With the exception of financial instruments, which are measured at fair value, the consolidated financial statements are prepared on the historical cost basis.
The accounting policies applied to the consolidated financial statements are consistent with those of the previous year with the exceptions listed below.
Since the requirements for the application of IFRS 5 are no longer met, the entities classified as discontinued operations in the previous year are classified again as continuing operations in the business year 2009/10; prior year’s comparative figures were adjusted accordingly.
The following new and revised Standards were adopted for the first time in the business year 2009/10:
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Standard |
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Content |
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Effective date1 |
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IAS 1 |
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Presentation of Financial Statements |
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January 1, 2009 |
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IAS 23 (2007) |
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Borrowing Costs |
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January 1, 2009 |
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IAS 32 (2008) |
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Financial Instruments: Presentation |
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January 1, 2009 |
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IAS 39 (2008) |
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Reclassification of Financial Instruments |
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July 1, 2008 |
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IAS 39 |
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Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement of Embedded Derivatives |
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June 30, 20092 |
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IFRS 1 (2008) |
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First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards |
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January 1, 2009 |
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IFRS 2 (2008) |
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Share-based Payment |
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January 1, 2009 |
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IFRS 7 |
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Reclassification of Financial Instruments |
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July 1, 2008 |
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IFRS 7 |
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Financial Instruments: Disclosures |
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January 1, 2009 |
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IFRS 8 |
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Operating Segments |
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January 1, 2009 |
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Various Standards |
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Improvements to IFRS 2008 |
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January 1, 2009 |
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1 These Standards are applicable to reporting periods beginning on or after the effective date. | ||||
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2 These Standards are applicable for the first time to reporting periods ending on or after the effective date. | ||||
The first-time adoption of the revised IAS 23, which eliminated the option to expense all borrowing costs relating to qualifying assets, when incurred resulted in a change in the treatment of borrowing costs.
The revised IAS 1 and the amendments to IFRS 7 resulted in changes in the presentation of financial statements and in expanded explanatory notes.
The first-time adoption of IFRS 8 did not result in changes to the Group’s reportable segments. The remaining new Standards had no impact on the consolidated financial statements.
The following Standards have been endorsed by the European Union as of the balance sheet date, but their application was not yet mandatory for the business year:
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Standard |
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Content |
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Effective date1 |
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IAS 27 (2008) |
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Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements |
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July 1, 2009 |
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IAS 32 |
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Classification of Rights Issues |
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February 1, 2010 |
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IAS 39 |
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Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement – Eligible Hedged Items |
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July 1, 2009 |
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IFRS 1 (2008) |
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First-time Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards |
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July 1, 2009 |
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IFRS 2 (2009) |
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Group Cash-settled Share-based Payment Transactions |
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January 1, 2010 |
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IFRS 3 (2008) |
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Business Combinations |
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July 1, 2009 |
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Various Standards |
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Improvements to IFRS 2009 |
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January 1, 2010 |
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1 These Standards are applicable to reporting periods beginning on or after the effective date. | ||||
The Group did not early adopt these Standards and does not expect that the new Standards will have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.
The use of automated calculation systems may result in rounding differences.
Basis of consolidation
The annual financial statements of fully consolidated or proportionately consolidated entities are prepared using uniform accounting policies. For entities included using the equity method, local accounting policies and different balance sheet dates are maintained if the relevant amounts are immaterial.
In the case of initial consolidation, assets, liabilities, and contingent liabilities are measured at their fair value at the date of acquisition. Any excess of the cost of acquisition over the net of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. If the net of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed exceeds the cost of acquisition, the difference is recognized immediately in profit or loss. Minority interests in the acquired entity are stated at the minority’s proportion of the net fair values of the acquired assets, liabilities, and contingent liabilities.
All intra-group profits, receivables and payables, income and expenses are eliminated.
Foreign currency translation
In accordance with IAS 21, annual financial statements in foreign currencies that are included in the consolidated financial statements are translated into euros using the functional currency method. The relevant national currency is the functional currency in all cases since, from a financial, economic, and organizational perspective, these entities all operate independently. Assets and liabilities have been translated using the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Income and expenses have been translated using the average exchange rate for the business year.
Equity is translated using the historical exchange rate. Currency translation differences are recognized directly in equity in the currency translation reserve.
In the separate financial statements of consolidated entities, foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency of the entity using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from translation at the transaction date and balance sheet date are recognized in the consolidated income statement.
Currency exchange rates (ECB fixing) of key currencies have changed as follows:
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Closing exchange rate |
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03/31/2009 |
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03/31/2010 |
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USD |
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1.3308 |
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1.3479 |
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GBP |
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0.9308 |
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0.8898 |
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Average annual rate |
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2008/09 |
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2009/10 |
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USD |
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1.4213 |
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1.4136 |
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GBP |
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0.8342 |
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0.8856 |
Uncertainties in accounting estimates and assumptions
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the management to make accounting estimates and assumptions that may significantly affect the recognition and measurement of assets and liabilities, the recognition of other obligations as of the balance sheet date, and the recognition of income and expenses during the business year.
The following assumptions bear a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to assets and liabilities within the next business year:
- The assessment of the recoverability of intangible assets, goodwill, as well as property, plant and equipment is based on assumptions concerning the future. The determination of the recoverable amount in the course of an impairment test is based on various assumptions, such as future net cash flows and discount rates. The net cash flows correspond to the amounts in the most current business plan at the time of the preparation of financial statements.
- Where the fair values of financial instruments cannot be derived from active markets, they are determined using alternative mathematical models. The underlying parameters used in the determination of the fair values are based partially on assumptions concerning the future.
- The valuation of existing severance payments and pension obligations are based on assumptions regarding interest rate, retirement age, life expectancy, labor turnover, and future salary/wage increases.
- Recognition of deferred tax assets is based on the assumption that sufficient taxable profit will be generated in the future to utilize these tax loss carryforwards.
Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates if the determining factors at the reporting date differ from the expectations. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized through profit or loss in the period in which the estimates are revised and the assumptions are adjusted accordingly.
Recognition of revenue and expenses
Revenue arising from the provision of goods and services are realized when all material risks and rewards arising from the goods or services provided have passed to the buyer. Operating expenses are recognized when goods or services are used or when the expense is incurred.
Investment grants are treated as deferred items and recognized as income over the useful life of the asset. Cost subsidies are recognized on an accrual basis, corresponding to the associated expenses. Government grants of EUR 17.9 million (2008/09: EUR 14.3 million) for capital expenditures, research and development, and promotion of job opportunities were recognized as income during the reporting period. Expenses for research and development amounted to EUR 108.8 million (2008/09: EUR 112.0 million) in the business year 2009/10.
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses.
The cost of self-constructed property, plant and equipment includes direct costs and an appropriate portion of indirect materials and indirect labor.
Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the expected useful lives. Land is not subject to depreciation. Depreciation is based on the following rates:
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Buildings |
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2.0–20.0% |
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Plant and equipment |
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3.3–25.0% |
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Fixtures and fittings |
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5.0–20.0% |
In respect of borrowing costs relating to qualifying assets, for which the commencement date for capitalization is on or after April 1, 2009, the Group capitalizes borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction, or production of a qualifying asset as part of the cost of that asset. The commencement date for capitalization is the date when expenditures for the asset and borrowing costs are incurred as well as activities are undertaken that are necessary to prepare the asset for its intended use or sale. Previously, the Group immediately recognized all borrowing costs as an expense.
This change in accounting policy was due to the first-time adoption of IAS 23 (revised 2007). The revision of the Standard eliminated the option to expense all borrowing costs related to qualifying assets when incurred.
Investment property is measured following the cost model. Useful lives and depreciation methods are identical to property, plant and equipment recognized under IAS 16.
Leases
Leased assets are treated as finance leases when they are considered asset purchases subject to long-term financing in economic terms. Lease agreements in which the Group assumes substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership as a lessee are considered asset purchases subject to long-term financing and are classified as finance leases; otherwise, they are classified as operating leases. Lease payments under operating leases are shown as expenses in the consolidated income statement.
Finance leases are initially recognized as Group assets at fair value or the lower present value of the minimum lease payments at the inception of the lease. The corresponding liability to the lessor is recorded under financial liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position.
Finance leases are depreciated over their expected useful lives on the same basis as comparable assets or, where shorter, over the term of the relevant lease. The Group does not act as a lessor.
Goodwill
All corporate acquisitions are accounted for by applying the purchase method. Goodwill arises from the acquisition of subsidiaries and investments in associates.
Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units and, in accordance with IFRS 3, is not amortized, but tested at least annually for impairment. The carrying amount of investments in associates also includes the carrying amount of goodwill.
Negative goodwill arising from an acquisition is immediately recognized as income.
On disposal of a subsidiary or associate, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the profit or loss on disposal.
Other intangible assets
Expenses for research activities, undertaken with the prospect of gaining new scientific or technical knowledge and understanding, is recognized as an expense as incurred. In accordance with IAS 38.57, development expenditure is capitalized if the relevant criteria are satisfied. Usually, the relevant criteria are not satisfied. Capitalized development costs are therefore not significant. Expenditure on internally generated goodwill and brands is recognized as an expense as incurred.
Other intangible assets that are acquired by the Group are stated at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment charges. Amortization is charged on a straight-line basis over the expected useful life of the asset. The maximum expected useful lives are as follows:
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Backlog of orders |
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1 year |
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Customer relations |
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11 years |
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Technology |
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5 years |
Impairment testing of goodwill, other intangible assets, and property, plant and equipment
Cash-generating units that include goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are tested for impairment at least annually. All other assets and cash-generating units are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.
For the purpose of impairment testing, assets are grouped at the lowest levels at which cash flows are independently generated (cash-generating units). Goodwill is allocated to those cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from synergies of the related business combination and represent the lowest level within the Group at which the management monitors cash flows.
An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the asset’s or cash-generating unit’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the greater of the fair value less cost to sell and value in use. Impairment losses recognized in respect of cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated are first applied against the carrying amount of goodwill. Any remaining impairment loss reduces pro-rata the carrying amounts of the assets of the cash-generating unit.
With the exception of goodwill, impairment losses are reversed when previous indications of impairment no longer exist.
Investments in associates
The proportional results and equity of associates that are not of minor significance are included in the consolidated financial statements using the equity method.
Financial instruments
Derivative financial instruments are used exclusively for the purpose of hedging the foreign currency risk, interest rate risk, and raw materials price risk (including CO2 emission certificates). Derivative financial instruments are carried at fair value. Hedge accounting in accordance with IAS 39 is used for the majority of the Group’s derivative financial instruments. Gains or losses resulting from changes in the value of derivative financial instruments are recognized either as profit or loss or directly in equity, depending on whether a fair value hedge or cash flow hedge is involved.
Loans and receivables are carried at amortized cost. Since the Group’s securities meet the criteria in accordance with IAS 39.9 for application of the fair value option, securities are recognized at fair value through profit or loss. There are no held-to-maturity financial instruments.
Other investments
Investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures, and associates that are not included in the consolidated financial statements by full consolidation, proportionate consolidation, or the equity method are reported under “other investments” at the lower of cost or market value.
Securities are carried at fair value. The fair value option is applied. Changes in the fair value are recognized through profit or loss in the income statement.
Income taxes
Income tax expense represents the total of current and deferred tax. Current tax is based on taxable income and is calculated using the tax rates currently applicable.
In accordance with IAS 12, all temporary differences between items in the consolidated financial statements and their tax bases are included in deferred taxes. Deferred tax assets on carryforwards of unused tax losses are recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the tax losses can be utilized.
The calculation of deferred taxes is based on the respective local income tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted.
Emission certificates
Emission certificates are measured at zero cost, as the rights have been allocated free of charge. In the case of under-allocation, proportional amounts for CO2 emission certificates are included in the other provisions. The necessary certificates are measured using the average hedged prices or the fair value at the balance sheet date.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value represents the estimated selling price less estimated costs of completion and estimated costs necessary to make the sale. In exceptional cases, the replacement cost of raw materials and supplies may serve as the basis of measurement in accordance with IAS 2.32.
The cost of inventories of the same type is determined by the weighted average price method or similar methods. Cost includes directly attributable costs and all pro-rated material and production overheads based on normal capacity utilization. Interest costs and general administrative and sales expenses are not recognized in inventory.
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables are stated at their nominal value. Credit insurance is acquired to cover individually identifiable risks. Non-interest- or low-interest-bearing receivables with a remaining period of more than one year are recognized at their discounted present value. Sold receivables, for which the default risk is transferred to the buyer and for which the seller assumes a contingent liability to the extent of the retained amount from credit insurances, are derecognized because the power of disposition has transferred to the buyer.
For construction contracts, the percentage of completion method is used to realize profit over time based on a reliable estimate of the degree of completion, total costs, and total revenue.
Accruals and deferrals are reported under other receivables and other liabilities.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash at banks, and checks and are carried at market value.
Pensions and other employee obligations
Pensions and other employee obligations include provisions for severance payments, for pensions, and long-service bonuses and are recognized in accordance with IAS 19 using the projected unit credit method.
Employees of Austrian entities who started their employment before January 1, 2003, receive a lump-sum payment if their employment is terminated by the employer or if they retire. The amount to be paid depends on the number of years of service and the employee’s salary or wage at the time employment ends. For employees who started their employment after December 31, 2002, severance obligations are transferred to a contribution-based system. The contributions to external employee pension funds are recognized as expenses.
Both defined contribution and defined benefit pension plans exist within the Group. Defined contribution plans involve no additional future obligations after the payment of premiums. Defined benefit plans guarantee the employee a specified pension, which is based on a certain percentage of salaries or wages depending on years of service or on a valorized fixed amount per year of service. Defined benefit obligations are stated in the annual financial statements of the respective entities until the contractual vesting date. After that date the pensions are transferred to a pension fund.
In accordance with IAS 19.93A, actuarial gains and losses in respect of severance and pension obligations are recognized directly in equity in the year in which they are incurred. Actuarial gains and losses in respect of provisions for long-service bonuses are recognized immediately in profit or loss.
The calculation of employee benefits in all countries where the Group has material operations is based on the following parameters:
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2008/09 |
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2009/10 |
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Interest rate (%) |
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5.75 |
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5.25 |
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Salary/wage increases (%) |
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3.75 |
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3.50 |
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Pension increases (%) |
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2.50 |
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2.50 |
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Retirement age men/women (years) |
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max. 65 |
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max. 65 |
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Mortality tables |
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AVÖ |
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AVÖ |
Interest expenses resulting from employee benefits are included in the consolidated income statement under finance costs.
Other provisions
Other provisions due to present obligations arising from past events, where it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, are stated at the amount that reflects the most probable value based on a reliable estimate. Provisions are discounted where the effect is material.
Liabilities
Liabilities, except liabilities from derivative financial instruments, are stated at amortized cost.
Stock option program
A resolution approving a stock option plan for members of the Management Board and executives of the voestalpine Group was passed at the Annual General Meeting on July 5, 2006.
These stock options can be exercised at any time between July 1, 2008, and June 30, 2011, in compliance with the Issuer Compliance Directive. The options can be exercised if the participant is a current employee or member of the Management Board of voestalpine AG or a Group company.
Each option entitles the participant to receive one voestalpine AG share after the exercise requirements have been fulfilled. voestalpine AG’s intention at the time the options were granted was to provide settlement in shares. The holder of the option has no choice of settlement. Under IFRS 2, the transaction is therefore considered a share-based payment transaction.
Due to the changed circumstances after the acquisition of BÖHLER-UDDEHOLM Aktiengesellschaft, the Management Board of voestalpine AG has decided to settle the obligation related to the options in cash. Options (personnel expenses) are carried at fair value at the time of the grant. The offsetting entry is recorded directly in equity.
The cash settlement on the exercise date is also recognized directly in equity.
Employee stock ownership plan
The employee stock ownership plan is based on the appropriation of a part of the salary and wage increase due to collective bargaining agreements over several business years. For the first time in the business year 2000/01, employees received voestalpine AG shares in return for a 1% lower salary or wage increase.
In each of the business years 2002/03, 2003/04, 2005/06, 2007/08, and 2008/09, between 0.3% and 0.5% of the total amount of wages and salaries required for the increase were used to provide voestalpine AG shares to employees. The actual amount is calculated from the monthly amount of wages and salaries waived, based on November 1, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2008, applying an annual increase of 3.5%.
The Works Council and the Company concluded an agreement for implementation of the employee stock ownership plan. Shares are acquired by the voestalpine Mitarbeiterbeteiligung Privatstiftung (a private foundation for the Company’s employee share holding scheme), which transfers the shares to employees according to the wages and salaries they have waived. The value of the consideration provided is independent of price fluctuations. Therefore, IFRS 2 does not apply to the allocation of shares based on lower collective bargaining agreements.
In addition, employee bonuses are partially provided in the form of shares. Under IFRS 2, share-based payments settled with equity instruments are recognized as personnel expenses at fair value, with the offsetting entry recognized directly in equity.
On March 31, 2010, the voestalpine Mitarbeiterbeteiligung Privatstiftung (a private foundation for the Company’s employee shareholding scheme) held approximately 13.3% of voestalpine AG’s shares in trust for employees.
