Significant Accounting Policies

Information on the Company and on the Group

The registered office of Beiersdorf AG is located at Unnastrasse 48 in Hamburg (Germany), and the company is registered with the commercial register of the Hamburg Local Court under the number HRB 1787. Beiersdorf AG is included in the consolidated financial statements of maxingvest ag, the (ultimate) parent company of the Group.

The activities of Beiersdorf AG and its affiliates (“Beiersdorf Group”) consist primarily of the manufacture and distribution of branded consumer goods in the area of skin and body care, and of the manufacture and distribution of technical adhesive tapes.

The consolidated financial statements of Beiersdorf AG for the fiscal year from January 1 to December 31, 2022, were prepared by the Executive Board on February 6, 2023, and subsequently submitted to the Supervisory Board for examination and approval.

General Principles

The consolidated financial statements of Beiersdorf AG have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), including the IFRS Interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) and the supplementary provisions of German commercial law required to be applied under § 315e (1) Handelsgesetzbuch (German Commercial Code, HGB). All IFRSs and IFRICs endorsed by the European Commission and required to be applied as of December 31, 2022, were applied.

The consolidated financial statements were prepared using the historical cost convention. Exceptions to this rule relate to financial instruments assigned to the categories “at fair value through other comprehensive income” (FVOCI) and “at fair value through profit or loss” (FVPL), and derivative financial instruments, which are all measured at fair value.

The consolidated income statement was prepared using the cost of sales method.

Estimates and Assumptions

Preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions to a limited extent that affect the amount and presentation of recognized assets and liabilities, income and expenses, and contingent liabilities. Such estimates and assumptions reflect all currently available information. Significant estimates and assumptions were made in particular in relation to the following accounting policies: impairment testing of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets (Note 11 “Intangible Assets”), impairments of financial assets (Note 29 “Additional Disclosures on Financial Instruments, Financial Risk Management, and Derivative Financial Instruments”), the actuarial assumptions for the defined benefit expense as well as for the present value of pension commitments (Note 26 “Provisions for Pensions and Other Post-employment Benefits”), the determination of the amount of eligible deferred tax assets (Note 09 “Income Taxes”), and the recognition of other provisions (Note 27 “Other Provisions”). Given the uncertainty that exists when recognizing the legal risks arising from claims for damages in particular as well as tax and custom risks (Note 30 “Contingent Liabilities, Other Financial Obligations, and Legal Risks”), significant discretion must be exercised in evaluating whether and to what extent potential damages have arisen and how large the claim could be. In determining the amount of possible damages, there is particular discretion in relation to determining the nature of the factors “overcharge” and “pass-on rate” on which the calculation is based. Furthermore, estimates and assumptions are made in particular when determining the useful lives of intangible assets and property, plant, and equipment, and when measuring inventories.

Actual amounts may differ from these estimates. Changes to estimates are recognized in profit or loss when more recent knowledge becomes available. The estimates and assumptions mentioned above also took into account the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Consolidation Principles

Acquisition accounting uses the purchase method, under which the cost of the business combination is allocated to the identifiable assets acquired and identifiable liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed, measured at their fair values at the acquisition date. The cost of an acquisition is the sum of the consideration transferred, measured at fair value at the acquisition date, and the non-controlling interests in the acquiree. For each business combination, the non-controlling interests in the acquiree are measured either at fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. Any excess of the cost of the business combination over the acquirer’s interest in the net fair values of identifiable assets, liabilities, and contingent liabilities is recognized as goodwill. Costs incurred in the course of the business combination are recognized as an expense.

Profit and equity of subsidiaries attributable to non-controlling interests are presented separately in the consolidated income statement and as a component of equity in the consolidated balance sheet. Losses at a subsidiary are attributed to the non-controlling interests even if this results in a negative balance. In the case of successive purchases of the shares of subsidiaries, the difference between the cost of the new shares and the non-controlling interests previously recognized in the Group for these shares is recognized in other comprehensive income. In a business combination achieved in stages, the effects from acquisition-date fair value remeasurement of previously held equity interests in the acquiree are recognized either directly in equity (FVOCI) or in the income statement (FVPL), depending on their classification. Subsequent adjustments of contingent consideration are recognized in the income statement.

All intercompany balances, transactions, income, and expenses, and gains and losses on intragroup transactions that are contained in the carrying amounts of assets are eliminated in full.

The consolidated financial statements include Beiersdorf AG and the subsidiaries over which it has control within the meaning of IFRS 10. Control over an investee exists if Beiersdorf AG has direct or indirect power over the investee, is exposed to variable returns from its involvement with the investee, and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee.

Currency Translation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in euros. The euro is Beiersdorf AG’s functional and presentation currency. Unless otherwise stated, all amounts are rounded to millions of euros (€ million). Each company in the Group defines its own functional currency. As the foreign subsidiaries operate as financially, economically, and organizationally independent entities, their functional currency is always the local currency. The items contained in the financial statements of the company concerned are measured using this functional currency. Foreign currency transactions are initially translated at the spot rate at the transaction date. Non-monetary items that are measured at cost in a foreign currency are translated at the exchange rate at the transaction date. Exchange differences arising from the translation of monetary items are recognized in profit or loss. Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currency are translated into the functional currency at the closing rate.

At the balance sheet date, the assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the euro are translated into euros at the closing rate. Income and expenses are generally translated at average exchange rates for the fiscal year. Exchange differences arising from this are recognized as a separate component of equity.

The following table shows the changes in the exchange rates for the currencies material to the consolidated financial statements:

The accounting requirements of IAS 29 Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies were not applied due to immaterial effect on the Group’s net assets, financial position and results of operations.

Changes in Accounting Policies

There were no material effects from the first-time application of new standards or interpretations in fiscal year 2022. The IASB has also revised or issued further accounting standards and interpretations that must be applied in future. However, these will have no material effects on the consolidated financial statements.

Significant Accounting Policies

Sales are recognized when goods and products are delivered, and control has transferred to the customer. Discounts, customer bonuses, and rebates are deducted from sales, as is consideration payable to trading partners in those cases in which the consideration is not matched by a distinct product or service supplied whose fair value can be estimated reliably. The probability of returns is reflected in the recognition and measurement of sales.

Cost of goods sold comprises the cost of internally produced goods sold and the purchase price of merchandise sold. The cost of internally produced goods includes directly attributable costs such as the cost of direct materials, direct labor, and energy, as well as production overheads, including depreciation of production facilities. The cost of goods sold also includes write-downs of inventories and operating expenses for distribution centers and freight shipments to customers.

Marketing and selling expenses comprise the costs of sales and marketing departments, expenditure on advertising, retail (point of sale) marketing, and similar items. This item also includes write-downs of trade receivables.

Research costs are recognized in profit or loss for the period. Development costs for new products are capitalized if the recognition criteria laid down in IAS 38 are met. This is normally not the case, as the expected future economic benefits cannot be measured reliably as long as the products are not market ready. Other development costs (e.g. for information systems) are capitalized as intangible assets if the recognition criteria laid down in IAS 38 are met. Once capitalized, they are amortized using the straight-line method over their expected useful lives.

Purchased intangible assets such as patents, trademarks, and software are measured at cost. The carrying amounts of finite-lived intangible assets are reduced by straight-line amortization over their expected useful lives. The useful lives, residual values, and amortization methods are reviewed regularly. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment at least once a year; such impairment tests are only conducted for finite-lived intangible assets and property, plant, and equipment if there are indications of impairment. An impairment loss is recognized in profit or loss if the recoverable amount of the asset is lower than its carrying amount. Recoverable amount is identified separately for each asset. If an asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent from other assets, recoverable amount is identified on the basis of a group of assets designated as the cash-generating unit. Recoverable amount is the higher of net realizable value and value in use. Net realizable value is the amount obtainable from the sale of an asset in an arm’s length transaction, less the costs of disposal. Value in use is calculated on the basis of estimated future cash flows expected to arise from the continuing use of an asset and its disposal at the end of its useful life, using the discounted cash flow method. Cash flows are derived from the business plans and reflect current developments. They are discounted to the date of the impairment test using capitalization rates for equivalent risks.

If the reasons for an impairment loss recognized in previous years no longer apply, the impairment loss (except for goodwill) is reversed up to a maximum of amortized cost.

With the exception of lease right-of-use assets, property, plant, and equipment is carried at cost and reduced by straight-line depreciation over the assets’ expected useful lives. The useful lives, residual values, and depreciation methods are reviewed annually. The following useful lives are generally applied to the depreciation of items of property, plant, and equipment:

Production costs of internally manufactured items of property, plant, and equipment are calculated on the basis of attributable direct costs plus an appropriate share of production-related overheads. Interest on borrowings is recognized as a current expense unless it relates to the production of qualifying assets. Repair and maintenance costs for property, plant, and equipment are also expensed as incurred. Substantial renewals or enhancements that materially increase production capacity or significantly extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized. Components that were previously capitalized in this way and replaced by new measures to be capitalized are recognized accordingly as disposals. Government grants reduce the cost of acquisition or production.

Right-of-use assets from leases are reported within property, plant, and equipment. A lease exists if a contract entitles the Group to use an identifiable asset for an agreed period of time in return for payment. At Beiersdorf, leases relate primarily to office space and vehicles.

Lease liabilities are reported within financial liabilities. They are recognized at the inception of the lease at the present value of the lease payments not yet made. Discounting is generally determined using term- and currency-specific incremental borrowing rates.

Lease right-of-use assets are recognized at cost at the commencement of the lease term. The cost of the right-of-use asset comprises the present value of the total expected lease payments less lease incentives received, initial direct costs, and restoration obligations. Subsequent measurement is at amortized cost. Depreciation is on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.

The term of the lease commences on the date that the asset is made available for use and includes any rent-free periods. In the case of leases that contain both a basic non-cancelable period and extension and termination options, determination of lease terms takes into account all the facts and circumstances that provide an economic incentive for the exercise of extension options or non-exercise of termination options. The exercise or non-exercise of these options is only factored into the lease term if it is reasonably certain to occur.

The leasing standard is not applied to rights held by a lessee under license agreements within the Scope of IAS 38. In addition, Beiersdorf has exercised the option not to recognize low-value and short-term leases on the balance sheet and is instead continuing to treat these as operating expenses over the term of the lease.

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale. The cost of inventories is measured using the average cost method. In addition to direct costs, production costs include a proportionate share of material and production overheads as well as production-related depreciation. It also includes the proportionate costs of company pension arrangements and voluntary social benefits, as well as production-related administrative expenses.

Cash comprises bank balances, cash-on-hand, and checks. Cash equivalents are short-term liquid investments that can be converted into a specified amount of cash at any time and are exposed to no more than insignificant fluctuations in value. In accordance with IFRS 9, cash and cash equivalents are designated as AC.

Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount is to be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. Non-current assets and disposal groups held for sale are measured at fair value less costs to sell (level 3) if the value is lower than the carrying amount. The fair value less cost to sell is generally determined on the basis of (ongoing) purchase price negotiations with potential buyers.

The prerequisite for the classification as held for sale is that the assets and disposal groups can be sold in their current condition and that their sale is highly probable. The sale must be considered within one year from the date of classification. Before any assets are reclassified to assets and disposal groups held for sale, the relevant measurement rules for the balance sheet item are applied for the last time. After classification, depreciation is no longer recognized for the assets. Any expense resulting from the application of the above valuation principles in connection with the write-down to fair value less costs to sell is recognized under other operating expenses.

Financial instruments are contracts that give rise to a financial asset of one entity and a financial liability of another entity. Financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value on initial recognition.

Categories of financial assets under IFRS 9

The “at amortized cost” (AC) category comprises financial assets whose cash flows consist of interest and principal payments and that are held as part of a business model that aims to collect contractual cash flows. Following initial recognition, they are valued at amortized cost less any impairment losses using the effective interest method.

The “at fair value through other comprehensive income” (FVOCI) category comprises financial assets whose cash flows consist of interest and principal payments and that are held as part of a business model that generally aims to hold the assets but also allows them to be sold if required. These assets are measured at fair value. The resulting changes in value are recognized in a separate reserve in other comprehensive income. Upon disposal or impairment of these financial assets, the cumulative gains and losses recognized in equity are recognized in profit or loss. This category also includes equity instruments for which the one-time option to recognize changes in fair value directly in equity has been irrevocably exercised. Subsequent changes in value remain in equity upon disposal or impairment and are not reclassified to the income statement.

The “at fair value through profit or loss” (FVPL) category comprises financial assets that do not fall under the other categories. These assets are measured at fair value. The resulting changes in value are recognized in the income statement.

Financial assets are tested for impairment as of each reporting date. Under IFRS 9, a risk provision is recognized based on the expected credit losses over the next 12 months (expected loss model). The estimate is based on ratings and continuously updated risk indicators. Current CDS spreads and the issuers’ bond spreads are also used in the calculation. Impairment of financial assets is immediately recognized in profit or loss. For financial assets in the AC category, the impairment reduces the asset’s value on the balance sheet; for financial assets in the FVOCI category, the impairment is recognized in a special reserve in other comprehensive income. A simplified process for determining impairment is used for assets that do not contain a significant financing component (e.g. trade receivables). In this approach, expected credit losses over the entire lifetime of the financial instruments are determined. The estimated impairment on receivables is based primarily on the results of previous payment behavior and reflects the age structure, any substantial deterioration in creditworthiness, or a high probability of debtor insolvency, as well as changes in the political and macroeconomic environment. Given the very short terms (e.g. due on demand) and the creditworthiness of our contractual partners, no impairment is identified based on expected credit losses for financial assets such as cash and cash equivalents.

Financial liabilities are carried at amortized cost (AC) using the effective interest method after their initial recognition. Gains and losses resulting from amortization using the effective interest method and from derecognition of liabilities are recognized in profit or loss. Liabilities with remaining contractual maturities of more than one year are classified as non-current. In accordance with IFRS 9, derivative financial instruments used for hedges are not assigned to a separate category; within the Beiersdorf Group, they are subsumed under “derivative financial instruments” (DFI).

Financial assets and financial liabilities are derecognized when control of the contractual rights is lost, when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged or canceled, or when it has expired. Liabilities in connection with reverse factoring agreements are not subject to any substantial modification of the contractual terms and therefore continue to be accounted for as trade accounts payable. The payments made are subsequently shown the statement of cash flows as cash flows from operating activities.

The Beiersdorf Group uses derivative financial instruments to manage current and future currency risks. The instruments concerned are mainly currency forwards. Derivative financial instruments are recognized at fair value. They are reported in the balance sheet in other financial assets or other financial liabilities.

The recognition of changes in the fair values of derivative financial instruments depends on whether these instruments are used as hedging instruments and meet the criteria for hedge accounting under IFRS 9. If the criteria are not met despite the existence of an economic hedge, changes in the fair values of derivative financial instruments are recognized immediately in profit or loss. The effectiveness of the hedge relationship is assessed using the critical terms method.

Derivatives classified as fair value hedges are measured at their fair value. Any resulting changes in fair value are recognized in profit or loss. The carrying amount of the hedged asset or liability is adjusted for the changes in fair value attributable to the hedged risk. Gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value are recognized in profit or loss for the period.

For derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments that qualify for hedging accounting as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in the fair value is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of the related tax effect. The ineffective portion is recognized in profit or loss. When the hedged item (underlying) is settled, the effective portion is also recognized in profit or loss.

The fair value of financial instruments is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When measuring fair value, it is assumed that the underlying transaction on which the price is based takes place in either the principal market or the most advantageous market that the Beiersdorf Group has access to. The price is measured using the assumptions that market participants would base pricing on. All financial instruments recognized at fair value in the financial statements are categorized into the following hierarchy levels in accordance with IFRS 13:

• Level 1: Fair values that are measured using quoted prices in active markets
• Level 2: Fair values that are measured using valuation techniques whose significant inputs are based on directly or indirectly observable market data
• Level 3: Fair values that are measured using valuation techniques whose significant inputs are not based on observable market data

Financial instruments regularly measured at fair value are reassessed at the end of the fiscal year to determine whether reclassifications have to be made between the levels of the hierarchy.

Provisions for pensions and other post-employment benefits comprise the provisions for defined benefit plans within the Group. Obligations are measured using the projected unit credit method. The expected benefits are spread over the entire length of service of the employees. The actuarial computation of the pension provisions is based on market rates of interest as well as projected wage/salary and pension increases, and staff turnover trends. Measurement is performed using the relevant local inputs. In Germany, the mortality rate was based on Heubeck’s 2018 G mortality tables, while international rates were based on locally recognized mortality tables. The various discount rates used are based on the yields of high-quality corporate bonds with appropriate maturities and currencies and a minimum of an AA rating. Actuarial reports are prepared annually. All assumptions are reviewed for appropriateness at each reporting date.

The amount recognized as a provision comprises the total present value of the defined benefit obligation less the fair value of plan assets available for immediate settlement of obligations. If the fair value of plan assets exceeds the present value of the defined benefit obligation, net assets are only recognized up to the amount of the asset ceiling.

Past service cost is recognized as a component of EBIT in line with the principle of functional allocation, while net interest income is recognized in the financial result. Actuarial gains and losses resulting from changes in actuarial assumptions and deviations between earlier actuarial assumptions and actual developments, as well as from changes in the return on plan assets, are recognized immediately and in full under retained earnings in consolidated equity. They are not recognized in profit or loss later on, but rather remain in consolidated equity.

In the case of defined contribution plans, contributions are made on a statutory, contractual, or voluntary basis to public or private pension insurance plans. The Group does not have any other payment obligations above and beyond the contributions. The contributions are recognized in profit or loss as a component of EBIT.

Other provisions take account of all identifiable future payment obligations, risks, and uncertain obligations of the Group resulting from current legal or constructive obligations arising from past events where the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Such other provisions are mainly due within one year. Non-current provisions expected to be settled after more than one year are discounted insofar as the interest effect is material.

Current income tax assets and liabilities for current and prior periods are recognized at the expected amount. The tax rates and tax legislation enacted at the reporting date are used to calculate the amount.

Deferred taxes result from temporary differences between the tax base of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the IFRS balance sheet, and from tax loss carryforwards. Deferred taxes are measured using the balance sheet liability method on the basis of the tax rates expected to be enacted in the individual countries when the temporary differences reverse. These rates are based on the legislation in force at the balance sheet date. No deferred taxes are recognized for differences arising on the initial recognition of assets and liabilities that are not the result of business combinations and do not affect either accounting or taxable profit.

Deferred tax assets in respect of temporary differences, tax loss carryforwards, and tax credits are recognized where it is probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available in future periods against which they can be utilized. Recognized deferred taxes are tested for recoverability every year. Income taxes relating to items recognized in other comprehensive income are not recognized in the income statement but in other comprehensive income.

Current tax assets and liabilities, and deferred tax assets and liabilities, are offset against each other if the Group has a legally enforceable right to offset the actual tax assets against actual tax liabilities and these relate to income taxes levied on the same taxable entity by the same taxation authority.

Notes to the Cash Flow Statement

The cash flow statement has been prepared in accordance with IAS 7 and is classified into net cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities.

Net cash flow from operating activities is determined using the indirect method, while net cash flows from investing and financing activities are determined using the direct method.

Cash funds are composed of cash and cash equivalents that can be converted into cash at any time and that are exposed to no more than insignificant fluctuations in value.

Notes to the Segment Reporting

Segment reporting in the Beiersdorf Group is based on the management of business operations. The breakdown of the Group into the Consumer and tesa Business Segments reflects the internal organizational structure and the reporting to the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board.

The Beiersdorf Group measures the success of its segments on the basis of sales growth and operating result (EBIT), adjusted for non-recurring, non-operating transactions (EBIT, excluding special factors) in conjunction with the corresponding EBIT margin.

In order to show the global breakdown of business activities in the Beiersdorf Group, information on the geographic regions is presented in addition to the operating segments. The external sales shown for the regions are based on the domiciles of the respective companies.

Group companies domiciled in Germany generated sales of €1,419 million in 2022 (previous year: €1,433 million) and reported non-current assets (not including financial instruments, deferred taxes, and plan assets) of €1,492 million (previous year: €1,330 million).

Organic sales growth is the nominal sales growth adjusted for exchange rate effects and structural effects from acquisitions and divestments.

EBIT excluding special factors represents the operating result (EBIT), adjusted for non-operating one-off business transactions.

EBITDA represents the operating result (EBIT) before depreciation, amortization, and impairment losses.

The EBIT margin on net operating capital is the ratio of the operating result (EBIT) to net operating capital.

Gross cash flow is the excess of operating income over operating expenses before any further appropriation of funds.

Net operating capital of €3,444 million (previous year: €2,249 million) consists of gross operating capital less operating liabilities. The following table shows the reconciliation of net operating capital to the balance sheet items: