related overheads.

If property, plant and equipment is permanently shut down, sold or given up, the acquisition or production costs are derecognized, along with the corresponding accumulated depreciation. Any resulting gain or loss from the difference between the sale proceeds and the residual carrying amount is recognized under other operating income or expenses.

Property, plant and equipment also includes assets relating to leasing transactions. Items of property, plant and equipment financed by means of finance leases are recognized at fair value at their time of addition, unless the present values of the minimum lease payments are lower. The assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the expected useful life or the contractual term, if shorter. The obligations resulting from future lease payments are recognized under financial liabilities. The lease installments to be paid are split up into a redemption component and an interest component, in accordance with the effective interest method.

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is generally based on the following useful lives:

If, having been measured in accordance with the above principles, the carrying amounts of intangible assets or items of property, plant and equipment that were amortized or depreciated are higher than their recoverable amounts as of the reporting date, corresponding impairment losses are recognized as an expense.

The impairment is tested when relevant events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might no longer be possible to realize the net carrying amount. At the end of every reporting period, WACKER checks whether there are triggering events for recognizing (or reversing) impairments. An impairment loss is then recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of either the fair value less costs to sell or the value in use. The value in use results from the present value of the estimated future cash flows from the use of the asset. In order to assess this value, pre-tax interest rates are used that have been adjusted to reflect the segment-specific risk. In order to determine the cash flow, assets are combined at the lowest level for which cash flows can be identified separately (cash-generating units). If the reasons for recognizing impairments no longer exist, impairment losses are reversed. The revised amount cannot exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized. Impairments are reported under other operating expenses and reversals of impairment losses under other operating income.

Like property, plant and equipment, investment property is measured in accordance with the cost model. Investment property consists of land and buildings that are held to earn rental income or for capital appreciation, and not for use in captive production, for the supply of goods or services, for administrative purposes or for sale in the normal course of business. The fair value of this property is regularly measured through external property valuations.

Leasing transactions are classified either as finance leases or as operating leases. Assets used under an operating lease are not capitalized. Lease payments to be made are recognized in profit or loss in the period in which they fall due. A finance lease is a leasing arrangement in which essentially all of the risks and rewards inherent in the ownership of the property are transferred to the lessee. Assets used under a finance lease are recognized at the present value of the minimum lease payments. Leasing contracts can be embedded within other contracts. If there is a separation obligation for an embedded leasing arrangement in accordance with IFRS rules, the contractual components are separated, and recognized and measured according to the respective rules.

Shares in non-consolidated affiliated companies and investments are measured at cost, unless divergent market values are available. Changes in market values are posted to the statement of income upon realization through disposal or if the market value falls below the acquisition cost. Loans are measured at amortized cost, except for non-interest-bearing and low-interest loans, which are recognized at their present value.

Additionally, an impairment test is carried out in the presence of corresponding indications and, where necessary, an impairment is recognized. The recoverable amount is determined in accordance with IAS 36 regulations. Impairment losses are reported in the result from investments in joint ventures and associates.

Investments in joint ventures and associates are accounted for using the equity method, with the carrying amount generally reflecting the Group’s pro rata share of equity. Pro rata net results are posted to the consolidated income statement, and the carrying amount is increased or decreased accordingly. Any changes in equity recognized directly in the investee’s equity are also recognized directly in equity in the consolidated financial statements. Dividends paid by joint ventures and associates reduce their equity and, therefore, reduce the carrying amount without affecting profit. If a joint venture or associate faces losses that have exhausted its equity, the carrying amount of the investment is written off in full in the consolidated statement of financial position. Further losses are taken into account only if there are noncurrent unsecured receivables against the company or the Group has entered into additional obligations or made payments for the company. The carrying amount is not increased until the loss carryforward has been set off and the equity is positive again.

Additionally, an impairment test is carried out in the presence of corresponding indications and, where necessary, an impairment is recognized. The recoverable amount is determined in accordance with the provisions of IAS 36. Impairment losses are reported in the income from investments in joint ventures and associates.

A financial instrument is a contract that gives rise to a financial asset at one company and a financial liability or equity instrument at another company. Financial instruments are recognized in the consolidated financial statements at the time that WACKER becomes a contracting party to the financial instrument.

However, in the case of purchases or sales on usual market terms (purchase or sale within the framework of a contract of which the terms require delivery of the asset within the time frame generally established by regulations or conventions prevailing on the market in question), the settlement date – i.e. the date on which the asset is delivered to or by WACKER – is relevant for initial recognition and derecognition. In general, financial assets and financial liabilities are not netted. A net amount is presented in the statement of financial position if, and only if, the entity currently has a right to net the recognized amounts and intends to settle on a net basis. Where financial instruments are combined, borrowed capital and equity components are separated and shown separately by the issuer.

Financial instruments are measured at fair value on initial recognition. The transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition must be taken into account for all financial assets and liabilities not subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss. The fair values recognized in the statement of financial position generally correspond to the market prices of the financial assets and liabilities. If these are not immediately available, they must be calculated using standard valuation models on the basis of current market parameters.

The fair value of financial instruments is generally equal to the amount the Group would receive or pay if it exchanged or settled the financial instruments on the balance sheet date. If available, quoted market prices are used for financial instruments. Otherwise, fair values are calculated based on the market conditions prevailing on the reporting date – interest rates, exchange rates, commodity prices – using average rates. The fair value is calculated using financial-mathematical methods, e.g. by discounting future payment flows using the market interest rate or by applying recognized option-pricing models. The fair values of some derivatives are based on external valuations by our financial partners.

Financial assets at WACKER comprise, in particular, cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, loans granted and other receivables, held-to-maturity financial investments, and primary and derivative financial assets held for trading. WACKER makes no use of the option to measure financial assets at fair value through profit or loss on initial recognition.

Financial liabilities must generally be settled using cash or another financial asset. Financial liabilities include, in particular, the Group’s own bonds and other securitized liabilities, trade payables, liabilities to banks, finance lease payables, promissory notes (German Schuldscheine) and derivative financial liabilities. WACKER makes no use of its option to measure financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss on initial recognition.

The manner in which financial assets and liabilities are subsequently measured depends on whether a financial instrument is held for trading or until it matures, whether such a financial instrument is available for sale, or whether the financial assets concerned are loans granted by the company and receivables owed to it.

Financial instruments held for trading are measured at fair value through profit or loss. This category also includes all derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting.

If it is both intended and, in economic terms, to be expected with sufficient certainty that a financial instrument will be held to maturity, the instrument in question is measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Held-to-maturity financial investments include current and noncurrent securities, and components of items reported under other financial assets.

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets that are not quoted in an active market. They are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. This category comprises trade receivables, the financial receivables and loans included in other financial assets, the additional financial receivables and loans reported under other assets, and cash and cash equivalents.

All other primary financial assets, if they are not loans and receivables, must be classified as available for sale and are reported at fair value if it can be determined reliably. Basically, these assets comprise equity instruments, and also debt instruments not being held to maturity. Unrealized gains and losses are recorded taking account of deferred taxes and are recognized in other equity items with no effect on income. If equity instruments have no price quoted on an active market and if their fair value cannot be determined reliably, they are measured at cost.

If the fair value of available-for-sale financial assets falls below the acquisition costs or there are objective signs that an asset’s value has been impaired, the cumulative loss recognized directly in equity is reversed and shown in the statement of income. The company bases its assessment of possible impairments on all available information, such as market conditions and prices, investment-specific factors, and the duration and extent of the drop in value below acquisition costs. Impairments affecting a debt instrument are reversed in subsequent periods, provided that the reasons for the impairment no longer apply. When the financial instruments are disposed of, the cumulative gains and losses recognized in equity are included in the statement of income.

Derivative financial instruments are used for hedging purposes with the sole aim of reducing the Group’s exposure to foreign-currency exchange rates, interest rates, and commodity price risks arising from operating activities and the resultant financing requirements.

Where derivative financial instruments are used to hedge risks stemming from future payment flows and items in the statement of financial position, IAS 39 permits special hedge-accounting regulations to be applied under certain circumstances. In this way, volatility in the statement of income can be reduced. Depending on the type of underlying transaction designated as a hedged item, a distinction is made between a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge and a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation.

Derivative financial instruments are recognized as of the trade date. They are always measured at fair value, irrespective of the purpose or intention for which they were concluded. Positive market values are recognized as receivables and negative market values as liabilities.

Changes in the market value of financial instruments used to limit the risk of lower future cash inflows or higher cash outflows from assets and liabilities recognized in the statement of financial position (cash flow hedges) are recognized under other equity items and taking account of any related tax effects, provided the efficiency of those instruments is adequate and documented. The profit contribution of the hedging instrument is not released to the statement of income until the hedged item is realized. If such a derivative is sold or the hedging relationship is discontinued, the change in its value continues to be reported under other equity items until the underlying transaction occurs. Steps taken to hedge the risk of changes in the market values of recognized assets or liabilities, or to hedge unrecognized fixed contractual obligations, lead to fair value hedges. Changes in fair values are recorded for both the hedged underlying transaction and the derivative financial instruments used for hedging, and are presented in the statement of income. At the moment, WACKER does not hedge any net investments in foreign operations.

Contracts concluded in order to receive or deliver non-financial goods for the Group’s own use are not accounted for as derivatives, but treated as pending transactions.

Changes in the values of forward exchange contracts and currency options are reflected in other operating income and expenses, while changes in the value of interest rate swaps and interest rate options are recognized in net interest income. Changes in foreign exchange derivatives concluded to hedge financial liabilities assumed in foreign currencies are posted under other financial result. Changes in the fair value of commodity futures and commodity options are recognized under cost of goods sold. The hedging of planned transactions in foreign currencies is included in other operating income and expenses. The expenses and income are not netted.

Inventories are measured at cost using the average cost method. Lower net realizable values or prices as of the balance sheet date are taken into account by means of impairments to fair value less costs to sell. The cost of goods sold includes directly attributable costs, appropriate portions of indirect material and labor costs, and straight-line depreciation. Due to the relatively short-term production processes, financing costs are not included as part of acquisition or production costs. The overhead cost markups are determined on the basis of average capacity utilization. Value adjustments are recognized for inventory risks resulting from extended periods of storage and reduced usability and to reflect other reductions in the recoverable amount. In the statement of income, the cost of unused production capacity is also included in the cost of goods sold. For production-related reasons, unfinished and finished goods are combined and reported under products.

Emissions certificates allotted free of charge are measured at a nominal value of zero. Emissions allowances acquired against payment are carried at cost. Thereafter, they are carried at market prices, but never higher than cost. If the fair value is lower as of the reporting date, the carrying amount is reduced accordingly. Proceeds from the sale of emission certificates are recognized in profit or loss.

Trade receivables and other assets (including tax receivables, but excluding financial derivatives) are generally recognized at amortized cost. Risks are taken into account through appropriate valuation allowances. Allowances for uninsured receivables – or for the deductible in the case of insured receivables – are made whenever legal action is taken. If payment of a receivable is no longer expected even though legal action has been taken, the gross receivable is derecognized and any valuation allowances made are reversed. Noncurrent receivables that are non-interest-bearing or low-interest-bearing are discounted. WACKER is not a contractor for long-term production orders.

Receivables from finance lease agreements where WACKER acts as the lessor are reported under other assets. The gross value of the outstanding lease payments, less unrealized interest earnings, is capitalized as a receivable. The lease installments received are apportioned to the interest amount and the repayment amount of the outstanding receivable in such a way that the interest amount reflects a constant rate of interest on the outstanding receivable. The interest amount is reported under other financial result in the statement of income.

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand, demand deposits, and financial assets that can be converted into cash at any time and are subject to only slight fluctuations in value. They have a residual term of up to three months when received and are measured at amortized cost, which is equivalent to their nominal values.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between tax bases and carrying amounts, and for consolidation measures recognized in the statement of income. The deferred tax assets include tax relief entitlements resulting from the anticipated use of existing loss carryforwards in future years, the realization of which is assured with sufficient probability. Deferred taxes are determined on the basis of the tax rates which, under current law, are applicable or anticipated in the individual countries when they are realized. The deferred tax assets and liabilities are netted out only to the extent possible under the same tax authority. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized in the statement of income. In cases where profits or losses are recognized directly in equity, the deferred tax asset or liability is likewise posted under other equity items.

Provisions for pensions are recognized in accordance with the projected unit credit method. This method takes account not only of pensions and entitlements to future pensions known as of the balance sheet date, but also of estimated increases in salaries and pensions. Moreover, the calculation is based on actuarial valuations and takes account of biometric and financial calculation principles. The plan assets at fair value are subtracted from the present value of the pension obligations, resulting in either a net pension liability or the assets of the defined benefit plans. If the fund’s assets exceed the obligation from the pension commitment, an asset is generally recognized. Such recognition, however, is permitted only on the condition that the reporting entity can draw an economic benefit from these assets, e.g. in the form of refunds from the plan or reductions in future contributions to the plan. The net interest cost in the fiscal year is determined by applying the discount rate set at the beginning of the year to the net pension liability calculated at the same time. The applicable interest rate for assessing the defined benefit obligation is used as the discount factor. The net interest from the net pension liability is the difference between the calculated interest income from plan assets and the interest expense from the defined benefit obligation.

Actuarial gains and losses stemming from the difference between the estimate at the start of the period and actual developments during the period – or a newer estimate on the balance sheet date – in relation to probable mortality rates, retirement and salary trends and discount rates are recognized in other comprehensive income. Actuarial gains and losses posted under other comprehensive income cannot be recognized through profit or loss in subsequent periods. Similarly, differences between the interest income from plan assets calculated at the start of the period and the actual income from plan assets determined at the end of the period are recognized in other comprehensive income. Both effects are posted in other equity items as remeasurements of defined benefit plans.

If the present value of a defined benefit obligation changes due to a plan modification or curtailment, WACKER recognizes the resultant effect as past service cost. This is immediately recognized through profit or loss when it occurs. The profits and losses resulting from settlement are also recognized immediately in the statement of income when settlement takes place. Administrative expenses that are not related to the management of plan assets are also recognized through profit or loss when incurred.

The expense incurred in funding the pension provisions (service cost) is allocated to the costs of the functional areas concerned. The interest expense is reported under other financial result.

Provisions for phased early retirement and anniversaries are measured and set aside in accordance with actuarial appraisals. Owing to their structure, provisions for phased early retirement also constitute other noncurrent employee benefits in accordance with IAS 19 (revised 2011) since they are linked to the rendering of future service. WACKER uses only a block model when structuring phased-early-retirement agreements. The corresponding provisions are recognized pro rata over the service period of the claim during the work phase. The outstanding settlement amount, i.e. that part of their salary that employees forgo during the work phase, is treated as plan assets. The phased-early-retirement provision represents WACKER’s net liability, i.e after the plan assets have been offset against the total obligation. The top-up payments are not viewed as completely earned until the required work has been rendered in full by the employees. Top-up payments that have already been paid out even though the corresponding work has yet to be completed are capitalized.

Provisions are recognized in the statement of financial position for present legal or constructive obligations toward third parties if an outflow of resources to settle these obligations is probable and its amount can be estimated reliably. The amounts recognized are based on the amounts that will be required to cover the Group’s future payment obligations, identifiable risks and contingencies. As a rule, all those cost components that are also capitalized under inventories are included in the measurement of other provisions. Future price increases are also taken into account in the measurement. Noncurrent provisions are measured at the discounted present value as of the reporting date. The discount rate applied is the current market interest rate for risk-free investments with terms corresponding to the residual term of the obligation to be settled. Expected refunds, provided that they are sufficiently secure or legally enforceable, are not offset against provisions. Instead, they are capitalized as separate assets if their realization is virtually certain.

Provisions for restructuring costs are recognized if a detailed formal plan for restructuring has been drawn up and conveyed to the affected parties. Provisions for contingent losses arising from onerous contracts are recognized if the expected benefits to be derived from a contract are lower than the unavoidable costs of meeting the contractual obligations. Provisions for environmental protection are recognized if the future cash outflows for complying with environmental legislation or for cleanup measures are likely, the costs can be estimated with sufficient accuracy and no future acquired benefit can be expected from the measures. Provisions are recognized if the available portfolio of emission allowances does not cover the anticipated obligations.

If an amended estimate results in a reduction in the scope of the obligations, a proportion of the provision is reversed and the earnings are allocated to the functional area originally charged with the expense when the provision was set aside.

Discretion must be exercised when determining income tax provisions. WACKER determines appropriate provisions for expected risks from tax audits. If the final results of these audits differ from our estimates, they are recognized in the period in which they become known.

Financial liabilities are measured at fair value on initial recognition. For all financial liabilities not subsequently measured at fair value through profit or loss, the transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition are included in the recognized liability. Liabilities from finance lease agreements are shown as financial liabilities at the present value of the future lease installments.

Trade payables and other liabilities (including tax liabilities) are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.

Contingent liabilities are potential obligations that arise from past events and the existence of which depends on uncertain future events which are beyond the Group’s influence, and on existing obligations that cannot be carried as liabilities because either an outflow of resources is unlikely or the amount of the obligation cannot be estimated with sufficient reliability. Contingent liabilities are shown at values corresponding to the degree of liability that exists on the balance sheet date.

In accordance with the management approach, segment reporting at WACKER is based on an internal organizational and reporting structure. The data used to determine key internal management ratios is derived from the consolidated financial statements drawn up in accordance with IFRS.

Disposal groups and discontinued operations are reported in accordance with criteria defined in IFRS 5. The Group reports the assets and liabilities of a disposal group separately in the statement of financial position. Unless a disposal group qualifies for discontinued operations reporting, the income and expenses of the disposal group remain within continuing operations until the date of disposal. As soon as they have been classified as held for sale, noncurrent assets are recognized at the lower of the carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated/amortized.