2. Accounting principles

Consolidation 

The consolidation includes the financial data of Corbion nv and its group companies (together Corbion). All inter-company receivables, debts, and transactions have been eliminated. Group companies are companies in which Corbion nv exercises control. The results of acquisitions and divestments are recognized from the moment that control is obtained or transferred.

Control is achieved when Corbion:

• has power over the investee;

• is exposed, or has rights to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; and

• is able to use its power to affect the investee's returns.

Corbion reassesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more of the three elements of control listed above.

When Corbion loses control over a group company, it derecognizes the assets and liabilities of the group company, and any related non-controlling interests and other components of equity. Any resulting gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss. Any interest retained in the former group company is measured at fair value when control is lost.

Foreign currency

The consolidated financial statements are in euros. The euro is Corbion nv’s functional and presentation currency. The functional currency is the currency of the primary environment where the group company operates and may therefore differ from one company to another. Transactions in other than the functional currency are translated at the exchange rates that apply on the transaction date. Any monetary assets and liabilities resulting from such transactions are translated at the exchange rates as at the balance sheet date. Any exchange rate differences are recognized in the income statement, except when deferred in other comprehensive income (OCI) as qualifying cash flow hedges and net investment hedges.

The assets and liabilities of consolidated foreign group companies and the long-term foreign-currency loans, which have been taken out to finance these subsidiaries, are converted to euros as at the balance sheet date, taking taxes into account. The subsequent currency translation differences are incorporated in the translation reserve in equity. The results of the foreign group companies are translated to euros on the basis of average exchange rates. The difference between net profit on the basis of average exchange rates and net profit on the basis of the exchange rates as at the balance sheet date is incorporated in the translation reserve in equity. The same applies to exchange rate differences arising from borrowings and other financial instruments if they hedge the currency risk related to net investments. If a foreign operation is divested or scaled down the associated cumulative currency translation differences are recognized as result in the income statement.

Property, plant, and equipment

Land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other operating assets are valued at the acquisition price or the cost of production, subject to straight-line depreciation calculated over the estimated economic life, the estimated residual value, and any accumulated impairment losses. The cost of production includes the cost of materials and direct labor and an attributable part of the indirect costs. Land is not depreciated. Grants are deducted from the acquisition price or the production costs of the assets to which the grant relates. Subsequent expenditure is capitalized only if it is probable that the future economic benefits associated with the expenditure will flow to Corbion. Depreciation methods, useful lives, and residual values are reviewed at each reporting date and adjusted if appropriate.

Leased assets and liabilities

At inception of a contract, the group assesses whether a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period in exchange for consideration, in which case it is classified as a lease.

The group recognizes a right-of-use asset (lease asset) and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. The asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of costs to restore the underlying asset, less any lease incentives received.

The lease asset is subsequently depreciated using the straight-line method from the commencement date to the end of the useful life of the right-of-use asset, considered to be indicated by the lease term. The lease asset is periodically adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability and impairment losses (if any).

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of outstanding lease payments, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the group’s incremental borrowing rate. Generally, Corbion uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate.

The lease liability is measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method and is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in an index or rate or if the group changes its assessment of whether it will exercise a purchase, extension, or termination option. A corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset with any excess over the carrying amount of the asset being recognized in profit or loss.

Payments associated with short-term leases of equipment and vehicles and all leases of low-value assets are recognized on a straight-line basis as an expense in profit or loss.

Intangible fixed assets

Goodwill

Goodwill is measured as the excess of the sum of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree, and the fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree (if any) over the net of the acquisition date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is determined based on a comprehensive purchase price allocation analysis supported by subject matter expert calculations.

Goodwill is valued at cost less impairment. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually – or more often if there are indications for impairment. Impairment is the amount by which the book value of the goodwill of a cash-generating unit exceeds the recoverable amount, being the higher of (a) value in use and (b) fair value less costs of disposal. The value in use is the present value of the cash flows which the unit is expected to generate. If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than its carrying amount, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro-rata based on the carrying amount of each asset in the unit. If impairment is incurred, the impairment is charged to the income statement. An impairment loss recognized for goodwill is not reversed in subsequent periods.

When an entity or activity is sold or closed down the goodwill allocated to the entity or activity is included in the calculations for the result of the sale.

Customer base

The customer base comprises the part of the paid acquisition sum which, upon acquisition, is allocated to the value of the acquired customer base. It is valued at fair value as at the acquisition date and amortized using a straight-line method over the estimated economic life. Amortization charges arising from the customer base are recognized in selling expenses.

Brands and licenses

Brands and licenses comprise the part of the paid acquisition sum which is allocated to the value of the acquired trademarks and product licenses. Brands and licenses are valued at fair value as at the acquisition date and subject to straight-line amortization calculated over the estimated economic life. Amortization charges arising from brands and licenses are recognized in selling expenses.

Research and development costs

Research and development costs comprise the part of the paid acquisition sum which is allocated to the value of the acquired research and development costs. These costs are valued at fair value as at the acquisition date. Own research costs are not capitalized, but charged to the income statement. Own development costs are capitalized if the appropriate criteria are met. Research and development costs are valued at cost and amortized using a straight-line method over the estimated economic life. Amortization charges arising from research and development costs are recognized in research and development costs.

Other intangible fixed assets

Other intangible fixed assets consist primarily of capitalized or acquired third-party software and licenses and directly attributable personnel costs.

Other intangible fixed assets are valued at historical cost if capitalized or at fair value if acquired and amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated economic life. Software and licenses amortization charges are recognized in general and administrative expenses. Emission rights are not recognized in the statement of financial position as cost is zero.

Impairment of non-current assets other than goodwill

At each reporting date an assessment is made whether there is any indication that non-current assets may be impaired. If indicators of impairment exist, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated. If it is not possible

to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which it belongs is estimated. Irrespective of whether there is any indication of impairment, Corbion also tests an intangible asset with an indefinite useful life or an intangible asset not yet available for use for impairment annually by comparing its carrying amount with its recoverable amount.

The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs of disposal and the asset’s value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks inherent to the asset. An impairment loss is recognized in the income statement to the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount.

In subsequent years, an assessment is made whether indications exist that impairment losses previously recognized for non-current assets other than goodwill may no longer exist or may have decreased. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of that asset is recalculated and, if required, its carrying amount is increased to the revised recoverable amount. The increase is recognized in operating income as an impairment reversal. An impairment reversal is recognized only if it arises from a change in the assumptions that were used to calculate the recoverable amount. The increase in an asset’s carrying amount due to an impairment reversal is limited to the depreciated amount that would have been recognized had the original impairment not occurred.

Investments in joint arrangements and associates

Investments in joint arrangements are classified as either joint operations or joint ventures depending on the contractual rights and obligations each investor has rather than the legal structure of the joint arrangement. Joint operations arise where Corbion has rights to the assets and obligations relating to the arrangement and therefore accounts for its share of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. Joint ventures arise where Corbion has rights to the net assets of the arrangement and therefore equity accounts for its interest.

Associates are entities over which Corbion has significant influence but not control, generally involving a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the entity but is not control or joint control over those policies. Associates are accounted for using the equity method.

Under the equity method, investments in joint ventures and associates are measured initially at cost and subsequently adjusted for post-acquisition changes in Corbion’s share of the net assets of the investment (net of any accumulated impairment in the value of individual investments). Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial figures of joint ventures and associates for group reporting purposes to ensure consistency with the accounting policies of Corbion.

Unrealized gains on transactions between Corbion and its joint ventures and associates are eliminated to the extent of Corbion’s stake in these investments. Unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the assets transferred.

Deferred taxes

Deferred taxes relate to tax loss carry forward and liabilities and assets arising from temporary differences between the tax bases and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred taxes are determined using tax rates that have been enacted at the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax is realized or the deferred tax liability is settled. Deferred tax assets are recognized if and insofar that it is likely that future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary difference and tax loss carry forward can be utilized.

Tax assets and liabilities are netted when there is a legal right and the intention to offset. Deferred tax assets and liabilities with the same term and relating to the same fiscal unities and same tax authority are offset against each other.

Financial instruments

Recognition and initial measurement

Trade receivables and debt securities issued are initially recognized upon origination. All other financial assets and financial liabilities are initially recognized when Corbion becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

A financial asset (unless it is a trade receivable without a significant financing component) or financial liability is initially measured at fair value plus, for an item not at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL), transaction costs that are directly attributable to its acquisition or issue. A trade receivable without a significant financing component is initially measured at the transaction price.

Classification and subsequent measurement of financial assets

On initial recognition, a financial asset is classified as measured at amortized cost, at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) – debt investment, at FVOCI – equity investment, or at FVTPL.

Financial assets are not reclassified subsequent to their initial recognition unless Corbion changes its business model for managing financial assets, in which case all affected financial assets are reclassified on the first day of the first reporting period following the change in the business model. A financial asset is measured at amortized cost if it meets both of the following conditions and is not designated as at FVTPL:

• it is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flows; and

• its contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.

A debt investment is measured at FVOCI if it meets both of the following conditions and is not designated as at FVTPL:

• it is held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets; and

• its contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.

On initial recognition of an equity investment that is not held for trading, Corbion may irrevocably elect to present subsequent changes in the investment’s fair value in OCI. This election is made on an investment-by-investment basis.

All financial assets not classified as measured at amortized cost or FVOCI (see above) are measured at FVTPL. This includes all derivative financial assets. On initial recognition, the group may irrevocably designate a financial asset that otherwise meets the requirements to be measured at amortized cost or at FVOCI, as at FVTPL if doing so eliminates or significantly reduces an accounting mismatch that would otherwise arise.

Financial assets at FVTPL are subsequently measured at fair value. Net gains and losses, including any interest or dividend income, are recognized in profit or loss.

Financial assets at amortized cost are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The amortized cost is reduced by impairment losses. Interest income, foreign exchange gains and losses, and impairment are recognized in profit or loss. Any gain or loss on derecognition is recognized in profit or loss.

Debt investments at FVOCI are subsequently measured at fair value. Interest income calculated using the effective interest method, foreign exchange gains and losses, and impairment are recognized in profit or loss. Other net gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive income. On derecognition, gains and losses accumulated in other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss.

Equity investments at FVOCI are subsequently measured at fair value. Dividends are recognized as income in profit or loss unless the dividend clearly represents a recovery of part of the cost of the investment. Other net gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive income and never reclassified to profit or loss.

Classification and subsequent measurement of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are classified as measured at amortized cost or FVTPL. A financial liability is classified as at FVTPL if it is classified as held-for-trading, if it is a derivative, or designated as such on initial recognition. Financial liabilities at FVTPL are measured at fair value and net gains and losses, including any interest expense, are recognized in profit or loss. Other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Interest expense and foreign exchange gains and losses are recognized in profit or loss. Any gain or loss on derecognition is also recognized in profit or loss.

Derecognition

Financial assets

Corbion derecognizes a financial asset when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire, or when it transfers the rights to receive the contractual cash flows in a transaction through which substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are transferred or through which Corbion neither transfers nor retains substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership and it does not retain control of the financial asset.

If, however, Corbion enters into transactions whereby it transfers assets recognized in its statement of financial position, but retains either all or substantially all of the risks and rewards of the transferred assets, the transferred assets are not derecognized.

Financial liabilities

Corbion derecognizes a financial liability when its contractual obligations are discharged, cancelled, or expired. Corbion also derecognizes a financial liability when its terms are modified and the cash flows of the modified liability are substantially different, in which case a new financial liability based on the modified terms is recognized at fair value.

On derecognition of a financial liability, the difference between the carrying amount extinguished and the consideration paid (including any non-cash assets transferred or liabilities assumed) is recognized in profit or loss.

Offsetting

Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount presented in the statement of financial position when, and only when, the group currently has a legally enforceable right to set off the amounts and it intends either to settle them on a net basis or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting

Corbion holds derivative financial instruments to hedge its foreign currency and commodity risk exposures. Embedded derivatives are separated from the host contract and accounted for separately if the host contract is not a financial asset and certain criteria are met.

Derivatives are initially measured at fair value. Subsequent to initial recognition, derivatives are measured at fair value, and changes therein are generally recognized in profit or loss.

Corbion designates certain derivatives as hedging instruments to hedge the variability in cash flows associated with highly probable forecast transactions arising from changes in foreign exchange rates, commodities, and certain non-derivative financial liabilities that hedge the foreign exchange risk associated with a net investment in a foreign operation.

At inception of designated hedging relationships, Corbion documents the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge. Corbion also documents the economic relationship between the hedged item and the hedging instrument, including whether the changes in cash flows of the hedged item and hedging instrument are expected to offset each other.

Cash flow hedges

When a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedging instrument, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the hedge reserve in equity. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative that is recognized in other comprehensive income is limited to the cumulative change in fair value of the hedged item, determined on a present value basis, from inception of the hedge. Any ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is recognized immediately in profit or loss.

When the hedged forecast transaction subsequently results in the recognition of a non-financial item such as inventory, the amount accumulated in the hedge reserve and the cost of the hedge reserve are included directly in the initial cost of the non-financial item when it is recognized.

For all other hedged forecast transactions, the amount accumulated in the hedge reserve and the cost of the hedge reserve are reclassified to profit or loss for the period(s) in which the hedged expected future cash flows affect profit or loss.

If the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting or the hedging instrument expires, is sold, terminated, or exercised, then hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively. When hedge accounting for cash flow hedges is discontinued, the amount that has been accumulated in the hedge reserve remains in equity until, for a hedge of a transaction resulting in the recognition of a non-financial item, it is included in the non-financial item’s cost on its initial recognition or, for other cash flow hedges, it is reclassified to profit or loss for the period(s) in which the hedged expected future cash flows affect profit or loss.

If the hedged future cash flows are no longer expected to occur, then the amounts that have been accumulated in the hedge reserve and the cost of the hedge reserve are immediately reclassified to profit or loss.

Net investment hedges

When a derivative instrument or a non-derivative financial liability is designated as the hedging instrument in a hedge for a net investment in a foreign operation, the effective portion, for a derivative, of changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument or, for a non-derivative, of foreign exchange gains and losses is recognized in other comprehensive income and presented in the translation reserve within equity. Any ineffective portion of the changes in the fair value of the derivative or foreign exchange gains and losses on the non-derivative is recognized immediately in profit or loss. The amount recognized in other comprehensive income is reclassified to profit or loss as a reclassification adjustment upon disposal of the foreign operation.

Equity

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of ordinary shares and share options are recognized as an equity deduction, net of tax. The price paid for repurchased shares (treasury shares) is deducted from equity until the shares are cancelled or reissued. Dividend to be distributed to the holders of ordinary shares is recognized as a liability upon approval of the profit appropriation by the annual General Meeting of Shareholders.

Corbion runs share plans for the Board of Management and senior management. The fair value of the right to shares on the date of allocation is recognized in the income statement as payroll costs over the vesting period of the awards with a corresponding increase in equity.

Pension and other post-employment benefits

Pension and early-retirement schemes

A defined contribution plan is a post-employment benefit plan under which an entity pays fixed contributions into a separate pension plan or insurance company and will have no legal or constructive obligation to pay further amounts. Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit plans are recognized as an expense when employees have rendered service entitling them to the contributions.

For defined benefit retirement benefit plans, the cost of providing benefits is determined using the projected unit credit method, with actuarial valuations being carried out at the end of each annual reporting period. Remeasurements, comprising actuarial gains and losses, the effect of changes to the asset ceiling (if applicable), and the return on plan assets (excluding interest), are reflected immediately in the statement of financial position with a charge or credit recognized in other comprehensive income for the period in which they occur. Remeasurement recognized in other comprehensive income is reflected immediately in retained earnings and will not be reclassified to profit or loss. Past-service costs are recognized in profit or loss in the period of a plan amendment. Net interest is calculated by applying the discount rate at the beginning of the period to the net defined benefit liability or asset. Defined benefit costs are categorized as follows:

• Service cost (including current-service cost, past-service cost, as well as gains and losses on curtailments and settlements)

• Net interest expense or income

• Remeasurements

The first two components of defined benefit costs are presented in profit or loss. Curtailment gains and losses are accounted for as past-service costs.

The retirement benefit obligation in the consolidated statement of financial position represents the actual deficit or surplus in the defined benefit plans. Any surplus resulting from this calculation is limited to the present value of any economic benefits available in the form of refunds from the plans or reductions in future contributions to the plans.

A liability for a termination benefit is recognized at the earlier of when the entity can no longer withdraw the offer of the termination benefit and when the entity recognizes any related restructuring costs.

Corbion accounts for its multi-employer defined benefit plan as if it were a defined contribution plan for the following reasons:

• Corbion is affiliated to an industry-wide pension fund and uses the pension scheme in common with other participating companies.

• Under the regulations of the pension plan, the only obligation these participating companies have towards the pension fund is to pay the annual premium liability. Participating companies are under no obligation whatsoever to pay off any deficits the pension plan may incur. Nor have they any claim to any potential surpluses.

Other long-term employee benefit commitments

The other long-term employee commitments relate mainly to anniversary commitments, past-service commitments, conditional incentive plans, and health insurance. These provisions are recognized on the basis of estimates that are consistent with the estimates used for the defined benefit obligations. However, all actuarial gains and losses are recognized in the income statement immediately.

Provisions

Provisions relate to a legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, the amount of which is uncertain but can be estimated reliably and of which it is more likely than not that an outflow of resources is required to settle the obligation. If the effect is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flow at a pre-tax rate that reflects the current market assessments of time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. A provision for reorganization is recognized after Corbion has approved a detailed and formal restructuring plan and the restructuring has either commenced or been announced publicly. A provision for a legal claim is recognized if a reliable estimate can be made of the expected outcome of the claim, measuring the claim as a weighting of all possible outcomes against their probabilities. A provision for an onerous contract is recognized when the expected benefits to be derived from the contract are lower than the unavoidable costs of fulfilling its terms and conditions. Unless the possibility of an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits is remote, a contingent liability is disclosed at the balance sheet.

Liabilities

Interest-bearing liabilities are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Upon sale or settlement of interest-bearing liabilities any profits or losses are directly recognized in the income statement.

Segment reporting

An operating segment is an entity that engages in business activities from which it earns revenues and incurs expenses. All operating segments are reviewed regularly by the Board of Management to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segments and assess their performance for which discrete financial information is available.

Net sales

Net sales comprises the proceeds of goods delivered to third parties less discounts and value-added tax.

Revenue from the sale of goods in the normal course of business is recognized at a point in time when the performance obligation is met and based on the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the performance obligation. The transaction price is the amount of the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring the promised goods to the customer. The consideration expected by the company may include fixed and/or variable amounts which can be impacted by sales returns, trade discounts, and volume rebates. Revenue from the sale of goods is recognized when control of the asset is transferred to the buyer and only when it is highly probable that a significant reversal of revenue will not occur as uncertainties related to a variable consideration have been resolved.

Cost of sales

Cost of sales contains the following components:

• Costs of raw materials and consumables which relate to the cost of consumption of raw materials, consumables, and packaging materials. Costs of raw materials and consumables are recognized in the income statement when the risks and rewards of ownership of the goods sold have been transferred to a party outside the group. These costs include the purchase price of all raw materials, consumables, and all directly attributable costs.

• Production costs which are the costs relating to production operations.

• Warehousing and distribution costs which relate to the costs of warehousing and transport, including transport insurance.

Selling expenses

Selling expenses relate to the costs of marketing and sales.

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses relate to the costs of administration, management, and IT.

Financial income and charges

Financial income comprises interest income on cash and cash equivalents and interest income on loans to other parties. Interest income is recognized in the period to which it relates, using the effective interest method.

Financial charges comprise interest expenses and exchange differences on borrowings, leases, impairments of available-for-sale assets, and other financial expenses. All borrowing costs are recognized in the income statement using the effective interest method.

Income taxes

Tax on the result is calculated on the basis of the result before taxes, taking account of untaxed profit elements, non- and part-deductible costs, and fiscal facilities. The prevailing nominal tax rates are applied. Non-recoverable withholding taxes on foreign dividends are taken into account.

Taxes in the income statement for the year comprise current and deferred taxes. Taxes are recognized in the income statement unless they relate to items directly recognized in equity or other comprehensive income. Current tax is the expected tax rate payable on the taxable income for the year, using statutory tax rates at the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation and considers whether it is probable that a taxation authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment. Corbion measures its tax balances either based on the most likely amount or the expected value, depending on which method provides a better prediction of the resolution of the uncertainty.

Cash flow statement

The consolidated cash flow statement is drawn up using the indirect method. The items in the consolidated income statement and consolidated statement of the financial position have been adjusted for changes that do not impact cash inflow and outflow in the reporting year. Cash flows in foreign currencies are translated to the functional currency at the average foreign exchange rates unless this average is not a reasonable approximation of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case cash flows are translated at the rate on the dates of the transactions.