2023 universal registration document

Accounting principles

Finance costs, net

Net financial debt consists of all current and non-current financial borrowings and debt, less cash and cash equivalents.

Net finance costs consist of income and expenses arising on the items making up net financial debt during the accounting period, including gains and losses on the corresponding foreign exchange rate hedges.

Borrowings and debt

Borrowings and debt are valued at amortised cost based on an effective interest rate.

In accordance with the principle of fair value hedge accounting, fixed-rate borrowings and debt swapped at a floating rate are valued on the balance sheet at market value. The resulting changes in value are recorded as finance costs and are offset by changes in the value of the related interest rate swaps.

The fair value of fixed-rate debt is determined by the discounted cash flow method using bond yield curves at the closing date, allowing for the spread corresponding to the Group’s risk class to be taken into account.

The carrying amount of floating-rate debt is a reasonable approximation of its fair value.

Medium and long-term borrowings and debt are recorded under Non-current liabilities. Short-term borrowings and debt as well as the current portion of mediuM and long-term borrowings and debt are presented under Current liabilities.

Cash and cash equivalent

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash in bank accounts, units of cash unit trusts and liquid short-term investments with a negligible risk of changes in value and a maturity date of less than three months at the date of acquisition.

Investments in shares and cash, which are held in an account blocked for more than three months, cannot be recorded under cash and are presented under Other current assets.

Bank overdrafts considered to be financing are presented in Current borrowings and debt.

The money-market unit trusts are classified as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss. As such, they are valued in the balance sheet at their market value at the closing date. Any related unrealised gains are accounted for in Finance costs, Net in the income statement.

The carrying amount of bank deposits is a reasonable approximation of their fair value.

Non-current financial assets

Non-current financial assets include investments in non-consolidated companies and long-term loans and receivables maturing after more than 12 months.

Investments in non-consolidated companies are classified as financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income. As such, they are valued on the basis of their fair value, and unrealised losses and gains are accounted for through equity on the line Other comprehensive income.

The fair value of listed securities is determined on the basis of the share price at the closing date. For unlisted securities, in the absence of specific events, their acquisition cost is deemed to be the best possible estimate of fair value.

Long-term loans and receivables are considered to be assets generated by the business. As such, they are valued at amortised cost. If there is an indication of a loss in value, a provision for impairment is recorded.