Details of new standards and interpretations that apply to the group are contained in note 39 to the financial statements.

The company reassesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more of these three elements.

When the company has less than a majority of the voting rights of an investee, it considers that it has power over the investee when the voting rights are sufficient to give it the practical ability to direct the relevant activities of the investee unilaterally. The company considers all relevant facts and circumstances in assessing whether or not the company’s voting rights in an investee are sufficient to give it power, including the size of the company’s holding of voting rights relative to the size and dispersion of holdings of the other vote holders; potential voting rights held by the company, other vote holders or other parties; rights arising from other contractual arrangements; and any additional facts and circumstances that indicate that the company has, or does not have, the current ability to direct the relevant activities at the time that decisions need to be made, including voting patterns at previous shareholders’ meetings.

Consolidation of a subsidiary begins when the company obtains control over the subsidiary and ceases when the company loses control of the subsidiary. Specifically, the results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated statement of profit or loss from the date the company gains control until the date when the company ceases to control the subsidiary.

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used in line with the group’s significant accounting policies.

All intra-group assets and liabilities, equity, income, expenses and cash flows relating to transactions between the members of the group are eliminated on consolidation.

Changes in the group’s interests in subsidiaries that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions. The carrying amount of the group’s interests and the non-controlling interests are adjusted to reflect the changes in their relative interests in the subsidiaries. Any difference between the amount by which the non-controlling interests are adjusted and the fair value of the consideration paid or received is recognised directly in equity and attributed to the owners of the company.

Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair value at acquisition date. The group recognises any non-controlling interest, at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the subsidiary’s net assets on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis. When a business combination is achieved in stages, the group’s previously held equity interest in an entity is remeasured to its acquisition date fair value and the resulting gain or loss recognised in profit or loss.

The excess of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interest in the entity and the acquisition date fair value of any previous equity interest in the business over the fair value of the group’s share of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. If this is less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognised in profit or loss as a bargain purchase gain.

The company carries its investments in subsidiaries at cost less accumulated impairment losses.

The unwinding of the present value discount on these liabilities is recorded within finance charges in the statement of profit or loss using the effective interest rate method. The financial liability is fair valued at the end of each financial year and any changes in the value of the liability as a result of changes in assumptions used to estimate the future purchase price are recorded directly in retained earnings in the statement of changes in equity.

Revenue from services rendered is recognised in the statement of profit or loss in proportion to the stage of completion of the transaction at the statement of financial position date.

Finance income comprises interest receivable on funds invested. Finance income is recognised using the effective interest rate method.

Dividends are recognised when the right to receive payment is established.

Capitalisation is suspended during extended periods in which active development is interrupted. All other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.

Subsequent expenditure is capitalised only if it is probable that the future economic benefits associated with the expenditure will flow to the group.

Any gain or loss on disposal of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognised in profit or loss.

Leases where the lessor retains the risks and rewards of ownership of the underlying asset are classified as operating leases. Operating leases, which have a fixed determinable escalation, are charged against income on a straight-line basis. Leases with contingent escalations are expensed as and when incurred.

Goodwill is tested annually for impairment. For the purposes of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to each of the group’s cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination. Goodwill is monitored at an operational segment level.

Other intangible assets acquired by the group are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.

Expenditure on research, internally generated goodwill and brands is recognised in the statement of profit or loss as an expense when incurred.

Subsequent expenditure on capitalised intangible assets is capitalised only when it increases the future economic benefits embodied in the specific asset to which it relates. All other expenditure is expensed as incurred.

Amortisation is charged to the statement of profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets unless such lives are indefinite. Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are systematically tested for impairment at reporting date. Other intangible assets are amortised from the date they are available for use. The estimated useful lives are currently:

The recoverable amount of cash-generating units to which goodwill is allocated is estimated annually each year. For assets that have an indefinite useful life and intangible assets that are not yet available for use, the recoverable amount is estimated at each reporting date.

Impairment losses are recognised whenever the carrying amount of the asset or a cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognised in the statement of profit or loss.

Impairment losses recognised in respect of cash-generating units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to cash-generating units and then to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the unit on a pro rata basis.

A cash-generating unit is not larger than any operational segment.

Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows of the investment have been impacted.

An impairment loss in respect of an available-for-sale financial asset is calculated by reference to its current fair value. For unlisted shares classified as available-for-sale, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost is considered to be objective evidence of impairment.

For all other financial assets, objective evidence of impairment could include:

• significant financial difficulty of the counterparty; or
• default in interest or principal payments; or
• it becoming probable that the counterparty will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganisation.

When a decline in the fair value of an available-for-sale financial asset has been recognised directly in equity and there is objective evidence that the asset is impaired, the cumulative loss that had been recognised directly in equity is recognised in the statement of profit or loss even though the financial asset has not been derecognised. The amount of the cumulative loss that is recognised in the statement of profit or loss is the difference between the acquisition cost and current fair value, less any impairment loss on that financial asset previously recognised in the income statement.

The recoverable amount of the group’s investments in held-to-maturity securities and receivables carried at amortised cost is calculated as the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate (the effective interest rate is computed on initial recognition of these financial assets). Receivables with a short duration are not discounted. Individually significant financial assets are tested for impairment on an individual basis. The remaining financial assets are assessed collectively in groups that share similar credit risk characteristics.

In respect of trade receivables, receivables that are assessed not to be impaired individually are subsequently assessed for impairment on a collective basis. Objective evidence of impairment for a portfolio of receivables could include the group’s past experience of collecting payments, an increase in the number of delayed payments in the portfolio past the average credit period, as well as observable changes in national or local economic conditions that correlate with default on receivables.

The recoverable amount of other assets is the greater of their fair value less costs to sell and their value-in-use. In assessing their 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 specific to the asset.

An impairment loss in respect of a held-to-maturity security or receivable carried at amortised cost is reversed if the subsequent increase in recoverable amount can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised.

An impairment loss in respect of an investment in an equity instrument classified as available-for-sale is not reversed through the statement of profit or loss. If the fair value of a debt instrument classified as available-for-sale increases and the increase can be objectively related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised in the statement of profit or loss, the impairment loss is reversed, with the amount of the reversal recognised in the statement of profit or loss.

The carrying amount of the financial asset is reduced by the impairment loss directly for all financial assets with the exception of trade receivables, where the carrying amount is reduced through the use of an impairment allowance account. When a trade receivable is considered uncollectible, it is written off against the impairment allowance account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against the allowance account. Changes in the carrying amount of the impairment allowance account are recognised in the statement of profit or loss.

Impairment losses in respect of goodwill are not reversed.

In respect of other assets, impairment losses recognised in prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any indications that the loss has decreased or no longer exists. Impairment losses are reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount.

Impairment losses are reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.

Current taxation comprises tax payable calculated on the basis of the expected taxable income for the year, using the tax rates enacted or substantially enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment of tax payable for previous years.

Deferred taxation is recognised in respect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the statement of financial position date. The following temporary differences are not provided for: initial recognition of goodwill, the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit, and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they will probably not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred taxation is charged to the statement of profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to a transaction that is recognised directly in equity, or a business combination that is an acquisition. The effects on deferred taxation of any changes in tax rates is recognised in the statement of profit or loss, except to the extent that it relates to items previously charged or credited directly to equity.

A deferred taxation asset is recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which the associated unused tax losses and deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised.

The equity method of accounting for associates is adopted in the group financial statements. In applying the equity method, account is taken of the group’s share of accumulated retained earnings and movements in reserves from the effective dates on which the companies became associates and up to the effective dates of disposal. In the event of associates making losses, the group recognises the losses to the extent of the group’s exposure. The group carries its investment in associates at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.

Foreign exchange differences arising on translation are recognised directly in a separate component of equity.

Acquisitions and disposals of foreign operations are accounted for at the exchange rate ruling on the date of the transaction.

Financial instruments are initially measured at fair value plus, for instruments not carried at fair value through profit or loss, any directly attributable transaction costs.

An instrument is classified as at fair value through profit or loss if it is held-for-trading, is a derivative or is designated as such upon initial recognition.

A financial asset is classified as held-for-trading if it has been acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the near future or it has been part of an identified portfolio of financial instruments that the group manages together and has a recent actual pattern of short-term profit-making.

Financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss are measured at fair value, with any resultant gain or loss being recognised in the statement of profit or loss. The gain or loss recognised in the statement of profit or loss excludes the interest and dividends earned on the financial asset, which are separately disclosed as such in the statement of profit or loss. Held-for-trading financial instruments are measured at amortised cost if the fair value cannot be determined.

Financial instruments classified as available-for-sale financial assets are carried at fair value with any resultant gain or loss, other than impairment losses and foreign exchange gains and losses on monetary items, being recognised directly in equity. When these investments are derecognised, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised directly in equity is recognised in profit or loss. Where these investments are interest bearing, interest calculated using the effective interest rate method is recognised in profit or loss.

Listed and unlisted investments are classified as investments at fair value through profit or loss or available-for-sale financial assets. Fair value of listed investments is calculated by reference to stock exchange quoted selling prices at the close of business on the reporting date. Fair value of unlisted investments is determined by using appropriate valuation models.

Trade and other receivables originated by the group or company are stated at amortised cost less an allowance for impairment losses.

Cash and cash equivalents are measured at fair value, based on the relevant exchange rates at reporting date.

Financial liabilities other than derivatives are recognised at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

Derivative instruments are measured at fair value through profit or loss.

Where a derivative financial instrument is used to economically hedge the foreign exchange exposure of a recognised financial asset or liability, no hedge accounting is applied and any gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognised in profit or loss. It is the policy of the group not to trade in derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

Gains and losses arising from measuring the hedging instruments relating to a fair value hedge at fair value are recognised in the statement of profit or loss. The hedged item is also stated at fair value in respect of the risk being hedged, with any gains or losses recognised in profit or loss.

Where a derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective part of the gains or losses from remeasuring the hedging instruments to fair value are initially recognised directly in other comprehensive income. If the hedged firm commitment or forecast transaction results in the recognition of a non-financial asset or liability, the cumulative amount recognised in equity up to the transaction date is adjusted against the initial measurement of the non-financial asset or liability. The ineffective part of any gain or loss is recognised in the statement of profit or loss immediately. For other cash flow hedges, the cumulative amount recognised in equity is included in net profit or loss in the period when the commitment or forecast transaction affects profit or loss.

Where the hedging instrument or hedge relationship is terminated but the hedged transaction is still expected to occur, the cumulative unrealised gain or loss at that point remains in equity and is recognised in accordance with the aforementioned policy when the transaction occurs. If the hedged transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative unrealised gain or loss is recognised in the statement of profit or loss immediately.

A financial asset is derecognised (or, where applicable, a part of a financial asset or a part of a group of similar financial assets is derecognised) if the group’s contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or if the group transfers the financial assets to another party without retaining control or substantially all risks and rewards of the asset.

Where the group has transferred its right to receive cash flows from an asset and has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset nor transferred control of the asset, the asset is recognised to the extent of the group’s continuing involvement in the asset. Continuing involvement that takes the form of a guarantee over the transferred asset is measured at the lower of the original carrying amount of the asset and the maximum amount of consideration that the group could be required to repay.

A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged, cancelled or expired. Where an existing liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as a derecognition of the original liability and a recognition of a new liability, and the difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognised in profit and loss.

Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the statement of financial position when the company has a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts, and intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Financial instruments have been grouped into classes for the purpose of financial instrument risk disclosure. The classes are the segments as disclosed in the segmental report as the operations within each segment have similar types of risks.

Non-monetary assets and liabilities are measured based on historical cost in a foreign currency are translated at an exchange rate at the date of the transaction.

In terms of the conditional share plan scheme, a conditional right to a share in Bidcorp is awarded to executive directors subject to performance and vesting conditions. The fair value of services received in return for the CSPs has been determined by multiplying the number of conditional share awards expected to vest, by the share price at the date of the award less discounted by anticipated future cash outflows.

The group’s liability for post-retirement benefits, accruing to past and current employees in terms of defined benefit schemes, is actuarially calculated. Where the plan is funded, the obligation is reduced by the fair value of the plan assets. Unfunded obligations are recognised as a liability in the financial statements.

The projected unit credit method is used to determine the present value of the defined benefit obligations and the related current service cost and, where applicable, past service cost.

Actuarial gains or losses in respect of defined benefit plans are recognised in other comprehensive income.

However, when the actuarial calculation results in a benefit to the group, the recognised asset is limited to the net total of any unrecognised past service costs and the present value of any future refunds from the plan or reductions in future contributions to the plan.

Past service costs are recognised in the statement of profit or loss in the period of a plan amendment.

Liabilities for employee benefits which are not expected to be settled within 12 months are discounted using the market yields at the statement of financial position date on high-quality bonds with terms that most closely match the terms of maturity of the related liabilities.

Contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognised as an expense in the statement of profit or loss as incurred.

A provision for restructuring is recognised when the group has approved a detailed and formal restructuring plan and the restructuring has either commenced or has been announced publicly. Future operating costs are not provided for.

A provision for dismantling and site restoration is calculated as the present value of the estimated cost of dismantling and removing items and restoring the site in which they are located when the legal or constructive obligation arises or when the damage to the site occurs.

A provision for onerous contracts is recognised when the expected benefits to be derived by the group from a contract are lower than the unavoidable cost of meeting its obligations under the contract. The provision is measured at the present value of the lower of the expected cost of terminating the contract and the expected net costs of continuing the contract. Before a provision is established, the group recognises any impairment loss on the assets associated with that contract.

Customer loyalty points are accounted for at fair value of the consideration received or receivable in respect of the initial sale, and are allocated between the loyalty points and the other components of the sale. The consideration allocated to the customer loyalty points is measured by reference to their fair value, which is the amount for which the loyalty points could be sold at, multiplied by the probability of their redemption. This amount is recognised as a provision until such time as the customer loyalty points are redeemed. Once the loyalty points are redeemed, the amount will be recognised as revenue.

Shares in the company, held by its subsidiary, are classified as the group’s shareholders’ interest as treasury shares. These shares are treated as a deduction from the issued and weighted average number of shares. The cost price of the treasury shares is presented as a deduction from total equity. Distributions received on treasury shares are eliminated on consolidation.