3 Summary of significant accounting policies
3.1 Consolidation
Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are all companies over which Swisscom Ltd has the effective ability of controlling their financial and business policies. Control is generally presumed where Swisscom Ltd directly or indirectly holds the majority of the voting rights or potential voting rights of the company. Subsidiaries are included in consolidation from the date on which they are acquired and deconsolidated from the date they are disposed of. Intercompany balances and transactions, income and expenses, shareholdings and dividends as well as unrealised gains and losses are fully eliminated. Unrealised losses on an asset which has been transferred within the Group may be an indication of an impairment in value and triggers an impairment test. Non-controlling interests in subsidiary companies are reported within equity separately from that attributable to the shareholders of Swisscom Ltd. The non-controlling interests in net income or loss are shown in the consolidated income statement as a component of the consolidated net income or loss. Movements in shareholdings of subsidiary companies are reported as transactions within equity insofar as control existed previously and continues to exist. Written put options to owners of non-controlling interests are disclosed as financial liabilities. The balance sheet date for all consolidated subsidiaries is 31 December. There are no material restrictions on the transfer of funds from the subsidiaries to the parent company.
Investments in associates
Shareholdings in associates over which Swisscom exercises significant influence but does not have control are accounted for using the equity method. A significant influence is generally assumed to exist whenever between 20% and 50% of the voting rights are held. Under the equity method, investments in associates are initially recognised at their purchase cost at the date of acquisition. Purchase cost comprises the share of net assets acquired and any applicable goodwill arising. In subsequent accounting periods, the carrying amount of the investment is adjusted by the share of current profits and losses together with the share of movements in other equity captions, less the share of dividends distributed. Unrealised gains and losses from transactions with associates are eliminated on a pro-rata basis.
3.2 Foreign currency translation
Foreign currency transactions which are not denominated in the functional currency are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Monetary items as of the balance sheet date are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date and non-monetary items are translated using the exchange rate on the date of the transaction. Translation differences are recognised in the income statement. The consolidated financial statements are presented in Swiss francs. Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries and associates reporting in a different functional currency are translated at the exchange rates prevailing on the balance sheet date whereas the income statement and the cash flow statement are translated at average exchange rates. Translation differences arising from the translation of net assets and income statements are not taken to income but recorded directly in equity as part of other comprehensive income. Upon sale of a foreign Group company, the cumulative foreign exchange differences previously included in the foreign currency translation reserve under equity are taken to income as part of the gain or loss on disposal.
For the consolidated financial statements, the most significant foreign currencies during the reporting years were translated at the following exchange rates:
3.3 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, sight balances and time deposits with financial institutions with a maximum term of three months from the acquisition date. This definition is equally applied for the cash flow statement. Cash and cash equivalents are accounted for at amortised cost.
3.4 Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables are measured at amortised cost less impairment losses. Any impairment losses are recorded through the use of valuation allowance accounts. All realised losses lead to the derecognition of the related receivable.
Receivables and payables are netted whenever Swisscom has a legal right of set-off as of the balance-sheet date and intends to either settle on a net basis or realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. The right of set-off must exist as of the balance-sheet date and it shall be legally enforceable both in the ordinary course of business as well as in the case of the insolvency of the contracting party.
3.5 Other financial assets
Other financial assets are classified either as “at fair value through profit or loss”, “loans and receivables”, “held-to-maturity” or “available-for-sale”. The classification depends on the purpose for which the financial asset was acquired. Management determines the classification of financial assets at the time of acquisition and reviews the classification as of each balance sheet date. Trade date accounting is applied for routine purchases and sales of financial assets. Financial assets are initially recognised at their fair values, including directly related transaction costs. Transaction costs relating to financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are not capitalised on acquisition but expensed immediately as incurred. Financial assets are partially or fully derecognised if Swisscom’s rights to the cash flows arising therefrom have either elapsed or were transferred and Swisscom is neither exposed to any risks arising from these assets nor has any entitlement to income from them.
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets valued at fair value through profit or loss are either held for trading purposes or are classified as such upon initial recording. They are measured at their fair value. Any gains or losses resulting from subsequent measurement are taken to income. Swisscom classifies only derivative financial instruments in this category.
Financial assets held to maturity
Held-to-maturity financial assets are fixed-term financial assets for which Swisscom has the ability and intention to hold to maturity. After their initial recognition at amortised cost, financial assets are accounted for using the effective interest method less provisions for impairment. Foreign exchange gains and losses are taken to income. Swisscom has not classified any financial assets in this category.
Loans and receivables
After their initial recognition at amortised cost, loans and receivables are measured using the effective interest method. Foreign exchange gains and losses are taken to income. The caption loans and receivables primarily reflects term deposits with original maturities exceeding three months which Swisscom places directly, or through an agent, with the borrower.
Available-for-sale financial assets
All other financial assets are classified as available-for-sale financial assets. Available-for-sale financial assets are accounted for at fair value and all unrealised changes in fair value are recorded in equity. Foreign exchange gains and losses on available-for-sale debt instruments are recognised in the income statement. When available-for-sale financial assets are sold, impaired or otherwise disposed of, the cumulative gains and losses since acquisition that had been recognised in equity are reclassified from equity and recorded as financial income or expense. If the fair value of an unlisted equity instrument cannot be reliably determined, the instruments are accounted for at cost less provisions for impairment.
3.6 Inventories
Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The cost of inventories includes all costs of acquisition and manufacture as well as other costs incurred in order to bring the inventories to their present location and condition as intended by management. The cost of inventories is determined using the weighted average cost method. Write-downs are raised for inventories that are difficult to sell. Unsalable inventories are fully written off.
3.7 Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. In addition to the purchase cost and the costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management, purchase or manufacturing cost also includes the estimated costs for dismantling and restoration of the site. The construction costs of self-constructed assets include directly attributable costs as well as indirect costs of material, manufacture and administration. Borrowing costs are capitalised insofar as they can be allocated directly to the acquisition or production of a qualifying asset. Costs of replacement, renewal or renovation of property, plant and equipment are capitalised as replacement investments if a future inflow of economic benefits is probable and the purchase or manufacturing costs can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the parts replaced is de-recognised. Maintenance costs and repairs which are not capable of being capitalised are expensed. Systematic depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method with the exception of land, which is not depreciated. The estimated useful lives for the main categories of property, plant and equipment are:
When significant parts of an item of property, plant and equipment comprise individual components with differing useful lives, each component is depreciated separately. The estimated useful lives and residual values are reviewed at least annually as of the balance sheet date and, if necessary, adjusted. Leasehold improvements and installations in leased premises are amortised on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives and the remaining minimum lease term. The carrying amount of an item of property, plant and equipment is written off on disposal or whenever no future economic benefits are expected from its use. Gains and losses arising on the disposal of property, plant and equipment are calculated as the difference between the disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the item of property, plant and equipment. They are taken to income and recorded as other income or other operating expenses.
3.8 Business combinations and goodwill
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. As of the date of acquisition, the consideration transferred in a business combination is recognised at fair value. The consideration includes the amount of cash paid as well as the fair value of the assets ceded, liabilities incurred or assumed as well as own equity instruments ceded. Liabilities depending on future events based upon contractual agreements are recognised at fair value. At the time of acquisition, all identifiable assets and liabilities that satisfy the recognition criteria are recognised at their fair values. The difference between the cost of acquisition and the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired or assumed is accounted for as goodwill after taking account of any non-controlling interests. Any negative difference, after further review, is expensed directly. Goodwill acquired in connection with a business combination is recognised under intangible assets. The goodwill is not amortised but reviewed for impairment at least annually. When an entity is disposed of, the carrying amount of the goodwill is derecognised and recorded as a component of the gain or loss on disposal.
3.9 Other intangible assets
Research and development costs
Research costs are not capitalised but expensed as incurred. Development costs are capitalised under intangible assets only if they can be identified as an intangible asset which will generate future economic benefits and the costs of this asset can be determined reliably.
Other intangible assets
Mobile phone licenses, self-developed software as well as other intangible assets are recorded at purchase or manufacturing cost less accumulated amortisation. Intangible assets resulting from business combinations, such as brands and customer relationships, are recorded at acquisition cost corresponding to fair value as of the date of acquisition, less accumulated amortisation. Systematic amortisation of mobile phone licenses is based on the term of the contract. It begins as soon as the related network is operational, unless other information is at hand which would suggest the need to modify the useful life.
Useful lives of other intangible assets
Systematic amortisation is computed using the straight-line method based on the following estimated useful lives:
The estimated useful lives are reviewed at least once annually as of the balance sheet date and, where necessary, adjusted.
3.10 Non-current assets held for sale
A non-current asset or a disposal group is classified as being held for sale if its carrying amount will be recovered mainly as a result of a sales transaction and not through continued use. Non-current assets or disposal groups that are held for sale are reported in the balance sheet separately under current assets and liabilities. The assets or asset groups are valued at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs of disposal and any applicable impairment losses resulting from the initial classification are recorded in the income statement. Assets classified as held for sale and disposal groups are no longer depreciated and amortised.
3.11 Impairment losses
Impairment of financial assets
As of each balance sheet date, the carrying amounts of those financial assets for which changes in fair value are not recognised in the income statement are reviewed for any objective indications of impairment in value. An impairment loss is recognised where there is objective evidence of impairment, such as where the borrower is in bankruptcy, in default or other significant financial difficulties. The impairment of a financial asset which is recorded at amortised cost is calculated as the difference between its carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. Available-for-sale financial assets whose fair value is less than their acquisition cost for a prolonged period or to a significant degree are considered to be value impaired. In the event of impairment, the losses are reclassified out of equity and recognised as financial expense. As of each balance sheet date, significant financial assets are individually reviewed for impairment. The recording of impairment losses on trade and other receivables varies as a function of the nature of the underlying transaction either in the form of specific valuation allowances or as portfolio-based lump-sum valuation allowances which cover the anticipated default risk. As regards portfolio-based lump-sum valuation allowances, financial assets are regrouped on the basis of similar credit risk characteristics and reviewed on a collective basis for impairment in value; where applicable, an allowance is raised. In determining the anticipated future cash flows of the portfolio, historic default rates are taken into account in addition to the contractually agreed payment conditions. Impairment losses on trade and other receivables are recognised as other operating expenses. Impairment losses on other financial assets are recorded as financial expense.
Impairment of goodwill
For the purposes of the impairment test, goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units. The impairment test is performed in the fourth quarter after completion of business planning. If there is any indication during the year that goodwill may be impaired, the cash-generating unit is tested for impairment at that time. An impairment loss is recognised if the recoverable amount of a cash-generating unit is lower than its carrying amount. The recoverable amount is the greater of the fair value less costs to sell and the value in use. The method used to test impairment is described in Note 24. Any impairment loss on goodwill recognised in prior periods may not be reversed in subsequent periods.
Impairment of property, plant and equipment and other intangible assets
If indications exist that the value of an asset may be impaired, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined. If the recoverable amount of the asset, which is the greater of the fair value less cost to sell and the value in use, is less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount is reduced to the recoverable amount.
3.12 Leases
Finance leases
A lease is recorded as a finance lease when substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of an asset are transferred. The asset is initially recorded at the lower of its fair value and the present value of the minimum lease payments and is amortised over the lesser of the asset’s useful life and the lease term. The interest component of the lease payments is recognised as interest expense over the lease term using the effective interest method. Leases for land and buildings are recorded separately if the lease payments can be reliably allocated. Gains on sale-and-leaseback transactions are deferred and released on a straight-line basis over the lease term as other income. Losses on sale-and-leaseback transactions are recognised immediately.
Operating leases
Lease arrangements which do not transfer all the significant risks and rewards of ownership are classified as operating leases. Payments are recorded as other operating expense using the straight-line method over the lease period. Gains and losses on sale-and-leaseback transactions are recorded directly in the income statement.
3.13 Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value less direct transaction costs. In subsequent accounting periods, they are re-measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
3.14 Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables are recorded at amortised cost.
3.15 Provisions
Provisions for termination benefits
Costs relating to the implementation of personnel downsizing programmes are expensed in the period when management commits itself to a downsizing plan, it is probable that a liability has been incurred, the amount thereof can be reliably estimated and if the implementation of the programme has begun or the individuals involved have been advised in sufficient detail as to the main terms of the downsizing programme. A public announcement and/or communication to personnel organisations are deemed to be equivalent to commencing the implementation of the programme.
Provisions for dismantling and restoration costs
Swisscom is legally obligated to dismantle transmitter stations and telecommunication installations located on land belonging to third parties following decommissioning and to restore the property owned by third parties in the locations where these installations are located to its original state. The costs of dismantling are capitalised as part of the acquisition cost of the installations and are amortised over the useful lives of the installations. The provisions are recorded at the present value of the aggregate future costs and are reported under long-term provisions. Whenever the provision is remeasured, the present value of the changes in the liability are either added to or deducted from the cost of the related capitalised asset. The amount deducted from the cost of the related capitalised asset shall not exceed its carrying amount. Any excess is taken directly to the income statement.
Other provisions
Provisions are raised whenever a legal or de facto liability exists as a result of an occurrence in the past, an outflow of resources to settle the liability is probable and the amount of the liability can be estimated reliably. Provisions are discounted if the effect is material.
3.16 Segmentation and revenue recognition
General
Net revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received less value-added taxes, price reductions, volume rebates and other reductions in sales proceeds. Revenues are recognised when it is probable that a future benefit from the transaction will accrue to Swisscom and the amount can be reliably estimated. When Swisscom acts as principal, revenues are recorded gross. However, when, from an economic point of view, Swisscom acts only as a broker or agent, revenues are reported net of related costs. In multi-component contracts, revenue is determined and reported separately for each identifiable component part. Total consideration for a multi-component contract is distributed over the various component parts at fair value on a pro-rata basis.
Services by segments
Residential Customers
The segment Residential Customers comprises mainly connection fees for broadband services, fixed-network and mobile phone subscriptions as well as national and international telephone and data traffic for residential customers. The segment also includes value-added services, TV offerings, the sale of terminal equipment and the operation of a directories database.
Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
The segment Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises primarily comprises connection fees for broadband services, fixed-network and mobile phone subscriptions as well as national and international telephone and data traffic for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Enterprise Customers
The Enterprise Customer segment focuses on complete communication solutions for large business customers. The product offerings in the field of business ICT infrastructure cover everything from individual products through to complete solutions.
Wholesale
Wholesale comprises mainly the use of Swisscom fixed and mobile networks by other telecommunication service providers and the use of third-party networks by Swisscom. It also consists of roaming with foreign operators whose customers use Swisscom’s mobile networks, as well as broadband services and regulated products as a result of the unbundling of the local loop for other telecommunication service providers.
Network & IT
Network & IT encompasses primarily the planning, operation and maintenance of Swisscom’s network infrastructure and related IT systems, both for fixed and mobile phone networks. Network & IT also includes support functions for Swisscom Switzerland in the fields of finance, human resources, and strategy.
Fastweb
Fastweb is one of the largest providers of broadband services in Italy. Its product portfolio comprises voice, data, Internet and IP-TV services as well as video-on-demand for residential and corporate customers. In addition, Fastweb offers mobile phone services on the basis of an MVNO contract (as a virtual network operator). It also provides comprehensive network services and customised solutions.
Other Operating Segments
Other Operating Segments mainly comprise Swisscom IT Services, Group Related Businesses, Swisscom Real Estate and Swisscom Hospitality Services. Swisscom IT Services is a provider of information technology services. Its core business consists of the integration and operation of complex IT infrastructures. In addition, Swisscom IT Services provides comprehensive services to the financial industry in the area of system integration and business process outsourcing. Furthermore, Swisscom IT Services offers a full range of SAP services. Group Related Businesses is sub-divided into the areas Participations and Health and Connected Living. To this purpose, Group Related Businesses maintains a portfolio of small- and medium-size companies whose activities to a large degree closely follow or support the core business of Swisscom. In addition, it offers solutions in the fields of eHealth and Connected Living. Group Related Businesses comprises mainly Alphapay Ltd, Billag Ltd, Business Fleet Management Ltd, cablex Ltd, Datasport Ltd, Swisscom Broadcast Ltd as well as the Sicap Group. Alphapay Ltd is active as a debt collection agent and is specialised in receivables management for third parties. Billag Ltd collects radio and TV license fees on behalf of the Swiss Confederation. Business Fleet Management Ltd offers mobility services. cablex Ltd operates in the field of construction and maintenance of wired and wireless networks in Switzerland, primarily in the field of telecommunication. Datasport Ltd is a service provider for recreational and mass sporting events. The Sicap Group develops and operates applications for mobile phone operators. Swisscom Broadcast Ltd is the leading provider in Switzerland of radio services, of cross-platform services for clients in the media field and of securitised radio transmissions. Swisscom Hospitality Services offers Internet-based services to guests and customers in the hotel and congress sector in Europe and North America.
Revenue generated from services
Fixed networks
Fixed network services encompass primarily connection fees to residential and corporate customers, national and international telephony traffic for residential and business customers, leased lines, the use of Swisscom’s fixed network by other telecommunication service providers, payphone services, operator services as well as prepaid calling cards and the sale of terminal equipment. Installation and connection fees are deferred and released to income over the minimum term of the contract on a straight-line basis. If no minimum contract term has been agreed, the revenue is recorded on the date of installation or connection. Revenue from telephony services is recorded at the time the calls are made. Revenue from the sale of prepaid call cards is deferred and released to income as and when actual minutes are used or when the cards expire. Revenue from leased lines is recorded on a straight-line basis over the duration of the contract. Revenue arising from the sale of equipment is recorded at the time of delivery.
Mobile
Mobile-phone services encompass mainly basic subscription charges, domestic and international mobile phone traffic for calls made by Swisscom customers in Switzerland or abroad and roaming by foreign operators whose customers use Swisscom’s networks. Mobile services also include value-added services, data traffic as well as the sale of mobile handsets. Revenue from mobile telephony is recorded on the basis of the actual minutes used. In part, subscriptions with a fixed monthly flat-rate fee are offered, the revenue from which is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract. Connection fees are deferred and released to income over the minimum term of the contract on a straight-line basis. If no minimum contract term has been agreed, revenue is recognised on the date of connection. Roaming services are recorded as revenue on the basis of the minutes used or the agreed contractual rates at the time the service is provided. Revenue from roaming services with other telecommunication service providers is recorded gross. Value-added services as well as text or multimedia news and the sale of mobile handsets are recognised as revenue at the time the service is provided.
Broadband
Internet services include the range of broadband access lines offered to residential and corporate customers as well as broadband access lines for wholesale customers. Revenues in connection with the provision of these services are deferred and released to income over the minimum contract term on a straight-line basis. If no minimum contract term has been agreed, the revenue is recognised on the date of installation or connection.
Digital TV
In the TV sector, revenue is generated from the range of digital TV services and video-on-demand offered for residential and corporate customers. Revenue from TV services contains non-recurring installation and connection charges and recurring subscription fees. Installation and connection fees related to installation are deferred and released to income over the minimum contract term on a straight-line basis. If no minimum contract term has been agreed upon, the revenue is recorded on the date of installation or connection.
Communication and IT solutions
Services in the field of communication and IT solutions primarily include consultancy services as well as the implementation and maintenance and operation of communication infrastructures. Furthermore, they include applications and services as well as the integration, operation and maintenance of data networks and outsourcing services. Revenues from customer-specific construction contracts are accounted for using the percentage-of-completion method which is based on the ratio of costs incurred to-date to the estimated total costs. Revenue for long-term outsourcing contracts is recorded based on the volume of services provided to the customer. Start-up costs and integration of new outsourcing transactions are capitalised as other assets and amortised over the duration of the contract. Revenue from maintenance is recorded evenly over the term of the maintenance contracts.
3.17 Subscriber acquisition and loyalty-programme costs
Swisscom pays commissions to dealers for the acquisition and retention of Swisscom customers. The commission payable is dependent on the type of subscription. Subscriber acquisition and loyalty-programme costs are expensed immediately, since these costs do not meet the criteria for the definition of an intangible asset.
3.18 Post-employment benefits
Defined benefit obligations and the related pension expense are determined on an actuarial basis using the projected unit credit method. This reflects the number of years of service completed by employees through the date of measurement and the assumptions made concerning future salary growth. The latest actuarial valuation was undertaken using data as at 31 October 2013 with a roll-forward of plan assets to 31 December 2013. Current pension entitlements are charged to income in the period in which they arise. Actuarial gains and losses are recorded in full under other comprehensive income in the reporting period in which they arise.
3.19 Share-based payments
The cost of shares issued to employees, members of the Group Executive Board and of the Board of Directors is equal to the excess of the fair value of the shares at the date of issuance over the issue price. The related costs are recorded as personnel expense in the period in which the entitlement arose.
3.20 Income taxes
Income taxes include all current and deferred taxes which are based on income. Taxes which are not based on income, such as taxes on real estate and on capital are recorded as other operating expenses. Deferred taxes are computed using the balance sheet liability method whereby deferred tax is recognised in principle on all temporary differences. Temporary differences arise between the value of an asset or liability reported for tax purposes and its carrying amount in the financial statements and which will reverse in future periods. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined using the tax rates that are expected to apply when the temporary difference reverses and based on the tax rates which are in force or announced as of the balance sheet date. Deferred tax assets are only recognised as assets to the extent that it is probable that they can be offset against future taxable income. Income tax liabilities on undistributed profits of Group companies are only recorded if the distribution of profits is to be made in the foreseeable future. Current and deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when they relate to the same taxing authority and taxable entity.
3.21 Derivative financial instruments
Derivative financial instruments are initially recorded at fair value and subsequently measured at fair value. The method of recording the fluctuations in fair value is dependent on the underlying transaction and the intention with regards thereto upon purchase or issuance of this underlying transaction. On the date a derivative contract is entered into, management designates the purpose of the hedging relationship: hedge of the fair value of an asset or liability (“fair value hedge”) or a hedge of future cash flows in the case of future transactions (“cash flow hedge”). Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that were designated as hedging instruments for “fair value hedges” are recognised in the income statement. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that were designated as “cash flow hedges” are recognised in the hedging reserve as part of equity. If the recognition of a non-financial asset or non-financial liability results from an anticipated future transaction, the cumulative revaluation gains and losses are reclassified from equity and included in the acquisition cost of the asset or liability. If a hedge of a future transaction later results in the recording of a financial asset or financial liability, the amount included in equity is transferred to the income statement in the same period in which the financial asset or financial liability impacts the result. Otherwise, the amounts recorded in equity are recognised in the income statement as income or expense in the same period the cash flows of the intended or agreed future transaction occur. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that are not designated as hedging instruments are taken immediately to income.
3.22 Fair value
The fair value is defined as the amount for which an asset could be exchanged, or a liability or financial instrument settled, between knowledgeable, willing and unrelated business partners. The fair value is determined based on stock exchange quotations or by using recognised valuation techniques such as the discounting of estimated future cash flows. If the notes to the consolidated financial statements do not specify otherwise, the fair values at the time of recording correspond approximately to the carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet.
3.23 New and amended Standards and Interpretations
Amended International Financial Reporting Standards and Interpretations which are to be applied for the first time in the accounting period
As from 1 January 2013 onwards, Swisscom adopted various amendments to existing International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Interpretations, which – with the exception of the amendments described below – have no material impact on the results or financial position of the Group.