ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND FRAMEWORK
for the year ended 31 March 2014
The consolidated annual financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), Interpretations issued by the IFRS Interpretations Committee, the requirements of the Companies Act of South Africa and the SAICA Financial Reporting Guides as issued by the Accounting Practices Committee.
Tongaat Hulett has adopted all the new or revised accounting pronouncements as issued by the IASB which were effective for Tongaat Hulett for the current financial year. The adoption of these standards had no recognition and measurement impact on the financial results, other than for the adoption of the revised IAS 19 which requires that post-retirement benefit accounting actuarial gains and losses be recognised immediately in other comprehensive income and no longer be amortised through profit or loss. The effect of the compulsory adoption of the revised IAS 19, which required the restatement of comparative figures, is provided in note 35.
BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the company and of its subsidiaries. The results of subsidiaries are included from the date effective control was acquired and up to the date effective control ceased. Investments in joint operations are accounted for on the proportionate consolidation method from the effective date of acquisition and up to the effective date of disposal. All material inter-company balances and transactions are eliminated. Special purpose entities which were established in a black economic empowerment transaction have been and will continue to be consolidated while Tongaat Hulett carries a residual risk in these entities.
Minority interests in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries are identified separately from Tongaat Hulett’s equity therein. The interests of minority shareholders are initially measured at the date of acquisition at the minority’s proportion of the net fair value of the assets and liabilities consolidated and thereafter, the minority’s share of changes in equity since the date of acquisition. Losses applicable to the minority in excess of the minority’s interest in the subsidiary’s equity are allocated against the interests of Tongaat Hulett, except to the extent that the minority has a binding obligation and the financial ability to cover such losses.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, including refurbishment, less accumulated depreciation and impairment. Cost includes the estimated cost of dismantling and removing the assets. Interest and other costs incurred on major capital projects are capitalised until all the activities necessary to prepare assets for their intended use are substantially complete.
Assets held under finance lease agreements are capitalised at fair value and the corresponding liabilities to the lessor are raised. Lease finance charges are charged to profit or loss over the term of the relevant lease using the effective interest rate method. Land and capital work in progress are not depreciated. All other fixed assets, including major factory overhaul costs, are depreciated and charged to profit or loss over their expected useful lives to estimated residual values at rates appropriate to their use. Maintenance expenditure on the company’s sugar mills following the cessation of crushing for the season is carried forward as a current asset and charged against the following season’s income. Where significant parts of a fixed asset item have different useful lives to the item itself, these component parts are depreciated over their estimated useful lives. The methods of depreciation, useful lives and residual values are reviewed annually.
During the year under review, property, plant and equipment were depreciated on the straight line basis using the rates set out below:
| Agricultural land improvements | 50 to 99 years |
| Buildings | 30 to 50 years |
| Plant and equipment | 4 to 40 years |
| Vehicles | 4 to 12 years |
| Furniture and equipment | 3 to 10 years |
On the disposal or scrapping of property, plant and equipment, the gain or loss arising thereon is recognised in profit or loss.
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
An intangible asset is an identifiable non-monetary asset without physical substance. Intangible assets are measured initially at cost. After initial recognition, an intangible asset is measured at cost less accumulated amortisation. An intangible asset with a finite useful life is amortised on the straight line basis over its expected useful life, as follows: software over four years, patents and licenses over four to twenty years and cane supply agreements over three to ten years. An intangible asset with an indefinite useful life is not amortised, but is tested annually for impairment. When an intangible asset is disposed of, the gain or loss on disposal is recognised in profit or loss.
GROWING CROPS
Growing crops comprise roots and standing cane. The carrying value is determined as follows:
- Roots at current replacement cost of planting and establishment amortised over the period of their productive life;
- Standing cane at the estimated cane price and sucrose content less harvesting, transport and over-the-weighbridge costs.
GOODWILL
Goodwill arising in a business combination is recognised as an asset at the date that control is acquired (the acquisition date). 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 the liabilities assumed. If, after reassessment, the group’s interest in the fair value of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets exceeds the sum of the consideration transferred, the amount of any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree and the fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree (if any), the excess is recognised immediately in profit or loss as a bargain purchase gain. On disposal of a subsidiary, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the profit or loss on disposal.
ASSOCIATE COMPANIES
Associates are those companies, which are not subsidiaries or joint operations, over which Tongaat Hulett exercises significant influence. Results of associates are equity accounted. Any losses of associates are brought to account until the investment in, and loans to, such associates are written down to a nominal amount. Thereafter losses are accounted for only insofar as Tongaat Hulett is committed to providing financial support to such associates.
The carrying value of investments in associates represents the cost of each investment including goodwill, the share of post acquisition retained income or losses and other movements in reserves.
INVENTORIES
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value determined in general on the first-in-first-out and average methods. The cost of finished goods and work in progress comprises direct materials, labour and appropriate overhead costs. Progress payments are deducted from work in progress where applicable. Development properties comprise land valued at cost and development expenditure attributable to unsold properties. Livestock and game are valued at fair value less costs to sell, in accordance with IAS 41. Obsolete and slow moving inventories are identified and suitable reductions in value are made where necessary.
MAIZE PURCHASE CONSTRUCTIVE OBLIGATIONS
Certain maize purchase commitments are recognised as constructive obligations. Maize that relates to such a constructive obligation is recognised as inventory, the related liability is recognised as a current liability and to the extent that the final purchase price includes a financing element, this is recognised as interest over the period of the obligation
DEFERRED TAX
Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from goodwill (or negative goodwill) or from the initial recognition (other than a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction, which does not affect either taxable profit or accounting profit.
A deferred tax asset is raised in respect of the unused tax losses of an entity and offset against the deferred tax liability of that entity only where these losses may be utilised in the short term or will not expire in terms of applicable tax legislation.
IMPAIRMENT
At the date of each statement of financial position, Tongaat Hulett reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists the recoverable amount of the asset, being the higher of its net selling price and its value in use, is assessed in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss, if any.
If the recoverable amount of an asset is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, its carrying amount is reduced to its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognised as an expense immediately and are treated as exceptional items.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Expenditure on research is charged to profit or loss in the year in which it is incurred. Development costs are reviewed annually and are expensed if they do not qualify for capitalisation. The amount of development cost recognised as an asset is amortised over the estimated useful life of the related development but not exceeding five years.
REVENUE
Revenue comprises sales arising from normal trading activities excluding intra-group transactions and is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of the goods are transferred to the buyer. In respect of the sale of township properties, sales are recognised when the relevant agreements are unconditional and binding on the purchaser, the purchaser has paid a meaningful deposit or has made arrangements to secure payment of the purchase price, zoning and final conditions of establishment have been obtained and servicing arrangements and costs are substantially finalised. Bulk land sales are recognised when the relevant agreements are unconditional and binding on the purchaser and the purchaser has paid a meaningful deposit or has made arrangements to secure payment of the purchase price. In the determination of revenue, cash and settlement discounts, rebates and VAT are excluded.
FOREIGN CURRENCIES
The functional currency of each entity within Tongaat Hulett is determined based on the currency of the primary economic environment in which that entity operates. Transactions in currencies other than the entity’s functional currency are recognised at the rates of exchange ruling on the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in such currencies are translated at the rates ruling at the date of the statement of financial position.
Gains and losses arising on exchange differences are recognised in profit or loss.
The financial statements of entities whose functional currencies are different from Tongaat Hulett’s presentation currency which, because of its primary operating activities, is South African Rand, are translated as follows:
- Assets, including goodwill, and liabilities at exchange rates ruling at the date of the statement of financial position;
- Income and expense items at the average exchange rates for the year; and
- Equity items at the exchange rate ruling when they arose.
Resulting exchange differences are classified as a foreign currency translation reserve and recognised in other comprehensive income.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Recognition
A financial asset or financial liability is recognised in the statement of financial position for as long as Tongaat Hulett is a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Purchases of derivatives are recognised on trade date and sales are recognised on settlement date. Gains or losses on derecognition of financial assets or liabilities are recognised in profit or loss.
Measurement
Financial instruments are initially measured at cost, including directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition these instruments are measured as follows:
- Trade and other receivables originated by Tongaat Hulett are held at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method, after deducting accumulated impairment losses. Receivables with no fixed maturity are held at cost.
- Held-to-maturity investments are held at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method after deducting accumulated impairment losses.
- Fair value through profit or loss financial assets, available for sale and cash equivalent investments are held at fair value.
- Financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost, except for held-for-trading financial liabilities and derivatives, which are held at fair value.
- Unlisted investments are recorded at cost.
Gains or losses on subsequent measurement
Gains or losses on subsequent measurement of financial instruments that are carried at fair value, and are not part of a hedging relationship, are accounted for as follows:
- Fair value through profit or loss financial assets are recognised in profit or loss for the year.
- Available for sale and cash equivalent investments are taken to other comprehensive income until the financial asset is disposed of, or determined to be impaired, at which time the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in other comprehensive income is included in profit or loss for the year.
For the purposes of hedge accounting, hedges are classified into two categories:
- Fair value hedges, which hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognised asset, liability or firm commitment; and
- Cash flow hedges, which hedge exposure to variability in cash flows that is either attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognised asset or liability or a forecasted transaction.
In relation to fair value hedges, which meet the conditions for hedge accounting, any gain or loss from remeasuring the hedging instrument to fair value is recognised in profit or loss for the period. Any gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk is adjusted against the carrying amount of the hedged item and recognised in profit or loss for the year.
In relation to cash flow hedges, which meet the conditions for hedge accounting, the portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument that is determined to be an effective hedge is recognised in other comprehensive income and the ineffective portion is recognised in profit or loss for the year. For cash flow hedges affecting future transactions, the gains or losses, which are recognised in other comprehensive income, are transferred to profit or loss in the same period in which the hedged transaction affects profit or loss. Where the hedged transaction results in the recognition of an asset or a liability, then at the time the asset or liability is recognised, the associated gain or loss that had previously been recognised in other comprehensive income is included in the initial measurement of the acquisition cost or other carrying amount of the asset or liability.
Set-off
Where the redemption of debt, raised for major capital projects, is provided for by sinking funds or financial instruments which allow for the legal right of set-off against the debt on the repayment date, and it is expected that the debt will be settled in this way, the related income statement, statement of cash flows and statement of financial position items are set off.
Financial guarantee contracts
Where financial guarantee contracts are entered into, these are regarded as insurance contracts and accounted for as insurance arrangements.
GOVERNMENT GRANTS
Government grants are assistance by government in the form of transfers of resources to an entity in return for past or future compliance with certain conditions relating to the operating activities of the entity. When the conditions attaching to government grants have been complied with they are recognised in profit or loss. When they are for expenses or losses already incurred, they are recognised immediately in profit or loss.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Retirement funds
The assets of the defined contribution schemes are held separately from those of Tongaat Hulett and are administered and controlled by trustees.
Contributions to defined contribution schemes are charged to profit or loss when incurred.
There was previously a defined benefit arrangement which was converted in the prior financial year to a defined contribution arrangement with the outsourcing of existing pensioner liabilities to an insurer. The Tongaat Hulett employer surplus account recognised in Tongaat Hulett’s financial statements relates to the allocations previously made in the defined benefit fund. The employer surplus account is being utilised for a contribution holiday and, within the regulatory framework, there is a “loan” from the pension fund to the company in respect of the employer surplus account.
Post-retirement medical aid benefits and retirement gratuities
Provision is made for post-retirement medical aid benefits and gratuities payable on retirement and is based on the present value of those liabilities for services rendered to date as determined by independent actuaries. Service costs and the net interest expense or income is recognised in profit or loss. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised immediately in other comprehensive income and will not be reclassified to profit or loss.
SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
The company enters into share-based payment transactions in terms of the employee share incentive schemes. The charge to profit or loss required by IFRS 2 Share-based Payment is accounted for in terms of the scheme on the basis that the instruments are equity-settled. The total amount to be expensed on a straight line basis over the vesting period is determined with reference to the fair value of the awards determined at the grant date. Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of awards that are expected to become due, including taking into account the forfeiture of instruments due to resignation and these assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis. The fair value of the share-based payment is measured using a binomial tree model and/or a Monte Carlo Simulation model, as is appropriate for the various schemes.
CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS CONCLUDED IN 2007 25% BEE EQUITY PARTICIPATION TRANSACTIONS
Broad based 18% interest held by strategic partners, cane and infrastructure communities
The broad based BEE equity participation of 18%, involving strategic partners, cane and infrastructure communities, is held by two SPVs – the TH Infrastructure SPV (10%) and the yoMoba SPV (8%).
The cost related to this 18% broad based BEE equity participation was measured and recognised at the grant date in June 2007, resulting in a once-off IFRS 2 cost of R320 million being recognised in profit or loss in 2007.
The BEE Infrastructure SPV participation interest, concluded in 2007, of R1,289 billion was funded through a combination of notional vendor financing (R821 million), preference share funding (R458 million) and equity and shareholders’ loans of R10 million. The BEE yoMoba SPV participation interest of R1,031 billion was funded through a combination of notional vendor financing (R657 million), preference share funding (R367 million) and equity and shareholders’ loans of R8 million. The SPV’s participation interests are in the form of preferred ordinary shares which are entitled to receive a fixed coupon every year for a period of seven years. Thereafter the preferred ordinary shares will cease to receive preferred ordinary dividends. Tongaat Hulett has therefore committed to pay a fixed coupon on these preferred ordinary shares of R112 million in aggregate on an annual basis and the preferred ordinary shares will not receive any ordinary dividends for the duration of the seven year period. In terms of the notional vendor finance arrangement between the respective SPVs and Tongaat Hulett (R821 million in respect of the BEE TH Infrastructure SPV and R657 million in respect of the BEE yoMoba SPV), Tongaat Hulett will be entitled to repurchase, at a price of R0,01 per share, such number of shares as determined in accordance with a repurchase formula, subject to the external funding claims in the SPV. The number of shares repurchased will be a function of the value of the shares subscribed for at par, the notional return required by Tongaat Hulett and the success of the earn-in initiatives by the respective BEE partners. In compliance with IFRS, the two BEE SPVs are consolidated by Tongaat Hulett and consequently the preferred ordinary shares are reflected as treasury shares in the consolidated financial statements and are taken into account where relevant when calculating earnings per share. The external debt of the SPVs, amounting to R691 million in aggregate at 31 March 2014 (2013: R722 million), is thus reflected on the consolidated statement of financial position and the funding charge incurred by the SPV is reflected in the consolidated income statement. This BEE debt does not have recourse to Tongaat Hulett and will ultimately effectively be equity-settled. At the end of the seven year period, the preferred ordinary shares will convert into Tongaat Hulett listed ordinary shares.
Vesting of the BEE 7% employee interest
The 7% BEE employee transaction of 2007, which comprises the Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP) and the Management Share Ownership Plan (MSOP) vested in the trusts in August 2012.
The ESOP scheme consisted of a share appreciation right scheme and participants shared in 50% of the dividend payable to ordinary shareholders. The MSOP scheme consisted of two components namely a share appreciation right scheme and a share grant scheme. The ESOP Trust and MSOP Trust were established to acquire and hold Tongaat Hulett Limited shares for the benefit of designated employees. These shares had specific repurchase terms at maturity on 1 August 2012. They were a separate class of restricted shares which, other than for the repurchase terms, rank pari passu with ordinary shares and became ordinary shares on maturity.
The IFRS 2 cost relating to the 7% BEE employee transaction is amortised over 5 years from date of grant. The initial grant of awards occurred on 1 August 2007 and the amortisation of the IFRS 2 cost relating to this award commenced in the second half of 2007. These initial awards vested on 1 August 2012.
The BEE employee equity participation trusts’ subscription consideration for the original issue in 2007 of 9 740 908 B ordinary shares was funded through contributions by the respective operating entities in Tongaat Hulett. The notional vendor finance provided to the employees was recovered at the maturity of the scheme through the repurchase by Tongaat Hulett of 6 383 283 B ordinary shares (as determined in accordance with predetermined repurchase formulae) on the fifth anniversary of the effective date, at R0,01 per B share. These B ordinary shares were repurchased by Tongaat Hulett for a consideration of R63 833 and immediately cancelled. The remaining 3 357 625 B ordinary shares were converted to listed ordinary shares in Tongaat Hulett Limited. Of these listed ordinary shares, 1 880 431 shares were delivered to beneficiaries who had participated in the initial award on 1 August 2007. Of the MSOP participants whose shares vested, 70% elected to hold their shares in Tongaat Hulett. During the year ended 31 March 2014, a further 237 936 ordinary shares became available for delivery to employees who were awarded shares on 1 August 2008 and 1 February 2009. The remaining 1 080 938 listed ordinary shares are still time constrained for up to five years.
In accordance with IFRS, the ESOP Trust and MSOP Trust are consolidated by Tongaat Hulett and consequently the remaining 1 080 938 listed ordinary shares are reflected as treasury shares in the consolidated financial statements. These shares are taken into account for the purposes of the earnings per share and headline earnings per share calculations.
JUDGEMENTS MADE BY MANAGEMENT
Preparing financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Certain accounting policies have been identified as involving complex or subjective judgements or assessments. The items for consideration have been identified as follows:
Growing crop valuation
Growing crops are required to be measured at fair value less harvesting, transport and over-the-weighbridge costs. In determining fair value an estimate is made of the yield of the standing cane as well as the estimated cane price. These estimates can vary from the actuals when the cane is harvested..
In Tongaat Hulett Developments, project cost of sales determination and cost allocation to sites includes a future development expenditure accrual
Judgement is applied in determining total project costs, which are supported by estimates from professional consultants and consulting engineers for services infrastructure. These costs are reviewed by management three to four times a year during the forecasting process and if necessary, estimates are revised accordingly. At the outset as well as during the life of a project, judgement is applied in determining the sales prices per saleable sites or bulk square metres, which is supported with input from estate agents, external property valuers and management on an ongoing basis as well as during the forecasting process. For phased developments, judgement is applied to allocate common costs including bulk infrastructure expenditure to development phases, taking into account factors such as expected sales values, land areas and development intensity. Thereafter, cost of sales allocation to sites is determined in proportion to sales values after making allowance for site and phase specific infrastructural requirements.
Asset lives and residual lives
Property, plant and equipment are depreciated over their useful lives taking into account residual values. The actual lives of the assets and residual values are assessed annually and are influenced by factors such as technological innovation, product life cycles and maintenance programmes. Residual value assessments consider issues such as market conditions, the remaining life of the asset and projected disposal values.
Impairment of assets
Ongoing assessments are made regarding any potential impairment of assets across Tongaat Hulett, using valuation models prescribed under IFRS.
Decommissioning and rehabilitation obligations in respect of the environment
Tongaat Hulett monitors and assesses its obligations arising from decommissioning of plant and rehabilitation of the environment on an ongoing basis.
Post-retirement benefit obligations
Post-retirement benefit obligations are provided for certain existing and former employees. Actuarial valuations are based on assumptions which include employee turnover, mortality rates, the discount rate, the expected long-term rate of return of retirement plan assets, healthcare costs, inflation rates and salary increments.
Valuation of financial instruments
The value of the derivative instruments fluctuates on a daily basis and the actual amounts realised may differ materially from their value at the date of the statement of financial position.
KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY
There are no key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the date of the statement of financial position that management have assessed as having a significant risk of causing material adjustment to the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities within the next financial year.
NEW OR REVISED IFRS STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO FUTURE PERIODS
The following relevant new and revised standards and interpretations were also in issue but not effective for the current year. Tongaat Hulett is in the process of evaluating the effects of these new and revised standards and interpretations and they are not expected to have a significant impact on Tongaat Hulett’s results and disclosures:
Effective for the next financial year:
Amendments to IAS 32: Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
Investment Entities: Amendments to IFRS 10: Consolidated Financial Statements, IFRS 12: Disclosure of Interests and IAS 27: Separate Financial Statements
IAS 39 (Amendment): Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement - Novation of Derivatives and Continuation of Hedge Accounting
IAS 36 (Amendment): Impairment of Asset - Recoverable Amount Disclosures for Non-Financial Assets
IFRIC 21: Levies
Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2014:
IAS 19: Defined Benefit Plans: Employee Contributions
Annual Improvements to IFRSs (2010 - 2012 Cycle):
IFRS 2: Share-based Payment
IFRS 3: Business Combinations
IFRS 8: Operating Segments
IFRS 13: Fair Value Measurement
IAS 16: Property, Plant and Equipment
IAS 24: Related Party Disclosures
IAS 38: Intangible Assets
Annual Improvements to IFRSs (2011 - 2013 Cycle):
IFRS 1: First-time Adoption of IFRS
IFRS 3: Business Combinations
IFRS 13: Fair Value Measurement
IAS 40: Investment Property
Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016:
IFRS 14: Regulatory Deferral Accounts
Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017:
IFRS 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018:
IFRS 9: Financial Instruments
