B. Summary of accounting policies

General information

The accounting policies applied to the consolidated financial statements are consistent with those of the previous year with the exceptions listed below.

The following new and revised standards were adopted for the first time in the business year 2014/15:

IFRS 10 comprehensively redefines the concept of control. This is intended to create a uniform basis for defining the consolidated group. This standard replaces the provisions of the previous IAS 27 “Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements” for consolidated financial statements.

IFRS 11 governs the accounting of entities that jointly control an arrangement that is classified either as a joint venture or a joint operation. This standard replaces IAS 31 “Interests in Joint Ventures” and eliminates the possibility of proportionate consolidation of joint ventures; these are to be included in the consolidated group in the future using equity method accounting. IAS 28 now includes the provisions for associates and joint ventures that are measured based on the equity method under IFRS 11. Starting with the business year 2014/15, the results of entities consolidated according to the equity method are reported under EBIT in the consolidated financial statements. Amended disclosure in EBIT reflects the operational nature of investments accounted for using the equity method. Analogous to corporations, the annual profits (net including taxes) of partnerships included in the consolidated financial statements according to the equity method are also recorded under EBIT. voestalpine Tubulars GmbH and voestalpine Tubulars GmbH & Co KG were proportionately consolidated up to March 31, 2014, and, beginning with the business year 2014/15, the equity method is being applied. The currently seven associates and two further joint ventures, which were already previously accounted for using the equity method, are also recognized in EBIT.

IFRS 12 includes the disclosure requirements for subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associates, and unconsolidated structured entities, which resulted in additional disclosures in the consolidated financial statements of voestalpine AG.

Changes to IFRS 10, IFRS 11, and IFRS 12 were published in June 2012 in order to clarify the content and scope of certain guidelines regarding their first-time application.

Changes to IFRS 10, IFRS 12, and IAS 27 were published in October 2012 in order to create an exception for qualified investment entities from the regulation requiring consolidation of subsidiaries.

The amendments to IAS 32 clarify the requirements for offsetting financial instruments in the statement of financial position; as a result, new provisions governing disclosures have been added to IFRS 7.

The changes to IAS 36 represent a correction of disclosure requirements regarding the recoverable amount for non-financial assets that were changed to a greater extent than intended in connection with IFRS 13.

Due to the change to IAS 39, the novation of a hedging instrument to a central counterparty as a result of statutory requirements does not result in a dissolution of a hedge relationship under certain conditions.

In order to reflect the adjustments caused by the application of IFRS 11 and the change in the method of disclosure for results of entities consolidated according to the equity method (formerly reported as part of the financial result; from April 1, 2014 onward, reported as part of EBIT), the business year 2013/14 was retroactively adjusted. In these consolidated financial statements, the tax effects on hybrid capital interest and on costs associated with issuing hybrid capital are furthermore reported directly in equity (and no longer in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income) in accordance with IAS 8. These two items were also retroactively adjusted in the comparative period of 2013/14.

The consequences of the described retroactive adjustments are as follows:

The positive income tax expense effect on hybrid capital interest of EUR 17.8 million in the business year 2013/14 has now been recognized retroactively directly in equity rather than in the statement of comprehensive income.

With the exception of the described effects of IFRS 11, the new and revised standards had no material effects on voestalpine AG’s consolidated financial statements.

The following standards are already published as of the reporting date, but their application was not yet mandatory for the business year 2014/15 or they have not been adopted by the European Union:

Adopted by the European Union as of the reporting date:

Published by IASB but not adopted by the European Union as of the reporting date:

These standards—in so far as they have been adopted by the European Union—are not being adopted early by the Group. From today’s perspective, material effects of the new and revised standards on the voestalpine Group’s financial situation and profitability are not expected.

The use of automated calculation systems may result in rounding differences.

Basis of consolidation

The annual financial statements of fully consolidated entities are prepared using uniform accounting policies. For entities included using the equity method (associates and joint ventures), local accounting policies and different reporting dates (see “Investments” appendix to the notes) are maintained due to considerations regarding cost and benefit 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 at the time of acquisition in profit or loss. The hidden reserves and/or hidden losses attributed to the non-controlling interests are also accounted for.

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 reporting 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 reporting date are recognized in the consolidated income statement.

Currency exchange rates (ECB fixing) of key currencies have changed as follows:

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 reporting 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 further periods:

• Recoverability of assets
  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. See therefore Chapter B. Summary of accounting policies, section impairment testing of goodwill, other intangible assets, and property, plant and equipment, as well as the Chapters 9. Property, plant and equipment, 10. Goodwill, and 11. Other intangible assets.
• Recoverability of financial instruments
  Where the assessment of the recoverability of financial instruments cannot be derived from active markets, it is determined using alternative actuarial models. The underlying parameters used in the determination of the fair values are based partially on assumptions concerning the future. See therefore Chapter B. Summary of accounting policies, section financial instruments, as well as Chapter 23. Financial instruments.
• Pensions and other employee obligations
  The valuation of existing severance payment and pension obligations is based on assumptions regarding interest rate, retirement age, life expectancy, and future salary/wage increases. See therefore Chapter B. Summary of accounting policies, section pensions and other employee obligations, as well as Chapter 18. Pensions and other employee obligations.
• Assets and liabilities associated with acquisitions
  Estimates associated with determining the fair value of identified assets, liabilities, and contingent considerations are required in the context of acquisitions. All available information about the situation at the acquisition date is applied in this procedure. The fair values of buildings and land are typically determined by external experts or experts within the Group. Intangible assets are measured using appropriate valuation methods depending on the type of asset and the availability of information. These measurements are closely connected with assumptions about the future development of estimated cash flows as well as the applied discount rates.
  
  Information concerning acquisitions that take place during the reporting period is reported under Chapter D. Acquisitions and other additions to the scope of consolidated financial statements.
• Other provisions
  Other provisions due to present obligations arising from past events, which lead to an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits, are stated at the amount that reflects the most probable value based on a reliable estimate. Provisions are discounted where the effect is material. For details concerning provisions see Chapter B. Summary of accounting policies, section other provisions, as well as Chapter 19. Provisions.
• 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. The calculation of deferred taxes is based on the respective local income tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted. The recognition and measurement of current and deferred taxes is subject to numerous uncertainties.
  
  The voestalpine Group’s international scope means that the Group falls within multiple tax jurisdictions in the respective relevant tax jurisdictions. The tax items presented in the financial statements were established with regard for the particular tax regulations, and, because of their complexity, may possibly support interpretations that vary between taxpayers and local finance authorities. Since varying interpretations of tax laws may lead to additional tax payments for past years as a result of company audits, they are included in the analysis based on the assessment by company management.
  
  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.
  
  For further information see Chapter B. Summary of accounting policies, section income taxes, as well as the Chapters 8. Income taxes and 13. Deferred taxes.
• Legal risks
  As an internationally active company, the voestalpine Group is subject to legal risks. The results of present or future legal disputes are generally not predictable and may have a material effect on the Group’s net assets, financial position, and results of operations. In order to reliably assess the obligations, the basic information and assumptions are continually reviewed by management and used for further evaluation both internally and by external legal counsel. Provisions are made to cover probably present obligations, including a reliable estimate of legal costs. If the future outflow of resources is not probable, or if the confirmation of actual events is not within the company’s control, the option of recording a contingent liability is considered.

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 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 is 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 26.1 million (2013/14: EUR 20.3 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 126.7 million (2013/14: EUR 128.4 million) in the business year 2014/15.

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:

With regard to 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.

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. All other leased assets 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 liabilities to the lessors are 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 and joint ventures.

Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units or groups of 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 and joint ventures also includes the carrying amount of goodwill.

Negative goodwill arising from an acquisition is immediately recognized as income.

On disposal of a subsidiary, the goodwill associated with the subsidiary is included in the determination of the profit or loss on disposal based on relative value in accordance with IAS 36.86.

Other intangible assets

Expenses for research activities, undertaken with the prospect of gaining new scientific or technical knowledge and understanding, are recognized as an expense as incurred. In accordance with IAS 38.57, development expenditure is capitalized if the relevant criteria are satisfied. 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:

Impairment testing of goodwill, other intangible assets, and property, plant and equipment

Cash-generating units or groups of 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 if there are any indications that impairment may have arisen.

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 or groups of cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from synergies of the related business combination and this must be on the lowest level at which the goodwill in question is monitored for internal management purposes.

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 higher of the fair value less cost to sell and the value in use. Impairment losses recognized with regard to cash-generating units or groups of cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated are first applied against the carrying amount of goodwill. Any remaining impairment loss reduces the carrying amounts of the assets of the cash-generating unit on a pro-rata basis. Insofar as the impairment test for goodwill is conducted for a group of cash-generating units, the individual cash-generating units are first tested for impairment and a possible impairment of assets is first recorded at this level.

With the exception of goodwill, impairment losses are reversed when previous indications of impairment no longer exist.

Financial instruments

Derivative financial instruments are used exclusively by voestalpine AG for the purpose of hedging the foreign currency risk, interest rate risk, and raw materials price risk. 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. Hedges of net investments in a foreign operation are reported according to the regulations of cash flow hedges pursuant to IAS 39.102.

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. The designation of fair value was selected to convey more useful information because this group of financial assets is managed according to their fair value, as documented in the risk management and investment strategy, and performance is observed and reported by means of fair value. 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 or the equity method are reported under other investments. They are held as “available for sale at cost” and measured at cost because these investments do not have a price quoted in an active market, and their fair value cannot be reliably determined. Only the non-consolidated investment in Energie AG Oberösterreich is measured at fair value as “available for sale at fair value” because the fair value of this company can be reliably determined based on the valuation report done once a year for Energie AG Oberösterreich as a whole.

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.

In accordance with IAS 12.39 and IAS 12.44, deferred taxes on differences resulting from investments in subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures were not recognized. Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for write-downs on investments claimed as tax deductions in Austria for the event that there are any possible future obligations to reverse the write-downs.

The calculation of deferred taxes is based on the respective local income tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted.

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 a similar method. Cost includes directly attributable costs and all pro-rated material and production overheads based on normal capacity utilization. Interest costs, general administrative expenses and distribution costs are not recognized in inventory.

Emission certificates

Free certificates are measured at zero cost over the entire holding period, as the rights have been allocated free of charge. Purchased emission certificates are recorded at actual cost under current assets and measured at fair value at the reporting date (limited by the actual cost).

In the case of under-allocation, amounts for CO₂ emission certificates are included in the other provisions. The measurement is based on the rate prevailing on the reporting date (or the carrying amount) of the relevant certificates.

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other receivables are stated at amortized cost. 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 are derecognized according to the provisions of IAS 39 (see Chapter 28. Disclosures of transactions not recorded in the statement of financial position).

When the outcome of a construction contract pursuant to IAS 11 can be estimated reliably, contract revenue and contract costs associated with the construction contract are recognized by reference to the stage of completion of the contract activity at the end of the reporting period (“percentage of completion method”), measured based on the proportion of contract costs incurred for work performed to date relative to the estimated total contract costs. When the outcome of a construction contract cannot be estimated reliably, contract revenue is recognized to the extent of contract cost incurred that is probably recoverable. Contract costs are recognized as expenses in the period in which they are incurred. When it is probable that total contract costs will exceed total contract revenue, the expected loss is immediately recognized as an expense.

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, pensions, and long-service bonuses and are recognized in accordance with IAS 19 using the projected unit credit method.

Actuarial gains and losses from severance and pension provisions are recognized directly in equity in the year in which they are incurred. Actuarial gains and losses from provisions for long-service bonuses are recognized immediately in profit or loss.

Severance obligations

Employees of Austrian entities who started their employment before January 1, 2003, are entitled to receive a severance 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.

Defined contribution plans

Defined contribution plans involve no future obligations after the payment of premiums to the managing pension fund or commercial insurance company.

Defined benefit plans

Defined benefit plans guarantee the employee a specified pension. The payment starts after retirement (or death or disability) and is continued until death of the former employee (or death of spouse). Widow’s and widower’s pensions (50% to 75% of the old age pension) are paid to the surviving spouse until death or remarriage. Orphans’ pensions (10% to 20% of the old age pension) are paid to dependent children until the end of their education but only up to the age of 27.

Longevity is the central risk within these defined benefit pension obligations. All calculations are made using the most recent mortality tables. Given a 10% relative decrease or increase in mortality, the DBO of pensions changes by +3.8% or respectively –3.4% on the reporting date. Other risks, such as the risk of rising costs of medical services, do not affect the obligations.

Almost all pension obligations within the Group cover vested claims.

Austria

The amount of the pension is either based on a certain percentage of the final salary depending on the years of service or on a valorized fixed amount per year of service. The predominant part of the defined benefit pension obligations is transferred to a pension fund although the obligation for subsequent payments remains within the company.

Germany

The different pension plans in Germany derive the amount of the pension from the following basics:

• A certain percentage of the final salary depending on the years of service
• An increasing percentage of a fixed target pension depending on the years of service
• A fixed pension amount
• A fixed, valorized amount per year of service linked to the average salary within the company
• A fixed, valorized amount per year of service

A small part of the pension rights are financed by insurers although the obligations themselves remain within the companies.

Netherlands

Pension rights of active members and beneficiaries are accommodated by a defined contribution plan. Pension entitlements of former employees and retirees are based upon a percentage of the total salary in any year of service. Benefits are paid through a commercial insurance company and the indexation of benefits is set by the industry’s pension fund. The employer may need to make additional payments to the insurer if returns of the funds held by the commercial insurer are insufficient to finance the agreed benefit increases. This scheme with the substantial obligations was closed for future participation of new entrants as of January 1, 2013.

The calculation of employee benefits in all countries where the Group has material operations is based on the following parameters:

Net interest expenses resulting from employee benefits are included in the consolidated income statement under finance costs.

Obligations from long-service bonuses

In most of the Austrian Group companies, employees are entitled to payment of a long-service bonus, which is based either on a collective agreement or a provision in a works agreement. This is a one-time payment when the anniversary of service has been reached; depending on the length of service, the bonus generally amounts to between one monthly salary and three monthly salaries.

Other provisions

Other provisions due to present obligations arising from past events, which lead to an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits, are stated at the amount that reflects the most probable value based on a reliable estimate. Provisions are discounted where the effect is material.

The assumptions that underlie the provisions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. The actual figures can deviate from the assumptions if the underlying circumstances as of the reporting date have not developed as expected. As soon as better information is available, changes are recognized through profit and loss and the assumptions are adjusted accordingly.

Please note that we are invoking the safeguard clause in accordance with IAS 37.92, according to which information about provisions is not provided if this could seriously and adversely impact the Company’s interests.

Contingent liabilities

Contingent liabilities are present obligations arising from past events, where it is not probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, or possible obligations arising from past events whose existence or non-existence depends on less certain future events, which are not within the company’s full control. When, in extremely rare cases, an existing debt cannot be stated in the statement of financial position as a provision because a reliable estimate of the debt is not possible, a contingent liability shall also be recognized.

With regard to possible obligations, we wish to point out that in accordance with IAS 37.92 information about contingent liabilities is not provided if this could seriously and adversely impact the Company’s interests.

Liabilities

Liabilities, except liabilities from derivative financial instruments, are stated at amortized cost.

Employee stock ownership plan

The employee stock ownership plan in Austrian Group companies 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, 2008/09, and 2014/15, 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, 2008, and 2014, applying an annual increase of 3.5%. In business years 2012/13 and 2013/14, an additional 0.3% and 0.27%, respectively, of the total amount of wages and salaries needed for the collective agreement pay increase for 2012 and 2013, respectively, were used to provide shares under the participation plan for those Austrian Group companies whose initial participation in the employee stock ownership plan had begun at a later date.

The Works Council and each company shall execute an agreement for implementation of the Austrian employee stock ownership plan. Shares are acquired by the voestalpine Mitarbeiterbeteiligung Privatstiftung (a private foundation for the Company’s employee shareholding 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.

An international participation model was developed for Group companies outside Austria, which was initially implemented in several companies in Great Britain and Germany in the business year 2009/10. Due to very positive experience gained in these pilot projects, the model was expanded in these two countries and introduced step by step in the Netherlands, in Poland, in Belgium, in the Czech Republic and in Italy, in the following business years. In the business year 2014/15, a total of 67 companies participated in the international employee stock ownership program in these seven countries.

On March 31, 2015, the voestalpine Mitarbeiterbeteiligung Privatstiftung held approximately 13.6% (March 31, 2014: 14.0%) of voestalpine AG’s shares in trust for employees.