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Komax

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FY2014 Annual Report · Komax
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Annual Report
2014

2014
Geschäftsbericht

THE WAY TO MAKE IT

THE WAY TO MAKE IT

E

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
53

COMPENSATION REPORT 
67

CONTENTS

FINANCIAL REPORT

Consolidated financial
statements
82

Financial statements
of Komax Holding AG
141

Corporate structure
150

FURTHER INFORMATION

Glossary
154

Five-year overview
155

ANNUAL  REPORT

In brief
2

Shareholders’  
letter
6

Locations
8

Business model
and strategy 
10

Board of Directors and
Executive Committee
16

Business Unit Wire
18

Business Unit Medtech
26

Sustainability and
social responsibility
34

Information for
investors
40

40 years 
Komax Wire
45

2014

KO MAX GROUP 
ANN UA L REPORT

1

COMPANY
IN BRIEF

The Komax Group is a globally active tech-
nology company specializing in automation 
solutions for selected processes in the  
automotive and pharmaceutical industries. 
Its core competency is mechatronics, i.e. 
the interdisciplinary interaction of precision 
engineering, electronics and information 
technology. With its innovative and high- 
quality solutions for the wire-processing 
industry and systems for the assembly of 
self-medication instruments, Komax helps 
its customers implement economical and 
safe manufacturing processes, especially in 
the automotive supply and pharmaceutical  
sectors.

e  Komax Wire offers a comprehensive 
range of automated, intelligent solutions 
for all wire-processing applications. 
Standard and customer-specific systems 
are supplemented by an extensive range 
of quality assurance modules, testing  
devices, and networking solutions for the 
reliable and efficient production of wire 
harnesses. Moreover, a sophisticated ser-
vice offering supports customers around 
the world after their systems have been 
commissioned, thereby ensuring high avail-
ability and low impairment for their in- 
vestment.

e  Komax Medtech develops complex   
customer-specific systems for the auto-
matic assembly of medical instruments  
for self-medication, such as inhalers and 
insulin delivery or injection systems.  
It offers its clients solutions at all develop-
ment levels of a project, from the con- 
cept phase through to large-volume line 
production. Integral validation concepts 
that are geared to internationally accepted 
standards and a wide range of service  
options complete the offering.

2

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014363.3m
Revenues in CHF
+12.2%

EBIT margin
13.2%

Equity ratio
73.2%

29.2m
Net cash  
in CHF

65%
Payout ratio

3.2%
Dividend yield

Net sales
by segment

19%

Medtech

��

81%

Wire

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F

I

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F

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N
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C OMPANY
IN BRIEF

3

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014 
COMPANY
IN BRIEF

Key figures

in TCHF

Order intake

Revenues2

Gross profit

in % of revenues

EBITD

in % of revenues

Operating profit (EBIT)

in % of revenues

Group profit after taxes 
from continuing operations

in % of revenues

Group profit after taxes (EAT)

in % of revenues

Cash flow from operating activities

Investments in non-current assets

Free cash flow

Research and development

in % of revenues

Basic earnings per share in CHF

Headcount (at year-end)

No.

Total assets

Non-current assets

Current assets

Intangible assets

Net cash

Shareholders’ equity3

in % of total assets

2014

20131

+ / − in %

367 702

343 894

363 338

323 959

220 188

196 634

6.9

12.2

12.0

60.6

60.7

57 663

52 577

9.7

15.9

16.2

48 102

43 297

11.1

13.2

13.4

43 660

35 064

24.5

12.0

10.8

27 743

25 129

10.4

7.6

30 295

15 566

14 412

25 776

7.1

7.64

1 498

7.8

31 734

8 032

–4.5

93.8

24 545

–41.3

24 908

3.5

7.7

7.33

4.2

1 282

16.8

388 052

357 591

145 562

136 616

242 490

220 975

47 368

29 211

49 518

22 616

284 168

263 985

73.2

73.8

8.5

6.5

9.7

–4.3

29.2

7.6

1 Prior-year figures restated in accordance with Note 10 of the consolidated financial statements. 
2 Revenues: net sales + other operating income. 
3 Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent company.

4

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014Operating profit (EBIT) 

Shareholders’ equity 

in TCHF

in TCHF

0
0
 0
0
4

0
0
 0
0
2

0

0
1
0
2

1
1
0
2

2
1
0
2

4
3
1
0
2

4
1
0
2

  EBIT
  EBIT in % of revenues1

Group profit   
after taxes (EAT)

in TCHF

0
0
 0
0
4

0
0
 0
0
2

0

0
1
0
2

1
1
0
2

2
1
0
2

4
3
1
0
2

4
1
0
2

%
0
.
4
1

%
0
.
7

%
0

%
0
.
0
1

%
0
.
5

%
0

0
0
 0
0
0
2

0
0
 0
0
0
1

0

0
1
0
2

1
1
0
2

2
1
0
2

3
1
0
2

4
1
0
2

  Shareholders’ equity2
  Equity in % of total assets

Net working   
capital (NWC)

in TCHF

0
0
 0
0
5
1

0
0
 0
5
7

0

0
1
0
2

1
1
0
2

2
1
0
2

3
1
0
2

4
1
0
2

%
0
.
0
6

%
0
.
0
3

%
0

%
0
.
0
6

%
0
.
0
3

%
0

  EAT
  EAT in % of revenues1

  NWC 3
  NWC in % of revenues1

1 Revenues: net sales + other operating income. 
2 Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent company. 
3 Net working capital: receivables + inventories . /. current liabilities. 
4 Prior-year figures restated in accordance with Note 10 of the consolidated financial statements.

C OMPANY
IN BRIEF

5

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014In view of the very pleasing results, the company’s 
financial strength and the positive outlook,  
the Board of Directors is proposing to the Annual 
General Meeting a distribution increase to CHF 
5.00, of which CHF 2.50 will be distributed as a 
dividend and CHF 2.50 from capital contribution 
reserves. The payout ratio therefore amounts  
to an investor-friendly 65%. The dividend yield 
on the date of the Board resolution stood at  
an attractive 3.2%. Dividend payments from the 
capital contribution reserves are tax-free for  
natural persons living in Switzerland who hold 
shares as part of their private assets.

Komax Wire
Komax Wire once again surpassed its prior-year 
results. After a pleasing first half of the year,  
demand continued to pick up in the second half, 
buoyed by the healthy state of the automotive 
industry. Other end consumer markets such as 
the household goods, electronics, and tele- 
communications equipment industries likewise 
developed positively, albeit without matching  
the momentum of the automotive industry. The  
Europe, Africa and Asia regions generated the 
strongest growth in 2014. Order intake increased 
by 12.5% to CHF 302.6 million (2013: CHF 
268.9 million). Net sales rose by 15.1% to CHF 
295.0 million (2013: CHF 256.2 million), or  
CHF 280.6 million after adjustment for acquisi-
tion effects. Internal growth amounted to  
around 12%. EBIT came in at CHF 55.3 million 
(2013: CHF 47.6 million). The partnership  
with SLE quality engineering is developing in  
a very satisfying way. Komax Wire will continue 
to systematically pursue its current growth  
strategy with a view to further expanding its 
leading market position.

ANNUAL REPORT
SHAREHOLDERS’ LETTER

Dear Shareholders,

The last financial year was characterized by strong 
growth and impressive profitability. The Komax 
Group’s consolidated revenues increased to CHF 
363.3 million (2013: CHF 324.0 million). This 
equates to growth of 12.2%, of which acquisition 
effects contributed 4.4% and currency influ- 
ences –1.7%. Internal growth thus amounted to 
a high 9.5%. Operating profit (EBIT) increased  
by 11.1% to CHF 48.1 million (2013: CHF 43.3 
million). Operating responsibility for the Solar 
business was transferred to the management of 
Xcell Automation on 1 October 2014 following  
a management buyout. For the time being, Komax 
is retaining a minority stake of 25%. Komax  
Solar’s contribution is therefore not included in 
these figures. 
Group profit after taxes from continuing oper- 
ations amounted to a very pleasing CHF 43.7 
million (2013: CHF 35.1 million). Result from  
discontinued operations amounted to CHF –15.9 
million (2013: CHF –9.9 million). The lion’s share  
of this figure (CHF 9 million) comprises non-cash 
charges for valuation adjustments on technology, 
goodwill and current assets in connection with  
the sale of the Solar business. Overall, Group profit  
after taxes amounted to CHF 27.7 million (2013: 
CHF 25.1 million), resulting in an increase in basic 
earnings per share to CHF 7.64 (2013: CHF 7.33).
The Komax Group remains in extremely robust 
financial health. On the balance sheet date, share-
holders’ equity stood at CHF 284.2 million (2013: 
CHF 264.0 million) while the equity ratio stood  
at 73.2% (2013: 73.8%). Towards the end of the 
year, we managed to acquire a building plot  
adjacent to the Dierikon site, thereby securing the 
possibility of expanding the company’s headquar-
ters. Moreover, we have started to upgrade the 
Group’s ERP system. Despite the significant in-
vestment that these developments involve, free 
cash flow nonetheless amounted to a high CHF 
14.4 million (2013: CHF 24.5 million). Net cash  
increased to CHF 29.2 million (2013: CHF 22.6 
million).

6

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014Komax Medtech
Komax Medtech experienced considerable  
regional differences in its business in 2014.  
North America enjoyed another good year, with 
an environment conducive to growth. Business  
in Malaysia likewise developed positively after  
a stagnant 2013. By contrast, business perfor-
mance in Switzerland was affected by subdued 
demand in Europe, as pharmaceutical compa- 
nies and their suppliers postponed investment 
decisions. This resulted in excess capacity, 
which in turn weighed on profitability. Order in-
take amounted to CHF 65.1 million (2013:  
CHF 75.0 million), while net sales came in at 
CHF 68.6 million (2013: CHF 68.1 million). 
Thanks to further efficiency improvements and  
a relatively high proportion of repeat business, 
EBIT nonetheless amounted to CHF 1.2 million 
(2013: CHF 3.1 million).

Relations with our shareholders and thanks
On 1 January 2014, the Ordinance against  
Excessive Remuneration in Listed Companies  
Limited by Shares entered into force. You  
approved the corresponding changes to the 
company’s Articles of Association at the Annual 
General Meeting of 7 May 2014. Furthermore, 
we decided upon a number of adjustments  
to the compensation system in 2014. These will 
now be implemented in 2015. In particular,  
these include discontinuation of the allocation  
of share options to members of the Board of  
Directors and the Executive Committee, and the 
introduction of a performance-related, share-
based, long-term incentive system for members 
of the Executive Committee. The agenda for  
the 2016 Annual General Meeting is to include 
an advisory vote on the compensation paid  
in 2015. 
The pleasing business result for 2014, which 
surpassed that of 2013, was in no small part at-
tributable to the strong motivation and impres-
sive commitment of all Komax Group employees, 
who deserve our thanks for their exemplary  
performance. We would also like to thank our 
customers and business partners for their  
confidence and constructive partnership. Last 
but not least, we also thank you, our valued 
shareholders, for your ongoing commitment to 
our company.

ANN UA L REPORT
SHAR EH OLDERS’  LETTER

Outlook
We currently find ourselves in a volatile and un-
certain environment that presents both opport- 
unities and risks. Opportunities will arise above all 
as a result of the innovative strength and pro-
nounced customer focus of the Komax Group.  
A particular challenge will be the strength of  
the Swiss franc, which has appreciated since  
the SNB abandoned its cap on the minimum  
euro-franc exchange rate. We believe that we can 
master this difficult situation with intensified 
measures aimed at further increasing productiv- 
ity and efficiency, so that current currency loss- 
es can be largely offset in the medium term. We 
will continue to seize any opportunities that  
arise to further the company’s development. From  
today’s standpoint, we are expecting the Komax 
Group to once again post a good result for 2015, 
although the conversion of the various curren- 
cies into Swiss francs is likely to act as a damper 
on both growth and profitability.

Leo Steiner
Chairman of the Board of Directors

Beat Kälin
Chief Executive Officer

7

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANNUAL REPORT
LOCATIONS

The Komax Group has a presence in all key 
production centres of its customers.  
It has its finger on the pulse of industry and 
develops needs-driven, high-value and  
innovative automation solutions for local 
requirements in global markets by  
drawing on its 40 years’ experience.

e  Komax produces in Europe, North and 
South America, Asia and Africa, and  
provides sales and service support in some 
60 countries through its subsidiaries  
and independent agents.

8

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANN UA L REPORT
LOCATIONS

Net sales  
by region

Europe
49%

Asia
23%

Africa
9%

Headquarters:
Komax Holding AG
Dierikon, Switzerland

North / South America
19%

D
N
U
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A

D
L
R
O
W

E
H
T

  Komax production, sales 
and service
 Komax sales and service
 Sales representative

9

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014 
ANNUAL REPORT
BUSI NESS MODEL AND STRATE GY

The Komax Group is a globally active  
technology company specializing  
in automation solutions for selected  
processes in the automotive and  
pharmaceutical industries. Its core  
competency is mechatronics, i.e.  
the interdisciplinary interaction of pre- 
cision engineering, electronics and  
information technology.

e  The Solar business unit was sold in 
the year under review as part of a man-
agement buyout, as the risk profile of this 
business no longer corresponded to cor-
porate strategy, and its activities tied up 
significant resources. Operational respon-
sibility for the business was transferred  
to Xcell Automation Inc. as of 1 October 
2014. Komax continues to hold a 25% 
stake in this company for the time being.

e  The Komax Group’s operating  
business consists of the two segments 
(business units) Komax Wire and Komax 
Medtech. These operate as largely au- 
tonomous, self-contained brands in differ-
ent markets and fields of application:
– 

 Komax Wire offers innovative solutions 
for all wire processing applications,  
as well as for testing harnesses and 
ready-to-install vehicle modules.
 Komax Medtech develops sophisticat-
ed, customer-specific systems, pri- 
marily for the automatic assembly of 
medical devices, such as insulin  
pens and syringes.

– 

10

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014Revenues
+12.2%

57.7m 
EBITD in CHF  
+9.7%

S
S
E
N

I

S
U
B

L
E
D
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Headcount
1 498

AN NUA L REPORT
B USINESS MODEL  AND STR ATEGY

46%

Europe

Net sales  
by region

23% 

Asia

19% 

North /  
South America

Net sales
by industry

3%

Africa

Switzerland

9%

����
��

15%

Others

70% 

Automotive

15%

Medtech

11

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014 
�
ANNUAL REPORT
BUSI NESS MODEL AND STR ATEG Y

e  Strategy geared to profitability and growth

Komax is keen to create sustainable value for all stakeholder groups, and aims to combine com-
mercially  successful  business  activity  with  environmentally  and  socially  responsible  conduct. 
Based on these premises, the Group pursues a strategy that targets above-average profitability 
and  further  growth.  The  individual  activities  within  the  portfolio  should  generate  value  for  the 
Group across business cycles.
The strategy manifests itself primarily in a strong focus on the core business of wire processing.
Group  strategy  is  implemented  by  way  of  individually  defined  measures  in  the  business  units. 
These measures are set out in more detail on pages 23 and 30 of this Annual Report.

e  Sales growth and EBIT margin targets

As  part  of  its  transparent  information  policy,  Komax  has  announced  measurable  medium-term 
net sales growth and EBIT margin targets for the two business units. These should be viewed as 
guides for internal performance management purposes and for the financial markets.
The two business units have different targets. These take into account the different growth mo-
mentum of the corresponding end-customer markets, as well as differences in market position-
ing, business model and capital employed.
In the year under review, Komax Wire increased net sales by 15.1% and achieved an EBIT margin 
of 18.7%. The net sales growth target of 3 to 5% was therefore once again substantially exceed-
ed.  Internal  growth  amounted  to  around  12%,  while  at  18.7%,  the  EBIT  margin  was  within  the 
target area of around 20%. This level of profitability, which is extraordinarily high by the stand-
ards  of  the  machining  industry,  reflects  the  competitiveness  of  the  customer  solutions  offered 
and the efficiency of the business unit’s operating activities. It is also the result of ongoing im-
provements to processes and pronounced cost awareness. The consistently high operating prof-
it margin is all the more impressive as the business model of Komax Wire has changed in recent 
years. This business unit has made a number of substantial and strategically important acquisi-
tions of companies whose EBIT margins at the time of purchase were around half that of Komax 
Wire.  Additional  pressure  on  margins  arose  through  the  disadvantageous  development  of  key 
foreign exchange rates. 
No growth target was defined for Komax Medtech, as the development of sales and profitability 
depends almost entirely on projects for sophisticated customer-specific systems. The decisive 
criterion for success here is the ability to select the right projects and implement them efficiently. 
Despite  inadequate  capacity  utilization  at  the  Swiss  site,  this  business  unit  recorded  positive 
EBIT. This result can be seen as proof that the measures taken to improve profitability and sta- 
bilize earnings are taking effect.

e  Selective acquisitions

Komax’s main focus is on internal growth. In addition, potential candidates and opportunities for 
acquisitions are carefully examined as part of a clearly defined acquisition strategy. Komax Wire 
intends  to  consolidate  its  leading  market  position  with  further  strategy-compliant  acquisitions 
and participations.

12

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014Recently completed  
acquisitions complement 
the activities of Komax 
Wire perfectly and open up  
interesting growth  
opportunities.

R&D expenses 
7.1% 
of revenues

396

employees in R&D 
and engineering

ANN UA L REPORT
BUSINESS MOD EL  AND  STRATEGY

e   Global production, local distribution  

and service network

Komax has 13 production sites worldwide, namely in Switz- 
erland, Germany, the US, Brazil, Tunisia, Turkey, China, Ma-
laysia and Japan. Furthermore, the Group provides sales and 
service support in around 60 countries through subsidiaries 
and  independent  agents.  It  can  therefore  provide  efficient 
and competent support to its customers, most of whom op-
erate  globally,  at  all  times.  Komax  is  steadily  expanding  its 
presence  in  the  emerging  economies  in  line  with  the  rise  in 
demand from these markets, as customer proximity is a de-
cisive  factor.  This  allows  Komax  to  keep  its  finger  on  the 
pulse of industry and develop needs-driven, high-value and 
innovative  automation  solutions  for  local  requirements  in 
global  markets  by  drawing  on  40  years’  experience.  More-
over,  with  its  global  sales  and  service  organization,  Komax 
guarantees short supply and response times.

e  High degree of innovation

For many years now, Komax has been continuously investing 
in innovations to optimize its existing product range, as well 
as  in  new  developments  with  the  aim  of  increasing  the  effi-
ciency  and  safety  of  customer  processes.  All  activities  are  systematically  geared  to  customer 
needs and expectations. That is why Komax typically employs interdisciplinary teams – consist-
ing of marketing experts, product managers and development engineers – on innovation projects. 
For  example,  skilfully  combining  different  processes  and  technologies  reduces  interfaces  and 
lead times and also increases processing reliability. In recent years, Komax invested around 8% 
of Group revenues in research and development, and employed no less than 150 staff in this area 
in 2014. In addition, around 246 engineers make a substantial contribution to innovation at Ko-
max thanks to experience gained in developing customer-specific applications. Furthermore, the 
Komax Group’s partnerships with universities and knowledge transfer activities put it at the fore-
front of technological progress.

e  Markets and customers

Komax Wire currently generates around 90% of its net sales through customers in the automo-
tive industry. Market estimates indicate that some 60% of globally processed wiring is used in 
automotive manufacturing. This high proportion is explained by the fact that the automotive in-
dustry is peerless when it comes to standardization and automation. The high volume of wires 
needed for large-batch processing and the stringent requirements in place with regard to finish 
quality make automated solutions the favoured option for this sector.

13

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANNUAL REPORT
BUSI NESS MODEL AND STR ATEG Y

The markets served by 
Komax enjoy a profile of 
structural growth. The 
global need for automation 
solutions will increase  
further.

Around
20%
EBIT margin 
at Komax Wire

Global demand forecasts for automobiles suggest continued 
growth during the years ahead. The market research institute 
IHS Global Insight expects the number of vehicles produced 
and  sold  to  grow  at  around  3%  annually  for  the  next  few 
years. However, the demand for automation solutions to pro-
cess the individual wires and wire harnesses installed in ve-
hicles  is  only  partly  determined  by  the  number  of  cars  pro-
duced and sold. More relevantly, technical innovations such 
as  increasingly  complex  functionalities  and  security  equip-
ment, as well as optimized or new drive systems, are driving 
the  trend  towards  more  electronic  components  in  vehicles. 
In an increasing number of areas, drivers will be able to relin-
quish  a  part  of  their  traditional  control.  Over  the  coming 
years, the number of ancillary systems installed in standard 
production  models  will  therefore  grow  significantly.  The  so-
called  electronification  of  vehicles  is  proceeding  at  a  rapid 
pace, and is heading in the direction of autonomous vehicles. 
At the same time, the ongoing process of miniaturization is leading to demand for ever thinner 
wires and smaller housings, which remain difficult to process and insert by hand. Developments 
of  this  kind,  together  with  the  ongoing  rise  in  quality  demands  from  automotive  manufacturers, 
are  driving  supplier  companies’  investments  in  automation  solutions  even  more  strongly  than 
vehicle manufacturing volume growth. Komax Wire is benefiting from these developments. In the 
past, the business unit has grown around a third faster than the automotive industry itself. 
Furthermore, the increasingly widespread principle of zero-error tolerance is driving up demand 
for testing systems capable of ensuring that the wire harnesses and assemblies installed in ve- 
hicles  work  perfectly.  This  is  understandable,  as  defective  wire  harnesses  and  components  re-
quire considerable time and expense – at the cost of productivity and profitability – to repair or 
replace once they have been fitted in a vehicle. Furthermore, functional defects in the electronic 
systems of delivered vehicles can result in serious reputational damage.
The other markets serviced by Komax Wire, such as the aerospace industry, industrial appliances 
(control  cabinet  manufacturing),  consumer  goods,  computer  and  office  equipment,  and  teleph- 
ony  and  data  communication,  today  account  for  a  relatively  small  proportion  of  the  unit’s  net 
sales.  Komax  Wire  is  seeking  to  increase  penetration  in  these  markets,  as  they  offer  attractive 
growth opportunities in the longer term. A further step in this direction was taken in January 2015 
with  the  acquisition  of  a  20%  holding  in  the  French  company  Laselec.  Laselec  develops  laser- 
assisted cable stripping and marking solutions as well as intelligent forming boards for wire har-
ness production, which are currently used primarily in the aerospace industry.
Komax Wire is very well positioned in the market for wire processing machinery. Its market share 
is almost twice that of its nearest competitor. Together these two companies account for more 
than half the global market. Komax Wire serves all the globally active wire-processing companies, 
and is well represented in the fragmented market for small business customers. The recent ac-
quisitions of TSK Group, MCM Cosmic and SLE quality engineering have substantially strength-
ened  its  market  position  once  more.  These  companies’  products  ideally  complement  Komax 
Wire’s product range.

14

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014AN NUA L REPORT
B USINESS MODEL  AND STR ATEGY

Komax Medtech primarily advises and supplies customers from the pharmaceutical industry, i.e. 
pharmaceutical companies and their suppliers. Final demand for medical devices is enjoying a 
long-term growth trend. This is due partly to general demographic developments, and partly to 
the increasing trend towards the injection of medications and self-medication. Demand for auto-
mation solutions for the assembly of devices is linked to the investment behaviour of the pharma-
ceutical industry. However, demand does not grow in a linear fashion, and is therefore difficult to 
predict.  As  a  rule,  new  projects  are  awarded  as  part  of  invitations  to  tender.  In  the  majority  of 
cases, these are for solutions that are developed for a specific customer or product. Success in 
this business  depends very heavily  on  careful project  selection  and the establishment of a bal-
anced  project  portfolio.  A  well-structured  project  portfolio  contains  a  substantial  proportion  of 
projects  providing  repeat  business,  plus  some  new  projects  with  the  potential  for  repeat  
business.

Net sales by region

2014

20131  + / − in %

in TCHF

Switzerland

Europe (incl. Africa)

North / South America

Asia

Total

Sales growth targets

in %

Komax Wire

Komax Medtech

EBIT margin targets

in %

Komax Wire

Komax Medtech

10 314

6 414

200 455

173 436

60.8

15.6

70 274

81 810

78 842

–10.9

64 809

26.2

12.2

362 853

323 501

Target

~3–5

–2

15.1

0.7

~20

~5

18.7

1.7

12.2

36.8

18.6

4.5

1  Prior-year figures restated in accordance with Note 10 of the consolidated financial statements.
2  The Medtech business unit is in the systems business, i.e. it mainly manufactures complex, customer-specific  
systems. In this business, targeted selection of the projects to be acquired is more important than sales growth 
per se. For that reason, no sales growth target has been defined for this unit.

15

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANNUAL REPORT
BOARD  OF DIRECTORS

Board of  
Directors

Hans Caspar von der Crone (1957)

Roland Siegwart (1959)

Non-executive, independent member of 

Non-executive, independent member  

the Board of Directors since 1997, elect-

of the Board of Directors since 2013, 

ed until 2015, Swiss national, resident  

elected until 2015, Swiss national, resi-

in Zurich, member of the Board of Direc-

dent in Schwyz.

Leo Steiner (1943)

Non-executive, independent member of 

the Board of Directors since 1997, Chair-

man of the Board of Directors since  

2007, elected until 2015, Swiss national, 

resident in Steinhausen.

Leo Steiner holds a degree in engineer-
ing from ETH Zurich. Before joining 
 Komax, he worked at Hayek Engineering 
& Management Consulting, Zurich; 
 Landis & Gyr, Zug; and Sulzer-Escher 
Wyss, Zurich. From 1992 to 2007 he  
was CEO of the Komax Group. In the last 
three years, Leo Steiner has not been  
a member of the Executive Committee  
or had any material business relation-
ships with the Komax Group.

tors of Heineken Beverages Switzerland 

AG, Chur, and Heineken Re AG, Zug, a 

Swiss subsidiary of the Heineken Group.

Hans Caspar von der Crone is an  
attorney-at-law. Following his studies, 
he lectured at the University of Zurich 
and was an employee and later a partner  
at law firm Homburger Rechtsanwälte, 
Zurich. Since 1997, he has been a  
Professor of Private, Commercial and 
Corporate Law at the University of  
Zurich. He is also a partner at law firm 
von der Crone Rechtsanwälte AG,  
Zurich. In the last three years, Hans 
Caspar von der Crone has not been  
a member of the Executive Committee 
or had any material business relation-
ships with the Komax Group.

Roland Siegwart has been Professor of 
Robotics at ETH Zurich since July 2006 
and Co-Director of the newly-founded 
Wyss Translational Center Zurich, a joint 
research centre of ETH Zurich and  
the University of Zurich, since 2015. He 
holds a master’s degree in mechanical 
engineering and a doctorate from ETH 
Zurich. Following a research stay at 
Stanford University and the establish-
ment of a spin-off company, he was  
professor at EPFL Lausanne from 1996 
to 2006. He was Vice-President of  
Research and Corporate Relations at 
ETH Zurich from 2010 to 2014. In  
the last three years, Roland Siegwart 
has not been a member of the Ex- 
ecutive Committee or had any material 
business relationships with the  
Komax Group.

Kurt Haerri (1962)

Non-executive, independent member  

of the Board of Directors since 2012, 

elected until 2015, Swiss national,  

resident in Birrwil.

Kurt Haerri holds a degree in mechanical 
engineering from Lucerne University  
of Applied Sciences and graduated from 
the University of St. Gallen with an Ex-
ecutive MBA HSG. He has been working 
for Schindler since 1987, and was based 
in China from 1996 to 2003. Today, he  
is responsible for Global Marketing and 
Sales at Schindler Management AG. 
From 2006 to 2013, Kurt Haerri was the 
President of the Swiss-Chinese Cham-
ber of Commerce. He is also a lecturer 
at ETH Zurich, where he is responsible 
for the Asia module of an executive  
MBA programme. In the last three years, 
Kurt Haerri has not been a member  
of the Executive Committee or had any 
material business relationships with 
the Komax Group. 

David Dean (1959)
Non-executive, independent member 
of the Board of Directors since 2014, 
elected until 2015, Swiss national, 
resident in Meilen.

David Dean has been CEO of the 
Bossard Group since 2005. He was the 
company’s CFO from 1998 to 2004,  
and its Corporate Controller before that. 
David Dean is an expert in accounting 
and controlling. He holds a federal diplo-
ma and is a certified accountant. Fur- 
thermore, he has also completed man-
agement training at Harvard Business 
School and IMD Lausanne. In the last 
three years, David Dean has not been  
a member of the Executive Committee 
or had any material business relation-
ships with the Komax Group.

Daniel Hirschi (1956)

Non-executive, independent member of 

the Board of Directors since 2005, 

Vice-Chairman since 2014, elected until 

2015, Swiss national, resident in Biel, 

Chairman of the Board of Directors of list-

ed company Schaffner Holding AG, Luter-

bach, and member of the Board of Dir- 

ectors of listed company Gavazzi Holding 

AG, Steinhausen, and the privately owned 

company Benninger AG, Uzwil.

Daniel Hirschi holds a degree in engin- 
eering. From 1983 to 2005 he held vari-
ous management functions at Saia- 
Burgess in Murten, where he was CEO 
from 2001, and Delegate of the Board  
of Directors from 2003. From 2006  
to 2009, Daniel Hirschi was CEO and 
Delegate of the Board of Directors of 
Benninger AG, Uzwil, and he has been a 
member of the Board of Directors of the 
same company since March 2009. In the 
last three years, Daniel Hirschi has not 
been a member of the Executive Com-
mittee or had any material business rela-
tionships with the Komax Group.

16

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014AN NUA L REPORT
EXE CUTIVE COMMITTEE

Matijas Meyer (1970)

Walter Nehls (1957)

Head Business Unit Wire since 2010,  

Head Business Unit Solar until  

at Komax since 2007, Swiss national, 

30 September 2014, German national, 

resident in Ebikon.

resident in Udligenswil.

Matijas Meyer holds a degree in engin- 
eering from ETH Zurich and an  
MBA from Cranfield University (UK).  
Prior to his current position, he  
was Head of the site in Rousset (FR). 
Before joining Komax, he worked  
at Tornos SA in Moutier and Unaxis 
 / ESEC in Cham. 

Following the sale of Komax Solar,  
Walter Nehls stepped down from the  
Executive Committee and will leave  
the Komax Group in 2015. Walter Nehls 
holds a bachelor’s degree from the  
University of Applied Sciences and Arts 
Northwestern Switzerland and an  
MBA from Lucerne University of Applied 
Sciences and Arts. Before joining  
Komax, he worked at ESEC in Cham, 
Schindler AG in Ebikon, Forbo / Siegling  
in Hanover (Germany) and Mania Technol-
ogie AG in Weilrod (Germany).

René Ronchetti (1968)

Head Business Unit Medtech and  

at Komax since 2012, Swiss national, 

resident in Murten.

René Ronchetti holds a degree in engin- 
eering (computer science) from Berne 
University of Applied Sciences. He  
is also a qualified industrial engineer  
and holds an MBA from Strathclyde  
University (UK). His most important po-
sitions before joining Komax were  
at RUAG in Berne and Geneva, Oerlikon 
Balzers in Paris, and Ascom Autelca  
in Berne and Paris.

Executive  
Committee

Beat Kälin (1957)

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) since 2007, 

at Komax since 2006, Swiss national, 

resident in Birmensdorf, Chairman of the 

Board of Directors of listed company  

Huber + Suhner AG, Pfäffikon (ZH).

Beat Kälin holds a master’s degree and 
a doctorate in engineering from ETH  
Zurich. He also holds an MBA from  
INSEAD. Up until 1999, he held various 
management positions in the Elektrowatt 
Group, from 1999 to 2004 he was a 
member of the Group Executive Board 
of SIG Schweizerische Industrie- 
Gesellschaft Holding AG, Neuhausen, 
and from 2004 to 2006 a member of  
the Board of Management responsible 
for the Packaging Technology Division  
at Robert Bosch GmbH, Stuttgart (DE). 

Andreas Wolfisberg (1958)

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) since 1996, 

at Komax since 1991, Swiss national, 

resident in Adligenswil.

Andreas Wolfisberg is a Swiss Certified 
Expert in Accounting and Controlling. 
Before joining Komax, he worked at von 
Moos Stahl AG in Lucerne.

17

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANNUAL REPORT
BUSI NESS UNIT W IRE

Komax Wire had an excellent year  
in 2014, recording accelerated  
growth and continued high profitability. 
The EBIT margin remained within  
the target area.

commissioned, Komax Wire provides a full 
range of services to guarantee installations’ 
performance and preserve their value.
Komax Wire is the global leader in its field, 
with a market share more than twice that of 
its nearest competitor. Market estimates in-
dicate that some 60% of globally processed 
wiring is used in automotive manufacturing. 
Komax Wire therefore generates around 90% 
of its sales through customers in the auto-
motive industry. The high degree of stand-
ardization, the huge quantities of wires and 
cables to be processed, and the high quality 
demands that are typical of the industry all 
favour automated and system-based produc-
tion processes and methods. Furthermore, 
Komax Wire systems are used by manufac-
turers of household appliances, in consumer 
electronics and office devices, by producers 
of telephone and data communications 
equipment, and in control cabinet manufac-
turing. Komax Wire differentiates itself from 
its competitors through its high degree of in-
novation, leading technologies, comprehen-
sive range of wire processing solutions and 
test systems, and a global service and distri-
bution network.

e  Komax Wire specializes in automated 
intelligent solutions for all modern wire 
processing applications. The emphasis is 
on processes such as measuring, cutting, 
stripping and fitting contacts and con- 
nector housings to cables, and on the 
testing of wire harnesses. Standard and 
customer-specific systems are supple-
mented by an extensive range of quality 
assurance modules and networking solu-
tions for the reliable and efficient produc-
tion of wire harnesses. In addition, the 
functions of mechatronic assemblies, 
such as doors, seats and cockpits, are 
measured using testing systems that  
examine not only electrical parameters  
but also a wealth of physical properties. 
Thanks to this spectrum, Komax Wire can 
provide its customers with a comprehen-
sive offering of efficient and reliable auto-
mation solutions. Here Komax Wire relies 
not only on proprietary developments, but 
also on the expertise of established part-
ners through acquisitions or the creation 
of networks. This regularly bolsters Komax 
Wire’s leading market position.
Komax Wire produces standardized (off-
the-shelf) products for wire processing at 
two locations in Switzerland, as well as in 
China and Japan. The TSK brand of test 
systems is manufactured in Germany, Tur-
key, the US, Brazil, China and Tunisia, in 
order to ensure short supply times for test 
adapters. This business area, which en-
compasses customer-specific systems 
(value-added business), has centres in 
Switzerland, Germany, the US and China. 
Once systems and equipment have been 

18

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014AN NUA L REPORT
BUSINESS UNIT WIRE

EBIT margin
18.7%

Headcount
1 177

Order intake 
in CHF
302.6m

295.0m
Net sales 
in CHF
+15.1%

55.3m 
EBIT in CHF

43%

Europe

�����

Net sales
by region

24%

Asia

2%

Switzerland

20%

North /  
South America

11%

Africa

S
S
E
N

I

T

S
U
B

I

N
U

E
R
W

I

19

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014 
ANNUAL REPORT
BUSI NESS UNIT W IRE

e  Market trends and business performance

With the global automotive industry again exhibiting robust health in 2014, Komax Wire enjoyed 
another excellent year. Demand proved particularly strong in the Europe / Africa and Asia regions. 
The order intake of CHF 302.6 million once again exceeded the previous year’s figure significant-
ly (2013: CHF 268.9 million), while net sales increased by 15.1% to CHF 295.0 million (2013: CHF 
256.2  million).  Internal  growth  (i.e.  adjusted  for  acquisition  and  currency  effects)  amounted  to 
around 12%. The book-to-bill ratio at the end of the year was 1.03. Moreover, the business unit 
closed the year with a strong order book. There was a broad-based spread of business with re-
spect to both the product and the customer mix. Komax Wire was able to expand its partnerships 
with  major  customers,  who  accounted  for  an  increased  proportion  of  total  business.  Another 
pleasing development was the further increase in market penetration among local – and in par-
ticular Chinese – wire harness manufacturers. The efforts of customers to increase the level of 
automation  in  their  production  activities  was  reflected  visibly  in  the  product  mix.  The  business 
with crimp-to-crimp machines and the associated accessories proved strong as usual. Thanks to 
the  installed  base  of  machines,  both  the  spare  parts  business  and  the  service  business  again 
performed strongly. The business with value-added projects likewise developed pleasingly. This 
revolves around the development of tailor-made solutions for individual customers on the basis 
of standard machinery.
EBIT in the year under review amounted to CHF 55.3 million (2013: CHF 47.6 million). The EBIT 
margin came in at 18.7% (2013: 18.6%), and is therefore still within the target area. In view of the 
strong growth in the year under review and the impressive level of investment in market expan-
sion,  this  result  is  very  noteworthy.  Moreover,  the  high  EBIT  margin  is  a  reflection  of  the  high 
level of innovation of the business unit, the competitiveness of its range of solutions, and its high 
productivity.

e  Operations

At an operational level, the focus of the year under review was on the further integration of the six 
production  sites  of  TSK  Group  and  of  SLE  quality  engineering  into  Komax  Wire’s  production 
network, and the introduction of lean management concepts at these sites. These concepts were 
consistently implemented in the upgrading and expansion of TSK Turkey into a reference factory 
for wire testing systems. Further measures to increase operating efficiency were implemented at 
the other locations too. Capacity utilization was generally high in the year under review. Thanks 
to flexible working time models and access to a large pool of contract employees, the organiza-
tion was able to handle spikes in demand.

e  Marketing and sales

Customer proximity and a focus on customer needs are among the core values of Komax Wire. 
Processes and systems for recording and analyzing customer feedback were therefore system-
atically refined in an effort to promptly evaluate and further increase customer satisfaction. More-
over, the spectrum of services was enhanced substantially through the launch of an e-Commerce 
solution and a training programme for customers’ employees. 

20

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014Measures are continuously 
being implemented to 
boost both productivity 
and efficiency.

Book-to-bill ratio 
1.03

EBIT margin remained 
within target area.

ANN UA L REPORT
B USINESS UNIT WIRE

The  Marketing  and  Sales  areas  refined  their  targeted  focus 
on  existing  customer  segments  and  markets.  A  number  of 
new members were added to the partner companies network. 
Another  focus  took  the  form  of  initiatives  to  profile  Komax 
Wire  as  a  professional  and  efficient  partner  to  companies 
outside the automotive industry. At this year’s Inhouse Show, 
the business unit presented its solutions for the automotive 
industry,  telecom / datacom,  industrial  applications  and  the 
value-added  business  in  a  newly  focused  visual  identity.  In 
addition,  it  participated  in  some  30  trade  fairs  and  gave  a 
convincing demonstration of its extensive competencies and 
the strength of its network. 

e  Innovation

The  value  that  Komax  Wire  attaches  to  innovation  is  ex-
pressed  in  its  innovation  vision  statement.  It  sensitizes  all 
employees  to  the  strategic  significance  of  innovation  and 
motivates  them  to  continue  to  focus  all  their  activities  on 
solutions that will deliver strong added value for customers. 
Komax Wire therefore pursues innovation in interdisciplinary 
teams that include not only development engineers, but also 
marketing experts and product managers.

Research and development expenditure in 2014 amounted to some 8% of net sales. In the year 
under  review,  Komax  Wire  employed  some  145  staff  worldwide  in  this  area,  which  once  again 
came up with a number of pioneering innovations. These were also based on extensive customer 
feedback and regular experience-sharing with professional communities within the industry, as 
well as with educational institutions. A major contribution to the innovative power of this business 
unit is made by the employees of the Marketing department and Product Management, as well as 
by 130 engineers in Application Development with their experience of developing custom-specif-
ic applications.

21

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANNUAL REPORT
BUSI NESS UNIT W IRE

e  Trends

Developments in vehicle 
construction are leading to 
a lasting increase in  
demand for automation 
solutions.

Market  
leader
Market share is around 
twice that of its nearest 
competitor.

Internal growth  
of around
12%

The  development  trends  that  have  emerged  in  recent  years 
are likely to accelerate and intensify in the future. The auto-
motive  industry  is  increasingly  demanding  subsystems  and 
components  that  deliver  more,  weigh  less,  take  up  less 
space, and operate extremely reliably, while at the same time 
being  cheap  to  procure.  These  demands  are  not  only  con-
fronting direct suppliers to the automotive industry but also 
upstream  suppliers  and  business  partners.  For  a  group  like 
Komax,  which  continually  operates  at  the  forefront  of  tech-
nological  development,  these  increasing  demands  first  and 
foremost  represent  opportunities  and  potential  growth  
drivers. 
The  electrical  systems  in  today’s  premium  passenger  cars 
are made up of as many as 1 000 cables, with a good 2 000 
crimp  contacts.  Developments  in  vehicle  construction,  new 
functionalities,  and  an  ever-rising  fit-out  level  in  all  vehicle 
classes  are  leading  to  a  further  increase  in  demand  for  
cables  and  crimp  contacts.  Furthermore,  the  individual  sub-
systems and assemblies, particularly harnesses, are becom-
ing ever more complex. At the same time, given the growing 
trend towards miniaturization with a view to reducing manu-
facturing costs, weight and fuel consumption, the individual 
components  to  be  processed  are  becoming  ever  smaller, 
which makes manual processing more difficult – or even im-
possible.
A large part of the wire harness manufacturing process is still done by hand, but inexorably rising 
wage  costs  are  making  it  worthwhile  to  invest  in  automation  solutions.  As  systems  become  in-
creasingly complex, the potential sources of error in manual wire processing and assembly be-
come more numerous. Manual processes are becoming less capable of meeting these demands. 
Intelligent automation solutions, quality assurance tools, and systems for testing harnesses be-
fore they are installed in assemblies and vehicles help to guarantee and increase the efficiency 
and reliability of the production process. This has been recognized by automotive manufacturers, 
who are increasingly calling on their suppliers to further automate their production processes.
Furthermore, wire processing is required in numerous other sectors of industry too. Particularly 
in  sectors  that  use  largely  standardized,  high-volume  processes,  the  challenges  are  similar  to 
those faced by the automotive industry. With its know-how, the market proximity of its product 
range, and its marketing expertise, Komax Wire is extremely well positioned to make further in-
roads into these markets. 

22

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANN UA L REPORT
B USINESS UNIT WIRE

e Strategy

In addition to the goal of continuously increasing operating performance and efficiency, Komax 
Wire pursues four key strategic priorities. First, it pursues further development of existing busi-
ness along the value chain. This involves fully automatic and semi-automatic solutions with inte-
grated  quality  assurance.  Solutions  for  increasing  availability  and  testing  the  productivity  of  in-
stalled  systems  are  as  much  a  part  of  this  priority  as  new  intelligent  software  interfaces  and 
expanded  quality  testing  capabilities.  In  the  development  of  innovations,  the  second  strategic 
priority, Komax Wire focuses on new solutions for the demands of the wire-processing industry 
and  on  optimizing  the  product  portfolio  with  a  clear  product  platform  strategy.  Under  the  third 
and fourth strategic priorities, Komax Wire will further strengthen its position in the Asian markets 
in particular and break into new application areas outside the automotive industry.
Komax Wire’s offering covers the most capital-intensive and critical processes of its customers’ 
value  creation  chains.  Customers  receive  single-source  solutions  for  the  key  wire  processing 
applications from Komax Wire, a feature that makes the business unit unique in the world. The 
multifaceted competencies that are united under a single roof at Komax Wire will give rise to new 
innovative production concepts, which in turn will further simplify the processes of wire harness 
assembly.

e Outlook

Supported by the momentum of the automotive industry, the ongoing trend towards automation 
of production processes, and the increased quality demands that original equipment manufactur-
ers  are  making  of  their  suppliers,  end  demand  should  continue  to  be  strong  from  today’s  per-
spective.  However,  the  conversion  of  the  various  currencies  into  Swiss  francs  will  impair  the 
business  unit’s  growth  and  profitability.  From  today’s  standpoint,  therefore,  last  year’s  results 
are unlikely to be matched in 2015.

Key figures

in TCHF

Order intake

Net sales

Operating profit (EBIT)

in %

EBIT margin

As at 31 Dec.

Headcount

2014

20131  + / − in %

302 610

268 895

294 964

256 186

55 292

47 578

12.5

15.1

16.2

18.7

18.6

1 177

1 006

17.0

1  Prior-year figures restated in accordance with Note 10 of the consolidated financial statements.

23

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANNUAL REPORT
BUSI NESS UNIT W IRE

The way to make 
the best connection

Measuring / cutting

Stripping

Twisting

Connector insertion 

Harness sub-assembly

Crimping

Cables
Contacts
Housings

Komax Wire systems
t

Measuring / cutting

Stripping

Crimping

Twisting

Connector insertion

e

Cutting
Preprocessing

t

Harness
sub-assembly

e

Final assembly

Component manufacturer

e
Wire harness manufacturer

24

t

Harness

test systems

Module

test systems

e

Testing

e

Warehouse

Shipping

Installation

Assembly

e

e

Original equipment manufacturer (OEM)

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014 
 
Machinery description
Low order volumes and just-in-time pro-
duction are hallmarks of today’s wire 
manufacturing industry. The Komax Alpha 
355 takes account of these requirements 
with its short set-up and retooling times. 
Integrated quality measurement and high 
performance are further strengths of this 
system. It was also designed for single- 
and double-sided crimping and sealing, 
and can also process double crimp con-
nections of different lengths and the same 
wires. 

Quality
Komax possesses a wide range of innova-
tive monitoring solutions that test the 
quality of crimp connections during pro-
duction and document the corresponding 
test results. In addition, TSK brand testing 
systems test the reliability of wire harness-
es and mechatronic assemblies such as 
seats, bumpers and cockpits.

ANN UA L REPORT
B USINESS UNIT WIRE

e  Wires, contact parts 
and housings (connectors) 
are vendor parts for wire 
harness manufacturers. 
The latter are specialized 
companies (typically sup-
pliers) that serially process 
individual wires to create 
wire harnesses for vehicle 
electrical systems, elec-
tronic devices and applica-
tions for a host of different 
industries, sectors and 
end-users. Komax Wire 
supplies these companies 
with systems for automat-
ed and efficient wire pro-
cessing, as well as with 
systems for testing wire 
harnesses and mechatron-
ic assemblies prior to final 
installation. Komax solu-
tions are used in custom-
ers’ value creation chains 
for preprocessing, final as-
sembly and testing. The 
wire harness manufacturer 
then supplies the OEM 
(original equipment manu-
facturer), which integrates 
the wire harness into the 
final product.

Komax Wire systems

Measuring / cutting

Stripping

Crimping

Twisting

Connector insertion

Harness

sub-assembly

t

e

t

e

e

Cables

Contacts

Housings

Cutting

Preprocessing

Final assembly

Component manufacturer

Wire harness manufacturer

t

Harness
test systems

Module
test systems

e

Testing

e

Warehouse
Shipping

e

Installation
Assembly

e
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM)

25

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014 
 
ANNUAL REPORT
BUSI NESS UNIT M EDTECH

2014 was a challenging year for Komax 
Medtech. Customers in Europe were 
hesitant about making investment deci-
sions, which had an impact on the site 
at La Chaux-de-Fonds. Thanks to the meas-
ures initiated over the last three years to 
stabilize profitability, EBIT remained postive 
despite these overall adverse conditions.

e  Komax Medtech develops customer- 
specific machine systems for the automat-
ic assembly of medical products. The 
products assembled on Komax machines 
include inhalers and insulin delivery or in-
jection systems. Komax Medtech also 
produces systems for the efficient mass 
production of inkjet printer cartridges and 
assembly of clutches. The purchase price 
of such systems ranges between a few 
hundred thousand and several million 
Swiss francs, depending on their com-
plexity.

Medical devices in particular are subject 
to especially rigorous cleanliness, quality 
and safety requirements. Komax Medtech 
has many years of experience in this field, 
and has standardized and certified valid-
ation processes in place to ensure that its 
systems comply with all relevant stand-
ards. It also complies with the require-
ments of Good Automated Manufacturing 
Practice, an internationally recognized set 
of guidelines.
Komax Medtech has production facilities 
in Switzerland, the US and Malaysia. With 
production sites in the most important 
market regions of the world, the business 
unit is well positioned to meet the expec-
tations of its customers, who are increas-
ingly demanding that suppliers have a  
local presence.

26

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014Headcount
307

AN NUA L REPORT
B USINESS UNIT MEDTECH

Order intake  
in CHF
65.1m

68.6m
Net sales 
in CHF

1.2m 
EBIT in CHF

Net sales
by region

63%

Europe

����

17%

North /  
South America

14%

Asia

6%

Switzerland

27

S
S
E
N

I

T

S
U
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I

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H
C
E
T
D
E
M

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANNUAL REPORT
BUSI NESS UNIT M EDTECH

e  Market trends and business performance

Regional  business  development  in  2014  presented  a  mixed  picture.  North  America  enjoyed  an-
other  good  year.  The  environment  was  conducive  to  growth,  a  significant  proportion  of  which 
stemmed from new customers. Business in Malaysia likewise developed positively after a stag-
nant  year  in  2013.  By  contrast,  the  site  in  Switzerland  suffered  from  the  restrained  demand  in 
Europe, as pharmaceutical companies and their suppliers postponed investment decisions. This 
resulted in excess capacity, which in turn weighed on profitability.
Net  sales  amounted  to  CHF  68.6  million  (2013:  CHF  68.1  million).  A  substantial  proportion  of 
these sales were generated with major customers in Ireland, Scandinavia, Germany and the US.
Given the relatively high proportion of value creation in Switzerland, Komax Medtech continued 
to suffer from the strength of the Swiss franc. The measures to increase efficiency and the rela-
tively high share of repeat business nonetheless kept EBIT in positive territory at CHF 1.2 million 
(2013: CHF 3.1 million). 

e  Operations

The measures initiated in previous years to stabilize profitability were systematically continued in 
2014.  The  key  areas  of  focus  included  important  project  and  risk  management  activities  in  the 
systems business, cost transparency and controlling, and ongoing improvements to internal pro-
cesses. A further milestone in efforts to enhance efficiency was reached with the appointment of 
a Master Black Belt at La Chaux-de-Fonds. A Master Black Belt acts as coach and trainer for the 
technical and organizational implementation of Six Sigma programmes, a management system 
for  process  improvements  and  quality  management  method.  Procurement  was  optimized  in  a 
number of ways, including the expansion of the range of strategic suppliers, particularly for key 
feeding systems.
At  the  site  in  Rockford  (USA),  the  persistently  strong  order  situation  and  high  level  of  capacity 
utilization resulted in space becoming a problem. Ideal premises were found in a nearby indus- 
trial estate, and these will become operational in the spring 2015. Thanks to robust demand for 
assembly systems for inkjet printer cartridges, capacity utilization at the Penang site (Malaysia) 
proved healthy.

e  Marketing and sales

Komax Medtech was present at five trade fairs and numerous medical technology conferences in 
2014, where it systematically interviewed its customers on their expectations and current trends 
in  technical  workshops.  Moreover,  it  expanded  distribution  structures  in  the  US  and  Europe  in 
order to increase market penetration.

28

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014North America and 
Malaysia enjoyed 
a good year.

Measures initiated in  
previous years to stabilize 
profitability wer sys- 
tematically continued.

Positive EBIT
despite insufficient  
capacity utilization at  
the Swiss site

ANN UA L REPORT
BUSINESS UNIT MEDTECH

e  Innovation

In the customer-specific systems business, a significant pro-
portion  of  value  is  created  by  engineering  services  that  
model handling and process solutions in a variety of combi-
nations. Efficiency and reliability in both implementation and 
operational use are crucially important to customer and man-
ufacturer alike. For this reason, Komax Medtech analyses its 
handling  and  processing  solutions  on  a  continuous  basis, 
and  channels  the  results  of  its  ongoing  customer  surveys 
into solutions. This process resulted in numerous new devel-
opments and optimizations in 2014. For example, a handling 
system  was  developed  which  specifically  caters  for  the  in-
creasing  miniaturization  of  medical  devices  and  the  assem-
bly of components in ultra-small spaces.
Furthermore, Komax Medtech launched a new software plat-
form  with  a  3-D  graphic  user  interface.  This  has  been  well 
received  by  the  market,  and  has  already  been  successfully 
used in several projects. The use of state-of-the-art technol-
ogy  combined  with  high  development  and  architecture 
standards  have  increased  the  flexibility  and  stability  of  the 
software,  which  makes 
incorporate  
customer-specific modifications.

it  much  easier  to 

Furthermore, the customer feedback on future market requirements that has been collected over 
the last few months has already been integrated into the innovation strategy. This has given rise 
to numerous innovation projects for which implementation is now planned. Among other things, 
the need for more flexible platforms for smaller production volumes has been taken on board.

29

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014 
ANNUAL REPORT
BUSI NESS UNIT M EDTECH

e  Trends and strategy

Trend towards self- 
medication is set to 
continue.

Komax Medtech is
a global 
leader
in its niche.

The markets in which Komax Medtech is active are primar-
ily  driven  by  two  growth  factors.  On  the  one  hand,  an  in-
creasing number of medications are injected, while on the 
other, the number of cases of diabetes and the number of 
asthma patients will unfortunately continue to rise over the 
coming years. In January 2015, the World Health Organiza-
tion  (WHO)  estimated  that  347  million  individuals  world-
wide  are  already  affected  by  the  former  condition,  with  a 
further 6 million new cases occurring every year. The main 
drivers of this trend are high-fat diets, obesity and a lack of 
physical  activity.  The  number  of  asthma  sufferers,  which 
according  to  a  WHO  report  of  November  2013  is  around 
235 million people, is also expected to rise.
Diabetes and asthma patients are already able to treat their conditions themselves, and the trend 
towards self-medication is set to continue, as new applications and treatments make this form of 
administration ever simpler and safer. The unrelenting pressure to contain health care costs and 
efforts to increase the quality of life of the affected individuals are driving forward the develop-
ment of new applications for administering treatments, which is in turn increasing the demand for 
medical product assembly systems. The global market for automation solutions for self-medica-
tion applications is therefore likely to grow further. Investment volumes can fluctuate heavily from 
year  to  year,  however,  as  these  are  dependent  on  the  rate  of  innovation  in  end  products,  the 
approval processes of national authorities, and the need to renew existing assembly lines.
With its many years of experience and strong technical expertise, Komax Medtech is one of the 
recognized global market leaders in systems for the manufacture of insulin delivery applications 
and  inhalers.  Komax  Medtech  is  determined  to  preserve  this  position.  In  order  to  smooth  out 
market  fluctuations  more  effectively,  the  business  unit  will  increasingly  be  using  existing  plat-
forms, processes and competencies to target further niche markets.
Stabilizing profitability is Komax Medtech’s top priority. This cannot be achieved through sales 
growth alone, however, because in the customer-specific systems business, an increasing num-
ber of projects can have the effect of multiplying rather than diversifying risks unless sufficient 
care  is  exercised  in  project  selection.  Commercial  success  therefore  hinges  on  selecting  the 
projects to be acquired with utmost care and on processing them efficiently. 

30

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014AN NUA L REPORT
B USINESS UNIT MEDTECH

e  Outlook

The commercial environment remains challenging for Komax Medtech. Another surge in the value 
of the Swiss franc is confronting the business unit with severe challenges at its Swiss location. By 
contrast, we regard the environment in the United States and Malaysia as favourable. Here we 
are expecting a good business performance and good results. 
Komax Medtech will systematically pursue the measures it has ushered in to increase efficiency 
and stabilize profitability.  Under current conditions,  an improvement in  profitability  in the short 
term poses a very great challenge.

Key figures

in TCHF

Order intake

Net sales

Operating profit (EBIT)

in %

EBIT margin

As at 31 Dec.

Headcount

2014

2013  + / − in %

65 092

68 640

1 200

74 999

–13.2

68 133

0.7

3 053

–60.7

1.7

4.5

307

262

17.2

2014

KOM AX GROUP 
AN NUA L REPORT

31

ANNUAL REPORT
BUSI NESS UNIT  MEDTECH

The way to make  
engineered solutions  
for medical  
device projects

Komax Medtech systems
t

t

Final assembly and 
insertion of drug

Pre-assembly  
of devices

–   Aligning and 

placing

– Gluing

– Welding

– Printing

– ...

t

– Flow test 

– Density test

– Visual controls

– …

Pre-assembly

Final assembly

Testing

Packaging

Final product

t

e
Raw material for device assembly

e
Drug

q
Device development

q
Drug development

32

KOMAX GROUP 
ANNUAL REPORT

2014

 
 
 
ANN UA L REPORT
BUSINESS UNIT MEDTECH

e Medical devices are products used in treatment and therapy. Many of these devices 
contain active substances or medicinal products that patients with certain conditions or 
symptoms can self-administer or inject. Before a new medical product that is combined with 
a medical instrument can be launched, it has to undergo preclinical and clinical trials and 
gain approval from the relevant regulatory authority. Komax Medtech plays an important role 
in this process: The business unit plans and builds systems that integrate various combina-
tions of handling and process solutions so that they can semi-automatically or fully automati-
cally assemble the components of medical products (individual parts and pre-filled medi-
cines) in several steps. Komax Medtech’s systems then test and package the fully assembled 
final product (device plus active substance) and prepare it for shipping. By using standard-
ized and certified validation processes, Komax Medtech also ensures that its systems fulfil 
all standards, and that the expected results are delivered at the end of the process.

Pre-assembly

Final assembly

Testing

Packaging

Final product

t

2014

KOM AX GROUP 
AN NUA L REPORT

33

Komax Medtech systems

t

Pre-assembly  

of devices

–   Aligning and 

placing

– Gluing

– Welding

– Printing

– ...

t

Final assembly and 

insertion of drug

t

– Flow test 

– Density test

– Visual controls

– …

e

q

Raw material for device assembly

e

Drug

q

Device development

Drug development

 
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT
SUSTAI NABILITY AND SOCI AL R ESP O NSIB I LI TY

The Komax Group upholds its responsi- 
bilities towards its stakeholder groups.  
This is expressed through the products 
and services it provides on the one  
hand, and through the objectives and  
approach the company adopts on  
the other. Komax regards sustainability 
and social responsibility as an integral  
part of its corporate strategy. The basic 
tenets underlying the Komax Group’s  
business practices are set out in its guid-
ing principles. It exercises responsi- 
bility towards people and the environment, 
and is keen to continuously develop its 
competencies in matters relating to sus-
tainability and social responsibility.

34

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014Headcount 
1 498

ANN UA L REPORT
SUSTAINA BIL ITY AND  SO CI AL  RE SP O NS IBILITY

Employees by   
area of activity

25%

Marketing 
and sales

9%

Administration

Y
T

I

L

I

B
A
N

I

A
T
S
U
S

Y
T

I

L

I

B

I

L
A

I

S
N
O
P
S
E
R

C
O
S
D
N
A

Production

Engineering

16%

10%

40%

Research and 
development

�����
Asia �����

Employees   
by region

18%

41%

14%

North / South   
America

Switzerland

4%

Africa

23%

Europe

35

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014 
 
 
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT
SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCI AL  RES P O N S IB I L ITY

e Group-wide code of conduct

The way Komax is perceived by customers and suppliers, other business partners, shareholders 
and the general public, and the respect for and confidence in the company that these groups feel, 
is  dependent  to  a  significant  degree  on  the  conduct  of  Komax’s  employees.  In  2009  Komax 
therefore introduced a code of conduct which applies to all Group employees. These principles 
are periodically reviewed to ensure that they are up to date. The code of conduct defines general 
ethical rules of behaviour and guidelines on how to act towards the Group’s business partners 
and  competitors.  All  employees  are  given  training  on  the  code  of  conduct  when  they  join  the 
company.  The  same  applies  to  the  employees  of  acquired  companies.  Furthermore,  in  another 
code  of  conduct  drawn  up  specially  for  suppliers,  Komax  obliges  its  suppliers  to  comply  with 
legislation  and  to  act  in  an  environmentally  aware  and  ethical  way.  Compliance  with  these  
defined guidelines is reviewed on a regular basis through supplier audits. If violations are uncov-
ered, a supplier partnership may be immediately terminated as a result.

e Product sustainability

The systems developed by Komax are characterized by their exceptionally high quality and lon-
gevity. The Group’s global service network ensures that these systems are professionally main-
tained. This has a positive impact on their performance, value retention and lifespan, as well as 
saving resources. Thanks to their modular construction, the systems can usually be adapted to 
new technological developments or changing needs. 
The Wire business unit supplies solutions for wire processing applications, in particular for the 
automotive supply industry. These solutions are also used to process wiring for new fuel-saving 
propulsion concepts such as electric and hybrid vehicles. Moreover, the innovative technologies 
used by Komax mean that ever smaller wire cross-sections can be machine-processed, thereby 
contributing  to  a  reduction  in  vehicle  weight  and,  as  a  result,  fuel  consumption.  The  Medtech 
business unit, which develops systems for medical device manufacturing, is indirectly helping to 
reduce health care costs, improve access to medicines and thereby increase people’s quality of 
life. 

e Sustainability in production

Since the Komax Group’s business focuses mainly on the production of machines and systems, 
it  generates  few  emissions  in  comparison  to  other  industries.  Around  half  of  value  creation  is 
procured  externally,  i.e.  the  majority  of  production  consists  of  component  assembly.  State-of-
the-art  production  facilities  also  ensure  the  efficient  use  of  resources.  Around  40%  of  the  pro-
duction  equipment  at  our  sites  in  Central  Switzerland  has  been  newly  acquired  during  the  last 
five  years.  Komax  generally  works  with  lean  management  concepts,  the  aims  of  which  include 
the avoidance of errors and minimization of rejects. Wherever possible, Komax uses renewable 
energies such as solar or hydroelectric power. For example, the Group obtains green power from 
Central Switzerland’s RegioMix scheme and has its own photovoltaic power plant on the roof of 
its  production  building  in  Rotkreuz.  Moreover,  Komax  encourages  its  employees  to  use  public 
transport.  Waste  materials  from  production  activities,  such  as  swarf  and  operating  materials 
waste, are separated out and disposed of or recycled appropriately. Waste volumes are continu-
ously  reduced  as  part  of  optimization  programmes.  Komax’s  products  do  not  contain  any  
ecologically harmful components. The company favours suppliers which demonstrate an environ-
mentally aware approach and whose products conform to sustainability criteria.

36

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014The environment, health 
protection, and occupa-
tional safety are all viewed 
as a holistic system.

59
apprentices globally

Staff turnover rate
less than
9%

ANN UA L REPORT
SUSTAINA BIL ITY AND  SO CI AL  RE SP O NS IBILITY

The key sites of the Komax Group, which are located in Swit-
zerland,  the  US,  Germany,  Turkey,  and  Brazil,  are  all  ISO 
9001  certified.  Certification  of  the  Shanghai  site  is  planned 
for 2015. Furthermore, Komax AG’s two sites in Dierikon and 
Rotkreuz, TSK in Porta Westfalica, and SLE quality engineer-
ing  in  Grafenau  have  all  obtained  ISO  14001  certification. 
These four sites, which together employ more than 600 peo-
ple,  have  integrated  management  systems  that  encompass 
all  company  processes,  the  environment,  health  protection, 
and safety at work. Furthermore, in collaboration with the En-
ergy Agency for the Economy (Energie-Agentur der Wirtschaft, 
EnAW), Komax has established resource and energy savings 
targets for 2017 and 2020 for the Dierikon and Rotkreuz sites. 
For example, the target is to reduce energy consumption by 
a further 5% by 2017. EnAW pursues a systematic approach 
to help some 3 000 manufacturing firms, industrial plants and 
service  companies  increase  energy  efficiency  and  reduce 
their CO2 emissions. 

e Contribution to regional development

Komax has been firmly rooted in the Canton of Lucerne since 1975, and is one of the canton’s 
biggest  employers.  The  Group  is  committed  to  Switzerland  as  a  business  location  because  it 
offers  an  ideal  environment  and  facilitates  very  high  productivity.  Its  other  operating  facilities 
worldwide have been based at the same sites since their establishment, and this has generated 
a strong sense of identification with the local area. Among other things, this manifests itself in the 
fact that a large number of employees can be recruited regionally and preference can be given to 
local suppliers wherever this is feasible and makes commercial sense. 

e Attractive employer

At the end of 2014, Komax employed 1 498 staff worldwide (2013: 1 282). This increase is essen-
tially attributable to the first-time consolidation of SLE quality engineering and the further expan-
sion  of  Komax  Wire’s  organization.  Personnel  expenses  in  the  year  under  review  amounted  to 
CHF 118.5 million (2013: CHF 103.7 million).
The companies of the Komax Group ensure that their employees enjoy equal opportunities, equal 
treatment and fair employment conditions, receive pay that is in line with the market, and bene-
fits  that  are  in  line  with  national  and  industry  standards.  Participation  in  the  pay  comparison 
survey conducted by industry association Swissmem showed that pay at both of the Wire busi-
ness unit’s Swiss production sites is in line with market averages and that men and women re-
ceive equal pay. The proportion of women in the Group’s global workforce stood at around 16% 
in 2014 (2013: 18%). Komax is not alone within the industry in having a relatively low proportion 
of women in its workforce. This main reason for this phenomenon is the large number of technical 
positions within the company, for which the recruitment potential among women is limited.

37

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANNUAL REPORT
SUSTAI NABILITY AND SOC I AL  RE S P O N S IB I LI TY

The Group’s staff turnover rate in 2014 was gratifyingly low. As in previous years, it amounted to 
less than 9%. Komax has a very good reputation as an attractive employer. Among other things, 
this  is  highlighted  by  the  fact  that  vacancies  can  be  filled  quickly,  even  in  the  tight  market  for 
management and skilled staff.
As  part  of  an  active  staff  development  policy,  Komax  organizes  regular  management  seminars 
and training for its employees, as well as providing financial support for individual training activ-
ities. Komax also encourages international exchanges to allow its staff to gain new experiences 
and career perspectives. At the same time, Komax invests in tomorrow’s workforce. In 2014, 45 
apprentices were undergoing training in seven professions at the Swiss locations (2013: 47).
Employee  satisfaction  is  systematically  measured  and  evaluated  in  the  course  of  annual  per-
formance  review  meetings.  Komax  uses  the  results  of  regular  employee  surveys  as  a  valuable 
basis for developing and implementing improvement measures. The results of the surveys con-
ducted in conjunction with external partners in 2014 were very positive, and far above the indus-
try  average.  It  goes  without  saying  that  Komax  satisfies  all  legal  requirements  with  respect  to 
working  conditions  in  the  countries  it  operates  in.  Komax  management  attaches  great  impor-
tance  to  employee  health  and  safety,  and  internal  processes  are  regularly  examined  for  health 
and safety risks. As in previous years, reported absences due to accidents in 2014 were mainly 
the result of accidents suffered by employees while engaging in leisure activities. Komax active-
ly encourages employees at site level to pursue a healthy lifestyle through initiatives such sport 
and exercise offerings.

e Certification status Komax Group

Country

Company

Certification

Switzerland

Komax AG

Komax Systems LCF SA

USA

Komax Corp.

TSK Innovations Co.

Germany

TSK Prüfsysteme GmbH

ISO 9001

ISO 9001

ISO 9001

ISO 9001

ISO 9001

ISO 14001

OHSAS 18001

ISO 14001

SLE quality engineering GmbH & Co. KG ISO 9001

ISO 14001

DE AEOC 104360

Brazil

Turkey

TSK do Brasil Ltda.

TSK Test Sistemleri Ltd. Sti. 

ISO 9001

ISO 9001

38

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014AN NUA L REPORT
SUSTA INAB IL ITY  AND SOC IAL RES PON SIBILITY

Environmental indicators1

Electric power consumption in MWh

Electric power consumption per head in MWh

Water consumption  
(potable and industrial water) in m3

Water consumption  
(potable and industrial water) per head in m3

Employees by business unit

Komax Wire

Komax Medtech

Corporate

Total

Employees by area of activity

Production

Research and development

Engineering

Marketing and sales

Administration

Total

Employees by region

Switzerland

Europe

Africa

North / South America

Asia

Total

2014

5 896

4.5

20132 

5 915

5.3

12 108

11 731

9.2

10.5

1 177

1 006

307

14

262

14

1 498

1 282

597

150

246

376

129

486

136

198

336

126

1 498

1 282

622

345

58

210

263

575

243

55

194

215

1 498

1 282

1  Covering the production sites in Dierikon (CH), Rotkreuz (CH), La Chaux-de-Fonds (CH), Porta Westfalica 

(DE), Grafenau (DE), Ergene (TR), Tunis (TN), El Paso (US), Rockford (US), Colombo (BR), Shanghai (RC) and 
Penang (MY).
2  Prior-year figures restated in accordance with Note 10 of the consolidated financial statements.

39

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014 
 
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT
INFORMATION FOR I NVESTOR S

As in 2013, the stock markets were heavily 
influenced by the interventions of central 
banks in 2014. In addition, equities were 
bolstered by positive economic develop-
ments in the United States, the further 
de-escalation of the euro crisis, and the low 
interest rate environment. On the other 
hand, reports of political unrest, the strong 
decline in the price of oil which was inter-
preted as a sign of a weak global economy 
and continually resurgent fears over a re-
newed flare-up of the debt crisis in Europe 
resulted in a number of – occasionally 
strong – price fluctuations.

40

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANN UA L REPORT
INFOR MATIO N FOR INVESTORS

520.9m 
Market capitalization  
in CHF

Payout ratio
65%

Dividend yield
3.2%

High free float
94%

I

N
O
T
A
M
R
O
F
N

I

S
R
O
T
S
E
V
N

I

R
O
F

41

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014 
 
ANNUAL REPORT
INFORMATION FOR I NVES TORS

Following its stellar rise of more than 90% the previous year, Komax shares continued to rise in 
2014, ending the year up 7%. The year-end closing price on 30 December 2014 was CHF 144.50 
(2013: CHF 135.30).

e  Share price development

in CHF

170

150

130

110

90

70

50

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

 Komax
 Vontobel Small Cap Index

On  15  January  2015,  the  Swiss  National  Bank  made  the  surprise  announcement  that  it  was 
scrapping the guaranteed minimum exchange rate of CHF 1.20 against the euro with immediate 
effect. Both the foreign exchange markets and the stock markets reacted immediately and dra-
matically. Komax’s share price slumped temporarily by around 17%. The scale of this correction 
failed to take account of the fact that Komax is capable of cushioning the effects of exchange 
rate  changes  and  safeguarding  the  Group’s  profitability.  Komax  has  already  demonstrated  its 
ability  to  do  so  on  several  occasions  in  the  past.  It  has  now  taken  further  steps  to  actively  in-
crease the congruence between income and expenditure in the various currencies and strength-
en natural currency hedging.

e  Listing

Komax is listed on SIX Swiss Exchange. Market capitalization at the end of 2014 was CHF 520.9 
million.

CH0010702154

1070215

KOMN SW

KOMN.S

ISIN 

Security number 

Bloomberg code

Thomson Reuters code

42

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014AN NUA L REPORT
INFORMATION  FOR  INVESTORS

e  Geographical distribution of shareholdings

Switzerland 

Other countries 

Cleared shares

64%

12%

24%

The majority of shares not held in Switzerland are held in the United Kingdom, Luxembourg and 
the United States.

e  Significant shareholders

Information on significant shareholders can be found on page 54 of this report.

e  Breakdown of shareholders by number of registered shares held

1–100

101–1 000

1 001–10 000

10 001–50 000

> 50 000

e  Free float

1498

1311

200

38

7

The free float as defined by SIX Swiss Exchange stands at 94%.

e  Dividends

The Board of Directors is keen to adhere to its attractive dividend policy, and will propose to the 
Annual  General  Meeting  a  dividend  of  CHF  5.00,  of  which  CHF  2.50  will  be  distributed  as  a  
dividend and CHF 2.50 from capital contribution reserves. The payout ratio is therefore 65%. The 
dividend  yield  on  the  date  of  the  Board  resolution  stood  at  an  attractive  3.2%.  Dividend  pay-
ments from the capital contribution reserves are tax-free for natural persons living in Switzerland 
who hold shares as part of their private assets.

e  Information on the Komax registered share

Further information on the Komax registered share can be found on the Internet at 
www.komaxgroup.com.

43

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANNUAL REPORT
INFORMATION FOR I NVESTOR S

e  Disclosure of shareholdings

Under  Art.  20  of  the  Swiss  Federal  Act  on  Stock  Exchanges  and  Securities  Trading  (Stock  Ex-
change Act) and the Stock Market Ordinance of the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Author- 
ity  (SESTO-FINMA),  anyone  who  acquires  or  sells  equity  securities  on  their  own  account  and 
thereby attains, falls below or exceeds the threshold of 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 331⁄3, 50 or 662⁄3% of 
the voting rights in a company (whether or not such rights may be exercised), is subject to a re-
porting  obligation.  This  obligation  applies  to  anyone  who  directly,  indirectly  or  in  concert  with 
third  parties  acquires  or  disposes  of  shares  in  a  company  incorporated  in  Switzerland  whose 
equity  securities  are  listed  in  whole  or  in  part  in  Switzerland.  Disclosure  shall  be  made  to  the 
company and stock exchange(s) on which the equity securities in question are listed. 

e  Financial calendar

Annual General Meeting

Dividend payment 

First information on the year 2015

Preview of results for 2015

Media briefing / presentation to analysts of 2015 financial statements

Annual General Meeting

e  Key data Komax registered share

8 May 2015

15 May 2015

18 August 2015

19 January 2016

22 March 2016

12 May 2016

Share capital as at 31 Dec.

in TCHF

Number of shares as at 31 Dec.

Average number of outstanding shares

Par value per share

Basic earnings per share

EBITD per share

EBIT per share

Shareholders’ equity per share

Dividend per share

High

Low

Closing price as at 31 Dec.

Average daily trade volume

P / E (price-earnings ratio) as at 31 Dec.

Dividend yield as at 31 Dec.

No.

No.

CHF

CHF

CHF

CHF

CHF

CHF

CHF

CHF

CHF

No.

%

2014

361

2013

352

2012

344

2011

340

2010

340

3 605 101

3 523 780

3 443 789

3 400 880

3 400 880

3 552 840

3 458 379

3 404 850

3 375 217

3 349 278

0.10

7.64

15.99

13.34

78.82

5.002

152.40

124.60

144.50

8 613

18.9

3.52

0.10

7.33

14.921

12.291

74.92

4.50 

138.00

72.35

135.30

9 999

18.5

3.3 

0.10

2.81

6.44

3.95

68.56

2.00

97.10

61.25

71.00

6 608

25.3

2.8

0.10

11.68

16.14

13.98

72.63

4.00

0.10

5.31

10.72

8.56

62.49

2.00

120.00

103.00

59.00

68.75

8 383

5.9

5.8

73.10

102.00

6 173

19.5

2.0

1   Prior-year figures restated in accordance with Note 10 of the consolidated financial statements. 
2  Proposal of the Board of Directors of Komax Holding AG: distribution of CHF 5.00 per registered share.

44

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANN UA L REPORT
40  YE ARS KOMAX WIRE

Far ahead 
of its time
in terms of precision

Established
1975

A pioneer-
ing and 
innovative 
spirit 
has always been an
integral part of 
Komax’s corporate 
culture.

S
R
A
E
Y
0
4

X
A
M
O
K

E
R
W

I

2014

KOM AX GROUP 
AN NUA L REPORT

45

 
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT
40 YEARS KOMAX WIRE

A cause for celebration! In 1975, not far 
from Lucerne, Max Koch founded a small 
engineering practice whose ideas and  
concepts would change the world of wire 
processing. Even back then, business  
success was built on a pioneering and  
inventive spirit. The first cable-cutting  
machine – the Komax 20 – which the 
young company sprang on the market  
in 1976, was years ahead of its time,  
both in terms of precision and processing 
quality.

e Quality control of a circuit board in the 
electrical laboratory. ( 2 )

t  Max Koch assembling a Komax 20, 
the first automatic Komax machine  
for cutting wires to length. ( 1 )

2

1

46

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014AN NUA L REPORT
40  YEAR S KO MAX WIRE

3

e Stripping blades were manufactured 
with the profile grinding machine. ( 3 )

t  In 1982, the Komax 40 became  
the first model to enter series production 
at the Dierikon production site. ( 4 )

4

47

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANNUAL REPORT
40 YEARS KOMAX WIRE

e Visionary and innovative

Space at the production site in Lucerne soon started to run out. In a vision-
ary and entrepreneurial step, Max Koch began planning his move into a 
generously proportioned factory site. Work began at the site in Industri-
estrasse in Dierikon in 1981, and the company moved into the new building 
just a few months later. This move was more than just a change of postal 
address; the new premises had been designed especially for series produc-
tion. The first series-production machine was the Komax 40. In 1982, Ko-
max launched the world’s first electronically controlled automatic crimping 
machine. The year 1994 then saw the launch of the Komax Alpha series, 
while the world’s first fully automatic crimping machine with wire twisting 
was rolled out in 1999. The company launched its Zeta range for fully auto-
mated wire harness manufacture in 2004. The product range has been con-
sistently refined since then, and innovative, pioneering solutions that meet 
customer needs to a very large level are constantly making their market de-
buts. It is no coincidence that Komax is the undisputed global market lead-
er in its field today.
Technological dynamism has gone hand in hand with geographic expansion. 
The founding of a Komax branch in the United States in 1981 was followed 
by a targeted global expansion of the company’s foreign presence over the 
next few years. 
The sale of the company to management in 1996 and its IPO eight months 
later opened up new development opportunities for Komax. The funds from 
the public flotation were used to finance further expansion. Through a com-
bination of acquisitions and the founding of subsidiary companies and 
branches, Komax has evolved into a global operation. Komax acquired TSK 
Group in 2012 and the majority holding in SLE quality engineering in 2014. 
At the beginning of January 2015, a minority holding in the French company 
Laselec was acquired.
Today Komax Wire employs some 1 200 staff and is the global market leader 
in wire processing, particularly in the automotive sector. All of this is due to 
the entrepreneurial initiative and innovative drive of our company founder, 
Max Koch. However, we also owe our extraordinary market position to sub-
sequent management generations and our workforce. Only by working to-
gether has it been possible to embed the Komax spirit of the early days in 
our corporate culture and ensure that it remains alive to this day. 

48

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014Component  
manufacturing in
Dierikon

1

q  A milling centre in Component Manufac-
turing at the Dierikon site. ( 1 )

e The WT80 was developed at the start of 
the 1980s, when the age of the video   
recorder began, for manufacturing wire   
harnesses for IDC cables. ( 2 )

AN NUA L REPORT
40  YEAR S KO MAX WIRE

Assembly of a 
WT80
in 1983

2

49

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANNUAL REPORT
40 YEARS KOMAX WIRE

Machinist
Stefan 
Wyrsch

Manager R&D
Dominik 
Staubli

What I particularly like about Komax is the trust 

the company places in its employees. Working 

self-reliantly and assuming responsibility are not 

theoretical notions at Komax, it’s something   

you do day in, day out. In my area of work – auto-

matic crimping tools – the principal functionality 

has essentially been the same for years. And yet 

almost every day I find myself confronted with 

new, multifaceted interdisciplinary tasks. The depth  

of development expertise, the use of modern 

technologies, and the dedication of the team are 

constantly delivering new, refined, holistic   

solutions. I still find that fascinating, even after  

17 years at Komax.

Komax Wire, Rotkreuz, Switzerland

I still get a great deal of pleasure from working for Komax, 

even after 17 years. As a trained machinist, I came to 

 Komax largely by chance. Throughout my time here, I’ve 

always had the opportunity to learn new things, which 

brings variety to my work. I produce various machine parts, 

as well as writing complex milling programmes for new  

parts. I enjoy the challenges of working for Komax and  

the training opportunities that are on offer.

Komax Wire, Dierikon, Switzerland

q  Global leadership, a  
pioneering spirit and innovation 
– these qualities which  
characterize Komax Wire can 
be summarized in the  
expression “cutting-edge.”

50

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014Controller
Kirsten 
Bechter

AN NUA L REPORT
40  YEAR S KO MAX WIRE

After my studies and a spell abroad, it was important to me to 

continue to work in a global environment, yet nonetheless  

stay in a company that represents Swiss values. What’s more,  

Komax provides me with opportunities for both professional  

and personal further development. My work is fun, and I like 

taking part in the company’s health promotion programmes.   

Another thing that makes the working atmosphere at Komax   

so pleasant is the friendly and respectful way people treat  

each other. 

Komax Wire, Dierikon, Switzerland

CFO Komax India
Kamal Sethi

I’ve been employed by Komax India ever since this branch 

was founded. I particularly value the freedom I have   

to do my job and the friendly atmosphere in the team. 
With its global orientation and growth opportunities,  

the company provides me with the ideal platform for my  

own personal development.

Komax Wire, Gurgaon, India

Building Services
Walter 
Odermatt

I’ve been with Komax for eight years now. What  

I like about my work is the fact that it is so  

varied. On the one hand you have the planned  

projects, and on the other you have the unex- 

pected jobs that crop up every day; I love my work 

because it demands flexibility and creativity,  

as well as specialist knowledge and experience.  

I feel very much at home in my team because  

we all get on well and everyone is willing to help 

each other out. I really have found my dream   

job at  Komax.

Komax Wire, Dierikon, Switzerland

51

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANNUAL REPORT
40 YEARS KOMAX WIRE

Mechanical engineer
Karin 
Thoms

Head e-Commerce
Stefan 
Lugauer

Working on technical developments, 

testing machine units and developing 

them through to production readiness are 

tasks that I very much enjoy. I’ve never 

regretted my decision to join the Komax 

Group as a mechanical engineer. What’s 

more, joint projects and the company’s 

leisure activities have brought me a lot of 

The international orientation of the company gives me the 

friendships that I very much value.

opportunity to acquire intercultural and interdisciplinary 

experience by working in global teams. Management has 

shown its confidence in my performance, and my person-

ality as an emerging manager, and I appreciate that.  

Komax gives me the opportunity to contribute my 

strengths and professional skills to the management of 

complex international products.

Komax Wire, Dierikon, Switzerland

Komax Wire, Dierikon, Switzerland

Sales Director Asia Pacific
Sean Rong

I’ve worked for Komax Shanghai in China since 2012, and 

I really value the customer-focused and service-oriented 

environment of this technology leader. The innovation and 

high quality of Komax products are brought home to me 
every day. I like working here, as I really value the corporate 

culture, which is both fair and open. Mistakes are allowed, 

as long as you learn from them.

Komax Wire, Shanghai, China

52

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014C ORPO RATE  GOV ERNANCE
CO NTENTS

Corporate structure and shareholders
54

Capital structure
55

Board of Directors
57

Executive Committee
61

Compensations,   
shareholdings and loans
62

Shareholder participation rights
62

Changes of control and  
defence measures
64

Auditors
65

Information policy
66

Ensuring good corporate governance is very important to Komax. 
Objectives in this area include safeguarding company value and suc-
cess in the interest of customers, shareholders, staff, creditors, sup-
pliers and the public, as well as the provision of transparent, rapid 
and simultaneous information to all stakeholder groups. Komax takes 
as its starting point the principles and regulations of the Swiss Code 
of Best Practice of economiesuisse and the Directive on Information 
Relating to Corporate Governance (Directive Corporate Governance, 
DCG) of SIX Exchange Regulation, and gives account of develop-
ments in this area each year in the Annual Report. The key elements 
are laid down in the Articles of Association, the Organizational  
Regulations, and the Regulations on the Remuneration Committee 
and the Audit Committee. In addition, the Board of Directors regularly 
looks at the issue of corporate governance and initiates the corres- 
ponding improvements where necessary.

53

E
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E
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KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014 
ANNUAL REPORT
CORPO RATE GOVERNANCE

Corporate Governance

On  20  November  2013,  the  Federal  Council  issued  the  Ordinance  against  Excessive  Remuner- 
ation  in  Listed  Companies  Limited  by  Shares  (ERCO).  ERCO  introduced  the  core  elements  of  
the “Minder initiative”, which was accepted by the Swiss electorate on 3 March 2013 and aimed 
to  strengthen  shareholder  rights.  It  also  imposes  on  listed  Swiss  companies  requirements  in 
connection  with  the  compensation  of  the  Board  of  Directors  and  the  Executive  Board.  ERCO 
entered into force on 1 January 2014 and gives companies a transitional period of two years in 
which  to  adjust  their  Articles  of  Association.  Komax  decided  to  implement  these  requirements 
rapidly,  submitting  the  proposed  amendments  to  its  Articles  of  Association  for  approval  at  the 
2014 Annual General Meeting. An overview of the amendments to the Articles of Association is 
provided in the invitation to the 2014 Annual General Meeting, which is published on the website  
www.komaxgroup.com.

e  1 Corporate structure and shareholders

Corporate structure
The Group structure and subsidiaries belonging to the Group are set out on pages 150 and 151 
of the Annual Report. With the exception of Komax Holding AG, no companies with listed partici- 
pation securities form part of the scope of consolidation.
Komax Holding AG, the holding company of the Komax Group, has its headquarters in Dierikon, 
Switzerland. Details on the place of listing, market capitalization, security and ISIN numbers are 
set out on pages 40 to 44 (“Information for investors”).

Significant shareholders
Shareholders whose share of the company’s share capital exceeds or falls below the thresholds 
of 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 331∕3, 50 and 662∕3% have a reporting obligation under the Federal Act on 
Stock  Exchanges  and  Securities  Trading  (SESTA)  and  the  Stock  Exchange  Ordinance  of  the 
Swiss  Financial  Market  Supervisory  Authority  (SESTO-FINMA).  According  to  these  disclosure 
requirements, at 31 December 2014, the company had the following significant shareholders with 
voting rights of more than 3% of the share capital:

Shareholder /  shareholder group

Max Koch, Meggen, Switzerland 

Vontobel Fonds Services AG, Switzerland

Credit Suisse Funds AG, Switzerland 

Leo Steiner, Steinhausen, Switzerland

Number of 
shares
31.12.2014

216 069 2

178 400 3

138 992 4

120 650 5

Share in % 
31.12.20141

6.13 

5.06

3.94

3.42

1  The calculation is based on the 3 523 780 registered shares listed in the Commercial Register as at 31 December 2014. 
2   Plus stock options from the employee incentive scheme (0.10%): 

0.03% 1 000 call options, CHF 94.25, duration 1.1.2011–31.12.2015 
0.03% 1 000 call options, CHF 66.21, duration 1.1.2012–31.12.2016 
0.03% 1 000 call options, CHF 67.03, duration 1.1.2013–31.12.2017 
0.01% 416 call options, CHF 129.21, duration 1.1.2014–31.12.2018 
All share options are subject to a three-year lock-in period and a two-year exercise period, exchange ratio 1:1, effective fulfilment. 

3  Reported figure as of 5 November 2014.
4  Reported figure as of 10 September 2014.
5   Plus stock options from the employee incentive scheme (0.28%): 

0.07% 2 500 call options, CHF 94.25, duration 1.1.2011–31.12.2015 
0.07% 2 500 call options, CHF 66.21, duration 1.1.2012–31.12.2016 
0.07% 2 500 call options, CHF 67.03, duration 1.1.2013–31.12.2017 
0.07% 2 500 call options, CHF 129.21, duration 1.1.2014–31.12.2018 
All share options are subject to a three-year lock-in period and a two-year exercise period, exchange ratio 1:1, effective fulfilment.

54

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014AN NUA L REPORT
CORP ORATE  GOVER NANCE

All  shareholdings  reported  to  Komax  Holding  AG  and  the  Disclosure  Office  of  SIX  Swiss  Ex-
change during the 2014 financial year as per Art. 20 of the Federal Act on Stock Exchanges 
and  Securities  Trading  (SESTA)  and  the  provisions  of  the  Stock  Exchange  Ordinance  of  the 
Swiss  Financial  Market  Supervisory  Authority  (SESTO-FINMA)  have  been  published  on  SIX 
Swiss  Exchange  AG’s  electronic  publication  platform,  and  can  be  viewed  at  
www.six-exchange-regulation.com/obligations/disclosure/major_shareholders_en.html.

Cross-shareholdings
There are no cross-shareholdings.

e  2 Capital structure

Capital 

in CHF

Ordinary capital

Conditional capital

Authorized capital

360 510.10

24 489.90

0.00

Further details are provided in the sections below.

Authorized and conditional capital in particular
For  information  on  conditional  capital,  please  refer  to  the  individual  financial  statements  of 
 Komax Holding AG, page 145, and Art. 3.2 of the Articles of Association.
The Annual General Meeting of 13 May 2009 approved the creation of new conditional capital up 
to a maximum of CHF 18 000.00, thereby allowing the share capital of the company at that time 
to rise by up to CHF 46 248.00 to cover the exercising of option or subscription rights issued as 
part of the Executive and Employee Participation Programmes of Komax Holding AG. The sub-
scription and advance subscription rights of the remaining shareholders in the company are ex-
cluded.
The allocation of options is undertaken in a framework determined by the Remuneration Commit-
tee. The option plan of Komax Holding AG is authoritative. The individual allocation of options is 
at the discretion of the Board of Directors and senior management. Options have a duration of 
five years and are subject to a three-year lock-in period. The predetermined exercise price of the 
options  corresponds  to  the  lower  of  the  following  two  values:  the  average  price  of  the  fourth 
quarter of the preceding year, or the average price in March of the year the option was issued. 
For options issued in the 2014 financial year, the exercise price amounted to CHF 129.21. Further 
information on the Komax Group’s option programmes can be found on pages 74, 133 and 134 
of the Annual Report.
In  2010,  13 360  options  were  converted  into  shares  with  a  par  value  of  CHF  0.10.  In  2011,  no 
options were exercised, and in 2012, 42 909 options were exercised. The number of options ex-
ercised in 2013 amounted to 79 991; the figure for 2014 was 81 321. Conditional capital therefore 
amounted to CHF 24 489.90 as at 31 December 2014.
The  newly  created  capital  was  reported  within  the  deadline  stipulated  under  Art.  635h  of  the 
Swiss Code of Obligations (CO).
The Komax Group has no authorized capital.

55

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANNUAL REPORT
CORPO RATE GOVERNANCE

Capital changes
Details of capital changes in 2013 and 2014 can be found on page 90 of the Financial Report. The 
corresponding information for 2012 can be found on page 58 of the financial section of the 2013 
Annual Report.

Shares, participation certificates and bonus certificates
As at 31 December 2014, Komax Holding AG had fully paid-up capital of CHF 360 510.10, distrib-
uted over 3 605 101 registered shares with a par value of CHF 0.10 each. Each registered share 
entitles the holder to vote at the Annual General Meeting as long as the shareholder is listed in 
the  share  register  as  a  “voting  shareholder”  (see  also  “Restrictions  on  transferability  of  shares 
and nominee registrations”). Registered shares are fully entitled to receive dividends.
Komax Holding AG has not issued any participation certificates or bonus certificates.

Restrictions on transferability of shares and nominee registrations
The Komax Holding AG share register is divided into the categories of “non-voting shareholders” 
and  “voting  shareholders”.  “Non-voting  shareholders”  may  exercise  all  property  rights,  but  not 
the right to vote or rights associated with that of voting. “Voting shareholders” may exercise all 
rights associated with the share (Articles of Association, Section 6 para. 2).
Registration  of  an  acquirer  of  shares  as  a  “voting  shareholder”  may  be  refused  under  Komax 
Holding  AG’s  Articles  of  Association  (Section  6  para.  4)  if,  as  a  result  of  such  recognition,  the 
acquirer would directly or indirectly hold more than 5% of the total number of shares recorded in 
the Commercial Register. Legal entities and groups with joint legal status which are connected 
through capital, voting rights, management or in some other manner, along with all natural per-
sons, legal entities and groups with joint legal status which act in concert by virtue of agreement, 
syndicate  or  in  some  other  manner,  are  regarded  as  a  single  acquirer  for  the  purposes  of  this 
provision. This limitation also applies in the case of the acquisition of registered shares through 
the exercising of subscription rights, option rights or conversion rights. The Board of Directors 
may  grant  exceptions  to  the  5%  limitation  for  good  cause.  No  requests  for  an  exception  were 
made in the year under review. This restriction does not apply to the acquisition of shares through 
inheritance, division of an estate or joint marital property. 
Komax Holding AG’s Articles of Association (Section 6 paras. 5 and 6) also empower the Board 
of Directors to refuse entry in the share register if the acquirer does not expressly declare, at the 
request of the Board, that the shares were acquired in their own name and for their own account. 
Nominees are listed in the share register as “non-voting shareholders”. After hearing the affected 
party, Komax Holding AG may delete entries in the share register if such entries occurred in con-
sequence of false statements by the acquirer. The acquirer must be informed of the deletion im-
mediately.

Convertible bonds and options
Komax Holding AG has no outstanding convertible bonds. Details on employee options can be 
found above under “Authorized and conditional capital in particular” as well as on pages 74, 133 
and 134 of the Annual Report.

56

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANN UA L REPORT
CO RP OR ATE GOVER NANCE

Management transactions 
The Listing Rules of SIX Swiss Exchange stipulate a disclosure obligation for management trans-
actions. The Board of Directors has issued a set of regulations to comply with these provisions. 
Members of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee have a disclosure obligation towards 
the company in this respect. A total of 32 notifications were submitted in the 2014 financial year. 
Published  notifications  can  be  found  on  the  website  of  SIX  Swiss  Exchange  (http://www.six- 
exchange-regulation.com/obligations/management_transactions/notifications_en.html).

e  3 Board of Directors

The  Board  of  Directors  comprised  six  individuals  as  at  31  December  2014.  No  member  of  the 
Board of Directors was a member of the Executive Committee in the three financial years prior to 
the reporting period, and no member of the Board of Directors has any material business relation-
ship with any Group companies.

Members of the Board of Directors

Leo Steiner, Chairman

Daniel Hirschi, Vice-Chairman

Hans Caspar von der Crone

Kurt Haerri

Roland Siegwart

David Dean

AC: Audit Committee
RC: Remuneration Committee

Appointed

Term expires

Committees

1997

2005 

1997

2012

2013

2014

2015

2015

2015

2015

2015

2015

AC, RC (Chairman)

RC

AC (Chairman)

AC

RC

AC

There  are  no  cross-involvements  among  the  Board  of  Directors.  Biographies  of  the  individual 
Board members and details of their other activities and interests are provided on page 16 of the 
Annual Report.

Statutory regulations with respect to the number of permissible activities as per  
Art. 12 para. 1 point 1 ERCO
According  to  Section  21  para.  3  of  the  Articles  of  Association,  the  number  of  permissible  man-
dates of members of the Board of Directors in the highest management or administrative bodies 
of legal entities which are obliged to have themselves entered in the Commercial Register or in a 
corresponding foreign register and which are not controlled by the company or do not control the 
company  shall  be  4  additional  mandates  for  listed  companies,  5  additional  mandates  for  non- 
listed companies, and 5 additional mandates for charitable organizations, as long as this does 
not involve any breach of statutory provisions and in particular the due diligence obligations of 
the  Board  of  Directors.  Mandates  with  different  companies  that  belong  to  the  same  corporate 
group count as a single mandate. Mandates undertaken by a member of the Board of Directors 
at the behest of a Group company or to exercise an office under public law are not covered by 
the restriction on additional mandates described above. The assumption of mandates other than 
those stipulated above is permissible without numerical restriction, as long as these mandates 
are unremunerated and do not interfere with the Board member’s fulfilment of his / her obligations 
vis-à-vis the company. The reimbursement of expenses does not count as compensation.

57

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANNUAL REPORT
CORPO RATE GOVERNANCE

Election and term of office
According to the Articles of Association (Section 14 para. 1), the Board of Directors consists of 
three to seven members. It is predominantly composed of independent, non-executive members, 
who are elected individually by the Annual General Meeting for a term lasting until the end of the 
next Annual General Meeting. The Annual General Meeting also elects the Chairman. Members 
may be re-elected. There is no restriction on the length of a member’s term of office. The Articles 
of Association provide no regulations regarding the appointment of the Chairman and the mem-
bers of the Board of Directors that deviate from statutory provisions.
At the next Annual General Meeting of 8 May 2015, all members of the Board of Directors will be 
newly elected. However, Leo Steiner will not be standing for re-election as Chairman. In addition, 
Hans Caspar von der Crone will be stepping down from the Board of Directors with effect from 
the end of the Annual General Meeting. Instead, the Board of Directors will propose to the Annu-
al  General  Meeting  the  election  of  Beat  Kälin  –  the  current  CEO  –  as  member  and  Chairman. 
 Accordingly, and subject to his election by the Annual General Meeting, he will step down as CEO 
of Komax and restrict his activity to the role of Chairman of the Board.

Internal organization
The  Board  of  Directors  consists  of  the  Chairman  and  a  maximum  of  six  other  Board  members. 
With the exception of the Chairman, who is also elected by the Annual General Meeting unless 
that position becomes vacant during the year, the Board of Directors organizes itself. If the office 
of Chairman becomes vacant during the period of office, the Board of Directors will nominate a 
new Chairman for the remaining period of office, whereby this person must be an existing mem-
ber of the Board of Directors. The Chairman is responsible for chairing meetings. The Board of 
Directors additionally appoints a Secretary, who does not need to be a member of the Board of 
Directors.
The Board of Directors meets as often as business requires, but no less than four times per year. 
It convenes at the invitation of the Chairman. Each member of the Board of Directors is also en-
titled to demand that a meeting be called to discuss a particular topic. In this case, the Chairman 
convenes the meeting within 14 days of receiving the request.
The Board of Directors is deemed to have a quorum if an absolute majority of its members are 
present in person. The resolutions of the Board of Directors are adopted by an absolute majority 
of votes present. In the event of a tie, the Chairman casts the deciding vote. All resolutions are 
minuted. In cases of urgency, a meeting of the Board of Directors may be held by telephone or 
other  appropriate  medium.  Resolutions  by  circular  letter  are  permissible  provided  no  Board 
member calls for verbal discussion. All members were present at the eight meetings of the Board 
of Directors that took place in 2014. On average, these meetings lasted around six hours. How-
ever, these average times pertain to the actual duration of the meetings themselves, and do not 
take into account the extensive preparatory and follow-up work done by the individual members.
Within  the  Board  of  Directors,  there  are  two  committees  that  are  exclusively  made  up  of  non- 
executive Board members:

–  Remuneration Committee
This committee amalgamates the tasks of a remuneration and nomination committee. The Remu-
neration Committee consists of a maximum of three non-executive members. It is elected by the 
Annual General Meeting. The term of office ends with the conclusion of the next Annual General 
Meeting. Re-election is permissible.
The current members are Daniel Hirschi, Roland Siegwart and Leo Steiner. The Board of Direct- 
ors is proposing to the Annual General Meeting of 8 May 2015 the re-election of Daniel Hirschi 
and Roland Siegwart and the election of Beat Kälin.

58

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANN UA L REPORT
CO RP OR ATE GOVER NANCE

The Articles of Association provide no regulations regarding the appointment of Committee mem-
bers that deviate from statutory provisions. If a member leaves the company prior to completing 
his term of office, the Board of Directors will appoint a replacement from among its number for 
the remaining period of office.
The Remuneration Committee meets as often as business requires, but at least twice a year. The 
invitation, which contains details of the agenda items, is issued in writing at least ten days prior 
to the meeting. The CEO and other members of the Executive Committee may attend these meet-
ings in an advisory capacity. However, they do not take part in discussions concerning their own 
compensation. The Committee Chairman reports to the Board of Directors on the activities of the 
Committee after every meeting. The minutes of Committee meetings are made available to mem-
bers of the Board of Directors.
In 2014, the Committee met twice, with all members being present on both occasions. On aver-
age,  these  meetings  lasted  three  hours.  These  average  times  do  not  include  the  extensive  pre-
paratory and follow-up work done by the individual members.
The  tasks  of  the  Remuneration  Committee  include  supporting  the  Board  of  Directors  in  the  ful- 
filment of the compensation and staff policy duties assigned to it by current legislation and the 
Articles  of  Association.  In  particular,  the  Remuneration  Committee  puts  forward  proposals  on 
remuneration policy and prepares all relevant decision-making material for the Board of Directors 
with respect to the appointment and remuneration of members of the Board of Directors and the 
Executive Committee. The detailed tasks and competencies of the Remuneration Committee are 
set out in the Organizational Regulations for the Remuneration Committee. Further details on the 
Remuneration Committee can be found in the Compensation Report on pages 67 to 78.

–  Audit Committee
The  Audit  Committee  consists  of  Hans  Caspar  von  der  Crone  (Chairman),  David  Dean,  Kurt  
Haerri and Leo Steiner. The Committee meets at least twice a year. In 2014, the Committee met 
three times, with all members being present on each occasion. On average, these meetings last-
ed three hours. These average times do not include the extensive preparatory and follow-up work 
done by the individual members.
The tasks of the Audit Committee include the overall supervision of the external and internal au-
ditors, as well as financial reporting. The Audit Committee sets out the scope and schedule of the 
audit to be carried out by the two auditing bodies and also coordinates their work. Both the ex-
ternal and internal auditors draw up a report on their audit work, and the Audit Committee moni-
tors implementation of the audit findings. Furthermore, the Audit Committee evaluates the relia-
bility of the internal control system and risk management, and acquires a picture of the extent to 
which statutory and internal regulations are being adhered to (compliance).
The  CEO  and  the  CFO  both  attend  meetings  of  the  Audit  Committee.  The  external  auditor  is  
invited  to  attend.  The  CFO  represents  the  internal  audit  unit.  Both  bodies  have  access  to  the 
minutes of the meetings of the Boards of Directors and Executive Committee. The detailed tasks 
and competencies of the Audit Committee are set out in the Organizational Regulations for the 
Audit Committee.

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Definition of areas of responsibility
According to Art. 716a para. 1 SCO and Section 19 of the Articles of Association, the Board of 
Directors must fulfil the following tasks:
– 
– 
– 

 Overall management of the company and issuance of the necessary directives
 Defining the company’s organizational structure
 Determining the principles of accounting, financial controlling and financial planning,  
insofar as this is necessary for the management of the company
 Appointing and removing the persons entrusted with managing and/or representing  
the company
 Ultimate supervision of the persons entrusted with managing the company, specifically  
with respect to prevailing legislation, the Articles of Association, regulations and directives
 Producing the Annual Report, making preparations for the Annual General Meeting and  
executing the resolutions passed by the Annual General Meeting
 Drawing up the Compensation Report
 Informing the courts in the event of excessive indebtedness
 Passing resolutions on supplementary contributions for shares not fully paid in
 Resolutions for the approval of capital increases and the resulting amendments to  
the Articles of Association

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

The  tasks,  obligations  and  powers  of  the  Board  of  Directors,  its  Chairman,  and  the  above- 
mentioned  Committees  are  set  out  in  detail  in  the  Articles  of  Association,  the  Organizational 
Regulations of Komax Holding AG, and the Regulations for the Remuneration Committee and the 
Audit  Committee.  These  also  define  the  rights,  obligations  and  competencies  of  the  CEO  and 
Executive  Committee.  The  relevant  regulations  are  reviewed  on  a  regular  basis  and  amended 
where necessary. The most recent amendment was undertaken in August 2014.
To  the  extent  permitted  by  law  and  by  the  Articles  of  Association,  the  Board  of  Directors  has 
delegated  operational  management  of  the  company  to  the  CEO  of  the  Komax  Group.  The  
Executive  Committee  is  made  up  of  the  CEO  and  three  further  members.  The  members  of  the 
Executive Committee are appointed by the Board of Directors at the proposal of the Remunera-
tion Committee.

Information and control instruments vis-à-vis the Executive Committee
The CEO informs the Board of Directors at each ordinary meeting about the course of business, 
the Group’s most important transactions and the status of the tasks delegated to the Executive 
Committee. In addition, the key data generated by the management information system (MIS) is 
discussed at length with the CEO and CFO at these meetings. The Board of Directors is provided 
with full details of the current course of business and the financial situation of the Group between 
each  meeting.  In  addition,  the  Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Directors  and  the  CEO  are  in  regular 
contact to discuss important questions of company policy.
The  risks  associated  with  the  Group’s  commercial  activities  are  systematically  identified,  ana- 
lyzed,  monitored  and  managed  through  an  institutionalized  risk  management  function.  These 
risks are amalgamated into groups according to their nature, namely general external risks, busi-
ness  risks,  financial  risks,  risks  arising  in  connection  with  corporate  governance,  and  IT  risks. 
The  Executive  Committee  is  responsible  for  the  operational  side  of  risk  management,  whereby 
specially appointed process owners are assigned responsibility for the management of key indi-
vidual  risks.  These  process  owners  take  specific  measures  and  monitor  their  implementation. 
Every  year,  the  Executive  Committee  informs  the  Audit  Committee  of  the  risks  identified  and 
measures taken as part of risk management activities.

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The MIS of the Komax Group is organized as follows: each subsidiary’s key balance sheet and 
profit and loss figures are compiled and consolidated once a month. The subsidiaries’ balance 
sheets, income statements, cash flow statements and various indicators are compiled and con-
solidated on a quarterly, half-yearly and yearly basis. A comparison is then made with the previ-
ous  year and  the  budget. The budget  forecast is checked  for attainability against  the  quarterly 
statements for each individual company and on a consolidated basis.
Using key controls, the internal control system (ICS) ensures proper and efficient management, 
safeguards assets, prevents and identifies offences and errors, and ensures accurate and com-
plete accounting records as well as timely preparation of reliable financial information. A report 
setting out the results of these investigations and the corresponding measures taken is submit-
ted to the Audit Committee.
The  internal  audit  function  evaluates  the  effectiveness  of  the  ICS  as  well  as  management  and 
monitoring processes. It also supports the Executive Committee in the risk management process. 
Internal audit duties are performed by the Finance & Accounting unit of Komax Management AG, 
Dierikon.  This  unit  scrutinizes  the  individual  operating  units  of  the  Group  and  the  various  busi-
ness areas of the parent entity at regular intervals, and on the basis of an annually updated audit 
plan. The internal auditors report the results of their investigations to the Audit Committee. The 
Audit  Committee  reviews  and  approves  the  scope  of  the  audit,  the  audit  plan,  and  the  corres- 
ponding responsibilities. It also decides on any measures to be implemented as a result of intern- 
al audit findings.

e  4 Executive Committee

The Executive Committee of the Group comprises the CEO, the business unit heads who report 
directly to him, and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Beat Kälin, CEO

Andreas Wolfisberg, CFO

Matijas Meyer, Head Business Unit Wire

Rene Ronchetti, Head Business Unit Medtech 

Walter Nehls, Head Business Unit Solar

Function exercised since

2007

1996

2010

2012

2008 until 30 September 2014

Biographies of the individual members of the Executive Committee are provided on page 17.

Other activities and interests
Aside  from  the  mandates  listed  on  page  17,  the  members  of  the  Executive  Committee  did  not 
exercise  any  activities  on  management  or  supervisory  bodies  of  significant  Swiss  and  foreign 
corporate  entities,  institutions  or  foundations  under  private  or  public  law  outside  the  Komax 
Group as at 31 December 2014.

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KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANNUAL REPORT
CORPO RATE GOVERNANCE

Statutory regulations with respect to the number of permissible activities as per  
Art. 12 para. 1 ERCO
The  number  of  permissible  mandates  of  members  of  the  Executive  Committee  in  the  highest 
management  or  administrative  bodies  of  legal  entities  which  are  obliged  to  have  themselves  
entered in the Commercial Register or in a corresponding foreign register and which are not con-
trolled by the company or do not control the company shall be 2 additional mandates for listed 
companies, 2 additional mandates for non-listed companies, and 5 additional mandates for char-
itable organizations, as long as this does not involve any breach of statutory provisions and in 
particular the applicable due diligence obligations and the duty of loyalty. Mandates with differ-
ent companies that belong to the same corporate group count as a single mandate. Mandates 
undertaken by a member of the Executive Committee at the behest of a Group company are not 
covered  by  the  additional  mandate  restriction.  Executive  Committee  members  may  not  accept 
any of the above-mentioned mandates without the prior written approval of the Board of Direct- 
ors.  The  assumption  of  mandates  other  than  those  stipulated  above  is  permissible  without  nu-
merical restriction, as long as these mandates are unremunerated and do not interfere with the 
Executive  Committee  member’s  fulfilment  of  his  obligations  vis-à-vis  the  company.  The  reim-
bursement of expenses does not count as compensation.

Management contracts
No  management  agreements  exist  with  companies  or  natural  persons  outside  of  the  Group  in 
relation to transferred management responsibilities.

e  5 Compensations, shareholdings and loans

Details of compensations, shareholdings and loans are set out in the Compensation Report on 
pages 67 to 78 of this Annual Report.

e  6 Shareholder participation rights

The fundamental participation rights of shareholders are set out in the Swiss Code of Obligations 
(CO) and supplemented by the provisions of the company’s Articles of Association. There are no 
regulations on participation in the Annual General Meeting that deviate from statutory provisions. 
The Articles of Association of Komax Holding AG are available in electronic form on the website 
www.komaxgroup.com.

Voting rights and representation restrictions
Shareholders registered in the Komax Holding AG share register are entitled to vote; each share 
is entitled to one vote. Treasury shares do not confer the right to vote. No single shareholder may 
directly or indirectly exercise the votes of more than 5% of the total number of shares recorded 
in the Commercial Register for his / her own registered shares and shares voted by proxy. Legal  
entities  and  groups  with  joint  legal  status  which  are  connected  through  capital,  voting  rights, 
management or in some other manner, along with all natural persons, legal entities and groups 
with  joint  legal  status  which  act  in  concert  by  virtue  of  agreement,  syndicate  or  in  some  other 
manner,  are  regarded  as  one  person  for  the  purposes  of  this  provision.  Representation  by  the 
independent proxy remains reserved. The Board of Directors may grant exceptions to this rule for 
good cause. No exceptions were granted in this respect in the year under review.

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KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANN UA L REPORT
CO RP OR ATE GOVER NANCE

The voting rights limitation does not apply to shareholders who were registered as holding regis-
tered shares amounting to more than 5% of votes for all shares at the time that the provision of 
the Articles of Association regarding limitation of voting rights was passed.
Shareholders  may  be  represented  at  the  Annual  General  Meeting  by  another  shareholder  with 
voting rights on the basis of a written power of attorney, and by the independent proxy on the 
basis of electronic or written power of attorney. The Chair of the Annual General Meeting shall 
decide on the permissibility of representation. The independent proxy is elected by the Annual 
General Meeting up until the end of the next Annual General Meeting. The Articles of Association 
provide  no  regulations  regarding  the  appointment  of  the  independent  proxy  that  deviate  from 
statutory provisions.
The  statutory  voting  rights  limitation  may  be  removed  by  a  resolution  by  the  Annual  General 
Meeting. Such a resolution must be carried by an absolute majority of voting shares represented.

Statutory quorums
The Annual General Meeting votes and passes its resolutions with the absolute majority of votes 
represented, unless prevailing legislation or the Articles of Association contain mandatory provi-
sions under which resolutions have to be passed in a different way. In addition to the resolutions 
specified  in  CO  Art.  704,  under  the  Articles  of  Association  of  Komax  Holding  AG,  a  two-thirds 
majority of votes cast and an absolute majority by value of shares voted is required to dismiss 
members of the Board of Directors. 

Convocation of the Annual General Meeting of shareholders
The  convocation  of  the  Annual  General  Meeting  is  governed  by  applicable  law.  Shareholders 
representing at least 1% of the share capital can request that items be placed on the agenda for 
discussion by submitting the proposed motions in writing by the deadline published by the com-
pany.

Entries in the share register
In principle, any shareholder can be entered in the Komax Holding AG share register. Any person 
acquiring  shares  is  listed  as  a  “shareholder  with  voting  rights”  up  to  a  maximum  of  5%  of  the 
total number of shares published in the Commercial Register. Any person owning more than 5% 
of the published shares will be entered as a “non-voting shareholder” for the portion in excess of 
5% (Komax Holding AG Articles of Association, Section 6 para. 4). This restriction does not apply 
to  the  acquisition  of  shares  through  inheritance,  division  of  an  estate  or  joint  marital  property. 
The  Board  of  Directors  may  grant  exceptions  for  good  cause.  The  Board  of  Directors  can  add- 
itionally  refuse  entry  in  the  share  register  if  the  acquirer  does  not  expressly  declare,  at  the  re-
quest of the Board, that the shares were acquired in their own name and for their own account. 
After  hearing  the  affected  party,  the  company  may  delete  entries  in  the  share  register  if  such 
entries  occurred  in  consequence  of  false  statements  by  the  acquirer.  The  acquirer  must  be  in-
formed  of  the  deletion  immediately.  Nominees  are  listed  in  the  share  register  as  “non-voting 
shareholders”.

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KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANNUAL REPORT
CORPO RATE GOVERNANCE

Invitation to the Annual General Meeting of 8 May 2015
All shareholders registered in the Komax Holding AG share register as at 5.00 p.m. on 6 May 2015 
are  entitled  to  vote  in  respect  of  the  number  of  shares  registered  in  their  name  at  the  Annual 
General Meeting of 8 May 2015. Shareholders registered on 16 March 2015 will receive an invita-
tion  indicating  the  proposals  of  the  Board  of  Directors  together  with  a  reservation  and  entry 
ticket  coupon.  Shareholders  who  acquire  shares  later  and  whose  registration  application  is  re-
ceived by the Komax Holding AG share register no later than 6 May 2015 will receive the invita-
tion at that time, or ballot materials will be waiting for them at the front desk of the Annual Gen-
eral Meeting. Shareholders who dispose of their shares before the Annual General Meeting are 
not  entitled  to  vote.  In  the  event  of  a  partial  sale  or  purchase  of  additional  shares,  the  entry 
ticket received should be exchanged at the front desk on the date of the Annual General Meeting.

Agenda item tabled by zCapital, Zug, Switzerland
Komax  Holding  AG  has  received  from  zCapital  AG,  Zug,  which  represents  62 000  registered 
shares with a nominal value of CHF 6 200 (as per 23 February 2015), a request to add a proposal 
to the agenda of the Annual General Meeting on 8 May 2015. zCapital AG is proposing the dele-
tion of Art. 6 Para. 4 and Art. 10 Para. 3 of the Articles of Association, which would abolish the 
provisions  restricting  registration  and  voting  rights  to  a  maximum  of  5%  of  the  total  number  
of  shares  recorded  in  the  Commercial  Register  in  each  case.  In  connection  with  the  above- 
mentioned deletions, zCapital AG is also proposing amendments to Art. 6 Para. 2 and Para. 3 of 
the Articles of Association. zCapital AG put forward a largely identical proposal at the last Annual 
General Meeting on 7 May 2014. The proposal was rejected by around 60% of the represented 
votes.
Further details, including the response of the Board of Directors, can be found in the invitation to 
the Annual General Meeting.

e  7 Changes of control and defence measures

Duty to make an offer
Upon  reaching  or  exceeding  a  threshold  of  331⁄3%,  a  shareholder  must  submit  an  offer  to  all 
shareholders for the purchase of their shares (Art. 32, Federal Act on Stock Exchanges and Se-
curities  Trading).  The  Articles  of  Association  do  not  contain  any  opting-out  or  opting-up  
regulations.

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KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANN UA L REPORT
CO RP OR ATE GOVER NANCE

Clauses on change of control
At the Komax Group, change-of-control clauses are not included in employment contracts. The 
members of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and middle management are however 
entitled to exercise their options in part or in full, without regard to the time limits, in the following 
cases:
– 
– 

 if Komax Holding AG or its subsidiaries sell(s) all assets relevant to the business
 if one or more persons or companies merge(s) and conclude(s) a legally binding agreement 
for the purpose of acquiring shares in Komax Holding AG, as a result of which they hold 
more than 50% of the voting rights (including any previous shareholdings)
 if another case of legal or economic disposal or liquidation of Komax Holding AG occurs
 if the shares of Komax Holding AG are no longer traded on the stock exchange and no  
publicly traded shares of the company are available

– 
– 

e  8 Auditors

Duration of the mandate and term of office of the lead auditor
PricewaterhouseCoopers  AG,  Basel,  has  been  the  statutory  auditor  of  Komax  Holding  AG  and 
the Komax Group’s consolidated financial statements since 1994. Pursuant to the provisions of 
the Swiss Code of Obligations, the lead auditor is replaced after a maximum term of seven years. 
The lead auditor has been responsible for the audit mandate since 2010.

Audit fee
PricewaterhouseCoopers invoiced the Komax Group CHF 680 327 in the 2014 financial year for 
services in connection with auditing the annual statements of Komax Holding AG and the Group 
companies, as well as the consolidated statements of the Komax Group.

Additional fees
During the 2014 financial year, PricewaterhouseCoopers invoiced the sum of CHF 25 648 for tax 
advisory services.

Information instruments of the external audit
The Audit Committee is responsible for evaluating the external auditors, who submit an audit re-
port to the Board of Directors and senior management. At least two consultations are held each 
year between the external auditors and the Audit Committee, at which the material findings for 
each  company  (management  letters)  and  the  consolidated  financial  statements  covered  by  the 
audit  report  are  discussed  in  detail.  The  auditors  also  explain  the  audits  conducted  (audit  and 
review) for each company along with recent changes in IFRS (International Financial Reporting 
Standards)  and  their  impact  on  the  Komax  Group’s  consolidated  annual  statements.  The  ser- 
vices provided by the statutory auditors are evaluated by the Audit Committee on the basis of the 
quality of reporting and the audit reports, the implementation of the audit plan and the level of 
cooperation with the internal audit team. The independence of the auditors is verified by compar-
ing the fee for additional services charged by the external auditors with the audit fee, taking into 
account the scope of these additional services.

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KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANNUAL REPORT
CORPO RATE GOVERNANCE

e  9 Information policy

Komax Holding AG is committed to providing swift, transparent and simultaneous information for 
all stakeholders. The CEO, CFO, and the Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Communica-
tions are available as contact partners for information purposes.
The  consolidated  financial  statements  are  compiled  in  conformity  with  IFRS  standards.  Komax 
Holding AG publishes comprehensive financial results twice a year, for the first half and the full 
year. In addition to the financial results, shareholders and the financial markets are also regularly 
informed of significant changes and developments.
Komax Holding AG publishes facts relevant to its share price in conformity with the disclosure 
policies of SIX Swiss Exchange Ltd. (ad hoc publicity, Art. 72 of the Listing Rules). The Listing 
Rules can be downloaded at www.six-exchange-regulation.com under “Admission”. The official 
publication for company notices is the “Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce” (“Schweizerisches 
Handelsamtsblatt”). Information on share price trends, annual and half-year reports, the financial 
calendar,  the  minutes  of  the  most  recent  Annual  General  Meeting,  press  releases  and  Komax 
Holding AG’s Articles of Association are available at www.komaxgroup.com. Press conferences 
and presentations for analysts are held at least once a year.

Contact
Komax Holding AG
Marco Knuchel
Industriestrasse 6
6036 Dierikon
Switzerland
Phone +41 41 455 06 16
marco.knuchel@komaxgroup.com

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KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014C OMPEN SATIO N REPORT
CONTENTS

Introduction by the Chairman  
of the Remuneration Committee
68

Tasks and competencies  
of the Remuneration Committee
69

Provisions of the Articles of Association  
on compensation
70

Principles of compensation policy
71

Structure of the compensation system
71

Compensation, shareholdings and options  
held by the Board of Directors in 2014 
(audited)
75

Compensation, shareholdings and options 
held by the Executive Committee in 2014 
(audited)
76

Changes to the compensation system in 2015
78

Report of the auditors
79

This Compensation Report provides an overview of the compensation 
policy and compensation systems of Komax Holding AG, as well as the 
principles used to determine the compensation of the Board of Direct- 
ors and the Executive Committee. In addition, the compensation paid in 
2014 is disclosed in detail. This report has been drawn up in accord-
ance with the provisions of the Ordinance against Excessive Remuner- 
ation in Listed Companies Limited by Shares (ERCO), the Directive Cor-
porate Governance (DCG) of SIX Swiss Exchange, and the principles of 
the Swiss Code of Best Practice for Corporate Governance of econo-
miesuisse.

67

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KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014 
ANNUAL REPORT
COM PENSATI ON REPORT

e  1 Introduction by the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

Dear Shareholders,

As Chairman of the Remuneration Committee, it falls to me to present to you the Compensation 
Report for the 2014 financial year.
On 1 January 2014, the Swiss Ordinance against Excessive Remuneration in Listed Companies 
Limited  by  Shares  (ERCO)  entered  into  force.  This  has  a  significant  influence  on  the  corporate 
governance of affected companies. The work of the Remuneration Committee therefore focused 
primarily on preparing for and implementing the modifications that this legislation requires.
First of all, the Articles of Association were revised and amended in line with ERCO provisions. 
The revised Articles of Association were submitted to shareholders at the Annual General Meet-
ing of 7 May 2014, and were duly approved. The Articles of Association now contain provisions 
on compensation principles and rules concerning the compensation paid to the Board of Direct- 
ors and the Executive Committee. This report summarizes these provisions.
Furthermore,  the  Committee  reviewed  the  compensation  system  and  decided  on  a  number  of 
modifications that will be implemented in 2015. In particular, these include discontinuation of the 
allocation of share options to members of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, 
and  the  introduction  of  a  performance-related,  share-based,  long-term  incentive  plan  for  mem-
bers  of  the  Executive  Committee.  We  are  confident  that  we  are  putting  in  place  a  transparent 
compensation system which delivers reasonable yet attractive compensation that reflects market 
conditions, is in line with corporate strategy, and aligns the interests of management more close-
ly with the long-term interests of shareholders. Further details are likewise provided in this report.
Finally,  we  have  significantly  expanded  the  disclosure  of  compensation  in  this  Compensation 
Report,  taking  into  account  the  provisions  of  ERCO  and  the  feedback  of  our  shareholders  and 
their representatives.
At the Annual General Meeting on 8 May 2015, we will be requesting approval of the total com-
pensation for the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee for the 2016 financial year. We 
will submit to vote the maximum possible sum payable, as this procedure will give our company 
the greatest possible legal certainty. We are conscious of our responsibility, and will manage the 
budget granted to us prudently. A look back at the past shows that the total compensation paid 
in recent years was significantly lower than the maximum amounts defined in the Articles of As-
sociation. 
In  view  of  the  modifications  to  the  compensation  system  that  will  take  effect  in  2015,  we  are 
planning to hold an advisory vote on compensation at the 2016 Annual General Meeting.

Yours sincerely,

Leo Steiner
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 

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COMP ENSATION  REPORT

e 2 Tasks and competencies of the Remuneration Committee

Under the Articles of Association, Organizational Regulations and Regulations of the Remunera-
tion Committee of Komax Holding AG, the Remuneration Committee is the supervisory body for 
staff and compensation policy within the Komax Group. The Committee amalgamates the tasks 
of a remuneration and nomination committee.
The Remuneration Committee has the following tasks and competencies: 
– 

 Development and regular review of staff policy and compensation policy, including the prin-
ciples of variable compensation and shareholding programme 
 Annual review of, and proposals for, the maximum total compensation payable to the Board 
of Directors and the Executive Committee, as well as preparation of the related proposals to 
the Annual General Meeting
 Proposal on the individual compensation payable to members of the Board of Directors and 
the CEO
 Resolutions on the compensation payable to other members of the Executive Committee
 Succession planning for the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and other key  
functions
 Annual assessment of the independence of the members of the Board of Directors
 Annual assessment of the performance of the CEO and the members of the Executive  
Committee
 Preparation of the Compensation Report

– 
The  Committee  regularly  discusses  trends  and  developments  in  the  area  of  compensation,  in-
cluding any changes to statutory provisions or changes to provisions on corporate governance.

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

Delineation of competencies

Compensation policy, including the principles of variable compensation and  
participation programme 

Maximum total compensation for the Board of Directors and  
the Executive Committee submitted to the Annual General Meeting for approval

Compensation of the members of the Board of Directors

Evaluation of the performance of the CEO

Compensation of the CEO

CEO

Committee

BoD

AGM

proposes

approves

proposes

submits

approves

proposes

approves

proposes

approves

proposes

approves

Evaluation of the performance of other members of the Executive Committee

proposes

approves

Compensation of other members of the Executive Committee

proposes

approves

Compensation Report

proposes

approves

Under the Articles of Association, the Remuneration Committee consists of a maximum of three 
non-executive members of the Board of Directors. The Committee is elected by the Annual Gen-
eral Meeting. Members’ term of office ends with the conclusion of the next Annual General Meet-
ing. Re-election is permissible. The 2014 Annual General Meeting elected Leo Steiner (Chairman), 
Daniel Hirschi and Roland Siegwart to the Committee.
The Remuneration Committee meets as often as business requires, but at least twice a year, gen-
erally in March and December. Compensation issues are discussed at the March meeting. These 
discussions include assessments of the individual performance of the CEO and other members 
of the Executive Committee, determination of the compensation payable to individual members 
of the Board of Directors, and approval of the Compensation Report. At the December meeting, 
nominations  and  succession  planning  are  discussed,  along  with  corporate  governance.  In  the 
year under review, the Committee met twice, with all Committee members present on both occa-
sions.

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KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANNUAL REPORT
COM PENSATI ON REPORT

The Chairman of the Committee may invite the CEO and other members of the Executive Com-
mittee to meetings in a non-voting capacity. However, they do not take part in discussions con-
cerning their own performance and compensation. The Committee Chairman reports to the Board 
of  Directors  on  the  activities  of  the  Committee  after  every  Committee  meeting.  The  minutes  of 
Committee meetings are made available to all members of the Board of Directors.
Furthermore, the Committee may call in external consultants and draw on their assistance when 
fulfilling its duties. In 2014, Hostettler & Company, Zurich provided independent advice on com-
pensation  matters.  This  is  the  only  mandate  that  Hostettler  &  Company  holds  at  the  Komax 
Group.

e  3 Provisions of the Articles of Association on compensation 

  Principles for the compensation of members of the Board of Directors:

  Principles for the compensation of members of the Executive Committee:

In compliance with the Ordinance against Excessive Remuneration in Listed Companies Limited 
by Shares (ERCO), shareholders approved a number of amendments to the Articles of Associa-
tion  at  the  2014  Annual  General  Meeting.  These  included  the  following  provisions  relating  to 
compensation,  which  are  reproduced  here  in  abbreviated  form  (as  an  excerpt)  and  set  out  in 
detail in sections 13 and 25 of the Articles of Association.
– 
Members  of  the  Board  of  Directors  receive  fixed  compensation  in  cash  as  well  as  in  shares 
and / or  options  under  the  company’s  employee  participation  programme.  The  calculated  value 
(fair value) of the shares and / or options at the time of allocation may not exceed the amount of 
compensation  paid  in  cash.  The  Board  of  Directors  determines  the  conditions  that  apply  to 
shares and / or options. The lock-in periods are at least three years.
– 
Members of the Executive Committee receive a fixed base salary, variable performance-related 
compensation,  and  shares  and / or  options  under  the  company’s  employee  participation  pro-
gramme. The Board of Directors determines the conditions for the performance-related compen-
sation component on an annual basis. These are linked to the attainment of one or more perfor-
mance  criteria,  whereby  these  criteria  are  either  company-related  and / or  individual  in  nature. 
The target amount may not exceed 50% of the annual fixed compensation. If targets are not at-
tained, the performance-related compensation may fall to zero. If all targets are significantly ex-
ceeded, it may amount to a maximum of 100% of the annual fixed compensation. The Board of 
Directors  determines  the  conditions  that  apply  to  shares  and / or  options.  The  calculated  value 
(fair value) of the shares and / or options at the time of allocation may not exceed 100% of the 
annual fixed compensation. The lock-in periods are at least three years. 
– 
The Annual General Meeting holds a separate vote each year on the total amount of compensa-
tion payable to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. This vote is binding. It applies 
for the coming financial year to the relevant total maximum amounts that may be paid to mem-
bers of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.
– 

  Binding vote on the compensation paid to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee:

  Additional sum for payments to members of the Executive Committee appointed after the 
binding vote of the Annual General Meeting:

The additional amount for the compensation of members of the Executive Committee appointed 
after  the  Annual  General  Meeting  has  voted  on  compensation  may  not  exceed  30%  of  the  ap-
proved total amount of compensation payable to the Executive Committee.

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  Pension benefits:

– 
The  pension  benefits  of  members  of  the  Executive  Committee  are  only  paid  in  the  context  of 
domestic  and  foreign  pension  plans  and  comparable  plans  of  the  company  or  its  Group  com-
panies.  The  benefits  for  insured  persons  and  the  employer  contributions  result  from  the 
above-mentioned  plans  or  corresponding  regulations.  Retirement  benefits  are  provided  solely 
within the framework of the company’s ordinary pension plans. 
The Articles of Association of Komax Holding AG can be found at www.komaxgroup.com.

e  4 Principles of compensation policy

The principles of compensation policy are aligned with the company’s philosophy, which is based 
on sustainability and social responsibility, as well as with company strategy, a core element of 
which is profitable growth.

Performance 
orientation

A proportion of compensation is directly linked to the operating and financial performance 
of the company and the attainment of individual objectives.

Alignment with share-
holder interests

A proportion of compensation consists of shares and / or options. In other words, the an- 
nual compensation contains a component that is dependent on the long-term success of 
the company.

Market comparability Compensation is in line with that paid for similar positions in comparable companies.

Appropriateness

The amount of compensation reflects the job profile as well as the capabilities and experi-
ence of the function holder.

Transparency

The compensation system is straightforward and designed for transparency.

The compensation paid to the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee is determined on 
the basis of the following key factors:
– 

   Comparisons with rates of compensation paid by other Swiss-based, internationally operat-
ing industrial companies of comparable complexity, size and geographic reach to Komax. 
The relevant sources of information include publicly accessible data such as the compensa-
tion disclosed in the annual reports of the companies in question. In view of the fact that the 
compensation system was unchanged in 2014 and base salaries have essentially remained 
the same, no benchmarking exercise was carried out this year.
   The financial performance of the company and its relevant business areas, and the attain-
ment of individual targets agreed as part of the annual performance management process.

– 

e  5 Structure of the compensation system

Board of Directors

5.1  
The compensation paid to the Board of Directors is fixed and consists of a cash component and 
a fixed number of options. The amount of compensation depends on the responsibilities of the 
individual as well as the time taken up by their mandate, and is based on the following structure:

in CHF

Chairman

Member

Attendance fee per meeting1

Basic 
annual fee

Options 
(number)

187 500

75 000

2 500

2 500

1 000

1  The chairmen of the different bodies receive twice this amount for the corresponding meetings.

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The basic annual fee in cash (incl. expense allowance) and attendance fees are paid out in June 
and  December  for  the  current  calendar  year.  Options  for  the  current  year  are  allocated  as  of  
January. The term amounts to five years, with a lock-in period of three years.
However, the option plan for the Board of Directors described here was discontinued at the end 
of 2014 and replaced by restricted shares. Details of the changes to the compensation system 
planned for 2015 can be found in Section 8.
Additional compensation may be paid for exceptional efforts that cannot be considered part of 
ordinary Board of Directors activity.
Compensation  paid  to  members  of  the  Board  of  Directors  is  subject  to  the  standard  social  
security deductions. The members of the Board of Directors do not participate in the staff pen-
sion plan of Komax.

CEO and Executive Committee

5.2  
The  CEO  and  members  of  the  Executive  Committee  receive  a  fixed  salary  component,  a  cash 
bonus, shares and / or options as per the company’s own employee participation plan, as well as 
occupational benefits.

Purpose

Driver

Performance criterion Period

Instrument

Fixed base salary

Attracting, retaining, 
motivating

Market practice

–

One year

Monthly  
cash payments

Cash bonus

Pay for performance

Financial and  
individual 
performance

EAT, EBIT
Individual objectives One year

Yearly  
cash payment

Employee participation plan

Alignment with share-
holder interests

Hierarchical level

Share price

Three-year lock-in 
period
Five-year term

Occupational benefits

Protection  
against risks

Market  
comparability

–

–

Options

Retirement savings /   
insurance plan

5.2.1  Fixed compensation
The  fixed  compensation  component  consists  of  a  fixed  base  salary  and  a  fixed  company  car  
allowance, to which members of the Executive Committee are entitled according to the current 
expense regulations. Expense allowances are not included, as these are not considered as com-
pensation.
The fixed salary component and the cash bonus for 100% target attainment form what is called 
the target salary. The target salary is measured on the basis of the following factors:
– 
– 
– 
– 

 the tasks and responsibilities of the individual functions
 the standard market compensation rate for the function in question (external benchmark)
 an internal peer comparison (internal benchmark)
 the individual profile of the function holder, e.g. their capabilities, skills, experience  
and performance
 the company’s available financial resources

– 

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5.2.2  Cash bonus
The  cash  bonus  is  dependent  on  the  financial  performance  of  the  company  and  its  business  
areas in the year under assessment, as well as the attainment of the individually agreed objec-
tives. The target value (target bonus) is expressed as a proportion of fixed annual basic salary, 
and amounts to 50% for the CEO and a maximum of 50% for the other members of the Executive 
Committee.
The cash bonuses for the CEO and CFO are derived entirely from the financial performance of the 
Komax Group. The reference value relevant to the 2014 financial year was the margin on Group 
profit  after  taxes  (EAT).  The  Board  of  Directors  determines  the  performance  achievement  level 
the amount of the bonus payable to the CEO annually at the request of the Compensation Com-
mittee.  The  Compensation  Committee  determines  the  performance  achievement  level  and 
amount of the bonus payable to the CFO at the request of the CEO. If performance objectives are 
not attained, the cash bonus may fall to zero. If all objectives are significantly exceeded, the cash 
bonus may amount to a maximum of 200% of the target bonus or a maximum of 100% of annual 
fixed salary. 
The cash bonus payable to the other members of the Executive Committee (business unit heads) 
is calculated as follows: 70% on the basis of financial performance and 30% on the basis of in-
dividual  performance.  The  performance  achievement  level  and  bonuses  are  determined  by  the 
Compensation Committee at the request of the CEO. If performance objectives are not attained, 
the cash bonus may fall to zero. If all objectives are exceeded significantly, the cash bonus may 
amount to a maximum of 170% of the target bonus or a maximum of 85% of fixed salary.
The following key figures were relevant for the business unit heads in 2014:
–  margin on Group profit after taxes (EAT), weighted at 20%
–  absolute EBIT of the business unit in question, weighted at 50%
Attainment of financial targets is assessed after the financial year has ended and may fluctuate 
within a range of 0% to 200%.
The individual performance component is based on the attainment of personal objectives agreed 
in advance as part of the annual performance management process. These objectives may also 
include non-quantitative objectives of a predominantly strategic nature, such as the opening up 
of new markets, the development of new products, the management of key projects, and leader-
ship objectives. Attainment of personal objectives is evaluated after the financial year has ended 
and may fluctuate within a range of 0% to 100%.

CEO and CFO

Business unit heads

Financial performance

100% EAT margin (Group)

Individual performance

–

20% EAT margin (Group)
50% EBIT (business unit)

30% individual objectives

The cash bonus is generally paid in April of the following year.

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COM PENSATI ON REPORT

5.2.3  Employee participation plan
Members of management share in the long-term success of the company through an employee 
participation plan that takes the form of options subject to a three-year lock-in period. This has 
the effect of aligning their interests with the long-term interests of shareholders. 
The Board of Directors decides on the allocation of options at its own discretion. In doing so, it 
takes into particular account the importance of the function to the company. In recent years, al-
locations to Board members and members of the Executive Committee have remained constant.
The exercise price of the options is equivalent to the lower of the two following values: the aver-
age share price in the fourth quarter of the previous year or the average share price in March of 
the year the option was issued. The option term amounts in each case to five years, with a lock-
in  period  of  three  years.  With  the  exception  of  retirement,  death  or  disability,  the  exercising  of 
options at the end of employment is restricted as follows: 
–  100% forfeited in the event of employment ending within a year of allocation
–  67% forfeited in the event of employment ending within 13–24 months of allocation
–  33% forfeited in the event of employment ending within 25–36 months of allocation
These restrictions are rescinded in the event of liquidation or a change in control of the company. 
Options can then be exercised at any time up to the ordinary end of their term.
The employee participation plan for the Executive Committee described here was discontinued 
at the end of 2014, and replaced by a Performance Share Units Plan. Details of the changes to 
the compensation system planned for 2015 can be found in Section 8.

5.2.4  Occupational benefits
Members  of  the  Executive  Committee  are  insured  under  the  Komax’s  ordinary  staff  pension 
scheme in Switzerland. Contributions are graduated by age, and are shared equally between the 
insured and the employer. The benefits of the plan go beyond the statutory requirements of the 
Swiss Federal Law on Occupational Retirement, Survivors’ and Disability Pension Plans, and are 
in line with the market practice of other industrial companies in Switzerland.

5.2.5  Other provisions in employment contracts
The employment contracts of members of the Executive Committee are concluded for an indef- 
inite period and stipulate a maximum notice period of twelve months. They do not contain any 
agreement on severance payments.

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e  6 Compensation, shareholdings and options held  

by the Board of Directors in 2014

Section 6 of the Compensation Report was audited by the company’s external auditor.

Compensation

6.1  
In 2014, members of the Board of Directors received total compensation of CHF 1 011 219 (2013: 
CHF 894 342), of which CHF 746 250 was paid out in cash (2013: CHF 723 750), CHF 223 745 in 
share options (2013: CHF 130 941) and CHF 41 224 were social benefits (2013: CHF 39 651). Con-
tributions to pensions amounted to CHF 0 (2013: CHF 0). The increase in compensation mainly 
resulted from the higher market value of options allocated in 2014 financial year.

in CHF

Basic annual fee

Options  
(number)

Options 
(fair value)1

Social 
benefits2

Total 
compensation 
2014

Total 
compensation 
20133

Leo Steiner

Daniel Hirschi

Chairman

Member

Hans Caspar von der Crone

Member

Kurt Haerri

Roland Siegwart4

David Dean5

Melk M. Lehner6

Max Koch7

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

240 000

97 500 

107 500

100 000

97 500

67 500

n.s.

36 250

2 500

1 000

1 000

1 000

1 000

666

n.s.

416

73 775

29 510

29 510

29 510

29 510

19 654

n.s.

12 276

7 391

6 491

7 278

6 688

6 491

4 524

n.s.

2 361

321 166

133 501

144 288

136 198

133 501

91 678

n.s.

50 887

288 066

121 261

123 958

115 868

78 133

n.s.

45 795

121 261

Total Board of Directors

746 250

7 582

223 745

41 224

1 011 219

894 342

1  The fair value at the time of allocation is calculated using the enhanced American binomial evaluation model. It amounted to CHF 29.51 per option in 2014 and 

CHF 17.27 per option in 2013. The exercise price was CHF 129.21 in 2014 and CHF 67.03 in 2013.

2  Contains  mandator y  employer  contributions  to  social  insurance.  This  amount  entitles  members  of  the  Board  of  Directors  to  draw  the  ma ximum  insured  

pension benefits in the future.

3  Restatement  of  prior-year  figures  due  to  option  valuation  at  fair  value  at  the  time  of  allocation  using  the  enhanced  American  binomial  evaluation,  and  in  

compliance with ERCO. 

4 Member of the Board of Directors since 3 May 2013.
5 Member of the Board of Directors since 7 May 2014.
6 Member of the Board of Directors until 3 May 2013.
7 Member of the Board of Directors until 7 May 2014.

No compensation was paid to former members of the Board of Directors in the 2014 and 2013 
financial years.
Komax Group companies had not granted any guarantees, loans, advances or credits to mem-
bers of the Board of Directors or parties closely linked to such persons as at 31 December 2014. 
No members of the Board of Directors or persons closely linked to them are or were involved in 
Komax Group transactions outside their normal duties.

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KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANNUAL REPORT
COM PENSATI ON REPORT

Holdings of shares and options as at 31 December 2014

6.2  
As at the end of 2014 and 2013, members of the Board of Directors had the following holdings of 
shares and / or options in the company:

Assets in units

31.12.2014

31.12.2013

Leo Steiner

Daniel Hirschi

Chairman

Member

Hans Caspar von der Crone Member

Kurt Haerri

Roland Siegwart

David Dean1

Max Koch2

Member

Member

Member

Member

Shares

Options

Shares

Options

120 650

2 200

11 300

25

0

740

n.s.

10 000

4 000

4 000

2 500

1 666

666

n.s.

118 650

1 200

10 300

25

0

n.s.

232 401

9 500

4 000

4 000

1 500

666

n.s.

4 000

Total Board of Directors

134 915

22 832

362 576

23 666

1 Member of the Board of Directors since 7 May 2014.
2 Member of the Board of Directors until 7 May 2014.

e  7 Compensation, shareholdings and options held  

by the Executive Committee in 2014

Section 7 of the Compensation Report was audited by the company’s external auditor. 

Compensation

7.1  
In  2014,  members  of  the  Executive  Committee  received  total  compensation  of  CHF  3 062 579 
(2013: CHF 2 794 529). Of this amount, CHF 1 430 399 related to fixed compensation (2013: CHF 
1 442 308),  CHF  870 077  to  cash  bonuses  (2013:  CHF  693 330),  CHF  501 670  to  share  options 
(2013: CHF 393 739), and CHF 260 433 to social security and pension fund contributions (2013: 
CHF 265 152). The increase in total compensation in 2014 compared to the previous year is es-
sentially attributable to the increase in the cash bonus resulting from higher results and the high-
er fair value of options at the time of allocation (further details see below).

in CHF

Fixed 
base salary1

Cash bonus2

Options 
(number)

Options 
(fair value)3

Social  
benefits4

Total 
compensation 
2014

Total 
compensation 
20135

Beat Kälin6 

CEO

435 086

400 500

8 000

236 080

76 425

1 148 091

872 152

Total other members of  
the Executive Committee

995 313

469 577

9 000

265 590

184 008

1 914 488

1 922 377

Total Executive Committee

1 430 399

870 077

17 000

501 670

260 433

3 062 579

2 794 529

1  Includes, in addition to the fixed base salar y, fixed company car allowances in accordance with the current expense regulations. Expense allowances 

are not included, as these are not considered as compensation.

2  Bonus for 2014, to be paid in April 2015.
3  The fair value at the time of allocation is calculated using the enhanced American binomial evaluation model. It amounted to CHF 29.51 per option in 

2014 and CHF 17.27 per option in 2013. The exercise price was CHF 129.21 in 2014 and CHF 67.03 in 2013.

4  Contains  mandator y  employer  contributions  to  social  insurance  of  CHF  58 900  as  well  as  contributions  to  occupational  benefits  (BVG).  This  amount 

entitles members of the Executive Committee to draw the maximum state-insured pension benefits in the future.

5  Restatement of prior-year figures due to option valuation at fair value at the time of allocation using the enhanced American binomial evaluation, and 

in compliance with ERCO. 

6 Highest compensated member of the Executive Committee.

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In 2014, the CEO’s cash bonus amounted to 92% of fixed base salary. This payout level is due 
to the strong EAT performance. The fixed number of options (8 000) allocated in the year under 
review  had  a  fair  market  value  of  54%  of  fixed  base  salary  at  the  time  of  allocation,  this  value 
being calculated using the enhanced American binomial valuation model. Total variable compen-
sation therefore amounted to 146% of the annual fixed base salary.
The cash bonuses paid to the other members of the Executive Committee amounted to between 
22 and 62% of fixed base salary. The fair value (as per the enhanced American binomial valuation 
model) of the options at the time of allocation was between 0 and 37% of fixed base salary. Total 
variable  compensation  therefore  amounted  to  between  38  and  96%  of  the  annual  fixed  base 
salary.
Under the provisions of the Articles of Association, the maximum cash bonus and maximum fair 
value of options at the time of allocation are restricted to 100% each of fixed base salary.
The exercise price for the options allocated in the 2014 financial year was CHF 129.21. Further 
details  on  the  participation  plans  can  be  found  in  the  notes  to  the  consolidated  financial  state-
ments, on pages 133 to 134 of the Financial Report. 
No  compensation  was  paid  to  former  members  of  the  Executive  Committee  for  the  2014  and 
2013 financial years.
Komax Group companies had not granted any guarantees, loans, advances or credits to mem-
bers  of  the  Executive  Committee  or  parties  closely  linked  to  such  persons  as  at  31  December 
2014.  No  members  of  the  Executive  Committee  or  persons  closely  linked  to  them  are  or  were 
involved in Komax Group transactions outside their normal duties.

Holdings of shares and options as at 31 December 2014

7.2  
As at the end of 2014 and 2013, members of the Executive Committee had the following holdings 
of shares and / or options in the company:

Assets in units

31.12.2014

31.12.2013

Shares

Options

Shares

Beat Kälin

Andreas Wolfisberg

Matijas Meyer

René Ronchetti

Walter Nehls1

CEO

CFO

Head Business Unit Wire

Head Business Unit Medtech

Head Business Unit Solar

7 300

500

0

50

n.s.

29 000

9 000

9 000

7 000

n.s.

Total Executive Committee

7 850

54 000

1  Member of the Executive Committee until 30 September 2014.

6 300

1 000

0

0

1 500

8 800

Options

31 000

9 000

9 000

4 000

11 799

64 799

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KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014ANNUAL REPORT
COM PENSATI ON REPORT

e  8 Changes to the compensation system in 2015

Following  implementation  of  the  Ordinance  against  Excessive  Remuneration  in  Listed  Com-
panies Limited by Shares (ERCO) and numerous discussions with institutional investors, private 
shareholders and voting proxies, the Board of Directors reviewed the current remuneration policy 
and  compensation  programmes  in  order  to  further  improve  their  alignment  with  the  economic 
environment, corporate strategy and long-term shareholder interests. This review gave rise to a 
number of modifications, which will be implemented in 2015.

Compensation of the Board of Directors

8.1  
The allocation of share options will be discontinued with effect from 2015. In future, the Board of 
Directors will receive fixed compensation that will be paid partly in cash and partly in the form of 
shares with a three-year restriction period. 

Compensation of the Executive Committee

8.2  
In  2015,  the  annual  allocation  of  share  options  will  be  discontinued  and  replaced  by  a  Per-
formance Share Units Plan (PSU Plan). The PSU Plan provides for the annual allocation of perfor-
mance share units, which are subject to a three-year vesting period.
The  number  of  PSUs  allocated  consists  of  the  fixed  allocation  amount  in  CHF  divided  by  the 
share price at the time of allocation. The allocation may amount to a maximum of 662⁄3% of fixed 
base salary. The actual payout at the end of the vesting period takes the form of shares, and is 
dependent on the average EBIT margin over three years compared to the target margin defined 
in advance. The payout multiplier may range between 0% and 150%.
The actual value of the allocation at the end of the vesting period is therefore dependent on the 
payout multiplier and the development of the share price over the course of the vesting period. 
The  performance  incentives  for  senior  managers  are  therefore  aligned  with  the  long-term  inter-
ests of shareholders.

Plan period (LTI 2015–2017)

2015 plan year

2016 plan year

2017 plan year

1 January 2015
allocation of PSU

Average EBIT margin

31 December 2017
vesting: allocation of shares 
(payout multiplyer between 0% and 150%)

With the introduction of performance conditions to the share-based compensation component, a 
significant proportion of the income of Executive Committee members will depend on the perfor-
mance of the company over the following three years. Giving a higher weighting to the long-term 
perspective – in which shareholders also have a particular interest – will result in a more balanced 
compensation  system.  The  structure  of  the  remaining  compensation  elements  for  members  of 
the Executive Committee, namely fixed compensation, the cash bonus and social security contri-
butions, remains essentially unchanged.

78

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014AN NUA L REPORT
COMP ENSATION  REPORT

Report of the statutory auditor to the Annual General Meeting of Komax Holding AG, Dierikon

We have audited the Remuneration Report (Art. 6 and 7) dated 5 March 2015 of Komax Holding AG for the year 
ended 31 December 2014.

Board of Directors’ responsibility
The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation and overall fair presentation of the remuneration report in 
accordance with Swiss law and the Ordinance against Excessive Compensation in Stock Exchange-Listed Compa-
nies (Ordinance). The Board of Directors is also responsible for designing the remuneration system and defining in-
dividual remuneration packages.

Auditor’s responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the accompanying remuneration report. We conducted our audit in 
accordance with Swiss Auditing Standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and 
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the remuneration report complies with 
Swiss law and articles 14–16 of the Ordinance.
An  audit  involves  performing  procedures  to  obtain  audit  evidence  on  the  disclosures  made  in  the  remuneration 
report  with  regard  to  compensation,  loans  and  credits  in  accordance  with  articles  14–16  of  the  Ordinance.  The 
procedures  selected  depend  on  the  auditor’s  judgement,  including  the  assessment  of  the  risks  of  material  mis-
statements in the remuneration report, whether due to fraud or error. This audit also includes evaluating the rea-
sonableness of the methods applied to value components of remuneration, as well as assessing the overall pres-
entation  of  the  remuneration  report.  We  believe  that  the  audit  evidence  we  have  obtained  is  sufficient  and 
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Opinion
In our opinion, the remuneration report of Komax Holding AG for the year ended 31 December 2014 complies with 
Swiss law and articles 14–16 of the Ordinance.

PricewaterhouseCoopers AG

Sven Rumpel
Audit expert

Gerd Tritschler 
Audit expert 
Auditor in charge

Basel, 9 March 2015

2014

KOM AX GROUP 
AN NUA L REPORT

79

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CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL  STATEM ENTS

FINANCIAL STATEM EN TS 
OF KOM AX HOLDING AG

Comments
141

Balance sheet
143

Income statement
144

Notes
145

Corporate structure
150

Proposal for the 
appropriation of profit
152

Report of the auditors
153

Comments
82

Consolidated 
balance sheet
86

Consolidated 
income statement
87

Consolidated statement 
of comprehensive income
88

Consolidated 
cash flow statement
89

Consolidated statement 
of shareholders’ equity
90

Notes
91

Report of the auditors
140

FIN ANC IAL REPORT
CONTENTS

81

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014FINANCIAL REPORTComments on the consolidated
financial statements

The Komax Solar business was sold to Komax Solar’s management team as part of a manage-
ment buyout (MBO) in the second half of 2014. The MBO was structured as an asset deal, and 
the newly founded company commenced operations on 1 October 2014. Komax holds a minority 
stake of 25% in the new company Xcell Automation Inc., which is headquartered in York, Penn-
sylvania  (USA).  As  the  cumulative  criteria  of  IFRS  5  (“Non-current  Assets  Held  for  Sale  and 
 Discontinued  Operations”)  were  met  as  per  31  December  2014,  the  standard  was  applied 
 accordingly  and  the  result  of  the  Solar  segment  was  reported  under  EBIT  as  “Result  from 
 discontinued operations”. The previous year’s figures have likewise been revised. The following 
notes  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  do  not,  therefore,  contain  any  figures  from  the 
discontinued activities, except where explicitly mentioned.

e  Income statement

Order intake
Order intake totalled CHF 367.7 million in 2014, compared with CHF 343.9 million in 2013, which 
equates to an increase of around 7% (adjusted for acquisitions: increase of 2.3%).

Revenues (net sales and other operating income)
Komax  generated  revenues  of  CHF  363.3  million  in  the  2014  financial  year.  This  represents  an 
increase in revenues of 12.2% compared to the previous year. The following is a breakdown of 
net sales by currency in 2014 (percentages in brackets are for the previous year):

– CHF 30% (32%) 
– USD 19% (23%) 

– EUR 33% (30%)
– Other foreign currencies 18% (15%)

The slight decline in the proportion of revenues booked in CHF is attributable to the acquisition 
made  in  2014.  SLE  quality  engineering,  which  is  based  in  Grafenau,  Germany,  invoices  almost 
exclusively in EUR. Although the EUR did not fluctuate significantly against the CHF in the year 
under review, thanks to the continued support of the Swiss National Bank, the currency impact 
remained a challenge in 2014. This is primarily due to the increasing significance of currencies of 
certain emerging markets, some of whose exchange rates have come under significant pressure 
since 2013. However, the Komax Group was able to book the largest proportion of revenues in 
other foreign currencies in CNY, and the Chinese currency proved very stable against the CHF in 
2014. It continues to be highly correlated with the USD. Towards the end of the fourth quarter, 
most currencies appreciated to some degree against the CHF. This was also an indirect conse-
quence of coupling the CHF to the EUR, as was made abundantly clear in January 2015 after the 
abandonment  of  the  minimum  exchange  rate  policy  and  the  significant  foreign  exchange 
 movements that ensued. The foreign currency impact at net sales level lay in negative territory for 
the year as a whole (–1.7%).

Net sales in Europe (excl. Switzerland) amounted to CHF 167.6 million in 2014. This equates to 
some  46%  of  total  net  sales.  Asia  accounted  for  the  second-largest  proportion  of  sales  in  the 
2014 financial year, specifically 22.5%. Sales in China developed particularly impressively. In the 
Africa region, net sales amounted to CHF 32.9 million and were once again primarily generated 
in Morocco. This represents a significant year-on-year rise (2013: CHF 22.8 million). Komax ex-
perienced its most significant fall in sales last year in South America (decline of just under 32%). 
This  development  was  attributable  to  persistently  difficult  economic  conditions  and  the  weak-
ness of the Brazilian real. Nonetheless, Brazil remains by far the most important South American 
market  for  Komax.  Komax  reported  another  good  result  in  North  America  in  the  year  under  re-
view, with net sales coming in at CHF 61.3 million. Product purchasers in North America are split 
between Mexico (around two-thirds) and the US (around one-third).

82

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014Gross profit
The  foreign  currency  impact  at  gross  profit  level  was  negative  in  the  year  under  review  at  –1.1 
percentage points. Nonetheless, the gross profit margin of 60.6% virtually matched that of the 
previous year (60.7%). 

Operating expenses
Personnel  expenses  amounted  to  32.6%  of  revenues  in  the  year  under  review,  compared  to 
32.0% in 2013. Among other things, the increase is attributable to the rise in customer-specific 
systems in the Wire business unit. In addition, we have consistently expanded our spectrum of 
services  on  a  global  basis,  further  increased  development  services  –  which   predominantly 
 comprise personnel costs – and specifically expanded sales and marketing activities. The Komax 
Group generated revenues per employee of TCHF 261 in 2014, compared to TCHF 262 in 2013. 
As per 31 December 2014, the Komax Group employed a total of 1 498 people compared to 1 282 
at the end of 2013. The increase is spread relatively evenly between the reporting areas, with only 
the administration area having changed insignificantly.

Research and development expenditure
R&D expenditure amounted to CHF 25.8 million compared to CHF 24.9 million in 2013. It there-
fore  amounted  to  7.1%  of  revenues  in  2014,  compared  to  7.7%  the  previous  year.  The  “Other 
operating expenses” item in the income statement includes CHF 4.5 million for third-party devel-
opment services. The lion’s share of internal development expenses of CHF 21.3 million primar ily 
comprises own work  on  the part  of our development staff. The  increase  in research and devel-
opment expenditure compared to the previous year is primarily attributable to higher expenditure 
at  Komax  Wire.  As  per  31  December  2014,  the  Komax  Group  employed  a  total  of  150  staff  in  
R&D  –  the  vast  majority  of  them  in  Switzerland.  However,  we  also  have  development  units  in 
China and Japan. The 246 employees listed under Engineering work directly on customer  projects. 
Their  staff  costs  are  therefore  not  included  in  research  and  development  expenditure.  The 
 increase in Engineering was significantly greater than in the other areas, and is primarily attribut-
able to the acquisition of SLE quality engineering in Grafenau, Germany. This company primarily 
produces customer-specific systems, and requires significantly more engineering services than 
the remainder of the Wire business unit.

Operating profit (EBIT)
The Komax Group generated an operating profit of CHF 48.1 million in the year under review. This 
corresponds  to  a  margin  of  13.2%  and  is  therefore  slightly  below  the  previous  year’s  result  of 
13.4%.  The  key  reasons  for  this  development  are  the  lower  year-on-year  profit  in  the  Medtech 
business, whereas the profit of the Wire business unit was sharply up in absolute terms and up 
18.7% in percentage terms. Moreover, personnel expenses in the Corporate area rose year-on-
year  due  to  one-off  corrections  booked  in  connection  with  IAS  19  in  2013.  Further  details  on 
segment reporting can be found on pages 130 to 132. 

Financial result
The financial result amounted to CHF −1.3 million, of which CHF −1.1 million net related to inter-
est expenses. Net interest expenses in the previous year amounted to CHF −1.0 million, and were 
therefore virtually unchanged in a year-on-year comparison. Short-term loans to subsidiary com-
panies in foreign currencies are typically granted in USD or EUR, which makes the financial result 
heavily dependent on the development of these currencies against the CHF. 

83

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORTResult from discontinued operations
As  mentioned  above  in  the  introduction  to  the  notes  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements, 
Komax sold its Solar segment to the management of this former business unit in York, Pennsyl-
vania (USA) in the 2014 financial year. The loss from discontinued operations in 2014 amounted 
to CHF 15.9 million. This amount includes one-off valuation adjustments on goodwill, technology, 
and  other  assets  amounting  to  CHF  8.7  million.  These  were  booked  to  coincide  with  the  sale 
decision. The operating business of the divested Solar business unit reported a loss at EBIT  level 
of CHF 6.3 million. The newly founded company Xcell Automation Inc., which is based in York, 
Pennsylvania (USA), will finish the remaining incomplete orders on behalf of Komax in 2015. 

Group result
In  the  2014  financial  year,  profit  before  taxes  (EBT)  amounted  to  CHF  46.8  million  (12.9%  of 
 revenues), compared to CHF 40.3 million (12.4% of revenues) in the previous year. The tax rate 
for the year under review came to 11.5% (2013: 16.5%). The tax rate was calculated after deduc-
tion  of  the  result  from  discontinued  activities,  as  this  percentage  is  otherwise  largely  meaning-
less. The significant decline in the tax rate is primarily the result of healthy business development 
in Switzerland and a number of capitalized tax-loss carryforwards in countries with significantly 
higher tax rates. Group profit after tax (EAT) amounted to CHF 27.7 million in 2014 (2013: CHF 
25.1  million)  with  basic  earnings  per  share  amounting  to  CHF  7.64,  slightly  higher  than  the 
 prior-year figure of CHF 7.33.

e  Balance sheet

Assets
As per 31 December 2014, current assets excluding cash and cash equivalents had increased by 
12.5% to CHF 189.8 million. Cash and cash equivalents amounted to CHF 52.7 million at the end 
of  the  reporting  period,  a  year-on-year  increase  of  just  under  CHF  0.5  million.  The  increase  in 
current assets was therefore broadly in line with the increase in revenues. As at the balance sheet 
date, the Komax Group can nonetheless report significantly higher net cash of CHF 29.2 million 
(2013:  CHF  22.6  million).  The  figure  of  CHF  106.1  million  for  trade  receivables  also  includes 
 underfinanced projects of CHF 22.7 million net according to the POC method. This represents an 
increase of CHF 4.5 million on the level reported at 31 December 2013. Overdue receivables are 
also  reported  in  the  notes  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements.  As  at  31  December  2014, 
these amounted to CHF 15.8 million, of which 10.7% were overdue by more than 120 days. At 
the end of 2013, overdue receivables amounted to CHF 20.5 million; however, the proportion of 
receivables overdue by more than 120 days has fallen sharply. As a result of the healthy commer-
cial and financial environment at both Komax Wire and Komax Medtech, no material increase in 
impairments in the receivables area is anticipated in the future.

Liabilities
Current  liabilities  amounted  to  CHF  68.1  million  as  at  31  December  2014.  This  amount  also 
 includes  overfinanced  projects  amounting  to  CHF  4.8  million  net  valued  according  to  the  POC 
method (2013: CHF 5.7 million). 

Furthermore, current liabilities also include provisions amounting to CHF 6.3 million (2013: CHF 
4.5  million).  The  increase  in  provisions  is  the  result  of  accruals  in  connection  with  warranties, 
which  will  primarily  be  applied  to  the  Wire  business  unit  over  the  course  of  2015.  At  CHF  0.7 
million, the figure for the reversal of provisions no longer required was lower than in the previous 
year. 

84

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014Non-current  liabilities  recorded  only  a  slight  year-on-year  rise  of  CHF  4.2  million  to  CHF  33.8 
million. This is primarily attributable to liabilities resulting from defined benefit pension plans as 
per IAS 19.  Although  the  Komax  pension  fund recorded  a very  good  result  in 2014, the assets 
were  not  sufficient  to  achieve  full  cover  due  to  the  new,  much  lower  technical  interest  rate  of 
1.1%. The impact of the lower technical interest rate, which was cut from 2.0% to 1.1%,  amounted 
to more than CHF 22 million. 

The Komax Group continues to have access to a CHF 120 million syndicated loan facility, as well 
as  other  local  credit  lines  up  to  a  maximum  of  CHF  15  million.  All  covenants  were  again  fully 
complied with at all times in 2014. 

The shareholders’ equity attributable to shareholders of the parent company amounted to CHF 
284.2  million  as  at  31  December  2014  (73.2%  of  the  balance  sheet  total),  compared  with  CHF 
264.0  million  as  at  31  December  2013.  The  currency  translation  differences  of  CHF  6.7  million 
were very much positive (2013: CHF −3.1 million) because the balance sheet date exchange rates 
were generally higher against the CHF than a year previously.

Assets and liabilities held for sale
At 31 December 2014, assets of CHF 8.9 million are recorded as “Assets classified as held for 
sale”, and liabilities of CHF 0.1 million as “Liabilities classified as held for sale”. Further details 
on these positions are provided in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements (pages 114 
and 115).

e  Cash flow statement

Cash flow from operating activities
Cash  flow  from  operating  activities  prior  to  the  change  in  net  current  assets  and  provisions 
amounted to CHF 39.8 million (2013: CHF 37.7 million), or CHF 30.3 million after changes in net 
current assets and provisions (2013: CHF 31.7 million). The positive cash flow is the result of the 
increase  in  Group  profit  after  taxes  and  the  only  moderate  rise  in  current  assets,  despite  the 
 increase in revenues. 

Cash flow from investing activities
The cash outflow from investing activities amounted to CHF 15.9 million net, which represents a 
significant increase of CHF 8.7 million on the previous year. The increase in investment is primar-
ily attributable to the purchase of a plot of land at the main site in Dierikon, Switzerland, and to 
investment in intangible assets, which were CHF 2.4 million higher in 2014 than in the previous 
year. In addition to the land purchase, the main focus of investment in the year under review was 
on machinery for the Wire business unit’s manufacturing activities, as well as on the expansion 
of the global network (hardware and software). 

Free  cash  flow,  i.e.  cash  flow  from  operating  activities  after  deduction  of  net  investments, 
amounted to CHF 14.4 million, which represents a decline of CHF 10.1 million compared to the 
previous year. This decline is solely attributable to the higher investment in 2014.

Cash flow from financing activities
Bank loans amounting to CHF 7.0 million net were repaid in 2014. In addition, positive cash flow 
of CHF 7.1 million was generated by the exercising of employees’ options. The dividend distribu-
tion  from  reserves  for  capital  contributions  amounted  to  CHF  16.0  million  in  2014.  Despite  the 
significantly higher investment and increase in the distribution out of reserves from capital con-
tributions, the cash flow statement shows an increase of CHF 0.5 million.

85

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORTe  Consolidated balance sheet

in TCHF

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Securities

Trade receivables

Other receivables and accrued income / prepaid expenses

Inventories

Assets classified as held for sale

Total current assets

Deferred tax assets

Other non-current receivables

Investments in associates

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

Financial liabilities

Trade payables

Other payables and accrued expenses / deferred income

Current income tax liabilities

Provisions

Liabilities classified as held for sale

Total current liabilities

Financial loans

Deferred tax liabilities

Defined benefit plan liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Share capital

Treasury shares

Capital surplus (premium) 

Other reserves

Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent company

Non-controlling interest

Total shareholders’ equity

Notes

31.12.2014

31.12.2013

  5

  6

  7

  8

  9

10

11

12

14

15

16

18

19

20

21

10

22

11

13

23

52 699

182

106 139

19 959

54 642

8 869

52 203

0

95 751

19 751

53 270

0

242 490

220 975

20 452

2 472

17

75 253

47 368

145 562

14 096

287

2 128

70 587

49 518

136 616

388 052

357 591

0

19 745

36 317

5 617

6 348

81

68 108

23 670

3 345

6 759

33 774

101 882

361

−2 245

28 398

257 654

284 168

2 002

286 170

4 044

15 697

33 576

5 586

4 454

0

63 357

25 543

4 040

0

29 583

92 940

352

−2 919

37 345

229 207

263 985

666

264 651

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

388 052

357 591

The notes on pages 91 to 139 are an integral component of these consolidated financial statements.

86

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014e  Consolidated income statement

in TCHF

Net sales

Other operating income

Cost of materials

Personnel expenses

Rental expenses

Maintenance and repair expenses

Representation and advertising expenses

Depreciation

Other operating expenses

Operating expenses

Operating profit before interest and taxes

Financial income

Financial expenses

Group profit before taxes

Taxes 

Group profit after taxes from continuing operations

Result from discontinued operations

Group profit after taxes

Of which attributable to:

– Equity holders of the parent company 

– Non-controlling interest

Attributable to equity holders of the parent company

Basic earnings per share (in CHF)

Diluted earnings per share (in CHF)

Earnings per share from continuing operations

Basic earnings per share (in CHF)

Diluted earnings per share (in CHF)

1  Prior-year figures restated in accordance with Note 10.

The notes on pages 91 to 139 are an integral component of these consolidated financial statements.

Notes

2014

20131

362 853

323 501

485

458

24

25

26

15/16

28

29

29

30

10

31

31

31

31

143 150

118 479

5 005

8 729

10 075

9 561

20 237

315 236

48 102

3 307

−4 584

46 825

3 165

43 660

−15 917

27 743

27 137

606

27 743

7.64

7.42

12.09

11.75

127 325

103 651

4 722

7 477

9 622

9 280

18 585

280 662

43 297

4 283

−7 277

40 303

5 239

35 064

−9 935

25 129

25 362

−233

25 129

7.33

7.16

10.14

9.90

87

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORT 
e  Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

in TCHF

Group profit after taxes

Revaluation of defined benefit plans

Income taxes

Items that will not be reclassified to the income statement

Currency translation differences from foreign subsidiaries

Currency translation differences from investments in associates

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to the income statement

Other comprehensive income after taxes

2014

27 743

−8 175

1 084

−7 091

6 747

−4

6 743

−348

2013

25 129

6 533

−860

5 673

−3 104

33

−3 071

2 602

Comprehensive income after taxes

27 395

27 731

Of which attributable to:

– Equity holders of the parent company

– Non-controlling interest

26 916

479

27 395

27 959

−228

27 731

The notes on pages 91 to 139 are an integral component of these consolidated financial statements.

88

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014e  Consolidated cash flow statement

in TCHF

Cash flow from operating activities

Group profit after taxes

Adjustment for non-cash items

− Taxes

− Depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment

− Depreciation and impairment of intangible assets

− Profit (–) / loss (+) from sale of non-current assets

− Expense for share-based payments

− Employee benefits

− Net financial result

− Other non-cash items

Interest received and other financial income

Interest paid and other financial expenses

Taxes paid

Cash flow before change in net current assets and provisions

Increase (+) / decrease (–) in provisions

Increase (–) / decrease (+) in trade receivables

Increase (–) / decrease (+) in inventories

Increase (+) / decrease (–) in trade payables

Increase (–) / decrease (+) in other net current assets

Total cash flow from operating activities

Cash flow from investing activities

Investments in property, plant and equipment

Sale of property, plant and equipment

Sale of non-current assets held for sale

Investments in intangible assets

Sale of intangible assets

Investments in associates
Investments in Group companies and participations1
Sale of Group companies and participations2

Purchase (–) / sale (+) of securities

Total cash flow from investing activities

Cash flow from financing activities

Increase in financial liabilities

Decrease in financial liabilities

Sale of securities held for trading

Sale of treasury shares

Capital increase (share-based payments)

Distribution out of reserves from capital contributions

Dividend paid

Total cash flow from financing activities

Effect of currency translations on cash and cash equivalents

Increase (+) / decrease (–) in funds

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December

1  Less cash and cash equivalents acquired.
2  Less cash and cash equivalents sold.

Notes

2014

2013

27 743

25 129

30

15

16

13

29

15

16

14

33

18 / 22

18 / 22

26

5

3 601

7 627

8 183

58

1 366

−1 416

1 164

222

487

−1 335

−7 949

39 751

1 684

4 977

6 644

3 898

−328

1 769

−1 988

3 118

−90

682

−1 399

−4 670

37 742

−1 653

−10 158

−10 264

817

2 360

−4 159

30 295

−10 545

467

0

−5 021

455

−134

−817

−106

−182

3 391

1 649

869

31 734

−5 410

534

930

−2 622

0

0

−621

0

0

−15 883

−7 189

0

−7 039

0

839

7 065

−16 003

−98

−15 236

1 320

496

52 203

52 699

1 550

−29 096

70

192

4 863

−6 909

0

−29 330

−667

−5 452

57 655

52 203

89
89

The notes on pages 91 to 139 are an integral component of these consolidated financial statements.

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
e  Consolidated statement of shareholders’ equity

2014

in TCHF

Balance on 1 January 2014

Other comprehensive income

Group profit after taxes

Comprehensive income after taxes

Capital increase from exercise of options

Distribution out of reserves from capital  
contributions

Dividend paid

Transactions in treasury shares

Share-based payments

Equity contribution by non-controlling interests

Equity outflow due to non-controlling interests

Attributable to equity holders of the parent company

Other reserves

Share
capital

Treasury
shares

Premium

Currency
differences

Retained
earnings

Non-
control ling 
interest

Total  
shareholders’ 
equity

352

−2 919

37 345

−29 083

258 290

0

9

6 870

0

0

6 870

7 056

−16 003

674

−7 091

27 137

20 046

165

1 366

666

−127

606

479

−98

1 439

−484

264 651

−348

27 743

27 395

7 065

−16 003

−98

839

1 366

1 439

−484

Balance on 31 December 2014

361

−2 245

28 398

−22 213

279 867

2 002

286 170

2013

in TCHF

Balance on 1 January 2013

Other comprehensive income

Group profit after taxes

Comprehensive income after taxes

Capital increase from exercise of options

Distribution out of reserves from capital 
contributions

Transactions in treasury shares

Share-based payments

Attributable to equity holders of the parent company

Other reserves

Share
capital

Treasury
shares

Premium

Currency
differences

Retained
earnings

Non-
control ling 
interest

Total  
shareholders’  
equity

344

−3 086

39 399

−26 007

225 461

0

8

−3 076

0

0

−3 076

4 855

−6 909

167

5 673

25 362

31 035

25

1 769

894

5

−233

−228

237 005

2 602

25 129

27 731

4 863

−6 909

192

1 769

Balance on 31 December 2013

352

−2 919

37 345

−29 083

258 290

666

264 651

The notes on pages 91 to 139 are an integral component of these consolidated financial statements.

90

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014e  Notes to the consolidated financial statements

General information

1  
The  Komax  Group  is  active  in  the  manufacture  of  machines,  and  as  at  31  December  2014 
 employed 1 498 people worldwide (2013: 1 282 employees). The parent company, Komax Holding 
AG,  is  domiciled  in  Dierikon,  Canton  Lucerne  (Switzerland).  The  Komax  Group’s  business 
 activities are focused on the development, production and sale of high-quality capital goods for 
precision  engineering,  electronics  and  information  technology  in  the  areas  of  wire  processing 
and   automated  production  and  assembly.  The  focus  here  is  on  highly  automated  production 
systems  for  the  automotive,  household  appliance,  electronics,  telecommunication  and  medical 
 technology  sectors.  The  Komax  Group  sells  to  the  world  market.  Komax  has  a  network  of  21 
operating  subsidiaries  and  around  50  independent  agencies  to  ensure  on-the-spot  sales  and 
service support.

The present consolidated financial statements were adopted by the Board of Directors of Komax 
Holding AG on 5 March 2015 and released for publication. Their approval by the Annual General 
Meeting, scheduled for 8 May 2015, is pending.

Summary of significant accounting policies

2  
The significant recognition and measurement policies used in compiling the consolidated finan-
cial  statements  are  presented  in  the  paragraphs  below.  Unless  otherwise  stated,  the  methods 
described are always applied to the periods reviewed.

Accounting policies

2.1  
The consolidated financial statements of the Komax Group are based on the individual financial 
statements  of  the  Group  companies,  compiled  in  accordance  with  uniform  standards,  as  at 
31 December 2014. The Group’s accounting is based on historical purchase or production cost. 
Exceptions to this rule relate to the marking to market of financial assets available for sale, and 
the valuation of financial assets and liabilities at agreed fair value with effect on the income state-
ment (including derivative financial instruments). The consolidated financial statements are struc-
tured in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) published by the 
International  Accounting  Standards  Board  (IASB)  and  comply  with  Swiss  law  and  the  Listing 
Rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange.

2.1.1    New standards and interpretations and amendments to published standards 

adopted by the Group

Komax adopted the following new standards and amendments to existing standards in accord-
ance with the requirements for the financial year commencing 1 January 2014.

IFRS 10 “Consolidated Financial Statements”, IFRS 12 “Disclosure of Interests in Other 

– 
  Entities” and IAS 27 “Separate Financial Statements”: Investment entities
– 

IAS 32 “Financial instruments: presentation”: Offsetting financial assets and  
financial liabilities
IAS 36 “Impairment of assets”: Recoverable amount disclosures for non-financial assets
IAS 39 “Financial instruments: recognition and measurement”: Novation of derivatives  

– 
– 
  and continuation of hedge accounting 
– 

IFRIC 21 “Levies”

These  amendments  currently  have  no  impact  on  the  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the 
Komax Group. 

91

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORT 
2.1.2    New standards and interpretations and amendments to published standards 

that are not yet obligatory and are not being applied by the Group at an early 
stage

The Group is currently reviewing the possible repercussions of other new and revised standards 
and interpretations that will take effect from 1 January 2015 or at a later date. Komax is not ap-
plying these early. With the exception of the following new IFRS standards, an initial analysis in-
dicates that these will not have any material impact on the overall result or financial situation of 
the Group.

IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments”: This standard is applicable from 1 January 2018,  but early 

– 
  application is permissible. The Group is currently assessing the impact of IFRS 9.
IFRS 15 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”: This standard is applicable  
– 
from 1 January 2017, but early application is permissible. The Group is currently  

  assessing the impact of IFRS 15.

Scope of consolidation

2.2  
2.2.1   Subsidiaries
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the individual financial statements of Komax 
Holding AG, Dierikon, and its subsidiaries. The individual consolidated subsidiaries are listed on 
pages 150 and 151. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated if Komax Holding AG exercises control 
over their financial and business policies. As a rule, this is the case if Komax Holding AG directly 
or indirectly holds over 50% of the subsidiary’s voting capital. Subsidiaries are included in the 
consolidated  financial  statements  (fully  consolidated)  from  the  date  when  the  Group  assumes 
control. They are deconsolidated from the date when control ends.

Acquired subsidiaries are accounted for according to the acquisition method. Acquisition costs 
are  equal  to  the  fair  value  of  the  assets  assumed,  equity  instruments  issued,  and  liabilities 
 incurred  or  assumed  at  the  date  of  exchange.  Costs  directly  assignable  to  acquisitions  will  be 
directly  booked  to  the  income  statement.  Assets,  liabilities  and  contingent  liabilities  identified 
during  a  merger  are  recognized  at  fair  value  on  first  consolidation,  regardless  of  the  extent  of 
minority interests. The excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share 
of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition is less 
than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired (negative goodwill), the difference 
is recognized directly in the income statement.

Intragroup  transactions,  balances  and  unrealized  gains  and  losses  from  transactions  between 
Group companies are eliminated. 

2.2.2   Changes in the scope of consolidation
On 1 January 2014, Komax acquired the majority of SLE quality engineering GmbH & Co. KG and 
SLE  quality  engineering  Verwaltungs  GmbH.  The  two  companies  have  accordingly  been  fully 
consolidated  as  of  this  year.  Further  details  on  these  acquisitions  are  provided  in  Note  33  on 
pages 137 and 138. In addition, Komax and its Chinese partner Yingkou Jinchen Machinery Co. 
Ltd. signed an agreement whereby Yingkou Jinchen Machinery Co. Ltd. acquired Komax’s 51% 
stake  in  the  Komax  Jinchen  joint  venture.  This  transaction  was  completed  in  July  2014  after  it 
had been approved by the relevant Chinese authorities. No acquisitions were made the previous 
year. However, the subsidiary company Komax SA Pty. Ltd. in Port Elizabeth, South Africa (100% 
interest), was closed.

92

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014 
The  mentioned  transactions  in  2014  and  2013  aside,  there  were  no  changes  in  the  scope  of 
 consolidation either in the 2014 reporting year or in the prior-year period. 

2.2.3   Transactions with non-controlling interests
Komax treats transactions with non-controlling interests as equity capital transactions with the 
owners. When non-controlling interests are acquired, the difference between the equivalent value 
paid per share and the corresponding acquired interest in the carrying value of the net assets of 
the  subsidiary  company  is  recognized  in  shareholders’  equity.  Any  profit  from  the  sale  of  non- 
controlling interests is likewise booked under shareholders’ equity.

2.2.4   Shares in joint ventures and associates
Ownership interests of between 20% and 50% and joint ventures over which Komax Holding AG 
exercises  significant  influence  are  accounted  for  according  to  the  equity  method  and  initially 
recognized at acquisition cost. Cumulative changes in the value of such holdings after acquisi-
tion are reported in the income statement and charged against the carrying value of the holding. 
If a cumulative loss equals or exceeds the value of the Group’s interest in an associate, no further 
losses  are  recorded  unless  the  Group  has  assumed  obligations  for  the  associate  or  made  pay-
ments on its behalf. Unrealized profits from transactions between Group companies and associ-
ates are eliminated in proportion to the Group’s interest in the affiliate.

As Komax typically does not exercise any material influence on companies in which it holds an 
interest of less than 20%, and deems these interests to be potentially sellable at any point, they 
are treated as “held for trading” and measured at fair value. They are reported under “Securities”.

In the second half of 2014, Komax acquired a 25% stake in Xcell Automation Inc., which is based 
in York, Pennsylvania (USA), for a total of CHF 0.1 million. As per 31 December 2013, Komax held 
30% of SLE quality engineering GmbH & Co. KG and 30% of SLE quality engineering Verwaltungs 
GmbH.  Komax  acquired  a  majority  interest  in  both  companies  as  per  1  January  2014.  Further 
details on associated companies are provided in Note 14 on page 122.

Komax  held  no  material  investments  below  20%  and  no  interests  in  joint  ventures  at  either  
31 December 2014 or 31 December 2013.

Segment reporting

2.3  
Komax’s reportable segments are based on the Group’s strategic business areas, in which prod-
ucts using different technologies are manufactured and sold on the basis of independent market-
ing  strategies.  The  internal  organizational  structure  is  fully  geared  towards  the  individual  busi-
ness areas, each of which comes under the responsibility of a separate head.

The  Executive  Committee  of  the  Komax  Group  is  designated  as  the  chief  operating  decision- 
maker. They receive financial information on the individual segments on a regular basis, enabling 
it  to  assess  their  profitability  and  decide  the  operational  allocation  of  resources  to  the  various 
areas.

93

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORTThe  financial  data  of  the  operating  segments  is  established  according  to  the  same  accounting 
principles set out here. Transfer prices between the operating segments are set on an “at arm’s 
length” basis. The Executive Committee assesses the profitability of the segments on the basis 
of their earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT). Information on the assets and liabilities of the 
individual  segments  is  not  reported  to  the  chief  operating  decision-maker,  which  is  why  such 
information is also not disclosed in external reporting.

In accordance with internal reporting to the chief operating decision-maker, the Group has been 
disclosing information for its three business segments of Wire, Solar and Medtech from the 2009 
financial year onwards. In 2013, Komax announced that it was selling its Solar business. In the 
second  half  of  2014,  Komax  sold  its  51%  interest  in  the  Komax  Jinchen  joint  venture  to  its 
 Chinese  partner  Yingkou  Jinchen  Machinery  Co.  Ltd.  In  addition,  the  remaining  activities  of 
 Komax Solar were transferred to the management team of Komax Solar as part of a management 
buyout.  This  business  unit  is  reported  as  “Non-current  Assets  Held  for  Sale  and  Discontinued 
Operations” under IFRS 5, and therefore no longer forms part of the company’s segment report-
ing. With effect from 2014, therefore (retroactive application of IFRS 5 for 2013), Komax only has 
two business units. The Wire segment essentially comprises the development, production, distri-
bution  and  maintenance  of  wire  processing  machines  and  systems  used  primarily  for  wire  pro-
duction in the automotive and electronics industries. The Medtech segment includes the design 
and  production  of  assembly  systems  for  the  pharmaceutical  industry  (Medtech)  as  well  as  the 
manufacturing of assembly lines for inkjet cartridges (Inkjet). The development and manufactur-
ing of systems for the assembly of mechanical and electronic components in the automotive and 
electronics  sector  (Mechanical  and  Electronic  Systems  Assembly)  is  also  assigned  to  this  seg-
ment.

2.4   Currency conversion
2.4.1   Functional currency and reporting currency
Items  included  in  the  financial  statements  of  each  entity  are  measured  using  the  currency  that 
best  reflects  the  economic  substance  of  the  underlying  events  and  circumstances  relevant  to 
that  entity  (the  functional  currency).  The  consolidated  financial  statements  are  presented  in 
Swiss francs, which is the functional currency of the parent company, Komax Holding AG.

2.4.2   Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency at the rate prevailing on 
the date of the transaction. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of 
such transactions and from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in for-
eign  currencies  are  recognized  in  the  income  statement,  except  when  taken  to  shareholders’ 
equity as a qualifying cash flow hedge.

94

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT20142.4.3   Group companies
The earnings and balance sheet figures of foreign business units with a functional currency other 
than the Swiss franc are translated to Swiss francs as follows:

a)  Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date for  

each such date.

b)  Revenues and expenses are translated at the weighted average exchange rate for each  

income statement.

c)  All exchange rate gains and losses are recognized in other comprehensive income and  

reported on a separate line within the other reserves under shareholders’ equity.

Exchange  rate  differences  arising  from  the  translation  of  net  investments  in  foreign  business 
units  are  recognized  under  comprehensive  income.  When  a  foreign  company  is  sold,  these  ex-
change rate differences are reported in income as part of the gain or loss from the sale.

Goodwill  and  fair  value  adjustments  occurring  during  the  acquisition  of  a  foreign  company  are 
treated  as  assets  and  liabilities  of  the  unit  and  translated  at  the  exchange  rate  on  the  balance 
sheet date.

The most important year-end and average exchange rates were as follows:

Currency

USD

EUR

BRL

CNY

MYR

Year-end rate 
31.12.2014

Average rate 
2014

Year-end rate 
31.12.2013

Average rate 
 2013

1.000

1.210

0.376

0.161

0.286

0.920

1.230

0.395

0.149

0.285

0.900 

1.240

0.380

0.148

0.273

0.940

1.240

0.443

0.152

0.300

95

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORTProperty, plant and equipment

2.5  
Property, plant and equipment are accounted for at historical acquisition or production cost less 
accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is linear over the expected service lifetime. The specific 
depreciation periods for various asset categories are:

Asset categor y

Machinery

Tools

Measuring, testing and controlling devices

Operating installations

Warehouse installations

Vehicles

Office furnishings and office machines

Information technology

Factory buildings

Office buildings

Land

Years

7–10

7

5

10

10–14

5–8

5–10

3–5

33

40

no depreciation

Maintenance, repair and minor renovation costs are charged directly to the income statement as 
expenses when incurred. Renovation work that increases the value and extends the service life 
of a tangible asset is capitalized if it is likely to generate future economic benefits for the Group, 
and the costs associated with the asset value can be reliably measured.

Property, plant and equipment which have been eliminated from the business or sold are cleared 
from the property, plant and equipment account at their acquisition cost and with the associated 
accumulated depreciation. Any profits or losses resulting from the disposal of property, plant and 
equipment  are  recognized  in  the  income  statement.  Financing  costs  for  property,  plant  and 
equipment under construction are capitalized.

Intangible assets

2.6  
2.6.1   Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquisition of a company over the fair value of the 
Group’s  share  of  the  net  assets  of  the  acquired  company  at  the  date  of  acquisition.  Goodwill 
created through acquisition of a company is reported under “Intangible assets”. Goodwill carried 
on  the  balance  sheet  is  subjected  to  an  annual  impairment  test  and  measured  at  the  original 
 acquisition cost less cumulative impairments. Impairments may not be reversed.

For  purposes  of  the  impairment  test,  goodwill  is  broken  down  across  cash-generating  units 
(CGUs). The value is distributed over those CGUs or groups of CGUs that are expected to  benefit 
from the merger that gave rise to the goodwill.

2.6.2   Patents
Patents are recognized at historical acquisition cost less cumulative amortization.

96

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT20142.6.3   Software
Purchased software licenses are capitalized at acquisition or production cost plus costs incurred 
in readying them for use. The total acquisition cost is amortized on a linear basis over three to 
five years. Costs associated with the development or maintenance of software are recorded as 
expenses at the time they are incurred.

2.6.4   Research and development expenditure
Research and development costs are capitalized and written off on a straight-line basis over their 
useful life, provided the criteria for capitalization are met. No such expenses were capitalized in 
the year under review or in the previous year, as the future economic benefits of these expenses 
cannot be accurately estimated.

2.6.5   Technology
Acquired technology assets are recognized if they bring the company measurable benefits over 
a period of several years. They are valued at acquisition cost minus linear depreciation. Acquisi-
tion costs are written down in a linear way over a period of five to ten years.

Impairment of non-monetary assets

2.7  
Assets with an indeterminate service lifetime are not amortized according to plan but subjected 
to an annual impairment test. Assets subject to planned amortization are also tested for impair-
ment  if  events  or  changes  in  circumstances  create  a  presumption  that  the  carrying  value  can 
potentially no longer be realized. An impairment is recorded in the amount by which the asset’s 
carrying value exceeds its realizable value. The realizable value is the greater of the asset’s fair 
value  less  disposal  costs  and  its  use  value.  In  determining  impairments,  assets  are  grouped 
 according to the smallest separately identifiable cash-generating units.

Financial assets

2.8  
Financial  assets  are  classified  into  the  following  categories:  recognized  at  fair  value  through 
 profit  or  loss,  loans  and  receivables,  held  to  maturity,  and  available  for  sale.  The  classification 
depends  on  the  purpose  for  which  a  given  financial  asset  was  acquired.  The  financial  assets 
recognized in the consolidated balance sheet are assigned to the following categories:

in TCHF

Securities

Total at fair value through profit or loss

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade receivables

Other receivables

Other non-current receivables

Total loans and receivables

31.12.2014

31.12.2013

182

182

52 699

106 139

17 135

2 472

0

0

52 203

95 751

16 134

287

178 445

164 375

97

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORTThe financial liabilities are allocated to the following categories:

in TCHF

Derivative financial instruments

Total held for trading

Financial liabilities (current and non-current)

Trade payables

Other payables

Total at amortized cost

31.12.2014

31.12.2013

552

552

23 670

19 745

7 398

50 813

151

151

29 587

15 697

6 182

51 466

2.8.1   Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
This  category  comprises  two  subcategories:  assets  classified  as  “Held  for  trading”  from  the 
 beginning,  and  those  classified  as  “At  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss”  from  the  beginning.  A 
 financial asset is assigned to this category if it was purchased in principle with the intent of short-
term  resale  or  designated  as  such  by  management.  Derivatives  also  belong  to  this  category  if 
they are not qualified as hedges. Assets in this category are reported as current assets if they are 
either held for trading or are expected to be realized within twelve months of the balance sheet 
date.

The “Securities” position, which is reported separately in the Komax Group’s balance sheet as 
per  31  December  2014,  is  classified  as  financial  assets  carried  “At  fair  value  through  profit  or 
loss”. Securities purchases are recorded at their market price on the date of purchase and sub-
sequently measured at fair value. Realized and unrealized gains and losses from changes in fair 
value are recognized directly in income.

2.8.2   Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or calculable payments that 
are  not  listed  on  an  active  market.  They  are  regarded  as  current  assets  if  they  mature  within 
twelve months of the balance sheet date. If the period to maturity exceeds twelve months, they 
are carried as non-current assets. Current loans and receivables are reported in the consolidated 
balance  sheet  under  “Cash  and  cash  equivalents”,  “Trade  receivables”  and  “Other  receivables 
and  accrued  income / prepaid  expenses”,  whereas  long-term  receivables  are  reported  un-
der “Other long-term receivables”.

2.8.3   Financial investments held to maturity
Financial investments held to maturity are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or calculable 
payments and a fixed maturity that the entity wishes and is able to hold to the maturity date. The 
Komax Group consolidated balance sheet does not include any financial assets in this category.

98

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT20142.8.4   Financial assets available for sale
Financial  assets  available  for  sale  are  non-derivative  assets  that  were  either  assigned  to  this 
category or not assigned to any of those described above. They are carried as non-current assets 
unless management intends to dispose of them within twelve months of the balance sheet date. 
 Komax does not hold any financial assets in this category.

Purchases and sales of financial assets are posted at the settlement date, i.e., the date when the 
asset  is  transferred.  Financial  assets  in  the  “At  fair  value  through  profit  or  loss”  category  are 
 carried at fair value, both at acquisition and after they are recognized for the first time.  Associated 
transaction  costs  and  gains  and  losses  from  financial  assets,  which  are  posted  in  the  “At  fair 
value through profit or loss” category, are reported on the income statement for the correspond-
ing  period.  Loans  and  receivables  are  carried  at  historical  purchase  price  using  the  effective 
 interest rate method.

Fair values of listed investments are based on current offer prices. For assets without an active 
market,  Komax  applies  suitable  valuation  measures  to  determine  the  fair  value.  These  include 
reference  to  recent  “arm’s-length”  transactions,  current  market  prices  of  other  similar  assets, 
discounted cash flow procedures, and option price models based as far as possible on market 
data and as little as possible on company-specific data.

At each balance sheet date, a determination is made as to whether objective indications exist of 
impairment of a financial asset or group of assets. Any impairments are charged to income in the 
corresponding period.

2.9   Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities
Derivative financial instruments are initially measured at fair value as at the date when the con-
tract is concluded. Subsequent measurement is likewise at fair value as at each balance sheet 
date. The method used to measure gains and losses depends on whether the derivative financial 
instrument  was  designated  as  a  hedging  instrument  and,  if  so,  on  the  type  of  item  hedged. 
 Derivative financial instruments may be designated as:

a)  hedges of fair value of a balance sheet asset or liability or off-balance-sheet fixed  

obligation (fair value hedge);

b)  hedges against risks of payment flow fluctuations associated with a balance sheet asset  
or liability or an anticipated and highly probable future transaction (cash flow hedge);

c)  hedges of a net investment in a foreign business operation (net investment hedge).

Since  the  Komax  Group  uses  derivative  financial  instruments  only  to  hedge  against  existing 
 foreign exchange and interest rate risks, such instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting in 
terms  of  IAS  39.  Foreign  currency  surpluses  are  hedged  in  accordance  with  financial  planning 
(economic hedges), so that changes in fair value are charged directly to income as realized and 
unrealized  gains  or  losses  for  the  relevant  period.  Only  standardized  instruments  (currency 
 forward and option contracts, interest rate and currency swaps) are used for hedging. Financing 
and hedging instruments are utilized in accordance with uniform rules throughout the Group.

99

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORTInventories

2.10  
Inventories are measured at the lower of purchase or production cost and net sales price. Pur-
chase  or  production  costs  are  determined  using  the  weighted  average  method.  Internally  pro-
duced finished and semi-finished goods are measured at production cost in accordance with the 
state of completion. Production costs of finished and unfinished products include costs for prod-
uct design, raw materials, direct personnel costs, other direct costs, and overhead costs  allocated 
to  production  (based  on  normal  operating  capacity).  Purchase  and  production  costs  do  not 
 include costs of debt capital since products do not qualify as assets in the sense of IAS 23, “Bor-
rowing Costs”, and any costs of debt capital cannot therefore be directly attributed to products. 
The net sales price is the estimated proceeds of sale attainable in the normal course of business, 
less the necessary variable selling costs.

2.11   Trade receivables
Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the original billed amount less provisions for bad debt. 
Bad debt provisions are formed if there are objective indications that not all the Group’s  accounts 
receivable will be settled. Indications that an amount may not be recoverable include signs that 
the customer may be in serious financial difficulties or if bankruptcy or financial reorganization 
appears probable. The allowance is stated separately and comprises the difference between the 
carrying amount of the receivable and the recoverable amount. The amount of the allowance is 
charged  to  the  income  statement.  An  impairment  loss  is  posted  if  the  receivable  is  no  longer 
 recoverable.  Non-current  receivables  are  discounted  to  account  for  current  value  if  the  effects 
are material.

2.12   Manufacturing contracts
Manufacturing contracts in the automated assembly and production business units, involving the 
customer-specific manufacture of systems, are valued according to the percentage-of- completion 
method  (POC).  On  the  balance  sheet,  these  are  reported  either  under  “Trade  receivables” 
or “ Other payables and accrued expenses / deferred income”, depending on the degree to which 
they are underfinanced or overfinanced. The percentage of completion is calculated according to 
the  cost-to-cost  method  (costs  incurred  in  relation  to  overall  estimated  costs  of  the  contract). 
Anticipated project losses are fully expensed in the income statement. Any costs of debt capital 
are  capitalized  provided  debt  capital  is  raised  for  the  purpose  of  financing  the  project  and 
 provided its costs can be directly attributed to a manufacturing contract.

2.13   Non-current assets held for sale
Non-current  assets  held  for  sale  are  reported  separately  under  current  assets.  Immediately 
 before their first-time classification as assets held for sale, the value of the assets is determined 
in accordance with prevailing accounting principles. Subsequently, non-current assets held for 
sale are reported at the lower of carrying amount and fair value minus cost to sell. Non-current 
assets held for sale are not depreciated / amortized.

100

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT20142.14   Cash and cash equivalents
Cash  and  cash  equivalents  includes  banknotes,  sight  deposits  and  other  current,  highly  liquid 
financial  assets  with  an  original  maturity  of  no  greater  than  three  months.  Utilized  current  ac-
count overdrafts are shown on the balance sheet as payables to credit institutions under current 
financial liabilities.

2.15   Shareholders’ equity
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. No preferred shares have been issued to date.

Costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are disclosed in equity as a net deduction 
from the proceeds.

Treasury shares are recognized at the average weighted cost of acquisition, including the trans-
action costs assignable to them, and offset against equity. When treasury shares are purchased 
or sold, the consideration paid or received will be offset against equity.

2.16   Dividend payment
Dividend distribution to the shareholders of Komax Holding AG is recognized as a liability in the 
consolidated financial statements in the period in which the dividend distribution is approved by 
the company’s shareholders.

2.17   Trade payables
Trade payables are valued initially at fair value, which is normally the amount originally invoiced, 
and subsequently measured at amortized cost.

2.18   Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are initially recognized at fair value after deducting any transaction costs. In 
subsequent periods, they are measured at historical purchase price. Any difference between the 
amount paid out and the amount due is reported in income over the duration of the liability.

Borrowings  are  classified  as  current  liabilities  unless  the  Group  has  an  unconditional  right  to 
postpone settlement of the debt until at least twelve months after the balance sheet date.

2.19   Deferred taxes
All the consolidated companies of the Komax Group are independently subject to tax, except for 
the companies in the US that are affiliated to Komax Holding Corp. (Komax Systems Rockford 
Inc., Komax Solar Inc. and Komax Corp.). In the case of the other companies, it is not possible 
to offset the taxable profit of one consolidated company with the loss of another. This should be 
remembered when comparing earnings with the tax burden.

Deferred  and  future  tax  expenses  are  calculated  on  the  basis  of  the  comprehensive  liability 
 method.  This  method  is  based  on  the  tax  rates  and  tax  regulations  applicable  on  the  balance 
sheet  date  or  which  have  in  essence  been  enacted  and  are  expected  to  apply  at  the  time  the 
deferred tax claim is realized or the deferred tax liability is settled. Deferred and future taxes are 
calculated  on  the  basis  of  the  temporary  differences  in  value  between  the  individual  balance 
sheets  and  balance  sheets  for  tax  purposes.  Such  differences  primarily  exist  in  the  case  of 
non-current assets, inventories and some provisions. Deferred tax assets are recognized in the 
amount  corresponding  to  the  probability  that  the  Group  companies  in  question  will  generate 
 sufficient future taxable income to absorb the relevant positive differences in the tax assets.

101

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORTDeferred tax liabilities are provided on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiar-
ies and associates, except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference cannot be 
determined by the Group and it is consequently probable that the temporary difference will not 
reverse in the foreseeable future.

2.20   Payments to employees
2.20.1  Employee benefits
Employee  pension  and  retirement  benefits  are  based  on  the  regulations  and  prevailing  circum-
stances in those countries in which Komax is represented. In Switzerland, pension and retirement 
benefits are based on the defined benefit model in conformity with IAS 19, “Employee Benefits”. 
The consequences of compliance with IAS 19 for retirement benefits are detailed in Note 13. In 
the  other  countries,  pension  and  retirement  benefits  are  provided  under  defined  contribution 
schemes.

The provision for defined benefit plans stated in the balance sheet represents the present value 
of the defined benefit obligation (DBO) on the balance sheet date less the fair value of plan assets. 
The DBO is calculated annually by an independent actuary according to the projected unit credit 
method.  The  recognition  of  pension  assets  is  limited  to  the  present  value  of  any  economic 
 benefits available from refunds from the plans or reductions in future contributions to the plans.

Past service costs are recognized immediately in income.

Actuarial gains and losses, which are based on experience adjustments and changes in actuarial 
assumptions, are recognized in the other comprehensive income.

In the case of defined contribution plans, the Group funds public or private retirement plans on 
the  basis  of  statutory  or  contractual  obligations  or  voluntary  contributions.  The  Group  has  no 
payment  obligations  beyond  the  payment  of  contributions.  Contributions  are  recognized  in 
 personnel expenses as they become due. Prepayments of contributions are recognized as assets 
to the extent that a right to repayment or a reduction in future payments exists.

2.20.2  Share-based compensation
The  Komax  Group  has  initiated  a  share-based  compensation  plan  involving  grants  of  its  own 
shares  by  way  of  a  capital  increase.  The  fair  value  of  the  employee  services  received  for  the 
 options is included in personnel expenses. The total amount of the expenses to be charged for 
employee options issued and still locked in is amortized over the vesting period and recognized 
in expenses. On every balance sheet date, the estimated number of options that become exer-
cisable under the vesting conditions as expected and which are relevant for determining the ex-
pense  to  be  booked  is  reviewed.  The   effects  of  any  potentially  relevant  changes  in  initial  esti-
mates  are  taken  into  account  in  the   income  statement  and  by  a  corresponding  charge  to 
shareholders’ equity during the remaining time to the vesting date. Payments received upon ex-
ercise of the options are credited to subscribed capital (at par) and to capital reserves after de-
ducting directly attributable transaction costs.

102

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT20142.20.3  Other payments after termination of employment
There are no liabilities for payments to pensioners after termination of employment.

2.20.4  Payments triggered by termination of employment
In some countries, in which the Komax Group operates its own companies, there are local regu-
lations  for  payment  triggered  by  termination  of  employment.  Komax  complies  with  these  legal 
requirements. The corresponding expenses are booked under personnel expenses.

2.20.5  Profit sharing and bonus plans
For bonus payments and profit sharing, a liability is recognized based on an appraisal procedure 
involving Group profit after certain adjustments and the beneficiary’s individual targets. A provi-
sion  is  recorded  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  in  cases  where  a  contractual  liability 
exists. The expense is recognized in income under personnel expenses.

2.21   Provisions
Provisions are recorded if the Group has a current legal or constructive obligation arising from a 
past  event  and  it  is  probable  that  settling  this  obligation  will  impact  the  asset  base,  and  if  the 
amount of the provision can be reliably estimated.

Provisions  for  warranties  are  based  on  past  payments,  sales  revenues  in  previous  years  and 
current contracts. Komax normally gives a one-year warranty on machines and systems.

The other provisions relate to various obligations and liabilities associated with past events, the 
performance of which will in all probability result in an outflow of funds.

2.22   Revenue recognition
The  Komax  Group’s  consolidated  income  statement  is  compiled  using  the  nature  of  expense 
method. Net sales comprise the fair value of considerations received or receivable for the sale of 
goods  and  services  in  the  course  of  ordinary  business  activities  after  deducting  VAT,  returns, 
discounts  and  price  reductions,  and  eliminating  intragroup  sales.  Revenues  are  recognized  as 
described below.

2.22.1 Sale of goods
Revenue  from  the  sale  of  goods  is  recognized  when  risk  and  rewards  of  ownership  have  been 
transferred to the buyer. All expenses connected with sales are recognized on an accrual basis.

2.22.2  Sale of services
Revenue from the sale of services is recognized in accordance with progress on the service ac-
cording to the ratio of completed to still outstanding services to be performed during the financial 
year in which the services are rendered.

2.22.3  Revenue recognition using the POC method
In  the  automated  assembly  and  production  field,  revenue  is  recognized  according  to  the  POC 
method.  The  Komax  Group  calculates  the  percentage  of  completion  according  to  the  ratio  of 
production costs already incurred to forecast total production costs.

103

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORT2.22.4  Interest and dividend income
Interest  income  is  accrued  using  the  effective  interest  rate  method.  Dividend  income  is  recog-
nized at the date when the right to receive the payment originates.

represent a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations
is part of a single coordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of business or 

2.23   Discontinued operations
Discontinued operations are a component part of Group business whose business area and cash 
flows are clearly separated from the rest of the Group, and which
– 
– 
  geographically distinct business area, or
– 
Classification as discontinued operations occurs upon the sale of the activities in question or as 
soon as the business area fulfils the criteria for being “Held for sale”, whichever occurs first. If a 
business area is classified as a discontinued operation, the income statement for the compara-
tive year is adjusted as if the business area had been discontinued from the start of that year.

is a subsidiary company acquired exclusively with a view to resale.

2.24   Leases
A lease under which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership remains with the 
lessor is regarded as an operating lease. Payments under operating leases (less any incentives 
provided  by  the  lessor)  are  charged  to  income  on  a  linear  basis  over  the  duration  of  the  lease 
agreement.

The Komax Group does not assume material liabilities from financial lease contracts.

Contractual  relationships  in  which  Komax  acts  as  lessor  are  reported  as  financial  leases  if  all 
risks  and  rewards  associated  with  ownership  are  essentially  transferred  to  the  lessee.  At  the 
beginning of the lease, lease payments are recognized in the balance sheet in the amount of the 
net investment value arising from the lease. Revenue is recorded in the same way as the direct 
sale of goods. Financial income is spread over the term of the lease.

Assets that are the subject of operating leases are reported in the balance sheet in accordance 
with their properties and are written down at the normal rates for similar assets. Lease income is 
recognized in the income statement on a linear basis over the term of the lease. Komax did not 
possess any significant assets that were the subject of operating leases in either the 2014 report-
ing year or the previous year.

104

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT20142.25   Government grants
Government grants are recognized if it is likely that the payments will be received and Komax can 
fulfil  the  conditions  attached  to  such  subsidies.  These  are  recognized  in  “Other  operating  in-
come”, regardless of when payment is received, and on a pro rata basis in the period in which the 
associated costs are incurred, and charged to the income statement as an expense. Grants relat-
ing to an asset are deducted from the carrying amount.

2.26   Restatement of previous years’ figures
To  ensure  that  figures  are  comparable,  prior-year  figures  are  restated  if  it  becomes  necessary 
when  new  provisions  of  the  International  Financial  Reporting  Standards  (IFRS)  are  applied  or 
existing standards are amended, or when changes are made in the presentation and structure of 
the financial statements during the reporting period.

As  announced  in  2013,  Komax  is  exiting  the  Solar  business.  As  the  cumulative  criteria  in  
IFRS  5  ,“Non-current  Assets  Held  for  Sale  and  Discontinued  Operations”,  were  met  as  per  
31 December 2014, the standard is applied accordingly and the segment concerned reclassified 
as  discontinued  operations.  The  amounts  set  out  in  the  income  statement  for  the  prior  period 
have been adjusted accordingly. Further details on the application of IFRS 5 are provided in Note 
10 on pages 114 and 115. 

With  the  exception  of  the  application  of  IFRS  5,  no  adjustments  were  made  that  have  any 
 significant impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Komax Group.

Financial risk management

3  
The Komax Group is exposed to various financial risks, for example currency, credit, liquidity and 
interest rate risks, through its business activities. The Group’s overall risk management strategy 
is  focused  on  the  unpredictability  of  developments  in  the  financial  markets  and  is  intended  to 
minimize the potential negative impact on the Group’s financial position. The Group uses deriva-
tive  financial  instruments  to  protect  itself  against  interest  rate,  currency  and  credit  risks.  The 
risks are monitored and reported. Risk management is conducted by the finance department of 
Komax  Holding  AG  in  conformity  with  the  guidelines  issued  by  the  Board  of  Directors.  These 
guidelines set out procedures for the use of derivatives as well as dealing with foreign currency, 
interest rate and credit risks. The guidelines are binding for all subsidiaries of the Komax Group.

In  addition,  Komax  conducts  extensive  annual  analyses  of  financial  risks  as  part  of  its  risk 
 management.  The  principal  financial  risks  form  an  integral  part  of  the  internal  control  system 
(ICS) and are therefore subject to systematic, periodic review. Further, the Komax Group  prepares 
an  extensive  report  each  quarter  on  currency,  interest,  country  and  customer  risks,  using  the 
value-at-risk  method.  Due  to  the  increased  volatility,  the  Group  continually  improved  and 
 extended  its  risk  management  in  2014,  particularly  in  relation  to  foreign  exchange  and  country 
risks in emerging markets.

3.1   Currency risk
The  Komax  Group  operates  internationally  and  is  therefore  exposed  to  a  variety  of  foreign 
 exchange risks. Foreign currency risks arise from future cash flows, assets and liabilities recog-
nized in the balance sheet, and investment in foreign companies.

105

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORTForeign currency items are assessed centrally by Group Treasury as part of the rolling financial 
planning process. Corporate guidelines specify that up to 100% of the amount can be hedged if 
the  current  exchange  rate  is  below  the  budgeted  rate  and  the  exchange  rate  for  the  foreign 
 currency is expected to drop further relative to the functional currency.

Komax is mainly exposed to currency risks relating to the USD, the EUR and the CNY. Assuming 
that the average rate of the EUR against the CHF had been 10% lower in 2014 and that all other 
parameters  remained  largely  unchanged,  the  EBIT  margin  would  have  been  0.6  percentage 
points (2013: 0.6 percentage points) lower. Conversely, if this exchange rate had been 10% high-
er, the margin would have risen by the same amount. Assuming that the average rate of the USD 
against  the  CHF  had  been  10%  lower  in  2014  and  that  all  other  parameters  had  been  largely 
unchanged,  the  EBIT  margin  would  have  been  0.7  percentage  points  (2013:  0.9  percentage 
points)  lower.  Conversely,  if  this  exchange  rate  had  been  10%  higher,  the  margin  would  have 
risen by the same amount. If the average rate of the CNY against the CHF had been 10% lower 
in 2014 and that all other parameters had been largely unchanged, the EBIT margin would have 
been  0.5  percentage  points  (2013:  0.3  percentage  points)  lower.  Conversely,  if  this  exchange 
rate had been 10% higher, the margin would have risen by the same amount. The main reasons 
for  these  changes  would  have  been  currency  gains  and  losses  on  receivables,  payables  and 
other current receivables and liabilities.

3.2   Credit risk
Credit risks may exist with regard to bank account balances, derivative financial instruments and 
receivables from customers. Banks must have a minimum credit rating of “A” before the Komax 
Group will enter into a material and long-term business relationship with them. Moreover, all risks 
pertaining to cash and cash equivalents are further minimized by using a variety of banks rather 
than one  single bank.

There is no significant concentration of potential credit risks within the Group. There are binding 
policies to ensure that sales to customers are made only if the customer has shown reasonable 
payment  performance  in  the  past.  Moreover,  outstanding  receivables  are  monitored  at  the 
 corporate  level  on  a  monthly  basis.  Contracts  for  derivative  financial  instruments  and  financial 
transactions are only entered into with banks of the highest financial solidity. The Group also has 
a  business  policy  that  limits  credit  risk  associated  with  individual  financial  institutions  through 
use of multiple banks.

Management  does  not  anticipate  any  significant  losses  on  the  receivables  outstanding  as  at 
31 December 2014 that have not already been taken into account in the value adjustments as per 
Note 7.

The following table shows the receivables and credit limits of the main counterparties as of the 
reporting date:

106

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014in TCHF

Counterpar ty

Deutsche Bank1

Credit Suisse1

Bank of Shanghai

UBS1

Customer A

Customer B

Customer C

31.12.2014

31.12.2013

Rating

Credit limit Amount held

Credit limit

Amount held

A+

A

n.s.

A

Group 2

Group 2

Group 2

13 632

25 000

0

24 000

n.s.

n.s.

n.s.

12 649

8 605

4 963

3 250

14 823

7 988

5 647

11 898

25 000

0

24 000

n.s.

n.s.

n.s.

7 945

8 182

674

7 618

8 544

6 732

4 444

1  Creditor as par t of the CHF 120.0 million syndicated loan agreement under the stewardship of Credit Suisse (par ticipating 

banks: Basler Kantonalbank, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Luzerner Kantonalbank, UBS and Zürcher Kantonalbank).

Komax assigns its customers to the following groups:

Group 1:  New customer (business relationship established within the past twelve months).
Group 2:  Existing customer (business relationship established more than twelve months ago) 

without defaults in the past.

Group 3:  Existing customer (business relationship established more than twelve months ago)  

with defaults in the past.

3.3   Capital risk
In the management of its capital, the Komax Group pays special attention to ensuring that the 
Group  is  able  to  continue  to  operate,  that  shareholders  receive  an  appropriate  return  for  their 
risks, and that financial ratios are optimized, taking the cost of capital into account. To achieve 
these targets, Komax may adjust its dividend payment, issue new shares, or sell assets in order 
to scale back its debt.

Komax  monitors  its  capital  structure  principally  through  the  gearing  factor  and  net  debt.  The 
latter  is  calculated  from  the  total  outstanding  interest-bearing  debts  of  the  Group,  including 
 liabilities from finance leasing, minus cash and cash equivalents. The gearing factor is calculated 
by  dividing  net  debt  at  the  balance  sheet  date  by  the  operating  profit  before  interest,  taxes, 
 depreciation  and  amortization  (EBITDA)  over  the  last  twelve  months  (rolling).  This  resulted  in  a 
net  cash  position  (previous  year:  net  cash)  at  the  end  of  the  reporting  year,  as  cash  and  cash 
equivalents and securities exceeded existing financial liabilities as at 31 December 2014 and as 
at 31 December 2013.

The Group’s financial liabilities are subject to externally regulated capital requirements ( covenants). 
These  essentially  provided  for  a  maximum  gearing  factor  of  2.75  as  at  31  December  2014.  In 
addition, the self-financing ratio (i.e. the Group’s reported equity plus subordinated loans minus 
goodwill divided by total assets less goodwill) may not fall below 50% at any balance sheet date.

The Komax Group has complied with all capital requirements since the contract signing date as 
well as at 31 December 2014.

107

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORTLiquidity risk

3.4  
Prudent  liquidity  risk  management  involves  maintaining  sufficient  reserves  of  cash  and  cash 
equivalents  and  liquid  securities  as  well  as  financing  capacity  through  an  adequate  volume  of 
approved  lines  of  credit.  The  amount  of  cash  required  for  operations  is  reviewed  annually  and 
monitored  on  a  monthly  basis  by  the  finance  department.  Given  the  business  environment  in 
which Komax operates, it is also essential for the Group to maintain the necessary flexibility in 
financing by maintaining sufficient unused lines of credit.

The  table  below  provides  a  breakdown  of  the  Komax  Group’s  primary  and  derivative  financial 
 liabilities  by  maturity,  based  on  the  remaining  maturity  from  the  reporting  date  until  the  con-
tractually agreed payment date. The table shows carrying amounts as the impact of discounting 
is negligible.

31.12.2014

in TCHF

Financial liabilities (current and non-current)1

Trade payables

Other payables

Derivative financial instruments

31.12.2013

Financial liabilities (current and non-current)1

Trade payables

Other payables

Derivative financial instruments

0–30 days

31–60 days

61–90 days

91–120 days

121 days 
–1 year

1–5 years

Total

0

16 380

4 834

0

0

13 850

3 981

0

0

2 081

590

8

1 550

1 223

496

8

0

994

594

84

0

261

435

0

0

280

526

0

0

317

499

0

0

10

854

146

23 670

0

0

167

2 494

25 543

46

771

70

0

0

258

23 670

19 745

7 398

405

29 587

15 697

6 182

336

1  The  cash  outflow  from  future  interest  payments  amounts  to  CHF  0.3  million  for  outstanding  financial  liabilities  as  at  31  December  2014  and  CHF  0.4 

million for outstanding financial liabilities as at 31 December 2013.

Interest rate risk

3.5  
Neither at 31 December 2014 nor at the previous year’s balance sheet date did the Komax Group 
possess any assets that were subject to any material rate of interest.

The  Group’s  financial  risk  policy  is  to  finance  long-term  investments  with  long-term  liabilities, 
which gives rise to an interest rate risk. If there is a significant interest rate risk, the related cash 
flow risks are hedged through interest rate swaps. With respect to the syndicated loan, which as 
at 31 December 2014 had been utilized to the amount of CHF 24.0 million (31 December 2013: 
CHF 26.0 million), an interest rate swap with a notional principal amount of CHF 20.0 million was 
concluded  for  the  entire  contract  period  of  around  five  years,  which  fixes  the  LIBOR  rate  at  a 
level of 0.4875% p.a. Furthermore, the interest margin is dependent on the level of indebtedness 
of the Group. As lending amounts are in each case drawn on in tranches with a term of one to six 
months,  the  Komax  Group  is  only  subject  to  short-term  fluctuations  in  LIBOR.  The  overall  risk 
with  respect  to  changes  in  the  market  rate  of  interest  is  low.  Moreover,  there  was  a  net  cash 
position of CHF 29.2 million as at 31 December 2014 (31 December 2013: CHF 22.6 million). For 
these reasons, no sensitivity analysis of interest rate risk was undertaken.

108

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT20143.6   Determination of fair value
The  valuations  at  fair  value  follow  a  three-stage  hierarchy  based  on  the  type  of  valuation 
 parameters incorporated into the valuation techniques applied:

–  Level 1 parameters are quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities  in active markets.  
  A company uses these prices, insofar as they exist, to determine the fair value without 
  any further adjustment.
–  Level 2 parameters relate to other observable factors. 
–  Level 3 parameters are non-observable input parameters that have to be further  
  developed in order to replicate the assumptions that would be used by market participants 

to determine an appropriate price for the asset or liability in question.

The table below shows the assets and liabilities that have been valued at fair value. 

31.12.2014

in TCHF

Assets 

Securities

Total assets

Liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

Total liabilities

31.12.2013

in TCHF

Liabilities

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

0

0

552

552

182

182

0

0

0

0

0

0

182

182

552

552

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Derivative financial instruments

Total liabilities

151

151

0

0

0

0

151

151

Key recognition and measurement assumptions
Key assumptions and sources of uncertainty in relation to estimates

4  
4.1  
Preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the Board 
of  Directors  and  Group  Management  to  make  estimates  and  assumptions,  whereby  such  esti-
mates and assumptions have an effect on the accounting principles applied and are reflected in 
the amounts stated under assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Their estimates and assump-
tions are based on past experience and on various other factors deemed applicable in the current 
situation. These form the basis for reporting those assets and liabilities that cannot be measured 
directly from other sources. The actual values may differ from these estimates.

Estimates and assumptions are reviewed at least on a quarterly basis. Changes in estimates are 
required when the circumstances on which the estimates are based have altered, or when new or 
additional information is available. These changes are recognized in the reporting period in which 
the estimate was adjusted.

109

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORT 
The  most  important  assumptions  about  future  developments  and  most  important  sources  of 
 uncertainty  in  relation  to  estimates  that  could  necessitate  significant  adjustments  to  reported 
assets and liabilities over the coming twelve months are shown below.

Recognition of revenue according to POC method

4.2  
Automated  assembly  and  production  contracts  are  measured  according  to  the  POC  method, 
 provided  the  assessment  meets  the  requirements  of  IAS  11.  Although  projects  are  assessed 
monthly  and  in  good  faith  in  accordance  with  comprehensive  project  management  guidelines, 
subsequent corrections may be required. These corrections are made in the following period and 
may have a positive or negative impact on revenue in this period.

Impairment of non-current assets

4.3  
Property,  plant  and  equipment  as  well  as  goodwill  and  intangible  assets  are  tested  for  impair-
ment at least once a year. To determine whether impairment exists, estimates are made of the 
expected future cash flows arising from use. Actual cash flows may differ from the discounted 
future cash flows based on these estimates. Factors such as changes in the planned use of prop-
erty, plant and equipment, restructuring, reorganization and closure of facilities, changes in the 
market situation, technical deficiencies in relation  to machinery and systems, or sub- projected 
sales of machines, spare parts and systems may shorten useful life or result in an impairment.

Employee benefits

4.4  
Employees of the Group in Switzerland are insured under defined benefit retirement schemes in 
conformity  with  IAS  19.  Calculations  of  the  reported  credits  and  liabilities  in  relation  to  these 
schemes  are  based  on  dynamic  actuarial  calculations  as  well  as  the  expected  return  on  the 
 assets of the retirement plans. The present value of the liabilities relating to the defined benefit 
schemes is particularly dependent on assumptions such as the discount rate used to calculate 
the present value of future pension liabilities, future rises in salary and increases in other com-
pensation paid to employees. The Group’s independent actuaries additionally use statistical data 
such  as  the  likelihood  of  departure  and  mortality  rate  of  insured  individuals.  The  actuaries’ 
 assumptions may differ substantially from actual events due to changes in market conditions and 
the economic environment, higher or lower rates of departure, longer or shorter life expectancy 
of insured individuals, as well as other estimated factors. These differences may have an  influence 
on the assets and liabilities stated in relation to employee benefits in future reporting periods.

Provisions

4.5  
In relation to machines and systems already delivered, Komax calculates the necessary warranty 
provisions on the balance sheet date on the basis of analysis and estimates in conformity with 
IAS  37.  The  actual  costs  may  differ  from  the  provisions  stated.  Any  differences  may  affect  the 
provision carried for warranty events in future reporting periods and therefore the reported result 
for the period.

110

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT20144.6   Current and deferred income taxes
In determining the assets and liabilities from current and deferred income taxes, estimates must 
be made on the basis of existing tax laws and ordinances. Numerous internal and external fac-
tors  may  have  favourable  and  unfavourable  effects  on  the  assets  and  liabilities  from  income 
taxes.  These  factors  include  changes  in  tax  laws  and  ordinances,  as  well  as  the  way  they  are 
interpreted,  in  addition  to  changes  in  tax  rates  and  the  total  amount  of  taxable  income  for  the 
particular location. Any changes may affect the assets and liabilities from current and deferred 
income taxes carried in future reporting periods.

Cash and cash equivalents

5  
The cash and cash equivalents amounting to CHF 52.7 million (2013: CHF 52.2 million) include 
demand deposits and call money. The composition of the call money and the applicable interest 
rates can be found in the table below.

Currency

CNY

INR

EUR

SGD

Total 

6  

Securities

in TCHF

Shares

Total 

31.12.2014

31.12.2013

Interest rate

TCHF

Interest rate

TCHF

2.86%

8.34%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

8.44%

0.00%

0.10%

1 541

191

25

0

1 757

0

293

0

105

398

31.12.2014

31.12.2013

182

182

0

0

The Komax Group uses forex forward and option contracts as well as interest rate and currency 
swaps to hedge currency and interest rate risks on cash and cash equivalents. As at 31 Decem-
ber 2014, an interest rate swap with a notional principal amount of CHF 20.0 million and a nega-
tive fair value of CHF 0.4 million (31 December 2013: CHF 20.0 million with a negative fair value 
of CHF 0.2 million) as well as two option contracts of a total of USD 4.0 million with a negative 
fair value of CHF 0.2 million (31 December 2013: none) were outstanding. The following volumes 
were transacted in the corresponding financial year:

2014: EUR none, USD 6.0 million
2013: EUR 1.5 million, USD 4.0 million

Negative fair values are included in the “Other payables and accrued expenses / deferred income” 
item, positive fair values under “Other receivables and accrued income / prepaid expenses”.

111

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORT7 

Trade receivables

in TCHF

Trade receivables

less provision for impairment

Accruals for systems1

less prepayments for systems

Receivables arising from POC

31.12.2014

31.12.2013

84 722

−1 286

77 686

−54 983

22 703

79 673

−2 156

74 797

−56 563

18 234

Total

106 139

95 751

1  For  manufacturing  contracts  of  systems,  the  inventor y  includes  all  costs  associated  with  the  systems  as  well  as  the  pro-
duction costs. The order costs comprise all costs attributable to the contract from the date the order is received until the 
balance sheet date. The order proceeds per manufacturing contract are recorded as at 31 December according to the POC.

The carrying value of trade receivables corresponds to the fair value of the goods and services in 
question.  The  total  amount  of  costs  incurred  and  profits  disclosed  (less  disclosed  losses)  on 
manufacturing contracts amounted to CHF 93.7 million as at 31 December 2014 (2013: CHF 85.6 
million). Overfinanced projects totalling CHF 16.0 million (2013: CHF 10.8 million) are included in 
the  “Other  payables  and  accrued  expenses / deferred  income”  item  (see  Note  20),  while  under-
financed  projects  in  the  amount  of  CHF  77.7  million  (2013:  CHF  74.8  million)  are  stated  un-
der  “Trade  receivables”.  Revenues  for  2014  include  sales  on  manufacturing  contracts  which 
 remained outstanding on the balance sheet date and amounted to CHF 57.4 million (2013: CHF 
55.5  million),  equivalent  to  15.8%  of  revenues  for  2014  (2013:  17.1%).  CHF  49.4  million  (2013: 
CHF 45.2  million) of this represents costs incurred and CHF 8.0 million (2013: CHF 10.3 million) 
recognized contribution margins.

Overdue  trade  receivables  that  had  not  been  written  down  amounted  to  CHF  15.8  million  on 
31 December 2014 (31 December 2013: CHF 20.5 million). Their maturity structure is set out in 
the following table:

in TCHF

as at 31.12.2014

as at 31.12.2013

Number of days

0–30

8 135

10 926

31–60

3 300

3 392

61–90

91–120

1 199

1 910

1 482

661

>120

1 683

3 597

Total

15 799

20 486

No collateral has been received as security for overdue trade receivables for which no valuation 
allowance has been made.

112

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014Valuation  allowances  totalling  CHF  1.3  million  were  recognized  for  trade  receivables  as  at 
31  December 2014 (31 December 2013: CHF 2.2 million). The table shows the change in valua-
tion allowances:

in TCHF

Total as at 1 January

Allowances for doubtful accounts

Change in scope of consolidation

Classified as held for sale 

Depreciation of irrecoverable receivables

Unused amounts reversed

Currency differences

Total as at 31 December

2014

2 156

129

5

−644

−241

−91

−28

1 286

2013

5 136

932

0

0

−3 537

−437

62

2 156

Trade receivables are classified into the main currencies used by the Group, with an additional 
group for all other currencies:

in TCHF

CHF

EUR

USD

CNY

Other currencies

Total trade receivables (gross)

8 

Other receivables and accrued income / prepaid expenses

in TCHF

Other receivables

Prepayments to suppliers

Accruals

Total

31.12.2014

31.12.2013

29 885

21 195

16 367

11 244

6 031

84 722

32 342

15 450

19 147

7 903

4 831

79 673

31.12.2014

31.12.2013

15 684

1 451

2 824

19 959

12 623

3 511

3 617

19 751

Other receivables mainly comprise tax credits due from state authorities (tax authorities) and bills 
receivable. The accruals include, among others, prepayments for insurance benefits and credits 
for maintenance and servicing work not yet carried out.

9 

Inventories

in TCHF

Manufacturing components and spare parts

Semi-finished goods / work in process

Finished goods

Total

The inventories are not pledged to third parties.

31.12.2014

31.12.2013

32 217

6 343

16 082

29 595

4 251

19 424

54 642

53 270

113

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORTThe change in write-downs of inventories is as follows:

in TCHF

Total as at 1 January

Write-downs charged to income statement

Change in scope of consolidation

Classified as held for sale 

Used to write off obsolete inventories

Unused amounts reversed

Currency differences

Total as at 31 December

2014

8 928

2 379

753

−808

−2 068

−960

107

2013

12 271

2 691

0 

0

−4 659

−1 203

−172

8 331

8 928

The expenditure recognized in the income statement in connection with the value adjustments of 
inventories amounts to CHF 1.4 million (2013: CHF 1.5 million).

Discontinued operations

10 
As  announced  in  2013,  Komax  is  exiting  the  Solar  business.  As  the  cumulative  criteria  in  
IFRS  5,  “Non-current  Assets  Held  for  Sale  and  Discontinued  Operations”,  were  met  as  per 
31  December 2014, the standard was applied accordingly and the segment concerned reclassi-
fied as discontinued operations. The amounts in the income statement for the prior period were 
adjusted accordingly. Assets and liabilities of discontinued operations are presented as “Assets 
classified as held for sale” and “Liabilities classified as held for sale”. In accordance with IFRS 5, 
the amounts in the prior-year balance sheet have not been adjusted. 

In March 2014, Komax was able to announce that it had sold part of the Solar business. Komax 
and  its  Chinese  partner  Yingkou  Jinchen  Machinery  Co.  Ltd.  signed  an  agreement  whereby 
 Yingkou  Jinchen  Machinery  Co.  Ltd.  acquired  Komax’s  51%  stake  in  the  Komax  Jinchen  joint 
venture.  This  transaction  required  the  formal  approval  of  the  relevant  Chinese  authorities,  and 
was duly completed in July 2014. The remaining activities of Komax Solar business were handed 
over to the Komax Solar management team in the second half of 2014 as part of a management 
buyout. Komax holds a minority interest of 25% in the new company. The newly founded  company 
Xcell  Automation  Inc.,  which  is  based  in  York,  Pennsylvania  (USA),  will  finish  the  remaining 
 incomplete orders on behalf of Komax in 2015.

In 2014, non-current assets of CHF 8.3 million net were reclassified as “Assets classified as held 
for sale”. Due to the application of IFRS 5, impairment losses of CHF 4.7 million had to be recog-
nized  on  intangible  assets.  In  addition,  CHF  1.2  million  had  to  be  charged  to  fixed  assets  and 
CHF 2.8 million to current assets held for sale.

114

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014Result from discontinued operations:

in TCHF

Revenues

Expenses

Result before taxes

Taxes

2014

19 101

34 582

–15 481

436

2013

20 065

30 262

–10 197

–262

Result from discontinued operations

–15 917

–9 935

Of which attributable to:

– Equity holders of the parent company

– Non-controlling interest

Attributable to equity holders of the parent company

Basic earnings per share (in CHF)

Diluted earnings per share (in CHF)

Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale:

in TCHF

Assets classified as held for sale

Trade receivables

Other receivables and accrued income / prepaid expenses

Inventories

Property, plant and equipment

Total assets classified as held for sale

Liabilities classified as held for sale

Other payables and accrued expenses / deferred income

Total liabilities classified as held for sale

Cash flows from discontinued operations:

in TCHF

Cash flow from operating activities

Cash flow from investing activities

Cash flow from financing activities

Total cash flows

–15 817

–100

–4.45

–4.33

2014

–4 901

609

2 971

–1 321

–9 702

–233

–2.81

–2.74

31.12.2014

4 347

30

4 254

238

8 869

81

81

2013

–880

112

–1 575

–2 343

115

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORTDeferred taxes

11 
11.1   Statement of carrying values

in TCHF

31.12.2014

31.12.2013

Property, plant and equipment /  / intangible assets

Trade receivables and inventories1

Provisions

Tax-loss carryforwards

Tax credits

Other items

Total deferred tax assets (gross)

Offset against deferred tax liabilities

Balance sheet deferred tax assets

Property, plant and equipment / intangible assets

Trade receivables and inventories

Provisions

Other items

Total deferred tax liabilities (gross)

Offset against deferred tax assets

Balance sheet deferred tax liabilities

2 067

4 692

1 426

11 687

3 424

1 646

24 942

−4 490

20 452

4 608

2 209

673

345

7 835

1 352

3 408

1 257

8 414

3 082

1 033

18 546

−4 450

14 096

5 357

2 500

615

18

8 490

−4 490

−4 450

3 345

4 040

Net deferred tax assets (+) / tax liabilities (–)

17 107

10 056

1  Including unrealized intragroup profit.

11.2   Statement of changes

in TCHF

Net total as at 1 January

Credited (+) respectively charged (–) to the income statement

Credited (+) respectively charged (–) to the other comprehensive income

Change in scope of consolidation

Classified as held for sale

Currency translation differences

2014

10 056

5 052

1 084

486

−628

1 057

2013

11 641 

−337

−860

0

0

−388

Net total as at 31 December

17 107

10 056

The total of the temporary differences relating to investments in affiliated companies for which no 
deferred taxes have been reported came to CHF 33.9 million as at 31 December 2014 (2013: CHF 
33.9  million).  As  at  31  December  2014,  deferred  tax  assets  of  CHF  5.5  million  (2013:  CHF  5.0 
million)  in  connection  with  tax-loss  carryforwards  of  CHF  18.3  million  (2013:  CHF  15.8  million) 
were  not  capitalized.  Thereof  CHF  5.5  million  will  expire  between  one  and  five  years  and  CHF 
12.8 million in more than five years.

116

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT201412 

Other non-current receivables

in TCHF

31.12.2014

31.12.2013

Present value of minimum lease payments

Non-current loans

Rent deposit and other non-current receivables

Total

211

700

1 561

2 472

105

0

182

287

Komax  has  lease  agreements  with  various  customers  for  the  financing  of  machine  purchases. 
The  leasing  period  is  normally  between  36  and  60  months.  The  agreements  are  subject  to  ter-
mination, with the lessee being required to bear the cost of termination. All agreements envisage 
the purchase of the leased asset at the end of the term, either as a fixed agreement or in the form 
of a  purchase  option.  It is  the  duty  of the lessee  to  ensure  that the leased asset  is properly in-
sured.  Non-current  receivables  from  financing  leases  are  recognized  in  the  “Other  non-current 
receivables”  item,  current  receivables  from  financing  leases  in  the  “Trade  receivables”  item. 
 Details can be found in the table below:

in TCHF

31.12.2014

31.12.2013

Gross investment in the lease

less unguaranteed residual value in favour of lessor

less unearned finance income

Present value of minimum lease payments

31.12.2014

in TCHF

Gross investment in the lease

Present value of minimum lease payments

31.12.2013

in TCHF

Gross investment in the lease

Present value of minimum lease payments

420

−17

−50

353

0–1 year

1–5 years

168

142

252

211

0–1 year

1–5 years

90

76

130

105

220

−18

−21

181

Total

420

353

Total

220

181

As at 31 December 2014, just as on the previous year’s balance sheet date, no value adjustments 
needed to be recognized for irrecoverable minimum lease payments.

117

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORTEmployee benefits (IAS 19)

13 
13.1   Defined benefit plans
Komax  maintains  retirement  benefit  plans  for  its  employees  in  Switzerland  and  abroad.  In  con-
formity with IFRS, the retirement benefit plans in Switzerland are defined benefit schemes. For 
the  principal  defined  benefit  pension  schemes,  the  net  expenditure  for  employee  benefits  is 
shown  below.  Benefits  respectively  liabilities  in  accordance  with  IAS  19  are  recognized  in  the 
balance sheet of the Komax Group under “Prepaid pension assets” respectively “Defined benefit 
plan liabilities” and in the consolidated income statement under “Personnel expenses”.

in TCHF

Current service cost

Interest cost

Gains (–) / losses (+) from plan adjustments

Total employee benefits expenditure of the Komax Group

Interest income on plan assets

Employee contributions 

Total employee benefits income of the Komax Group

2014

6 420

1 372

0

7 792

1 422

2 875

4 297

2013

6 164

2 424

−1 051

7 537

2 272

2 674

4 946

Employee benefits result of the Komax Group1

−3 495

−2 591

Employer contributions

Prepayments to the employee benefits plan during the financial year

4 911

1 416

4 579

1 988

1  The employee benefits expenditure of CHF 3.5 million (2013: CHF 2.6 million) is recognized under personnel expenses.

The effect of the revaluation of defined benefit retirement schemes on the other comprehensive 
income is shown in the table below:

in TCHF

Actuarial gains (+) and losses (–)

Gains (+) and losses (–) from the revaluation of pension fund assets

Change to the asset ceiling of pension fund assets

Impact on other comprehensive income

2014

−19 644

7 928

3 541

−8 175

2013

3 031

7 043

−3 541

6 533

Benefits agreements for employees in Switzerland are concluded on the basis of pension plans 
regulated  by  the  Federal  Law  on  Occupational  Old-Age,  Survivors’  and  Disability  Insurance 
(“BVG”). The pension plans of the Group are managed by a legally independent foundation which 
is  financed  by  regular  employee  and  employer  contributions.  The  final  pension  benefits  are 
 dependent  on  contributions  and  involve  specified  minimum  guarantees.  On  the  basis  of  these 
minimum guarantees, the pension plans in Switzerland are assigned to defined benefit pension 
plans  in  this  year’s  accounts,  even  though  they  exhibit  many  of  the  characteristics  of  defined 
contribution pension plans. Any shortfall in cover can be eliminated through a variety of methods, 
such as increasing employee and employer contributions, lowering the interest rate for retirement 
assets, reducing future benefits claims, or suspending the right to make advance withdrawals. 

118

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014Responsibility  for  the  investment  strategy  of  the  funded  pension  plans  lies  with  the  Board  of 
Trustees  of  the  pension  fund.  Asset-liability  studies  are  conducted  on  a  regular  basis.  These 
studies  review  the  liabilities  arising  from  the  pension  plans  and  evaluate  different  investment 
strategies with respect to the interdependent key variables such as expected profits, expected 
risks,  expected  contributions  and  the  expected  financing  status  of  the  plan.  The  aim  of  the 
 asset-liability  study  is  to  ensure  the  appropriate  diversification  of  assets  within  the  plan.  The 
 investment strategy is being developed with a view to optimizing the expected profits, controlling 
risks and restricting fluctuations in the statutory cover ratio in an effective, sustainable manner. 
The asset-liability study contains strategies for aligning the cash flows of the underlying assets 
with the anticipated liabilities of the plans.

The pension fund assets are managed by both internal and external asset managers. The invest-
ment results are monitored by the management bodies of the pension fund on a regular basis.

Defined benefit obligations developed as follows:

in TCHF

Total as at 1 January

Current service cost

Interest cost

Payments made to and by beneficiaries (net)

Gains (–) / losses (+) from plan adjustments

Remeasurements:

– Experience adjustments

– Changes in demographic assumptions

– Changes in financial assumptions

2014

2013

123 857

120 338

6 420

1 372

−1 200

0

−3 464

357

22 751

6 164

2 424

−987

−1 051

−5 895

1 702

1 162

Total as at 31 December

150 093

123 857

In 2013, the Board of Trustees of the Komax pension fund in Switzerland decided to modify the 
conversion rate in response to the continuing rise in life expectancy and expected returns over 
the next few years. No new plan adjustments were made in 2014.

The present value of plan assets developed as follows:

in TCHF

Total as at 1 January

Interest income on plan assets

Employee contributions

Employer contributions

Payments made to and by beneficiaries (net)

Remeasurements on plan assets

2014

2013

127 398

111 817

1 422

2 875

4 911

−1 200

7 928

2 272

2 674

4 579

−987

7 043

Total as at 31 December

143 334

127 398

119

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORTThe  amount  recorded  in  the  consolidated  balance  sheet  with  respect  to  the  defined  benefit 
schemes was as follows:

in TCHF

Present value of funded obligations

Fair value of plan asset

2014

2013

150 093

143 334

123 857

127 398

Overfunding (–) / underfunding (+) as at 31 December

6 759

−3 541

Limitation of the recognition of plan assets as at 1 January

Change to the limitation of the recognition of plan assets

Limitation of the recognition of plan assets as at 31 December

Recognized liability as at 31 December

3 541

−3 541

0

6 759

0

3 541

3 541

0

The  recognition  of  pension  plan  assets  is  limited  to  the  cash  value  of  all  available  economic 
 benefits of reimbursements from the plans or reductions in future contributions to the plans. As 
future contributions exceeded the value of future service costs, no retirement assets were  applied 
as at 31 December 2013. 

Available assets break down as follows:

in TCHF

Assets held in shares

Assets held in bonds

Assets held in real estate

Other assets

Total

31.12.2014

31.12.2013

49 923

29 822

40 655

22 934

43 130

27 728

36 250

20 290

143 334

127 398

The staff pension scheme of Komax AG invests in the following different asset categories with the 
aim of achieving an appropriate balance between risk and return:
–  shares and bonds, most of which are listed on an exchange;
– 

 real estate, which primarily comprises Swiss properties held by a foundation whose  
investors are exclusively pension funds;
 other investments, including cash assets and money market instruments whose issuers are 
financial institutions with a credit rating of at least “A”, as well as other, primarily alternative 
investments. These are used for risk management purposes and in some cases have  
exchange-listed prices. 

– 

The  available  assets  of  the  retirement  benefit  scheme  of  Komax  AG  do  not  include  shares  of 
 Komax Holding AG or real estate properties used by the Group. The expected return on assets is 
based  on  the  investment  policy  of  the  Board  of  Trustees.  Expected  returns  on  fixed-interest 
 investments are based on the effective gross interest rates at the balance sheet date. Expected 
returns from equity securities reflect the effective returns empirically determined as obtainable in 
the long term on the respective markets.

120

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014The retirement benefit liabilities are valued using assumptions based on the following economic 
and demographic parameters (weighted average):

%

Discount rate

Estimated wage growth rate

Increase in current pensions (expectancy of future benefits)

2014

1.10

0.80

0.00

2013

2.00

1.00

0.00

At a value of 10.5, the weighted average duration of the defined benefit plans as at 31 December 
2014  is  just  above  ten  years.  Average  life  expectancy  on  reaching  retirement  at  age  65  or  64, 
respectively:

Retirement at end of the reporting period:

Years

Men

Women

2014

19.9

23.1

2013

19.8

23.0

The  valuation  of  the  net  defined  benefit  obligations  is  particularly  sensitive  to  changes  in  the 
discount rate, life expectancy and wage growth rate, and the increase in current pensions. The 
following  table  summarizes  the  repercussions  of  a  change  in  these  assumptions  on  the  cash 
value of the defined benefit obligation:

in TCHF

Life expectancy

1 year increase

1 year decrease

Discount rate

1.0% increase

1.0% decrease

Wage growth rate

1.0% increase

0.8% decrease

Increase in current pensions

1.0% increase

2014

2013

3 335

−3 709

−24 927

33 865

8 007

−6 130

2 146

−1 702

−21 019

27 788

6 225

−6 015

16 553

12 772

According  to  the  most  recent  actuarial  estimates,  the  Group  expects  employer  contributions 
amounting to CHF 4.3 million for 2015. The expected cash outflows for benefits to be paid within 
the next year amount to CHF 1.8 million, while those for benefits to be paid within the next two 
to five and five to ten years amount to CHF 7.0 million and CHF 7.8 million respectively.

121

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORT13.2   Defined contribution plans
No material costs for defined contribution plans of foreign subsidiaries had to be recognized in 
the  income  statement  under  personnel  expenses,  neither  in  the  2014  business  year  nor  in  the 
previous  year.  The  liabilities  arising  from  these  retirement  benefit  plans  amounted  to  CHF  0.1 
million as at 31 December 2014 (31 December 2013: CHF 0.1 million). They are recognized in the 
balance sheet under “Other payables and accrued expenses / deferred income”.

Investments in associates

14  
In the second half of 2014, Komax acquired a 25% stake in Xcell Automation Inc., which is based 
in York, Pennsylvania (USA), for a total of CHF 0.1 million. As per 31 December 2013, Komax held 
30% of SLE quality engineering GmbH & Co. KG and 30% of SLE quality engineering Verwaltungs 
GmbH. Komax acquired a majority interest in both companies as per 1 January 2014. According-
ly, both of these companies were fully consolidated with effect from 1 January 2014 and are no 
longer reported under associated companies. The valuation of investments as at 31 December 
2014 was based on the unaudited financial statements. Any changes in these statements will be 
taken into account in the following period. The investment value of CHF 0.0 million reported as at 
31 December 2014 (2013: CHF 2.1 million) is equivalent to the proportion of equity held. There 
are no contingent liabilities. The proportional contribution to profit is negligible and included in 
the “Other operating expenses” under “Other expenditure”.

122

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT201415 
Property, plant and equipment
15.1   Property, plant and equipment 2014

Changes in gross values

in TCHF

Movables

Machinery

Tools / operating equipment

Warehouse equipment

Vehicles

Office furnishings

Information technology

Prepayments for movables

Total movables

Real estate

Buildings

Land

Prepayments for real estate

Total real estate

Costs
1.1.2014

Currency
differences

Reclassifi-
cations

Additions

Disposals

Classifica-
tion IFRS 5

Costs
31.12.2014

Change in 
scope of 
consolida-
tion

19 727

6 059

1 896

3 019

7 399

4 699

107

42 906

76 800

11 699

51

88 550

145

119

14

34

190

66

0

568

795

38

0

833

−7

106

0

0

0

0

−99

0

51

0

−51

0

0

1 763

301

26

699

197

806

2 250

6 042

310

4 164

29

4 503

10

28

24

0

0

9

0

−1 695

−2 460

17 483

−303

−36

−407

−330

−1 141

0

−27

−216

−93

−262

−13

0

6 283

1 708

3 252

7 194

4 426

2 258

71

−3 912

−3 071

42 604

1 224

347

0

1 571

−21

0

0

−21

0

0

0

0

79 159

16 248

29

95 436

10 545

1 642

−3 933

−3 071

138 040

Total 

131 456

1 401

Changes in depreciation

in TCHF

Movables

Machinery

Tools / operating equipment

Warehouse equipment

Vehicles

Office furnishings

Information technology

Prepayments for movables

Total movables

Real estate

Buildings

Land

Prepayments for real estate

Total real estate

Total 

Accumulated 
depreciation
1.1.2014

Currency
differences

Reclassifi-
cations

Accumulat-
ed depreci-
ation on  
disposals

Depreci-
ation 2014

Classifica-
tion IFRS 5

Accumulat-
ed depreci-
ation
31.12.2014

Net value  
property, 
plant &  
equipment
31.12.2014

10 730

3 962

1 259

1 492

4 691

3 593

0

25 727

35 142

0

0

35 142

60 869

74

59

15

28

130

51

0

357

225

0

0

225

582

−3

−1 563

1 252

−769

−302

−36

−313

−330

−1 141

0

479

81

527

592

570

0

−27

−81

−41

−238

−9

0

9 721

4 174

1 238

1 693

4 845

3 064

0

7 762

2 109

470

1 559

2 349

1 362

2 258

−3 685

3 501

−1 165

24 735

17 869

−21

2 706

0

0

0

0

−21

2 706

0

0

0

0

38 052

0

0

41 107

16 248

29

38 052

57 384

−3 706

6 207

−1 165

62 787

75 253

3

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

No impairments had to be booked on property, plant and equipment of the continuing operations 
during the 2014 reporting year. As at 31 December 2014, no contractual obligations were existing 
in respect of the acquisition of property, plant and equipment. Future liabilities arising from oper-
ating lease agreements amount to: CHF 2.6 million due in 2015, CHF 6.4 million due in 2016 to 
2019.

123

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORT 
15.2   Property, plant and equipment 2013

Changes in gross values

in TCHF

Movables

Machinery

Tools / operating equipment

Warehouse equipment

Vehicles

Office furnishings

Information technology

Prepayments for movables

Total movables

Real estate

Buildings

Land

Prepayments for real estate

Total real estate

Total

Changes in depreciation

in TCHF

Movables

Machinery

Tools / operating equipment

Warehouse equipment

Vehicles

Office furnishings

Information technology

Prepayments for movables

Total movables

Real estate

Buildings

Land

Prepayments for real estate

Total real estate

Total

Costs
1.1.2013

Currency
differences

Reclassifi-
cations

Additions

Disposals

Costs
31.12.2013

18 899

−206

6 044

1 862

2 872

7 719

4 998

260

−14

−58

−44

−104

−44

167

−40

93

0

0

40

1 795

328 

3

731

176

572

107

−928

−259

−4

−540

−392

−867

0

19 727

6 059

1 896

3 019

7 399

4 699

107

0

−260

42 654

−470

0

3 712

−2 990

42 906

75 449

11 820

54

87 323

−325

−121

0

−446

129 977

−916

54

0

−54

0

0

1 647

−25

0

51

0

0

76 800

11 699

51

1 698

−25

88 550

5 410

−3 015

131 456

Accumulated
depreciation
1.1.2013

Currency
differences

Reclassifi-
cations

Accumulated 
depreciation 
on disposals

Depreci-
ation 2013

Accumulated 
depreciation
31.12.2013

Net value 
property, plant 
& equipment 
31.12.2013

9 554

3 774

1 186

1 490

4 396

3 991

0

−58

−6

−22

−12

−62

−27

0

24 391

−187

32 592

−28

0

0

0

0

32 592

−28

56 983

−215

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

−664

−259

−4

−439

−332

−822

0

1 898

10 730

453

99

453

689

451

0

3 962

1 259

1 492

4 691

3 593

0

8 997

2 097

637

1 527

2 708

1 106

107

−2 520

4 043

25 727

17 179

−23

2 601

35 142

0

0

0

0

0

0

41 658

11 699

51

−23

2 601

35 142

53 408

−2 543

6 644

60 869

70 587

No impairments had to be booked on property, plant and equipment during the 2013 reporting year. 
As  at  31  December  2013,  no  contractual  obligations  were  existing  in  respect  of  the  acquisition  of 
property, plant and equipment. Future liabilities arising from operating lease agreements amounted to:
CHF 2.4 million due in 2014, CHF 6.2 million due in 2015–2018.

124

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16 
16.1  

Intangible assets
Intangible assets 2014

Changes in gross values

in TCHF

Intangible assets

Software

Patents

Goodwill

Technology

Prepayments

Total

Changes in depreciation

in TCHF

Intangible assets

Software

Patents

Goodwill

Technology

Prepayments

Total

Costs
1.1.2014

Currency
differences

Reclassifi-
cations

Additions

Disposals

Classifica-
tion IFRS 5

Costs 
31.12.2014

Change in 
scope of 
consolida-
tion

13 949

4 145

30 397

17 351

1 167

87

0

476

0

0

987

2 308

0

0

0

0

0

0

−987

2 713

220

0

1 875

0

0

−3 114

0

0

0

0

−332

−44

−3 591

−4 523

0

14 105

4 101

29 157

12 828

2 893

67 009

563

0

5 021

2 095

−3 114

−8 490

63 084

Accumulated
depreciation
1.1.2014

Currency
differences

Reclassifi-
cations

Accumulat-
ed depreci-
ation on 
disposals

Depreci-
ation 2014

Classifica-
tion IFRS 5

Accumulat-
ed depreci-
ation
31.12.2014

Net value
intangible  
assets
31.12.2014

9 688

4 139

0

3 664

0

17 491

59

0

0

0

0

59

0

0

0

0

0

0

−3 100

2 012

−325

−39

0

8 334

4 100

5 771

1

0

29 157

0

0

1 342

−1 724

3 282

0

0

0

9 546

2 893

0

0

0

0

−3 100

3 354

−2 088

15 716

47 368

Goodwill impairment test
Goodwill acquired through previous acquisitions is allocated to the cash-generating units at op-
erating segment level. The allocation is determined by the strategic intention behind the acquisi-
tion of each entity. The goodwill of the cash-generating unit Solar was reclassified under “Assets 
classified as held for sale” in 2014.

Cash-generating unit (CGU)

in TCHF

Wire

Solar

Medtech (MTS)

Inkjet (INJ)

Total

Segment

31.12.2014

31.12.2013

Wire

Solar

Medtech

Medtech

17 008

0

10 195

1 954

29 157

14 895

3 591

9 957

1 954

30 397

The recoverable amount of a CGU is obtained from the calculation of its fair value less costs to 
sell. These calculations are based on projected cash flows derived from the five-year plan issued 
by the Board of Directors. Assumptions for the calculation of the fair value less costs to sell were 
as follows:

125

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORT 
 
2014

Gross profit margin

Average growth rate

Discount rate (pre-tax)

2013

Gross profit margin

Average growth rate

Discount rate (pre-tax)

Wire

MTS

INJ

62.4%

5.3%

6.7%

51.0%

10.6%

6.2%

43.3%

−6.7%

7.1%

Wire

Solar

MTS

INJ

62.2% 

4.9%

7.4%

39.1%

37.4%

8.0%

51.6%

3.2%

6.9%

36.8%

17.8%

7.7%

Management has determined the budgeted gross profit margin based on past developments and 
expectations  regarding  the  future  development  of  the  market.  The  discount  rates  applied  are 
 interest rates before taxes and reflect the specific risks of the operating segments in question.

The  impairment  test  performed  showed  that  the  value  of  the  goodwill  was  sustainable  and  re-
vealed no signs of any impairment.

16.2 

Intangible assets 2013

Changes in gross values

in TCHF

Intangible assets

Software

Patents

Goodwill

Technology

Prepayments

Total

Changes in depreciation

Costs
1.1.2013

Currency
differences

Reclassifi-
cations

Additions

Disposals

Costs
31.12.2013

13 574

4 146

30 562

17 351

46

−70

−1

−165

0

0

46

1 455

−1 056

0

0

0

0

0

0

−46

1 167

0

0

0

0

13 949

4 145

30 397

17 351

1 167

65 679

−236

0

2 622

−1 056

67 009

Accumulated
depreciation
1.1.2013

Currency
differences

Reclassifi-
cations

Accumulat-
ed depreci-
ation on  
disposals

Depreci-
ation 2013

Accumulat-
ed depreci-
ation
31.12.2013

Net value
intangible  
assets 
31.12.2013

8 884

4 130

0

1 676

0

−40

−1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

−1 056

1 900

9 688

4 139

0

10

0

1 988

3 664

0

0

0

0

0

0

4 261

6

30 397

13 687

1 167

−1 056

3 898

17 491

49 518

in TCHF

Intangible assets

Software

Patents

Goodwill

Technology

Prepayments

Total

14 690

−41

126

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014 
 
Ownership restrictions for own liabilities

17 
Assets pledged to secure own liabilities:

in TCHF

Book value real estate

Lien on real estate

Utilization (indemnification syndicated loan)

31.12.2014

31.12.2013

44 189

50 000

24 000

45 587

52 494

30 044

Real estate consists of land and buildings in Switzerland and USA.

18 

Financial liabilities

M&T Bank, York (PA)

Deutsche Bank, Minden 

Total

2014

31.12.2014

2013

31.12.2013

Currency

Interest rate

in TCHF

Interest rate

in TCHF

USD

EUR

0.00%

0.00%

3.75%

0.96%

0

0

0

2 494

1 550

4 044

The fair value of current financial liabilities as at 31 December 2013 essentially corresponded to 
the  book  value.  The  average  interest  on  financial  liabilities  was  1.55%  in  the  reporting  year  
(2013: 2.48%).

Trade payables

19 
The carrying amounts of trade payables are allocated to the currencies shown in the table. The 
carrying amounts reflect their fair value.

in TCHF

CHF

EUR

USD

CNY

Other currencies

Total trade payables

31.12.2014

31.12.2013

8 543

4 146

3 273

851

2 932

7 705

3 329

2 835

815

1 013

19 745

15 697

127

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORT 
20 

Other payables and accrued expenses / deferred income

in TCHF

Other payables

Liabilities for social security and pension funds

Prepayments by customers

Accrual for personnel expenses

Commission payments to representatives

Invoices not yet received

Other accruals

Accrued expenses / deferred income

Prepayments on systems1

less accruals / deferrals in respect of systems

Liabilities arising from POC

Total

1  See also Note 7.

31.12.2014

31.12.2013

7 398

295

6 927

11 069

1 889

1 180

2 778

23 843

20 829

−16 048

4 781

6 182

313

6 770

9 517

1 928

1 208

1 925

21 348

16 496

−10 763

5 733

36 317

33 576

Other payables mainly comprise amounts due to state authorities (tax authorities). Their carrying 
amounts are allocated to the currencies shown in the table:

in TCHF

CHF

EUR

USD

CNY

Other currencies

Total other payables

21 

Provisions

Warranty provisions

in TCHF

Total as at 1 January

Additional provisions

Change in scope of consolidation

Amounts utilized during the year

Unused amounts reversed

Currency differences

Total as at 31 December

31.12.2014

31.12.2013

4 291

1 092

0

244

1 771

7 398

2014

4 454

4 646

149

−2 270

−711

80

6 348

4 348

460

101

158

1 115

6 182

2013

4 646

3 915

0

−2 842

−1 256

−9

4 454

Warranty provisions include material and personnel costs in relation to warranty work. Provisions 
for warranty are reviewed and adjusted annually.

128

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014Other provisions

in TCHF

Total as at 1 January

Additional provisions

Amounts utilized during the year

Unused amounts reversed

Currency differences

Total as at 31 December

2014

0

0

0

0

0

0

2013

1 464

0

−1 488

0

24

0

As at 1 January 2013, the other provisions included the provision for restructuring charges that 
were completely utilized during 2013.

22 

Financial loans

Credit Suisse, Zurich1

Credit Suisse, Zurich1, 2

Credit Suisse, Zurich1

Total

2014

31.12.2014

2013

31.12.2013

Currency

Interest rate

in TCHF

Interest rate

in TCHF

CHF

CHF

CHF

0.81%

0.80%

0.00%

0.82%

0.80%

0.80%

20 000

3 670

0

23 670

16 000

4 543

5 000

25 543

1  Utilized  credit  facilities  as  par t  of  the  CHF  120.0  million  syndicated  loan  agreement  under  the  stewardship  of  Credit 
 Suisse (par ticipating banks: Basler Kantonalbank, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Luzerner Kantonalbank, UBS and Zürcher 
 Kantonalbank).

2  Utilized  credit  line  amounting  to  CHF  4.0  million  as  at  31  December  2014  (31  December  2013:  CHF  5.0  million)  less 

 transaction costs of CHF 0.3 million (31 December 2013: CHF 0.5 million).

As  at  31  December  2014,  the  Komax  Group  had  unutilized  credit  lines  of  CHF  99.9  million 
(31  December 2013: CHF 87.1 million). The average interest on financial loans was 0.82% in 2014, 
compared  with  0.82%  in  the  previous  year.  The  fair  value  of  non-current  financial  loans  cor-
responds to their carrying value.

Share capital

23 
As at 31 December 2014, the share capital amounted to CHF 360 510. This comprised 3 605 101 
fully paid-up registered shares, each with a par value of CHF 0.10. As a result of the exercising 
of option rights, the share capital increased by CHF 8 132 in relation to 2013 (2013: CHF 7 999).

As at 31 December 2014, the Group held 20 000 treasury shares (2013: 26 000 treasury shares).

129

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORT 
 
24 
24.1  

Segment reporting
Information by segment

2014

in TCHF

Net sales from external customers

Net sales from other segments

Total net sales

EBIT

Investment in non-current assets

Sale of non-current assets

Depreciation

20131

in TCHF

Net sales from external customers

Net sales from other segments

Total net sales

EBIT

Investment in non-current assets

Sale of non-current assets

Depreciation

Wire

Medtech

Corporate2

Group

292 484

68 629

2 480

11

65

−816

361 178

1 675

294 964

68 640

−751

362 853

55 292

1 200

−8 390

48 102

13 549

1 994

284

8 530

2

823

134

0

208

15 677

286

9 561

Wire

Medtech

Corporate2

Group

253 560

67 909

31

321 500

2 626

224

−849

2 001

256 186

68 133

−818

323 501

47 578

3 053

−7 334

43 297

7 497

362

8 065

441

37

1 009

84

13

206

8 022

412

9 280

1  Prior-year figures restated in accordance with Note 10. 
2  Including elimination of intersegment revenues.

Costs  allocated  to  Corporate  include  expenses  arising  in  conjunction  with  the  Komax  Group’s 
option  plan,  expenses  and  income  arising  from  bookings  for  defined  benefit  pension  schemes 
according to IAS 19, the salaries of Group Management, compensation for the Board of Directors, 
as well as the costs of Komax Holding AG. The table shows the reconciliation of the total of the 
reportable segments’ EBIT to the Group profit after taxes:

in TCHF

EBIT

Financial income

Financial expenses

Group profit before taxes

Taxes

Group profit after taxes from continuing operations

Result from discontinued operations

Group profit after taxes

1  Prior-year figures restated in accordance with Note 10. 

130

2014

48 102

3 307

−4 584

46 825

3 165

43 660

−15 917

27 743

20131

 43 297

4 283

−7 277

40 303

5 239

35 064

−9 935

25 129

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014Net sales from external customers were generated in the following four operating segments:

in TCHF

Wire2

Medtech (MTS)

Inkjet (INJ)

Mechanical and Electronic Systems Assembly (MES / EES)

2014

294 224

55 446

8 149

5 034

20131

255 592

60 396

5 117

2 396

Total

362 853

323 501

1  Prior-year figures restated in accordance with Note 10.
2  Including Corporate sales.

24.2  

Information by geographical area

Net sales by location of purchasing party

Switzerland

Europe2

North and South America

Asia / Pacific

Total 

2014

in TCHF

%

in TCHF

 10 314 

 200 455 

 70 274 

 81 810 

2.8

55.3

19.4

22.5

 6 414 

 173 436 

 78 842 

 64 809 

20131

%

2.0

53.6

24.4

20.0

+/−

%

60.8

15.6

−10.9

26.2

362 853

100.0

323 501

100.0

12.2

Net sales by location of service provider

Switzerland

Europe2

North and South America

Asia / Pacific

Total 

2014

in TCHF

%

in TCHF

 140 619 

 86 821 

 66 183 

 69 230 

38.8

23.9

18.2

19.1

 127 636

 53 331 

 82 603 

 59 931 

20131

%

39.5

16.5

25.5

18.5

+/−

%

10.2

62.8

−19.9

15.5

362 853

100.0

323 501

100.0

12.2

Non-current assets by location of service provider3

2014

in TCHF

%

in TCHF

94 880

9 912

17 384

2 934

75.8

7.9

13.9

2.4

94 283

7 392

17 873

2 972

2013

%

77.0

6.0

14.6

2.4

125 110

100.0

122 520

100.0

Switzerland

Europe2

North and South America

Asia / Pacific

Total 

1  Prior-year figures restated in accordance with Note 10.
2  Including Africa.
3  Without deferred tax assets.

+/−

%

0.6

34.1

−2.7

−1.3

2.1

131

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORTDomiciled in Switzerland, the Komax Group is active in three other geographical areas where it is 
represented with its own companies. The commercial revenues of the Group are predominantly 
generated  in  Europe,  North  and  South  America,  and  the  Asia / Pacific  region.  Net  sales  are  as-
signed on the basis of the country in which the customer is based (location of purchasing party). 
In addition, reporting is also undertaken on the basis of the country in which the sales company 
has its headquarters (location of service provider). Assets are listed as per the headquarters of 
the  company  to  which  they  belong.  The  Europe  region  also  includes  the  sales  generated  and 
assets located in Africa (particularly Tunisia and Morocco).

24.3   Significant customers
Neither in the 2014 reporting year nor in the previous year did the Komax Group generate sales 
amounting to 10% or more of Group revenues with any individual customer.

25  

Other operating income

in TCHF

Own work capitalized

Government grants

Gains from the disposal of property, plant and equipment

Total other operating income

1  Prior-year figures restated in accordance with Note 10.

Information on personnel

26  
26.1   Personnel expenses

in TCHF

Wages and salaries

Share-based payments

Social security and pension contributions

Other personnel costs (training and development)

2014

267

0

218

485

2014

96 391

1 389

16 916

3 783

20131

303

9

146

458

20131

84 521

1 453

14 305

3 372

Total personnel expenses

118 479

103 651

1  Prior-year figures restated in accordance with Note 10.

Personnel  expenses  include  all  performance-related  compensation  for  the  past  business  year. 
Further details on employee benefits are given in Note 13.

132

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT201426.2   Share option plan of the Komax Group
The  executive  share  ownership  scheme  for  directors  and  management  of  the  Komax  Group  in-
cludes a share option plan. The option plan was introduced in 1998 and is designed to give ex-
ecutives and selected employees added interest in shareholder value and enable them to share 
in the company’s success. The share option plan takes the form of share-based compensation 
settled in equity instruments by means of a capital increase (equity-settled plan). The number of 
options allocated depends on the individual performance of the entitled employee. The options 
granted entitle holders to subscribe one Komax Holding AG share per option and are valid for five 
years. They have a predetermined exercise price and are subject to a three-year lock-in period.

2014 Weighted average
exercise price

2013 Weighted average
exercise price

Outstanding at beginning of year

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Expired

No.

292 159

79 057

−81 321

−3 130

−3 703

CHF

75.34

129.09

87.76

84.14

75.68

No.

282 207

95 363

−79 991

−3 260

−2 160

Outstanding at end of year

283 062

86.68

292 159

CHF

73.93

67.03

61.42

73.22

42.78

75.34

Of the 283 062 outstanding options (2013: 292 159), 28 628 were exercisable as at 31 December 
2014 (2013: 32 106). Options exercised in 2014 led to the issue of 81 321 shares (2013: 79 991) at 
a price of CHF 87.76 per share. The weighted average share price at the time of exercising was 
CHF 138.96 (2013: CHF 106.30).

The  following  table  summarizes  information  on  options  granted  and  not  yet  exercised  as  at 
31 December 2014:

Expir y date

31 December 

2015

2016

2017

2018

Total

Exercise price

CHF

94.25

66.21

67.03

129.21

Number

28 628

83 461

92 932

78 041

283 062

The fair value of the options granted in the 2014 financial year – as determined by the enhanced 
American model, an approach based on the binomial model concept – amounted to CHF 29.51 
(2013: CHF 17.27). The key parameters for the valuation model are the share price of CHF 135.30 
(2013: CHF 71.00) on the day granted, the exercise price listed above, the standard deviation for 
the expected share price return of 36.0% (2013: 43.2%), the option term of five years, and the 
risk-free  interest  rate  of  0.44%  (2013:  0.18%).  The  anticipated  dividend  yield  is  3.13%  (2013: 
4.37%). The volatility of 36.0% used in these calculations represents an arithmetic average of the 
historical volatility of Komax Holding AG for the last four years and that of a representative peer 
group.

133

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORT25

0

8

20

5

58

23

0

7

19

6

55

597

150

246

376

129

1 498

Total

486

136

198

336

126

1 282

As an alternative to selling a registered share of Komax Holding AG, Komax Holding AG has the 
right to pay the cash sum equivalent to the difference between the market value of the registered 
share  at  the  point  of  exercising  and  the  exercise  price.  A  corresponding  accrual  of  CHF  0.2 
 million for 38 163 options was taken into account as per 31 December 2014. The market value of 
the Komax Holding AG share as per 31 December 2014 of CHF 144.50 was used for calculation 
purposes together with an exercise price of CHF 129.21. The expenses will be spread over three 
years, in keeping with the lock-in period.

26.3   Breakdown of employees by country and areas of activity

Europe3

Americas4

Asia5

Africa6

Total

2014

Production

Research and development

Engineering

Marketing and sales

Administration7

CH2

248

122

80

121

51

139

15

77

91

23

68

1

50

68

23

117

12

31

76

27

Total headcount at 31 December 2014

622

345

210

263

20131

Production

Research and development

Engineering

Marketing and sales

Administration7

CH2

222

107

83

113

50

Europe3

Americas4

Asia5

Africa6

98

19

38

65

23

62

1

45

65

21

81

9

25

74

26

Total headcount at 31 December 2013

575

243

194

215

1   Prior-year figures restated in accordance with Note 10. 
2  Komax AG, Dierikon (including operating facility in Rotkreuz), Komax Systems LCF SA, La Chaux-de-Fonds.
3  Komax companies in Europe: Germany, France, Por tugal, Turkey.
4  Komax companies in Nor th and South America: USA, Brazil.
5  Komax companies in Asia: Singapore, China, Malaysia, India, Japan.
6  Komax companies in Africa: Morocco, Tunisia.
7  Including management / IT.

26.4   Average number of employees
The average number of employees in 2014 was 1 394 compared with 1 238 in the previous year.

Development expenditure

27  
The  aggregate  development  expenditure  for  new  and  further  development  of  Komax  products 
contains  personnel  expenses,  material  costs  and  costs  for  third-party  development  contracts. 
They amount to CHF 25.8 million, equivalent to 7.1% of revenues, compared with CHF 24.9 mil-
lion or 7.7% of revenues in the previous year.

134

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014Other operating expenses

28 
Other operating expenses amount to CHF 20.2 million (2013: CHF 18.6 million) and comprise the 
following positions:

in TCHF

Expenditure on operating equipment and energy

Third-party services for development expenses

Legal and consultancy expenses

Expenditure on administration and sales

Shipping and packaging expenses

Other expenditure

2014

4 878

4 552

3 850

2 238

3 129

1 590

20131

4 574

4 873

2 614

2 119

2 828

1 577

Total other operating expenses

20 237

18 585

1   Prior-year figures restated in accordance with Note 10.

29 

Financial result

in TCHF

Financial income

Interest income

Income from securities

Exchange rate gains on foreign currencies

Total financial income

Financial expenses

Interest expenses 

Securities expenses

Exchange rate losses on foreign currencies 

Total financial expenses

Total financial result

1  Prior-year figures restated in accordance with Note 10.

2014

20131

145

0

3 162

3 307

1 276

242

3 066

4 584

155

368

3 760

4 283

1 198

142

5 937

7 277

−1 277

−2 994

The financial income includes no gains in the current year (2013: none) on financial assets held 
for trading. Exchange rate losses amounting to CHF –0.6 million (2013: CHF –0.0 million) result-
ing from financial liabilities held for trading are taken into account in the financial expenses. The 
positions include both book gains and losses and realized gains and losses.

30 

Taxes

in TCHF

Current income taxes

Deferred tax income (–) / tax expenses (+)

Total

1  Prior-year figures restated in accordance with Note 10.

2014

8 217

−5 052

3 165

20131

4 612

627

5 239

135

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORT 
 
 
Analysis of the tax rate

in TCHF

Group profit before taxes

Expected tax expenses

Impact of non-capitalized tax-loss  
carryforwards

Effect of changes in tax rate

Tax credits / charges from previous years

Effect of non-deductible expenses

Effect of non-taxable income

Non-reclaimable withholding taxes

Others

Effective tax expenses

2014

46 825

3 215

277

118

−778

316

−62

122

−43

3 165

%

6.9

0.6

0.2

−1.7

0.7

−0.1

0.3

−0.1

6.8

20131

40 303

4 500

18

22

529

204

−197

147

16

5 239

%

11.2

0.0

0.1

1.3

0.5

−0.5

0.4

0.0

13.0

1  Prior-year figures restated in accordance with Note 10.

As the Group is internationally active, its income taxes are dependent on a number of different 
tax jurisdictions. The expected average Group tax rate is equivalent to the weighted average of 
tax rates of those countries in which the Group is active. Due to the composition of the taxable 
income of the Group, as well as changes in local tax rates, this Group tax rate varies from year to 
year.

31 
Earnings per share (EPS)
31.1   Basic earnings per share

in CHF

2014

20131

Weighted average number of outstanding shares

3 552 840

3 458 379

Group profit (attributable to equity holders of the parent company)

Result from continuing operations

Result from discontinued operations

42 954 153

35 063 866

−15 817 324

−9 702 185

Total profit attributable to equity holders of the parent company

27 136 829

25 361 681

Basic earnings per share

Basic earnings per share from continuing operations

Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations

Total basic earnings per share

1  Prior-year figures restated in accordance with Note 10.

12.09

−4.45

7.64

10.14

−2.81

7.33

Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing the consolidated net earnings by the average 
number of shares outstanding during the fiscal year, excluding treasury shares. 

136

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014 
31.2   Diluted earnings per share

in CHF

Weighted average number of outstanding shares

Adjustment for dilutive effect of share options

Weighted average number of outstanding shares for  
calculating diluted earnings per share

Group profit (attributable to equity holders of the parent company)

Result from continuing operations

Result from discontinued operations

2014

20131

3 552 840

103 676

3 458 379

84 498

3 656 516

3 542 877

42 954 153

35 063 866

−15 817 324

−9 702 185

Total profit attributable to equity holders of the parent company

27 136 829

25 361 681

Diluted earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations

Total diluted earnings per share

1  Prior-year figures restated in accordance with Note 10.

11.75

−4.33

7.42

9.90

−2.74

7.16

Diluted  earnings  per  share  are  calculated  by  adding  all  option  rights  which  would  have  had  a 
 dilutive effect to the average number of shares outstanding.

Contingent liabilities

32 
Guarantees in favour of subsidiaries amounting to CHF 5.1 million (2013: CHF 11.6 million) are 
listed  in  the  notes  to  the  financial  statements  of  Komax  Holding  AG.  Apart  from  additional 
 guarantees  amounting  to  CHF  0.9  million  (2013:  CHF  0.8  million)  in  favour  of  third  parties  at 
subsid iaries, there were no other contingent liabilities towards third parties or Group companies. 
Sureties comprise almost exclusively guarantees granted to customers for advance payments.

Business combinations

33 
33.1   Acquisitions 2014
From March 2011 onwards, Komax held a 30% stake in SLE quality engineering GmbH & Co. KG. 
On 1 January 2014, Komax acquired a further 30% and therefore the majority of the company as 
part of an orderly succession arrangement. The company is affiliated to the Wire business unit. At 
the same time, it also acquired a further 30% of SLE quality engineering Verwaltungs GmbH.

In  view  of  SLE  quality  engineering’s  extensive  expertise  in  the  development  and  production  of 
semi-automatic  equipment  for  processing  coaxial  cables  and  four-wire  lines,  in  micrograph 
 laboratories and in crimp force monitoring systems, the company’s products represent a further 
valuable extension of Komax Wire’s already extensive product range. In return, Komax Wire will 
support SLE quality engineering by making available its acknowledged competencies in all areas 
of wire processing along with its global sales and service network. 

The goodwill results primarily from the capabilities and technical expertise of the workforce, and 
from the synergies expected to result from the process of incorporating the company into Komax 
Wire’s existing business.

137

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORT 
in TCHF

Acquired net assets at fair value

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade receivables

Other receivables and accrued income / prepaid expenses

Inventories

Deferred tax assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Total assets

Financial liabilities

Trade payables

Other payables and accrued expenses / deferred income

Current income tax liabilities

Provisions

Deferred tax liabilities

Total liabilities

Acquired net assets

Non-controlling interest

Goodwill

Purchase costs

Investment in associates

less acquired cash and cash equivalents

Net cash out

576

1 743

545

4 253

495

1 642

220

9 474

−2 096

−1 312

−2 298

−12

−149

−10

−5 877

3 597

−1 439

1 875

4 033

−2 019

−576

1 438

The agreement has involved no contingent consideration arrangement. An initial down payment 
of  CHF  0.6  million  was  made  in  2013.  The  remaining  amount  of  CHF  1.4  million  was  settled  in 
2014. 

The transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition were insignificant and are reported 
in the operating result within “Other operating expenses”.

No contingent liabilities were taken over from the acquired companies.

The fair value of trade receivables and other receivables amounted to CHF 2.0 million, of which 
CHF 1.7 million related to trade receivables.

The acquired company contributed CHF 14.3 million towards net sales in 2014, as well as CHF 
1.8 million to Group profit after taxes. Thereof CHF 1.1 million were attributable to equity holders 
of the parent company. 

33.2   Acquisitions 2013
Komax did not make any acquisitions in 2013. The sole payment made in this context was the 
sum  of  CHF  0.6  million  as  a  down  payment  on  the  takeover  of  the  majority  of  SLE  quality 
 engineering GmbH & Co. KG as per 1 January 2014.

138

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014Events after the balance sheet date

34 
As  announced  on  20  January  2015,  Komax  has  acquired  a  20%  stake  in  the  French  company 
Laselec SA as part of a capital increase. Headquartered in Toulouse, Laselec employs some 60 
staff.  Laselec  develops  cable  stripping  and  marking  solutions  as  well  as  intelligent  forming 
boards for wire harness production, which are currently used primarily in the aerospace industry. 
The company has branches in the US and Mexico. Komax and Laselec are already implementing 
joint customer projects. The two companies will further intensify their collaboration in the future. 

In addition, on 12 February 2015, Komax announced that it was acquiring the remaining 40% of 
SLE  quality  engineering  GmbH  &  Co.  KG  and  SLE  quality  engineering  Verwaltungs  GmbH 
 retroactively as per 1 January 2015. 

With  the  exception  of  the  two  above-mentioned  events,  for  which  a  combined  cash  outflow  of 
CHF 8.2 million is anticipated, no material events occurred between the balance sheet date and 
the approval of the consolidated financial statements by the Board of Directors on 5 March 2015 
which  might  adversely  affect  the  information  content  of  the  2014  consolidated  financial 
 statements or which would require disclosure.

Related parties

35 
35.1  Transactions with related parties
In  2014,  goods  and  services  worth  CHF  0.8  million  were  sold  to  associated  companies  (2013: 
none). In addition, goods and services to a value of CHF 1.0 million were procured from associ-
ated companies (2013: none). As per 31 December 2014, receivables of CHF 0.6 million, a loan 
of  CHF  0.7  million  and  liabilities  of  CHF  0.5  million  were  outstanding  vis-à-vis  associated 
 companies (2013: loan of CHF 1.1 million). In the year under review, no transactions were entered 
into with members of management in key positions in connection with the sale and purchase of 
goods and services (2013: none). However, rental payments amounting to CHF 0.1 million were 
made  last  year  in  relation  to  a  production  facility.  With  the  exception  of  the  regular  employer 
contributions to the pension fund, no transactions were effected with related parties (2013: none).

35.2  Compensation for the Executive Committee and Board of Directors
In  fiscal  2014,  the  Group’s  Executive  Committee  comprised  four  (2013:  five)  members.  In  con-
formity with IFRS 2 for the statement of share-based payments, the total compensation for the 
Executive Committee, including the six (2013: six) directors, was as follows:

in TCHF

Executive Committee

Board of Directors

Salaries and bonus payments2

Share-based payments

2014

2 561

502

20131

2 401

394

2014

787

224

Total

3 063

2 795

1 011

20131

763

131

894

Total

20131

3 164

525

2014

3 348

726

4 074

3 689

1  Restatement of prior-year figures in compliance with ERCO.
2  Including the post-employment benefits of CHF 0.3 million for the financial year 2014 (2013: CHF 0.3 million).

A  detailed  breakdown  of  the  compensation  paid  to  the  Board  of  Directors  and  the  Executive 
Committee is provided in the notes to the financial statements of Komax Holding AG on page 147.

139

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS2014FINANCIAL REPORTReport of the statutory auditor to the General Meeting of Komax Holding AG, Dierikon

Report of the statutory auditor on the consolidated financial statements
As statutory auditor, we have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Komax Holding AG, 
which comprise the balance sheet, income statement, statement of comprehensive income, cash flow statement, 
statement of changes in equity and notes (pages 86 to 139), for the year ended 31 December 2014.

Board of Directors’ responsibility
The  Board  of  Directors  is  responsible  for  the  preparation  and  fair  presentation  of  the  consolidated  financial  state-
ments in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the requirements of Swiss law. 
This  responsibility  includes  designing,  implementing  and  maintaining  an  internal  control  system  relevant  to  the 
preparation  and  fair  presentation  of  consolidated  financial  statements  that  are  free  from  material  misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error. The Board of Directors is further responsible for selecting and applying appropriate 
accounting policies and making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances.

Auditor’s responsibility
Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  these  consolidated  financial  statements  based  on  our  audit.  We 
conducted  our  audit  in  accordance  with  Swiss  law  and  Swiss  Auditing  Standards  as  well  as  the  International 
Standards on Auditing. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assur-
ance whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement. 
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the con-
solidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assess-
ment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. 
In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers the internal control system relevant to the entity’s prepa-
ration and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are 
appropriate  in  the  circumstances,  but  not  for  the  purpose  of  expressing  an  opinion  on  the  effectiveness  of  the 
entity’s internal control system. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of the accounting policies 
used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the 
consolidated financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropri-
ate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion
In  our  opinion,  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  year  ended  31  December  2014  give  a  true  and  fair 
view  of  the  financial  position,  the  results  of  operations  and  the  cash  flows  in  accordance  with  the  International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and comply with Swiss law.

Report on other legal requirements
We  confirm  that  we  meet  the  legal  requirements  on  licensing  according  to  the  Auditor  Oversight  Act  (AOA)  and 
independence (article 728 CO and article 11 AOA) and that there are no circumstances incompatible with our in-
dependence.
In accordance with article 728a paragraph 1 item 3 CO and Swiss Auditing Standard 890, we confirm that an in-
ternal  control  system  exists  which  has  been  designed  for  the  preparation  of  consolidated  financial  statements 
according to the instructions of the Board of Directors.
We recommend that the consolidated financial statements submitted to you be approved.

PricewaterhouseCoopers AG

Gerd Tritschler 
Audit expert 
Auditor in charge

Basel, 9 March 2015

Sven Rumpel
Audit expert

140

FINANCIAL REPORTCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014Comments on the financial statements of
Komax Holding AG

e  Balance sheet

The Federal Council enacted the new accounting legislation with effect from 1 January 2013. A 
transitional  period  of  two  years  has  been  granted  for  the  application  of  this  legislation.  The 
Group’s financial statements will therefore be drawn up in accordance with the new regulations 
for the first time in 2015.

Assets

1 
The  current  loans  increased  by  a  total  of  CHF  8.0  million.  This  increase  is  the  result  of  newly 
granted loans to subsidiaries.

The value of the stake in Komax Systems LCF SA, Switzerland, was increased in the year under 
review. In addition, a majority interest was acquired in SLE quality engineering GmbH & Co. KG, 
Germany, with effect from the beginning of the year. The 51% stake in the joint venture Komax 
Jinchen  Solar  Equipment  (Yingkou)  Co.  Ltd.,  China,  was  sold  to  partner  Yingkou  Jinchen 
 Machinery Co. Ltd., China. 

Both Komax Systems LCF SA, Switzerland, and Komax Comercial do Brasil Ltda., Brazil, made 
repayments  on  non-current  financial  loans.  By  contrast,  new  non-current  financial  loans  were 
granted to TSK do Brasil Ltda., Brazil, and Komax Solar Inc., USA.

Liabilities

2 
The  current  account  debt  of  Komax  Holding  AG  towards  Komax  AG,  Switzerland,  declined  to 
CHF 69.0 million in the 2014 financial year. The dividend of Komax AG, Switzerland, for the 2013 
financial year (CHF 25.0 million) was offset against the current account debt.

The provisions relate to open tax liabilities for taxes on earnings in the current financial year, and 
corporation tax which has to be paid on the interest in SLE quality engineering GmbH & Co. KG, 
Germany.

The “Loans Group” balance sheet item relates to a financial loan amounting to USD 4.0 million 
granted by Komax Corp., USA.

In 2012, Komax Holding AG and a syndicate of banks led by Credit Suisse concluded a lending 
agreement for a credit limit of CHF 120.0 million that is valid until 31 July 2017. The credit line 
provides  the  Group  with  the  necessary  entrepreneurial  flexibility,  guarantees  the  financing  of 
commercial  operations,  and  ensures  the  continued  implementation  of  corporate  strategy.  CHF 
24.0 million of this credit line was being utilized as at 31 December 2014.

In  accordance  with  the  prevailing  capital  contribution  principle,  capital  contributions  (share 
 premiums) made after 31 December 1996 are disclosed in the separate equity item “Capital con-
tribution  reserves”.  Repayments  to  shareholders  from  this  account  are  treated  as  equal  to  the 
repayment of nominal capital and are not subject to withholding tax.

The self-financing ratio increased by 3.7 percentage points, from 68.4% in 2013 to 72.1% as per 
31 December 2014.

The reserves for treasury shares were reduced from CHF 3.5 million in 2013 to CHF 2.9 million to 
reflect holdings as per 31 December 2014. These reserves are valued at the market value of the 
treasury shares held as at the balance sheet date.

141

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF KOMAX HOLDING AGe  Income statement

Income

3  
The majority of the dividend income comes from Komax AG, Switzerland (CHF 25.0 million). Oth-
er dividend payments were made by Komax Management AG, Switzerland, Komax Deutschland 
GmbH, Germany, SLE quality engineering GmbH & Co. KG, Germany, Komax Shanghai Co. Ltd., 
China, and Komax Singapore Pte. Ltd., Singapore.

The other income from Group companies comprises revenues from services and licences.

Financial income includes interest on loans granted to Group companies, exchange rate gains on 
short-term financial loans, and realized and unrealized gains on securities held.

Expenses

4 
Administration expenses comprise compensation for the Board of Directors, patent and licensing 
costs, legal and advisory expenses and other operating expenses.

Financial expenses include interest on loans payable to third parties and Group companies, as 
well as realized and unrealized exchange rate losses.

The “Other expenses” item contains investor relations expenses, hospitality expenses and insur-
ance premiums.

As a result of the sale of the 51% stake in the Komax Jinchen joint venture, the corresponding 
participation value was impaired by CHF 0.6 million. 

142

KOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF KOMAX HOLDING AGe  Balance sheet of Komax Holding AG

in TCHF

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Securities and treasury shares

Other receivables third parties

Other receivables Group

Other receivables associates

Financial loans Group

Financial loans associates

Accrued income / prepaid expenses

Total current assets

Investments in subsidiaries

Investments in associates

Participation loans Group

Financial loans Group

Financial loans associates

Other non-current receivables third parties

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

Other liabilities third parties

Other liabilities Group

Accrued expenses / deferred income

Provisions

Loans Group

Total current liabilities

Loans third parties

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Share capital

General statutory reserves

Reserves for treasury shares

Capital contribution reserves

Free reserves

Retained earnings

Profit after taxes

Total shareholders’ equity

31.12.2014

31.12.2013

626

2 428

255

2 672

4

1 330

2 919

14

1 914

19

117 571

108 432

0

26

1 116

649

123 582

116 393

161 363

155 746

0

11 195

54 974

656

236

2 228

11 195

57 025

0

0

228 424

226 194

352 006

342 587

194

69 009

762

153

4 000

74 118

24 000

24 000

430

77 774

398

1

3 600

82 203

26 000

26 000

98 118

108 203

361

2 100

2 890

9 388

210 513

195

28 441

253 888

352

2 100

3 518

18 333

185 185

182

24 714

234 384

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

352 006

342 587

143

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF KOMAX HOLDING AG 
e  Income statement of Komax Holding AG

in TCHF

Dividend income

Other income from Group companies

Financial income

Total income

Administrative expenses

Financial expenses

Other expenses

Value adjustment on investments in subsidiaries

Total expenses

Profit before taxes

Taxes

Profit after taxes

2014

29 657

593

4 780

35 030

2 485

2 370

929

622

6 406

2013

26 280

452

5 391

32 123

2 457

4 151

785

0

7 393

28 624

24 730

183

16

28 441

24 714

144

KOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF KOMAX HOLDING AGe  Notes to the 2014 financial statements of Komax Holding AG

1 

Contingent liabilities

in TCHF

Joint liability for Group taxation value-added tax

Guarantees (in favour of subsidiaries)

in EUR

in USD

in MYR

in CHF

Total

31.12.2014

31.12.2013

p.m.

p.m.

2 929

1 094

379

677

5 079

402

1 454

0

9 760

11 616

Conditional capital

2 
As at 1 January 2014, the conditional capital consisted of 326 220 registered shares, each with a 
par value of CHF 0.10, created for management and employee share ownership schemes. 81 321 
options were converted into shares in 2014 (2013: 79 991). There was no increase in the condi-
tional capital.

Change in conditional share capital

Number of conditional 
registered shares

Par value  
CHF

Opening amount as at 1 January 2014

Reduction in conditional share capital as a result of
exercise of options in 2014

Closing amount as at 31 December 2014

326 220

−81 321

244 899

0.10

0.10

0.10

Conditional
share capital
CHF 

32 622

−8 132

24 490

145

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF KOMAX HOLDING AG3 

Treasury shares

Change in 2014

No.

Opening amount

Purchases (avg. CHF 0.00/share)

Sales (avg. CHF 140.30/share)

Closing amount

Total

Change in 2013

No.

Opening amount

Purchases (avg. CHF 0.00/share)

Sales (avg. CHF 130.39/share)

Closing amount

Total

4 

Major shareholders

1.1.2014

Additions

Disposals

31.12.2014

26 000

26 000

0

0

−6 000

−6 000

20 000

20 000

1.1.2013

Additions

Disposals

31.12.2013

27 483

27 483

0

0

−1 483

−1 483

26 000

26 000

Shareholder / shareholder group at 31 December 2014

No. of shares

Share in %1

Max Koch, Meggen

216 069

6.1%

Shareholder / shareholder group at 31 December 2013

No. of shares

Share in %1

Max Koch, Meggen

232 401

6.7%

1  Calculated on the basis of 3 523 780 shares that were registered as at the balance sheet date of 31 December 2014 (2013: 

3 443 789).

 Externally regulated capital requirements (covenants)

5 
The  Group’s  financial  liabilities  are  subject  to  the  following  externally  regulated  capital  require-
ments (covenants) as per the syndicated loan agreement:

–    The gearing factor may not exceed 2.75 either at 31 December 2014 or thereafter at each 

quarter-end balance sheet date.

–    The self-financing ratio (i.e. the Group’s reported equity plus subordinated loans less good-
will divided by total assets less goodwill) may not fall below 50% at any balance sheet refer-
ence date.

The Komax Group has complied with all capital requirements since the contract signing date as 
well as at 31 December 2014. Within the scope of the syndicated loan agreement, Komax Hold-
ing AG guarantees for the liabilities of any member of the Komax Group.

146

KOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF KOMAX HOLDING AG 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk assessment

6 
A detailed description of risk management can be found on pages 105 to 109 of Note 3 to the 
consolidated financial statements.

Remuneration of Board of Directors and Executive Committee

7 
The compensation paid to the members of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee in-
cludes,  in  particular,  fees,  wages,  bonuses,  and  the  allocation  of  options  in  the  context  of  the 
share-based compensation from the employee participation programme. The variable remunera-
tion is dependent on the business result and the fulfilment of key individual tasks. All amounts are 
gross  and  include  social  security  contributions  payable  by  employees.  The  following  benefits 
were paid out in the 2014 and 2013 financial years:

in CHF

Basic  
annual fee

Options 
(number)

Options  
(fair value)5

Social  
benefits6

Total
compensation 
2014

Total
compensation 
20137

Board of Directors

Leo Steiner

Daniel Hirschi

Chairman

Member

Hans Caspar von der Crone

Member

Kurt Haerri

Roland Siegwart1

David Dean2

Melk M. Lehner3

Max Koch4

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

240 000

97 500

107 500

100 000

97 500

67 500

n.s.

36 250

2 500

1 000

1 000

1 000

1 000

666

n.s.

416

73 775

29 510

29 510

29 510

29 510

19 654

n.s.

12 276

7 391

6 491

7 278

6 688

6 491

4 524

n.s.

2 361

321 166

133 501

144 288

136 198

133 501

91 678

n.s.

50 887

288 066

121 261

123 958

115 868

78 133

n.s.

45 795

121 261

Total Board of Directors

746 250

7 582

223 745

41 224

1 011 219

894 342

1  Member of the Board of Directors since 3 May 2013. 
2  Member of the Board of Directors since 7 May 2014.
3  Member of the Board of Directors until 3 May 2013.
4  Member of the Board of Directors until 7 May 2014.
5   The fair value at the time of allocation is calculated using the enhanced American binomial evaluation. It amounted to CHF 29.51 per option in 2014 and 

CHF 17.27 per option in 2013. The exercise price was CHF 129.21 in 2014 and CHF 67.03 in 2013.

6  Contains mandator y employer contributions to social insurance. This amount entitles members of the Board of Directors to draw the maximum insured 

pension benefits in the future. 

7   Restatement of prior-year figures due to option valuation at fair value at the time of allocation using the enhanced American binomial evaluation, and 

in compliance with ERCO.

in CHF

Fixed base 
salary2

Cash bonus3

Options  
(number)

Options  
(fair value)4

Social  
benefits5

Total com-
pensation 
2014

Total
compensation 
20136

Executive Committee

Beat Kälin1

Total other members of  
Executive Committee

CEO

435 086

400 500

8 000

236 080

76 425

1 148 091

872 152

995 313

469 577

9 000

265 590

184 008

1 914 488

1 922 377

Total Executive Committee

1 430 399

870 077

17 000

501 670

260 433

3 062 579 

2 794 529

1   Highest compensated member of Executive Committee.
2   Includes, in addition to the fixed base salar y, fixed company car allowances in accordance with the current expense regulations. Expense allowances 

are not included, as these do not count as compensation. 

3   Bonus for 2014, to be paid in April 2015. 
4   The fair value at the time of allocation is calculated using the enhanced American binomial evaluation. It amounted to CHF 29.51 per option in 2014 and 

CHF 17.27 per option in 2013. The exercise price was CHF 129.21 in 2014 and CHF 67.03 in 2013.

5   Contains  mandator y  employer  contributions  to  social  insurance  of  CHF  58 900  as  well  as  contributions  to  occupational  benefits  (BVG).  This  amount 

entitles members of the Executive Committee to draw the maximum state-insured pension benefits in the future.

6   Restatement of prior-year figures due to option valuation at the time of allocation using the enhanced American binomial evaluation, and in compliance 

with ERCO.

147

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF KOMAX HOLDING AG 
8 

Holdings of shares and options

Assets in units

31.12.2014

31.12.2013

Shares

Options

Shares

Options

Board of Directors

Leo Steiner

Daniel Hirschi

Hans Caspar von der Crone

Kurt Haerri

Roland Siegwart

David Dean1

Max Koch2

Chairman

120 650

10 000

118 650

Member

2 200

Member

11 300

Member

Member

Member

Member

25

0

740

n.s.

4 000

4 000

2 500

1 666

666

n.s.

1 200

10 300

25

0

n.s.

9 500

4 000

4 000

1 500

666

n.s.

232 401

4 000

Total Board of Directors

134 915

22 832

362 576

23 666

Executive Committee

Beat Kälin

Andreas Wolfisberg

Matijas Meyer

René Ronchetti

Walter Nehls3

CEO

CFO

Head BU Wire

Head BU Medtech

Head BU Solar

7 300

500

0

50

n.s.

29 000

9 000

9 000

7 000

6 300

1 000

0

0

31 000

9 000

9 000

4 000

n.s.

1 500

11 799

Total Executive Committee

7 850

54 000

8 800

64 799

1  Member of the Board of Directors since 7 May 2014.
2  Member of the Board of Directors until 7 May 2014.
3  Member of the Executive Committee until 30 September 2014.

No loans or credits were granted to members of the Board of Directors, members of the Execu-
tive  Committee,  or  related  parties  of  these  persons  during  the  2014  and  2013  financial  years. 
There are no outstanding loans or credits to these persons.

There are no other items requiring disclosure under sections 663b, 663bbis, and 663c of the Swiss 
Code of Obligations.

148

KOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF KOMAX HOLDING AGThis page has been intentionally left blank.

Komax Group Companies

e  Direct and indirect equity participation as at 31 December 2014

Place

Dierikon, Switzerland

Dierikon, Switzerland

La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland

Epinay-sur-Seine, France

Nuremberg, Germany

S. Domingos de Rana, Portugal

Buffalo Grove, Illinois, USA

York, Pennsylvania, USA

Rockford, Illinois, USA

Buffalo Grove, Illinois, USA

São Paulo, Brazil

Mohammédia, Morocco

Shanghai, China

Penang, Malaysia

Tokyo, Japan

Singapore

Gurgaon, India

Porta Westfalica, Germany

Porta Westfalica, Germany

El Paso, Texas, USA

Colombo, Brazil

Tunis, Tunisia

Ergene / Tekirdag, Turkey

Shanghai, China

Grafenau, Germany

Grafenau, Germany

York, Pennsylvania, USA

Purpose

Participation

Ordinary capital

Sales

Sales

Sales

Sales

Sales

Sales

Sales

Sales

Group services and management

R&D, engineering, production, marketing, sales

R&D, engineering, production, marketing, sales

Holding of equity interests

R&D, engineering, production, marketing, sales

Engineering, production, marketing, sales

R&D, production, sales

Engineering, production, sales

R&D, production, marketing, sales

Holding of equity interests

R&D, engineering, production, marketing, sales

Engineering, production, marketing, sales

Engineering, production, marketing, sales

Engineering, production, marketing, sales

R&D, engineering, production, marketing, sales

R&D, engineering, production, marketing, sales

Administration

R&D, engineering, production, marketing, sales

R&D, engineering, production, marketing, sales

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

60%

60%

25%

BRL

200 000

MAD

10 000 000

USD

MYR

200 000

3 000 000

JPY

30 000 000

SGD

100 000

INR

10 000 000

CHF

CHF

CHF

EUR

EUR

EUR

USD

USD

USD

USD

EUR

EUR

USD

BRL

TND

TRY

CNY

EUR

EUR

USD

100 000

5 000 000

13 250 000

1 500 000

400 000

1 500 000

8 160 000

150

10 000

1 000 000

4 000 000

1 764 700

1 000 000

362 500

366 000

265 500

3 275 902

25 000

5 700 000

560 025

Company

Komax Management AG

Komax AG

Komax Systems LCF SA

Komax France Sàrl.

Komax Deutschland GmbH

Komax Portuguesa S.A.

Komax Holding Corp.

Komax Solar Inc.

Komax Systems Rockford Inc.

Komax Corp.

Komax Comercial do Brasil Ltda.

Komax Maroc Sàrl.

Komax Shanghai Co. Ltd.

Komax Systems Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

Komax Japan K.K.

Komax Singapore Pte. Ltd.

Komax Automation India Pvt. Ltd.

TSK Beteiligungs GmbH

TSK Prüfsysteme GmbH

TSK Innovations Co.

TSK do Brasil Ltda.

TSK Tunisia s.a.l.

TSK Test Sistemleri San. Ltd. Sti.

TSK Test Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.

SLE quality engineering Verwaltungs GmbH

SLE quality engineering GmbH & Co. KG

Xcell Automation Inc. 

Komax Holding AG
Dierikon, Switzerland

Purpose: Holding of equity interests
Listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange
Swiss security ID code: 001070215
Share capital: CHF 360 510.10
Market capitalization: CHF 520.9 million

150

KOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014FINANCIAL REPORTCORPORATE STRUCTUREPlace

Dierikon, Switzerland

Dierikon, Switzerland

La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland

Epinay-sur-Seine, France

Nuremberg, Germany

S. Domingos de Rana, Portugal

Buffalo Grove, Illinois, USA

York, Pennsylvania, USA

Rockford, Illinois, USA

Buffalo Grove, Illinois, USA

São Paulo, Brazil

Mohammédia, Morocco

Shanghai, China

Penang, Malaysia

Tokyo, Japan

Singapore

Gurgaon, India

Porta Westfalica, Germany

Porta Westfalica, Germany

El Paso, Texas, USA

Colombo, Brazil

Tunis, Tunisia

Ergene / Tekirdag, Turkey

Shanghai, China

Grafenau, Germany

Grafenau, Germany

York, Pennsylvania, USA

Company

Komax Management AG

Komax AG

Komax Systems LCF SA

Komax France Sàrl.

Komax Deutschland GmbH

Komax Portuguesa S.A.

Komax Holding Corp.

Komax Solar Inc.

Komax Systems Rockford Inc.

Komax Corp.

Komax Comercial do Brasil Ltda.

Komax Maroc Sàrl.

Komax Shanghai Co. Ltd.

Komax Systems Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

Komax Japan K.K.

Komax Singapore Pte. Ltd.

Komax Automation India Pvt. Ltd.

TSK Beteiligungs GmbH

TSK Prüfsysteme GmbH

TSK Innovations Co.

TSK do Brasil Ltda.

TSK Tunisia s.a.l.

TSK Test Sistemleri San. Ltd. Sti.

TSK Test Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.

SLE quality engineering Verwaltungs GmbH

SLE quality engineering GmbH & Co. KG

Xcell Automation Inc. 

Komax Holding AG

Dierikon, Switzerland

Purpose: Holding of equity interests

Listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange

Swiss security ID code: 001070215

Share capital: CHF 360 510.10

Market capitalization: CHF 520.9 million

e  Direct and indirect equity participation as at 31 December 2014

Purpose

Participation

Ordinary capital

Group services and management

R&D, engineering, production, marketing, sales

R&D, engineering, production, marketing, sales

Sales

Sales

Sales

Holding of equity interests

R&D, engineering, production, marketing, sales

Engineering, production, marketing, sales

Sales

Sales

Sales

R&D, production, sales

Engineering, production, sales

R&D, production, marketing, sales

Sales

Sales

Holding of equity interests

R&D, engineering, production, marketing, sales

Engineering, production, marketing, sales

Engineering, production, marketing, sales

Engineering, production, marketing, sales

R&D, engineering, production, marketing, sales

R&D, engineering, production, marketing, sales

Administration

R&D, engineering, production, marketing, sales

R&D, engineering, production, marketing, sales

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

60%

60%

25%

CHF

CHF

CHF

EUR

EUR

EUR

USD

USD

USD

USD

100 000

5 000 000

13 250 000

1 500 000

400 000

1 500 000

8 160 000

150

10 000

1 000 000

BRL

200 000

MAD

10 000 000

USD

MYR

200 000

3 000 000

JPY

30 000 000

SGD

100 000

INR

10 000 000

EUR

EUR

USD

BRL

TND

TRY

CNY

EUR

EUR

USD

4 000 000

1 764 700

1 000 000

362 500

366 000

265 500

3 275 902

25 000

5 700 000

560 025

151

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTCORPORATE STRUCTUREFINANCI AL REPORT
PROPOSAL FOR THE  AP PRO PRI ATIO N   O F   P R O F I T

e  Proposal for the appropriation of profit

The  Board  of  Directors  proposes  the  following  appropriation  of  profit,  payout  from  the  capital 
contribution reserves (which is not subject to withholding tax) as well as a dividend:

in CHF

Balance carried forward from previous year

Profit after taxes

Transfer from capital contribution reserves

31.12.2014

31.12.2013

195 211

181 539

28 441 284

24 713 672

9 012 753

15 857 010

Total available for distribution

37 649 248

40 752 221

Payout from capital contribution reserves of CHF 2.50 per registered share
(2013: CHF 4.50) which is not subject to withholding tax1

Dividend of CHF 2.50 gross per registered share (2013: CHF 0.00)1

Allocation to free reserves

Profit carried forward

Total

9 012 753

9 012 753

15 857 010

0

19 500 000

24 700 000

123 742

195 211

37 649 248

40 752 221

1  The stated amount covers the requirement for the payout from capital reser ves for all registered shares outstanding. Regis-
tered shares which will be issued after 1 Januar y 2015 upon exercise of options are also entitled to the payout from capital 
reser ves. Therefore, the stated amount may be subject to changes.

152

KOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014Report of the statutory auditor to the General Meeting of Komax Holding AG, Dierikon

Report of the statutory auditor on the financial statements
As statutory auditor, we have audited the accompanying financial statements of Komax Holding AG, which com-
prise the balance sheet, income statement and notes (pages 143 to 152), for the year ended 31 December 2014.

Board of Directors’ responsibility
The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the require-
ments of Swiss law and the company’s articles of incorporation. This responsibility includes designing, implementing 
and maintaining an internal control system relevant to the preparation of financial statements that are free from ma-
terial  misstatement,  whether  due  to  fraud  or  error.  The  Board  of  Directors  is  further  responsible  for  selecting  and 
applying appropriate accounting policies and making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances.

Auditor’s responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our 
audit in accordance with Swiss law and Swiss Auditing Standards. Those standards require that we plan and per-
form the  audit  to  obtain reasonable assurance whether the  financial statements  are  free from material misstate-
ment. 
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the finan-
cial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks 
of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assess-
ments, the auditor considers the internal control system relevant to the entity’s preparation of the financial state-
ments in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of 
expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control system. An audit also includes evaluating 
the  appropriateness  of  the  accounting  policies  used  and  the  reasonableness  of  accounting  estimates  made,  as 
well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have 
obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion
In our opinion, the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2014 comply with Swiss law and the com-
pany’s articles of incorporation.

Report on other legal requirements
We  confirm  that  we  meet  the  legal  requirements  on  licensing  according  to  the  Auditor  Oversight  Act  (AOA)  and 
independence (article 728 CO and article 11 AOA) and that there are no circumstances incompatible with our in-
dependence.
In accordance with article 728a paragraph 1 item 3 CO and Swiss Auditing Standard 890, we confirm that an in-
ternal control system exists which has been designed for the preparation of financial statements according to the 
instructions of the Board of Directors.
We  further  confirm  that  the  proposed  appropriation  of  available  earnings  and  reserves  complies  with  Swiss  law 
and  the  company’s  articles  of  incorporation.  We  recommend  that  the  financial  statements  submitted  to  you  be 
approved.

PricewaterhouseCoopers AG

Gerd Tritschler 
Audit expert 
Auditor in charge

Basel, 9 March 2015

Sven Rumpel
Audit expert

153

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014FINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF KOMAX HOLDING AGFURTHER INFORMATIO N
GLOSSARY

Glossary

Mechatronics
The term mechatronics describes the synergistic interaction between the specialist disciplines of 
mechanical  engineering,  electrical  engineering  and  computer  engineering  in  the  design  and 
 manufacture of industrial products and in process design.

Stripping
Process whereby a section of the insulating cover (or “insulation sleeve / sheath”) of an electrical 
conductor (wire or flex) is removed up to a specific required length to allow the wire to be con-
nected to another component.

Crimping
Crimping  is  a  bonding  technique  whereby  two  components  are  joined  together  by  plastic  de-
formation. It thus constitutes an alternative to conventional bonding methods such as soldering 
or  welding.  Crimp  connections  are  predominantly  used  in  mass  production  settings  with  non-
stop assembly of single strands.

Crimp force monitoring
Measurement and monitoring of crimping processes during wire connector crimping.

Micrograph laboratory
Micrographs are an important criterion for analysing the quality of crimp connections and ensur-
ing traceability in production. Micrograph laboratories analyse and document the quality of crimp 
connections, using colour pictures.

Twisting
Process whereby wires are twisted against one another and wound together into a spiral. Twisted 
pairs are a low-cost way of preventing electromagnetic interference.

Inhaler
Device  used  in  the  treatment  of  asthma,  bronchitis  and  other  chronic  or  acute  respiratory  dis-
eases.

Pen
Injection device, for example for administering insulin, characterized by its ease of use.

Self-medication
Self-treatment with medicines.

154

KOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014Five-year overview

FU RTHE R IN FORMATION
FIVE-Y EAR  OVERVIEW

in TCHF

Income statement
Revenues1

Gross profit

in % of revenues

EBITD

in % of revenues

Operating profit (EBIT)

in % of revenues

Group profit after taxes from  
continuing operations

in % of revenues

Result from discontinued operations

Group profit after taxes (EAT)

in % of revenues

Depreciation

Research and development

in % of revenues

Balance sheet

Non-current assets

Current assets
Shareholders’ equity2

in % of total assets

Share capital

Total liabilities

in % of total assets

Non-current financial loans

Current financial loans

Net cash (+) / net indebtedness (−)

Total assets

Cash flow statement

Cash flow from operating activities

Investments in non-current assets

Free cash flow

Employees

Headcount (at year-end)
Revenues per employee3
Gross value added per employee3
Net value added per employee3

Key data Komax registered share

Shares4

Par value

High

Low

Closing price on 31.12.

2014

20135

2012

2011

2010

323 959

196 634

60.7

52 577

16.2

43 297

13.4

35 064

10.8

−9 935

25 129

7.8

9 280

24 908

7.7

136 616

220 975

263 985

73.8

352

92 940

26.0

25 543

4 044

22 616 

363 338

220 188

60.6

57 663

15.9

48 102

13.2

43 660

12.0

−15 917

27 743

7.6

9 561

25 776

7.1

145 562

242 490

284 168

73.2

361

101 882

26.3

23 670

0

29 211

388 052

30 295

15 566

14 412

288 216

170 188

59.0

22 189

7.7

13 617

4.7

n.s.

n.s.

n.s.

9 426

3.3

8 572

24 633

8.5

141 231

218 302

236 111

65.7

344

371 424

200 837

54.1

54 906

14.8

47 536

12.8

n.s.

n.s.

n.s.

39 280

10.6

7 370

23 526

6.3

112 454

248 994

246 994

68.3

340

340 172

178 559

52.5

36 443

10.7

29 110

8.6

n.s.

n.s.

n.s.

17 780

5.2

7 333

20 511

6.0

107 162

211 536

212 523

66.7

340

122 528

113 413

106 175

34.1

56 765

0

938

31.4

46 571

0

5 604

357 591 

359 533 

361 448

31 734

8 032

24 545

45 222

9 033

27 627 

10 055

13 536

–61

No.

1 498

1 282

1 330

1 140

1 023

261

126

119

3 605

0.10

152.40

124.60

144.50

262 

125

117

3 524

0.10

138.00

72.35

135.30

246

108

100

3 444

0.10

97.10

61.25

71.00

343

147

140

3 401

0.10

120.00

59.00

68.75

No. 1 000

CHF

CHF

CHF

CHF

33.3

42 374

0

12 026

318 698

24 546

5 890

19 500

333

135

127

3 401

0.10

103.00

73.10

102.00

155

1 Revenues: net sales + other operating income.
2  Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent company.
3  Calculated on the basis of average headcount.
4  Changes resulting from the exercising of option rights.
5  Prior-year figures restated in accordance with Note 10 of the consolidated financial statements.

KOMAX GROUP ANNUAL REPORT2014 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Komax Holding AG
Investor Relations and 
Corporate Communications
Marco Knuchel
Industriestrasse 6
6036 Dierikon
Switzerland

Phone +41 41 455 04 55
www.komaxgroup.com

Financial calendar

Annual General Meeting

Dividend payment 

Half-year results 2015

First information on the year 2015

Annual media conference / analysts’
presentation

Annual General Meeting

8 May 2015

15 May 2015

18 August 2015

19 January 2016

22 March 2016

12 May 2016

Forward-looking statements
The present Annual Report contains forward-looking statements in relation  
to Komax which are based on current assumptions and expectations.  
Unforeseeable events and developments could cause actual results to  
differ materially from those anticipated. Examples include: changes  
in the economic and legal environment, the outcome of legal disputes,  
exchange rate fluctuations, unexpected market behaviour on the part  
of our competitors, negative publicity, and the departure of members of 
management. The forward-looking statements are pure assumptions,  
made on the basis of information that is currently available. This Annual  
Report is available in English and German. The original German version  
is binding. 

156

KOMAX GROUPANNUAL REPORT2014Imprint

Published by: 
Komax Holding AG, Dierikon

Concept and realization: 
Linkgroup, Zurich 
www.linkgroup.ch 
Publishing platform/PublishingSuite® 
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www.linkgroup.ch 
Steiner Communications, 
Zurich/Uitikon 
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Produced on a climate-neutral basis by Linkgroup

0349975

4

1

0

2

T

R

O

P

E

R

L

A

U

N

N

A

X

A

M

O

K

Komax Holding AG
Industriestrasse 6
6036 Dierikon
Switzerland

Phone +41 41 455 04 55
www.komaxgroup.com