Notes to the consolidated financial statements

1 General information

Sulzer Ltd (the “companyˮ) is a company domiciled in Switzerland. The address of the company’s registered office is Neuwiesenstrasse 15 in Winterthur, Switzerland. The consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023, comprise the company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the “groupˮ and individually as the “subsidiariesˮ) and the group’s interest in associates and joint ventures. The group specializes in energy-efficient pumping, agitation, mixing, separation, purification, crystallization and polymerization technologies for fluids of all types. Sulzer was founded in 1834 in Winterthur, Switzerland, and employs 13'130 people. The company serves clients in 160 production and service sites around the world. Sulzer Ltd is listed on SIX Swiss Exchange in Zurich, Switzerland (symbol: SUN).

Sulzer is a global leader in fluid engineering and chemical processing applications, developing innovative products and services that drive sustainable progress.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). They were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on February 21, 2024.

Details of the group’s accounting policies are included in note 34.

2Significant events and transactions during the reporting period

The financial position and performance of the group was not affected by any significant event during the period. As disclosed in the Annual Report 2022, Sulzer entered into a sales agreement for its business in Russia on February 3, 2023, and successfully sold the business in the second half of 2023. Further details are provided in note 5.

For a detailed discussion about the group’s performance and financial position, please refer to the section “Financial review”.

3Segment information

Segment information by divisions

Segment information by divisions

For the definition of operational profit, operational profitability, currency-adjusted growth and organic growth, reference is made to the section “Supplementary information” and for the reconciliation statements to the section “Financial review”.

Information about reportable segments

Operating segments are determined based on the reports reviewed by the Chief Executive Officer that are used to measure performance, make strategic decisions and allocate resources to the segments. The business is managed on a divisional basis and the reported segments have been identified as follows:

Flow Equipment

The Flow Equipment division specializes in pumping solutions specifically engineered for the processes of its customers. The division provides pumps, agitators, compressors, grinders, screens and filters developed through intensive research and development in fluid dynamics and advanced materials. The focus is on pumping solutions for water, oil and gas, power, chemicals and most industrial segments.

Services

The Services division provides cutting-edge parts as well as maintenance and repair solutions for pumps, turbines, compressors, motors and generators, through a network of over 100 service sites around the world. The division services Sulzer original equipment, but also all associated third-party rotating equipment run by the customers, maximizing its sustainability and life-cycle cost-effectiveness. The division’s technology-based solutions, fast execution and expertise in complex maintenance projects are available at its customers’ doorsteps.

Chemtech

The Chemtech division focuses on innovative mass transfer, static mixing and polymer solutions for chemicals, petrochemicals, refining and LNG. Chemtech also provides ecological solutions such as bio-based chemicals, polymers and fuels, recycling technologies for textiles and plastic as well as carbon capture and utilization/storage, contributing to a circular and sustainable economy. The division’s product offering ranges from process components to complete process plants and technology licensing.

Others

Certain expenses related to the Corporate Center are not attributable to a particular segment and are assessed as a whole across the group. Also included are the eliminations for operating assets and liabilities.

The Chief Executive Officer primarily uses operational profit to assess the performance of the operating segments. However, the Chief Executive Officer also receives information about the segments’ order intake and backlog, sales, and operating assets and liabilities on a monthly basis.

Sales from external customers reported to the Chief Executive Officer are measured in a manner consistent with the measurement in the income statement. There are no significant sales between the segments. No individual customer represents a significant portion of the group’s sales.

Operating assets and liabilities are assets or liabilities related to the operating activities of an entity and contributing to the EBIT.

Segment information by region

The allocation of assets is based on their geographical location. Non-current assets exclude deferred income tax assets, non-current receivables, defined benefit assets and other non-current financial assets. The allocation of sales from external customers is based on the location of the customer.

Non-current assets by region

Sales by region

Segment information by market segment

The following table shows the allocation of sales from external customers by market segment. 

Sales by market segment – Flow Equipment

Sales by market segment – Services

Sales by market segment – Chemtech

4Acquisitions of subsidiaries and transactions with non-controlling interests 

Contingent consideration for former acquisitions

The group paid a contingent consideration in the amount of CHF 1.3 million and recorded a release to other operating income amounting to CHF 0.5 million, both related to an acquisition in 2021. The payment of CHF 1.3 million is presented in the cash flow statement in "Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired". No businesses were acquired in 2023.

Transactions with non-controlling interests

In January 2023, the group acquired the remaining 25% ownership in Sulzer Saudi Pump Company Limited for a total consideration of CHF 22.8 million, of which CHF 19.4 million were paid in cash. 

5Disposals, loss of control and disposal group held for sale

Disposals and loss of control in 2023

In February 2023, the group entered into an agreement with a third party for the sale of four legal entities in Russia (AO Sulzer Pumps, Sulzer Pumps Rus LLC, Sulzer Turbo Services Rus LLC and Sulzer Chemtech LLC). From the date of the sales agreement, the group lost power over the relevant activities of these entities due to the contractual requirements and legal environment. Consequently, these four entities were deconsolidated in 2023, resulting in the derecognition of the assets and liabilities previously classified as held for sale. The deconsolidation resulted in a gain on deconsolidation amounting to CHF 8.0 million, of which CHF 11.2 million resulted from the reclassification of accumulated currency translation differences and CHF 0.6 million from the reclassification of cash flow hedge reserves, net of tax. The gain on deconsolidation is recorded in other operating income / (expenses), net. A loan with one of the former subsidiaries was measured at a fair value and recognized as a current financial asset at the time control was lost. The payment received on the financial asset exceeded the estimated fair value, the income from the impairment release was recorded in other financial income (see note 12).

Including other minor disposals in 2023, a net gain on disposal (pre-tax) of CHF 7.2 million was recorded in other operating income / (expenses), net, of which CHF 10.9 million pertains to the reclassification of accumulated currency translation differences and CHF 0.6 million to the reclassification of cash flow hedge reserves, net of tax (see note 11).

The aggregated assets and liabilities derecognized in the year 2023 as part of the disposals are presented in the below table. 

Cash flow from divestments

Disposals and loss of control in 2022

In the first half year of 2022, the group sold its 100% shareholding in the Brazilian subsidiary Sulzer Services Brasil, Triunfo. The disposal resulted in a loss of CHF 0.6 million, including a loss of CHF 1.0 million from the reclassification of currency translation differences into the income statement. The deconsolidation of two Polish subsidiaries resulted in a loss of CHF 6.2 million, including a loss of CHF 1.2 million from the reclassification of currency translation differences into the income statement. The investment retained was valued at zero. The losses are recorded in other operating expenses (see note 11).

The assets and liabilities derecognized in the year 2022 as part of the disposals are presented in the below table.

Disposal group held for sale in 2022

In the June 2022, the four legal entities in Russia were classified as 'held for sale,' and as a result, impairments of CHF 88.9 million were recorded, of which CHF 32.2 million in other operating expenses, CHF 38.8 million in cost of goods sold, CHF 15.7 million in general and administrative expenses, and CHF 2.2 million in the income tax expenses line. The write-downs included mainly impairments of goodwill, other intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, lease assets, inventory and advance payments from customers. The total net impairment loss recorded on contract assets and receivables amounted to CHF 37.4 million as of December 31, 2022.

6Critical accounting estimates and judgments

All estimates and assessments are continually reviewed and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations regarding future events that appear reasonable under the given circumstances. The group makes estimates and assumptions that relate to the future. By their nature, these estimates will only rarely correspond to actual subsequent events. The estimates and assumptions that carry a significant risk, in the form of a substantial adjustment to the measurement of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are set out below.

Employee benefit plans

Assets, liabilities and costs for defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment plans are determined on an actuarial basis using a number of assumptions. Assumptions used in determining the defined benefit assets / obligations include the discount rate, future salary and pension increases, and mortality rates. The assumptions are reviewed and reassessed at the end of each year based on observable market data, i.e., market yields of high-quality corporate bonds denominated in the corresponding currency and asset management studies. In case a defined benefit plan results in a surplus, the group needs to calculate the asset ceiling and the present value of the economic benefits available in the form of refunds or reductions in future contributions to the plan. For the calculation of the economic benefits, the future benefits are discounted with the applicable discount rate, adjusted for estimated future salary increases. These estimates might significantly impact the balance sheet. Further details on the defined benefit plans are provided in note 9 and note 34.

Income taxes

The group is subject to income taxes in numerous jurisdictions. Assumptions are required in order to determine income tax provisions. There are transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain during the ordinary course of business. The group recognizes liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on estimates of whether additional taxes will be 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 provisions in the period in which such determination is made. Management believes that the estimates are reasonable, and that the recognized liabilities for income tax-related uncertainties are adequate. Further details are disclosed in note 13.

Goodwill and other intangible assets

The group carries out an annual impairment test on goodwill in the first quarter of the year (after the budget and the three-year strategic plan have been approved by the Board of Directors in February), or when indications of a potential impairment exist. The recoverable amount from cash-generating units is measured on the basis of value-in-use calculations, with the terminal growth rate, the discount rate, and the projected cash flows as the main variables. Information about assumptions and estimation uncertainties that have significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment are disclosed in note 14. The accounting policies are disclosed in note 34.

Lease assets and lease liabilities

The group has applied judgment to determine the lease term for lease contracts that include renewal and termination options. The assessment of whether the group is reasonably certain to exercise such options impacts the lease term, which significantly affects the amount of lease liabilities and lease assets recognized. This assessment depends on economic incentives, such as removal and relocation costs. Further details are disclosed in note 16 and note 34.

Sales

At contract inception, the group assesses the goods or services promised in a contract with a customer and identifies each promise to transfer to the customer as a performance obligation. The group considers the terms of the contract and all other relevant facts, including the economic substance of the transaction. Judgment is needed to determine whether there is a single performance obligation or multiple separate performance obligations. 

If the consideration promised in a contract includes a variable amount (e.g., expected liquidated damages, early payment discounts, volume discounts), the group estimates the amount of consideration to which the group will be entitled in exchange for transferring the promised goods or services to a customer. The amount of the variable consideration is estimated by using either of the following methods, depending on which method the group expects to better predict the amount of consideration to which it will be entitled: the expected value or the most likely amount. The method selected is applied consistently throughout the contract and to similar types of contracts when estimating the effect of uncertainty on the amount of variable consideration to which the group is entitled. Depending on the outcome of the respective transactions, actual payments may differ from these estimates.

To allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation on a relative stand-alone selling price basis, the group determines the stand-alone selling price at contract inception of the distinct good or service underlying each performance obligation in the contract and allocates the transaction price in proportion to those stand-alone selling prices. If the stand-alone selling price is not directly observable, then the group estimates the amount with the expected cost-plus-margin method.

The group recognizes sales either over time or at a point in time. Sales are recognized over time if any of the conditions described in note 34 are met. The most critical estimate in determining whether sales should be recorded over time or at a point in time, is the existence of a right to payment. The group estimates if an enforceable right to payment (including reasonable profit margin) for performance to date exists in case the customer terminates the contract for convenience. For this estimate, the group reviews the contracts and considers relevant laws, legal precedents and customary business practice.

Applying the over time method requires the group to estimate the proportional sales and costs. To measure the stage of completion, generally, the cost-to-cost method is applied. Work progress of sub-suppliers is considered in determining the stage of completion. If circumstances arise that may change the original estimates of sales, costs or extent of progress toward completion, estimates are revised. These revisions may result in increases or decreases in estimated sales or costs and are reflected in income in the period in which the circumstances that give rise to the revision become known by management.

Further details are disclosed in note 20 and note 34.

Provisions

Provisions are made, among other reasons, for warranties, disputes, litigation and restructuring. A provision is recognized in the balance sheet when the group has a legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. The nature of these costs is such that judgment has to be applied to estimate the timing and amount of cash outflows. Depending on the outcome of the respective transactions, actual payments may differ from these estimates. Further details are disclosed in note 27 and note 34. 

Financial assets

The fair value needs to be measured for the financial assets measured at fair value through P&L. If there is no observable fair value, valuation approaches relying on unobservable inputs are used. These inputs inherently require a higher level of judgement. Assumptions and estimates of unobservable market inputs in the fair valuation of financial assets require significant judgment and could affect amounts recognized in the statement of income.

7Financial risk management

7.1 Financial risk factors

The group’s activities expose it to market, credit and liquidity risks. The group’s overall risk management program focuses on the mitigation of such risks to minimize potential adverse effects on the group’s financial performance. The group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge certain risk exposures.

Financial risk management is carried out by a central treasury department (Group Treasury). Group Treasury identifies, evaluates and hedges financial risks in close cooperation with the group’s subsidiaries. Principles for overall risk management and policies covering specific areas, such as foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, use of derivative financial instruments and non-derivative financial instruments, and investment of excess liquidity exist in writing.

a) Market risk

(I) Foreign exchange risk

The group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures. The group is exposed to transactional foreign currency risk to the extent that sales, purchases, license fees, borrowings and other balance sheet items are denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of group companies. The exposure originates mainly from group companies with the functional currencies CHF, USD, EUR, CNY and INR. Management has set up a policy to require subsidiaries to manage their foreign exchange risk against their functional currency. The subsidiaries are required to hedge their major foreign exchange risk exposure using forward contracts or other standard instruments, usually transacted with Group Treasury. The group’s management policy is to hedge 90% to 100% of the contractual FX exposures.

The group uses forward exchange contracts to hedge its currency risk, most with a maturity of less than one year from the reporting date. The contracts are generally designated for hedge accounting as cash flow hedges. The group determines the existence of an economic relationship between the hedging instruments and the hedged item based on the currency, amount and timing of the respective cash flows. For hedges of foreign currency purchases, the group enters into hedge relationships where the critical terms of the hedging instrument match exactly with the terms of the hedged item. The group therefore performs a qualitative assessment of effectiveness. If changes in circumstances affect the terms of the hedged item such that the critical terms no longer match exactly with the critical terms of the hedging instrument, the group uses the hypothetical derivative method to assess effectiveness. In hedges of foreign currency purchases, ineffectiveness may arise if the timing of the forecast transaction changes from what was originally estimated.

External foreign exchange contracts are designated as hedges of foreign exchange risk on specific assets, liabilities or future transactions on a gross basis. The group has certain investments in foreign operations, whose net assets are exposed to foreign currency translation risk. If required, currency exposure arising from the net assets of the group’s foreign operations is managed primarily through borrowings denominated in the relevant foreign currencies. Derivative financial instruments are only used on an ad hoc basis to manage foreign currency translation risk.

The following tables show the hypothetical influence on the income statement for 2023 and 2022 related to foreign exchange risk of financial instruments. The volatility used for the calculation is the one-year historic volatility on December 31 for the relevant currency pair and year. For 2023, the currency pair with the most significant exposure and inherent risk was the EUR versus the BRL. If, on December 31, 2023, the EUR had increased by 12.0% against the BRL with all other variables held constant, profit after tax for the year would have been CHF 0.6 million lower due to foreign exchange losses on EUR-denominated financial assets. A decrease of the rate would have caused a profit of the same amount.

Hypothetical impact of foreign exchange risk on income statement

The following tables show the hypothetical influence on equity for 2023 and 2022 related to foreign exchange risk of financial instruments for the most important currency pairs as of December 31 of the respective year. The volatility used for the calculation is the one-year historic volatility on December 31 for the relevant currency pair and year. Most of the hypothetical effect on equity is a result of fair value changes of derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges.

Hypothetical impact of foreign exchange risk on equity

(II) Price risk

As of December 31, 2023, and 2022, the group was not exposed to significant price risk related to investments in equity securities.

(III) Interest rate risk

The group’s interest rate risk arises from interest-bearing assets and liabilities. Financial assets and liabilities at variable rates expose the group to cash flow interest rate risk. The group analyzes its interest rate exposure on a net basis, and if required, enters into derivative instruments in order to keep the volatility of net interest income or expense limited. The group’s non-current interest-bearing liabilities mainly comprise of bonds with a fixed interest rate.

The following table shows the hypothetical influence on the income statement for variable interest-bearing assets net of liabilities at variable interest rates, assuming market interest rate levels would have increased/decreased by 100 basis points. For the most significant currencies, CHF, USD, EUR, CNY and INR, increasing interest rates would have had a positive impact on the income statement, since the value of variable interest-bearing assets (comprising mainly cash and cash equivalents) exceed the value of variable interest-bearing liabilities.

Hypothetical impact of interest rate risk on income statement

On December 31, 2023, if the interest rates on CHF-denominated assets net of liabilities had been 100 basis points higher with all other variables held constant, post-tax profit for the year would have been CHF 2.1 million higher, as a result of higher interest income on CHF-denominated assets. A decrease of interest rates on CHF-denominated assets net of liabilities would have caused a loss of the same amount. As of December 31, 2022, if the interest rates had been 100 basis points higher with all other variables held constant, post-tax profit for the year would have been CHF 3.0 million higher, as a result of higher interest income on CHF-denominated assets.

b) Credit risk

Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, derivative financial instruments, deposits with financial institutions and credit exposures to customers, including outstanding trade receivables, and contract assets. The maximum exposure to credit risk per class of financial asset is disclosed by carrying amounts in the fair value table. Equity instruments are not exposed to credit risks. The carrying amounts of financial assets and contract assets represent the maximum credit risk exposure.

Credit risks of banks and financial institutions are monitored and managed centrally. Generally, only independently rated parties with a strong credit rating are accepted, and the total volume of transactions is split among several banks to reduce the individual risk with one bank.

For every customer with a large order volume, an individual risk assessment of the credit quality of the customer is performed that considers independent ratings, financial position, past experience and other factors. Additionally, bank guarantees and letters of credit are requested. For more details on the credit risk of contract assets, please refer to note 20, and on the credit risk of trade accounts receivable, please refer to note 21.

c) Liquidity risk

Prudent liquidity risk management includes the maintenance of sufficient cash and marketable securities, the availability of funding from an adequate number of committed credit facilities, and the ability to close out market positions. Due to the dynamic nature of the underlying businesses, Group Treasury maintains flexibility in funding through committed and uncommitted credit lines.

Management anticipates the future development of the group’s liquidity reserve on the basis of expected cash flows by performing regular group-wide cash forecasts. As of December 2023, Sulzer had access to a syndicated credit facility of CHF 500 million maturing on December 31, 2026. The facility includes two one-year extension options and a further option to increase the credit facility by CHF 250 million (subject to lenders’ approval). In 2022 and 2023, the group exercised the options, extending the term of the credit facility in the amount of CHF 415 million to December 2028.

The following table analyzes the group’s financial liabilities in relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period from the reporting to the contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows translated at year-end closing rates, if not denominated in CHF. Borrowings include the notional amount and interest payments.

Maturity profile of financial liabilities

7.2 Capital risk management

The group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital. In this respect, the group aims at maintaining an investment-grade credit rating, either as a perceived rating or an external rating issued by a credit rating agency.

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt.

The following table shows the net debt/EBITDA ratio as of December 31, 2023, and 2022.

Net debt/EBITDA ratio