5.Accounting and Valuation Principles

5.1.Estimates

Compiling the consolidated financial statements required estimates to be made that influence the assets, liabilities and equity, revenues, and expenses, as well as the figures disclosed in the notes.

In particular, estimates and assumptions are made in calculating provisions and in testing asset impairment.

Estimates and assumptions in the area of personnel provisions primarily involve interest rates, wage and salary trends and fluctuation.

The salary trend used to determine the provisions for pensions consists of the expected future increase of salaries and wages under collective agreements (ECB long-term inflation target plus a surcharge) and the average increases of salaries and wages.

The interest rate for discounting the provisions for pensions is determined by an external service provider on the basis of “high quality corporate bonds” and adjusted for the company's internal duration.

The interest rate for discounting the other non-current provisions is based on a no-risk interest rate determined on the basis of AAA-rated treasury bills.

In the course of testing the impairment of assets and goodwill, estimates are made concerning future cash flows and interest rates (see item 5.4 and following items).

To determine the useful lives of non-current assets, an estimate is made of the probable duration of the useful life of the assets for the company.

The estimates made May differ from the figures that actually result in the future and influence subsequent consolidated financial statements. In respect to the possible effects of changes in estimates, please refer to the sensitivity analyses concerning impairment testing and actuarial parameters.

5.2.Intangible Assets

The goodwill resulting from the acquisition of subsidiaries is reported under intangible assets. Goodwill is recognised at cost less accumulated impairment losses.

Other assets acquired by the Group that have limited useful lives are recognised at cost less accumulated depreciation, and accumulated impairment losses.

Under certain circumstances according to IAS 38 (Intangible Assets), development costs are to be capitalised as self-created intangible assets and subsequently amortised over their useful lives.

With the exception of goodwill, intangible assets are amortised over the period of the following estimated useful lives:

Costs for research activities with the prospect of providing new scientific or technical insights are recognised as expenses.

5.3.Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are recognised at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.

The costs include expenses that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset. The costs for self-constructed assets include:

• material costs and production wages, including material and production overheads. General administrative expenses are not capitalised
• all other costs directly attributable to bringing the assets into working condition for their intended use
• the estimated costs of dismantling and removing the objects and restoring the site
• capitalised borrowing costs

Subsequent expenses are only capitalised when it is probable that the future economic benefit associated with these expenses will flow to the Group. Ongoing repairs and maintenance are immediately recognised as expenses.

Property, plant and equipment are depreciated from the date on which they are available for use, or in the case of self-constructed assets, from the date the asset is completed and ready for use.

As far as different useful lives are to be applied for material non-current assets, these are recognised according to the component approach (IAS 16.43).

The depreciation of significant property, plant and equipment is recognised according to the following, Group-wide uniform useful lives:

5.4.Impairment of Goodwill

In the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or during the course of the year when an impairment indicator arises, any potentially incurred impairment losses are determined by subjecting the goodwill to an impairment test. For this, goodwill is allocated to units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. As a rule, the individual Group companies are identified as cash-generating units. In the Waste Management Segment, the Group companies are combined by country due to the existing management and reporting structures.

An impairment loss is recognised when the carrying amount of a cash generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount corresponds to the larger amount resulting from the fair value less the costs of disposal or the value in use. The value in use is determined by discounting future cash flows that are expected to be derived from a cash-generating unit. The fair value less cost of disposal is assessed from an external perspective, the value in use is assessed from the internal perspective of the company.

The cash flows used to determine the value in use are based on the five-year mid-term planning approved by the management board. The planning figures are based both on past experience and on external sources of information. The assumptions concerning cash flows beyond the period of detailed planning are based on analyses of the past as well as on forecasts for the future. Future restructuring and expansion investments are not included. A growth rate of 1.0% (previous year: 1.0% to 1.5%) is assumed for the time after the detailed planning period. The growth rate is derived from electricity prices and forecasts for future GDP growth, as well as expected increases in expenses. The assumptions concerning future GDP growth are based on European Commission publications. The testing of goodwill impairment is based on the goodwill's value in use.

The discount interest rate is an interest rate after taxes that reflects the current market estimates and the specific risks of the cash-generating unit.

5.4.1.Planning Assumptions in the Waste Management Segment

Planning in the Waste Management Segment is based on the Group-wide central planning assumptions concerning economic growth, inflation and the development of interest rates and exchange rates during the planning period.

Sales planning is based on detailed planning for the individual products and services of each location. In the area of incineration plants and major customers, single-customer planning based on contractual parameters was also used. For waste and recyclables, a price development was used for the planning period that was realistic to assume at the time of planning. For the other products and services, an expected course of business development was projected and the sales revenues from electricity and district heating were determined on the basis of contracts or prospective forecasting.

The recycling and throughput volumes were planned for the major waste disposal systems based on expected market developments, based on an expected throughput of 305,000 tonnes for the Wels waste incineration plant and 315,000 tonnes for the Lenzing waste recycling plant.

The material expense items such as personnel expenses, vehicle fleet costs, maintenance and taxes were planned in line with the sales and plant planning.

5.4.2.Planning Assumptions for the Water Segment

Planning for the Water Segment is based on centrally defined, country-specific planning parameters like the development of the inflation rate and economic growth, as well as interest rates and exchange rates.

Sales planning in the area of drinking water and waste water is based on a quantity and price structure which in turn is based on a trend for sales planning that is extrapolated from historical consumption data and the planning parameters. The planned drinking water and waste water prices have been determined by each planning unit, taking into consideration the existing contract data and estimates of the future development of expenses, and in compliance with any applicable general regulatory conditions.

For the planning of material expense items in the Water Segment, country-specific planning parameters were determined using the estimates of external analysts. In particular, this includes price developments for untreated water, chemicals, and fuels, as well as prices for electricity and gas.

A major planning assumption is that existing contracts for drinking water and waste water with the municipal bodies and water authorities are maintained.

5.5.Impairment of Other Intangible Assets and Property, Plant and Equipment

According to IAS 36 (Impairment of Assets), intangible assets and property, plant and equipment are to be subjected to an impairment test when there is evidence that an asset or cash-generating unit might be impaired or a previously recognised impairment needs to be reversed. An impairment is recognised when the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount of the asset or cash generating unit. The recoverable amount is the larger amount resulting from the fair value less the costs of disposal or the value in use.

The value in use is determined by discounting future cash flows that are expected to be derived from a cash-generating unit. The cash flows used to determine the value in use are based on the five-year mid-term planning approved by the management board. For the subsequent period, a perpetual annuity or a calculation up to the expected end of the useful life of the object is recognised. The planning figures are based both on past experience and on external sources of information. Future restructuring and expansion investments are not included. The discount interest rate is an interest rate after taxes that reflects the current market estimates and the specific risks of the cash-generating unit.

The fair value less cost of disposal is assessed from an external perspective, the value in use is assessed from the internal perspective of the company.

5.6.Investments

The measurement of investments in companies accounted for according to the equity method is increased or decreased according to the changes in equity and impairments/reversal of impairments in proportion to the capital share held.

5.7.Inventories

Inventories are measured at average historical cost (moving average cost method) or at the lower net realisable value. Costs include direct costs as well as proportionate material and production overhead.

Impairments due to reduced realisable value are recognised using write-downs.

5.8.Emission Allowances

The CO₂ emissions allowances issued free of charge according to the Austrian Gas Emissions Allowances Act are measured at fair value at the date of allocation and recognised both under current receivables and under current liabilities. Fluctuations in fair value are recognised in the income statement. In the course of using the emission allowances, corresponding provisions are built up and the reduction of the liability from their allocation is recognised in the income statement. Upon delivery of the emission allowances to the registration office, the provision is netted against the asset.

Allowances purchased on the market are recognised under current receivables. Fluctuations in fair value are recognised in the income statement. In the course of using the emission allowances, corresponding provisions are built up. Upon delivery of the emission allowances to the registration office, the provision is netted against the asset.

5.9.Fixed Term Deposits and Current Investments

The line item “Fixed term deposits” includes highly liquid fixed term deposits with an original maturity of more than three months up to one year, provided that they are not subject to limitations on availability. They are recognised at amortised costs under the category “Loans and Receivables”. This item also recognises investments in money market funds (AtFVP&L(FV option)).

5.10.Cash and Cash Equivalents

The item “cash and cash equivalents” includes cash in hand and cheques received, as well as deposits at banks with an original maturity of up to three months, provided that they are not subject to limitations on availability. They are recognised at amortised costs under the category “Loans and Receivables”.

5.11.Financial Instruments

Purchases and sales of primary financial instruments are recognised at the settlement date. Purchases and sales of derivative financial instruments are recognised at the trade date. Recognition of the financial instruments is done at the time of acquisition, always at fair value under consideration of the transaction costs. Financial instruments are derecognised when the rights to payments from the investment have lapsed or been assigned and once the Group has relinquished all substantial risks and rewards of ownership.

5.11.1.Primary Financial Instruments

Non-consolidated investments and securities are recognised in accordance with IAS 39 “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement”.

Energie AG Oberösterreich utilises instruments in the categories “At Fair Value through Profit or Loss”, “Held to Maturity”, “Loans and Receivables”, “Available for Sale” and “Financial Liabilities measured at Amortised Cost”.

The category “At Fair Value through Profit or Loss” is used for derivatives “Held for Trading”, as well as for financial assets that are managed in accordance with a documented risk management or investment strategy and whose performance is assessed on the basis of fair value.

Securities are classified in the category “Held to Maturity”. Financial assets in this category are primary financial assets with fixed or determinable payments for which the company has the positive intention and ability to hold to maturity. They are recognised at amortised costs in the course of subsequent measurements.

The category “Loans and Receivables” includes borrowings at market rates and trade receivables, as well as other financial receivables and assets. “Loans and Receivables” are primary financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. The financial instruments of the “Loans and Receivables” category are subsequently measured at amortised costs.

For the categories “Held to Maturity” and “Loans and Receivables”, allowances have been recognised for identifiable risks at the time an impairment is indicated. The following are considered criteria for the need for a write-down: financial difficulties of the issuer or debtor, late payment, increased probability of insolvency, a measurable reduction in expected future cash flows, and a material decline in the fair value of the financial instrument. Financial assets are only derecognised in their full carrying amount once the contractual rights to payments from the financial assets have expired (in particular in the event of insolvency). If the reasons for impairment cease to apply, the impairment is reversed up to amortised cost.

Interests in non-consolidated affiliated companies, other investments and securities are classified in the “Available for Sale” category. These are continuously reported at fair value as far as this can be measured with reliability. After deduction of deferred taxes, the resulting changes in value are recognised outside profit or loss until disposal, as far as no material or lasting impairment exists. If there is objective evidence for impairment, losses previously reported in other comprehensive income are recognised in the financial result. When estimating a possible impairment loss, all available information is taken into consideration, including credit rating, market conditions, and length and extent of the impairment. Reversals of impairments are recognised directly in equity for equity instruments, and recognised in profit or loss for debt instruments.

Non-consolidated investments and other investments are recognised as “Available for Sale at Cost”. For these investments, there is no price listed on an active market and the fair value cannot be reliably measured. They are reported at cost under consideration of amortised cost and impairments. Recognising reversals of impairment losses is not permitted.

Financial liabilities, trade payables and other financial liabilities are classified as “Financial Liabilities Measured at Amortised Cost” and are recognised at amortised costs using the effective interest method. The initial recognition is measured at fair value plus transaction costs. Premiums, discounts or other costs of issue are distributed across the financing term and disclosed in the financial result.

5.11.2.Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Transactions

In the Group, derivative financial instruments are used above all to hedge the risks of fluctuations in interest rates and electricity and gas prices.

The requirements for hedge accounting according to IAS 39 specifically include documentation of the hedging relationship, the hedging strategy and the ongoing retrospective and prospective assessment of effectiveness. All components of changes in fair value of derivatives are included in effectivity assessment. Hedge accounting is considered to be effective when the fair value change of the hedging instrument is within a range of 80% to 125% of the corresponding fair value change of the hedged item.

If a derivative financial instrument pursuant to IAS 39 is used for hedge accounting in a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument's fair value is recognised in equity in other comprehensive income. This is reclassified in the income statement in the same period in which the cash flows of the hedged item are recognised in profit or loss. If the hedged item ceases to exist, the hedging result is recognised in the income statement. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of a hedging instrument for which a cash flow hedge has been created is recognised in the income statement to the extent required.

In fair value hedge accounting, both the fair value change of the derivative, and the corresponding fair value change of the hedged item, as far as it is attributable to the hedged risk, are recognised through profit or loss.

Changes in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are recognised in the operating result or financial result. Gains and losses from interest-rate derivatives are balanced for each contract and recognised in the interest income. The balanced net results of derivative proprietary trading instruments are recognised under sales revenues or material costs.

Contracts that were entered into and that continue to be held for the receipt or delivery of non-financial items in accordance with expected purchase, sale or usage requirements are not recognised as derivative financial instruments at fair value according to IAS 39, but rather as executory contracts according to the regulations of IAS 37.

5.12.Provisions Under IAS 19

Provisions for pensions, severance, stepped pension/early retirement benefits and anniversary bonuses are calculated according to the projected unit credit method in accordance with IAS 19 (Employee Benefits). Expected increases in wages, salaries and pensions are taken into account. Actuarial gains and losses for pension and severance provisions are recognised in other comprehensive income, and they are recognised as income for jubilee, stepped pension and early retirement provisions. Interest costs are recognised in the financial result.

5.13.Other Provisions

Other provisions include all recognisable obligations as at the balance sheet date that are based on past events and for which the amount or maturity is uncertain. Provisions are recognised at the amount that is most likely to be incurred. Discounted costs for obligations resulting from dismantling and removing property, plant and equipment assets and restoring the site are estimated, capitalised at the date the plant is added, and recognised as a provision.

5.14.Deferred Taxes

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all temporary differences between the amounts recognised in the consolidated balance sheet and the amounts recognised in the tax balance sheets of the individual Group companies. Future tax benefits resulting from tax losses that are carried forward are also taken into account. Values are adjusted if it is no longer probable that they can be offset.

5.15.Construction Cost Subsidies

This item primarily includes financing contributions received from electricity, gas and district heating customers. Following IFRIC 18, construction cost subsidies carried as liabilities are reversed as income in accordance with the depreciation procedure for the corresponding asset.

5.16.Investment Subsidies

Government grants for asset acquisition are recognised as investment subsidies and reversed in other operating revenues according to the useful life of the asset.

5.17.Contingent Liabilities

Potential or existing obligations (resulting from past events) for which an outflow of resources is not probable are recognised under contingent liabilities.

5.18.Foreign Currency Translations

Foreign currency translation is carried out according to the functional currency principle. The functional currency for all consolidated companies is the respective national currency. Accordingly, balance sheet items are translated at the mean exchange rate on the balance sheet date, and income statement items are translated at the mean exchange rate for the statement period. Differences from translating the pro-rata equity are recognised in other comprehensive income. Differences from currency translation of minority interests are recognised under the line item “non-controlling interest in equity”. The exchange rate applied on 30 September 2018 for the Czech koruna was 25.76425 (previous year: 25.9975), for the Hungarian forint 323.368 (previous year: 311.188), for the Swiss franc 1.1393 (previous year: 1.14457), for the Polish zloty 4.28115 (previous year: 4.31156), for the US dollar 1.16042 (previous year: 1.18021). Currency translation differences from long-term intra-Group corporate loans for which repayment is neither planned nor likely are recognised outside profit or loss in currency translation differences.

5.19.Revenue Recognition

In general, revenues are recognised at the time the goods or services are delivered, as long as the receivable value has been determined or can be determined and its collection is likely. Receivables from gas and water supplies that have not been invoiced as at the balance sheet date, as well as grid services, are accrued and recognised in the line item “trade receivables”.

Interest income is accrued on a pro-rata basis depending on the effective interest rate. Dividends are recognised at the time when the right to receive payment was established.