Notes to the consolidated financial statements: principles

1Accounting and valuation principles

General information

Repower Group prepares its financial statements in accordance with the entire Accounting and Reporting Recommendations (Swiss GAAP FER), providing a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Repower Group.

In individual cases roundings can mean that figures in this report do not add up to the exact total specified, and that the specified percentages do not exactly result from the stated figures.

The 2023 consolidated financial statements of the Repower Group were authorised by the board of directors on 4 April 2024 and are still subject to the approval of the annual general meeting on 15 May 2024.

Review of Repower’s accounting standards

Repower has adjusted its accounting standards to make its asset, earnings and liquidity situation more transparent. The changes relate to the capitalisation of deferred taxes on loss and interest carryforwards, the early application of the revised Swiss GAAP FER 30 Consolidated Financial Statements and the recognition of translation differences in the consolidated cash flow statement from 1 January 2023 onwards. The prior year figures were adjusted in accordance with the retrospective method.

Repower has exercised the option of capitalising deferred tax receivables on loss and interest carryforwards under Swiss GAAP FER 11/22. These items are capitalised if it is probable that they can be realised in the future through offsetting.

The revised provisions of Swiss GAAP FER 30 Consolidated Financial Statements were introduced with the transitional provisions, with the updated provisions on the acquisition/disposal of minority interests in cash flow from investing activities and on the separate disclosure of dividend payments to minority shareholders applied consistently.

Repower now recognises all translation differences at the end of the consolidated cash flow statement before the change in cash and cash equivalents. This also includes the differences from the translation of intragroup transactions at transaction rates instead of average rates (offsetting differences from the elimination of expenses and income).

The effects of the restatements on the consolidated balance sheet, the consolidated income statement, the consolidated equity statement and the consolidated cash flow statement of the Repower Group are shown in the following tables:

Furthermore, in the 2023 financial year, Repower changed the names of the items in non-current assets from “financial assets” to “non-current financial assets” and in current assets from “securities” to “current financial assets”. This adjustment serves to improve clarity. The new designations, “non-current financial assets” and “current financial assets”, can already be found in the cash flow statement under the items “Investments in current and non-current financial assets” and “Disposals of current and non-current financial assets”.

Introduction of the Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) Model Rules

The Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) Model Rules published by the OECD stipulate a minimum tax of 15 per cent per country (Pillar Two). The Group, with its national companies in Italy, Germany and Switzerland, has examined the extent to which it is subject to the Pillar Two income tax requirement. Further explanations of the effects of these rules, particularly in relation to Switzerland and the introduction of the Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (QDMTT) from 1 January 2024, can be found in Note 14 Income taxes.

2Consolidation

Scope of consolidation

The present consolidated financial statements encompass the financial statements of Repower AG and all investments where Repower holds, directly or indirectly, more than 50 per cent of the votes or can exercise control in some other way. These investments are fully consolidated. Associates and joint ventures are included in the financial statements in accordance with the equity method (share of equity).

List of interests

Fully consolidated companies

Joint ventures valued at equity

Associates valued at equity

The stated shareholdings represent the group shares attributable to the parent company Repower AG, Brusio.

All subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures with the exception of Grischelectra AG, which closes its accounts on 30 September, close their accounts at the end of the calendar year.

Ovra electrica Ferrera SA, Trun, is a power plant company in which the local municipality holds a 51 per cent stake. The Repower Group bears full operating responsibility for this company via Repower AG, and sells 100 per cent of the energy generated on the market. The Repower Group thus exercises overall control and Ovra electrica Ferrera SA is fully consolidated.

The direct shareholding in ESE Nurra S.r.l., a company held by the subsidiary Repower Renewable S.p.A., comes to 67 per cent. ESE Nurra S.r.l. is fully consolidated.

Under the contractual arrangements governing the interest in Elettrostudio Energia S.r.l., Grischelectra AG, Kraftwerk Morteratsch AG, Resol Ciminna S.r.l. and Terra di Conte S.r.l., all relevant decisions on these companies must be made unanimously by the parties involved. None of the parties involved can control the companies. They therefore constitute joint ventures that Repower values at equity.

Changes in scope of consolidation

In 2023, Repower AG established the subsidiary PLUG’N ROLL AG for its electric mobility offering to encourage independent growth in this sector. Repower holds 100 per cent of the shares in PLUG’N ROLL AG.

Repower Renewable S.p.A. founded the subsidiary Resol Ghislarengo S.r.l., in which the Group holds a 65 per cent stake, and the joint venture Resol Ciminna S.r.l. with a direct stake of 50 per cent (Group share 32.5 per cent) in order to expand renewable energy generation at solar installations in Italy. Resol Ciminna S.r.l. is valued at equity. The initial carrying value of the interest is CHF 13,030 thousand. CHF 47 thousand of this amount was paid in in cash, with the remainder contributed in kind. The contribution values measured at net market value exceeded the outgoing carrying amounts. This resulted in a gain that was realised in the amount of the partner’s share from a Group perspective and is reflected in the item Other operating income in the amount of CHF 7,347 thousand (see Note 4).

On 22 December 2023, Repower took a 20 per cent interest in the renewable energy company Elettrostudio Energia S.r.l. with the intention of promoting renewable energy in Italy. Repower shares the interest with a partner; the company is managed jointly. Repower values the interest at equity. The purchase price consists of a cash purchase price and an earn-out agreement, the financial impact of which is uncertain at the present time and the amount of which cannot be estimated with sufficient accuracy. The purchase price used for the determination of goodwill currently comprises a cash component of CHF 2,306 thousand, of which CHF 769 thousand are already recognised in cash in the 2023 financial statements and the remainder in January 2024. The goodwill of CHF 1,792 thousand recognised on acquisition is capitalised as a component of the interest and amortised over 5 years.

Changes in ownership interests

In 2023, Repower and other shareholders acquired the treasury shares previously held by esolva ag, of which those of Repower amounted to CHF 111 thousand. As part of this transaction, the percentage interest in the company used for the valuation was adjusted slightly from 42.05 per cent to 42.29 per cent.

In 2022, Repower Italia S.p.A. acquired 27.77 per cent of the shares of Erreci S.r.l. and 29.52 per cent of Erreci Impianti S.r.l. These two companies are predominantly involved in developing solar installations, from procuring the requisite materials and services to building the installation itself, and in reselling energy. The payments considered as purchase price components dependent on future events (earn-outs) as part of the initial consolidation were made in 2023 and are recognised as cash flow from investing activities in the consolidated cash flow statement in the amount of CHF 1,539 thousand . In 2023, the carve-out of non-operating assets already planned at the time of the takeover was implemented, increasing the interests in the two companies to 30.00 per cent each.

In the 2023 financial year, Repower unilaterally increased the capital of Roma Gas & Power S.r.l., which was already controlled on the basis of contractual arrangements. This measure led to an increase in its shareholding from 20 per cent to 90 per cent. Apart from a reclassification within equity between the minority and majority shareholders of the Repower Group, the transaction had no effect on Repower’s group balance sheet.

Consolidation method

Capital consolidation is done in accordance with the purchase method. When an entity is purchased its assets and liabilities as of the date of acquisition are revalued in accordance with the group’s principles. Any remaining goodwill (the difference between the purchase price and the share of equity) is capitalised and amortised over five years or a maximum of 20 years. Assets and liabilities and income and expenses at fully consolidated entities are integrated in their entirety in the consolidated financial statements. Minority interests in the equity and minority interests in the profits of fully consolidated entities are stated separately.

Intragroup receivables and liabilities, income and expenses and investments are netted out and interim gains eliminated. Investments in associates and joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method.

Conversion of foreign currencies

Each group company determines the functional currency in which it draws up its individual financial statements. Company financial statements in foreign currencies are converted as follows: assets and liabilities at the closing rate on the balance sheet date, equity at historical rates. The income and cash flow statements are converted at the average rate for the year. The resulting translation differences are recognised directly in equity. On the disposal of entities, the translation differences attributable to them are reclassified to profit or loss.

Foreign currency transactions contained in the individual financial statements of consolidated entities are converted at the relevant daily rate, and foreign currency balances are converted on the closing date at the closing rate on the balance sheet date. The resulting differences in rates are recognised in profit or loss.

The following exchange rates were used for the most important foreign currency:

Cash flow statement

The cash and cash equivalents fund forms the basis of the consolidated cash flow statement. Cash flow from operating activities is calculated by the indirect method.

3Valuation principles

Tangible assets

Tangible assets are initially recognised at the lower of cost (acquisition or manufacturing cost). Repower does not capitalise borrowing costs. Self-constructed tangible assets are to be capitalised if the expenses incurred can be individually recognised and measured. Own costs capitalised are measured on the basis of hours actually incurred, which are multiplied by hourly rates calculated for the current financial year. For the purposes of subsequent measurement, Repower does scheduled straight-line amortisation over the expected useful life. Estimated useful lives are calculated in accordance with the recommendations of the Association of Swiss Electricity Companies and are within the following ranges for each category:

Intangible assets

Intangible assets are initially recognised at the lower of cost (acquisition or manufacturing cost). Provided the prerequisites for capitalisation under FER 10/4 are met, intangible assets generated internally are capitalised. Amortisation is done on a straight-line basis. The estimated useful lives for the individual categories are within the following ranges:

Impairment

Assets are tested for impairment on every balance sheet date. If there is evidence of impairment, an impairment test is carried out to calculate the recoverable value. The recoverable value is the higher of net selling price and value in use. If the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable value, an adjustment is made in the income statement by way of unscheduled amortisation. If there is a material improvement in the facts considered in the course of calculating the recoverable value, an impairment recognised in earlier reporting periods will be fully or partially reversed in the income statement, with the exception of goodwill.

Investments in associates and joint ventures

Investments in associates and joint ventures are recognised using the equity method, in other words according to the share of equity. Any goodwill is a component of the interest in the entity. The goodwill is amortised on a straight-line basis and thus flows directly into the Repower Group’s consolidated income statement via earnings from associates and joint ventures.

Non-current financial assets

Non-current financial assets comprise financial investments, loans receivable and fixed-term deposits as well as derivatives. Investments, loans receivable and fixed-term deposits are recognised at cost less any impairment. Derivatives are recognised at current values. Financial investments are investments that are not classified as an investment in subsidiaries, joint ventures or associates and that are intended to be held on a long-term basis. Items that are realised within 12 months of the balance sheet date are recognised as current financial assets on the balance sheet.

Deferred taxes

Deferred income taxes take into account temporary valuation differences between the assets and liabilities valued according to uniform group guidelines in accordance with Swiss GAAP FER compared with the values applicable under tax law. Tax loss carryforwards and interest carryforwards are recognised if they are likely to be offset against future profits for tax purposes.

Inventory

Inventories are goods used in the regular course of business for the purposes of disposal, manufacturing goods or providing services. They are initially recognised at the lower of cost (acquisition or manufacturing cost). The closing inventory is valued at the lower of average cost or net market price. Settlement discounts received are recognised as financial income.

Repower provides services for third parties. Only immaterial contracts are recognised under inventories recognised at acquisition or production cost.

Trade accounts receivable

Trade accounts receivable comprise receivables from business activities where the delivery or service has already been fulfilled but the debtor’s payment has not been received. Receivables are measured at nominal value taking due account of necessary impairment.

Other receivables

Individual contracts that are material for Repower in the context of its service business are recognised as other receivables in proportion to revenues, net of any amounts already invoiced and prepayments received, provided the relevant preconditions of FER 22 Long-term contracts are met. The percentage of completion for application of the percentage of completion method is calculated individually for each contract using the cost to cost method.

This item still contains all other current receivables. They are measured at nominal value taking due account of necessary impairment.

Prepaid expenses and accrued income/deferred income and accrued expenses

Prepaid expenses and accrued income/deferred income and accrued expenses are designed to ensure that assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date are presented correctly and that income and expense are recognised on an accrual basis in the income statement.

In particular, goods and services delivered or received but not yet invoiced are recognised in prepaid expenses and accrued income/deferred income and accrued expenses.

Current financial assets

The balance sheet item current financial assets comprises loans receivable and fixed-term deposits, derivatives and other securities that are realised within 12 months of the balance sheet date or held for trading. Loans receivable and fixed-term deposits are recognised at cost less any impairment. Derivatives are recognised at current values. Other securities that are not intended to be held long term and that are recognised as current financial assets are measured at current values if available. If no current value is available, they are recognised at no higher than their acquisition costs less any impairments.

Replacement values of held-for-trading positions

Contracts in the form of forward transactions (forwards and futures) conducted with the intention of achieving a trading profit or margin are treated as derivative financial instruments and recognised as held-for-trading positions or replacement values. On the balance sheet date, all open derivative financial instruments from energy trading transactions are measured at fair value through profit or loss, and the positive and negative replacement values are recognised under assets and liabilities. Positive replacement values represent receivables. Negative replacement values represent liabilities. The replacement value is the difference in price compared to the closing price.

The open contracts are measured on the basis of market data from electricity exchanges (e.g. EEX Leipzig). For contracts for which no liquid market exists, measurement is based on a valuation model.

Current transactions are offset at positive and negative replacement value if the respective contract terms provide for this and the intention to offset exists and is legally permitted.

Realised and unrealised income from held-for-trading positions is recognised as net sales from goods and services.

Cash and cash equivalents

The cash and cash equivalents item comprises cash, sight deposits at banks and other financial institutions (e.g. PostFinance) and cash equivalents, provided they are held as a cash reserve, are highly liquid and convertible to cash at short notice, and are subject to only negligible fluctuations in value. Cash equivalents have a maximum residual term to maturity at the balance sheet date. Fixed-term deposits callable at short notice with an agreed term of more than 90 days are likewise deemed to be cash equivalents, provided that on the balance sheet date they are available for payment purposes by termination within 90 days.

Provisions

A provision is a probable liability on the basis of an event before the balance sheet date; the amount of the liability and/or the date on which it will fall due is uncertain but can be estimated. Provisions are recognised for actual and statutory obligations and for impending risks and losses. Existing provisions are remeasured on every balance sheet date. Provisions are divided into current provisions (due within twelve months) and non-current provisions (due after twelve months). If there is a material time factor involved, the provision is discounted.

Financial liabilities

Financial liabilities comprise both financing activities and derivatives, and are recognised at nominal or current values. Any differences between the acquisition cost and the redemption value of bonds or registered bonds are amortised on a straight-line basis over the term of the instruments. Interest accrued but not yet charged is accrued and recognised as deferred income and accrued expenses on the balance sheet date. Depending on the term, it is recognised under non-current or current financial liabilities.

Other non-current liabilities

Other non-current liabilities comprise all liabilities not belonging to the other categories that are not due within twelve months after the balance sheet date. In particular, under this item Repower recognises received connection fees and grid cost contributions, which are charged to profit or loss over a period of 35 years.

Trade accounts payable

Trade accounts payable are current liabilities with a remaining term of less than twelve months arising in particular from deliveries, work performances, services and lease agreements. They are recognised at nominal values.

Other current liabilities

This item comprises all other current liabilities that cannot be assigned to payables from goods and services. They are recognised at nominal values.

Pension provisions

At the balance sheet date, employees of Repower AG in Switzerland were members of the PKE Vorsorgestiftung Energie pension fund. This is a legally independent pension fund operating as a defined contribution plan in accordance with the Federal Law on Occupational Pensions for Old Age, Survivors and Disability (BVG). Pension benefit obligations are measured and recognised in accordance with Swiss GAAP FER 16. The economic impacts of pension institutions on the entity are either economic benefits or economic obligations. Economic benefits and economic obligations are evaluated at the balance sheet date and recognised in the entity’s financial statements. Employer contribution reserves are recognised at nominal or present value as financial assets.

A peculiarity of Italian law is the payment of severance pay. This corresponds to around one month’s pay for every year of employment, and must be paid in all cases when an employment relationship is terminated. The provision for this obligation is calculated according to a recognised method specific to the country, and the change is recognised in personnel expenses.

Cash flow hedges

Derivative transactions entered into for the purpose of hedging cash flows with a high probability of occurrence are not recorded on the balance sheet, but are disclosed in the notes.

Leases

A lease is an agreement whereby certain goods are ceded for the use of the lessee in return for a payment. A distinction is made between finance and operating leases. A finance lease is defined as a lease that transfers all material risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee. Otherwise the lease is deemed to be an operating lease. The asset leased under a finance lease is recognised as tangible assets and financial liabilities. Lease instalments paid are apportioned between the finance charge and the reduction in the outstanding liability. Assets leased under operating leases are not recognised on the balance sheet. Paid and received leasing instalments are recognised in the period in which they occur.

Off-balance-sheet business

Contingent assets and liabilities are measured at the balance sheet date and disclosed in the notes. If an outflow of funds without a simultaneous usable inflow of funds is probable and estimable, a corresponding provision is recognised.

Transactions with related parties

Related parties (natural persons and legal entities) are parties which can directly or indirectly exert a significant influence on the group’s financial and operational decisions. Organisations that for their part are directly or indirectly controlled by the same related parties are likewise deemed to be related. All material transactions and resulting balances or liabilities vis-à-vis related parties are disclosed in these consolidated financial statements.