Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Arbonia Group (Arbonia) is a focused building components supplier. Arbonia is divided into two main divisions, namely Climate and Doors. Manufacturing plants are located in Switzerland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, Poland, Belgium, Russia and Serbia. Arbonia owns major brands such as Kermi, Arbonia, Prolux, Koralle, Sabiana, Vasco, Brugman, Superia, RWD Schlatter, Prüm, Garant and Invado and possesses a strong position in its home markets in Switzerland and Germany. The Group focuses on the development of existing markets in Central and Eastern Europe. Arbonia is represented in over 70 countries worldwide.

The Board of Directors of Arbonia is examining several expressions of interest but also offers for the purchase of the Climate Division (formerly HVAC). As at the balance sheet date 31 December 2023, a sale of the Climate Division is considered highly probable and consequently, in accordance with IFRS 5, Arbonia reports the Climate Division as discontinued operations (see note 36).

The ultimate parent company, Arbonia AG is a corporation organised under Swiss law incorporated and domiciled at Amriswilerstrasse 50, CH-9320 Arbon (Canton Thurgau). Arbonia AG is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange in Zurich under the valor number 11024060 / ISIN CH0110240600.

These consolidated financial statements have been approved for issue by the Board of Directors of Arbonia AG on 20 February 2024 and require approval from the Annual General Meeting on 19 April 2024. The publication of the consolidated financial statements occurred on 27 February 2024 at the media and analyst conference.

The consolidated financial statements of Arbonia have been prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates and assumptions. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies. Areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements, are disclosed in note 30.

Amendments to significant published standards

The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the annual consolidated financial statements are consistent with those used in the preparation of the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022, except for the adoption of the following amended standard.

Amendments to IAS 1

Arbonia adopted Disclosures of Accounting Policies (Amendments to IAS 1 and Practice Statement 2) for the first time in 2023. Although the amendments did not result in any changes to the accounting policies themselves, they impacted the accounting policy information disclosed in the consolidated financial statements.

The amendments require the disclosure of "material", rather than "significant", accounting policies. The amendments also provide guidance on the application of materiality to disclosure of accounting policies, assisting entities to provide useful, entity-specific accounting policy information that users need to understand the other information in the financial statements. 

Management reviewed the accounting policies and made updates to the information disclosed.

The other new or amended standards had no material impact on the Group’s financial statements.

Published standards that are not yet effective nor adopted early

The published but as of the balance sheet date not yet effective significant new or amended standards will not have a material impact on the Group’s financial statements.

The consolidated financial statements are based on the financial statements of the individual Group companies prepared as of 31 December. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to Arbonia (generally where the interest in votes and share capital is more than 50%). They are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases.

Investments in associated companies, over which Arbonia exercises significant influence but does not control, are initially recognised at cost. The cost comprises the share in net assets and a possible goodwill. After the date of acquisition, the investment is accounted for using the equity method. A significant influence is generally assumed by a shareholding of between 20% to 50% of the voting rights.

The following material changes occurred in the Group:

In the financial year 2023

In the financial year 2022

An overview of the material Group companies is included in note 60.

In line with the full consolidation method, 100% of all balance sheet and income statement items are included in the consolidated financial statements. Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between Group companies are eliminated.

Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to Arbonia. The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries. The cost of an acquisition is measured at the fair value of the assets given and liabilities incurred or assumed at the date of exchange. The excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Contingent considerations are measured at fair value and are included in the purchase price. Subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration are recognised in the income statement unless the consideration is an equity instrument. Directly attributable acquisition-related costs are expensed.

Companies which are sold are deconsolidated from the date that control ceases. The difference between the consideration received and the net assets is recognised in the income statement as other operating income / expenses.

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out below, from notes 7 to 29.

These consolidated financial statements are based on the annual financial statements of the Group companies prepared in accordance with the Group’s uniform accounting policies. Balance sheet items are generally stated at cost as modified by the revaluation of financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss. Assets held for sale and disposal groups are measured at the lower of its carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. Investments in associated companies are measured at cost at the time of acquisition and subsequently at the proportionate share of equity.

Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statements of each Group company are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the company operates (the functional currency). The consolidated financial statements are presented in Swiss francs (CHF).

Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rate prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the income statement.

Group companies

The results and financial position of all the Group companies that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:

Assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of that balance sheet. Income and expenses for each income statement as well as the cash flow statements are translated at average exchange rates. All resulting exchange differences are recognised as a separate component of comprehensive income under other reserves.

Exchange differences arising on intercompany loans of an equity nature that essentially form part of the company’s net investment in the foreign entity are classified in comprehensive income under other reserves.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity and are translated at the closing rate.

When a foreign operation is sold or liquidated, exchange differences that were recorded in comprehensive income are recognised in the income statement.

The following foreign currency rates have been applied:

Assets realised or consumed within 12 months in the ordinary course of business or held for trading purposes are classified as current assets. All other assets are classified as non-current assets.

Liabilities to be redeemed in the ordinary course of business, held primarily for the purpose of trading, falling due within 12 months from the balance sheet date or do not have an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the balance sheet date are classified as current liabilities. All other liabilities are classified as non-current liabilities. If a binding commitment to extend an expiring financial liability has been received as of the balance sheet date, the new maturity is also taken into account in the classification.

A financial instrument is a transaction that results in the creation of a financial asset for one party and simultaneously in the creation of a financial liability or equity instrument for the other party.

Financial assets are divided into the following categories: (1) Financial assets measured at amortised cost (FA AC) and (2) Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss (FA FVTPL).

At each balance sheet date, financial assets (debt securities) that are not measured at fair value through profit or loss are assessed for expected credit losses. Indications that the creditworthiness of assets is impaired include financial difficulties, breaches of contract and possible bankruptcy of the contracting party. A default with respect to a financial asset exists if it appears unlikely that the contracting party will meet its contractual payments to the Group in full. If loans or receivables have been impaired, the company continues to enforce the receivable to recover it. Financial assets are written-off as soon as there is no reasonable expectation of recovery. Among the indicators that there is no reasonable expectation of recovery is the bankruptcy of the counterparty.

Financial liabilities are divided into the following two categories: (1) Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss (FL FVTPL) and (2) financial liabilities measured at amortised cost (FL AC).

Financial assets and financial liabilities are normally reported on a gross basis. They are only reported on a net basis if there is at presence a right of offset and an intent to settle on a net basis.

The Group uses derivative financial instruments to minimise interest rate and commodity price risks resulting from operational business and financial transactions. They are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured at their fair value.

Arbonia does not apply hedge accounting in accordance with IFRS 9. Derivatives are measured at fair value through profit or loss and disclosed in the balance sheet as other current assets or other current liabilities.

The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets (such as publicly traded derivatives and securities) is based on quoted market prices at the balance sheet date. The quoted market price used for financial assets is the current bid price, for financial liabilities the current asking price.

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market is determined by using appropriate valuation techniques, e.g. comparison with similar at arm’s length transactions, valuation using the discounted cash flow method or other established valuation methods.

Financial instruments measured at fair value are disclosed under the following hierarchy:

Due to its current nature, the nominal value less estimated allowance of accounts receivable is assumed to approximate their fair value. The nominal value of accounts payable is assumed to approximate their fair value. The fair value of financial liabilities disclosed in note 44 is estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows at the current market interest rate that is available to the Group for similar financial instruments.

The fair value of financial debts is assigned to level 2 of the above mentioned hierarchy.

Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits held at call with post and banks, other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities not exceeding three months. Cash and cash equivalents are subject to the impairment provisions of IFRS 9, but as the expected losses are completely insignificant, no impairment losses have been recognised.

Accounts receivable and other current assets are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. Accounts receivable and contract assets are regularly monitored and expected credit defaults assessed. The expected losses are estimated as part of the determination of specific allowances. The assessment is based both on historical experience and on current circumstances, as well as on forward-looking information. This includes an assessment of the expected business and economic conditions as well as the future financial performance of the contracting party. Collateral received is taken into account when calculating the provision for impairment. Impairment losses on receivables are recognised using an allowance account.

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined using the weighted average cost method based on normal operating capacity. It excludes borrowing costs. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less applicable variable selling expenses. Claimed cash discounts are treated as a reduction of cost. Items with a low turnover rate are depreciated and obsolete items are fully written off.

Non-current assets or a disposal group held for sale and liabilities associated with assets held for sale are classified as such if their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction, not through continuing use. For this to be the case, the successful sale must be highly probable, an active search for a buyer is taking place and the asset must be available for immediate sale in its present condition. For the sale to be highly probable, management must be committed to a plan to sell the asset, the offer price of the asset is reasonable in relation to its current fair value and the sale is expected to be completed within one year. The assets are stated at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. Potential impairments are directly recorded within the income statement. Starting from the date of reclassification to this category, depreciation is ceased.

A discontinued operation is a component of an entity that either has been disposed of, or is classified as held for sale and represents a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations. Such a component comprises operations and cash flows that can be clearly distinguished, operationally and for financial reporting purposes, from the rest of the entity. The classification as discontinued operations occurs on the disposal of the operation or at an earlier point in time, provided the operation meets the criteria for the classification as held for sale. Discontinued operations are disclosed separately in the income statement and previous comparative periods are restated accordingly. However previous year’s balance sheet is not restated.

Land is stated at cost. Buildings, plant, machinery and other equipment are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives as stipulated under note 21.

Impairments (see also note 20) are separately disclosed under accumulated depreciation. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed.

Investment property, principally comprising land and buildings, is held for long-term rental yields or appreciation and only an insignificant portion is used for operational purposes. Investment property is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method.

The fair value of investment property, which is required for disclosure purposes, is determined using the discounted cash flow method. Based on attainable net rental income (gross rental income minus operating costs and future refurbishment costs), the discounted cash flows are calculated for the next 10 years with a residual value for the time thereafter. The fair value of undeveloped land is determined by considering current local market conditions.

Intangible assets include goodwill, which represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the net identifiable assets of the acquired subsidiary including contingent liabilities at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is seen as an intangible asset with an indefinite useful life. Impairment on goodwill (see note 20) is separately disclosed under accumulated impairment losses.

Intangible assets comprise computer software and licenses at costs incurred. They are measured at cost less accumulated amortisation, calculated using the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives as stipulated under note 21.

Intangible assets acquired in a business combination (brands, patents, technologies, client relationships, distribution channels, etc.) are carried at fair value less accumulated amortisation, calculated using the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives as stipulated under note 21.

Expenses relating to research activities are directly charged to the income statement in the period in which they are incurred. Development costs are capitalised at acquisition cost or production cost and reported under intangible assets if all criteria under IAS 38 have been met on a cumulative basis, including evidence of technical and economic feasibility, evidence of expected future economic benefit and attributability of costs and their reliable valuation. They are amortised over the expected useful life on the basis specified in note 21. Development costs not meeting the criteria under IAS 38 are directly charged to the income statement in the period in which they are incurred.

The recoverability of property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets, investment properties, goodwill and other intangible assets is reviewed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may be overstated. Intangible assets that have an indefinite useful life, such as goodwill, are tested annually for impairment. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. The value in use is based on discounted future cash flows. The applied discount rate is a pre-tax rate using the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) method. For the purpose of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash-generating units – CGU).

Provisions are recognised only when Arbonia has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, the amount has been reliably estimated and it is more likely than not that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation.

Provisions for restructuring are only recognised when costs for such a programme can be reliably estimated by virtue of a detailed formal plan and Arbonia has a legal or constructive obligation or has raised a valid expectation in those affected.

Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation. The increase in provision due to passage of time is recognised as interest expense.

Arbonia manages various pension plans within Switzerland and abroad. The plans are funded through payments to trustee-administered funds or insurance companies or are unfunded arrangements.

Based on their characteristics the pension plans qualify under IAS 19 as defined benefit plans. A defined benefit plan is a pension plan that defines an amount of pension benefit that an employee will receive on retirement, usually dependent on one or more factors such as age, years of service and compensation.

The liability recognised in the balance sheet to pay future retirement benefits is determined using the projected unit credit method, which is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the balance sheet date less the fair value of plan assets. If the fair value of plan assets exceeds the present value of the defined benefit obligation, a pension surplus will only be recognised taking the asset ceiling into account. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows using interest rates of high-quality bonds. Actuarial valuations are carried out on a regular basis by independent actuaries. Components of defined benefit costs are service cost, net interest result and remeasurement of pension obligations. Service cost includes the increase in current service cost, past service cost (plan amendments or curtailments) and settlements and is reported under personnel expenses. The net interest result is calculated on the net amount of the defined benefit obligation and plan assets using the discount rate and is reported in the financial result. The remeasurement of pension benefit obligations include actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions and is recognised immediately in the statement of comprehensive income in other comprehensive income. Likewise, this position includes the return on plan assets (without interest income) and asset ceiling effects.

Current and non-current financial debts consist of promissory note loans, syndicated loans, bank loans and mortgages. Financial debts are initially recognised at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. They are subsequently stated at amortised cost. Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised in the income statement over the period of the financial debt, using the effective interest method.

An assessment is made at the beginning of the contract as to whether an agreement constitutes or contains a lease. A contract is or contains a lease if the contract conveys a right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Arbonia uses the optional exemption not to recognise short-term and low-value leases in the balance sheet, but to recognise the corresponding lease payments as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of future lease payments during the non-cancellable period of the lease. Arbonia uses incremental borrowing rates as discount rates. On initial measurement, the right-of-use asset corresponds to the lease liability plus any dismantling costs, initial direct costs and advance payments. The right-of-use asset is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life and the lease term. If it is intended to exercise a purchase option at the end of the contract period, the asset is depreciated over its useful life. The right-of-use asset is subject to an impairment test if there are indications of impairment.

If the expected lease payments change, e.g. in the case of payments based on an index or due to new estimates regarding contractual options, the lease liability is remeasured. The remeasurement to the lease liability is generally recognised as an adjustment to the related right-of-use asset without affecting the income statement.

Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. However, the deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates that have been enacted by the balance sheet date. Deferred income tax is provided on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by Arbonia and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred income tax assets including unused tax loss carryforwards are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised.

The book value of capitalised deferred income tax assets is assessed for impairment at each balance sheet date and a loss is recognised in case of insufficient future taxable profit.

Members of the Board of Directors and Group Manage- ment as well as certain employees participate in a share based payment plan. The fair value of the equity compensation instruments granted to employees is estimated at the grant date and recorded over the service period to the income statement as personnel expenses with a corresponding offsetting entry to equity.

The share premium relates to the Company going public back in 1988 and the capital increases in 2007, 2009, 2015, 2016 and 2017 reduced by previous distributions. Retained earnings include also remeasurements of employee benefit obligations.

Treasury shares are deducted from shareholders’ equity. The cost of these treasury shares and the consideration received from the sale of these instruments (net of transaction cost and taxes) are recorded directly in shareholders’ equity.

The other reserves include currency effects due to the translation of the financial statements of foreign Group companies and on intercompany loans of an equity nature.

Net revenue

The Climate Division generates its sales in the heating technology sector by selling individual product components as well as complete system solutions for residential, commercial and public construction. In the ventilation and air conditioning sector, the product portfolio includes fan coils, ceiling systems, air heaters and ventilation units, as well as systems for residential, commercial and industrial buildings. In addition, radiators, underfloor heating systems, heating walls, underfloor convectors, heat pumps and battery storage units are sold.

With its Wood Solutions Business Unit, the Doors Division generates its sales by selling interior and functional doors in a wide variety of designs and configurations. In the area of Glass Solutions, the division generates its sales through the sale of shower areas, shower enclosures and shower stalls for individual bathroom situations.

Contracts within the Division Climate and the Business Unit Glass Solutions may include several different products which qualify as separate performance obligations. The performance obligation is generally fulfilled when the customer has received delivery. The individual products of a contract are delivered at the same time. It is therefore not necessary to allocate the transaction price to the individual performance obligations. At the time of delivery the invoice is issued and hence a recognition of a contract asset is not required. Revenue is therefore recognized at a point in time.

In the short-term series production (resale /  commercial business) of the Wood Solutions business, the transactions always consist of one single performance obligation. The performance obligation is fulfilled when the customer has received the delivery. As a result of that, an invoice is issued and hence recognition of a contract asset is not required.

The variable considerations can be reliably measured at the time the performance obligation is fulfilled and are taken into account as sales deductions. Payment periods customary in the industry are granted unless special payment periods have been agreed. There is therefore no financing component.

The Wood Solutions Business Unit and a minor part of the Division Climate operate, in addition to the short-term series production, in the project business. The project business is characterised by long-term contracts which partially have a duration of over one year. The products are made to measure, have no alternative use and therefore fulfil the criteria for revenue recognition over time. The performance obligation is progressively satisfied over the period of the provided services (planning, production, assembly, acceptance) using the cost-to-cost method. Under the cost-to-cost method, the stage of completion is measured based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total budgeted costs. Revenue is recognised in proportion to the contract costs incurred. Therefore, revenue is recognised over the term of a contract. The allocation of the transaction price to separate performance obligations is not required because of the existence of only one performance obligation in the project business. Variable considerations such as discounts or construction rebates which can be measured reliably are deducted from the transaction price at the beginning of the contract term. In this way, these revenue reductions can be realised proportionally to the revenue recognition over the contract term. For reasons of materiality, it is not necessary to adjust the consideration for the time value of money or to measure non-cash consideration. If revenue is recognised as mentioned before, but the expected amount of consideration has not yet been invoiced, then a contract asset is recognised due to the conditional right to consideration. Accounts receivable from project business are recognised when the right to the consideration becomes unconditional. The right becomes unconditional when an acceptance protocol is signed and accordingly the invoice is issued to the customer. Payment periods customary in the industry are granted unless special payment periods have been agreed. The contract liability relates to contracts whose partial payments exceed the stage of completion or the revenue already recognised respectively, on a net contract-by-contract basis. Contract liabilities are recognised as revenue when the contractual performance obligation has been satisfied. Based on the analysed order durations, there are no significant financing components. The treatment of loss-making contracts occurs regardless of the stage of completion by recognising a provision amounting to the total contract loss resulting from the total budgeted costs not covered by the total amount of the transaction price.

Net revenues are reported net of sales or value-added taxes and are shown net of sales deductions.

If significant costs are incurred in the course of initiating or fulfilling a contract with a customer, these are capitalised.

The assessment of right of return, refund and similar obligations is not necessary as they do not constitute an integral part of Arbonia’s business.

Revenues from contracts with customers are broken down by category in the segment reporting. Segment reporting also shows a breakdown of revenues recognised at a point in time and satisfied over time.

Other operating income

Other operating income is recognised when the service has been rendered and comprises amongst others proceeds from the sale of scrap metal, service income, rental income, insurance benefits and gains on the sale of property, plant and equipment.

EBITDA

EBITDA shows earnings before financial results, tax, depreciation and amortisation on non-current assets.

EBITA

EBITA shows earnings before financial results, tax and amortisation of intangible assets from acquisitions.

EBIT

EBIT shows earnings before financial results and tax.

Financial income

Financial income comprises amongst others interest income and minority share from associated companies. Interest income is recognised on a time-proportion basis using the effective interest method.

Financial expenses

Financial expenses primarily include interest expenses, minority share from associated companies, bank charges and foreign exchange losses. Interest expenses are recognised using the effective interest method. Foreign exchange gains and losses are shown on a net basis.

All estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Arbonia makes judgments, estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, not always equal the related actual results. The judgments, estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

Revenue recognition

In project business, sales are realised over a period of time. Arbonia determines the stage of completion by using the cost-to-cost method. In Arbonia’s opinion, this method best depicts the transfer of control of the products to the customer. Under the cost-to-cost method, the stage of completion is measured based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total budgeted costs. Changes due to post calculations and actively managed project controlling are taken into account when determining the stage of completion. Such changes in estimates are recognised prospectively. Revenue is recognised proportionally as costs are incurred. If the expected margin cannot be measured reliably, then revenue is recognised only in the amount of costs incurred.

Inventory provision

In order to determine the adequacy of the inventory provision, factors such as expected sales prices, inventory turnover and coverage days of inventory are considered. As of 31 December 2023, the carrying amount of inventory was at CHF 55.4 million. Therein a provision for inventories of CHF 6.1 million is included. A falling market demand or falling sales prices could lead to additional provisions needed. For further information on the inventory provision, see note 34.

Useful lives for property, plant and equipment

Arbonia has a significant amount of its assets invested in property, plant and equipment. As of 31 December 2023, the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment totalled CHF 393.1 million. At the time of the purchase useful lives for such assets are based on estimates, as technical obsolescence or competition could lead to shorter useful lives than initially anticipated. Therefore the determination of useful lives is based on stringent standards and thereafter continuously reviewed and if necessary adjusted. A change in estimate could impact the level of future depreciation charges. For further information on property, plant and equipment, see note 37.

Estimated impairment of goodwill

As of 31 December 2023, the carrying amount of goodwill was at CHF 146.1 million. Arbonia tests at least annually whether goodwill has suffered any impairment, in accordance with the accounting policy stated in note 20. The recoverable amounts of cash-generating units have been determined based on value in use calculations. These calculations require the use of estimates such as expected future cash flows, margins, discount rates and growth rates. These estimates could change or differ from the actual outcome and therefore lead to additional impairments. For further information on goodwill, see note 40.

Intangible assets acquired in a business combination

Brands, technologies, client relationships and distribution channels are amortised over their estimated useful lives. At initial recognition, assumptions and estimates must be made about the expected cash flows such as sales prices, margins, discount rates, attrition rates of clients and technological development which of course are exposed to some uncertainties. As of 31 December 2023, the carrying amount of intangible assets acquired in a business combination amounted to CHF 73.3 million. For further information on such acquired intangible assets, see note 40.

Provisions

Provisions are recognised based on the criteria as set out under note 22. As of 31 December 2023, the carrying amount of the provisions totalled CHF 8.3 million. In estimating the amount of provision, assumptions are used and depending on the outcome of the various business transactions, the actual cash outflow and its timing could significantly differ from the booked provision. For further information on provisions, see note 45.

Employee benefit obligations

Employee benefit obligations for defined benefit plans are based on actuarial valuations, which use statistical calculations and actuarial assumptions (see note 23). Such assumptions include amongst others future salary and pension increases, probable turnover rates as well as life expectancy of plan participants. The assumptions underlying these calculations are dependent on a number of prospective factors, therefore actual results could significantly differ from the original valuations and as a consequence impact the carrying amount of capitalised pension surplus and employee benefit obligation. As of 31 December 2023, the overfunding amounted to CHF 12.8 million, thereof CHF 24.5  million recorded in the balance sheet as capitalised pension surplus and CHF 11.7 million as employee benefit obligation. For further information on employee benefit obligation, see note 47.

Income taxes

Arbonia is subject to income taxes in numerous jurisdictions. Significant judgment is required in determining the worldwide liability for income taxes. There are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain during the ordinary course of business. Arbonia recognises liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on estimates of whether additional taxes will become due. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact the income tax and deferred tax in the period in which such determination is made. Deferred tax assets, including those on tax loss carryforwards and expected tax credits, are only recognised if it is probable that they can be used by future taxable profits. The assessment of the recoverability of those deferred tax assets is therefore based on estimates, which could differ from actual results and consequently lead to valuation allowances. As of 31 December 2023, the carrying amount of deferred tax assets before offsetting totalled CHF 23.0 million. For further information on income taxes, see notes 46 and 52.

Arbonia is organised into the divisions or segments Climate (formerly HVAC) and Doors. Corporate Services which mainly include service, finance, real estate and investment companies, provides their services almost entirely to Group companies. They have not been allocated to an operating segment and are therefore shown separately.

For the monitoring and assessment of the financial performance, EBITDA, EBITA and EBIT are pivotal key measures. However, Group Management and the Board of Directors also are provided with financial data down to the line item "result after income tax" by operating segment. The segments apply the same accounting policies as the Group. Purchases, sales and services between segments are entered into under normal commercial terms and conditions that would also be available to unrelated third parties. Income and expenses between segments are eliminated on consolidation and disclosed in "Eliminations".

Segment assets and liabilities include all assets, liabilities and intercompany transactions. Goodwill has been allocated to the respective segments.

Climate Division (formerly HVAC)

Climate Division is a leading and highly integrated provider to the industry. Under the main brands – Kermi, Arbonia, Prolux, Sabiana, Vasco, Superia and Brugman – it sells its wide product range across Europe. Production takes place in Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, Belgium, Poland, Russia and Serbia. In addition a large number of sales locations in Europe and a world-wide network of exclusive distribution partners ensure customer proximity.

The Board of Directors of Arbonia is examining several expressions of interest but also offers for the purchase of the Climate Division (formerly HVAC). As at the balance sheet date 31 December 2023, a sale of the Climate Division is considered highly probable and consequently, in accordance with IFRS 5, Arbonia reports the Climate Division as discontinued operations (see note 36).

Doors Division

With its Wood Solutions Business Unit and the associated companies Prüm, Garant, Invado and RWD Schlatter, the Doors Division is one of Europe’s leading suppliers of interior doors and wood frames. In its domestic markets, the business unit offers its customers a comprehensive product range from standard doors to complex functional doors. With the Glass Solutions Business Unit and the well-known brands Kermi, Koralle and Baduscho, the Doors Division is also the European market leader with shower solutions for all generations and lifestyles. The Doors Division has eight production sites: five are located in Germany, two in Switzerland and one in Poland.

Corporate Services

Corporate Services mainly consists of service, finance, real estate and investment companies. These companies provide their services across divisions and almost entirely to Group companies.

The impairment in the Climate Division relates to machinery in connection with the relocation of the production of design radiators from a production site in Belgium.

The consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with IFRS 5 "Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations" and the related disclosures and adjustments of certain prior-year figures. The above-mentioned segment information however follows internal management reporting, which is why the discontinued operations per note 36 consisting of the Climate Division are also included.

The reconciliation of the continuing and discontinued operations on the segment information is presented as follows:

Information about geographical areas

¹ see note 36

Major customers

Arbonia has no customer who generates more than 10% of the Group’s net revenues (see also paragraph credit default risk in note 53).

Cash and cash equivalents are denominated in the following currencies:

Accounts receivable

The allowance for accounts receivable includes expected credit losses and cash discounts.

The ageing analysis is as follows:

Outstanding accounts receivable amounting to CHF 12.7 million (2022: CHF 74.5 million) were secured and mainly consist of credit insurances. No allowances are made on the secured receivables.

The expected credit losses on accounts receivable developed as follows:

Contract balance

The contract balances project business result from Arbonia’s longer-term contracts. Revenues recognised over the term of a contract are shown as contract assets. Contract assets are presented on a net contract-by-contract basis, e.g. less the received partial payments. As soon as the acceptance protocol is signed, the final invoice is issued and the items are transferred to accounts receivable. The movement in the contract assets is as follows:

The contract liabilities project business relate to contracts whose partial payments exceed the stage of completion. Contract liabilities are recognised as revenue when the contractual performance obligation has been satisfied. The movement in the contract liabilities project business is as follows:

In 2023, there were no known default risks and therefore no need for specific allowances on contract assets. The expected credit losses are estimated to be insignificant and therefore no allowance was made.

There have been no general changes in the timeframe until an enforceable right for consideration or a performance obligation is fulfilled.

The expected revenues to be recognised on the current order backlog are as follows:

These amounts only include contracts of project business with an expected original duration of more than one year.

A provision of CHF 6.1 million (2022: CHF 19.7 million) has been provided for obsolete and slow-moving items and is deducted from inventories. 2023 and 2022, there are no material inventories written down to the net realisable value and no material write-downs to net realisable value were recorded.

In November 2023, Arbonia further increased its shares in the German KIWI-KI GmbH, DE-Berlin, and now holds 49.9% of the company. The purchase price amounted to CHF 1.8 million. In the cash flow statement, the cash outflow is included in the position issuance of financial assets.

In October 2022, Arbonia had increased its shares in the KIWI-KI GmbH and held 34.0% of the company as at 31 December 2022.

In April 2023, Arbonia acquired 17.2% of the German Griffwerk GmbH, DE-Blaustein. The purchase price was CHF 12.2 million and was paid almost exclusively in Arbonia shares.

Although Arbonia holds less than 20% of the ownership interest and voting control of Griffwerk, Arbonia has the ability to exercise significant influence. This influence results, among other things, from the shareholding, the active participation of the representatives provided by Arbonia in the shareholders' meeting and in the advisory board of Griffwerk as well as from the cooperation agreement concluded with Griffwerk. The investment in Griffwerk is consequently valued using the equity method.

Associated companies

Subsequently, the financial information of the associated companies are disclosed in condensed form.

Associated companies – Balance sheet

Associated companies - Income statement

Business transactions with associated companies

The Board of Directors of Arbonia is examining several expressions of interest but also offers for the purchase of the Climate Division (formerly HVAC). As at the balance sheet date 31 December 2023, a sale of the Climate Division is considered highly probable and consequently, in accordance with IFRS 5, Arbonia reports the Climate Division as discontinued operations. All prior-year figures in the income statement and the accompanying notes have been adjusted accordingly. In the consolidated balance sheet as of 31 December 2023, assets and liabilities of the discontinued operations Climate are disclosed in the respective held for sale asset and liability positions. Previous year's figures in the balance sheet, however, were not adjusted.

Assets held for sale and discontinued operations

Liabilities associated with assets held for sale and discontinued operations

Result from discontinued operations

The results for the reporting period 2023 includes currently incurred sales costs for the disposal of the Climate Division of CHF 1.4 million.

In 2022, costs of CHF 2.5 million were incurred for the sale of the windows business and provisions of CHF 1.0 million built for the sale were not used and could be released over the income statement.

In the consolidated cash flow statement, the cash flows from the discontinued operations are included, however, subsequently condensed and shown separately below.

Cash flow from discontinued operations

As per 31 December 2023, other comprehensive income includes cumulative expenses in connection with discontinued operations totalling around CHF 82 million.

No borrowing costs were capitalised in 2023 and 2022.

Capital commitments

As of the balance sheet date, Arbonia had entered into the following capital commitments for the purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets:

Land and buildings amounting to CHF 37.1 million (2022: CHF 39.6 million) are pledged to secure mortgages, which are fully attributable to discontinued operations.

Arbonia leases various assets, including buildings, machinery, vehicles, tools and IT equipment. The lease conditions are negotiated individually and contain a variety of different conditions. The rights-of-use assets in connection with these leases are as follows:

The disposals in the right-of-use buildings in 2022 included the Corporate Center in CH-Arbon for CHF 21.5 million. In the 2nd quarter of 2022, Arbonia had repurchased the Corporate Center prematurely for CHF 25.1 million and thus also early terminated the lease agreement. The lease agreement had an original term until 31 August 2027. The lease liability and the purchase price obligation recognised in other non-current liabilities were derecognised against the right-of-use asset.

Other operating expenses include the following expenses in connection with leases:

¹ see note 36

Total cash outflows for leases amounted to CHF 12.8 million in 2023 (2022: CHF 13.2 million). Of this amount, CHF 4.8 million (2022: CHF 5.6 million) was attributable to continuing operations.

Some of Arbonia’s rental leases include renewal options. The determination of the lease term of these leases requires judgement. The assessment of whether it is reasonably certain to exercise such options impacts the lease term, which significantly affects the amount of lease liabilities and right-of-use assets recognised. In its assessment, Arbonia considers the facts and circumstances that create an economic incentive to exercise such options. The assessment is reviewed if a significant event or a significant change in circumstances occurs. As of 31 December 2023, possible future cash outflows of CHF 0.9 million (2022: CHF 0.9 million) were not included in the lease liability as it is not reasonably certain that the lease agreements will be renewed.

Rental income from investment properties amounted to CHF 1.8  million (2022: CHF 0.7 million) and is included in other operating income. Of this amount, CHF 1.5 million (2022: CHF 0.7 million) was attributable to continuing operations. Related direct operating expenses were CHF 0.2 million (2022: CHF 0.3 million), are included in other operating expenses and relate only to continuing operations. The fair values of investment properties are, in the hierarchy according to IFRS 13, assigned to level 3 for non-observable market data, since they are calculated on the basis of estimates that have been determined by independent external valuers and internal assessments.

Expenses for research and development in the amount of CHF 12.8 million (2022: CHF 12.7 million) have been charged to the income statement, since they did not fulfil the capitalisation criteria. Of this amount, CHF 4.3 million (2022: CHF 4.1 million) was attributable to continuing operations. Out of other intangible assets as of 31 December 2023, CHF 31.1 million (2022: CHF 27.5 million) relate to software and software licenses. The additions to intangible assets consist of CHF 3.1 million (2022: CHF 3.3 million) of own development costs and CHF 11.2 million (2022: CHF 9.9 million) of purchased or acquired items. Of the additions to other intangible assets, CHF 6.7 million (2022: CHF 6.2 million) relate to implementation costs in connection with the introduction of SAP S / 4HANA in the Doors Division.

Goodwill

As of 31 December 2023 goodwill from business combinations is allocated to the Group’s five cash-generating units (CGUs) Termovent, Sabiana, Joro Doors, Wood Solutions and Glass Solutions. The movements of the carrying amounts of goodwill during the reporting period were as follows:

Goodwill impairment tests 2023

The recoverability of goodwill is assessed annually towards year-end or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell.

The recoverable amount of the CGUs was determined based on value in use calculations. These calculations used cash flow projections which, with the exception of the CGU Wood Solutions, cover a five-year period. Cash flows beyond the five-year period were extrapolated using estimated growth rates.

The underlying financial data consisting of one budget year and four plan years form part of the Group’s medium term plan approved by the Board of Directors in autumn 2023 and were used for the impairment tests.

For the first time this year a planning horizon of ten years was applied to the CGU Wood Solutions. This consists of one budget year and four plan years with subsequent reconciliation of a further five years to the residual values. The slump in the construction industry, particularly in Germany, led to a drop in demand for doors in the reporting period. Due to this decreased demand, the highly automated "Werk der Zukunft" in Germany, which is currently being completed, will only reach full value creation and corresponding capacity utilisation after the first five planning years, meaning that five additional planning years have been used.

The value in use calculation for the annual 2023 impairment tests assumed the following key assumptions:

Budgeted gross margins are based on expectations for the market development and initiated optimisation measures. The eternal growth rates used are consistent with the forecasts included in industry reports. The discount rates used are pre-tax and reflect specific risks relating to the relevant CGUs.

Based on a reasonably possible change in the key assumptions, sensitivity analyses were calculated in 2023 on higher discount rates, lower than actually expected EBITDAs, lower gross margins and lower eternal growth rates which only led to a possible impairment at the CGU Wood Solutions.

Due to the longer planning horizon for the CGU Wood Solutions and the associated greater uncertainties, higher changes were applied to the sensitivities compared to the previous year.

Other key assumptions for the impairment test of the CGU Wood Solutions included an annual average growth rate of 5.5% until 2028 and 5.0% until 2033 as well as an EBITDA margin development to 14.9% until 2028 and to 16.9% until 2033.

A reduction in the budgeted gross margin from 58.0% to 51.0% would have been sufficient for the CGU Wood Solutions to prevent an impairment. A 20% reduction in EBITDA would lead to an impairment of CHF 7 million. At a reduction of 19.1% in EBITDA, the calculated value would be equal to its carrying amount. A 20% reduction in EBITDA and a simultaneous reduction of eternal growth from 2.0% to 1.5% would lead to an impairment of CHF 31 million. At a reduction of 17.4% in EBITDA and an eternal growth of 1.75%, the recoverable amount was equal to its carrying amount.

Goodwill impairment tests 2022

The value in use calculation for the annual 2022 impairment tests assumed the following key assumptions:

Budgeted gross margins were determined based on expectations for the market development and initiated optimisation measures. The eternal growth rates used were consistent with the forecasts included in industry reports. The discount rates used were pre-tax and reflected specific risks relating to the relevant CGUs.

Based on a reasonably possible change in the key as- sumptions, sensitivity analyses were calculated in 2022 on higher discount rates, lower than actually expected EBITDAs, lower gross margins and lower eternal growth rates which only led to a possible impairment at the CGU Wood Solutions.

A reduction in the budgeted gross margin from 54.5% to 52.5% would have resulted in an impairment of the CGU Wood Solutions amounting to CHF 64.8 million. At a budgeted gross margin of 53.6%, the calculated value would have been equal to its carrying amount. A 10% reduction in EBITDA and a simultaneous reduction of eternal growth from 2.1% to 1.6% would have led to an impairment of CHF 51.8 million. At a reduction of 5.1% in EBITDA and a simultaneous reduction of eternal growth to 1.9%, the calculated value would have been equal to its carrying amount.

The following fair value of assets and liabilities had arisen from acquisitions as mentioned under note 3:

Acquisitions 2023

Interwand GmbH

As of 24 October 2023, Arbonia acquired 100% of Interwand GmbH, DE-Dörzbach. The company is specialised in the manufacture and installation of office partition walls and industrial walls. The purchase price amounted to CHF 5.3 million which includs a deferred purchase price payment of CHF 1.1 million. From the date of acquisition, Interwand contributed CHF 1.8 million in net revenues and CHF 0.3 million in profit to the Group. Had the acquisition taken place on 1 January 2023, net revenues would have been CHF 9.2 million and profit would have been CHF 0.3 million. The gross carrying amount of accounts receivable amounted to CHF 0.8 million, of which CHF 0.1 million were considered uncollectable. The acquisition-related costs amounted to CHF 0.2 million and are included in other operating expenses in 2023.

In 2023, deferred purchase price payments for Joro, Tecna and CICSA of CHF 1.4 million were due and paid.

Acquisitions 2022

Joro Türen GmbH

As of 16 July 2022, Arbonia had acquired 100% of Joro Türen GmbH, DE-Renchen. This company is a producer of special doors for the project business in the area of fire, smoke, sound and burglary protection. This acquisition gave the Doors Division access to the German project business and access to extensive approvals and certificates for oversized doors that cannot be manufactured on industrial equipment. The purchase price amounted to CHF 23.1 million which included a deferred purchase price payment of CHF 2.3 million. A first tranche of CHF 1.15 million was paid in July 2023 and a second tranche of CHF 1.15 million will be due on July 2024. From the date of acquisition, Joro contributed CHF 4.3 million in net revenues and CHF 1.1 million in profit to the Group result of 2022. Had the acquisition taken place on 1 January 2022, net revenues would have been CHF 8.7 million and profit, including amortisation charges on intangible assets from acquisitions, would have been CHF 1.5 million for 2022. The gross carrying amount of accounts receivable amounted to CHF 1.1 million, of which CHF 0.3 million were considered uncollectable. The acquisition-related costs amounted to CHF 0.1 million and are included in other operating expenses in 2022. The goodwill from this acquisition was due to the fact that certain intangible assets did not meet the criteria of IFRS 3 «business combinations» for the recognition as intangible assets at the date of acquisition. These intangible assets consisted mainly of the know-how of the workforce. Furthermore goodwill included the expected synergy potentials within the Doors Division.

Cirelius S.A.

As of 5 December 2022, Arbonia had acquired 100% of Cirelius S.A., PT-Avintes. Cirelius specialises in particular in the sale and distribution of HVAC system solutions for residential construction throughout Portugal and distributes, among other things, heat pumps and photovoltaic systems. For the Climate Division, this acquisition means a significant strengthening of its activities in the Portuguese and Spanish markets, making it a leading supplier of HVAC system solutions on the Iberian Peninsular. The purchase price amounted to CHF 26.4 million. Since the acquisition took place just shortly before year-end, Arbonia has renounced to consolidate the income statement of Cirelius in 2022 based on materiality reasons. Had the acquisition taken place on 1 January 2022, net revenues would have been CHF 23.2 million and profit for 2022, including amortisation charges on intangible assets from acquisitions, would have been CHF 2.9 million. The gross carrying amount of accounts receivable amounted to CHF 2.2 million, of which CHF 0.2 million were considered uncollectable. The acquisition-related costs amounted to CHF 0.2 million and are included in other operating expenses in 2022.

In 2022, deferred purchase price payments for Tecna and CICSA of CHF 0.7 million were due and paid.

On 3 November 2020, Arbonia had entered into a syndicated loan for CHF 250 million. This loan, arranged with a consortium of domestic and foreign banks, has a term of five years, with the option to extend the agreement twice for one year each. The first extension option was exercised in 2021 and the second in 2022, so that the term now runs until 2027.

The financial debts are comprised of the following: