2 SUMMARY OF MATERIAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

These financial statements are the consolidated financial statements of Tecan Group Ltd. and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the ‘Group’) for the year ended December 31, 2023. The financial statements are prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards and their interpretations issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

The financial statements are presented in Swiss francs (CHF), rounded to the nearest thousand. They are prepared on the historical cost basis except for derivative financial instruments, one investment in an unquoted equity instrument and contingent considerations in connection with business combinations, which are stated at their fair value.

The consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on March 7, 2024. Final approval is subject to acceptance by the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on April 18, 2024.

The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make assumptions and estimates that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of these financial statements. If in the future such assumptions and estimates deviate from the actual circumstances, the original assumptions and estimates will be modified as appropriate in the year in which the circumstances change.

The valuation of the following material positions is based on critical accounting estimates and judgments:

The Group applies the cost-to-cost method in accounting for performance obligations satisfied over time as outlined in the accounting and valuation principles (see note 2.8.1). The use of the cost-to-cost method requires management to determine the stage of completion by reference to the contract costs incurred for work performed to date in proportion to the estimated total contract costs. Based on the estimated stage of completion, a respective portion of the expected revenue is recognized. If circumstances arise that may change the original estimates of revenues, costs or extent of progress towards completion, estimates are revised. These revisions may result in increases or decreases in estimated revenues or costs and are reflected in the statement of profit or loss in the period in which the circumstances that give rise to the revision become known to the management. See notes 4 and 23 for more details.

The Group established performance share matching plans. The number of matching shares is determined based on the following formula: number of shares from initial grant that qualify for matching shares, multiplied by the matching share factor. The matching share factor is dependent on the achievement of specific performance targets. In any case, the matching share factor will not be lower than 0.0 or higher than 2.5. A change in estimate of the matching share factors applied in the current period, will impact the results of future periods. See note 12.4 for more details.

On December 31, 2023, the net liability for current income taxes was CHF 13.8 million and the net asset for deferred taxes was CHF 6.5 million. Significant estimates are required in determining the current and deferred assets and liabilities for income taxes. Various internal and external factors may have favorable or unfavorable effects on the income tax assets and liabilities. These factors include, but are not limited to, changes in tax laws, regulations and/or rates (particularly in relation to the Swiss tax reform, see note 13.2.3 for more details), changing interpretations of existing tax laws or regulations (particularly in relation to the acceptance of intra-group transfer prices), and changes in overall levels of pre-tax earnings. Such changes could impact the assets and liabilities recognized in the balance sheet in the current and future periods.

In 2019, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) started a two-pillar approach to address the “Tax Challenges of the Digital Economy” resulting from the 2015 Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) project. A stated goal of the Pillar One proposal is to allocate a greater share of residual profits to market/user jurisdictions. The Pillar Two goal suggests an implementation of the proposed 15% global minimum tax. Tecan will be within the scope of Pillar Two.

The OECD and participating countries continue to work toward the implementation of a 15% global minimum corporate tax and some governments have begun to enact Pillar Two rules. In the public vote on June 18, 2023 Swiss voters approved a new constitutional provision on the implementation of the “Pillar Two Model Rules”. This provision gives the Swiss Federal Council the power to implement the “Pillar Two Model Rules” via a temporary ordinance. On December 22, 2023, the Swiss Federal Council decided to implement the Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax via the ordinance, starting for financial years on or after January 1, 2024. This Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax will provide for a 15% minimum taxation based on Pillar Two qualifying profits earned by companies domiciled in Switzerland (and not abroad). Other countries (mainly EU countries, UK, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, Malaysia) in which Tecan operates have enacted or substantively enacted tax legislation related to Pillar Two with effect in financial year 2024 or later. 

Although global enactment has begun, the OECD and participating countries continue to work on defining the underlying rules and administrative procedures. The Group is monitoring these developments and continue to assess our potential exposure from enactment of Pillar Two legislation. 

Based on the assessment carried out so far, only the enactment of Pillar Two legislation in Switzerland could eventually have an impact to our income taxes as from 2024. In other countries where the Group operates and that have (substantively) enacted Pillar Two legislation we do not expect any impact that is material to our income tax charge and cash flows.

In 2010, the Group entered into an OEM agreement with a global diagnostics company. The agreement comprises the development and supply of a dedicated diagnostic instrument. The related customer-specific development costs were capitalized in the position inventories as part of the production costs. The delivery of the instruments, which takes place over a period of more than 10 years, started in October 2014. The customer requests the units with individual purchase orders. The Group recognizes the corresponding development costs in cost of sales upon fulfilment of the individual purchase orders. The remaining balance of capitalized development costs as of December 31, 2023 amounted to CHF 20.6 million.

At December 31, 2023, the net realizable value of the position was higher than the capitalized development costs. However, the assessment is highly dependent on the best estimate of the future sales quantity. A decrease in estimate could require write-downs in future periods.

After the technical feasibility of in-house developed products has been demonstrated, the Group starts to capitalize the related development costs until the product is ready for market launch. However, there can be no guarantee that such products will complete the development phase or will be commercialized, or that market conditions will not change in the future, requiring a revision of management’s assessment of future cash flows related to those products. Such changes could lead to additional amortization and impairment charges. At the end of 2023, the Group has capitalized development costs in the amount of CHF 40.5 million as disclosed in note 21.

At December 31, 2023 total goodwill amounted to CHF 710.0 million. The Group performed the mandatory annual impairment tests at the end of June for Life Sciences Business and Partnering Business. Based on these tests, there was no need for the recognition of any impairment. However, the calculation of the recoverable amounts requires the use of estimates and assumptions. The key assumptions are disclosed in note 21.

The application of IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ requires the Group to make judgments and estimates that affect the valuation of the lease liabilities (see note 22) and the valuation of right-of-use assets (see note 20). These include: determining contracts in scope of IFRS 16, determining the contract term and determining the interest rate used for discounting of future cash flows. The lease term determined by the Group generally comprises non-cancellable period of lease contracts, periods covered by an option to extend the lease if the Group is reasonably certain to exercise that option and periods covered by an option to terminate the lease if the Group is reasonably certain not to exercise that option. The extent to which options have been included in the valuation is shown in Note 20.2.

The accounting policies are consistent with those applied in the previous year, except for the introduction of the following amended standards, effective as from January 1, 2023:

1. IAS = International Accounting Standards

The Group has adopted ‘International Tax Reform – Pillar Two Model Rules – Amendments to IAS 12’ upon their release in May 2023. The amendments provide a temporary mandatory exception from deferred tax accounting for the top-up tax, which is effective immediately, and require new disclosures about the Pillar Two exposure as from December 31, 2023.

The adoption of the amended standards did not result in material changes to the Group’s accounting policies.

The following new and revised/amended standards and interpretations have been issued, but are not yet effective and are not applied early in these consolidated financial statements:

1. IAS = International Accounting Standards, IFRS = IFRS Accounting Standards

The Group intends to adopt these standards, if applicable, when they become effective. The changes, individually and in the aggregate, are not expected to have a significant impact on the balance sheet, results of operations and cash flows of the Group upon adoption.

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has the right to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. 

On the loss of control, the Group de-recognizes the assets and liabilities of the subsidiary, any non-controlling interests and other components of equity related to the subsidiary. Any resulting gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss.

When control is transferred in the event of a business combination, the Group is applying the acquisition method at the acquisition date.

Intra-Group balances and transactions, and any unrealized profits arising from intra-Group transactions, are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Generally, all Group companies have identified their local currency as their functional currency. Transactions in other currencies are initially reported using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Gains and losses from the settlement of such transactions, as well as gains and losses on translation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in other currencies, are included in profit or loss. 

Translation differences arising on intra-Group loans that, in substance, are part of the net investment in a foreign operation, are recognized initially in other comprehensive income and reclassified from equity to profit or loss on disposal of the foreign operation. 

Upon consolidation, assets and liabilities of Group companies using functional currencies other than Swiss francs (foreign entities) are translated into Swiss francs (presentation currency) using year-end exchange rates. Revenues, expenses and cash flows are translated at the average exchange rates for the year. Translation differences due to the changes in exchange rates between the beginning and the end of the year and the difference between net profits translated at the average and year-end exchange rates are recognized in other comprehensive income. On the disposal of a foreign operation, the identified cumulative currency translation differences relating to that foreign operation, recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the separate component of equity, are reclassified from equity to profit or loss (as a reclassification adjustment) when the gain or loss on disposal is recognized.

Sale of standard instruments and other goods such as spare parts, trade products, consumables or reagents – The sale of standard instruments and other goods is generally considered as one performance obligation. The Group recognizes revenue at the point in time, when control of the asset is transferred to the customer, generally upon delivery.

Sale of complex instruments – The sale of complex instruments generally follows the same principles as the sale of standard instruments. However, as the sale of a complex instrument requires significant installation and application work at the customer’s site, control of the asset is only transferred and accordingly revenue recognized upon the written acceptance by the customer. For sales orders with multiple instruments and high integrations costs, the Group determines the number of performance obligations individually and assesses whether the performance obligation(s) is/are satisfied over time. For revenue to be recognized over time, the following criteria must be fulfilled cumulatively: The Group’s performance does not create an asset with an alternative use to the Group and the Group has an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date.

Contract manufacturing (‘Partnering Business’) – Manufacturing services comprise the material management and the manufactory/assembly of instruments based on the customer’s design input. Normally these performance obligations fulfill the criteria for revenue recognition over time. For revenue to be recognized over time, the following criteria must be fulfilled cumulatively: The Group’s performance does not create an asset with an alternative use to the Group and the Group has an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date.

Engineering services without delivery of instruments (‘Partnering Business’) – Engineering services are generally considered as one performance obligation. Revenue is recognized upon finalization of the project (at a point in time). For larger engineering orders that follow a standard milestone process, the Group assesses whether the performance obligation is satisfied over time. For revenue to be recognized over time, the following criteria must be fulfilled cumulatively: The Group’s performance does not create an asset with an alternative use to the Group and the Group has an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date.

Sale of customized instruments (‘Partnering Business’) – The sale of customized instruments comprises the development and supply of instruments with a customer-specific design. The development (adaption of existing Tecan-technology to the customer’s specifications) and supply of the instruments is generally considered as one performance obligation due to the limited usability of and control over the pure development result for the customer. Therefore, the related customer-specific development costs are capitalized in the position inventories as part of the production costs. Once the development is completed, the customer requests the units with individual purchase orders. The Group recognizes the corresponding development costs in cost of sales upon fulfilment of the individual purchase orders.

Performance obligations satisfied over time– method of revenue recognition and presentation (sale of complex instruments, contract manufacturing and engineering services) – The progress is generally measured by using a cost-to-cost approach: costs incurred for the work performed to date in proportion to the estimated total project costs. According to the progress, pro rata sales are recognized in the statement of profit or loss. In the balance sheet, projects in progress – netted against customers’ advances – are recognized as net assets (included in the position ‘contract assets’) or net liabilities (included in the position ‘contract liabilities’). When it is probable that the total costs will exceed contract revenue, the rules of IAS 37 – ‘Onerous Contracts’ are applied.

Service contracts – Revenue from service contracts is recognized over time based on the time elapsed.

Warranty obligations – The Group provides standard warranties for the repair of defects that existed at the time of sale, as required by law. These warranties qualify as assurance-type warranties under IFRS 15, which the Group accounts for under IAS 37 ‘Provisions’. In addition, the Group offers warranty extensions to its customers. Such warranty extensions are accounted for as service-type warranties according to IFRS 15, representing separate performance obligations to which the Group allocates a portion of the consideration based on the relative stand-alone selling price. For these service-type warranties, revenue is recognized over time based on the time elapsed.

Bundles of goods and services – Typically, instruments are sold together with other goods and services. The sale of other goods such as spare parts or consumables and services such as additional training or application work that are part of the same contract with a customer (bundles of goods and services), but qualify for the identification of separate performance obligations, are recognized separately from the sale of the instrument as revenues. The consideration (including any discounts) is allocated in proportion to the relative stand-alone selling prices of the identified performance obligations.

Chief operating decision maker  - Segment information is presented in the same manner as in the internal reporting to the chief operating decision maker. The chief operating decision maker, responsible for strategic decisions, for the assessment of the segments’ performance and for the allocation of resources to the segments, is the Board of Directors of Tecan Group Ltd.

Reportable segments -The following reportable segments were identified: 

• Life Sciences Business (end-customer business): The business segment ‘Life Sciences Business’ supplies end users with automated workflow solutions directly. These solutions include laboratory instruments, software packages, application know-how, services, consumables and spare parts. 
• Partnering Business (OEM business): The business segment ‘Partnering Business’ develops and manufactures OEM instruments and components that are distributed by partner companies under their own names.

Operating segments / segment assets and liabilities - The operating segments are equivalent to the reportable segments. No operating segments have been aggregated. Segment assets, purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets as well as segment liabilities are not reported to the chief operating decision maker. 

Government grants are recognized where there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and all attached conditions will be complied with. When the grant relates to an expense item, it is recognized as other operating income on a systematic basis over the periods that the related costs, for which it is intended to compensate, are expensed. When the grant relates to an asset, it is initially recognized in deferred income and subsequently released as other operating income in equal amounts over the expected useful life of the related asset. The Group receives government grants for research activities and in connection with COVID-19 related government support programs, mainly in the form of temporary payments to social security funds on behalf of the Group and subsidies for production lines in order to increase the supply of critical consumables.

Defined benefit plans - The Group has both defined contribution and defined benefit retirement plans. Defined contribution plans are retirement benefit plans under which the Group pays fixed contributions into a separate fund and will have no legal or constructive obligation to pay further contributions if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employee benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods. All other retirement benefit plans are defined benefit plans.

Liability for post-employment benefits – The liability recognized in the balance sheet regarding defined benefit retirement benefit plans is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period less the fair value of plan assets for funded plans. The defined benefit obligation is calculated annually by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method, considering possible risk sharing arrangements.

Asset for post-employment benefits – When the calculation results in a benefit to the Group, the recognized asset is limited to the present value of economic benefits available in the form of any future refunds from the plan or reductions in future contributions to the plan. 

Defined benefit costs – The components of defined benefit costs are as follows:

• Service costs, which are recognized in the statement of profit or loss within operating result
• Interest expense or income on net liability or asset, which is recognized in the statement of profit or loss within financial result
• Remeasurements, which are recognized in other comprehensive income

Service costs – Service costs include current service costs, past service costs and gains or losses on plan curtailments and settlements. When the benefits of a plan are changed, or when a plan is curtailed or settled, the portion of the changed benefits related to employee service in prior periods (past service costs), or the gains or losses on curtailments and settlements, are recognized immediately in profit or loss when the plan amendments or curtailments and settlements occur. 

Interest expense or income – Interest expense or income is calculated by applying the discount rate to the net defined benefit liability or asset, considering any changes in the net defined benefit liability or asset during the period as a result of contribution and benefit payments.

Remeasurements – Remeasurements arising from defined benefit plans comprise actuarial gains and losses, the return on plan assets (excluding interest income) and the effect of the asset ceiling (if applicable). Remeasurements are recognized in other comprehensive income and cannot be reclassified to profit or loss. 

Long-service leave benefits – The method of accounting for liabilities concerning long-service leave benefits is similar to the one used for defined benefit retirement plans.

Defined contribution plans – Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit plans are recognized as an expense when employees have rendered service entitling them to the contributions.

Termination benefits result from either the Group’s decision to terminate the employee’s employment before the normal retirement date or an employee’s decision to accept an offer of benefits in exchange for the termination of employment. The event that gives rise to an obligation is the termination of employment rather than employee service. A liability for termination benefits is recognized at the earlier of when the Group can no longer withdraw the offer of the termination benefits and when the Group recognizes any related restructuring costs.

Amount recognized as an expense – The Group has introduced several equity-settled share-based compensation plans, for which the fair value of shares or share options granted is recognized within operating result and a corresponding increase in equity. The fair value is measured at grant date and spread over the period during which the employees become unconditionally entitled to the shares or share options (vesting period). The amount recognized as an expense is adjusted by an expected forfeiture rate to reflect the expected number of shares or share options that will vest.

Fair value at grant – The fair value of the shares granted represents the market value of one Tecan share adjusted for expected dividend payments during the vesting period. The fair value of the share options granted is measured using a trinomial model, considering the terms and conditions upon which the share options were granted.

Current and deferred income taxes – Income tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognized in the statement of profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity (transactions with owners), in which case it is recognized in other comprehensive income or equity.

Deferred taxes on temporary differences – Deferred taxes are provided using the balance sheet liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The following temporary differences are not provided for: goodwill not deductible for tax purposes, the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affects neither accounting profit nor taxable profit, and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they will probably not reverse in the foreseeable future. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realization or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantially enacted at the balance sheet date.

Realization of tax benefits - Deferred tax assets resulting from temporary differences and tax loss carry-forwards are recognized only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the asset can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized. 

Deferred taxes provided on expected dividends from subsidiaries – In addition, deferred taxes are provided on expected future dividend distributions from subsidiary companies (non-recoverable withholding taxes).

Measurement category: Financial assets at amortized cost without significant financing component

These financial assets are initially measured at the transaction price (nominal value). Subsequently the transaction price is reduced by impairment losses (see below). Foreign exchange gains/losses and impairment are recognized in profit or loss. Any gain or loss on de-recognition is recognized in profit or loss.

Accounting for impairment losses on receivables: The Group recognizes an allowance for impairment that represents its estimate of lifetime expected credit losses, applying the simplified approach according to IFRS 9. The Group has established a provision matrix that is based on the Group’s historical credit loss experience, adjusted for forward-looking factors specific to the economic environment.

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and time deposits with a term of three months or less from the date of acquisition. Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Group’s cash management are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the statement of cash flows.

Measurement category: Financial assets at amortized cost with significant financing component

These financial assets are initially measured at fair value plus transaction costs that are directly attributable to their acquisition. Subsequently the financial instrument is measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The amortized cost is reduced by impairment losses. Interest income, foreign exchange gains/losses and impairment are recognized in profit or loss. Any gain or loss on de-recognition is recognized in profit or loss.

Measurement category: Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL)

These financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at fair value without any transaction costs, the latter being directly expensed. Subsequently these financial instruments continue to be measured at fair value. Net gains and losses are recognized in profit or loss.

The Group uses derivative financial instruments to economically hedge certain exposures to foreign exchange rate risks.

Measurement category: Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI)

This category only includes equity instruments which the Group intends to hold for the foreseeable future. The classification is determined upon initial recognition on an investment-by-investment basis and is irrevocable.

The financial asset is initially measured at fair value plus transaction costs that are directly attributable to its acquisition. Subsequently the financial instrument continues to be measured at fair value. Net gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive income and are not recycled to profit or loss on de-recognition. Dividends are recognized as income in profit or loss unless the dividend clearly represents a recovery of part of the cost of the investment.

Measurement category: Financial liabilities at amortized cost without significant financing component

These financial liabilities are initially measured at the transaction price (nominal value). Subsequently these financial instruments continue to be measured at the transaction price. Foreign exchange gains/losses are recognized in profit or loss. Any gain or loss on de-recognition is recognized in profit or loss.

Measurement category: Financial liabilities at amortized cost with significant financing component

These financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value plus transaction costs that are directly attributable to their acquisition. Subsequently these financial instruments are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Interest expenses and foreign exchange gains/losses are recognized in profit or loss. Any gain or loss on de-recognition is recognized in profit or loss.

Inventories are stated at the lower of purchase or production cost and net realizable value. Production costs include raw materials, components and semi-finished products, direct production costs (internal labor and external services) and production overheads. The Group applies the weighted average cost method except for contract manufacturing for which the FIFO cost formula is more appropriate. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale. Provisions are made for slow-moving items and obsolete items are written off.

Valuation – Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation (see below) and impairment losses (see separate accounting policy). The cost of self-constructed assets includes the cost of materials, direct labor and an appropriate proportion of production overheads and borrowing costs, if they are directly attributable to a qualifying asset.

Depreciation – Depreciation is charged to the statement of profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of items of property, plant and equipment from the date they are available for use. The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each financial year-end and adjusted if appropriate.

Component approach – Where parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items of property, plant and equipment (component approach).

Repair and maintenance – Costs for repair and maintenance are recognized as an expense as incurred.

Commencement date, lease term and options – The Group recognizes a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the date the underlying asset is available for use (lease commencement date). The Group determines the lease term as the non-cancellable term of the lease, together with any periods covered by an option to extend the lease if it is reasonably certain to be exercised, or any periods covered by an option to terminate the lease, if it is reasonably certain not to be exercised. For this purpose, the non-cancellable lease term is compared with an internal benchmark lease term. An optional term that begins after the benchmark lease term is generally not considered. For option events that take place earlier, management assesses the circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

Right-of-use assets – Right-of-use assets are initially measured at cost, and subsequently at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses and adjusted for any remeasurement of the lease liability. The cost of right-of-use assets includes the amount of lease liabilities recognized, any lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received, any initial direct costs incurred, and restoration costs. Unless the Group is reasonably certain to obtain ownership of the leased asset at the end of the lease term, the recognized right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of its estimated useful life and the lease term.

Lease liabilities / initial measurement – At the commencement date of the lease, the Group recognizes lease liabilities measured at the present value of the lease payments (excluding any non-lease components) to be made over the lease term. The lease payments include fixed payments less any incentives receivable, variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, and amounts expected to be paid under residual value guarantees. The lease payments also include the exercise price of a purchase option reasonably certain to be exercised by the Group and payments of penalties for terminating a lease, if the lease term reflects the Group exercising the option to terminate. The variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or a rate are recognized as expense in the period on which the event or condition that triggers the payment occurs.

Lease liabilities / subsequent measurement – After the commencement date, the amount of lease liabilities is increased to reflect the accretion of interest and reduced for the lease payments made. In addition, the carrying amount of lease liabilities is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in index or rate, a change in the estimated of the amount expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee, or as appropriate, changes in the assessment of whether a purchase or renewal option is reasonable certain to be exercised or a termination option is reasonably certain not to be exercised.

Discount rate – In calculating the present value of the lease liability the Group is using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be determined, the Group’s incremental borrowing rate.

Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets – The Group applies the short-term lease recognition exemption to its short-term leases of property. These leases have a lease term of 12 months or less from the commencement date and do not contain a purchase option. It also applies the lease of low-value assets recognition exemption to leases of service equipment that are low value. Lease payments on short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Software – Expenditure on the implementation of software, including licenses and external consulting fees, is capitalized.

Research costs – Expenditure on research activities, undertaken with the prospect of gaining new scientific or technical knowledge and understanding, is recognized in profit or loss as incurred. 

Development costs – Development activities involve a plan or design for the production of new or substantially improved products and processes. Development expenditure is capitalized only if development costs can be measured reliably, the product is technically and commercially feasible, future economic benefits are probable, and the Group intends to and has sufficient resources to complete development and to use or sell the asset. The expenditure capitalized includes the cost of materials, external services, personnel, temporary employees, overhead and borrowing costs, if they are directly attributable to a qualifying asset. Other development expenditure is recognized in profit or loss as incurred. 

Intangible assets acquired in a business combination – All identifiable intangible assets that are recognized applying the acquisition method are stated initially at fair value. The following valuation methods are used to determine the fair values at the acquisition date: multi-period excess earnings method, relief from royalty method and replacement cost approach. 

Valuation and amortization – Intangible assets are measured at cost less accumulated amortization (see below) and impairment losses (see separate accounting policy). Amortization is charged to the statement of profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets. Intangible assets are amortized from the date they are available for use. The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Goodwill – Goodwill represents the future economic benefits arising from a business combination that are not capable of being individually identified and separately recognized as assets or liabilities.

Initial measurement – For acquisitions, the Group measures goodwill at the acquisition date as

• the fair value of the consideration transferred, plus
• the recognized amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree, plus 
• if the business combination is achieved in stages, the fair value of existing equity interest in the acquiree, less
• the net recognized amount of the identifiable net assets acquired.

When the excess is negative, a bargain purchase gain is recognized immediately in profit or loss.

Subsequent measurement – After initial recognition, the Group measures goodwill at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the goodwill might be impaired. 

Recognition of an impairment loss – The carrying amount of the Group’s non-financial assets other than inventories, contract assets and deferred tax assets, is reviewed at each balance sheet date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If such indication exists, the asset’s recoverable amount, being the higher of its fair value less costs of disposal and its value in use, is estimated. Goodwill, intangible assets with indefinite useful lives and intangible assets not yet available for use are tested for impairment at least annually. An impairment loss is recognized in the statement of profit or loss whenever the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount.

Reversal of an impairment loss – Impairment losses recognized in prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any indications that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss is reviewed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if no impairment loss had been recognized. An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed.

Recognition of a provision – Provisions are recognized when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate of the amount can be made. If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows.

Provision for warranties and returns – A provision for warranties is recognized when the underlying products or services are sold. The provision is based on historical data.