NORMA Group
Annual Report 2016

Plain-text annual report

E E S S p p u u o o r r G G A A M M R R O O N N 6 1 0 2 T R O P E R L A U N N A A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 6 NORMA GROUP NORMA Group is an international market and technology leader in engineered joining technology. The Company manufactures a wide range of innovative joining technology solutions in three product categories – CL A MP, CONNECT and FLUID – and offers more than 35,000 high-quality products and solutions to around 10,000 customers in 100 countries. NORMA Group’s joining products are used in various industries and can be found in vehicles, ships, trains, air- crafts, domestic appliances, engines and plumbing systems as well as in applications for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. From its head- quarters in Maintal near Frankfurt, Germany, the Company coordinates a global network consisting of 27 production facilities as well as numerous sales and distribution sites across Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific. Overview of Key Figures 2016 Order situation Order book (Dec 31) Income statement Revenue Adjusted gross profit 1 Adjusted EBITA 1 Adjusted EBITA margin 1 EBITA Adjusted profit for the period 1 Adjusted EPS 1 Profit for the period EPS Cash flow Operating cash flow Net operating cash flow Cash flow from investing activities Cash flow from financing activities Balance sheet Total assets Total equity Equity ratio Net debt Employees Core workforce Share data IPO Stock exchange Market segment ISIN T 0 0 1 2016 2015 change in % EUR millions 302.4 295.8 EUR millions EUR millions EUR millions % EUR millions EUR millions EUR EUR millions EUR EUR millions EUR millions EUR millions EUR millions 894.9 545.6 157.5 17.6 150.4 94.6 2.96 75.9 2.38 149.2 148.5 − 133.8 49.6 889.6 533.1 156.3 17.6 150.5 88.7 2.78 73.8 2.31 128.2 134.7 − 44.5 − 70.4 0.6 2.3 0.8 n/a 0.0 6.6 6.7 2.7 3.0 16.4 10.3 201.0 n/a Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 change in % EUR millions EUR millions % EUR millions 1,337.7 483.6 36.2 394.2 1,167.9 429.8 36.8 360.9 14.5 12.5 n/a 9.2 5,450 5,121 6.4 April 2011 Frankfurt Stock Exchange, Xetra Regulated Market (Prime Standard), MDA X Security identification number Ticker symbol Highest price 2016 2 Lowest price 2016 2 Year-end share price on Dec 31, 2016 2 EUR EUR EUR Market capitalization as of Dec 31, 2016 2 EUR millions Number of shares DE000A1H8BV3 A1H8BV NOEJ 51.54 35.20 40.55 1,292 31,862,400 1 Adjustments are described in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.  Notes, p. 138. 2 Xetra price. Date of publication: March 22, 2017 Two Strong Distribution Channels Engineered Joining Technology Tailored, high-tech products devel- oped to meet specific requirements of individual OEM customers Distribution Services High-quality standardized brand products for a variety of applications p u o r G A M R O N E N G I N E E R E D J O I N I N G T E C H N O LO GY ( E J T ) The business area of EJT focuses on customized, engineered solutions which meet the specific requirements of original equipment manufacturers (OEM). For these customers NORMA Group develops innovative, value-adding solutions for a wide range of application areas and various industries. No matter whether it is a single component, a multi-component unit or a complex system, all products are individually tailored to the exact requirements of the industrial customers while simultaneously guaranteeing highest quality standards, efficiency and assembly safety. NORM A Group’s EJT products are built on the extensive engineering expertise and proven leadership in this field. D I S T R I B U T I O N S E R V I C E S ( D S ) In the area of DS, N OR M A Group sells a wide range of high-quality, standardized joining technology products for various applications through different distribution channels. Among the customers are distributors, O EM aftermarket customers, technical wholesalers and hardware stores. In the DS business area N O R M A Group benefits not only from its extensive geographic presence and global manufacturing, distribution and sales capa- cities, but also from its well-known brands, the customized packaging and the high availability of its products at the point of sale. NORM A Group markets its joining technology products under its well-known brand names: Innovative joining technology and the highest quality standards have secured NORMA Group’s market position for over 60 years now. The Com pany of fers solutions for many different indus- tries with its advanced products. In fact, NORMA Group ranks as one of the world’s market and technology leaders in the area of joining technology thanks to the personal dedication of more than 6,000 employees and an intellectual property rights portfolio that consists of more than 700 patents. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORTTO OUR SHAREHOLDERSCONTENTSE M E A A N E N O R M O U S E C O N O M I C S PA C E W I T H G R E AT P O T E N T I A L Europe, Middle East & Africa. This economic zone includes some of the richest and poorest countries in the world. The living and development standards within these regions are incredi- bly diverse, and their ethnic and cultural diversity is immense. However, some basic industrial requirements are the same no matter where you are – reliable joining technology for instance, whether for applications in the motor vehicle industry, in mechanical engineering, in the infrastructure sector, in the water industry or in agriculture. 2.3 B I L L I O N people live in the EMEA region. ¹/³ of the world’s gross domestic product is generated in EMEA. 6.5 P E R C E N T more passenger cars were registered in 2016 than last year according to the European industry association ACEA – total number: 15.1 million (EU28 + EFTA). 2.7 P E R C E N T growth of EMEA’s recent economic output in a year (averaged over the last ten years). 23 M I L L I O N motor vehicles are manufactured in EMEA every year – a quarter of the world’s total production. E M E A A N E N O R M O U S E C O N O M I C S PA C E W I T H G R E AT P O T E N T I A L Europe, Middle East & Africa. This economic zone includes some of the richest and poorest countries in the world. The living and development standards within these regions are incredi- bly diverse, and their ethnic and cultural diversity is immense. However, some basic industrial requirements are the same no matter where you are – reliable joining technology for instance, whether for applications in the motor vehicle industry, in mechanical engineering, in the infrastructure sector, in the water industry or in agriculture. 2.3 B I L L I O N people live in the EMEA region. ¹/³ of the world’s gross domestic product is generated in EMEA. 6.5 P E R C E N T more passenger cars were registered in 2016 than last year according to the European industry association ACEA – total number: 15.1 million (EU28 + EFTA). 2.7 P E R C E N T growth of EMEA’s recent economic output in a year (averaged over the last ten years). 23 M I L L I O N motor vehicles are manufactured in EMEA every year – a quarter of the world’s total production. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORTTO OUR SHAREHOLDERSCONTENTSE F F I C I E N C Y A M E G AT R E N D F O R T H E C L I M AT E ’ S S A K E Droughts, extreme storms, rising sea levels: The threats of climate change are obvious and their effects are global. Climate protection is the order of the day. Reducing carbon dioxide emissions plays an important role in this. The motor vehicle industry is an important starting point here. Reducing emissions by increasing effi ciency is the motto. To meet the high demands of manufacturers, suppliers must also offer innovative solutions. 130 G R A M S O F C O 2 P E R K M may be emitted on average since the year 2015 by new cars in the EU. E F F I C I E N C Y A M E G AT R E N D F O R T H E C L I M AT E ’ S S A K E Droughts, extreme storms, rising sea levels: The threats of climate change are obvious and their effects are global. Climate protection is the order of the day. Reducing carbon dioxide emissions plays an important role in this. The motor vehicle industry is an important starting point here. Reducing emissions by increasing effi ciency is the motto. To meet the high demands of manufacturers, suppliers must also offer innovative solutions. 95 G R A M S O F C O 2 P E R K M is the legal limit for average emissions of newly registered passenger cars in the EU from the year 2021. 5.1 P E R C E N T annual reduction in car fl eet consumption since 2015 needed to reach the 95-gram target. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORTTO OUR SHAREHOLDERSCONTENTST E C H N O L O G Y H O W I N C R E A S E D E F F I C I E N C Y I S B E C O M I N G P O S S I B L E Smaller, lighter, more refi ned – many measures are being combined to meet the stringent emissions requirements in the motor vehicle industry. Downsizing and turbo- charging are two starting points to make combustion engines more powerful. The challenge is that many individual components have to be adapted in order to withstand thermal and mechanical stress. As a result, the complexity and technical requirements of the components are increasing. T E C H N O L O G Y H O W I N C R E A S E D E F F I C I E N C Y I S B E C O M I N G P O S S I B L E Smaller, lighter, more refi ned – many measures are being combined to meet the stringent emissions requirements in the motor vehicle industry. Downsizing and turbo- charging are two starting points to make combustion engines more powerful. The challenge is that many individual components have to be adapted in order to withstand thermal and mechanical stress. As a result, the complexity and technical requirements of the components are increasing. 61.4 K I L O W A T T performance per liter of displacement for the average registered car in Germany today. Ten years ago, that number was only 48.9. 260 P E R C E N T increase in hybrid vehicle registrations between 2010 and 2015 in the EU. 2.5 P E R C E N T decrease in total mass of newly registered passenger cars in Europe from 2010 to 2015 (empty weight divided by product of vehicle length, width and height). CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORTTO OUR SHAREHOLDERSCONTENTSEM E A IN F IG U R ES THE YEAR 20 1 6 3.8% sales growth 432 EUR million in sales 12 production sites in the EME A region 3,202 employees in the EME A region 48% of total sales in the EME A region EM E A IN F IG U R ES FOU R Q U EST ION S TO… THE YEAR 20 16 3.8% sales growth 432 EUR million in sales 12 production sites in the EME A region 3,202 employees in the EME A region 48% of total sales in the EME A region J O A C H I M G E I M E R President EMEA Mr. Geimer, the Swedish company A BA and the German company Rasmussen merged to form NORM A Group in 2006. So, in a way EME A , or even better said Europe, is the Group’s home market. But how important is the region today? After all, NORM A Group now has over 6,000 em- ployees at 27 sites around the world. That’s right. N O R M A Group has grown steadily in the ten years of its existence, both organically and through numer- ous acquisitions. Today, we are globally active. The Americas and Asia-Pacifi c regions account for more than 50% of sales and earnings. But this also means that we still generate almost half of all sales in the EME A region. The EU as the largest economic area in the region is and remains an important sales market for us. Our largest customers and some of the most impor- tant players in the automotive industry are based here. Does that mean diversifi cation is in EME A’s future? Diversifi cation is part of our corporate strategy, in the EME A region as well as worldwide. We have made eleven acquisi- tions in the past ten years, including four in the water sector and one in the pharma/biotech sector. Lifi al, the Portuguese company which we acquired in January 2017, is a producer of metal clamps for use in industry and agriculture for exam- ple. We are constantly looking for new companies, but are buying companies from the automotive industry as well, as in the case of Autoline. Of course, seeing potential synergies is prerequisite. Our demands are high: the companies we acquire must match us. They must be consistent with our acquisition strategy and contribute to our growth. In addition, their business must be as profi table as N OR M A Group’s in order to be considered an acquisition target. There are al- ready many companies that do not meet these criteria. Does that mean the focus in the EMEA region is on the automotive industry? So where do you see the key drivers for future growth in the E M E A region: in the automotive sector or rather in other areas? We certainly have a focus on business with the automotive industry in E M E A , but without neglecting our projects in the construction industry, mechanical engineering and the infrastructure sector. It is simply grown like this and also intended. However, that does not mean we exclude acqui- sitions of companies from other industries in E M E A . On the contrary, we are seeing exciting applications in mega- trends for our joining technology in Europe, in the water sector, for example. Yes and yes. Emissions regulations alongside general devel- opments in mobility signifi cantly determine our business in the automotive industry. Our products are tailored precisely to the needs of every industry and are therefore in great demand. This promises potential for further growth in all in- dustries. Our product applications are endless – we are far from exhausting their possibilities. Sources: E M E A : World Bank, http://databank.worldbank.org | European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, http://www.acea.be/statistics/ | OICA, http://www.oica.net/ category/production-statistics/ | E F F I C I E N C Y : EU regulation no. 443 / 2009 | T E C H N O L O G Y : Federal Motor Transport Authority | ICCT EU Pocketbook 2016, http://eupocketbook. theicct.org CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORTTO OUR SHAREHOLDERSCONTENTSS T N E T N O C 14 Letter from the Management Board C Consolidated Financial Statements A To Our Shareholders 26 NORMA Group on the Capital Market 30 Supervisory Board Report 33 Corporate Governance Report B Consolidated Management Report 48 Principles of the Group 59 Economic Report 78 Events after the End of the Fiscal Year 78 Forecast Report 83 Risk and Opportunity Report 94 Remuneration Report 98 Other Legally Required Disclosures 101 Report on Transactions with Related Parties 110 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 112 Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 113 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 114 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 116 Segment Reporting 118 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 176 Appendix to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 178 Responsibility Statement 179 Auditor’s Report 180 Further Information 180 Glossary 185 List of Graphics 186 List of Tables 189 Overview by Quarter 2016 190 Multi-Year Overview Financial Calendar 2017 Contact Imprint E X P L A N AT I O N O F S Y M B O L S @ Internet  Cross reference CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORTTO OUR SHAREHOLDERSINHALTSVERZEICHNIS12 The Management Board W E R N E R D E G G I M C H I E F E X E C U T I V E O F F I C E R ( C E O ) • Vice President and General Manager, TRW Automotive, USA • Managing Director / Chairman of the Management Board, Peguform GmbH • Various executive management positions, thereof seven years in the USA and Canada D R . M I C H A E L S C H N E I D E R C H I E F F I N A N C I A L O F F I C E R ( C F O ) • Managing Director, F TE automotive Group • Member of the Management Board, Veritas AG • Director of Finance and IT, Aesculap AG (B. Braun Melsungen Group) • Various international management positions, thereof three years in Brazil B E R N D K L E I N H E N S B O A R D M E M B E R B U S I N E S S D E V E L O P M E N T With NORMA Group since the beginning of his professional career: • Global Sales Director for Commercial & Passenger Vehicles • Business Area Sales Manager for NORMACL AMP • Marketing Manager Automotive • Development Engineer J O H N S T E P H E N S O N C H I E F O P E R A T I N G O F F I C E R ( C O O ) • Vice President Operations, Hayes Lemmerz International • Director of Operations for Northern Europe, Textron Fastening Systems • Plant Manager and Managing Director, APW Electronics • Various positions, among others in the area of project and production management at Valeo Further information regarding the professional careers of the Management and the Supervisory Board can be found in the Investor Relations section on the NORMA Group website @ http://investors.normagroup.com. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016The Management Board 13 J O H N S T E P H E N S O N W E R N E R D E G G I M B E R N D K L E I N H E N S D R . M I C H A E L S C H N E I D E R CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORTTO OUR SHAREHOLDERSINHALTSVERZEICHNIS14 Letter from the Management Board Dear shareholders, customers and business partners, 2016 was a year that posed many challenges. Political events such as Great Britain’s decision to leave the EU and the outcome of the US presidential elec- tion shaped the mood on the international markets. The global economic de- velopment was moderate and important growth markets lacked momentum. For NORMA Group, 2016 was a mixed year in this challenging economic envi- ronment in which we were unable to achieve all of our original goals. Although the business segments of importance to us in the automotive and water indus- tries were driven by increased production numbers and strong demand and developed well, we had to adjust our sales forecast in November 2016 due to the persistently weak development of the US markets for commercial vehicles and agricultural machinery. This came as a surprise not only to us, but also for many investors and analysts and led to clear reactions on the capital market with a negative impact on our share. At the end of the year, however, we proved that our business rests on a solid foundation that ensures stability, even in an economically difficult environment. We succeeded in increasing our sales slightly by 0.6% – by 0.9% organically – to EUR 894.9 million and maintained our adjusted EBITA margin at the usual high level of 17.6%. We are satisfied with the year-on-year increase of 6.6% higher adjusted profit for the period of EUR 94.6 million and adjusted earnings per share of EUR 2.96. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 201615 We also managed to achieve further successes in the area of M& A in fiscal year 2016. Autoline has been part of our Group since the end of November. With production facilities in France, Mexico and China, Autoline operates globally and enhances our existing portfolio with its products in the area of quick connectors for applications in the automotive industry. With the acquisition of Autoline, we have once again come one step closer to our goal of offering our customers in the vehicle industry holistic joining solutions. In January 2017, we also acquired the Portuguese clamp manufacturer Lifial. Lifial produces metal clamps for use in industry and agriculture and employs around 100 people. The company markets its products to customers in Europe and North Africa. By acquiring Lifial, we have strengthened our product line in the Distribution Services business and our market position on the Iberian Peninsula and in Europe. Autoline already made a contribution of EUR 3.5 million to Group sales in fiscal year 2016, and these two highly profitable companies will continue to contribute to sales growth in the future. Acquisitions are and will remain an important part of our Company strategy of strengthening its growth and contributing to the diversification of our business activities. Organic growth, in other words growth through our own strength, is Letter from the Management BoardCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORTTO OUR SHAREHOLDERSINHALTSVERZEICHNIS16 another even more important pillar of our success. And this is primarily based on our innovative strength and the quality of our products and processes. We leave nothing to chance here. As a result, our Research & Development de- partment has developed a long-term roadmap to meet the challenges of the future with targeted, innovative solutions. Global megatrends, such as climate change and resource scarcity, and addressing the resulting requirements for our products and our customers’ end products are at the forefront. The sustainability of our activities is always the focus and forms the basis of all decision-making. For this reason, we once again issued an invitation to a stakeholder roundtable on corporate responsibility in fiscal year 2016. This year, the focus of the dialogue event was on sustainability in purchasing and the holistic integration of sustainability aspects in the value chain. The results of the discussion round gave us important impulses for the further development of our Corporate Responsibility (CR) strategy, which we have anchored in our CR roadmap 2018 and published on our website. With this clear focus on innovation and sustainability, we are looking confidently to the current year 2017. The broad diversification of our business activities, our high cost-awareness and the emerging slight recovery of global markets will have a positive effect on business development and growth. We see op- portunities for our Company to continue its growth, especially in the increasing regulatory density in environmental law, both in the area of emissions reduction and in the water sector. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 201617 Dear shareholders, our anniversary year 2016 has now come to an end and we look back on 10 years of NORMA Group, in which we have achieved a lot. We have continuously grown, developed from a predominantly Europe- an company into a global Group, professionalized our processes and struc- tures and multiplied our number of employees. We would like to thank you for the fact that you have accompanied us on this path and placed your trust in us. Be assured that our goals are no less ambitious for the coming years. Of course, we would like you to participate again in the success of the Company in the past year and will therefore propose a dividend of EUR 0.95 per share at the Annual General Meeting on May 23, 2017, in Frankfurt for fiscal year 2016. We would also like to thank our more than 6,000 employees worldwide for their commitment in 2016. Furthermore, we would like to thank our customers and business partners. We look forward to continuing our good relationships. Let us work together to make 2017 a successful year. Sincerely, Werner Deggim Dr. Michael Schneider Bernd Kleinhens John Stephenson Letter from the Management BoardCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORTTO OUR SHAREHOLDERSINHALTSVERZEICHNIS 18 NORMA Group SE Annual Report 201619 Whether it is in Germany, Europe or the rest of the world, the signs for freight transport are characterized by growth in the long term. One important means of transport still is by road. Letter from the Management BoardCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORTTO OUR SHAREHOLDERSINHALTSVERZEICHNIS20 “The increasingly urgent demand for more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGIES presents major challenges for commercial vehicle manufacturers and suppliers alike. Through our LONG-STANDING COOPERATION with OEMs, we know the specific requirements of the industry in terms of the quality, performance and longevity of the components and work with customers every day to make our products even better, lighter and more powerful.” P E T E R V O L K E R T T E A M L E A D E R H E A V Y E Q U I P M E N T N O R M A G R O U P H O L D I N G G M B H NORMA Group SE Annual Report 201621 “The increasingly urgent demand for more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGIES presents major challenges for commercial vehicle manufacturers and suppliers alike. Through our LONG-STANDING COOPERATION with OEMs, we know the specific requirements of the industry in terms of the quality, performance and longevity of the components and work with customers every day to make our products even better, lighter and more powerful.” P E T E R V O L K E R T T E A M L E A D E R H E A V Y E Q U I P M E N T N O R M A G R O U P H O L D I N G G M B H 76 C O N N E C T I N G P R O D U C T S I N E N G I N E A N D C O O L I N G S Y S T E M S 24 C O N N E C T I N G P R O D U C T S I N O T H E R A P P L I C A T I O N S 4 C O N N E C T I N G P R O D U C T S I N E X H A U S T S Y S T E M Letter from the Management BoardCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORTTO OUR SHAREHOLDERSINHALTSVERZEICHNIS22 NORMA Group SE Annual Report 201623 Letter from the Management BoardCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORTTO OUR SHAREHOLDERSINHALTSVERZEICHNIS26 NORMA Group on the Capital Market 30 Supervisory Board Report 33 Corporate Governance Report S R E D L O H E R A H S R U O O T CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS 26 NORMA Group on the Capital Market Dividend of EUR 0.90 resolved at the Annual General Meeting Research coverage at a high level 2015 Annual Report and Investor Relations work won several awards POSITIVE BAL A NCE ON THE CAPITAL M AR KE TS DESPITE ROUGH START TO THE YE AR The stock market year 2016 got off to a very weak start and the global stock markets suffered severe price losses in the first two months of the year. The growing economic difficulties that China is experiencing, which also pose a threat to profits for European companies and investors around the world, were one reason for this. The DA X fell by approximately 17% by the middle of Febru- ary to its low for the year of 8,699 points and was shaken again in June by the unexpected outcome of the Brexit referendum. The stock exchanges recovered in the second half of the year, however. The continuing expansionary monetary policy of the central banks, improving economic indicators and the strong US dollar gave the markets a boost. The surprising result of the presidential election in the US in November caused a damper, but only temporarily. Most of the markets ended the year in positive territory. The DA X ended the year up 6.9% at 11,481 points, while the MDA X closed at 22,188 points, 6.8% higher than at the end of 2015. The US stock exchanges painted an even brighter picture. There, the S&P 500 rose by 9.5%, while the Dow Jones Index even recorded a plus of 13.4%. PER FOR M A NCE OF THE NOR M A GROUP SH AR E The NORMA Group share was unable to continue its upward trend in 2016 and developed weaker than the overall mar- ket during the year. Whereas the benchmark indices MDA X and DA X slowly recovered in the second half of the year, the NORMA Group share continued its negative trend. Weaker than expected sales due to the declining business in the areas of commercial vehicles and agricultural machinery in the US and the resulting correction of the annual sales forecast in Novem- ber disappointed many investors and analysts. The NORMA Group SE share lost significantly in value and closed the year at EUR 40.55 in 2016, 20.7% lower than in the previous year (2015: EUR 51.15). The market capitalization amounted to EUR 1.29 billion as of December 31, 2016 (2015: EUR 1.63 billion). This is based on an unchanged number of 31,862,400 shares compared to last year. I N D E X- B A S E D C O M PA R I S O N O F N O R M A G R O U P ’ S S H A R E P R I C E P E R F O R M A N C E I N 2 0 16 W I T H T H E M D A X A N D D A X G 0 0 2 in % 10 5 0 −5 − 10 − 15 − 20 −25 −30 −35 NORMA Group SE MDA X DA X Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec NORMA Group SE Annual Report 201627 In terms of free float market capitalization that is of relevance in determining index membership, the NORMA Group share came in 46th place out of 50 in the MDA X in December 2016 (Dec. 2015: 33rd). TR ADING VOLUME INCR E ASED The average Xetra trading volume of the NORMA Group share was 73,571 shares per day (2015: 88,888 shares) in the period from January to December 2016. The NORMA Group share thus ranked 48th out of 50 (2015: 46th) in the MDA X in Decem- ber 2016 based on trading volume. This represents an average trading volume per day of EUR 3.2 million and thus a decline compared to last year. The total average number of shares traded per day in 2016 was 223,983 (2015: 273,943). Trading on the various trading platforms can be broken down as follows: D I S T R I B U T I O N O F T R A D I N G A C T I V I T Y I N 2 0 16 G 0 0 3 in % 37 Block trades 33 Official trading 30 Alternative trading platforms The percentage of shares traded on the official market remained constant at 33% compared to last year. By contrast, the per- centage of trading on alternative platforms increased from 25% to 30%. The percentage of shares traded via block trades de- clined to 37% compared to last year (2015: 42%). BROADLY DIVERSIFIED SH AR EHOLDER STRUCTUR E The N O R M A Group share has gained greater international recognition in recent years due to active investor relations work. As a result, foreign investors have become increasingly import- ant. In the meantime, NORMA Group now has a regionally highly diversified shareholder base with a high share of international investors mainly from the US, the UK, France, Germany and Scandinavia.  G 004: Free Float by Region. At the end of the reporting year, 94.7% of NORMA Group shares were held by institutional investors, 2.3% (2015: 2.3%) by man- agement, and 3.0% (2015: 2.1%) by private investors. The num- ber of private investors (excluding management) increased from 2,833 to 4,231 over the course of fiscal year 2016. F R E E F L O AT B Y R E G I O N G 0 0 4 in % as of December 31, 2016 Rest of World 14 18 USA 21 France 6 Scandinavia 17 Germany 24 United Kingdom VOTING RIGHTS NOTIFICATIONS IN 2016 Based on the voting rights notifications received by the end of 2016, shares of NORMA Group designated as free floating and amounting to over 3% are held by the following institutional investors: O V E R V I E W O F V O T I N G R I G H T S N O T I F I C AT I O N S T 0 0 2 in % Ameriprise Financial Inc., Wilmington, DE, USA Allianz Global Investors Europe GmbH, Frankfurt / Main, Germany A X A S.A., Paris, France BNP Paribas Investment Partners S.A., Paris, France Mondrian Investment Partners, Ltd., London, UK T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. Baltimore, MD, USA The Capital Group Companies, Inc., Los Angeles, CA, USA 5.57 5.02 5.02 4.91 4.85 3.11 3.05 As of December 31, 2016. Please refer to the Notes on page 176 for further information on the voting right notifications received. All voting rights notifications are published on the Company’s website @ http://investors.normagroup.com. 2016 A NNUAL GENER AL MEE TING The Ordinary Annual General Meeting of NORMA Group SE was held on the premises of the Jahrhunderthalle in Frankfurt / Main on June 2, 2016. 23,694,807 of the 31,862,400 shares with vot- ing rights, i.e. 74.37% of the share capital, were represented at the meeting. The participating shareholders resolved a dividend of EUR 0.90 per share. This corresponds to a distribution rate of 32.3% based on NORMA Group’s adjusted net profit for the fiscal year of EUR 88.7 million. All items on the agenda were approved by clear majorities. The voting results are available on the website @ http://investors.normagroup.com/hv. To Our ShareholdersNORMA Group on the Capital MarketCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS 28 DIR ECTORS’ DE ALINGS In fiscal year 2016, two transactions were reported as Directors’ Dealings. These can be found in the Corporate Governance Report.  Corporate Governance Report, p. 37. R ESE ARCH COVER AGE AT HIGH LE VEL 18 analysts from various banks and research firms currently follow NORMA Group. As of December 31, 2016, there were 14 recommendations to buy the share. Four analysts advised to hold the share. The average price target was EUR 45.72 at the end of December 2016 (2015: EUR 52.86). A N A LY S T S C O V E R I N G N O R M A G R O U P T 0 0 3 SUSTAIN ABLE IN VESTOR R EL ATIONS ACTIVITIES NORMA Group’s investor relations activities seek to further increase awareness of the Company on the capital market, strengthen long-term confidence in its share and achieve a re- alistic and fair valuation. Therefore, the management and those responsible for investor relations hold many meetings with in- stitutional investors, financial analysts and private shareholders over the course of the year. The Management Board and the Investor Relations team of NORMA Group conducted 35 roadshows in Europe and North America’s most important financial centers in 2016. Further- more, NORMA Group attended the following conferences: Baader Bank Bankhaus Lampe Bankhaus Metzler Peter Rothenaicher Christian Ludwig Jürgen Pieper • Oddo Forum, Lyon • Commerzbank German Investment Seminar, New York • Kepler Cheuvreux German Corporate Conference, Bank of America Merrill Lynch Kai Müller Frankfurt / Main Berenberg Bank Commerzbank AG Deutsche Bank AG DZ Bank AG equinet Bank Hauck & Aufhäuser HSBC Jeffries Kepler Cheuvreux Macquarie MainFirst Bank AG NordLB Oddo Seydler Bank AG Warburg Research GmbH Philippe Lorrain • Goldman Sachs European Small & Mid Cap Symposium, Ingo-Martin Schachel London Tim Rokossa Thorsten Reigber Tim Schuldt Christian Glowa • Kepler Cheuvreux Mid Cap Days, Paris • Société Générale Nice Conference, Nice • Berenberg European Conference, Tarrytown • Berenberg Energy Efficiency & Construction Conference, Jörg-André Finke Zurich Peter Reilly Hans-Joachim Heimbürger Christian Breitsprecher Tobias Fahrenholz Frank Schwope • db Access German, Swiss & Austrian Conference, Berlin • Equinet Europakonferenz, Frankfurt / Main • Commerzbank Sector Conference, Frankfurt / Main • UBS Best of Germany Conference, New York • Berenberg & Goldman Sachs German Corporate Daniel Kukalj Conference, Munich Alexander Wahl • Baader Investment Conference, Munich • DZ Bank Equity Conference 2016, Frankfurt / Main • Berenberg European Conference 2016, Surrey A N A LY S T R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S G 0 0 5 as of December 31, 2016 Hold 4 14 Buy SERVICE FOR SH AR EHOLDERS Shareholders and those interested can register in the investor relations section of the Company website @ http://investors. normagroup.com to receive the circular letter for investors from NORMA Group. They will be informed promptly by e-mail of any developments within the Group and automatically receive the regular publications. Furthermore, comprehensive information on the NORMA Group share is published on the website. Besides financial reports and presentations that can be downloaded, all important financial mar- ket dates and details on how to reach the contact partners can be found there. The teleconferences on the quarterly and annual financial statements are recorded and offered in audio format. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 29 NOR M A GROUP 2015 A NNUAL R EPORT R ECEIVES • The Best Annual Report 2015: 3rd place in the MDA X seg- NUMEROUS AWAR DS NORMA Group’s 2015 Annual Report excelled in several na- tional and international competitions and received the following awards: ment, 6th place in the overall ranking • Investors’ Darling: 2nd place in the MDA X segment, 10th place in the overall ranking • ICMA Award: Award of Excellence • 2016 L ACP Vision Award: Silver • 2016 ARC Awards: Bronze K E Y F I G U R E S F O R T H E N O R M A G R O U P S H A R E S I N C E T H E I P O T 0 0 4 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 Apr 8, 20111 Closing price on Dec 31 (in EUR) Highest price (in EUR) Lowest price (in EUR) MDA X level on Dec 31 40.55 51.54 35.20 51.15 53.30 38.32 39.64 43.59 30.76 36.09 39.95 21.00 21.00 23.10 15.85 16.00 21.58 11.41 21.00 2 n / a n / a 22,188.94 20,774.62 16,934.85 16,574.45 11,914.37 8,897.81 10,539.6 Number of unweighted shares as of Dec 31 31,862,400 31,862,400 31,862,400 31,862,400 31,862,400 31,862,400 31,862,400 Market capitalization (in EUR millions) 1,292 1,630 1,263 1,150 669 510 669 Average daily Xetra volume Shares EUR millions Earnings per share (in EUR) Adjusted earnings per share (in EUR) Dividend per share (in EUR) Dividend yield (in %) Distribution rate (in %) Price-earnings ratio Selected indices 73,571 88,888 73,932 86,570 54,432 46,393 3.20 2.38 2.96 0.95 3 2.3 32.0 3 17.0 4.10 2.31 2.78 0.90 1.8 32.3 22.1 2.80 1.72 2.24 0.75 1.9 33.4 23.05 2.53 1.74 1.95 0.70 1.9 35.9 20.7 1.04 1.78 1.94 0.65 3.1 33.5 11.8 1.45 1.19 1.92 0.60 3.8 33.2 13.4 n / a n / a n / a n / a n / a n / a n / a n / a MDA X, CDA X, Classic All Share, Prime All Share, DA X International 100, DA Xsector Industrial, DA Xsubsector Products & Services, HDA X, MIDCAP MK T PR, ST XE TM Automobiles & Parts Index, ST XE TM Small Index, ST XE Total Market Index 1 IPO and first trading day of the NORMA Group share. 2 Issuing price. 3 In accordance with the Management Board’s proposal for the appropriation of net profit, subject to approval by the Annual General Meeting on May 23, 2017. S H A R E P R I C E D E V E L O P M E N T O F T H E N O R M A G R O U P S H A R E S I N C E T H E I P O I N 2 0 11 C O M PA R E D T O T H E M D A X G 0 0 6 MDA X in points NORMA Group SE in EUR 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 To Our ShareholdersNORMA Group on the Capital MarketCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS 30 Supervisory Board Report COLL ABOR ATION BE T WEEN THE SUPERVISORY BOAR D A ND THE M A N AGEMENT BOAR D The Supervisory Board of NORMA Group SE has monitored and advised on the activities of the Management Board in fis- cal year 2016 in accordance with the rules of the Aktiengesetz (AktG, German Stock Corporation Act), the German Corporate Governance Code and NORMA Group’s Articles of Association. The Management Board reports to the Supervisory Board regularly in written form on a monthly basis on the business development of NORMA Group SE and the Group and pro- vides a forecast for the current fiscal year. The development of sales and earnings, incoming orders and order backlog are described in detail compared to the previous year and current targets. In addition to this monthly reporting and the Super- visory Board meetings, the Chairman of the Management Board and the Chairman of the Supervisory Board engaged in regular exchanges on important topics in fiscal year 2016. The Management Board began each Supervisory Board meet- ing by reporting on the overall economic situation and sec- tor-specific conditions. The weakening of the US economy and the consequent impact on NORMA Group were key topics in 2016. The Management Board then reported on the respective business performance of NORMA Group and explained the earnings situation based on key indicators and their devel- opment compared to the previous year and the budget. The Management Board discussed sales and the order situation for both the regions and the distribution channels. Accidents at work and countermeasures that have been introduced to im- prove work safety as well as quality and delivery were also dis- cussed at each meeting. Furthermore, the Supervisory Board and Management Board discussed NORMA Group’s long-term strategic orientation and current M&A projects, particularly the acquisition of Autoline from Parker Hannifin and the acquisi- tion of the Portuguese clamp manufacturer Lifial – Indústria Metalúrgica de Águeda, Lda. The Management Board and the Supervisory Board also dealt with amendments to the EU Mar- ket Misuse Directive, particularly with regard to notifications of director’s trading transactions (Directors’ Dealings) and the instructions that need to be given to persons closely related to executives. The Management Board regularly presented the planning and the current state of the implementation of the Microsoft A X software to both the Supervisory Board and the Audit Committee. Furthermore, the Supervisory Board has decided to raise some thresholds for transactions for which the Management Board requires the approval of the Supervisory Board and to adjust the rules of procedure of the Management Board accordingly. The Chairman of the Audit Committee reported to the other Supervisory Board members after the meetings of the Audit Committee. At each regular meeting of the Supervisory Board, the Manage- ment Board also presents a risk report in which the probability of occurrence and potential effects of all relevant risks, including any countermeasures, are assessed. This regular risk reporting provides the Supervisory Board with a clear picture of which possible risks could have a negative impact on the Company’s assets, financial and earnings position. Moreover, compliance topics are also discussed at every Supervisory Board meeting (including possible fraud). The Supervisory Board convened internally before or after each meeting with the Management Board. For transactions requiring approval, the Management Board sought the decisions of the Supervisory Board well in advance and presented the Supervisory Board with sufficiently detailed information in written form. Besides the regularly recurring topics, the Supervisory Board also dealt with the following issues in fiscal year 2016: Supervisory Board meeting held on March 21, 2016, in Maintal The 2015 annual financial statements and management report of NORMA Group SE as well as the corresponding consolidated fi- nancial statements and group management report presented by the Management Board were discussed in detail by the Super- visory Board with the auditors in attendance from the engaged NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016Supervisory Board Report 31 auditing firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers GmbH Wirtschaftsprü- fungsgesellschaft (PwC). The risk report and compliance status were discussed in detail. PwC confirmed, among other topics, that no cases of fraud can be reported at NORMA Group. As part of the presentation of the economic development and the current business situation, the Management Board and the Supervisory Board discussed various technologies, including selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and the hybrid drive, as well as their possible uses in various engine types. The Supervisory Board also approved an agreement with Deutsche Bank on advisory services. Supervisory Board meeting held on June 2, 2016, in Frankfurt / Main The Supervisory Board meeting was held after the Annual Gen- eral Meeting of NORMA Group SE and started with a follow-up assessment of the Annual General Meeting. The participants discussed in detail the consequences of the diesel scandal and the resulting decline in sales of vehicles with diesel engines and the impact of this decline on NORMA Group’s business. The Supervisory Board approved the Management Board’s proposal to optimize the promissory note and agreed to extend the line of credit. Supervisory Board meeting held on September 15, 2016, in Maintal The Management Board presented in detail current M& A projects and informed the Supervisory Board about compli- ance with the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR), which had not led to any objections. The auditors’ report was handed over to the Supervisory Board. Subsequently, the Man- agement Board and the Supervisory Board discussed the con- sequences and / or planned measures for the implementation of the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Directive. Supervisory Board meeting held on November 30, 2016, in Maintal The Management Board explained in detail the reduction in cus- tomer orders in the US, which led to the adjustment of the sales forecast for the full year 2016 on November 10, 2016, which was unexpected at the time of publication of the third quarter figures. The Supervisory Board and the Management Board discussed in detail the current political situations, especially in Europe and China, on electric vehicles and the resulting conse- quences for the sales figures for vehicles with pure combustion engines and hybrid drives. The Supervisory Board approved the revised budget for 2017 proposed by the Management Board and the medium-term planning until 2021. In addition, the Supervisory Board met for closed meetings in Frankfurt/Main on January 20, 2016, and in Wiesbaden on October 21, 2016. These meetings focused on fundamental topics, including global and regional corporate and manage- ment structures, the growth strategy, remuneration of the Management Board, changes to the Corporate Governance Code, necessary business process harmonization, future IT structures, Deutsche Bank’s advisory mandate proposed by Dr. Stefan Wolf Chairman of the Supervisory Board the Management Board, a regulation concerning audit-inde- pendent services to be rendered by the auditor and require- ments for the agendas of the Supervisory Board and the Audit Committee for the year 2017. TOPICS OF THE AUDIT COMMIT TEE IN 2016 The Audit Committee of NORMA Group convened three times in 2016. In addition, it also held four telephone conferences. CFO Dr. Michael Schneider took part in every meeting and telephone conference. Other participants were departmental managers of the second management level to advise on technical issues in their areas of responsibility, in particular Accounting & Report- ing, Treasury, Compliance and Internal Revision. The Audit Committee discussed the main focuses, procedure and results of the audit of the individual and consolidated finan- cial statements of NORMA Group SE with the auditors. One fo- cus of the work of the Audit Committee in 2016 was on NORMA Group Good Practice Controls. These are rules that are part of the internal control system that were bindingly introduced at all NORMA Group sites in 2015. The Audit Committee dis- cussed the quarterly reporting with the CFO. Other topics for the Audit Committee were the adoption and details of budget planning and medium-term planning, as well as the compliance management system (including fraud protection) and current compliance issues, the risk management process and what was learned from Internal Revision for the revision plan for 2017. The Audit Committee also discussed topics that pertained to the Treasury with the CFO, in particular promissory notes, for- eign currency hedging instruments, asset backed securities and reversed factoring, but also improvements to the financing agreements, and gave an overview of the current pension plans at NORMA Group. In addition to the Audit Committee meetings, the Chairman of the Audit Committee was in regular personal and telephone contact with the CFO and the auditors to discuss possible areas of emphasis for the audit of the 2016 annual financial statements To Our ShareholdersCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS32 as well as the focus of the work of the Audit Committee in the coming year 2017. Furthermore, personal discussions took place involving an Audit Committee member, the CFO and the CIO Group ICT on the status of standard process implementa- tion with Microsoft A X. AT TENDA NCE OF MEE TINGS A ND CONFER ENCE CALLS, NO CONFLICTS OF INTER EST All Supervisory Board members, Dr. Stefan Wolf (Chairman), Lars Berg (Vice-Chairman), Günter Hauptmann, Knut Michel- berger, Dr. Christoph Schug and Erika Schulte, participated in all of the Supervisory Board meetings held in 2016. All members of the Supervisory Board attended the first closed meeting. Dr. Wolf was prevented from attending the second closed meeting due to personal reasons; all other members of the Supervisory Board attended this meeting. All members of the Audit Committee, Lars Berg, Knut Michel- berger, Dr. Christoph Schug (until September 2016) and Erika Schulte (from October 2016), participated in all meetings and telephone conferences of the Audit Committee. The General and Nomination Committee did not convene in 2016. Personnel matters were prepared by the Chairman of the Supervisory Board and discussed with all of its members. There were no conflicts of interest between the members of the Supervisory Board and the Company in fiscal year 2016. In order to reduce the risk of potential conflicts of interest before they even arise, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Mr. Hauptmann and the Management Board discussed the extent to which Mr. Hauptmann’s membership in an advisory council of a company that competes with NORMA Group in some areas could have an effect. No conflicts of interest have yet arisen from this activity. INFOR M ATION ON THE AUDITOR The 2016 annual financial statements for NORMA Group SE presented by the Management Board were audited by the au- diting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers GmbH Wirtschaftsprü- fungsgesellschaft along with the management report and the corresponding consolidated financial statements and group management report. The audit mandate was issued on Sep- tember 28, 2016. The auditors Dr. Ulrich Störk and Benjamin Hessel as well as Thomas Tilgner and Richard Gudd took part in the Supervisory Board meeting held to formally adopt the financial statements as well as in Audit Committee meetings and conference calls with the Audit Committee. APPROVAL OF THE 2016 A NNUAL FIN A NCIAL STATEMENTS The consolidated financial statements of NORMA Group SE were prepared in accordance with section 315a of the German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch, HGB) on the basis of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted in the EU. The auditor issued an unqualified opinion for the 2016 annual financial statements and management report of NORMA Group SE as well as for the consolidated financial statements and group management report. The documents pertaining to the financial statements, the Management Board’s proposal for the appropriation of net profit and both auditors’ reports were submitted to the Supervisory Board. The Audit Committee and the Supervisory Board in its entirety thoroughly examined the reports and discussed and scrutinized them in detail together with the auditor. The Supervisory Board accepted the auditor’s findings and had no objections. The Supervisory Board then approved the annual financial state- ments of NORMA Group SE and the 2016 consolidated financial statements together with their respective management reports at its meeting on March 20, 2017. The Supervisory Board ap- proved the proposal on the appropriation of profits by the Man- agement Board. NORMA Group SE’s annual financial statements are thereby adopted in accordance with section 172 AktG. DECL AR ATION OF CONFOR MIT Y WITH THE GER M A N COR POR ATE GOVER N A NCE CODE The Supervisory Board and Management Board dealt with the requirements of the German Corporate Governance Code and ratified the following Declaration on January 31, 2017: NORMA Group SE has complied with the recommendations of the Ger- man Corporate Governance Code as amended on May 5, 2015, (published on June 12, 2015) by the Federal Ministry of Justice in the official section of the Federal Gazette (‘Bundesanzeiger’) since its last Declaration was submitted and will continue to comply with the recommendations. The Corporate Governance Declarations made by NORMA Group SE are available on the Company’s website @ http://investors.normagroup.com. The Supervisory Board would like to thank all employees of NORMA Group all around the world and the Management Board for their personal efforts and successful work once again in fis- cal year 2016. The Supervisory Board is confident that NORMA Group will continue to grow successfully in fiscal year 2017. Dettingen / Erms, March 20, 2017 Dr. Stefan Wolf Chairman of the Supervisory Board NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016Corporate Governance Report 33 Corporate Governance Report The following is the Management Board’s Declaration of Confor- mity in accordance with article 289a of the German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch, HGB) and section 3.10 of the Ger- man Corporate Governance Code. The Declaration is part of the Consolidated Group Management Report. The management of NORMA Group is dedicated to achieving sustained economic success while complying with the Com- pany’s social responsibility. Transparency, responsibility and sustainability are the principles that determine its actions. DECL AR ATION OF CONFOR MIT Y WITH THE GER M A N COR POR ATE GOVER N A NCE CODE The Supervisory Board and Management Board of NORMA Group SE thoroughly examined which of the German Corpo- rate Governance Code’s recommendations and suggestions NORMA Group SE should follow and explains deviations from the recommendations and the reasons for deviating from the Code. The current Declaration dated January 31, 2017, as well as all the other Declarations are published on NORMA Group’s website. @ http://investors.normagroup.com. The Declaration dated January 31, 2017, is presented below: With the following exceptions, NORMA Group SE has complied since its last declaration was submitted, and will continue to comply, with the recommendations of the German Corporate Governance Code as amended on May 05, 2015 (published on June 12, 2015 by the Federal Ministry of Justice in the official section of the Federal Gazette) (‘Bundesanzeiger’): 1. With respect to the compensation of the members of the Management Board, the Supervisory Board does not take into account the compensation of the upper man- agement or the workforce as a whole (section 4.2.2 para. 2 of the German Corporate Governance Code). When determining the compensation of the Management Board, the Supervisory Board, advised by an external re- muneration expert, also took into account the compensa- tion structure of the Company as well as the entire NORMA Group. Due to NORMA Group’s dynamic development, the Supervisory Board has so far not explicitly defined the upper management or the workforce as a whole and, therefore, does not take these groups or their development over time into account. 2. The remuneration of the Management Board is not capped, either in total or in terms of its variable com- pensation elements (section 4.2.3 para. 2 of the German Corporate Governance Code). The maximum gross option profit from the matching stock program for the Management Board is limited in total to a percentage of the average annual EBITA during the vesting period; therefore, a relative maximum limit that is dependent on the Company’s success is applied rather than a maxi- mum monetary amount. The maximum amount of the long-term variable remuner- ation under the Long-Term Incentive program is limited to 250% of the amount that results based on the three-year average value of the annual EBITA or the free cash flow that the Company has budgeted multiplied by the respective bo- nus percentages set in the employment contract. In addition, the Supervisory Board may grant in its sole discretion a special bonus for extraordinary achievements which is not limited by a maximum amount. The Super- visory Board does not believe such a maximum amount to be required because the Supervisory Board can ensure by specifically exercising its discretion that the requirement of adequacy under section 87 para. 1 of the German law on stock corporations is complied with. 3. The remuneration of the Management Board has not yet been disclosed on an individual basis (section 4.2.5 para. 3 of the German Corporate Governance Code). T h e A n n u a l G e n e r a l M e e t i n g w h i c h wa s h e l d o n April 6, 2011 resolved not to disclose the remuneration for individual Management Board members between 2011 and 2015. The Board was committed to upholding this resolution. For this reason, the reference tables attached to the German Corporate Governance Code could not be used unchanged, To Our ShareholdersCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS 34 but rather only the individual components of remuneration each as a total sum for the entire Management Board. From publication for the fiscal year 2016, the remuneration of the Management Board will be disclosed individually in accor- dance with the German Corporate Governance Code. 4. Concrete objectives regarding the composition of the Supervisory Board have not been set and, therefore, are not published in the Corporate Governance Report. There is no regular limit of length of membership of the Super visory Board (section 5.4.1 para. 2 of the German Corporate Governance Code). All members of the Supervisory Board will continue to com- ply with all pertinent legislation related to Supervisory Board proposals for new Supervisory Board members. In doing so, the Supervisory Board takes into account the individual professional and personal qualifications of the relevant can- didates independently of their gender. According to section 2 para. 2 of the rules of procedure of the Supervisory Board each member of the Supervisory Board shall have the re- quired knowledge, abilities and functional experience to fulfil the duties properly and shall be sufficiently independent. The tenure of a Supervisory Board member shall not be extended beyond his or her 70th birthday; a regular limit of length of membership of the Supervisory Board does not exist. Section 2 para. 3 of the rules of procedure of the Su- pervisory Board provides for further principles which shall be taken into account in the Supervisory Board’s proposals for the election of the Supervisory Board by the general shareholders’ meeting. These principles comprise, amongst others, a maximum number of positions in other listed com- panies and of former members of the Management Board within the Supervisory Board as well as the requirements of independence. In addition, attention shall be paid to the international activities of the company and diversity. Taking into account the size of the Supervisory Board with only six members, the Supervisory Board does not believe the definition of additional concrete objectives for its com- position to be appropriate. 5. During the transformation of NORMA Group AG into an SE, the members of the Supervisory Board were not cho- sen in a separate election (section 5.4.3 of the German Corporate Governance Code). All members of the first Supervisory Board of NORMA Group SE were elected as part of the transformation pursuant to Article 40 para. 2 sentence 2 SE VO in accordance with the Articles of Association to ensure that the resolution on the election of the members of the Supervisory Board could not be challenged separately. Otherwise, the risk could not be ruled out that the Company would have no Supervisory Board or that the Board would have an insufficient number of members after the transformation was entered in the com- mercial register. ALLOCATION OF COMPE TENCES BE T WEEN THE M A N AGEMENT A ND THE SUPERVISORY BOAR D NORMA Group SE uses the same type of dual management system that German stock corporations use. Here, the Super- visory and Management Boards are separate bodies that have different functions and powers. The Management Board man- ages the Company under its own responsibility. The Supervisory Board appoints, advises, monitors and dismisses members of the Management Board. The Management Board provides the Supervisory Board with regular updates about its business policies, how the business is developing, the position of the Company and any transactions that could have a significant impact on profitability or liquidity. The Management Board reports the key figures of the Group and the current course of business to the Supervisory Board on a monthly basis, in particular with regard to the published guid- ance on the expected development of the Company. Based on the written documents that were submitted to the Super visory Board in advance, the members of the Management Board re- port in great detail on business developments and provide an outlook on the expected future development of NORMA Group at the Supervisory Board meetings. Other recurring topics at all meetings include the monthly and quarterly figures, risk analysis and measures aimed at minimizing any risks that had been detected, reports by the respective Committee Chairmen on the previous meetings held and strategic projects. All Man- agement Board members participate in the Supervisory Board meetings. The Supervisory Board convenes separately before or after meeting with the Management Board. The Chairman of the Supervisory Board and the Chairman of the Management Board coordinate the collaboration of the two Boards. They also stay in regular contact between Super visory Board meetings and discuss current corporate governance is- sues. In accordance with the legal requirements, the by-laws of the Management Board and NORMA Group’s Articles of Associ- ation, the Supervisory Board must approve certain important transactions before they can be executed by the Management Board and the Company’s employees. This applies not only for measures at NORMA Group SE, but also for measures at its subsidiaries. In order to ensure that the Management Board is promptly informed of corresponding matters involving sub- sidiaries so that it can request the approval of the Supervisory Board, a hierarchical system of approval requirements organized by functional areas, levels of responsibility and countries applies worldwide at NORMA Group. M A N AGEMENT BOAR D A ND R EGION AL M A N AGEMENT The Management Board of NORMA Group SE is composed of four members: Werner Deggim (Chief Executive Officer), Dr. Michael Schneider (CFO), Bernd Kleinhens (Managing Director for Business Development), and John Stephenson (Chief Oper- NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 Corporate Governance Report 35 ating Officer). The allocation of responsibilities and internal order of the Management Board are based on relevant legislation, NORMA Group SE’s Articles of Association and the Manage- ment Board by-laws enacted by the Supervisory Board as well as the internal guidelines, including the compliance documents and the business allocation plan. a specific issue will be dealt with by the entire Management Board. The Management Board did not form any committees. Board meetings are usually held once a month. In addition, the Board meets regularly at least once a month along with other executives of the Group. R E S P O N S I B I L I T I E S O F T H E M A N A G E M E N T B O A R D T 0 0 5 Every Board member is obliged to inform the Supervisory Board immediately, but also the other members of the Management Board, of any conflicts of interest. No such conflicts of interest arose for a Board member in 2016. Werner Deggim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Compliance Personnel Legal and M&A Group Development Group Communications Internal Revision Corporate Responsibility / Sustainability Risk Management Dr. Michael Schneider Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Bernd Kleinhens Managing Director Business Development John Stephenson Chief Operating Officer (COO) Finances Controlling Investor Relations Treasury IT Insurances Sales Product Development Marketing Production Purchasing Supply Chain Management Global Excellence Program Quality Assurance The Chief Executive Officer heads the Corporate Responsibil- ity initiative of NORMA Group and is responsible for the topics Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), insofar as this does not concern individual issues, especially on the environ- ment. Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Stephenson, is responsible for these matters. In general, Management Board resolutions are passed by simple majority. The Chairman has the deciding vote if the vote is tied. However, the members of the Management Board are obliged to make an effort to reach unanimous decisions. If a member of the Management Board cannot participate in a vote, his vote will be obtained at a later date. The entire Management Board is responsible with matters of particular importance. In accor- dance with the Management Board by-laws, these include the following matters: producing the Management Board reports for the purpose of informing the Supervisory Board and the quarterly and half-yearly reports, fundamental organizational measures, including the acquisition or disposal of significant parts of companies and strategic and business planning is- sues, measures related to the implementation and supervision of a monitoring system pursuant to section 91 (2) AktG, issuing the Declaration of Conformity pursuant to section 161 (1) AktG, preparing the consolidated and annual financial statements and similar reports, convening the Annual General Meeting and in- quiries and recommendations by the Management Board that are to be handled and resolved by the Annual General Meeting. In addition, every Management Board member may request that The Supervisory Board must approve of any transactions be- tween NORMA Group companies on the one hand and a mem- ber of the Management Board, related parties or businesses on the other hand. No such transactions took place in 2016. The Supervisory Board must also approve any secondary activities by a member of the Management Board. In 2016, it agreed to Mr. Stephenson as a shareholder of a family-run English company and had already agreed in 2015 that the CFO Dr. Schneider would continue to be a member of the Supervi- sory Boards of two German companies. The other members of the Board of Management do not have any secondary activities that are subject to approval. The rules of procedure of the Supervisory Board provide that the term of office of a member of the Management Board should not be extended beyond his or her 65th birthday. Local Presidents in the three regions EMEA, Americas and APAC are responsible for carrying out business on a daily basis. These three Presidents report directly to the CEO. The entire Man- agement Board of NORMA Group SE meets at least once a year with the Presidents and their managers at the local head- quarters – Singapore for the Asia-Pacific region, Auburn Hills, Michigan, for the Americas, and Maintal for the EMEA region. In addition, individual members of the Management Board meet regularly with the local teams. The managers at NORMA Group work in a matrix structure in which they have both a disciplinary as well as a technical supervisor. SUPERVISORY BOAR D The Supervisory Board of NORMA Group SE is comprised of the following six members: • Dr. Stefan Wolf (Chairman of the Supervisory Board) • Lars M. Berg (Vice-Chairman of the Supervisory Board) • Dr. Christoph Schug • Günter Hauptmann • Knut J. Michelberger • Erika Schulte They are all representatives of the shareholders, in other words elected by the Annual General Meeting. NORMA Group SE is not a codetermined Company; therefore, worker representatives are not represented on its Supervisory Board. To Our ShareholdersCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS36 All members of the Supervisory Board are independent as defined in section 5.4.2 of the German Corporate Governance Code. No Supervisory Board member has ever served as a member of the Management Board of NORMA Group SE or been a member of management of any of its predecessor companies. Five of the six members of the Supervisory Board, Dr. Wolf, Mr. Berg, Mr. Hauptmann, Mr. Michelberger and Dr. Schug, have been members of the Supervisory Board since 2011. Mrs. Schulte has been a member of the Supervisory Board since 2012. The term of all members of the Supervisory Board began in 2013 and lasts until the Annual General Meeting that resolves on discharging the Supervisory Board for the fourth fiscal year after commencement of the term (the 2013 fiscal year in which the term began is not counted) at the very longest and no later than six years after officially taking office. This is expected to be until the 2018 Annual General Meeting, 2019 at the latest. The rules of procedure of the Supervisory Board provide that the term of office of a member of the Supervisory Board should not be extended beyond his or her 70th birthday. There are no consultancy, other service or work contracts be- tween NORMA Group companies and a member of the Super- visory Board. All members of the Supervisory Board are obligated to report any conflicts of interest. No such conflicts of interest arose in 2016. After Mr. Hauptmann became a member of the advisory council of a company that competes in some areas with NORMA Group in September 2016, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Mr. Hauptmann and the Management Board discussed whether this activity could lead to conflicts of interest in the future and how this could be avoided. So far, there have been no conflicts of interest. The Supervisory Board of NORMA Group convened for four regular meetings in fiscal year 2016. All members of the Su- pervisory Board and the Management Board took part in these meetings. In addition, two closed meetings of the Supervisory Board were held without the Management Board. All members of the Supervisory Board attended the first closed meeting. Dr. Wolf was prevented from attending the second closed meeting for personal reasons, while all other members of the Supervisory Board attended this meeting. The Chairman of the Supervisory Board represents the Supervi- sory Board externally. He organizes the work of the Supervisory Board and chairs its meetings. The Supervisory Board can pass resolutions by simple majority, whereby the Chairman has the deciding vote if a vote is tied. The Supervisory Board formed two committees: the Audit Com- mittee and the General and Nomination Committee. The Audit Committee deals in particular with monitoring the accounting process and the effectiveness of the internal control and risk management systems as well as the audit of the annual financial statements, in particular through the independence of the auditor, the additional services rendered by the auditor, engaging the auditor, determining areas of audit emphasis and agreeing to the auditor’s fees. The Audit Committee accom- panies the collaboration between NORMA Group SE and the auditors and ensures that opportunities for improvement identi- fied during the audit are promptly implemented. It is responsible for preparing the accounting documents and adopting the Su- pervisory Board’s resolution on the consolidated and separate financial statements. Moreover, it is responsible for compliance and reviews the compliance with statutory provisions and the internal guidelines. Mr. Michelberger took on the role of Chairman of the Audit Com- mittee on October 1, 2016. Other members are Lars M. Berg and, since October 1, 2016, Erika Schulte. At the end of Sep- tember 2016, Dr. Christoph Schug stepped down from the Audit Committee, until which time he was Chairman. Mr. Michelberger is an independent financial expert within the meaning of section 100 (5) AktG. Due in large part to his many years as CFO and Managing Director, he has particular knowledge and experi- ence in the application of accounting principles and internal guidelines. The Audit Committee of NORMA Group convened three times in fiscal year 2016 and held four telephone conferences. All Audit Committee members took part in each. The General and Nomination Committee prepares personnel-re- lated decisions for the Supervisory Board. This committee has the following specific responsibilities: preparing Supervisory Board resolutions regarding the formation, amendment and termination of employment contracts with members of the Man- agement Board in accordance with the remuneration system ap- proved by the Supervisory Board, preparing Supervisory Board resolutions regarding legal applications to reduce the remuner- ation of a Management Board member pursuant to section 87 (2) AktG, preparing Supervisory Board resolutions regarding the structure of the remuneration system for the Management Board, acting as representatives of the Company to Manage- ment Board members who have left the Company pursuant to section 112 AktG, approving secondary employment and external activities for Management Board members pursuant to section 88 AktG, granting loans to the persons specified in section 89 AktG (loans to members of the Management Board) and section 115 AktG (loans to members of the Supervisory Board), approving contracts with members of the Supervisory Board pursuant to section 114 AktG and proposing suitable candidates to the Annual General Meeting when there is a vote on Supervisory Board members. In 2016, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Dr. Stefan Wolf, served as the Chairman of the General and Nomination Committee and its other members NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016Corporate Governance Report 37 were Dr. Christoph Schug and Lars M. Berg. No formal meeting of the General and Nomination Committee was held in 2016. SH AR EHOLDERS A ND A NNUAL GENER AL MEE TING The shareholders of a Societas Europaea decide on the Com- pany’s important and fundamental matters. The shareholders exercise their voting rights at the Annual General Meeting, which takes place at least once every year. The Annual General Meet- ing resolves among other topics on how earnings are to be distributed, the formal approval of the Management Board and the Supervisory Board, the selection of the auditor, but also on amendments to the Articles of Association. Shareholders are entitled to vote if they are registered in the shareholders’ register of NORMA Group SE and provide NORMA Group SE or another location specified in the invitation with written notice, in German or English, at least six days before the Annual General Meeting that they will be attending. Each share entitles the bearer to one vote. NORMA Group SE publishes the invitation and all documents that are to be made available at the Annual General Meeting promptly on its website. Information regarding the number of at- tendees and the voting results are published there following the Annual General Meeting. @ http://investors.normagroup.com/hv. SH AREHOLDINGS OF THE M A N AGEMENT BOARD A ND SUPERVISORY BOAR D On December 31, 2016, the Management Board and the Super- visory Board jointly held 728,858 (2.3%) of the total 31,862,400 shares of NORMA Group SE. Members of the Supervisory Board held 87,083 (0.3%), and members of the Management Board 641,775 (2.0%), whereby no member of the Management Board held more than 1% of the shares in NORMA Group SE. DIR ECTORS’ DE ALINGS Members of the Management Board and the Supervisory Board and related parties are obliged to disclose Directors’ Dealings in NORMA Group SE shares if the value of these transactions reaches or exceeds EUR 5,000 within a calendar year. The following transactions were reported in connection with Directors’ Dealings in 2016: D I R E C T O R S ’ D E A L I N G S T 0 0 6 Buyer / Seller Dr. Michael Schneider John-Leonard Stephenson Type of financial instrument NORMA Group SE share (ISIN: DE000A1H8BV3) NORMA Group SE share (ISIN: DE000A1H8BV3) Type of transaction Date of transaction Place of transaction Average price per share in EUR Total value in EUR Purchase Sale June 28, 2016 August 11, 2016 Xetra 44.49 Xetra 50.40 104,996.40 223,119.84 STOCK OP TION PL A NS A ND EQUIT Y- BASED INCENTIVE PROGR A MS The principles of management remuneration are described in the remuneration report which is also part of the management report.  Remuneration Report, p. 94. In fiscal year 2013, a Long-Term Incentive Program (LTI) was launched for the second management level, which involves the employees participating in NORMA Group’s success over the medium term. OTHER M A NDATES IN M A N AGEMENT BOAR DS OF LISTED COMPA NIES OR SUPERVISORY BODIES Exercised professions and other mandates on Supervisory Boards or comparable Supervisory Bodies of the members of NORMA Group’s Supervisory Board in fiscal year 2016 are shown in  Table 007 on p. 38. TARGE TS FOR THE SH AR E OF WOMEN According to the statutory requirements introduced in 2015, the Supervisory Board of NORMA Group SE has set targets for the proportion of women for the Supervisory Board and the Management Board for the management level of NORMA Group SE below the Management Board as well as a time limit for implementing them. These targets have not been ad- justed since then. They are expected to be valid until the end of June 2017. The Supervisory Board of NORMA Group SE is not subject to the statutory provisions binding women quotas. The legal pro- visions for mandatory women quotas apply only to companies that are listed and codetermined. NORMA Group SE is listed, but not codetermined. The members of the Supervisory Board of NORMA Group SE are elected solely by the shareholders; employee representatives are not represented on the Super- visory Board. In setting the target values for the Supervisory Board and the Management Board, the Supervisory Board bases its decisions on the remaining term of office of the Supervisory Board and the terms of the Management Board member’s contracts of employ- ment. The latest deadline for implementation of the targets that are to be set for the first time is June 30, 2017. The term of office of all Supervisory Board members and the terms of Manage- ment Board members end only after this date. For this reason, the proportion of women cannot be expected to change be- fore this date. Accordingly, the current status quo has been set as the target for the Supervisory Board and the Management Board until June 30, 2017. The Supervisory Board currently has a female member; therefore the target for the proportion of women is one female member out of the six members in total. The Management Board is currently composed exclusively of men. Therefore, the target for the proportion of women on the Management Board remains zero. These unchanged targets were achieved in 2016. To Our ShareholdersCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS38 O T H E R M A N D AT E S O F T H E S U P E R V I S O R Y B O A R D M E M B E R S T 0 0 7 Supervisory Board member, exercised office Other mandates on Supervisory Boards and comparable committees Dr. Stefan Wolf, Chairman of the Management Board (CEO) of ElringKlinger AG Member of the Supervisory Board of Allgaier Werke GmbH, Uhingen, Germany Lars Berg, Consultant to various companies in the fields of telecommunications, media and finances Günter Hauptmann, Consultant Knut J. Michelberger, Consultant Dr. Christoph Schug, Entrepreneur Erika Schulte, Managing Director of Hanau Wirtschaftsförderung GmbH and Liquidator of Techno logie- und Gründerzentrum Hanau GmbH (until February 3, 2017) NORMA Group SE has only one layer of management below the Management Board. It includes all persons who report directly to the Management Board and have management responsibili- ties towards employees. Given the female representation of 50% at the time of the adoption of the resolution in 2015, the Man- agement Board has set the target for the proportion of women in the first management level below the Management Board that is to be met by June 30, 2017 at at least 25% or one woman. No reduction in the proportion of women is intended, nor is it to be ruled out that the percentage of women will increase from 50%. The Management Board has in its opinion proven with the current filling of management positions that it has succeeded and should be able to continue to recruit qualified women for leadership positions at NORMA Group SE in the future. There is no second management level for which the Management Board would have also had to set targets. At the balance sheet date 2016, 11 out of 18 employees were women. Of the total of four people, who form the first management level below the Management Board, two are women. This means that the level was maintained since the resolution was passed in 2015 and exceeded the target of 25%. At NORMA Group, targets for the Management, Supervisory Board and the top two levels of management were also set for another company, NORMA Germany GmbH. This company is not listed, but codetermined. Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Net Insight AB, Stockholm, Sweden Member of the Supervisory Board of Greater Than AB, Stockholm, Sweden (since February 5, 2016) Member of the Supervisory Board of BioElectric Solutions AB, Stockholm, Sweden Chairman of the Advisory Board of Atesteo GmbH (formerly GIF GmbH), Alsdorf, Germany Member of the Supervisory Board of Geka GmbH, Bechhofen, Germany (until August 31, 2016) Member of the Advisory Board of Moon TopCo GmbH, formerly mertus 268. GmbH (Schlemmer Group), Poing, Germany (since September 1, 2016) Member of the Advisory Board of Rena Technologies GmbH, Gütenbach, Germany Member of the Supervisory Board (raad van commissarissen) of Weener Plastics Group, Ede, The Netherlands (since January 1, 2016) Member of the Advisory Board of Kaffee Partner Holding GmbH, Osnabrück, Germany (since June 1, 2016) Member of the Advisory Board of Bomedus GmbH, Bonn, Germany Member of the Advisory Board of MoebelFirst GmbH, Cologne, Germany Member of the Administrative Board of AMEOS Gruppe AG, Zurich, Switzerland (until December 31, 2016) No seats on other boards or comparable committees COMPLIA NCE NORMA Group’s compliance organization seeks to prevent vio- lations of laws and other rules, in particular through preventive measures. Nevertheless, if there is evidence of violations, these matters will be investigated promptly and thoroughly and the necessary consequences will be taken. Findings will be used to take steps to reduce the risk of future violations. The Group-wide compliance activities are headed by the Chief Compliance Officer of NORMA Group, who reports directly to the CEO. Besides the existing compliance department at Group level, there are Compliance Officers at the level of the regions and the individual companies. For instance, the three regional Compliance Officers of the EMEA, Americas and Asia-Pacific re- gions report to the Chief Compliance Officer. Furthermore, each operational Group company has its own Compliance Officer, who reports to the respective Regional Compliance Officer. The Supervisory Board monitors compliance with the compliance rules defined by the Management Board. The compliance organization performs risk analysis together with the relevant functions and departments in order to deter- mine and monitor the risk profile of countries, subsidiaries and functions. On the basis of this, it identifies the respective need to take action and initiates corresponding measures. Special training courses are held regularly on specific risk areas and important current topics or developments. In 2016, for example, NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016Corporate Governance Report 39 worldwide online training was held on approval procedures. Be- sides these training courses on specific focus topics, all employ- ees worldwide (on-site in personal training or online training) are trained on the basic compliance rules and important contents of the compliance guidelines. Furthermore, employees receive important, up-to-date compliance information on a regular basis on the intranet page, through the employee newsletter and in the form of e-mails and notices. The compliance guidelines of NORMA Group are an important means of demonstrating to employees their ethical and legal obli- gations. All compliance documents are reviewed regularly and, if necessary, adapted to new legal or social requirements and thus always kept up-to-date. The current versions of the main compli- ance documents, the ‘Code of Conduct,’ and the two principle directives ‘Conflicts of Interest’ and ‘Anti-Corruption’ were revised and published in March 2016 with the approval of the Supervisory Board. They are binding for all employees of NORMA Group. A separate ‘Supplier Code of Conduct’ applies for suppliers. It is intended to help ensure that laws and ethical rules are observed within the NORMA Group supply chain. In addition, a compliance manual was compiled in 2016, which defines responsibilities and regulatory areas, describes basic compliance processes, and provides a summary of key compliance issues. NORMA Group encourages its employees to report breaches of regulations and internal policies for all hierarchies. Besides directly approaching superiors, the personnel department or Compliance Officers, an Internet-based ‘whistleblower system’ is available for this purpose. With this whistleblower system, company-internal and external parties can report suspicious cases to the compliance organization of NORMA Group and, if necessary, preserve their anonymity. The members of the compliance organization always follow up on references to compliance violations. If violations of compli- ance rules are discovered or weaknesses in the organization are identified, management takes the necessary action promptly in cooperation with the compliance organization. Depending on the actual case, these measures range from targeted additional training and changes in organizational processes to disciplinary means, including termination of employment. INFOR M ATION ON THE AUDITOR A ND INTER N AL ROTATION PricewaterhouseCoopers GmbH Wir tschaf ts prüfungs- gesellschaft (PwC), Frankfurt / Main, audited the financial state- ments of NORMA Group SE / NORMA Group AG as well as the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years 2011 to 2016. Furthermore, PwC retroactively audited the years 2009 and 2010 for the prospectus as part of the IPO in 2011. After an internal rotation at PwC, Mr. Thomas Tilgner exercised the position of the left undersigned auditor and Mr. Richard Gudd the right undersigned auditor for fiscal year 2016 for the first time. To Our ShareholdersCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS40 NORMA Group SE Annual Report 201641 The automotive industry is the largest industrial sector in Germany in terms of sales volume and is also one of the most important industries worldwide. With its many years of experience and extensive expertise in joining technology, NORMA Group is an important player in this market. To Our ShareholdersNORMA Group on the Capital MarketCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS42 “With the acquisition of the FRENCH AUTOLINE BUSINESS, we significantly strengthened our market position in the area of quick connectors. Autoline’s products perfectly complement our existing product portfolio in the plastic area and allow access to new customers and NEW APPLICATIONS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY – not only in Europe, but also on a global scale.” E D O U A R D G E N H O K E Y A C C O U N T M A N A G E R F O R E J T N O R M A D I S T R I B U T I O N F R A N C E S . A . S . NORMA Group SE Annual Report 201643 “With the acquisition of the FRENCH AUTOLINE BUSINESS, we significantly strengthened our market position in the area of quick connectors. Autoline’s products perfectly complement our existing product portfolio in the plastic area and allow access to new customers and NEW APPLICATIONS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY – not only in Europe, but also on a global scale.” E D O U A R D G E N H O K E Y A C C O U N T M A N A G E R F O R E J T N O R M A D I S T R I B U T I O N F R A N C E S . A . S . 25 C O N N E C T I N G P R O D U C T S I N E N G I N E A N D C O O L I N G S Y S T E M S 7 C O N N E C T I N G P R O D U C T S I N E X H A U S T S Y S T E M 3 C O N N E C T I N G P R O D U C T S I N F U E L S Y S T E M To Our ShareholdersNORMA Group on the Capital MarketCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS44 NORMA Group SE Annual Report 201645 To Our ShareholdersNORMA Group on the Capital MarketCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT REPORTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS48 Principles of the Group 78 Forecast Report 48 Business Model 48 Organizational Structure 50 Products and End Markets 51 Unique Selling Propositions and Competitive Situation 51 Economic and Legal Factors of Influence 52 Goals and Strategy 54 Control System and Control Parameters 57 Research and Development 59 Economic Report 59 General Economic and Industry-Specific Conditions 61 Significant Developments in 2016 61 Comparison of Target and Actual Values 61 General Statement by the Management Board on the Course of Business and Economic Situation 62 Earnings, Assets and Financial Position 69 Sustainable Value Creation 70 Production and Logistics 71 Quality Management 71 Purchasing and Supplier Management 73 Employees 76 Environmental Protection and Ecological Management 77 Marketing 78 General Economic and Industry-Specific Conditions 80 Future Development of NORMA Group 82 General Statement by the Management Board on the Probable Development 83 Risk and Opportunity Report 83 Risk and Opportunity Management System 84 Internal Control and Risk Management System with Regard to the Group Accounting Process 85 Risk and Opportunity Profile of NORMA Group 91 Assessment of the Overall Profile of Risks and Opportunities by the Management Board 94 Remuneration Report 94 Remuneration of the Management Board 98 Remuneration of the Supervisory Board 98 Other Legally Required Disclosures 78 Events after the End of the Fiscal Year 101 Report on Transactions with Related Parties T R O P E R T N E M E G A N A M D E T A D I L O S N O C CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS 48 Consolidated Management Report 2016 Principles of the Group BUSINES S MODEL NORMA Group is an international market and technology leader in the area of advanced and standardized engineered joining and mounting technology. With its 27 production sites and nu- merous sales offices, the Group has a global network with which it supplies more than 10,000 customers in over 100 countries. NORMA Group’s product portfolio includes more than 35,000 high-quality joining products and solutions in the three product categories clamps (CL AMP), joining elements (CONNECT) and fluid systems / connectors (FLUID). The products NORMA Group offers are used across industries in a wide range of applications, whereby the product specifications differ depending on the ap- plication and customer requirements. High customer satisfaction forms the foundation of NORMA Group’s continued success. The main factors here are the cus- tomized system solutions, the global availability of products in consistently high quality and delivery reliability. By opening new plants and competence centers and making strategic acquisitions, NORMA Group has succeeded in ex- panding its international presence quite significantly in recent years while optimizing its distribution channels and intensifying its cooperation with local customers. ORG A NIZ ATION AL STRUCTUR E Corporate legal structure NORMA Group SE is the parent company of NORMA Group. It has its headquarters in Maintal near Frankfurt / Main, Germany. NORMA Group SE serves as the formal legal holding of the Group. It is responsible for the strategic management of busi- ness activities. In addition, it is also responsible for communi- cating with the Company’s most important target audiences as well as for Legal and M& A, Compliance and the Internal Revision. Group-wide central management responsibilities such as IT, Treasury, Group Accounting and Group Controlling, are all based at the subsidiary NORMA Group Holding GmbH. Three re- gional management teams located in Auburn Hills, USA, Maintal, Germany, and Singapore steer the specific holding activities for the three regions Americas (North, Central and South America), EMEA (Europa, Middle East and Africa) and Asia-Pacific (APAC). As of December 31, 2016, NORMA Group SE holds shares in 46 companies that belong to NORMA Group either directly or indirectly and are fully consolidated.  Notes, p. 134. Acquisitions Economically effective as of November 30, 2016, N O R M A Group acquired all of Autoline’s assets from Parker Hannifin. The company was included in the scope of consolidation as of December 1, 2016. Autoline’s main production site is located in Guichen, France. Furthermore, it has production sites in Mexico and China.  Significant Developments in 2016, p. 61. Changes of legal structure In fiscal year 2016, NORMA Türkei Verwaltungs GmbH, head- quartered in Maintal, was renamed NORMA Verwaltungs GmbH. NORMA Verwaltungs GmbH as a controlled company and its sole shareholder NORMA Group Holding GmbH as the con- trolling company concluded a domination and profit transfer agreement, which was entered into the commercial register on December 21, 2016. NORMA Verwaltungs GmbH holds the shares in the Turkish Group company NORMA Turkey Bağlantı ve Birleştirme Teknolojileri Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Şirketi as well as minority interests in the Russian Group company NORMA Group CIS and, since January 2017, a minority interest in the newly acquired Portuguese company Lifial – Indústria Metalúrgica de Águeda, Lda.  Events after the End of the Fiscal Year, p. 78. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 201649 N O R M A G R O U P ( S I M P L I F I E D S T R U C T U R E ) 1 G 0 0 7 NORMA Group SE NORMA Group Holding (Germany) NORMA Pennsylvania (USA) NORMA Group APAC Holding (Singapore) Craig Assembly (USA) NORMA Michigan (USA) NORMA EJT (Wuxi) NORMA Thailand R.G.R AY (USA) NORMA Group Mexico NORMA DS Mexico National Diversified Sales (USA) NORMA Brazil NORMA Australia Guyco (Australia) NORMA Products Malaysia NORMA China 2 NORMA EJT (China) NORMA Korea NORMA Japan NORMA India NORMA Germany NORMA Distribution Germany NORMA Serbia NORMA Polska NORMA Group DS Polska Groen BV (The Netherlands) NORMA Czech NORMA Turkey NORMA Distribution France NORMA Sweden CONNECTORS Verbindungstechnik AG (Switzerland) NORMA China 2 NORMA Italy NORMA France NORMA Spain NORMA UK NORMA Russia NORMA Autoline France 1 The graph gives an overview of the operating companies of NORMA Group. A complete list of the Group companies and NORMA Group’s shareholdings as of December 31, 2016, can be found in the  Notes, p. 134. 2 NORMA China is organizationally assigned to the Asia-Pacific segment. In terms of company law, it belongs to NORMA Group Holding GmbH. These corporate changes will have no impact on the operational business. In connection with the acquisition of Autoline, NORMA Group has set up a new subsidiary in France (NORMA Autoline France SAS) and in China (NORMA EJT (Wuxi) Co., Ltd.). These new companies have been running the Autoline business in France and China since December 1, 2016. The American-Mexican part of the Autoline business has been integrated into NORMA Group’s existing American Group companies. Group management NORMA Group SE has a dual management system that consists of a Management Board and a Supervisory Board. The Manage- ment Board comprised of four members, manages the Com- pany under its own responsibility, while the Supervisory Board advises and monitors the Management Board. The Supervisory Board consists of six members who have been elected by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting. Detailed informa- tion on the composition of the Management Board and the Su- pervisory Board, as well as the distribution of responsibilities among themselves, can be found in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of the Management Report. The State- ment of Corporate Governance pursuant to section 289a HGB, including the Declaration of Conformity pursuant to section 161 AktG, a description of the procedures of the Management Board and the Supervisory Board, and relevant information on corporate governance practices, is also part of the Corporate Governance Report.  Corporate Governance Report, p. 33. The curriculum vitae of the Supervisory and Management Board members are published on NORMA Group’s website. @ http:// investors.normagroup.com. Consolidated Management ReportPrinciples of the GroupCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS50 O R G A N I Z AT I O N A L S T R U C T U R E O F N O R M A G R O U P G 0 0 8 NORMA Group SE PARENT COMPANY UNDER COMPANY L AW EME A Americas Asia-Pacific SEGMENTS Engineered Joining Technology (EJT) Distribution Services (DS) DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS Operative segmentation by regions NORMA Group’s strategy is based, among other considerations, on regional growth targets. In order to achieve these, the op- erative business is managed by the three regional segments EM E A (Europe, Middle East and Africa), the Americas and Asia-Pacific (APAC). All three regions have networked regional and cross-company organizations with different functions. The internal Group reporting and control system that Management uses is also therefore quite regional in nature. The distribution service is based on regional and local priorities. PRODUCTS A ND END M AR KE TS Product portfolio The products that NORMA Group offers can for the most part be divided into the three product categories clamps (CL AMP), join- ing elements (CONNECT) and fluid systems / connectors (FLUID). The clamp products (CL AMP) are manufactured from unalloyed steels or stainless steel and are generally used to join or seal elastomer hoses. The connection products (CONNECT) include connectors made of unalloyed steels or stainless steel that are partly equipped with elastomer or metal seals and are used as the joining and sealing elements of metal and thermoplastic pipes. FLUID products are either single or multiple layer thermoplastic plug-in connectors for liquid systems that reduce installation times, ensure reliable flow of liquids or gases and occasional- ly replace conventional products such as elastomer hoses. In addition, the FLUID division’s product range includes solutions for applications in the sectors of storm water management and landscape irrigation, but also joining components for infrastruc- ture solutions in the area of water. NORMA Group’s advanced engineered joining technology is used in all applications in which pipelines, tubes and other sys- tems need to be connected together. Because joining technol- ogy plays a role in nearly all industries, NORMA Group serves many different end markets. Besides the automotive, commer- cial vehicle, and aviation industry, NORMA Group is also active in the construction and mechanical engineering industry, the S A L E S B Y D I S T R I B U T I O N C H A N N E L S G 0 0 9 in % DS 40 60 EJT pharmaceutical and biotechnology fields, agriculture and the drinking water supply and irrigation industry. NORMA Group products are also used in consumer products such as home appliances. Two complementary distribution channels NORMA Group supplies its customers via two different sales channels: • Engineered Joining Technology – EJT and • Distribution Services – DS. The two distribution channels differ in terms of the degree of specification of the products, while having intersections in pro- duction and development that enable cost benefits and ensure quality assurance. The area of EJT includes sophisticated, individually customized joining technology and is particularly characterized by close development partnerships with OEMs (original equipment man- ufacturers). NORMA Group’s central development departments and resident engineers work together with the customer on developing solutions for specific industrial challenges. Due to the constant proximity to customers in the area of EJT, NORMA Group’s engineers gain comprehensive knowledge and a deep understanding of the various challenges their end markets and customers face. Such development partnerships result in NORMA Group SE Annual Report 201651 O V E R V I E W O F E N D M A R K E T S A N D B R A N D S B Y S E G M E N T T 0 0 8 Segment Product categories Distribution channels End markets Brands EME A Americas Asia-Pacific CL AMP CONNECT FLUID CL AMP CONNECT FLUID CL AMP CONNECT FLUID EJT DS EJT DS EJT DS Industrial suppliers, Passenger vehicle OEMs, Distributors, Commercial vehicle OEMs, Pharma / Biotechnology, Water management ABA ®, CONNECTORS ®, Gemi®, NORMA ®, Serflex ®, TERRY® Industrial suppliers, Passenger vehicle OEMs, Distributors, Commercial vehicle OEMs, Pharma / Biotechnology, Water management ABA ®, Breeze®, Clamp-All®, CONNECTORS ®, Five Star®, Gemi®, NDS ®, NORMA ®, R.G.R AY ®, TORCA ® Industrial suppliers, Passenger vehicle OEMs, Distributors, Commercial vehicle OEMs, Pharma / Biotechnology, Water management ABA ®, Breeze®, CONNECTORS ®, FISH ®, Gemi®, NORMA ® high-technology products that are designed not only to meet the needs of customers with respect to efficiency and perfor- mance, but that also take aspects such as weight reduction and quick installation into consideration. As a result, they generate substantial added value for the customers and contribute to their economic success. Via its Distribution Services (DS), NORMA Group markets a broad range of high-quality, standardized brand products. In addition to its own global distribution network, the Company also relies on multipliers such as sales representatives, retailers and importers. Its customers include, among others, distribu- tors, specialized wholesalers, OEM customers in the aftermarket segment, do-it-yourself stores and small application industries. The brands ABA ®, Breeze®, Clamp-All®, CONNECTORS ®, FISH ®, Five Star®, Gemi®, NDS ®, NORMA ®, R.G.RAY®, Serflex®, TERRY® and TORCA ® exemplify technological know-how, high quality and reliability and meet the technical standards of the countries in which they are sold. UNIQUE SELLING PROPOSITIONS A ND COMPE TITIVE SITUATION Economies of scale and synergies By combining know-how in developing customized solutions for industrial customers (EJT) and providing high-quality stan- dard brand products through global distribution (DS), NORMA Group is not only able to realize cross-selling effects, but also many synergies in the areas of production, logistics and sales. In addition, the Company benefits from significant economies of scale and scope due to the broad variety of its product offerings and high quantities and therefore differentiates itself clearly from smaller, usually more specialized competitors. Competitive environment With its products, NORMA Group provides solutions for numer- ous industrial applications. Its expertise covers metal-based connection solutions and products (CL AMP and CONNECT) as well as thermoplastic materials (FLUID). Thanks to the unique combination of expertise in both metal and plastics processing and the broad diversification of its product portfolio, NORMA Group can offer its customers a wide range of solutions to dif- ferent problems from a single source and thus distinguishes itself from its competitors who mainly specialize in individual product segments. In the area of Engineered Joining Technology, especially in the area of CL AMP and CONNECT, NORMA Group operates in a highly fragmented market, which is characterized by a very heterogeneous structure due to the abundance of specialized industrial companies. In this environment, NORMA Group sees itself as a provider of tailor-made, value-creating solutions that are geared to the specific needs of the customer and are devel- oped in long-term partnerships. With its international business alignment and its cross-industry customer base, NORMA Group distinguishes itself from its mostly regional competitors. In the area of FLUID, NORMA Group finds itself facing mainly competitors that are globally active and mainly offer solutions that are based on rubber and elastomer products. NORMA Group, however, has focused more on innovative plastic-based solutions that generate significantly higher value for its custom- ers due to their lower weight and price, as well as the environ- mental compatibility of the materials used. In the much more standardized sales channel Distribution Ser- vices, NORMA Group is active in mass markets and competes primarily with providers of similar standardized products. It dif- ferentiates itself from them particularly through its strong brands that are the result of a deliberate brand policy that focuses on the regional needs of its customers. In addition, customers appreciate the high quality of service. NORMA Group offers its trade customers a complete range of products that meets all of their end users needs’. These products are available on short notice, therefore the dealer is always in a position to meet his delivery obligations even with uncommon applications or if demand fluctuates. ECONOMIC A ND LEG AL FACTORS OF INFLUENCE Economic factors NORMA Group is active in many different industries and regions. Seasonal and economic fluctuations in individual countries or industries can have varying effects on customer demand and the order situation at NORMA Group. For example, the downturn in demand for commercial vehicles and agricultural machinery Consolidated Management ReportPrinciples of the GroupCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS 52 in the US last year had a marked negative impact on NORMA Group’s US business in this segment and led to a decline in organic growth in the Americas segment.  Sales and Earnings Performance, p. 63. The ongoing productivity improvements defined as part of the Global Excellence Program contribute to continuous optimiza- tion of the cost structure and help to compensate for negative developments with regard to costs.  Production and Logistics, p. 70. Thanks to its diversified product portfolio and broad customer base, NORMA Group is, however, perfectly equipped to com- pensate for temporary drops in demand. Temporary produc- tion peaks can be intercepted quite flexibly due to its efficient production structures and use of temporary workers. Further- more, the high proportion of long-term development partner- ships makes NORMA Group more independent of short-term fluctuations in demand. Exchange rate fluctuations Due to NORMA Group’s international activities, exchange rate fluctuations also influence its business. While fluctuations be- tween two non-euro currencies have only little impact on the operating result of NORMA Group as a result of regional produc- tion, exchange rate fluctuations against the euro as the reporting currency may have a greater impact on its results. Due to the high US dollar exposure, fluctuations in the EUR / USD exchange rate in particular affect earnings.  Risk and Opportunity Re- port, p. 86 and Notes, p. 135. In fiscal year 2016, NORMA Group generated more than 40% of its sales in US dollars. The devel- opment of the US dollar against the euro resulted in a slightly positive sales effect in fiscal year 2016. In contrast, changes in the exchange rates of the following currencies had a negative effect on the development of sales: British pound, Swedish kro- na, Serbian dinar, Turkish lira, Chinese renminbi and Malaysian ringgit. Changes in personnel and material costs With respect to costs, the development of wages and salaries in particular has an effect on NORMA Group, as do changes in material costs. Because the majority of the companies that make up NORMA Group are not bound by a collective agreement, personnel costs are based mainly on the country-specific development of the cost of living. For companies that have collective agreements, for example in Germany and Sweden, personnel costs are in- fluenced by the cost levels in the collective agreements or by the outcomes of local collective pay negotiations. Changes in collective wage agreements can lead to an increase in person- nel costs at the respective sites. NORMA Group is a manufacturing Company that requires a wide variety of different raw materials to manufacture its products. Price fluctuations for important materials can therefore have an effect on earnings. NORMA Group hedges against short-term price changes during the purchasing process by contractually fixing the prices for important material groups for a longer peri- od of time – usually one year. This applies to both procurement and sales. Long-term price changes are largely passed on to the customer, which reduces the impact on earnings. Legal and regulatory aspects Due to the international focus of the business and against the background of its acquisition strategy, various legal and tax-re- lated regulations are of relevance to NORMA Group. Among others, these include product safety and product liability laws, construction, environmental and employment-related regula- tions as well as foreign trade and patent laws.  Risk and Op- portunity Report, p. 91. The growing density of regulation in environmental law, in par- ticular, has an impact on NORMA Group’s product strategy. For example, new emission regulations, especially in the auto- motive and commercial vehicle industry, increase the demand for innovative joining technology and thus benefit N OR M A Group’s business. In this context, NORMA Group also expects country-specific regulations for car fleets to have a positive effect on sales in the medium term. In this case, lower aver- age emission ceilings per vehicle fleet will be mandatory in the years to come.  T 009, p. 53. Vehicle manufacturers will have to invest in low-emission technologies in order to achieve the required emission targets. NORMA Group’s products are of great benefit to OEM customers as they strive to comply with these requirements. By acquiring National Diversified Sales (NDS) at the end of 2014, the various regulatory initiatives due to increasing environmental problems, water shortages and water pollution are of greater relevance for NORMA Group. As a result of increasing water scarcity and water pollution, households and companies in var- ious regions of the US, California, for example, are urged to limit their water consumption. Since existing infrastructure is often obsolete, in most cases technical conversion is inevitable. NDS offers a wide variety of solutions with its efficient products for water supply and infrastructure. NORMA Group therefore as- sumes that stricter regulations regarding the consumption and use of water will have a positive effect on its business. GOALS A ND STR ATEGY N O R M A G roup’s strate gic goal is the sustaina ble in- crease of the company value. In each regional segment and both distribution channels (EJT and DS) the focus lies on the continuous ex tension of business activities and the increase in market shares. In addition, N O R M A Group also seeks to make targeted acquisitions that will con- tribute to the diversification of the business and strengthen growth. In doing so, the Group always focuses on maintaining its high profitability and stable cash flows. By focusing on inno- vations, sustainability and high service quality, NORMA Group creates added value for its customers and thus ensures its com- petitiveness and future viability. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 201653 R E G U L AT I O N O F AV E R A G E E M I S S I O N S ( C O 2) F O R V E H I C L E F L E E T S 1 T 0 0 9 Fleet goal year 1 Fleet goal year 2 Region EU USA China Japan India Target year 1 Target year 2 Duration in years under national laws converted into g / km 2 under national laws converted into g / km 2 Change in % CAGR in % 2015 2016 2015 2015 2016 2021 2025 2020 2020 2021 6 9 5 5 5 130 g / km 37.8 mpg 6.9 l / 100 km 16.8 km / l 130 g / km 130 139 161 139 130 95 g / km 56.2 mpg 5.0 l / 100 km 20.3 km / l 113 g / km 95 88 117 115 113 −27 −37 −27 −17 −13 −5.1 −5.0 −6.2 −3.7 −2.8 1 Emission regulation schedule for cars adapted to the consumption of gasoline engines (source: European Union, ICCT, NORMA Group). 2 Fuel consumption data is normalized as g CO 2 / km in accordance with the NEDC. Robust business model through broad diversification Broad diversification with respect to the products, regions and end markets that the Company operates in represents the core of NORMA Group’s growth strategy. The Company is able to expand and strengthen its business activities and international presence by constantly adding application solutions for existing EJT customers, identifying and signing up new EJT custom- ers, extending and deepening its customer base in the area of Distribution Services and entering new markets with attractive growth potential. NORMA Group sees immense growth potential especially in the emerging markets where demand for advanced engineered joining technology is on the rise in all industries due to the ongoing industrialization and increasing quality re- quirements. To benefit from this growth trend, NORMA Group has positioned itself in the major Asian growth markets of India and China as well as in the emerging economies of South and Central America in recent years. In order to meet the increasing long-term demand in these regions, the sites in Asia and South America will be expanded even further in the mid-term. In identifying new end markets, NORMA Group places a strate- gic focus on niche markets with attractive margins, sophisticat- ed products, fast-growing sales opportunities and a fragmented competition environment. By engaging in strategic knowledge transfer to new, fast-growing industries, the Company seeks to achieve broad diversification with respect to the end markets. This also strengthens the sustainable earnings profile, indepen- dence from economic trends and contributes to the stability of the business. The large number of relevant growth trends in the end markets that NORMA Group serves offer the Company attractive growth potential.  Products and End Markets, p. 50. Furthermore, NORMA Group focuses on expanding in new applica- tion areas of existing customers in which no NORMA Group com- ponents are being used yet. The goal here is to achieve high mar- ket penetration within the various individual technical applications. Focus on high-quality joining technology and sustainable product solutions The technological requirements that end products for NORMA Group’s customers must meet constantly change. Increasing environmental consciousness, rising fuel costs and growing cost pressure also play key roles for virtually every industry. Oth- er factors include binding targets by lawmakers that place spe- cial requirements on the materials used, particularly in the auto- motive and commercial vehicle industry, due to more stringent emission regulations or special requirements.  Economic and Legal Factors of Influence, p. 51. This marks the starting point for the development of new products. NORMA Group therefore focuses on value-added solutions that assist its customers in reducing emissions, leakages, weight, space and installation time. Innovations play an important role in meeting customer requirements, which increase with each new production cycle. Therefore, NORMA Group employs more than 300 R&D employ- ees who constantly work on developing new solutions and opti- mizing existing systems. NORMA Group plans around 5% of its EJT sales for investments in research and development activities to sustainably strengthen its power of innovation.  Research and Development, p. 57. Highest quality standards and strong brands Although the joining products that NORMA Group sells make up a relatively small value proportion of the final product, they are often mission-critical. Quality management therefore plays a crucial role for NORMA Group.  Quality Management, p. 71. The area Distribution Services which offers and sells more stan- dardized brand products is based on a specific, regionally-driv- en brand strategy that is based on the respective performance parameters of the well-known brands.  Marketing, p. 77. In this business unit, the focus is on ensuring high-quality service and the availability of products at all times. NORMA Group ensures this through its worldwide distribution network. Consolidated Management ReportPrinciples of the GroupCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS 54 Selective value-added acquisitions to supplement organic growth By making select acquisitions, NORMA Group intends to contrib- ute to the diversification of its business and strengthen its growth. Acquisitions are therefore an integral part of the Company’s long-term growth strategy. NORMA Group observes the market for engineered joining technology very closely and contributes to its consolidation through targeted acquisitions. NORMA Group has acquired eleven companies (including Lifial which was ac- quired in January 2017  Events after the End of the Fiscal Year, p. 78) since the IPO in 2011 and integrated them into the Group. The main focus of M& A activities is always on companies that help to realize the diversification objectives of NORMA Group, to strengthen its competitive position and / or to generate syn- ergies. The preservation of growth and high profitability also play an important role. For example, NORMA Group expanded its activities in the lucrative water business quite significantly by acquiring National Diversified Sales in 2014 and is thus driv- ing its growth and increasing the diversification of its business. Through the acquisition of the Autoline business in November 2016, NORMA Group has strengthened its market position in the area of quick connectors for the automotive industry and thus contributed to market consolidation. Ongoing efficiency improvements In order to increase NORMA Group’s profitability, the focus is on continuously improving processes in all functional areas and regions. The Global Excellence Program launched back in 2009 serves as an important tool for achieving this. As part of this program, all internal operative processes are continuously op- timized. Projects on increasing efficiency are systematically re- corded and monitored using a web-based program. This makes it possible to quantify the monetary savings that result from a specific measure fairly accurately at the end of the 12-month project cycles. Senior management reviews the current status of all projects once a month and a steering committee does so once a quarter. The aim of the program is to be able to absorb and minimize both the unexpected negative cost developments and inflationary cost increases. CONTROL SYSTEM A ND CONTROL PAR A ME TERS The consistent focus on the Group objectives mentioned is also reflected in the internal control system at NORMA Group, which relies on both financial and non-financial control parameters. Important financial control parameters The most important financial control parameters for NORMA Group include the following value-oriented indicators that are directly related to value creation at NORMA Group: Group sales, profitability (adjusted EBITA margin) and net operating cash flow. As a growth-oriented Company, NORMA Group attaches partic- ular importance to profitable growth in sales. The Group seeks to achieve short- and medium-term growth above the market average. Due to the heterogeneous market structure in the area of joining technology, the Management Board is guided by in- ternal analyses as well as studies by leading economic research institutes on the development of the gross domestic product of the respective regions and on the production and sales figures of the relevant customer industries in developing the forecast on the expected development of sales. In addition, the manage- ment observes certain early indicators, such as customer order patterns in the retail business (Distribution Services) and the order book in the area of Engineered Joining Technology (EJT). The adjusted EBITA (EBITA before special influences) is the most important internal and external valuation figure for ongo- ing operations. In order to be able to make a long-term com- parison and for a better understanding of how the business is developing, NORMA Group adjusts the operating result by certain expenses, such as those that are related to acquisi- tions.  Adjustments, p. 138. The adjusted EB I TA margin (EBITA as a percentage of sales) as another key indicator for S T R AT E G I C G O A L S O F N O R M A G R O U P G 0 10 NORMA Group strategic goals Increase company value Increase market share High level of customer satisfaction Diversification Innovation Quality Efficiency Acquisitions Strategic focus NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016F I N A N C I A L C O N T R O L PA R A M E T E R S Group sales (in EUR millions) Adjusted EBITA margin (in %) Net operating cash flow (in EUR millions) N O N - F I N A N C I A L C O N T R O L PA R A M E T E R S 2016 894.9 17.6 148.5 2015 889.6 17.6 134.7 2014 694.7 17.5 109.2 2013 635.5 17.7 103.9 55 T 0 10 2012 604.6 17.4 81.0 T 0 11 Number of new patent applications Defective parts per million (PMP) Quality-related customer complaints per month 52 32 8 74 21 8 95 17 8 68 24 9 77 34 10 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 NORMA Group provides information on the profitability of its business activities. In order to maintain the adjusted EBITA margin and thus the Group’s profitability at its usual high lev- el, NORMA Group continuously works on optimizing its pur- chasing and production processes with the aim of limiting the increase in expenses in relation to sales to a large extent. To determine the EBITA target margin, both past performance and the planning of individual business units are taken into con- sideration. The target margin for the Group is determined as the weighted average of the divisions. The price development of the raw materials of greatest importance to NORMA Group serves as an early indicator of changes in major cost items, such as material costs. For this reason, the respective mar- kets and raw material prices are constantly monitored and the prices of key materials are contractually fixed when necessary. In order to maintain the Group’s financial independence and solvency at all times, NORMA Group is guided by operating net cash flow in addition to the aforementioned key figures. The net operating cash flow includes the most important cash-effective items that can be influenced by the individual business units and provides information on whether NORMA Group can finance its operating business out of its cash flow. It is calculated on the basis of the adjusted EBITDA plus changes in working capital minus capital expenditures. The key approaches to improving net operating cash flow are therefore to increase sales, engage in sustained value-enhancing investment activity and to improve the operating result adjusted for special effects (EBITDA). In addition, consistent management of working capital also has a positive effect on net operating cash flow. All financial control variables are planned and monitored on an ongoing basis at Group, regional and Group company levels. Deviations between forecasted and actually achieved targets are measured on a monthly basis in all local companies and aggregated at the level of regional segments within the monthly reporting for the Management Board. Detailed business plans are regularly projected on the basis of current monthly and quarterly results and may include various scenarios. Important non-financial control parameters The most important non-financial control parameters for NORMA Group include the extent of market penetration, the Group’s power of innovation, problem-solving behavior and the sustain- able overall development of NORMA Group as a whole. NORMA Group always pursues the objective to sustainably ex- pand its business and achieve sales growth and profitability that are higher than average by industry comparison. Particularly by offering innovative solutions, NORMA Group is able to create value creation potential in various areas of application and nu- merous industries. The Group’s organic growth is thus a sign of NORMA Group’s market penetration. Sustainably securing its innovation capability is a key driver for the future growth of NORMA Group. The Group uses patents as a way of protecting its innovations. Up until 2016, the number of patent applications per year is therefore part of the internal control system and an important indicator of NORMA Group’s innovative capacity. For the reporting year 2016, NORMA Group decided to file mainly cross-national patent applications (European and glob- al (PCT)) rather than new individual patent applications. This reduces costs, lowers the application efforts and increases the quality of the patent portfolio. Since a single cross-nation- al patent application can lead to patent protection in several countries, inventions are no longer required to be registered in- dividually in each individual country. This leads to a reduction in the absolute number of new patent applications. Nevertheless, this strategy does not necessarily have to lead to a reduction in the number of patents granted in the long term, since new cross-national patent applications are followed by validations in various countries. NORMA Group does not include these new registrations as new applications but rather as part of the patents held after the respective national patents have been granted. In fiscal year 2016, this optimization of the patent filing strategy resulted in a reduction in the number of new patent applications to 52 (2015: 74). Consolidated Management ReportPrinciples of the GroupCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS 56 From reporting year 2017 onwards, NORMA Group will introduce the number of invention applications as a new indicator for mea- suring and managing the Company’s innovative strength. Details can be found in the Forecast Report  Forecast Report, p. 78. NORMA Group stands for the highest possible reliability and quality of service. The reputation of its brands and reliability of its products are key factors in the Company’s success. In developing and manufacturing products, the Group therefore relies on the highest quality standards. In order to minimize production losses and maximize customer satisfaction, NORMA Group measures and manages the problem solving behavior of its employees by using two performance indicators: the average number of customer complaints per month and defective parts per million of manufactured parts (parts per million / PPM). The two metrics are collected and aggregated at Group level on a monthly basis.  Quality Management, p. 71. NORMA Group considers it to be its main responsibility to bring the effects of its business activity into balance with the ex- pectations and needs of society. For this reason, operational decisions are based on the principles of responsible company management and sustainable actions. NORMA Group’s strategy and goals are influenced by its Corporate Responsibility (CR) policies and described in detail on the Corporate Responsibility website of NORMA Group. @ http://normagroup.com/cr. Other non-financial performance indicators include employee and environmental indicators and indicators on occupational safety and healthcare within the Group. They are discussed in the respective chapters of this management report. The target figures for the financial and non-financial control pa- rameters for 2017 and the assumptions underlying the forecast are presented in the Forecast Report.  Forecast Report, p. 78. Goals regarding finance and liquidity management NORMA Group’s objectives with respect to central finance and liquidity management have not changed since the previous year and are as follows: I. Ensuring solvency at all times The main financial objectives are maintaining the necessary liquidity for the Group’s operating business at all times, main- taining sufficient strategic liquidity reserves and thus ensuring NORMA Group’s long-term solvency. This also includes main- taining sufficient liquid funds for short- to medium-term acqui- sitions. Rolling, regular, currency-differentiated liquidity planning for all major Group companies, which is analyzed and aggregated by the centrally organized Group Treasury, forms the main stra- tegic cornerstone of NORMA Group’s finance management. Financing flexibility is ensured by maintaining the appropriate credit lines. These are negotiated loan commitments, which can be utilized within a very short period of time and thus can compensate for liquidity peaks. NORMA Group has a so-called ‘Sunshine Line’ and a revolving credit line within its syndicated bank loan. These credit lines can be taken advantage of in dif- ferent currencies and terms. NORMA Group uses Asset Backed Security (ABS), factoring and reverse factoring programs to manage liquidity, optimize working capital and make its cash flows more predictable. The financing measures implemented in fiscal year 2016 are de- scribed in detail in the Notes to the Financial Position. Notes, p. 141. II. Limiting financial risks The Group Treasury division constantly identifies and assesses interest rate and currency risks and selects suitable hedging instruments to reduce these risks. Here, not only derivatives, but also the appropriate foreign currency financing, are used to reduce currency risks. In the reporting year 2016, a significant share of financing (the equivalent of around EUR 50 million) was issued in US dollars as part of the new promissory note that was issued. More detailed information can be found in the chapter  Financial Management, p. 66. The overall goal is to optimize the assets and liabilities side of the balance sheet with regard to currency risks. In addition, operating currency risks are reduced by using derivative financial instruments in the Group companies as of a defined threshold. Here, Group-wide, currency-differen- tiated liquidity planning is crucial to identifying and managing such risks. To limit interest rate risks, NORMA Group’s objective is to devise a relatively high proportion of financing measures in such a way that they are subject to interest rates on a fixed-interest basis or use interest rate swaps. On December 31, 2016, around 12% of all debt instruments had variable interest rates and were not hedged by interest rate swaps. In addition, existing risk posi- tions are monitored regularly by Group Treasury and assessed for their risk-bearing capacity. The Group Treasury initiates ap- propriate countermeasures if the defined risk parameters are exceeded. Key elements of the policy on limiting financial risks are the clear definition of process responsibilities, multi-stage approv- al processes and regular risk assessments. These have been fixed in a Treasury Directive and are also subject to external auditing. Compliance with the EMIR (European Market Infra- structure Regulation) requirements, which was audited in 2016 for the year 2015 with no objections raised, is equally important to the audit. NORMA Group thus meets all of the prerequisites for process mapping and control with regard to the handling of financial risks. III. Optimizing the Group’s internal liquidity NORMA Group Holding GmbH assumes central liquidity man- agement and is responsible in particular for investing surplus liquidity as well as for intra-Group financing. The Group Treasury of NORMA Group constantly works on improving internal financ- ing opportunities and bundling the Group’s liquidity in order to make it available for a wide variety of funding purposes. This is NORMA Group SE Annual Report 201657 achieved by optimizing the allocation of cash and cash equiva- lents in NORMA Group Holding and at the same time ensuring that the respective individual companies are solvent at all times. This is done by using a professional treasury management sys- tem which provides a daily overview of the cash holdings of the most important subsidiaries. Regional cash pools have been installed to enable the technical implementation of liquidity cen- tralization. Further cash concentrations are performed at regular intervals. Manually pooling funds makes it possible to guarantee an optimized cash balance for all Group companies, whereby in particular the local terms for international payments must be taken into account here. R ESE ARCH A ND DE VELOPMENT Research and development activities at NORMA Group are aimed at further expanding the Group’s innovation power in the area of engineered joining technology and detecting and addressing technological trends as early as possible. The fo- cus is on opening up new markets, tapping into new groups of customers and developing new products and system solutions. As part of the restructuring of the R&D department in 2015, its responsibilities were also redefined. Since then, the focus has increasingly been on evaluating new technologies, in particular with respect to their ability to optimize existing processes, min- imize the materials used, and improve the functionalities of the end products. The research focus is on solutions to the global industrial challenges of the respective end markets. By con- centrating on the megatrends of importance to its customers, NORMA Group is able to initiate technology developments at an early stage and serve the market by offering the appropriate products. Focus on innovations A clear focus of NORMA Group’s R&D department is on strength- ening the Company’s innovative strength. In order to identify technological trends at an early stage and systematically plan and carry out product development, new methods and inno- vation management processes have been implemented in the past two years by introducing ‘Innovation Roadmapping’ and so-called ‘Innovation Scouts.’ As part of ‘Innovation Roadmapping,’ long-term technology de- velopment schedules are drawn up that take into account the industrial megatrends that have been identified as well as their impact on the relevant markets and resulting requirements for potential new products. So-called ‘Innovation Councils’ are driv- ing the implementation of the projects identified. For example, the Innovation Council ‘E-Mobility’ is responsible for coordinat- ing all information and global activities on electromobility, as well as developing and implementing a strategy geared to all regions and business sectors. The Innovation Scouts also started with their work in fiscal year 2016. These NORMA Group employees collect ideas on future trends throughout the Group and examine them in terms of their feasibility during their regular meetings. Thanks to these new measures, NORMA Group expects to not only be able to focus on innovations better in the years to come, but also to increase its efficiency in the areas of product and customer development. Strategic collaboration with customers and research institutes NORMA Group’s EJT unit works closely with its end customers, but also with research and development institutes, suppliers and other external partners. This allows for the global trends to be identified immediately and be seamlessly turned into new technologies and ideas for products. This, in turn, allows for fast marketing of product innovations. For competitive reasons, however, the Company does not disclose the specific nature of these research partnerships. As the Distribution Services division is purely a commercial unit, the market does not demand the same level of technological research from it. Moreover, customers of NORMA Group in this business division expect a strong brand image and the most complete product range. Therefore, the focus in the DS area lies on making useful additions to the product range and targeted marketing activities  Marketing, p. 77. Development focuses in 2016 The main focus of R&D activities in 2016 was still on driving implementation of the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) systems with major automotive customers. These customers have to continuously optimize their systems in order to achieve the EU targets, which will make a further reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions for diesel vehicles mandatory by 2020. NORMA Group supports several automotive manufacturers in the con- ceptual development of these improved systems. Another focus during the reporting year was on improving the Company’s profile clamps. The goal here was to further optimize the performance of its profile clamps by using appropriate sim- ulations and calculations in order to increase the durability and reliability of the connections, especially under high pressure. Assessment of plastic materials was yet another R&D focus. Here, special test methods have been developed with which the materials used can be optimally evaluated for their technical and commercial usability for specific customer solutions. Know-how protected by patents The Company’s specific know-how in the area of joining tech- nology represents a key success factor for NORMA Group. Therefore, the Group protects its innovations with patents. As of December 31, 2016, 843 patents and utility models (2015: 727) were held in 196 patent families (2015: 179). In 2016, 52 new patent rights (2015: 74) were filed in 18 patent families (2015: 23). The lower number of new patent applications compared to the previous year is due to the changeover in the patent strategy in fiscal year 2016 that now calls for cross-national, regional and international patents to be applied for (European and / or global) instead of filing individual national applications.  Control Sys- Consolidated Management ReportPrinciples of the GroupCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS58 R & D K E Y F I G U R E S T 0 12 Number of R&D employees R&D employee ratio in relation to permanent staff (in %) R&D expenses in the area of EJT (in EUR millions) R&D ratio in relation to EJT sales (in %) R&D subsidies received (in EUR thousands) 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 305 5.6 28.8 5.4 0 271 5.3 25.4 4.7 0 250 5.2 25.7 5.3 231 205 5.0 21.9 4.9 0 190 5.1 22.1 5.1 55 174 5.1 16.8 4.1 58 tem and Control Parameters, p. 54. These secure a protection position in several countries at the same time, which results in lower registration expenses, reduced costs and a higher quality of the patent portfolio. R&D expenses Research and development expenses in the area of EJT totaled EUR 28.8 million in 2016 (2015: EUR 25.4 million). This rep- resents approximately 5.4% (2015: 4.7%) of sales in this area. The capitalization ratio, which is the proportion of own work capitalized in relation to R&D expenses, during the reporting year amounted to 12% (EUR 3.3 million). R&D employees As of December 31, 2016, 305 employees (2015: 271) worldwide worked for NORMA Group in the R&D department, which rep- resents approximately 5.6% of all permanent employees of the Group (2015: 5.3%). Most of the employees who work in R&D are engineers, technicians and technical draftsmen. Important product launches NORMA Group develops new and innovative products for vari- ous types of applications each year. Newly introduced products accounted for EUR 48.2 million in sales in 2016 (2015: EUR 42.2 million). This corresponds to 5.3% of total sales (2015: 4.6%). NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 59 Economic Report Economic Report GENER AL ECONOMIC A ND INDUSTRY- SPECIFIC CONDITIONS Global economy in 2016 still predominantly weak The global economy continued to develop moderately without reviving in fiscal year 2016. According to the International Mon- etary Fund (IMF), growth in 2016 was even slightly lower than in the previous year at 3.1%. The pace of expansion in China pla- teaued as expected. Impetus was also weak in other emerging and developing countries as well as in the US. Low oil prices and high uncertainties were burdens. The latter resulted from conflicts in Syria and Turkey as well as the Brexit vote in the UK and the government and banking crisis in Italy. On the other hand, expansive monetary policy supported economic activity in industrialized countries. The ECB continued its extremely re- laxed monetary policy. The US Central Bank (FED) raised inter- est rates only slightly towards the end of the year. The Chinese Gross Domestic Product grew by 6.7% in 2016. The state-controlled economic transformation toward stronger domestic demand and the economic transformation process from basic and heavy industry toward a technology-oriented industry were further advanced. In addition, governmental sup- port measures were again taken up. Industrial production grew robustly by 6.0% (2015: 6.1%), with significantly higher automo- tive production, but losses in the iron and steel industry. The emerging markets of Southeast Asia (ASEAN-5) grew moderate- ly by only 4.8% as a result of moderate global demand. Growth in India slowed from 7.6% to 6.6%. Restrained investment and a slump in private consumption after the currency reform in No- vember slowed down the local economy. Brazil remained deep in recession, while the Russian economy stabilized at a low level after shrinking throughout the entire year. Emerging and devel- oping countries grew overall by 4.1%, as in the previous year. According to the IMF, advanced economies grew by only 1.6%, weaker than in the previous year (2015: 2.1%). Based on the first official figures, the US economy grew by only 1.6%. After a weak start to the year, an upswing strengthened in the second half. This was driven particularly by private consumption and construction investment. On the other hand, equipment invest- ments declined. According to FED data, US industrial production G D P G R O W T H R AT E S ( R E A L ) T 0 13 in % World USA China Euro zone Germany 1 2016 2015 2014 +3.1 +1.6 +6.7 +1.7 +1.9 +3.2 +2.6 +6.9 +2.0 +1.7 +3.4 +2.4 +7.3 +1.1 +1.6 Sources: IMF, 1 Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) stagnated in 2016 (−0.3%, excluding energy: −0.1%). Oil and gas production fell massively. The automotive industry and com- puter and communications equipment manufacturers grew. US capacity utilization in December, at 75.5% (2015: 75.4%), was still well below the long-term average of 80.0% (1972-2015). The Japanese economy showed only weak growth at 0.9% (2015: re- vised 1.2%). The UK, on the other hand, grew by a robust 2.0%. Euro zone robust, but with restrained industrial activity The economy in the euro zone developed solidly thanks to low interest rates and low inflation. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 1.7% in 2016 (2015: revised 2.0%). The Brexit vote led to high uncertainty, but the real economy has not yet been visibly impaired. Private consumption remained the prima- ry support of the economy. Higher government spending and a buoyant construction industry were also stimulants. In view of weak exports and political crises, company investment activity remained subdued. In the final quarter, the euro lost value pri- marily to the US dollar. All EU member states have continued to recover economically. Spain and Ireland again showed very strong growth. The upswing in the Netherlands was particularly vigorous. Portugal and France recorded moderate growth. In contrast, the recoveries in Greece and Italy were weak and remained well below the average of the currency union. Accelerated upswing in Germany, but industry remains sluggish According to Destatis (Federal Statistical Office), Germany achieved solid and steady economic growth of 1.9% in 2016. The dynamics of the upswing continued to increase compared with previous years as the long-term job market trend contin- ued. On average, 43.5 million people were employed (+1.0%). With growth of 2.0%, private consumption was the main eco- nomic driver (2015: 2.0%). In addition, government spending at 4.2% (2015: 2.7%) supported by immigration-related costs, among others, and a boom in housing construction contributed to strong gains in construction investments at a total of 3.1% (2015: 0.3%). Export growth, however, flattened out and did not again reach the increase of imports. Gross value creation remained moderate in the manufacturing sector, excluding construction. On the other hand, most ser- vice areas generated significant growth. The industrial economy lagged behind the generally positive development since a back- wind from foreign markets was noticeably lacking. In the course of the year, industrial production developed predominantly ro- bustly, but ineffectually. Coupled with high uncertainties, invest- ment in equipment grew by only 1.7% (2015: 3.7%), more slowly than in previous years. According to Eurostat data, capacity utili- zation rose steadily to 85.8% in the final quarter (Q4 2015: 84.4%). Consolidated Management ReportCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS 60 Mechanical engineering in stalemate, German manufacturers again in stagnation Due to the world’s restrained industrial activity, mechanical engineering lacked demand stimulus. According to prelimi- nary estimates by the industry association VDMA, the global industry turnover stagnated in fiscal year 2016. Among the ma- jor markets, only China recorded growth (real +3%) thanks to government measures. Sales in the US and Japan declined by 2% in real terms. Revenues in South Korea and Latin America declined by 5% in real terms. The development was positive in some Gulf countries, especially in India and the ASEAN-5 coun- tries. However, the important market of Europe (−1%) remained problematic and heterogeneous. In Russia, the market volume fell further (−6%), while Switzerland stagnated. The UK (−4%), the Netherlands (−6%), Scandinavia and eastern EU countries declined. Stagnating sales were recorded in Germany, France and Italy. In sum, the EU and the euro zone maintained only zero growth. Once again, production of export-oriented German mechani- cal engineering remained in this environment at the previous year’s level. According to the VDMA, capacity utilization was just below the long-term industry average. In the first eleven months, exports from Germany fell by a real 0.8% (imports: +3.2%). Imports to the US, China, Russia and Latin America were not completely offset by higher exports to the ASE AN re- gion, the euro zone and other EU countries. During this period, sales amounted to EUR 197.1 billion (nominal +1.4%, real +0.5%). After rising orders in the first half of the year, demand weakened again due to growing uncertainties on the customer side. In 2016, the industry even recorded a loss of 2% (domestic: −1%, foreign currency: −3%) in real order intake. Automotive industry grows globally, upswing in China and Western Europe The automotive industry grew strongly in 2016, although region- al trends diverged widely. According to LMC Automotive (LMCA), sales of light vehicles (LV, up to 6 metric tons) in 2016 grew by 4.1% to 92.8 million units worldwide. Global production grew by 4.8% to 93.0 million vehicles. In the more narrowly defined pas- senger car world market, the VDA branch office is forecasting an increase in sales of 4% to 81.6 million passenger cars. The Chinese automotive industry has grown strongly, supported by tax incentives for passenger cars with smaller cubic capacity. According to the LMCA, sales of LV were up 12.3% to 28.0 mil- lion, while the sales figures for passenger cars rose by 17.8% (VDA). Following a decline from the previous year, the Chinese commercial vehicle market also saw a single-digit increase in sales and production, with a drop in buses and growth in trucks (CA AM, China Association of Automobile Manufacturers). With growth of only 0.5%, the US market achieved a new record vol- ume of LV at 17.5 million. The passenger car subsegment shrunk (−9%), while sales in the light truck division rose by 7%. The US heavy truck market fell significantly by posting an 11% decline in sales. Due to recession, the markets in Brazil and Russia again recorded double-digit losses. Japanese car sales fell by 1.6%, while the Indian car market grew by 7.0%. The European automotive market grew strongly again in 2016. According to data from the European industry association ACE A, new car registrations increased by 6.5% to 15.1 million units (EU28 + EF TA). In Eastern Europe, sales grew by 15.9%, while in Western Europe by 5%. Car production rose by 3.8% here (LMCA). The development was positive in all volume mar- kets. According to ACE A, car sales in Italy (+15.8%) and Spain (+10.9%) even rose by double digits. The demand also remained strong in France (+5.1%) and the UK (+2.3%), while sales in Ger- many rose strongly by 4.5% to almost 3.4 million passenger cars. Data from the VDA reveals that domestic production rose by 1% in Germany to more than 5.7 million passenger cars. As in the previous year, 4.4 million passenger cars were exported. German manufacturers increased their production abroad by 6% to over 10 million passenger cars. The dynamic recovery also continued in the European market for commercial vehicles. According to ACE A figures, sales of trucks and buses rose by 11.4% in 2016 to 2.4 million com- mercial vehicles. In Western Europe, sales rose by 11.0% and in Eastern Europe by 14.8%. Growth in Italy was outstanding (+49.9%). Commercial vehicle sales in Spain (+11.3%), France (+8.3%) and Germany (+7.0%) increased significantly as well. Among the major sub-markets, only the UK (+1.2%) experienced moderate growth. Market growth in Europe was driven by in- creases in sales of between 11% and 12% for trucks in all weight classes. The bus segment grew by 3.5%. Construction industry in Western Europe in upswing, housing construction boom in Germany The European construction industry developed with region- al differences, but grew overall. According to a joint analysis from the industry network Euroconstruct and the Ifo Institute, construction output in the 19 largest single European markets rose by 2.0% in real terms (2015: 1.8%). In Western Europe, the upturn accelerated to 2.4% (2015: 1.6%) thanks to strong expansion in housing construction. Eastern Europe suffered a setback of 3.3% (2015: +5.5%) following the expiry of major EU projects. This exerted pressure on civil engineering across Europe (−1%). Scandinavia and Ireland achieved the greatest growth. France and Spain also posted robust growth. Swiss construction stagnated for the most part. In the UK, construc- tion productivity fell slightly. According to Destatis, investment in construction in Germa- ny increased by 3.1% in real terms (2015: 0.3%). The reasons for this were the boom in housing construction and vigorous public construction activity. According to the IfW (Institute for the World Economy), investment in both sectors rose by more than 4% in real terms. Weighed down by subdued corporate in- vestments, commercial construction enjoyed very little stimulus (real: −0.5%). According to the DIW (German Institute for Eco- nomic Research), construction volume in housing construction expanded by a nominal 5.6% to almost EUR 200 billion, with 11.2% for new construction alone. The construction output of existing buildings (modernization, maintenance), which accounts for two-thirds of the total housing construction volume, rose by NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016Economic Report 61 3.1%. In building construction excluding apartments, nominal construction output rose by 2.3% and civil engineering by 3.0%. SIG NIFICA NT DE VELOPMENTS IN FISCAL YE AR 2016 Issuance of a new promissory note In August 2016, NORMA Group issued a new promissory note with euro and US dollar tranches totaling approximately EUR 150 million. The promissory note has maturities of 5, 7 and 10 years and again offers more favorable conditions than the previous promissory notes. The financial resources from the promissory note were used to finance the acquisition of Autoline and to repay the variable euro tranches of the promissory note from 2013 (EUR 49.0 million).  Financial Management, p. 66. half of 2016, which is why NORMA Group adjusted its sales fore- cast for the Americas region in November when the Company published its figures for the third quarter of 2016. Instead of solid organic growth, NORMA Group now only expected sales below the previous year in fiscal year 2016 for the Americas. After the order backlog in the commercial vehicle, agricul- tural machinery and construction machinery sectors, includ- ing aftermarket parts, decelerated even further in the US, the Management Board was forced on November 10, 2016, to re- duce the forecast for Group sales growth in 2016. Instead of organic Group sales growth of around 2% to 5%, the Manage- ment Board has since then projected organically stable sales for fiscal year 2016. Acquisition of the global Autoline business for quick connectors from Parker NORMA Group SE acquired all assets of the Autoline business (Autoline) from Parker Hannifin with effect from November 30, 2016. It was included in the scope of consolidation on Decem- ber 1. The forecast for the other target values, including the adjusted EBITA margin of more than 17%, remained unchanged in 2016.  Table 014, p. 62 provides an overview of the target and actual values as well as the adjustments made to the forecasts over the course of the year. Autoline has been developing, manufacturing and marketing quick connectors for the connection of fluid lines in motor ve- hicles for over 20 years. These plastic components are used in line systems for fuel, tank ventilation, cooling, brake vacuum and SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) in all types of vehicles. Autoline has its headquarters in Guichen, France, and produc- tion sites in Mexico and China. The company sells its joining products to customers worldwide. The acquisition of Autoline strengthens NORM A Group’s market position through new quick connector products but also by bringing new customers, in Asia, for example. The Autoline business was part of the Fluid System Connectors division of Parker Hannifin Corporation and before that a division of Legris. COMPARISON OF TARGE T A ND ACTUAL VALUES In its 2015 annual report, NORMA Group issued a forecast for the Group and the segments for 2016 for its most important internal control figures. Due to unforeseen developments, the Management Board was forced to adjust the forecast for growth in sales of individual segments and ultimately for Group turnover growth as well during the year. The following report provides an overview of the forecast adjustments and a comparison of the projected values with the actual results of the Group. Adjustments to the forecast during the year In August 2016, NORM A Group adjusted its sales forecast at segment level and lowered its sales expectations for the Asia-Pacific region. Instead of growth of more than 10%, the Management Board has since then assumed stable organic sales for the region. The reason for this was the temporal shift of localization projects in the Asia-Pacific region in favor of slightly stronger growth in the EME A region. The situation in the area of commercial vehicles and agricultural machinery in the US deteriorated over the course of the second Deviations from the target values NORMA Group achieved the growth in sales adjusted on No- vember 10, 2016, for fiscal year 2016. In terms of costs, NORMA Group achieved a slightly better-than-forecast material cost ratio due to optimized purchasing and supplier management as well as favorable price developments for some key materials.  Pur- chasing and Supplier Management, p. 71. On the other hand, the personnel cost ratio was slightly higher than the projected figure. This was due to the higher increase in the number of employees in relation to the increase in sales as well as to the disproportionate development of sales in the US. In combina- tion with tax credits and a reduced average tax rate in the US, the latter also led to a lower adjusted tax rate of 28.9% for the Group. Net operating cash flow was higher than expected at EUR 148.5 million. GENER AL STATEMENT BY THE M A N AGEMENT BOAR D ON COURSE OF BUSINESS A ND ECONOMIC SITUATION NORMA Group ended fiscal year 2016 with organic growth of 0.9%, which is lower than originally forecast. Due to the continu- ing weakness in the commercial vehicle and agricultural machin- ery markets in the US, which intensified again towards the end of the year, the Management Board was forced to correct the annual sales forecast for fiscal year 2016 on November 10. This was due to the decline in the order backlog in the areas men- tioned, including the aftermarket business in the US. Despite the lower than expected sales volume, the cost ratios were kept stable overall so that NORMA Group achieved its profitability target and an adjusted EBITA margin of 17.6%. The region’s sales performance was very heterogeneous due to the above-mentioned causes: while the Americas suffered significantly from the downturn in the US commercial vehicle and agricultural machinery business, the EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions showed solid to strong growth which was driven by good EJT business in particular. Consolidated Management ReportCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS62 A C T U A L B U S I N E S S D E V E L O P M E N T C O M PA R E D T O T H E F O R E C A S T T 0 14 Results in 2015 1 March 2016 May 2016 (Q1 Interim Statement) August 2016 (Q2 Interim Report) November 2016 (Q3 Interim Statement) November 10, 2016 Results 2016 1 Group sales (in EUR millions) Growth of Group sales Sales growth EME A 889.6 n /a n /a n /a n /a n /a 894.9 3.7% organic growth, additionally EUR 115.4 million from acquisitions solid organic growth of around 2% to 5% no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment Adjustment of guidance: stable or- ganic sales 0.9% organic growth, addition- ally EUR 3.5 million from acquisitions 5.1% organic solid organic growth no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment 4.3% organic Sales growth Americas −1.2% organic solid organic growth Sales growth Asia-Pacific Adjusted cost of materials ratio 13.7% organic 40.8% Adjusted personnel expense ratio 26.3% more than 10% roughly at the same level as in previous years roughly at the same level as in previous years no adjustment no adjustment Adjustment of guidance: stable or- ganic sales no adjustment Adjustment of guidance: sales lower than last year no adjustment −3.8% organic no adjustment no adjustment 5.8% organic no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment 39.4% 27.3% 17.6% Adjusted EBITA margin Financial result (in EUR million) Adjusted tax ratio 17.6% −17.2 (unadjusted) sustainable at the same level as in previous years of more than 17.0% no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment up to EUR −15.0 million no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment −14.6% 32.1% around 32% to 34% no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment 28.9% Earnings per share (in EUR) 2.78 (adjusted) 2.31 (reported) solid increase no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment 2.96 (adjusted) 2.38 (reported) Net operating cash flow (in EUR million) 134.7 Investments in R&D (related to EJT sales) 4.7% Investment rate (without acquisitions) 4.7% Dividend (in EUR) Payout ratio 0.90 2 32.3% slightly higher than the level of the previous year (2015: EUR 134.7 million) operationally around 5.0% operationally around 4.5% no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment approx. 30% to 35% of adjusted annual Group earnings no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment no adjustment 148.5 5.4% 5.4% 0.95 2 32.0% 1 The adjustments refer to one-off effects from acquisitions.  Notes, adjustments, p. 138. 2 In accordance with the Management Board’s proposal for the appropriation of net profit, subject to the approval by the Annual General Meeting on May 23, 2017. The Management Board is par ticularly pleased with the acquisition of the Autoline business, which was completed on November 30, 2016. Autoline’s products complement the ex- isting portfolio in the area of quick connectors and strengthen the EJT business. As of December 31, 2016, the order book stood at EUR 302.4 million (2015: EUR 295.8 million), which suggests a good start to fiscal year 2017. The Management Board therefore assumes that NORMA Group’s growth will accelerate again in the current fiscal year. Overall, fiscal year 2016 was a mixed year for NORMA Group, in a partially challenging economic environment. The Management Board assumes that the commercial vehicle market in the US will recover in the medium term. However, it is difficult to predict from today’s point of view whether this will already be the case in 2017 due to the volatile economic environment. E AR NINGS, AS SE TS A ND FIN A NCIAL POSITION Adjustments NORMA Group adjusts certain expenses for the operational management of the Company, in particular those related to ac- quisitions made. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 Economic Report 63 In fiscal year 2016, expenditures totaling EUR 4.8 million (2015: EUR 3.6 million) were adjusted within EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation of tangible, amortization and amor- tization of intangible assets). The adjustments within EBITDA refer to material expenses (EUR 0.6 million) resulting from the valuation of the inventories taken on as part of the purchase price allocation of the acquisition of the Autoline business. In addition, acquisition-related costs (EUR 2.1 million) and transaction costs (EUR 1.7 million) related to the acquisition were adjusted within other operating expenses. Furthermore, expenses for the integration of the acquired Auto- line business (EUR 0.2 million) were adjusted in other operating expenses and expenses for employee benefits (EUR 0.2 million). In addition to the adjustments described, as in prior years, de- preciation on tangible assets in the amount of EUR 2.3 million (2015: EUR 2.2 million) as well as amortization of intangible as- sets in the amount of EUR 20.6 million (2015: EUR 17.3 million), in each case from purchase price allocations were adjusted. This also includes an unscheduled amortization of capitalized customer relationships in the amount of EUR 3.9 million relating to CONNECTORS Verbindungstechnik AG. This was triggered by the start-up of a competing company with a similar product portfolio. In addition, a major supplier recalled the trading rights for major products with CONNECTORS. These events led to a loss of customers and ultimately resulted in a partial deprecia- tion of customer relationships.  Notes, p. 147. Fictitious income taxes resulting from the adjustments are cal- culated using the tax rates of the respective local companies affected and taken into account in the adjusted result after tax. The following overview simplifies the adjustments. A D J U S T M E N T S * T 0 15 in EUR millions 2016 adjusted adjustments 2016 reported Group sales EBITDA EBITDA margin (in %) EBITA EBITA margin (in %) EBIT Financial income Profit for the period EPS (in EUR) 894.9 179.4 20.0 157.5 17.6 147.7 −14.6 94.6 2.96 * Deviations may occur due to commercial rounding. 4.8 7.1 27.7 18.7 0.58 894.9 174.6 19.5 150.4 16.8 120.0 −14.6 75.9 2.38 Sales and earnings performance The development described below describes the changes in the main items of the income statement in the year under review, adjusted for the above-mentioned special effects. In some cas- es, the adjustments are discussed separately for comparative purposes. The adjustments made in 2015 are explained in the Notes.  Notes, p. 138. Sales development Group sales growth strengthened by acquisitions In fiscal year 2016, Group sales of NORMA Group increased to EUR 894.9 million, or 0.6%, compared to the prior-year period (2015: EUR 889.6 million). This figure includes organic sales growth of 0.9% (2015: 3.7%) and acquisition-related growth of 0.4%. Changes in exchange rates, particularly in connection with the British pound, the Chinese renminbi and the Malaysian ringgit, had a negative effect of a total of 0.7%. The increase in the Group’s sales was primarily the result of the increase in the global vehicle production of passenger cars and the resulting good growth of the EJT business in the EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions. In addition, the positive development of the DS water business in the Americas region had a positive impact on Group sales growth. On the other hand, the weak demand in the commercial vehicle and agricultural machinery sectors in the US had a negative impact on sales growth. D E V E L O P M E N T O F S A L E S I N 2 0 16 G 0 11 in EUR millions H1: 454.3 H2: 435.3 2015 2016 H1: 462.8 H2: 432.1 889.6 894.9 0 500 1,000 E F F E C T S O N G R O U P S A L E S T 0 16 Sales 2015 Organic growth Acquisitions Currency effects Sales 2016 in EUR millions Share in % 889.6 7.6 3.5 −5.8 894.9 0.9 0.4 −0.7 0.6 Heterogeneous developments in the various regions The sales performance of NORMA Group in the various regions was very heterogeneous in fiscal year 2016. In Europe, NORMA Group benefited from the positive overall development of the vehicle industry, with rising production and sales figures.  Gen- eral Economic and Industry-Specific Conditions, p. 59. This had a positive effect on the EJT business in the region and led to solid organic growth in sales in the EME A region. In the Americas region, NORMA Group’s business was influ- enced by the declining trend and the negative production figures for commercial vehicles and agricultural machinery in the US in Consolidated Management ReportCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS 64 particular. This led to order cancellations and a significant drop in sales in the EJT segment in the Americas, which could not be offset by the positive development of the DS water business. C O S T O F M AT E R I A L S A N D C O S T O F M AT E R I A L S R AT I O ( A D J U S T E D ) G 0 12 Cost of materials (in EUR millions) – Cost of materials ratio (in %) The Asia-Pacific region recorded strong growth over the year, driven in particular by the good EJT business. EJT area characterized by weak US business, DS area grew solidly Sales in the EJT segment amounted to EUR 535.9 million in fiscal year 2016, a decrease of 0.8% compared to the previous year (EUR 540.3 million). This was mainly due to the previously mentioned weak development of the US market for commercial vehicles and agricultural machinery. The EME A and Asia-Pa- cific regions each showed strong growth in the EJT business, which is mainly attributable to a positive development of the production figures in the automotive industry and new product developments. In addition, revenues of EUR 3.5 million from the Autoline business acquired in November contributed to sales in the EJT sector. Sales revenues in the Distribution Services division amounted to EUR 354.5 million in 2016, an increase of 3.0% compared to the previous year (2015: EUR 344.1 million). This growth was due in particular to the strong US water business. D E V E L O P M E N T O F S A L E S C H A N N E L S T 0 17 EJT DS 2016 2015 2016 2015 Group sales (in EUR millions) 535.9 540.3 354.5 344.1 Growth (in %) Share of sales (in %) −0.8 60 12.3 61 3.0 40 62.7 39 Development of earnings Adjusted material cost ratio improved again – gross margin increased Targeted purchasing management and the favorable price development of some important production materials once again led to an improved adjusted material cost ratio in fiscal year 2016. With adjusted material expenses of EUR 352.9 mil- lion (2015: EUR 362.9 million), the adjusted material cost ratio amounted to 39.4% in 2016 (2015: 40.8%). After taking into account changes in inventories (EUR 0.2 million) and other own work capitalized (EUR 3.3 million), this results in adjusted gross profit of EUR 545.6 million. This represents an increase of 2.3% compared to the previous year (EUR 533.1 mil- lion). In relation to sales, this resulted in an adjusted gross mar- gin of 61.0% compared to the previous year (2015: 59.9%). 362.9 352.9 40.8 39.4 400 300 200 100 0 80 60 40 20 0 2015 2016 Higher adjusted operating income Adjusted personnel expenses amounted to EUR 243.9 million in fiscal year 2016, an increase of 4.2% compared to the previous year (2015: EUR 234.1 million). The adjusted personnel cost ratio resulting from the ratio of adjusted personnel expenses and sales amounted to 27.3%, which is a year-on-year increase (2015: 26.3%). This was due in particular to the increase in the number of employees as well as to an increase in the wage level and the relatively lower sales volume in the US in fiscal year 2016. Adjusted other operating income and expenses increased by 0.6% to EUR 122.3 million in the reporting year (2015: EUR 121.5 mil- lion). In relation to sales, this resulted in a constant ratio of 13.7%. Adjusted operating earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (adjusted EBITDA) for fiscal year 2016 amounted to EUR 179.4 million, an increase of 1.1% compared to the pre- vious year (EUR 177.5 million). NORMA Group’s main control pa- rameter, adjusted EBITA, amounted to EUR 157.5 million in 2016, 0.8% above the adjusted EBITA of the previous year (EUR 156.3 million). The resulting adjusted EBITA margin remained unchanged at 17.6% compared to the previous year. NORMA Group’s busi- ness thus again proved to be sustainably profitable in 2016. A D J U S T E D E B I TA A N D A D J U S T E D E B I TA M A R G I N G 0 13 Adjusted EBITA (in EUR millions) – Adjusted EBITA margin (in %) 160 120 80 40 0 156.3 157.5 17.6 17.6 2015 2016 25 20 15 10 5 0 NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 Economic Report 65 Financial result The financial result amounted to EUR −14.6 million in fiscal year 2016 (2015: EUR −17.2 million). It was mainly affected by interest expenses and expenses from derivative valuation. In addition, the financial result included positive currency effects, which are largely the result of the development of the British pound, the Polish zloty and the Swedish krona.  Notes, p. 141. Adjusted income taxes Adjusted income taxes amounted to EUR 38.5 million, resulting in a tax rate of 28.9% (2015: 32.1%). The unadjusted tax rate was 28.0% (2015: 31.4%). The lower tax rate compared to the previous year is due to lower sales growth in the US and to tax credits as well as a lower average tax rate in the US. Adjusted profit for the period rose Adjusted profit for the period after tax amounted to EUR 94.6 million in 2016, an increase of 6.6% compared to the previous year (EUR 88.7 million). The unadjusted profit for fiscal year 2016 amounted to EUR 75.9 million, 2.7% higher than the previous year’s result (EUR 73.8 million). Overall, the after-tax adjustment effect amounted to EUR 18.7 million  T 015: Adjustments, p. 63. With an unchanged number of shares of 31,862,400 compared to the previous year, this resulted in adjusted earnings per share of EUR 2.96 (2015: EUR 2.78). Unadjusted earnings per share amounted to EUR 2.38 (2015: EUR 2.31). Asset position Total assets Total assets as of December 31, 2016, amounted to EU R 1,337.7 million, which was 14.5% higher than in the previous year (EUR 1,167.9 million). The increase in the balance sheet total is mainly due to the acquisition of Autoline’s business in December 2016 and the associated increase in loan liabilities as well as currency effects. Non-current and current assets affected by the acquisition of Autoline The acquisition of Autoline and investments were reflected in an increase in assets. Non-current assets rose by 10.3% year-on- year to EUR 875.0 million (2015: EUR 793.6 million). Property, plant and equipment increased by EUR 31.2 million, goodwill by EUR 25.0 million and other intangible assets by EUR 24.4 mil- lion. Intangible assets were also impacted by currency effects, in particular in connection with the US dollar.  Notes, p. 145. Similarly, current assets increased by 23.6% to EUR 462.7 mil- lion as of December 31, 2016. The increase is mainly due to the increase in cash and cash equivalents of EUR 65.6 million and the increase in inventories of EUR 10.0 million. The share of non-current assets to total assets at the end of 2016 amounted to 65.4%. Consequently, current assets accounted for a share of 34.6%. Working capital (Trade) working capital (inventories plus receivables minus liabil- ities, both primarily from trade payables and trade receivables) amounted to EUR 144.5 million as of December 31, 2016, which was 4.9% lower than in the previous year (2015: EUR 151.9 million). In relation to sales, working capital was 16.1% on the balance sheet date (2015: 17.1%). It was influenced by active working capital management. As in previous years, NORMA Group participates in reverse factoring and an Asset Backed Securities (ABS) program. In addition, in the fourth quarter of 2016, it entered into a factoring agreement on monthly revolving sales of trade receivables, which resulted in a significant reduc- tion in operating receivables at the end of the year. Equity ratio fell slightly As of December 31, 2016, consolidated equity amounted to EUR 483.6 million, an increase of 12.5% compared to the previous year (2015: EUR 429.8 million). This increase resulted mainly from the net profit for the period of EUR 75.9 million and posi- tive currency translation differences in the amount of EUR 4.0 million. In contrast, the dividend payment in the amount of EUR 28.7 million in the second quarter reduced equity. At the end of fiscal year 2016, the equity ratio of 36.2% (2015: 36.8%) was only slightly lower than in the previous year, despite the increase in the degree of indebtedness resulting from the acquisition of the Autoline business. Net debt increased Net debt at the end of the reporting period was EUR 394.2 million (included herein are derivative financial instruments in the amount of EUR 2.2 million) and thus rose by EUR 33.3 million or 9.2% respectively compared with the previous year (2015: EUR 360.9 million). The reason for this was the debt financing of the acquisition of the Autoline business by issuing another promissory note in August 2016 amounting to around EUR 150 million and the payment of the dividend. Gearing (net debt in relation to equity) was 0.8 and thus at the same level as at the end of 2015, despite higher net debt. Leverage (net debt without hedging derivatives in relation to adjusted EBITDA LTM) was 2.1 (2015: 2.0). Non-current and current liabilities Non-current liabilities increased by 11.3% in total to EU R 640.3 million (2015: EUR 575.4 million) and thus amounted to 47.9% of total assets. The increase in long-term debt of EUR 69.4 million or 15.6% which was attributable to the issuance of the new promissory note had a major impact. Current liabilities amounted to EUR 213.8 million (2015: EUR 162.6 million) as of the balance sheet date in 2016 and thus rose by 31.5% compared to the previous year. This is mainly due to an increase of EUR 35.1 million in current loan liabilities. These include, among other factors, tranches of the promissory note issued in 2014 as well as the syndicated credit line with maturity in 2017. In addition, trade payables rose by EUR 18.7 million to EUR 119.6 million. Consolidated Management ReportCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS 66 A S S E T A N D C A P I TA L S T R U C T U R E in EUR millions Assets 2016 2015 875 794 297 166 274 100 Non-current assets Current assets Liquid assets Equity and liabilities 2016 2015 484 430 Equity 640 214 575 163 Non-current liabilities Current liabilities G 0 14 1,338 1,168 1,338 1,168 Unrecognized intangible assets NORMA Group’s rights to its brands and patents on the brands it owns, but also customer relationships, if acquired externally, are recognized in the balance sheet as intangible assets. How- ever, the reputation of these brands and how well known they are among its customers also play important roles in its suc- cess, as does consumer confidence in NORMA Group’s prod- ucts. Well-established customer relationships that are based on NORMA Group’s distribution network that has continually grown over the course of many years are equally important. The know- how and experience of NORMA Group employees also play important roles in the Company’s success. The many years of research and development expertise and project management know-how are also seen as competitive advantages for NORMA Group. These values are not recognized in the balance sheet. Financial management Financial measures and capital costs NORMA Group monitors risks from changes in exchange and interest rates on a regular base and aims at limiting them by using derivative structures among others. Furthermore, NORMA Group generally strives to achieve a diversification of its financ- ing instruments in order to reduce risks. These also include prolongation of repayment obligations and an even distribution of the maturity profile. Most of the supply and service relation- ships between individual currencies are simultaneously hedged over the course of the year. NORMA Group took further steps toward improving its financial structure in fiscal year 2016. For this purpose, a new promissory note that consisted of euro and US dollar tranches with a total volume of approx. EUR 150 million was issued at the beginning of August 2016. The promissory note has maturities of 5, 7 and 10 years and again more favorable interest rates. The funds from the promissory note were partly used to repay the variable euro tranches of the promissory note issued in 2013 (EUR 49.0 mil- lion) and to cover payment of the purchase price of the Autoline business (EUR 81.0 million). As of the reporting date December 31, 2016, the revolving line of credit in the amount of EUR 50 million in the syndicated loan had not been used. Furthermore, a so-called accordion facility was also negotiated in the loan agreement. This en- ables NORMA Group to take out loans from other banks up to a maximum volume of EUR 250 million and thus extend its overall credit line. This results in a high degree of flexibility when it comes to financing. In order to reduce interest rate risks that could result from the external financing components, US dollar interest rate hedges of EUR 75.3 million were concluded in the fiscal year. As of December 31, 2016, the average interest rate on total gross debt was 2.3%. N O R M A Group’s maturity profile for all promissory notes I (2013), II (2014) and III (2016) and the syndicated credit line (2015) was as follows on December 31, 2016: NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016Economic Report 67 M AT U R I T Y P R O F I L E B Y C U R R E N C Y G 0 15 in EUR millions 16 24 EUR USD 4 90 4 117 12 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 27 28 30 64 52 45 42 0 100 200 M AT U R I T Y P R O F I L E B Y F I N A N C I A L I N S T R U M E N T G 0 16 in EUR millions Syndicated credit line Promissory note I Promissory note II Promissory note III 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 5 35 5 26 5 113 5 29 78 21 43 45 42 0 36 67 100 200 As of the balance sheet date in 2016, NORMA Group complied with all of the conditions contained in the loan contracts (finan- cial covenants: debt in relation to adjusted Group EBITA and change of control). Future concrete financing steps will depend on the current changes in the financing markets and acquisition potentials. Development of cash flow Net operating cash flow increased significantly In 2016, NORMA Group achieved a net operating cash flow of EUR 148.5 million, an increase of 10.3% compared to 2015 (EUR 134.7 million). This was mainly due to slightly higher adjusted EBITDA compared to the previous year and optimized working capital management. Investments increased to EUR 47.9 million compared to the previous year (2015: EUR 42.2 million) and pertained mainly to plants in Germany, Poland, Serbia, the US and China. Cash flow from operating activities increased Cash flow from operating activities in fiscal year 2016 amounted to EUR 149.2 million (2015: EUR 128.2 million). It was mainly influenced by the cash-effective reduction in working capital. In this context, the effects of the factoring agreement, which was newly concluded in fiscal year 2016, had a positive effect on cash flow. The total amount of trade receivables sold within the factoring program and Asset Backed Securities (ABS) program amounted to EUR 24.4 million in fiscal year 2016 (2015: EUR 13.9 million). The amount of trade payables in the reverse factoring program amounted to EUR 23.4 million (2015: EUR 21.1 million).  Notes, p. 155 and p. 168. Cash flow from operating activities is corrected by interest ex- penses in the amount of EUR 12.7 million as well as expenses from the valuation of hedging derivatives in the amount of EUR 2.4 million which relate to the change in the fair value of foreign currency derivatives recognized in the income statement and are allocated to financing activities. The payments for share-based payments amounting to EUR 2.5 million reported in cash flow from operating activities result from the cash remuneration of the 2012 tranche of the Management Board’s Matching Stock Program. The correction of the other payments allocated to the acquisition activity (EUR 1.7 million) relates to transaction taxes in connec- tion with the acquisition of Autoline in December. Other interest-related expenses and income, which resulted in an outflow in the amount of EUR 0.8 million (2015: EUR −9.8 mil- lion) in the reporting year, include non-cash interest expenses from the application of the effective interest method and ex- penses from stock option programs. Cash flow from investing activities Cash outflow from investing activities amounted to EUR 133.8 million in fiscal year 2016 (2015: EUR 44.5 million). This includes net payments for acquisitions amounting to EUR 87.6 million (2015: EUR 0.1 million). These mainly relate to payments in connection with the acquisition of the Autoline business (EUR Consolidated Management ReportCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS 68 82.7 million). In addition, payments for the conditional purchase price liability in connection with the acquisition of the business activities of Five Star (EUR 3.3 million) as well as payments for the settlement of all purchase price liabilities from the acquisi- tion of NDS (EUR 1.6 million) are included. In addition, cash flow from investing activities was influenced in particular by the cash outflow for the acquisition of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment in the amount of EUR 47.0 million (2015: EUR 44.8 million). This figure includes expenditure on expansion (EUR 29.1 million) and expenditure on the maintenance and improvement of operational capacity (EUR 18.5 million). Furthermore, the cash flow from investing activities includes the change in liabilities for the acquisition of intangible assets and tangible assets in the amount of EUR 0.6 million. NORMA Group’s investing activities in fiscal year 2016 (tangible and intangible assets) in the amount of EUR 47.9 million (2015: EUR 42.2 million) represents an investment ratio of 5.4% (2015: 4.7%) of sales. Investment analysis NORMA Group invests the funds from its operating cash flow in its continued growth. Investments made in the reporting year 2016 pertained to investments in production facilities and ex- pansion of capacities mainly in the US, Poland, Serbia, Germany and China.  Production and Logistics, p. 70. Cash flow from financing activities Cash flow from financing activities amounted to EUR 49.6 million in 2016 (2015: EUR −70.4 million). This included, among other items, receipts from loans (EUR 188.4 million) relating to the newly issued promissory note in August and interim financing of EUR 40.0 million which was already repaid by the end of September. The repayment of financial debts (EUR −94.2 mil- lion) essentially comprises the amortization of the floating-rate tranches of the promissory note issued in fiscal year 2013 as well as the aforementioned repayment of interim financing in the amount of EUR 40.0 million. In addition, the payment of the dividend (EUR −28.7 million) as well as cash flows from interest paid (EUR −12.0 million) and disbursements from derivatives (EUR −3.5 million) affected cash flow from financing activities. Segment reporting By developing new markets in line with its continuing strategy of internationalization of NORMA Group, the share of sales realized internationally increased slightly from 78.3% to 78.8%. The distribution of sales across the three segments EME A (Eu- rope, Middle East, and Africa), the Americas (North, Central and South America) and Asia-Pacific (APAC) changed slightly due to the continuing weakness in the US commercial vehicle and agricultural machinery markets, the acquisition of the Autoline business in the fiscal year and the growth in the EME A and Asia-Pacific regions and is now as follows: B R E A K D O W N O F S A L E S B Y S E G M E N T G 0 17 in % 2015 in brackets Asia-Pacific 9 (9) Americas 43 (44) 48 (47) EME A Due to the fact that financing as a whole is controlled centrally and financing is exclusively available through approved exter- nal credit facilities by the central functions of NORMA Group, the Company forgoes publishing a separate list of financing by segments. In every segment, the aim is to achieve an investment D E V E L O P M E N T O F S E G M E N T S T 0 18 EME A Americas Asia-Pacific in EUR millions 2016 2015 ∆ 2016 2015 ∆ 2016 2015 ∆ Total segment sales External sales Contribution to consolidated sales (in %) Adjusted EBITDA 1 Adjusted EBITDA margin (in %) 2 Adjusted EBITA 1 Adjusted EBITA margin (in %) 2 459.0 432.0 48 93.7 20.4 83.5 18.2 445.2 416.0 47 88.0 19.8 78.1 17.5 3.1% 3.8% 6.4% 6.9% 390.3 381.6 43 83.1 21.3 75.2 19.3 403.4 395.3 44 87.6 21.7 79.7 19.8 −3.3% −3.5% −5.2% −5.7% 84.1 81.3 9 11.7 13.9 9.0 10.7 3.8% 3.9% 15.3% 17.3% 81.0 78.2 9 10.1 12.5 7.7 9.5 1 The adjustments are described in the Notes.  Notes, p. 138. 2 In relation to segment sales. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 Economic Report 69 ratio and cash generation that is in line with the Group average in the medium-term.  Goals Regarding Finance and Liquidity Management, p. 56. Investments amounted to EUR 16.9 million and were below the previous year’s level (2015: EUR 17.8 million). The investment focus was on the US plants, in particular NDS and NORMA Michigan.  Production and Logistics, p. 70. EMEA External sales in the EME A region amounted to EUR 432.0 mil- lion in 2016, and thus increased by 3.8% over the previous year (2015: EUR 416.0 million). The region experienced solid organic growth of 4.3%. The main reason for this was the posi- tive development of the EJT business as a result of the positive development of the European automotive industry. In addition, the Group generated sales revenues of EUR 1.3 million from the acquisition of the Autoline business. The EME A region’s share of total sales increased slightly from 47% to 48% compared to the previous year due to the relatively weak US business and the acquisition effects in fiscal year 2016. Asia-Pacific External sales in the Asia-Pacific region amounted to EU R 81.3 million in 2016 and were thus 3.9% higher compared to the previous year (2015: EUR 78.2 million). The region once again experienced a very dynamic development with solid organic growth of 5.8%. Adjusted EBITDA in the Asia-Pacific region rose by 15.3% to EUR 11.7 million (2015: EUR 10.1 million). The adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 13.9% (2015: 12.5%). At the same time, adjusted EBITA rose to EUR 9.0 million (2015: EUR 7.7 million), resulting in an adjusted EBITA margin of 10.7% (2015: 9.5%). Adjusted EBITDA in the EME A region improved by 6.4% to EUR 93.7 million (2015: EUR 88.0 million). The adjusted EBITDA mar- gin of 20.4% was higher than in the previous year (2015: 19.8%). In addition, adjusted EBITA rose by 6.9% from EUR 78.1 million to EUR 83.5 million. The adjusted EBITA margin correspondingly amounted to 18.2% (2015: 17.5%). Assets increased by 41.3% from EU R 84.4 million to EU R 119.3 million in the reporting period. This is mainly due to the continuing growth of the operating business in the region as well as the acquisition of the Chinese business activities of Autoline. Assets rose by 13.9% to EUR 556.9 million compared to the previous year (EUR 489.2 million) as a result of the acquisition of the Autoline business. Investments amounted to EUR 20.0 million, and were thus 38.6% higher than last year (EUR 14.4 million). The funds were invested primarily in Germany, Poland and Serbia.  Production and Logistics, p. 70. Americas In the Americas segment, external sales fell by 3.5% to EUR 381.6 million in 2016 (2015: EUR: 395.3 million). This was due to the slump in US business in the areas of commercial vehicles and agricultural machinery, which could not be compensated for by the good performance of the water business and slightly positive currency effects. This led to a negative organic sales development of 3.8%. At 0.1%, acquisition effects related to Autoline’s Mexican business had a slightly positive effect on sales growth. Adjusted EBITDA for the Americas region was EUR 83.1 million in 2016, and thus 5.2% lower than the previous year’s level (2015: EUR 87.6 million). The adjusted EBITDA margin amounted to 21.3% (2015: 21.7%) despite weak sales growth in the report- ing year. Adjusted EBITA decreased by 5.7% to EUR 75.2 million (2015: EUR 79.7 million). This results in an adjusted EBITA mar- gin of 19.3% (2015: 19.8%). Investments, which amounted to EUR 5.5 million in 2016 (2015: EUR 5.6 million), were mainly used to expand the two sites in China.  Production and Logistics, p. 70. SUSTAIN ABLE VALUE CRE ATION NORMA Group considers reconciling the effects of its business activities with the needs of society as part of its corporate re- sponsibility. The management therefore takes the principles of responsible management and sustainable conduct into consid- eration in making company decisions. Corporate Responsibility (CR), NORMA Group’s responsibility to society and the environment, is therefore an integral component of the corporate strategy. The CR steering committee under the leadership of CEO Werner Deggim is responsible for setting and formulating long-term goals for CR and coordinates the respective cross-divisional activities and the dialogue with the stakeholder representatives. Five key areas of Corporate Responsibility NORMA Group pursues a comprehensive CR strategy and fo- cuses its CR goals and measures on the following five areas of activity: • Responsible Management • Business Solutions • Employees • Environment • Community Assets increased by 5.8% to EUR 673.2 million (2015: EUR 636.3 million) mainly as a result of currency effects and the acquisition of Autoline. NORMA Group published its second CR report in July 2016. This describes the long-term objectives and strategic measures Consolidated Management ReportCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS70 for all fields of action. These are based on the CR Roadmap 2018, published at the beginning of 2016, which is intended to serve as a cross-departmental framework for the coming years. @ http://normagroup.com/cr. PRODUCTION A ND LOGISTICS N O R M A Group manufactures and markets approximately 35,000 different products and has 27 production sites all over the world. Furthermore, the Company has a network consist- ing of numerous distribution, sales and competence centers that supply to its customers in the respective regions.  G 001, Back cover. In fiscal year 2016, NORMA Group acquired the Autoline busi- ness for quick connectors from Parker Hannifin, including pro- duction facilities in France, China and Mexico. Production and capacity utilization The capacity utilization of NORMA Group’s manufacturing and storage facilities varies from site to site. In markets such as the emerging countries of Asia and South America, where NORMA Group’s business is still being developed, the area-related utili- zation of production plants is currently relatively low. This can be attributed to the fact that investment decisions are planned in ad- vance to ensure that sufficient production space is available to be able to expand production capacity in a flexible manner. In indus- trial nations and the markets in which NORMA Group already has an established market position and the plants are largely working to capacity, an attempt is made to avoid investing in additional manufacturing space whenever possible. Instead, the goal is to optimize the current manufacturing processes by improving effi- ciency in order to be able to use the existing space to create addi- tional capacity. This was also the focus in the reporting year 2016. I N V E S T M E N T H I G H L I G H T S I N 2 0 16 T 0 19 Region Country City Investments EME A Germany Maintal • Investment in new assembly line for quick connectors to support large customer order starting in 2017 • Overhauling of cold forming presses to improve productivity and reduce scrap Gerbershausen transport costs • Investment in three new assembly machines to enable insourcing activity and reduce external and France Briey • Installation of multi-layer extrusion processes to support future technology requirements • Investment in new assembly line for air suspension system project • Investment in corrugated extrusion capacity expansion • Installation of injection molding machines to enable localized production and improve productivity and transport costs Serbia Subotica • Establishment of corrugated extrusion capacity to support new customer projects • Establishment of test laboratory for fluid systems including pressure, vibration and temperature test equipment • Installation of injection molding machines to enable localized production, improving productivity Poland Pilica and lowering transport costs Sweden Czech Republic Anderstorp Hustopeče • Investment in tube cutting equipment to drive productivity and reduce costs • Investment in new press technology to support the ramp up of a new range of clamps • Investment in 30 ton press to support new customer projects • Robot implementation on two cells to improve productivity Americas USA Auburn Hills, Michigan • Final installation of Super Seal equipment • Tooling upgrades to expand capacity and to improve quality • Investment in corrosion chamber for test laboratory St. Clair, Michigan Saltsburg, Pennsylvania Lake Orion, Michigan • New assembly machines to support growth • Investment in new molding tools to support new customer projects • Upgrade of assembly machine to improve productivity and quality • Investment in power seal production line • Investment in three-piece-clamp assembly equipment • Investment in T-bolt production equipment to improve productivity and quality • Investment in packaging equipment for new customer acquisitions Lindsay, California • Investment in six new fully electric molding machines to support growth, productivity and cost reductions • Injection molding tool upgrades and refurbishment Mexico Monterrey • Investment in additional molding machine to support new projects • ‘Aging’ test cell, to improve test capabilities • Investment in additional SCR assembly lines for new customer projects Juárez • Investment in automation of profile clamp production • Transfer of quick latch production into Juárez Asia-Pacific China Qingdao • Investment in extrusion line to produce heating wires for SCR-systems in order to support EURO 6 implementation in China • Investment in additional conveyor oven to support new customer projects • Expansion of testing capabilities by installing additional burst test equipment Changzhou • Investment in automatization of production of worm drive hose clips NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016Economic Report 71 The capacity utilization of manufacturing plants can be ramped up flexibly to suit customer demand and the order situation. Within each product category, a wide variety of different prod- ucts with different specifications can be manufactured at the existing plants by performing only minor conversion measures. Thus, production can be optimally adapted to suit customer demand. Investment in capacity expansion NORMA Group has again invested in expanding its capacity during the reporting year. The main investments are shown in the  Table 019, p. 70. Continuous optimization of the entire value chain At NORMA Group, all internal processing steps in the value chain are constantly analyzed for optimization potential. The Global Excellence Management System represents an essen- tial tool here that helps to analyze existing processes, identify potential for improvements, introduce the appropriate measures for implementation and realize cost saving projects. As a result, many processes have already been automated and standard- ized in recent years, so that significant economies of scale have been achieved. NORMA Group introduced the NORMA Group Production Sys- tem (NPS) in 2014, which has been rolled out throughout the Group. The objective of the NPS is to increase productivity and enable further cost savings. NORMA Group also uses lean methods of process optimization. These include, for example, the 5S methodology for optimizing workplaces, the introduc- tion of standardized work, the visualization of various KPIs and the daily Gemba Walk. Furthermore, methods for optimizing the material flow (K ANBAN) and set-up time (SMED) are used. In each NORMA Group production facility – except for the lo- cations of the newly acquired companies Autoline and Lifial – there are also one or more Operational Excellence Leaders who are familiar with lean management and are driving the local implementation of the NPS forward and transferring it to the distribution centers. This is intended to promote the continuous improvement culture at NORMA Group. Software-based support for important business transactions is provided by a uniform ERP system. The use of a standardized system enables NORMA Group to harmonize and integrate all processes, which is of particular importance in the context of rapid Group growth and the many acquisitions in recent years. Customer focus and secure supply chain In order to optimize its logistics costs, NORMA Group always strives to keep the geographical distances in the value chain as short as possible and avoid non value-adding intermediate steps via other NORMA Group sites. The goal is therefore to always manufacture in the regions that its customers are based in. This not only optimizes working capital and lowers logistics costs, but also minimizes delivery risks and reduces negative impacts on the environment. Despite these efforts, cross-border deliveries are still indispens- able for NORMA Group in many places, therefore optimized and secure customs processes are extremely important in order to flexibly react to customer requirements. For this reason, NORMA Group participates in various customs and trade partnership programs, e. g. in the US, China and the EU. By participating in an export control programme that is part of the global compli- ance programme, NORMA Group ensures that its supply chain meets all of the legal requirements. By reviewing all of its busi- ness partners at least once a year, NORMA Group is able to rule out deliveries to legally sanctioned third parties. In addition, compliance with the relevant legal regulations on export con- trol is ensured through internal organizational procedures and regular checks. QUALIT Y M A N AGEMENT The products that NORMA Group supplies are often critical to the ability of its customers’ end products to function properly. It is therefore extremely important for NORMA Group to ensure that it delivers outstanding quality. In order to be able to offer the same high quality all over the world, the quality standards ISO 9001, TS 16949 are observed throughout the entire Group, with the exception of NDS and the recently acquired company Autoline. Two sites that supply to the aviation industry have also been certified in accordance with EN 9100, and various product categories have been approved especially for the shipping and construction industries. Because customer needs vary in the many different regions and markets, regional standards and customer requirements are also taken into consideration in production. This know-how is shared inside the Group through close collaboration between the various sites and gradual implementation of quality manage- ment (CAQ) software. NORMA Group uses the key metrics number of returned parts per million (PPM) and number of quality-related complaints to measure customer satisfaction. The number of returned parts per million (PPM) was 32 in the reporting year and thus higher compared to the previous year (2015: 21) due to two one-off effects. The average number of quality-related customer com- plaints per month amounted to 8, the same figure as last year. PURCH ASING A ND SUPPLIER M A N AGEMENT Material costs represent the highest cost position for NORMA Group next to personnel costs. Because they significantly af- fect the Group’s profits, purchasing and supplier management both play a decisive role in the success of the Group. The most important goal for the purchasing department is to reduce price risks and leverage economies of scale within the Group through proactive management of the direct and indirect costs of mate- rials and services purchased. Purchasing and supplier management at NORMA Group is or- ganized primarily on the basis of the following three higher level commodity groups: Consolidated Management ReportCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS72 • Steel and metal components (various grades / materials) • Granules, plastic and rubber products • Capital goods, non-production materials and services. The commodity organization is integrated into the NORM A Group plants worldwide in the form of a matrix structure. Ad- ditional commodity responsibilities emerged in recent years in purchasing and supplier management, particularly in the areas of water infrastructure and pharmaceutical biotechnology, due to the Company’s continued growth, acquisitions and the relat- ed expansion into new markets. M AT E R I A L P U R C H A S I N G T U R N O V E R I N 2 0 16 A C C O R D I N G T O M AT E R I A L G R O U P S G 0 18 in % Indirect 28 material Others 4 2 Electronic components 13 Granules 6 Rubber moulded parts 9 Plastic parts Alloy 6 surcharges Steel, Wire 15 18 Metal components Global Group structure and regional expertise NORMA Group has further expanded its high-performance Group purchasing structure in recent years. Besides purchasing of production materials, procurement of non-production materi- als and services, including IT, has been expanded even further. Purchasing at NORMA Group is controlled centrally for all do- mestic and foreign Group companies, while regional or lo- cal teams contribute their specific knowledge of local market conditions and typical regional cost drivers. Due to the high degree of professionalism and the combination of global, re- gional and local purchasing management, resources and ser- vices can be purchased much more competitively; therefore the costs can be reduced. Furthermore, the recent introduc- tion of the new e-procurement solutions have made report- ing easier and now even allow for more efficient purchasing management. This is also reflected in an improved adjusted material usage ratio of 39.4% in fiscal year 2016 (2015: 40.8%).  Economic Report, p. 64. Development of material prices and prices of non-production materials In fiscal year 2016, the prices of the raw materials nickel, chrome and ferrochrome, which are mainly responsible for setting the prices of alloy surcharges, continued to rise starting in May. This resulted in higher alloy surcharges and thus significant price increases at the end of the year. With respect to ferritic materials, NORMA Group’s total expen- ditures for the alloy surcharges were on average roughly on par with the previous year, as the attractive prices in the first half of the year were offset by price increases at the end of the year. In the case of austenitic materials, the total expenditures for alloy surcharges were slightly below the previous year’s level despite the significant increases in the third and fourth quarters. The base prices for the stainless steels purchased in Europe remained relatively constant in 2016. In North America, the high- er price conditions in fiscal year 2015 could be neutralized by negotiating new agreements with suppliers. Price reductions were also negotiated on non-stainless steel commodities and thus contributed to the improvement of the cost of material ratio.  G 019. D E V E L O P M E N T O F N I C K E L P R I C E S A N D T H E A L L OY S U R C H A R G E 1. 4 3 0 1 I N 2 0 16 Alloy surcharge of flat products 1.4301 X39Cr13 Europe (Outokumpu) in EUR G 0 19 Nickel LME in EUR 600 550 500 450 400 350 300 12,000 11,000 10,000 9,000 8,000 7,000 6,000 Jan 2016 Apr 2016 Jul 2016 Oct 2016 Jan 2017 NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 Economic Report 73 With respect to plastics, the development of oil prices effect the cost of procurement of polypropylenes, in particular. These are mainly used to produce plastic components in the field of water infrastructure. of NORMA Group, help to ensure a fair procurement process and encourage sustainable relationships with suppliers. Fur- thermore, all major suppliers were also invited to register on the e-procurement platform, confirming their agreement with NORMA Group’s compliance rules. In the case of technical plastics such as butadiene, for example, the prices are the main factors for their use by NORMA Group. These prices fell sharply again starting in the second half of 2016 despite significant increases in the first half of the year and thus enabled a competitive price level to be maintained throughout the year. Prices experienced significant increases again at the end of 2016, however. This could have a negative impact on purchasing conditions in the future. Furthermore, improved commodity management led to more competitive conditions with respect to certain polyamide ma- terial groups. By establishing regional and local structures, it was also possi- ble to improve the supply and service conditions in the area of non-production materials, which also had a positive impact on the lower material usage ratio in the reporting year. Supplier management Constantly optimizing the selection of suppliers is yet another key task of NORMA Group’s purchasing department. This is done not only solely on the basis of traditional criteria such as quality, price, delivery times and loyalty, but also takes important aspects of risk management and sustainable devel- opment into consideration. A centrally defined, detailed supplier evaluation system is used by all of the production plants each year. This evaluation system was revised in the previous fiscal year and expanded to include an assessment of suppliers based on sustainability criteria. The new assessment criteria are based on the results of the annual stakeholder survey on sustainability and will be applied as of reporting year 2017. This means that new business will be awarded based on an even more sound decision-making foundation in the future that also takes sus- tainable aspects into consideration. The topic of sustainability is of great importance to NORMA Group.  Sustainable Value Creation, p. 69. The aim is to en- sure responsible conduct across the entire value chain within the framework of the contractual agreements with suppliers. The main focus will be on topics such as respect for human and workers’ rights, assurance of workplace safety and the consideration of environmental and ethical aspects, which have been manifested in a Supplier Code of Conduct. @ http:// normagroup.com/cr. Based on the supplier evaluation system, two suppliers were recognized with the Supplier Recognition Award for their out- standing achievements at the regional level in the reporting year. This award for outstanding performance and results was pre- sented to Norderband-Stahl in the EME A region and Aperam in the Americas region. Both suppliers were honored for their long-term reliable delivery to NORMA Group. Supplier structure Total production materials turnover amounted to approximately EUR 233.0 million in 2016. The top 10 suppliers accounted for roughly 26%, while the Company’s top 50 suppliers accounted for nearly 59% of the total volume. Thus there are no excessive dependencies on individual suppliers. EMPLOYEES Personnel development NORMA Group employed a staff (core workforce including tem- porary staff) of 6,664 in total at the end of December 2016 and thus 6% more people than in the previous year (2015: 6,306). There were 1,214 temporary workers on this date (2015: 1,185). This equates to around 18% of the total workforce. NORMA Group recorded the highest increase in employees in the EME A region in 2016. The permanent workforce here grew by 10% to 3,202 employees. This was due to the purchase of the Autoline business and the expansion of the workforce at the site in Serbia. In the Asia-Pacific region, the number of employees rose by 9% to 830 permanent employees. This can be attributed for the most part to the increase in the number of employees at the sites in Ipoh, Malaysia, and Changzhou, China, as a result of growth. In addition, the acquisition of the Autoline plant in Wuxi, China, contributed to the increase in the number of employees in this region. In the Americas region, the number of employees fell slightly by 3% to 1,418 permanent employees. C O R E W O R K F O R C E B Y S E G M E N T T 0 2 0 The Group-wide introduction and establishment of e-procure- ment solutions for more efficient procurement processes was also given further attention in 2016. Standardized purchase pro- cesses and transparent and clearly structured supplier interac- tion processes, which are subject to the compliance principles EME A Americas Asia-Pacific Total 2016 in % 2015 in % 3,202 1,418 830 5,450 59 26 15 2,899 1,462 760 5,121 57 28 15 Consolidated Management ReportCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS 74 P E R S O N N E L D E V E L O P M E N T AT N O R M A G R O U P 5,450 5,121 4,828 4,134 3,759 3,415 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 1,214 1,185 1,147 813 726 837 G 0 2 0 6,664 6,306 5,975 4,947 4,485 4,252 Core workforce Temporary staff A G E S T R U C T U R E O F N O R M A G R O U P E M P L OY E E S * T 0 2 1 B R E A K D O W N O F E M P L OY E E S B Y G R O U P G 0 2 1 < 30 years 30 to 50 years > 50 years average age 23.7% 54.6% 21.7% 39.3 * 5,244 employees in total (96.2% of permanent staff). For legal reasons, reporting on employees’ ages is not possible for all Group companies. L E N G T H O F S E R V I C E O F N O R M A G R O U P E M P L OY E E S * T 0 2 2 up to 5 years > 5 years > 10 years average in % Salaried employees 28 54% 20% 26% 7.4 years * The Autoline business that was acquired in early December 2016 is not yet included in this calculation. 20 Indirect employees 52 Direct employees Stable share of employee groups The total number of employees (core workforce and permanent staff) in the reporting year consisted of 3,453 direct employ- ees (2015: 3,307), 1,352 indirect employees (2015: 1,374) and 1,859 salaried employees (2015: 1,625). The proportion of the various groups of employees in relation to the total number of employees remained virtually unchanged compared to the previ- ous year. While direct employees are individuals who are involved in the manufacturing process, indirect employees are employ- ees who work in production-related areas such as the quali- ty department, for example. The group of salaried employees refers mainly to employees who hold administrative positions. Qualified permanent workforce The employees of NORMA Group are well trained and obtain their qualifications by earning school and university degrees and by participating in professional and supplementary training. In order to maintain the high degree of innovative capacity and ensure the successful development of the Group in the future, NORMA Group invests in the training and further education of its employees. The goal is to recruit as many specialized em- ployees as possible from one’s own junior staff, thereby becom- ing more independent of the external labor market. Therefore, NORMA Group also cooperates closely with universities. Uniform global talent promotion The ‘Learning & Development’ competence center was set up in 2016 with the aim of identifying, retaining and developing talents within the Group. The competence center acts as an internal consultant to the local HR departments, executives and employ- ees, and is part of the HR Invent initiative, a project on optimizing NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016Economic Report 75 human resources work. The focus of the initiative is on the con- ception and supply of development processes and programs that can be used worldwide, which are aligned with NORMA Group’s Company values and growth targets. In order to pro- mote learning at the workplace and the individual development of its employees, direct supervisors as well as internal mentors and coaches are made available. As part of the project, vari- ous local and regional human resources development methods have been integrated into a global portfolio. This ensures uni- form global talent promotion for all NORMA Group employees. The process of agreeing on goals and evaluating performance that was redesigned worldwide and implemented as part of this effort in 2016 is also an important part of the Learning & De- velopment program. By introducing a HRIS (Human Resources Information System) software, the process has been simplified, made more transparent and more professional. For example, potential successors for key positions have been made glob- ally more visible and individual development requirements can now be met more quickly in a tailor-made manner. This helps to develop as many professional and managerial employees from within the Company as possible, thus ensuring the Group’s ability to innovate in the future. Numerous training opportunities for career entrants Besides accompanying courses of studies in the areas of busi- ness engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics and business administration, NORMA Group also offers internships for students in all departments and regions. Furthermore, young people are trained in various technical and commercial areas. NORMA Germany’s training was again recognized for its ex- emplary commitment by the IHK Hessen in the reporting year. Exchanges of personnel: More communication, better understanding NORMA Group will continue to grow internationally in the future, both organically and through acquisitions. In order to be able to integrate new parts of the Group, the individual sites need to work together efficiently. Thus communication that functions well is essential at all levels. To encourage this, NORMA Group offers several exchange programs for its employees, from one to three-month so-called ‘Bubble-Assignments’ to ‘Long-Term Assignments.’ Expert personnel and managers who participate in this initiative bring special skills and experience to the new sites and, at the same time, benefit from the know-how that their new colleagues have. Through these projects, NORMA Group promotes the internal transfer of knowledge, intercultur- al awareness, the establishment of networks and the individual development of the participants. Rewarding performance NORMA Group strives to attract and retain qualified and com- mitted employees. By holding regular benchmarks, NORMA Group ensures that its employees are paid market-oriented salaries and wages based on their responsibilities. The remu- neration system also contains variable remuneration elements to encourage employees to take an interest in the further de- velopment of the Company and share in its economic success. For tariff and non-tariff employees in Germany, this is based on important financial performance indicators, for example. More- over, the personal achievements of employees also play a role in remuneration. Supporting diversity and internationality NORMA Group’s employees come from several different nations and have various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. In order to systematically encourage diversity and the exchange of ideas at work, NORMA Group’s aim is to create a working environment free from prejudice and discrimination. The Group therefore has three regional diversity officers who help maintain a culture of mutual appreciation, respect and equal opportunities. Further- more, the global Diversity Day, which takes place once a year and invites everyone to experience diversity, is a fixed date in NORMA Group’s calendar. Encouragement of female potential One objective of NORMA Group’s diversity strategy is to in- crease the share of female employees in management posi- tions in the medium-term. On December 31, 2016, the Group employed 1,916 female employees, which equates to roughly 35% of its core workforce. Social inclusion At NORMA Group, people who have handicaps are also given the chance to take part in normal work life. The Group employed 59 men and women with disabilities in Germany in fiscal year 2016. Employer branding – living company values The ‘Living our Values’ initiative was launched in fiscal year 2016 to help the Company to grow together even more as a unit. The objective is to bring NORMA Group’s values closer to each employee across cultures. NORMA Group’s core values are made directly accessible to employees in inter-department group meetings by taking an experience-oriented approach. Feedback culture – employees express their opinions In the interest of a continuous analysis and improvement pro- cess, NORMA Group has been conducting regular employee surveys since 2008. The focus of this central feedback tool is on the Company’s strengths and weaknesses from an employee perspective, employee satisfaction, as well as the quality of leadership and cooperation. The next employee sur- vey will be conducted in 2017 and then every three years in the future. Care guides to assist employees In 2016, NORMA Group joined the Hessian initiative ‘Balancing Career and Care’ and signed the corresponding charter. As part of this program, several NORMA Group employees have been trained to be company care guides and are available to their fellow employees who care for family members. Care guides give an overview of the most important steps in providing care and share the addresses of the relevant contact points both within and outside the Company. The consultations are confi- Consolidated Management ReportCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS76 dential, fast and unbureaucratic. Through this measure, NORMA Group supports its employees in difficult life situations and thus responds to the demands that are increasingly being placed on employees as a result of demographic change. Healthy team – healthy company A productive Company like NORMA Group depends on hav- ing healthy and satisfied employees. For this reason, NORMA Group contributes to its employees’ health. At its headquarters in Maintal, for example, measures such as skin screening, blood fat measurements, inoculation advice, tests on lung function, cardiovascular disease prevention, back training and flu vacci- nations are offered. Occupational health and safety is of the highest priority In order to prevent any potential hazards to its employees at work, NORMA Group invests heavily and systematically in the area of occupational health and safety. Thus the Company com- plies with the applicable laws and regulations that pertain to en- vironmental health and occupational safety. In addition, NORMA Group also sees to it that all workplaces ensure maximum safe- ty and avoid accidents where possible through complementary measures and programs. NORMA Group has been certifying the safety management sys- tems at its sites in accordance with OHSAS 18001 (Occupation- al Health and Safety Assessment Series), and thus guarantees a high standard of safety within the Group. Currently 23 sites were already rated accordingly (2015: 22). Certification of the remaining sites will take place in a timely manner. NORMA Group also continued to implement the Value-Based Safety Program in fiscal year 2016. In the context of this pro- gram, the employees’ activities at work are analyzed and po- tentially dangerous behaviors are determined as part of regular security checks. The deficits found are corrected using stan- dardized and team-oriented problem solving methods. Accident rate at a sustainable low level NORMA Group constantly monitors and analyzes its accident statistics. The number of occupational accidents as well as the total number of reportable accidents are collected on a Group- wide basis each month and the trend is monitored using various key performance indicators (KPIs). The accident rate, which re- flects the number of accidents per 1,000 employees, represents the most important indicator in this regard. The figure was 8 for the 2016 reporting year, which means that it rose slightly compared to the previous year (2015: 5). NORMA Group’s goal with respect to the current initiatives is to have an accident-free working environment in the long term. I N C I D E N T R AT E Incidents per 1,000 employees G 0 2 2 8 5 10 10 10 11 2016 2015 2013 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 14 22 0 5 10 15 20 25 EN VIRONMENTAL PROTECTION A ND ECOLOGICAL M A N AGEMENT As a manufacturing Company, NORMA Group is well aware of its environmental, economic, and social responsibility. Environmen- tally compatible and sustainable economic activity is therefore a central element of its corporate strategy. For this reason, the Company considers it important to systematically include envi- ronmental aspects in its business decisions. NORMA Group’s goal is to increase the efficiency of its production processes, lower its energy consumption over the long term, and reduce waste. The long-term cost savings associated with this contrib- ute to the economic efficiency of the Group. The core elements of NORMA Group’s environmental strategy and measures per- taining to their implementation were published in January in the 2018 CR Roadmap. @ http://normagroup.com/cr. Group-wide environmental management system In 2016, NORMA Group continued with the implementation of the Group-wide Environmental Management System that the Company had first introduced in 2013. At the end of the report- ing period, 22 production sites had been certified according to ISO 14001. The certifications of NDS and the newly acquired companies Autoline and Lifial are planned for the coming years. NORMA Group has been using a Group-wide reporting tool to record and track resource consumption, emissions and waste since 2013. NORMA Group’s objectives are to reduce CO 2 emis- sions by 9% and water consumption by 6% (in relation to the production activity in fiscal year 2015). NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016Economic Report 77 M ARKE TING In order to further increase awareness of NORMA Group’s prod- ucts all over the world, boost product sales, strengthen its cus- tomer relationships and thus contribute to the Group’s growth, NORMA Group’s long-term marketing strategy is based on the following objectives: • Building a strong NORMA Group image • Decentralization of marketing activities • Optimization of the brand portfolio • Optimization of marketing tools In order to be able to focus on its end markets and customers as much as possible, NORMA Group aligns all its marketing activities to address the local market conditions and consum- er habits in the respective regions and markets. The regional marketing units are then responsible for executing the various activities and synchronizing them with the operative objectives of NORMA Group. Marketing focus in 2016 Key marketing activities in 2016 included the following: • Development of a strong digital presence • Subtilize the brand strategy in all three regions • Continue to build a strong corporate identity that reflects the value proposition • Put in place a future-ready Lean Marketing • Expedite deep market insights to nurture NORMA Group’s its employees, including trainings, employer branding and inter- nal communication activities. Attention was also given to creating a Lean Marketing by streamlining all marketing and sales processes. Therefore, N O R M A continued to automatize and interlink the various marketing tools and bring them up to the highest standards of digitalization. The Print-on-Demand system which is tech- nically connected with the existing Digital Asset Manage- ment System and easily accessible via the Intranet is being rolled out Company wide. With this, lead times and costs can be significantly reduced, the quality of marketing materials can be improved and an optimal base for further increasing NORMA Group’s online and offline presence can be provided. To ensure a deep understanding of customer expectations and needs, marketing strongly increased its efforts in market research. Among other activities, a Customer Radar was installed and is now being rolled out worldwide. This online-based research tool according to neuro-scientific standards allows the Compa- ny an almost just-in-time insight into customers’ behavior and expectations. The Customer Radar complements the bi-annual Customer Satisfaction Survey that was also conducted in 2016. Marketing expenditures Marketing expenditures amounted to EUR 4.7 million in total in 2016 and thus were at the same level as in the previous year (2015: EUR 4.7 million). agility in product, sales and marketing activities M A R K E T I N G E X P E N D I T U R E S 2 0 16 B Y S E G M E N T G 0 2 3 in % excluding personnel expenses In order to increase NORMA Group’s Internet presence, in 2016 a strong digital campaign was established. This was supported by regional teams of strategic brand and product management and focused on the roll out of several micro websites with a unique look and feel and specific information for each brand. Regional micro sites have also been successfully launched for NORMA Group’s EJT business unit in order to emphasize the Company’s innovative product solutions and their added values for customers. Furthermore, the Company intensified its activ- ities in social media. Other key marketing activities in 2016 included the fine-tuning of NORMA Group’s global brand strategy and the strengthening of the Company’s corporate identity based on its value proposi- tion. These activities were underlined by advertising campaigns, the participation in several fairs and innovation days worldwide, as well as specific online marketing campaigns. It was compli- mented by internal programs to strengthen knowledge about NORMA Group’s corporate identity and value proposition among Americas 48 48 EME A Asia-Pacific 4 Consolidated Management ReportCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS 78 Events after the End of the Fiscal Year Forecast Report NORMA Group acquired the Portuguese clamp manufacturer Lifial in January 2017. Based in Águeda, Portugal, Lifial pro- duces metal clamps for use in industry and agriculture. The company employs around 100 people and distributes its trade- mark products to customers in Europe and North Africa. With the acquisition of Lifial, NORMA Group has strengthened its product offering in the Distribution Services business as well as its market position on the Iberian Peninsula and across Europe. Lifial generated sales of around EUR 8 million in fiscal year 2015. The company was included in the scope of consolidation with effect from January 1, 2017. GENER AL ECONOMIC A ND INDUSTRY- SPECIFIC CONDITIONS Global economy nearing slight growth recovery despite rising uncertainties The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reaffirmed its latest fore- cast with the new outlook for January 2017. It projects that the global economy will gradually begin to pick up. For 2017, the Fund expects growth of 3.4%, and even a gain of 3.6% for 2018. It projects that industrial production will rise and, especially in industrialized countries, a revival of investment activity will oc- cur. The recovery of oil and commodity prices, for example, is expected to have a positive effect, particularly on the situation of key emerging markets. Another growth driver is predicted to be the upswing in the US, despite the political risks posed by the policies of the new US government. Uncertainties are also resulting from the divergence of monetary policy in industrialized countries and growing nationalism and protectionism. China should continue its economic transformation into the coming years. The IMF expects a decrease in growth rates to 6.5% (2017) and 6.0% (2018). The high debt of municipalities and companies, among other things, are considered problems. For the ASEAN-5 countries, growth of 4.9% is forecast for 2017 and a gain of 5.2% for 2018. These countries will thus continue to grow strongly in the coming years. The principal drivers here are high infrastructure investments and growing exports. The Indian economy is on a strong expansion course. Although the effects of the currency reform process are likely to be felt for some time, the growth rate should pick up again following the initial setback. Brazil is expected to overcome its recession in 2017 despite structural deficits, and should recover moderately. Russia is expected to revive its economy. Although the sanc- tions the country is faced with are burdensome, higher oil and gas revenues will stimulate the national budget as well as the economy. For all emerging and developing countries, the IMF is forecasting an acceleration of the economic power to 4.5% (2017) and 4.8% (2018). Buoyant forces are also strengthening in industrialized coun- tries. In addition to private consumption, more and more stimuli are likely to emerge from a revival of investment in the coming years, provided the risks remain limited. The IMF expects growth of 1.9% for industrialized countries in 2017. For the following year, the IMF is even forecasting an increase in economic output by 2.0%. For the US, the IMF is now expecting a strong upswing, which should also be fueled by the new government’s growth measures. In addition, a recovery of the energy sector is expect- ed, which would result in higher US industrial production. The IMF expects GDP growth of 2.3% (2017) and 2.5% (2018) respec- tively for the US. For the Japanese economy, on the other hand, it projects only minimal growth potential with a tendency to even decrease. For the UK, the IMF is forecasting declines due to the Brexit decision and growth of 1.5% for 2017 (2018: 1.4%). NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016Forecast Report 79 The euro zone is in tension between an improved international environment and extremely high risks. Besides the Brexit pro- cess, elections in important EU countries and future relations with the US could trigger new uncertainties. Moreover, the state budgets of some countries are strained and the banking crisis in Italy has not yet been overcome. This means that there is no further economic recovery projected for the euro zone. The IMF expects moderate growth of 1.6% for both 2017 and 2018. The Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW) forecasts rates of 1.7% for the same years. In France, growth is expected to remain modest in 2017; the upswing is expected to slow in Italy and es- pecially in Spain. The economy in the euro zone will continue to be borne by domestic economies, although private consumption will lose momentum despite rising job market growth and rising inflation. Investment activity should therefore gradually be revived as a result of the build-up of demand. In 2017, the IfW expects an increase in gross capital investments of 3.1%. Due to the robust condition that the German economy is in, it should also remain on a growth course in 2017. After the expansion of the previous year, the IfW expects a GDP increase of 1.7% (adjusted for work- ing hours: 2.0%) for 2017 and growth of 2.0% for 2018. Private and public consumption should remain strong, albeit at a slower rate than last year. Exports should continue to pick up, but not as dynamically as imports. Investments are increasingly contrib- uting to growth in both the construction and equipment sectors. F O R E C A S T S F O R G D P G R O W T H ( R E A L ) T 0 2 3 in % World USA China Euro zone Germany 1 2016 +3.1 +1.6 +6.7 +1.7 +1.9 2 2017e 2018e +3.4 +2.3 +6.5 +1.6 +1.7 +3.6 +2.5 +6.0 +1.6 +2.0 Sources: IMF, 1 Institute for the World Economy (IfW), 2 Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) Prevailingly positive framework conditions for NORMA Group’s key customer industries With the expected moderate revival of the international econ- omy in 2017 and 2018, the climate and prospects for NORMA Group’s key customer industries are also improving. Engineering industry With the revival of the global economy and the investment cli- mate, the prospects for mechanical engineering should also brighten. Opportunities are also at hand worldwide due to con- tinued automation and digitization. The VDMA industry associ- ation is forecasting worldwide machine turnover of around 2% (real) for 2017. For the two largest markets by volume, China and the US, real growth of 3% is forecast. Only a small loss is ex- pected for Russia and Brazil. The VDMA forecasts above-aver- age growth rates for Asia, particularly in India, South Korea and the ASEAN-5 countries. According to the VDMA, Japan (+1%) is also expected to grow slightly. In the euro zone and Europe as a whole, revenues in 2017 should only rise by 1% in real terms, slower than in other major machine building markets. Even for the German market, the increase in sales is only expected to be 1%, due especially to the restrained order situation at the end of 2016. Although the weak euro is supporting exports outside the monetary union, the VDMA sees obstacles to growth in the global crises, changes in US politics and the political situation in Europe. E N G I N E E R I N G : R E A L C H A N G E I N I N D U S T R Y S A L E S T 0 24 in % China USA Euro zone World Source: VDMA 2015 2016 2017e 2 0 2 1 3 −2 0 0 3 3 1 2 Automotive industry The automotive industry is currently undergoing a major up- heaval, but should continue to grow in the future. Besides the development of fuel-efficient and low-emission combustion engines, electromobility, autonomous driving and car sharing are future trends in the automotive industry. LMC Automotive expects the global market for Light Vehicles (LV, up to 6 tons) to grow by 2.3% to 95.1 million units in 2017. Sales are thus expected to rise by around 1%. IHS Automotive even anticipates an increase in sales of 1.8%. For the narrowly defined passen- ger car market, the German association VDA expects a global sales gain of 2% to 83.6 million units. With regard to the three largest markets, the VDA only projects growth for China (+5%). It expects stagnating sales for the US and Western Europe. For the UK, the VDA even expects a slump of 8% in passenger car sales as a result of the Brexit vote. Risks for the industry are seen in the future US trade policy. For the heavy commercial vehicle market (> 6 tons), the VDA predicts that sales will decline by 1% in Western Europe in 2017. A U T O M O T I V E I N D U S T R Y: G L O B A L P R O D U C T I O N A N D D E V E L O P M E N T O F S A L E S ( L I G H T V E H I C L E S ) T 0 2 5 in % 2015 2016 2017e 2018e Production Sales 1.7 2.1 4.8 4.1 2.3 1.3 2.5 2.8 Source: LMC Automotive Construction industry The Euroconstruct industry network and the Ifo Institute are projecting to see a continuation of the upswing for the Euro- pean construction industry in 2019. Growth in real construction output is estimated to be 2.1% in the largest 19 individual mar- kets together. The residential, commercial and civil engineering sectors are expected to continue to grow. Construction of new buildings and renovation activities are enjoying tailwind. For 2017, the forecast assumes strong growth in Eastern Europe Consolidated Management ReportCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS 80 (+3.5%) as a result of new EU projects. Western European con- struction output is expected to grow by 2.1% in 2017. A strong gain (+8.5%) is expected for Ireland. In Portugal, Spain and Italy, construction output is expected to revive, while a slight decline is expected for the UK. In Germany, the construction boom should continue dynamically. The IfW expects an increase in real construction investment of 3.1% (2017) and 3.9% (2018). The largest segment, housing construction, is expected to grow by 4.4% (2017) and 5.1% (2018) and public construction should also be stimulated, but with lower rates of growth than in recent years. Commercial construction is expected to be positive, but not until 2018. With regard to the nominal building volume in 2017, the DIW (German Institute for Economic Research) ex- pects an increase of 4.9% to nearly EUR 210 billion in housing construction, with growth of 9.0% in new building and 3.0% in construction projects involving existing buildings. In other build- ing construction (excluding housing), the construction volume in 2017 is expected to rise by 2.2% and civil engineering by 3.9%. C O N S T R U C T I O N I N D U S T R Y: D E V E L O P M E N T O F E U R O P E A N C O N S T R U C T I O N O U T P U T T 0 2 6 in % 2015 2016 2017e 2018e Western Europe Eastern Europe Europe 1.6 5.5 1.8 2.4 −3.3 2.0 2.1 3.5 2.1 1.9 6.9 2.2 Source: Euroconstruct / Ifo Institute (19 core markets in total) This macroeconomic perspective is the basis for N O R M A Group’s forecast and outlook for 2017. FUTUR E DE VELOPMENT OF NOR M A GROUP NORMA Group will continue with its successful international growth strategy, continuing to pursue its long-term defined goals. The diversification of the business with regard to end markets, regions and customers will continue to be a priority in the future. Business activities are also being further expanded through additional acquisitions. The focus of M& A activities will continue to be on companies that either contribute to market consolidation or enable entry into new high margin markets. In addition, internationalization and in particular the expansion of activities in the Asia-Pacific region will continue to be the fo- cus. This is to exploit the opportunities in this important growth market and to transfer the added value to the respective region or country. In the area of research and development, the long-term pres- ervation of the Company’s ability to innovate continues to play an important role. The focus of development activities remains therefore on the strengthening of is innovative power and the development of innovative products that help to solve its cus- tomers’ industrial challenges. Sales growth in 2017 For the year 2017, the NORMA Group Management Board from today’s perspective (March 2017) expects a moderate revival of the international economy and growth of the global economy at slightly above last year’s level, driven mainly by industrialized and Asian emerging countries. In the high uncertainties resulting in particular from the divergence of the monetary policy of in- dustrialized countries, growing nationalism and protectionism as well as the future policy of new governments in various industrial countries, the NORMA Group Management Board sees potential risks that will continue to make the global economy vulnerable. The Management Board sees the Group in a good position thanks to its global business activities and broad diversification in order to continue to benefit from the relevant growth trends in the various end markets and regions. NORMA Group expects moderate growth in the economy in the EMEA region that will be slightly below the previous year’s level, given the Brexit decision, the ongoing banking crisis in Italy and the forthcoming elections in major European countries. The European domestic economy is still seen as a cyclical driver, with private consumption likely to lose momentum despite the stabilization on the labor market as a result of rising inflation. The end markets in which NORMA Group is active are also affected by these developments. The automotive sector is cur- rently undergoing a major upheaval due to advances in the de- velopment of new drive technologies as well as in the area of autonomous driving but should continue to grow in the future. NORMA Group therefore expects a moderate increase in its production in the EME A region for the current year. In addition, it expects positive effects from new product launches, also as a result of the country-specific fleet regulations for passenger cars.  Legal and Regulatory Factors, p. 52. Overall, NORMA Group expects moderate organic growth in the EME A region in fiscal year 2017 compared to the previous year. NORMA Group expects a revival of the economy in the Americas region, especially in the US, and higher growth compared to the previous year. With regard to the end market for commer- cial vehicles and agricultural machinery, which is important to the Group, NORMA Group expects a further drop in sales that should be less severe than in the previous year. In the area of water management, on the other hand, NORMA Group expects solid growth. Overall, the Management Board therefore forecasts moderate organic growth for the Americas in the current year. The dynamism of NORMA Group’s business in the Asia-Pacific re- gion will continue in 2017 despite the slightly slower growth pros- pects for China. Due to the increasing business activities in this region and driven by stricter emissions regulations for passenger cars and trucks, NORMA Group expects organic growth in the high single-digit range for the Asia-Pacific region in fiscal year 2017. In addition, with the adoption of the CR Roadmap 2018, NORMA Group has laid a further important foundation for the Company’s future focus on sustainability. Overall, NORMA Group expects moderate growth both for the DS and for the EJT business in 2017. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 Forecast Report 81 Against the backdrop of the described assumptions and the current economic and political uncertainties, NORMA Group expects the Group’s organic sales growth to be at around 1% to 3% over 2016 for fiscal year 2017. In addition, sales of the acquisitions of Autoline and Lifial will amount to a total of around EUR 45 million. Currency effects may have a positive or negative impact on growth, depending on the exchange rates with the euro. Adjustments to the result NORMA Group expects adjustments in the allocation of the purchase prices to depreciable tangible and intangible assets from the acquisitions of the past years in the amount of EUR 25 million in fiscal year 2017. In addition, integration costs and expenses incurred in connection with the valuation of the ac- quired inventories as part of the purchase price allocation for the acquisition of Autoline in the amount of approximately EUR 4 million are expected and will be adjusted. Development of key cost items NORMA Group assumes that the main relative cost items (ma- terial and personnel expenses) will develop stably compared to the previous year. Tax rate of between 31% and 33% A tax rate of between 31% and 33% is expected for fiscal year 2017. The continuous increase in the degree of professionalization in purchasing, the conclusion of long-term contracts and the creation of economies of scale have led to a continuous im- provement in the material cost ratio in recent years. NORMA Group expects to be able to maintain the current good level also in the current year 2017 and expects a material cost ratio roughly at the level of previous years. As a result of the Group’s continuous growth and the strength- ening of activities in the Asia-Pacific region, NORMA Group ex- pects a constant increase in personnel costs as a proportion of sales, and therefore expects a stable personnel cost ratio at the level of previous years. Investment in research and development To sustain its innovation and competitiveness in the long term, NORMA Group aims to achieve an annual investment rate of 5% of EJT turnover. R&D activities will continue to focus on strengthening the Company’s innovative strength and develop- ing innovative products to solve the industrial challenges faced by customers. Adjusted EBITA margin An important focus of NORMA Group is on maintaining its high profitability. Therefore, all business activities are strategically aligned. The acquisition of new companies also plays a key role in maintaining margins. Due to numerous internal Group measures and ongoing optimization processes in all areas, NORMA Group is also in a position to maintain its high mar- gin level in 2017 and therefore aims to achieve a sustained adjusted EBITA margin at the previous year’s level of more than 17.0%. Financial result of up to EUR −13 million In sum, NORMA Group expects a financial result of up to EUR −13 million. This includes interest charges on the Group’s gross debt with an average interest rate of approx. 2.0% to 2.5% as well as other expenses for currency hedges and transaction costs. Rising adjusted earnings per share Adjusted earnings per share will rise moderately in fiscal year 2017. The growth in sales and a sustained margin will contribute to this as well as a slightly improved financial result. Investment rate of around 5% sought For fiscal year 2017, NORMA Group expects investments of around 5% of Group sales. This covers both maintenance in- vestments and investments in expanding the business. A par- ticular focus will be on the expansion of activities for future growth, projects for the integration of processes and functions (insourcing) as well as the expansion of capacities for the local- ization of production. Net operating cash flow NORMA Group expects the usual high net operating cash flow as a result of increasing sales with a sustained margin as well as strict working capital management and a constant investment rate. As a result of additional factoring agreements which had a positive impact on net operating cash flow in fiscal year 2016, net operating cash flow is expected to be lower than the pre- vious year’s level at EUR 130 million (2016: EUR 148.5 million). Sustainable dividend policy If the future economic situation permits, NORMA Group will pur- sue a sustainable dividend policy, which is based on a dividend ratio of approx. 30% to a maximum of 35% of the adjusted Group annual earnings. Market penetration and innovation The degree of market penetration is reflected in medium-term organic growth.  Sales Forecast 2017, p. 80. Ensuring the ability to innovate is essential for the future competitiveness of NORMA Group. From reporting year 2017 onwards, NORMA Group will intro- duce the number of invention applications as a new indicator for measuring and managing the Company’s innovative strength. An invention application is made within the framework of an internal, formalized process, which is preceded by the external process of a new patent application. Since inventions are specif- ically promoted by internal incentive systems and their number is not dependent on the registration strategy, this figure is even better suited for the future measurement of innovative power than the number of new patent applications. The Group-wide annual number of invention applications will therefore replace the number of new patent applications as a non-financial control parameter as of the 2017 reporting year. The Group will seek to file 20 new invention applications each year. Consolidated Management ReportCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS82 Employee problem-solving behavior NORMA Group measures and manages problem-solving behav- ior, among other things, in the number of customer complaints, through the following two performance indicators: defective parts (parts per million, PPM) rejected by the customer and the number of quality-related complaints. For the PPM indicator, a value of less than 20 is aimed at each year depending on the product group. Customer complaints are also to be further re- duced in 2017 despite their already very low level. Sustainable company development (Corporate Responsibility) NORMA Group published its CR Roadmap 2018 in January 2016. The objective is to continue to achieve the goals stated therein in a consistent manner and lay even more important milestones for managing the Company more sustainably in 2017. GENER AL STATEMENT BY THE M A N AGEMENT BOAR D ON THE PROBABLE DE VELOPMENT At the time that the Management Report 2016 was prepared, the Management Board expected NORMA Group to grow or- ganically by around 1% to 3% in 2017. It also expects revenues of around EUR 45 million from the acquisitions of Auto line and Lifial. In the EMEA region, management is assuming a slight decline in growth compared to 2016, given the political and economic un- certainties stated above. The Management Board sees growth potential in the EME A region as a result of a slight increase in production compared to the previous year, as well as positive effects from new product launches. In the Americas, the Management Board expects a year-on- year increase in economic momentum, and consequently higher revenue growth in 2017. This is based on the assumption that the markets for commercial vehicles and agricultural machinery in the US will decline again in the current year, but less strongly than in the previous year. Water management is also expected to continue its solid growth in 2017. Due to its dynamic development, the Asia-Pacific region will once again make an important contribution to Group growth in fiscal year 2017. Due to the continual optimization of processes in all areas of the Group, the Management Board expects to see a stable development of the key cost positions in relation to sales and consequently a high adjusted EBITA margin of over 17.0% again in fiscal year 2017. Continuous market observation and a targeted search for new acquisitions are still an important part of the Company strategy. For this reason, the Management Board is not excluding further acquisitions in fiscal year 2017. F O R E C A S T F O R F I S C A L Y E A R 2 0 17 T 0 2 7 Consolidated sales moderate organic growth of around 1% to 3%, additionally around EUR 45 million from acquisitions EME A: moderate organic growth Americas: moderate organic growth APAC: organic growth in the high single-digit range DS: EJT: moderate growth moderate growth Adjusted cost of materials ratio roughly at the same level as in previous years Adjusted personnel cost ratio roughly at the same level as in previous years Adjusted EBITA margin sustainable at the same level as in previous years of more than 17.0% Financial result Adjusted tax rate Adjusted earnings per share up to EUR −13 million around 31% to 33% moderate increase Investment rate (excluding acquisitions) operative investments of around 5% of Group sales Net operating cash flow around EUR 130 million Dividend approx. 30% to 35% of adjusted annual Group earnings NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016Risk and Opportunity Report Risk and Opportunity Report 83 NORMA Group is exposed to a wide variety of risks and oppor- tunities, which can have a positive or negative short-term or long-term impact on its financial position and its performance. For this reason, opportunity and risk management represents an integral component of corporate management for NORMA Group SE, at both the Group management level and at the level of the individual companies and individual functional areas. Due to the fact that all corporate activities are associated with risks and opportunities, NORMA Group considers identifying, assess- ing, and managing opportunities and risks to be a fundamental component of executing its strategy, securing the short and long-term success of the Company and sustainably increasing shareholder value. In order to achieve this over the long-term, NORMA Group encourages its employees in all areas of the Company to remain conscious of risks and opportunities. RISK A ND OPPORTUNIT Y M A N AGEMENT SYSTEM NORMA Group defines risks and opportunities as possible future developments, changes, or events that could have a positive or negative impact on the Group’s ability to meet its targets and achieve its business objectives. Analogous to the medium-term planning, the management’s focus with respect to possible deviations in specific risks and opportunities cov- ers a period of five years. Opportunities and risks that affect the Company’s success beyond this period of time are re- corded and managed at the Group management level and taken into consideration in the Company’s strategy. Analogous to the medium-term planning, the focus with respect to the valuation of specific risks and opportunities covers a period of five years, provided that no other period is specified in the individual categories. The Management Board of NORMA Group SE is responsible for maintaining an effective risk and opportunity management system. The Supervisory Board is responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of the Group’s risk management system. Compli- ance with the Group’s risk management policy in the individual companies and functional areas is subject to the internal audit department’s periodic reviews. Risk management process The risk management process at NORMA Group includes the core elements of risk identification, risk assessment and risk treatment and monitoring. Risk identification is carried out bottom-up by the individual companies as well as top-down by the individuals responsible for functions at the regional and Group level. Various methods that correspond to the structure of the organization are used to identify risks. Such methods include interdisciplinary work- shops, interviews and checklists, but also market and com- petition analyses. In certain cases, analyses of the process workflows as well as results from internal and external audit reports are used. NORMA Group’s risk managers are respon- sible for verifying on a regular basis whether all material risks have been reported. NORMA Group uses a systematic assessment procedure to evaluate the risks that were identified, both in terms of their financial impact and probability of occurrence. All risks that can be adequately assessed and specified are reported regardless of their expected financial impact. The measurement of the gross expectation value of the risk, i. e. the expected value of R I S K M A N A G E M E N T S Y S T E M O F N O R M A G R O U P G 0 24 Monitoring Identification Risk management Risk identification Risk reporting Risk culture Risk strategy Methods Technologies Risk assessment Supervisory Board & Management Board Risk analysis Risk aggregation Countermeasures Consolidated Management ReportCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS84 the risk before considering countermeasures, must be based on the assumption of the most unfavorable outcome of the financial impact for the Company. As part of the risk treatment strategy, the appropriate risk miti- gating measures are developed, implemented and their imple- mentation is monitored. These include, in particular, strategies to terminate, treat or transfer risks, i. e. measures that minimize the financial impact of the risks as well as their probability of occurrence. Risks are managed in accordance with the princi- ples of the risk management system as described in the Group risk management policy. The process of identifying, evaluating and controlling risks is accompanied by continuous monitoring and communication of the reported risks by the risk managers. Monitoring the devel- opment of the risk situation and the reassessment of the various individual risks during the year, is followed by a multi-stage risk approval process that is conducted by the individual companies, the functional managers of the segments and the Group, which is supported by an integrated risk management software. In addition, the Group risk management policy, which defines the processes and responsibilities in the area of risk manage- ment, was revised and rolled out in the organization in 2016. For this purpose, training was provided to all organizational units and those responsible for risk management in NORMA Group’s three regions. Opportunity management process Operational opportunities are identified during monthly meetings held at the local and regional level, but also by the Management Board, and then documented and analyzed. Measures aimed at capitalizing on strategic and operational opportunities through local and regional projects are approved during these meetings. Regular forecasts are developed as part of periodic reporting to record how successfully potential opportunities are taken ad- vantage of. Strategic opportunities are recorded and evaluated as part of annual planning. NORMA Group uses a systematic assessment procedure to evaluate the opportunities and risks that were identified, both in terms of their financial impact, i. e. gross and net impact on planned financial indicators, and their probability of occurrence. Risk reporting Group-wide recording and assessment of risks as well as their structured reporting by functional areas and individual companies to the functional managers, the management of the segments, the Management Board and the Supervisory Board takes place on a quarterly basis. In addition, risks that are identified within a quarter and whose expected value have a significant impact on the results of subdivisions of the Group are reported ad hoc to the Management Board and, if neces- sary, to the Supervisory Board. In order to analyze NORMA Group’s overall risk situation and ini- tiate suitable countermeasures, individual risks of local business units, segments and Group-wide risks are aggregated in a risk portfolio. All entities, which are included in NORMA Group’s con- solidated financial statements, are part of the Company’s risk reporting and risk management process. In addition, NORMA Group categorizes risks according to type and the functional area they affect. This makes it possible to aggregate individual risks into risk groups in a structured manner. This aggregation enables NORMA Group to identify and manage not only indi- vidual risks, but also trends and Company-specific types of risks and thus sustainably influence and reduce the risk factors with certain types of risks. If not indicated otherwise, the risk assessment applies for all regional segments. Further development of the risk management system An integrated risk management software was implemented in 2016 in order to further develop NORMA Group’s risk man- agement system. The respective organizational units report the risks they have identified and assessed in this software solution. Risks are reviewed and approved by those responsible at the regional level and, depending on the risk category, by the func- tional managers at Group level. INTERNAL CONTROL AND RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WITH REG ARD TO THE GROUP ACCOUNTING PROCESS NORMA Group’s internal control and risk management system with regard to the Group accounting process can be described using the following main characteristics: The purpose of this system is to identify, analyze, evaluate and manage risks as well as monitor these activities. The Management Board is responsi- ble for ensuring that this system meets the Company’s specific requirements. Based on the allocation of responsibilities within the Company, the CFO is responsible for the Finance and Ac- counting divisions. These functional areas define and review the Group-wide accounting standards within the Group and compile the information used to produce the consolidated financial state- ments. The need to provide accurate and complete information within predefined timeframes represents a significant risk for the accounting process. Because of this, requirements must be clearly communicated and the affected units must be put in a position to meet these requirements. Posting transactions too early or too late or failing to comply with accounting regulations are some situations that can result in risks that could potentially impact the accounting process. In order to avoid errors, the accounting process is based on the segregation of duties and functions and plausibility checks for reporting. The preparation of the financial statements of those entities to be included in the consolidated financial statements as well as the consolidation measures based on this consoli- dated group are characterized by consistent observance of the ‘four eyes-principle.’ Comprehensive and detailed checklists must be completed before the respective reporting deadlines. The accounting process is fully integrated into NORMA Group’s risk management system. This ensures that accounting risks are identified early, allowing the Company to implement measures for risk prevention and risk mitigation without delay. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 Risk and Opportunity Report 85 The internal control system ensures the accuracy of NORMA Group’s financial reporting with respect to its accounting pro- cesses. The Internal Audit department reviews the accounting processes on a regular basis to ensure that the internal control and risk management system is effective. External specialists also support these efforts. Furthermore, the financial statement auditor conducts audit procedures during the audit of the annu- al financial statements based on the risk-based audit approach, whereby material errors and violations are to be uncovered with reasonable assurance. The IFRS accounting standards as they are to be applied in the European Union are summarized in an accounting manual. All companies in the Group must base their accounting processes on the standards described in the accounting manual. The accounting manual contains binding definitions of important measurement methods, such as those used in the measure- ment of inventories, tools and receivables. The Group also has system-supported reporting mechanisms to ensure that identical situations are handled in a standardized way across the Group. The consolidated financial statements and the group manage- ment report are prepared according to a uniform time schedule for all companies. Each company in the Group prepares its separate financial statements in accordance with the applicable local accounting guidelines and IFRS. Intra-Group deliveries and services are recorded in separately designated accounts by the Group companies. The net balances of Intra-Group offsetting accounts are reconciled on the basis of defined guidelines and schedules by means of balance confirmations. The companies in the Group use the COGNOS reporting system for financial re- porting. In accordance with NORMA Group’s regional segmen- tation, technical responsibility for the financial area is shared by both the financial officers in the Group companies as well as by the regional CFO for the respective segment. They are responsible for the quality assurance of the financial statements of the respective Group companies. The comprehensive quality assurance of the financial statements of the Group companies included in the consolidated financial statements is carried out by Group Accounting, Finance & Reporting, which is responsi- ble for preparing the consolidated financial statements. In addi- tion, the data and disclosures of the Group companies as well as the consolidation measures necessary for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are verified through audit procedures conducted by external auditors under consideration of the associated risks. The various IT systems that individual NORMA Group companies use to perform financial accounting are gradually standardized. Tiered user access rights are defined for all systems. The type and design of these access authorizations and authorization policies are decided on by local management in coordination with NORMA Group’s Head of IT. RISK A ND OPPORTUNIT Y PROFILE OF NOR M A GROUP As part of the preparation and monitoring of its risk and op- portunities profile, NORMA Group assesses risks and oppor- tunities based on their financial impact and their probability of occurrence. The financial impact of risks and opportunities are assessed based on their relation to EBITA. The following five categories are used here: • Insignificant: up to 1% of current EBITA • Minor: more than 1% and up to 5% of current EBITA • Moderate: more than 5% and up to 10% of current EBITA • Significant: more than 10% and up to 25% of current EBITA • High: more than 25% of current EBITA The interval of the risk’s or the opportunity’s impact generally relates to the EBITA of the Group. Provided that an individual assessment relates solely to a specific segment, the EBITA of the respective segment is used instead. The assessment of opportunities and risks whose financial impact has an effect on line items in the statement of comprehensive income below EBITA is also performed in relation to EBITA. The presented impact always reflects the effects of countermeasures initiated. The probability of individual risks and opportunities occurring is quantified based on the following five categories: • Very unlikely: up to 3% probability of occurrence • Unlikely: more than 3% and up to 10% probability of occurrence • Possible: more than 10% and up to 40% probability of occurrence • Likely: more than 40% and up to 80% probability of occurrence • Very likely: more than 80% probability of occurrence Financial risks and opportunities NORMA Group is exposed to several financial risks, including default, liquidity and market risks. The Group’s financial risk management strategy concentrates on the identification, evalua- tion and mitigation of risks, focusing on minimizing the potential negative impact on the Company’s financial performance. De- rivative financial instruments are used to hedge particular risk items. The financial risk management strategy is implemented by Group Treasury. Group management defines the areas of responsibility and necessary controls related to the risk man- agement strategy. Group Treasury is responsible for defining, evaluating and hedging financial risks in close consultation with the Group’s operating units. In this context, various processes and organizational structures work together to measure and evaluate opportunities and risks on a regular basis, and to initi- ate appropriate measures if necessary. Group Treasury regularly conducts analyses of default risks, interest rate risks, currency risks and liquidity risks. The results are then discussed internally and actions are defined. Group Treasury also advises the man- Consolidated Management ReportCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS86 agement of relevant departments in monthly committee meet- ings and discusses how to handle these risks and the potential impact on NORMA Group.  Notes, p. 136. Capital risk management NORMA Group’s objective when it comes to managing its capital is primarily the long-term servicing of its debts and remaining financially stable. In connection with its financing agreements, the Company is obliged to maintain the financial covenant total net debt cover (debt divided by adjusted consolidated EBITDA). This key figure and its maintenance, but also net debt and the maturity structure of financial debt, are continually monitored. Changes in the value of the amounts included in this financial indicator are limited by employing long-term hedging strategies. Default risks Default risks are risks of contractual partners not meeting their obligations arising from business and financial transactions. Due to the nature of the respective assets and business relationships, as well as the soundness of its current banking partners, default risks with respect to deposits and other transactions concluded with credit and financial institutions currently do not represent a major risk category for NORMA Group. Nevertheless, the creditworthiness of contract partners is continuously moni- tored and discussed at regular senior management meetings. Relevant default risks can arise, however, with respect to busi- ness relationships with customers and relate to outstanding receivables and committed transactions. NORMA Group reviews the creditworthiness of new customers to minimize the risk of default on trade receivables. Customers whose credit ratings are below Group standards or who have defaulted on payment, are only supplied if they pay in advance. A diversified customer portfolio reduces the financial repercussions of default risks. De- fault risks are considered to be possible despite the measures referred to above. The potential financial effects of default risks are judged to be insignificant considering the relevant factors, such as bad debt losses experienced in the past, and due to the countermeasures taken. Liquidity risks and opportunities Prudent liquidity risk management requires NORMA Group to hold sufficient cash funds and marketable securities, have sufficient financing from committed lines of credit and be able to close out market positions. Due to the dynamic nature of the underlying business, Group Treasury aims to maintain flex- ibility in financing by keeping committed credit lines available. Therefore, NORMA Group’s primary objective is to ensure the uninterrupted solvency of all Group companies. Group Trea- sury is responsible for liquidity management and therefore for minimizing liquidity risks. As of December 31, 2016, NORMA Group’s liquid assets (cash and cash equivalents) amounted to EUR 165.6 million (2015: EUR 100.0 million). Furthermore, NORMA Group has a high level of financial flexibility thanks to a total of EUR 50 million in committed revolving credit lines with national and international credit institutions. These lines were not drawn down at all as of December 31, 2016. In addition, NORMA Group has a so-called accordion facility in the amount of up to EUR 250 million that offers additional financial flexibility as well as a non-promised but negotiated credit line of EUR 15 million, which offer additional financial scope. Financial opportunities are seen, among other areas, in NORMA Group’s high creditworthiness as well as its solid financial po- sition, financial performance and cash flows, which enable the Company to gradually reduce its capital costs. Against this backdrop, NORMA Group placed a promissory note amounting to EUR 150 million in euro and US dollar tranches in 2016 in or- der to increase the scope for the strategic further development of the Group. In addition, partial amounts of the promissory note issued in euro in 2013 were repaid. As a result of this optimized conversion, significant interest savings have been achieved, re- flecting the improved creditworthiness of NORMA Group. The liquidity-related opportunities are therefore considered to be possible, especially due to the Company’s good reputation on the capital market. In light of the refinancing measures carried out in the recent past, by which the borrowing costs have al- ready been reduced quite considerably, the potential financial effects of liquidity-related opportunities on NORMA Group’s earnings are considered to be only minor.  Financial Manage- ment, p. 66. Most of the Group’s financing agreements contain typical terms for credit lines (financial covenants). If NORMA Group does not adhere to these terms, the banks would be entitled to re-eval- uate the agreements and demand early repayment. Failure to comply with these loan covenants would have high potential financial repercussions. For this reason, NORMA Group contin- uously monitors its compliance with the financial covenants in order to implement suitable measures in advance and prevent the terms from being violated. In order to hedge balance posi- tions in foreign currencies whose valuation leads to fluctuations in the profit and loss account, NORMA Group partly uses rolling hedging transactions. Group Treasury ensures that sufficient liquidity or granted credit lines are available at all times to cov- er possible cash outflows related to these hedging measures. This is continuously monitored by means of risk simulation and discussed in senior management meetings. By increasing NORMA Group’s financial flexibility compared to the previous year, the likelihood of liquidity risks negatively impacting the Company’s operations has been reduced further. The risk of non-compliance with financial covenants is still considered to be very unlikely due to NORMA Group’s high profitability and strong operating cash flow. Foreign currency trends As an internationally operating Company, NORMA Group is ac- tive in more than 100 countries and is thus exposed to foreign currency risks. The US dollar, British pound, Chinese renminbi, Indian rupee, Polish złoty, Swedish krona, Swiss franc, Serbian dinar and Singapore dollar are regarded to be the main risky currency positions. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016Risk and Opportunity Report 87 Foreign currency risks that cannot be offset against each oth- er are hedged using futures and options whenever reasonable (including the US dollar, Swedish krona, Japanese yen, Swiss franc and British pound). The high volatility of many major currencies and the particular influence of the US dollar on the Group’s financial position and performance represent a con- siderable risk that can only be partially hedged for a short-term period. In the medium term, NORMA Group will reduce foreign currency risks by taking an increasingly regional approach to production.  Production and Logistics, p. 70. Because the Group’s subsidiaries operate in the most import- ant countries with currencies other than the euro, it has suffi- cient cash-in and cash-out capabilities to absorb short-term exchange rate fluctuations via targeted income and expenditure management. The optimization of the bank loans renegotiated in 2015, which now also offers the possibility of utilizing credit lines in US dollars, but also the promissory note tranches issued in US dollars in 2016, results in more congruent payment pro- files in US dollars. In addition, currency risk is monitored in the Group and transferred to the euro over time on a rolling basis by means of derivative hedging instruments if the risk becomes too excessive. Translation risks are continuously monitored by Group Treasury. Translation effects from items in the statement of financial position and income statement of subsidiaries in for- eign currency areas on the consolidated statement of financial position prepared in euros are unavoidable, however. The potential financial effects of opportunities and risks relat- ed to exchange rate changes are considered to be moderate based on the sensitivity analyses that have been performed. The probability of the incidence of these risks and opportu- nities is assessed to be possible in light of recent exchange rate fluctuations and the uncertainties with regard to the further development of relevant exchange rates. Changes in interest rates Changes in global market interest rates affect future interest payments for variable interest liabilities and can therefore have an adverse effect on the Group’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. NORMA Group’s interest change risk arises in particular from long-term loans. Many of the current loans have fixed interest rates and are there- fore not subject to interest rate risk. Loans that initially had vari- able interest rates were synthetically converted into fixed interest rate positions with derivative instruments. NORMA Group cur- rently has an interest rate risk for the amount of EUR 40 million from the bank loan renegotiated in 2015 in the amount of EUR 100 million and for the revolving credit facility (EUR 50 million) that has not yet been drawn on. The same applies for the prom- issory note issued in 2014 (EUR 13 million) and the promissory note issued in 2016 (EUR 65 million). NORMA Group will seek to hedge approximately 80% of the interest change risk arising from future medium-term utilization of the committed revolving credit facility. Due to the fact that there are currently no signs of a more re- strictive monetary policy in the euro zone, NORMA Group re- gards the risk of interest rate hikes in the short term to be rather unlikely; however, the risk of higher interest rates is considered to be possible in the medium term. This would only have a mi- nor financial impact due to NORMA Group’s financing structure, however. Due to the currently low interest rate level, the potential for opportunities that can arise from a falling interest rate level is considered to be unlikely. In light of the measures already imple- mented on optimizing financing, the financial effects associated with these opportunities are considered to be insignificant. Economic and cyclical opportunities and risks The success of NORMA Group depends significantly on macro- economic trends on its sales markets and its customers’ sales markets. Therefore, indicators for economic development world- wide are taken into account both in planning as well as in risk and opportunities management. In order to gauge the macro- economic trend, NORMA Group mainly uses the forecasts of widely regarded institutions such as the IMF, the Bundesbank and reputable economic research institutes. Accordingly, global growth of 3.4% can be expected in 2017. In the previous year, not only geopolitical crises, but also the economic development in China and Latin America and the possible effects of an increase in key interest rates in the US on the economic development in emerging markets were identified as risks. The still subdued economic expectations in China and the ongoing recession in Brazil, which could well be overcome in 2017 despite structural deficits, are still of relevance to NORMA Group’s business activities in these countries. Furthermore, key interest rates in the US have already gradually started to rise. In 2016, these developments, which represent relevant risk factors for NORMA Group, were joined by Great Britain’s decision to leave the European Union, with consequences not yet foresee- able for trade, as well as increasing protectionist tendencies in certain countries. In light of the possible overall economic impact of these de- velopments, NORMA Group is of the opinion that a negative development of the global economy compared to the planning assumptions is currently classified as possible taking these risks into account. Should these factors lead to a deteriora- tion in global demand, the financial deviations from planning are considered to be moderate. A positive development of the global economy that goes beyond the planning assumptions represents an opportunity for NORMA Group. Thanks to its flexible production structures, NORMA Group is able to expand capacities in the short term and thus respond to a generally increased demand. The Company believes it is possible that the global economic situation and thus NORMA Group’s earnings will improve beyond the planning assumptions. In the overall view of the current macroeconomic climate and the prospects based thereon, the potential financial impact of these opportu- nities compared to the previous year is no longer considered moderate but rather only minor. Consolidated Management ReportCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS88 Industry-specific and technological risks and opportunities Industry-specific and technological opportunities and risks for NORMA Group are closely linked to the conditions and devel- opments in the respective customer industries  Products and End-Markets, p. 50. It should be borne in mind that the custom- er industries in the regions relevant to NORMA Group, EME A, the Americas and Asia-Pacific, have partly specific character- istics and challenges. Business activities with OEMs for passenger cars and commer- cial vehicles as well as customers in the Automotive Aftermar- ket segment still represent the most important end markets for NORMA Group. In this area, the ever-stricter emission standards as well as the increasing use of more environmentally friend- ly drive technologies represent a development that is associ- ated with various opportunities and risks for NORMA Group. NORMA Group’s current product portfolio includes a variety of solutions that help reduce emissions in passenger cars and commercial vehicles equipped with an internal combustion en- gine, including hybrid vehicles, and thus help customers meet ever-stricter emission requirements. Regulatory measures such as stricter exhaust gas standards and the resulting increased demand for environmentally friendly technologies and products are thus an opportunity for NORMA Group. On the other hand, NORMA Group’s present product portfolio currently offers fewer product solutions for purely battery-powered electric vehicles. If the share of purely battery-powered electric vehicles were to increase substantially, it will be important for NORMA Group to offer customers new product solutions and technologies. Correspondingly, the ongoing discussion about compliance with emission standards in vehicles with an internal combus- tion engine can lead to both opportunities and risks for NORMA Group. NORMA Group counteracts these risks through consis- tent initiatives aiming to secure and expand its leadership in technology and innovation as well as by focusing on customers and markets.  Research and Development, p. 57. The water management segment, which has been consistent- ly strengthened by the acquisitions carried out in past years, represents another strategically important customer industry for NORMA Group. The increasing scarcity of water and the responsible handling of this important resource in this context are leading to entrepreneurial opportunities. NORMA Group’s strong diversification in terms of customers in different industries is another element of the Company’s risk and opportunity management. NORMA Group counters long-term, industry-specific risks and opportunities through a consistent innovation policy and regular market analyses. In summary, the industry-specific and technological opportu- nities and risks are assessed to be possible with a moderate financial impact. Risks and opportunities associated with corporate strategy The strategic goal of NORMA Group is to achieve a sustained increase in the Company’s value. In view of this goal, NORMA Group is pursuing the strategy of profitably expanding its busi- ness activities through organic growth as well as selective val- ue-enhancing acquisitions and achieving broad diversification with respect to its products, regions and end markets, thus becoming less dependent on individual products, regions and end markets. NORMA Group’s aim is to grow with innovations, superior product quality and strong brands in existing end mar- kets, to open up new end markets and to continuously improve the efficiency of its business processes in all functional areas and regions.  Goals and Strategy, p. 52. Besides the company’s strategic activities aimed at continuing to develop the business organically, NORMA Group sees consider- able opportunities to increase the Group’s financial result beyond planning, particularly in its strategy of profitably expanding its business activities through selective, value-adding acquisitions. NORMA Group has been able to demonstrate the success of this strategy several times in the past by completing its acquisitions. If, however, in individual cases, the development of the acquired companies falls behind the expectations at the time of acquisi- tion or if integration progresses more difficultly than assumed, risks could also arise from acquisitions for N OR M A Group. However, NORMA Group believes that the Company’s goals for the profitability of potential acquisitions, careful due diligence measures in the run-up to the acquisition, and agreed integra- tion plans form the basis for mitigating these risks accordingly. In addition, opportunities to achieve its financial targets arise for NORMA Group from the broad diversification with respect to its products, regions and end markets. Should the demand in individual regions and end markets or the demand for individual products temporarily lag behind planning, NORMA Group will have the chance to compensate for this via other regions, end markets or products. Nevertheless, the broad diversification with respect to products, regions and end markets also implies a certain complexity, which can be associated with risks for NORMA Group. Because NORMA Group’s diversification efforts are being carried out step by step with regard to the regions and end markets as well as its products, these risks can be adequately limited by means of an appropriate adaptation of the organization to the changed circumstances. With respect to the efficiency of its business processes, NORMA Group is able to settle production processes that require a high- er degree of manual assembly effort in countries with lower labor costs, thus securing and further increasing its profitability. However, there are inevitably risks associated with the appro- priate location decisions and related investments if significant assumptions made in the investment decision are not fulfilled. NORMA Group addresses these risks by conducting careful analyses in the run-up to investment decisions and uses graded approval procedures. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016Risk and Opportunity Report 89 When the corporate strategy initiatives of NORMA Group are combined, the financial impact of the opportunities associ- ated with NORMA Group’s company strategy is assessed as moderate and a positive deviation from planning as possible. Based on the measures taken to limit the risks associated with NORMA Group’s corporate strategy, the probability of the occurrence of strategic risks is considered unlikely, while the potential financial impact of corporate strategy risks is con- sidered moderate. The company strategy is adapted to the individual market con- ditions in the individual segments. For instance, acquisitions are made particularly in those countries and regions that offer at- tractive growth opportunities for NORMA Group. Nevertheless, the general assessment of corporate strategy opportunities and risks in the regions is identical. Operational risks and opportunities Commodity prices The materials that NORMA Group uses, in particular the raw materials steel and plastics, are subject to the risk of price fluctuations. The price trend is also influenced indirectly by the further development of the world economic situation as well as by institutional investors. NORMA Group limits the risk of rising purchase prices through systematic material and supplier risk management. Thanks to a powerful global Group purchasing structure, economies of scale are being used to purchase the most important product materials steel, metal components, polyamides and rubber as competitively as possible. This Group purchasing structure also enables NORMA Group to balance out the risks of individual segments with each other. NORMA Group also constantly strives to secure permanently competi- tive procurement prices by continuously optimizing its selection of suppliers and applying the best-landed-cost-approach. The Company also tries to reduce dependency on individual materi- als through constant technological advances and tests of alter- native materials. Protection against commodity price volatility is done by forming procurement contracts with a term of up to 12 months, whereby material supply risks are minimized and price fluctuations can be better calculated. Due to the currently rising price of steel, including the alloy surcharges applicable to stainless steel, NORMA Group esti- mates the probability of rising prices compared to the previous year as likely rather than possible. Nevertheless, this is likely to have only a minor financial impact due to the countermeasures that have already been initiated. Due to the fact that a share of material price developments can be passed on to the cus- tomer by designing the customer contracts accordingly, falling commodity prices are generally not a major success factor. The chances of a falling commodity price development are therefore regarded as minor. In contrast to the previous year, the falling development of global commodity prices compared to the plan is no longer considered possible but rather unlikely. Suppliers and dependencies on key suppliers The loss of suppliers and dependencies on single suppliers can lead to material shortages and thus to negative impacts on the Group’s activities. In order to minimize this risk, NORMA Group only works with reliable and innovative suppliers who meet its high quality requirements. The ten most important suppliers are responsible for approximately 30% of the purchasing volume.  Purchasing and Supplier Management, p. 71. These and other key suppliers are regularly observed and assessed as part of quality management. If the loss of a supplier appears imminent, NORMA Group evaluates alternatives immediately. As a result, the loss of suppliers is considered possible, but the potential financial impact is regarded as minor. However, NORMA Group also sees opportunities in this area as a result of its proactive approach both in terms of existing supplier relationships as well as identification of new suppliers and raw materials. But since an optimization in the area of Purchasing is anticipated in the medium term, NORMA Group estimates the potential of the im- plemented measures for a positive deviation from planning to be possible with a minor impact. Quality and processes NORMA Group’s products are often mission-critical with re- spect to the quality, performance and reliability of the final product. Quality defects can lead to legal disputes, liability for damages or the loss of a customer. Therefore, the reliable guarantee of product quality is a key factor to ensuring NORMA Group’s long-term success, so that its products provide crucial added value for its customers.  Quality Management, p. 71. Maintaining the right balance between cost leadership and quality assurance is a constant challenge. To reduce this risk, far-reaching quality assurance measures and Group-wide qual- ity standards are used. Furthermore, NORMA Group focuses on innovative and value added joining solutions tailored to meet customer requirements. For this reason, the Company believes that it is possible for quality risks to occur, while the potential financial repercussions would be minor due to the existing in- surance coverage. NORMA Group takes every opportunity to realize cost advan- tages to improve its competitive position. Thus the Company develops and implements initiatives focused on cost discipline, the continuous improvement of processes in all functions and re- gions and optimization of supply chain management and produc- tion processes. These initiatives are expected to have a positive impact on NORMA Group’s business.  Production and Logis- tics, p. 70. Since NORMA Group pursues a continuous process of improvement, there are opportunities over and above planning for positive deviations in the area of these processes. This ap- plies for all regions in which NORMA Group is active. The Compa- ny estimates the likelihood of cost savings to be possible. Since planning already allows for continuous optimization of production processes and NORMA Group’s processes are already extreme- ly efficient, the short-term financial impact of a deviation from the plan as a result of improved production processes is minor. Consolidated Management ReportCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS90 Customers Customer risks result from a company being dependent on important buyers for a significant proportion of its sales. They could take advantage of their bargaining power, which can lead to increased pressure on the Company’s margins. Decreases in demand from these customers or the loss of these customers can have a negative impact on the Company’s earnings. For this reason, NORMA Group continuously monitors incoming orders and customer behavior so as to identify customer risks early. Due to its diversified customer portfolio, financial repercussions of customer risks are reduced. Accordingly, no single customer generated more than 5% of sales in 2016. Therefore, it is possi- ble that customer risks could have a negative impact on NORMA Group’s business, but the financial effects would be minor due to the diversified customer structure. Based on NORMA Group’s strategy and the goal of further ex- panding its markets, the Company managed to expand its cus- tomer portfolio compared to the previous year. As a result of its innovative solutions, new customers in all regions could be convinced of its products. Therefore, NORMA Group estimates the opportunities for positive deviations from planning to be possible with a minor impact on earnings based on a growing number of customers. Risks and opportunities of personnel management NORMA Group’s success is largely dependent on its employees’ enthusiasm, commitment to innovation, expertise and integri- ty. The Group’s personnel management serves to retain and expand this core expertise. The resignation of employees with crucial skills as well as a shortage of suitable workers can have a negative impact on operations. The competition for the most talented employees as a result of demographic developments and the shortage of skilled labor in Western industrial nations is becoming more and more intense. personal expertise through educational and training opportu- nities as well as the targeted search for talent within the Group. Furthermore, NORMA Group offers its employees flexible and family-friendly working time models. Through the above-mentioned measures, NORMA Group ac- tively supports the preservation and collection of knowledge within the Company, which will thus offer opportunities for the future development of NORMA Group. The occurrence of these opportunities is considered likely and the financial contribution of these opportunities to be minor. IT-related risks and opportunities The use of functional and high-performance IT systems is of central importance for an innovative and global Company such as NORMA Group with regard to the efficiency of its business processes. In this context, it is critical for the Company’s suc- cess to support the business processes of NORMA Group, which are partly organized across corporate and national boundaries along the value chain with stable and powerful IT systems that provide the management at all levels with the nec- essary information in a timely manner and allow for efficient organization of workflows. For the exchange of information with customers and suppliers of NORMA Group, tailor-made IT solu- tions connected to the respective ERP systems are of great im- portance. With regard to this business-critical IT infrastructure, there is a risk that an extensive computer system failure, e. g. due to technical-related malfunctions of the systems or attacks by hackers, could seriously disrupt the Company’s operations. In addition, NORMA Group sees the risk that external users could gain unauthorized access to sensitive Company informa- tion and misuse it. In this context, unauthorized access to in- formation about production processes, financial, customer and employee data could have a negative impact on the Company. NORMA Group counters these risks with far-reaching basic and advanced training as well as employee development programs. NORMA Group also encourages its employees to focus on the Company’s success through variable remuneration systems. In return, the employees contribute to the continuous further development of the Company in connection with employee sur- veys and improvement initiatives. Comprehensive representation rules and a division of responsibilities that promote mutual ex- change secure the Group from risks that can arise due to the de- parture of employees. When identifying potential new employees who can make a crucial contribution to performance, NORMA Group seeks the advice of external human relations advisors. Therefore, NORMA Group has implemented appropriate mea- sures to avoid and reduce this type of risk. These measures are collectively embedded in the IT risk management process and are adjusted in this context to changing conditions. NORMA Group manages the IT risks it identifies by mirroring the data- base, using decentralized data storage and outsourced data ar- chiving to a certified external provider, by encrypting e-mails as well as using up-to-date firewalls and e-mail filters, for instance. The access of employees to sensitive information is ensured by means of authorization systems customized for the respective positions, taking into account the principle of segregation of duties. Finally, employees are trained on data security. Thus, the Company regards the probability of personnel risks occurring as possible, whereas the potential financial impact is insignificant due to the sustainable personnel policy. NORMA Group estimates the probability of IT-related risks oc- curring in all regions despite the implemented countermeasures to be possible and the potential financial impact to be minor. In addition, there are opportunities from the consistent fur- ther development of the employees. NORMA Group fosters its employees and offers them incentives to further develop their Opportunities in the area of IT arise in particular from the po- tential of process standardization and optimization across all companies of NORMA Group. For example, the gradual transi- NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016Risk and Opportunity Report 91 tion from old ERP systems to new and uniform systems for the entire Group continued in 2016. The opportunities that arise from this streamlining measure are considered to be likely. The related financial effects are expected to be minor. Legal risks and opportunities Risks related to standards and contracts Future changes to legislation and requirements, especially com- mercial law, liability law, environmental law, tax law, customs law and labor law, as well as changes in related standards, could have a negative impact on NORMA Group’s develop- ment. Violations of laws and regulations, but also of contractu- al agreements, can lead to penalties, regulatory requirements or claims from injured parties. Conversely, NORMA Group can be adversely affected by contractual breaches by third parties. Furthermore, defective products can lead to legal disputes and claims for damages. Likewise, the results of tax audits can lead to tax payments. In 2016, litigations against NORMA Group (passive) mainly in- volved labor disputes such as prosecution charges as well as product deficiencies claimed by customers or their insurances. Active proceedings mainly pertained to claims against suppliers. In addition, NORMA Group identified several possible violations of its own IP rights or IP rights of third parties. The national focuses of the legal disputes were Germany and the US. NORMA Group uses its current compliance and risk manage- ment systems to ensure that it complies with constantly chang- ing laws and regulations and meets its contractual obligations. NORMA Group counters the risk of product defects through its Group-wide quality assurance program. In addition, NORMA Group is also insured against claims arising from certain de- fective products. Due to the current significant changes in international tax law (e. g. the OECD BEPS Initiative), in particular, that can lead to unanswered legal questions, as well as due to the increased auditing intensity of tax audits that can be seen in many coun- tries, the likelihood of risks related to standards and contracts compared to the previous year is no longer considered un- likely but rather possible. However, due to the existing risk management measures, the potential financial impact of risks in connection with standards and contracts is still considered to be moderate. All legal risks that NORMA Group is aware of are taken into account through provisions recognized in the consolidated fi- nancial statements. Social and environmental standards Violating social and environmental standards could damage the reputation of NORMA Group and result in restrictions, claims for damages or disposal obligations. NORMA Group has therefore implemented Corporate Responsibility as an integral part of the Group strategy. In this context, a systematic environmental management system was introduced at NORMA Group so that corporate decisions can always be evaluated also considering the goal of avoiding emissions and conserving resources. The Company also invests in the area of occupational health and safety for its continuous improvement.  Employees, p. 73. Consequently, NORMA Group believes that the probabilities of occurrence of negative developments remain unlikely as a result of social and environmental risks and that the potential financial effects would be moderate. However, the investments in the area of Corporate Responsibil- ity serve not only to ward off risks. The measures and initiatives are also seen as having the potential to positively impact both the business environment as well as NORMA Group and its stakeholders. Therefore, NORMA Group estimates the opportu- nities in this area to be possible and assumes that the measures and initiatives will have a minor impact on its planning. Intellectual property N O R M A Group’s position as a technology and innovation leader means that violations of its intellectual property rights could lead to lost sales and reputation. For this reason, the Company ensures that its technologies and innovations are legally protected. NORMA Group also minimizes the potential impact by developing customer-specific solutions and through its speed of innovation. At the same time, it is also possible for NORMA Group to violate the intellectual property of third parties. For this reason, developments for potential patent violations are reviewed at an early stage. Therefore, it is con- sidered possible for the intellectual property to be violated. Due to the measures that NORMA Group has implemented, the potential impact of an intellectual property violation is re- garded to be minor. In addition, N O R M A Group also sees opportunities as possible that can lead to a minor deviation from the medium term plan as a result of the consistent de- fense of the intellectual property and the expansion of legal unique selling points. AS SES SMENT OF THE OVER ALL PROFILE OF RISKS A ND OPPORTUNITIES BY THE M A N AGEMENT BOAR D The Group’s overall situation results from the aggregation of individual risks and opportunities from all categories of the busi- ness units and functions. After assessing the likelihood of risks occurring and their potential financial impact as well as in light of the current business outlook, NORMA Group’s Management Board does not believe that there is any individual risk or group of risks with the potential to jeopardize the continued existence of the Group or individual Group companies as a going con- cern. Taking the aggregated opportunities into account, NORMA Group is in a very good position with respect to both the me- dium and long terms to further expand its market position and grow globally. This assessment is reinforced by the good oppor- tunities to cover the financing requirements. Therefore, NORMA Group has not made any effort to obtain an official rating from a leading rating agency. Consolidated Management ReportCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS92 General economic risks remain for NORMA Group in all areas, which is why setbacks on the way towards long-term realization of the growth and profitability targets cannot be ruled out. In contrast, there are clear opportunities that NORMA Group is taking advantage of through its strategy and consistent oppor- tunity management, so that it is possible to even exceed the profitability targets. The changes in the individual opportunities and risks shown in the overview have no significant impact on NORMA Group’s overall risk profile. NORMA Group has therefore concluded that the Group’s overall profile has not changed significantly com- pared to the previous year. R I S K A N D O P P O R T U N I T Y P O R T F O L I O O F N O R M A G R O U P * Financial risks and opportunities Default risk Liquidity Currency Change in interest rates Risks Opportunities Risks Opportunities Risks Opportunities Economic and cyclical risks and opportunities Risks Opportunities Industry-specific and technological risks and opportunities Risks Opportunities Risks and opportunities associated with corporate strategy Risks Opportunities Operational risks and opportunities Commodity pricing Suppliers Quality and processes Customers Risks and opportunities of personnel management Risks Opportunities IT-related risks and opportunities Risks Opportunities Legal risks and opportunities Risks related to standards and contracts Social and environmental standards Property rights Risks Opportunities Risks Opportunities Risks Opportunities Risks Opportunities Risks Risks Opportunities Risks Opportunities Probability of occurence Financial impact unlikely possible likely insignificant minor moderate significant high very likely Change in 2016 very unlikely • T 0 2 8 Change in 2016 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • * If not indicated otherwise, the risk assessment applies for all regional segments. unchanged higher lower NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 R I S K A N D O P P O R T U N I T Y P O R T F O L I O O F N O R M A G R O U P * Financial risks and opportunities Default risk Liquidity Currency Change in interest rates Economic and cyclical risks and opportunities Risks Opportunities Risks Opportunities Risks Opportunities Industry-specific and technological risks and opportunities Risks and opportunities associated with corporate strategy Risks and opportunities of personnel management Operational risks and opportunities Commodity pricing Suppliers Quality and processes Customers Risks Opportunities Risks Opportunities IT-related risks and opportunities Legal risks and opportunities Risks related to standards and contracts Social and environmental standards Property rights Risks Risks Risks Opportunities Opportunities Opportunities Opportunities Risks Risks Risks Risks Opportunities Opportunities Opportunities Risks Risks Risks Opportunities Opportunities 93 T 0 2 8 Change in 2016 Risk and Opportunity Report very unlikely • Probability of occurence Financial impact unlikely possible likely very likely Change in 2016 insignificant minor moderate significant high • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • * If not indicated otherwise, the risk assessment applies for all regional segments. unchanged higher lower Consolidated Management ReportCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS 94 Remuneration Report for the Management and Supervisory Boards R EMUNER ATION OF THE M A N AGEMENT BOAR D Basic principles of the remuneration system The purpose of NORMA Group’s remuneration system is to pro- vide the members of the Management Board with adequate remuneration for their activities and areas of responsibility as well as their personal performance in accordance with applica- ble legislation and to provide them with a long-term incentive to commit themselves to the success of the Company. In addition to the criteria of the Company’s performance and future pros- pects, the decision as to what level of remuneration is appro- priate is also based on the general levels of remuneration paid by comparable companies and NORMA Group’s remuneration structure. In accordance with the recommendations of the German Cor- porate Governance Code in the version dated May 5, 2015, the remuneration comprises a fixed element and variable elements. The basic remuneration is a fixed cash payment for the entire year based on the respective Management Board member’s area of responsibility. This basic remuneration is paid in the form of a monthly salary. The variable compensation is designed differently depending on when a Board member took office. With the Board mem- bers who took office before 2015, it consists of the following components: 1. The annual bonus is a variable cash payment calculated on the basis of the quantifiable performance of the Com- pany in the previous fiscal year. The parameters taken into consideration are whether or not the Company reaches its target for an earnings component (adjusted EBITA) and a liquidity component (operating free cash flow before external use). Each of the two indicators is calculated for a fiscal year based on figures taken from the Company’s consolidated financial statements and compared to the target set in ad- vance by the Supervisory Board. The annual salary of the Management Board member is multiplied by a percentage between 0% and 200%, depending on the extent to which the targets for the components were met. The range limits the annual bonus to 50% of the member’s annual salary. In case of negative performance, it can be reduced to EUR 0. 2. The Company’s long-term incentive (LTI) plan is a component of a variable remuneration element designed to maximize the Company’s long-term performance. The LTI plan also comprises an EBITA component and an operating free cash flow before external use (FCF) component, each of which are observed over a period of three years (performance period). A new three-year performance period begins for every year. Both components are calculated by multiplying the average annual (adjusted) EBITA and FCF values actually achieved in the performance period by the (adjusted) EBITA and FCF bonus percentages specified in the employment contract. In a second step, the actual value of a component is compared to the medium-term plan approved by the Supervisory Board to evaluate the Company’s performance and adjustments are made to the LTI plan. The LTI plan is limited to two and a half times the amount that would be arrived at on the basis of the figures in the Company’s medium-term plan. If the actual value is lower than the planned value, the LTI plan is reduced on a straight-line basis down to a minimum of EUR 0 if the three-year targets are missed by a significant amount. 3. The Matching Stock Program (MSP) provides a share price- based long-term incentive to commit to the success of the Company. The MSP is a stock option program. To this end, the Supervisory Board specifies a number of stock options to be allotted each fiscal year with the proviso that the Management Board member makes a correspond- ing personal investment in the Company. The MSP is split into different tranches. The first tranche was allotted on the day of the initial public offering (April 8, 2011). The other tranches were allotted on March 31 each following year. The stock options relate to those shares al- lotted or acquired and qualified under the MSP as specified in the Management Board contract. The number of stock options is calculated by multiplying the qualified shares (for 2013 and 2014: 108,452 shares per year, for 2015 and 2016: 85,952 shares) held at the allotment date by the option fac- tor specified by the Supervisory Board. The option factor is re-determined for each tranche and amounts to 1.5 for each of the tranches in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. Therefore, 162,679 share options are to be considered in fiscal years 2013 and 2014 and 128,927 in fiscal years 2015 and 2016. Every tranche will be recalculated taking changes in the in- fluencing factors into consideration and balanced pro rata temporis over the vesting period. The vesting period is four years and ends on March 31 in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively for the 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 tranches. The options in a tranche can only be exercised within a period of two years after the vesting period expires. As a precondition for exercising the options, the share price must exceed the exercise threshold when the options are exercised (basis: weighted average of the last ten exchange trading days before exercising the option). The exercise threshold is set by the Supervisory Board when the respective tranche is allocated and equals at least 120% of the strike price. The exercise threshold was set at 120% of the strike price for the 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 tranches. In determining the exercise price of the tranches, the weight- ed average of the closing prices of the Company’s share on NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 Remuneration Report for the Management and Supervisory Boards 95 the last 60 trading days that immediately preceded allocation of each tranche is to be applied. Dividend payments by the Company during the vesting period are to be deducted from the exercise price of each tranche. The value of the stock options is calculated by an external assessor based on generally accepted business valuation models. The Company is free to decide at the time of exercise wheth- er compensation for the option is to be offered in the form of shares or a cash settlement. NORMA Group has originally opted for a settlement in equity instruments. In April 2015, the MSP was changed to a cash settlement by resolution of the Supervisory Board for the 2011 tranche. Due to this de- cision and the history it forms, the remaining tranches were changed in terms of their classification from a settlement in equity instruments to compensation in the form of a cash payment.  Notes, p. 141. O V E R V I E W O F T H E M AT C H I N G S T O C K P R O G R A M ( M S P ) AT T H E T I M E O F A L L O T M E N T T 0 2 9 Tranches Option factor Number of options Exercise price in EUR End of the vesting period 2016 2015 2014 2013 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 128,928 128,928 162,679 162,679 46.62 44.09 40.16 23.71 2020 2019 2018 2017 Upon entering into service in fiscal year 2015, the variable com- pensation consisted of the following components: 1. The annual bonus is a variable compensation component, which refers to the average Group EBT (earnings before income taxes) of the last three fiscal years. The Manage- ment Board receives a percentage of the amount of the three-year average. The annual bonus is capped at twice the fixed annual salary. The annual bonus for the previous fiscal year is to be paid after approval of the consolidated financial statements by the Supervisory Board the following year. If the Management Board member has not worked for the Company for a full twelve months in a fiscal year, the annual bonus will be reduced accordingly. 2. The Long-Term Incentive program is designed to be a so- called NORMA Value Added Bonus and represents a part of the variable remuneration of the Management Board aligned toward sustained positive business development. This LTI provides a long-term incentive for the Management Board to work hard to make the Company successful. The LTI is an appreciation bonus that is based on the Group’s perfor- mance. The Board member receives a percentage of the calculated increase in value. The NORMA Value Added Bo- nus corresponds to the percentage of the average increase in value from the current and the two previous fiscal years. The annual increase in value is calculated using the following formula: NORMA Value Added = (EBIT × (1 − s)) − (WACC × invested capital). The calculation of the first component is based on the con- solidated earnings before interest and taxes (Group EBIT) for the fiscal year and the average corporate tax rate. The second component is calculated from the Group WACC mul- tiplied by the capital invested. The NORMA Value Added Bonus is limited to a fixed annual salary. 75% of the amount attributable to the LTI is paid to each Management Board member the following year. The Company then uses the remaining 25% attributable to the LTI to purchase shares of NORMA Group SE in the name and on behalf of the individual Board members. Alternatively, the Company may pay out this balance to the Board member. In this case, the Manage- ment Board member obligates himself to purchase shares of NORMA Group SE with the balance of this amount within 120 days after the annual financial statements are approved at the Supervisory Board meeting. The Management Board member may not dispose of the shares for four years. Div- idends and subscription rights are to be made freely avail- able to the Management Board member. If a Board member takes office in the current fiscal year or does not work for the Company for a full twelve months in a fiscal year, the LTI is to be reduced proportionally (pro rata). Upon termination of the employment contract, a Management Board member may dispose of his shares only after 12 months of leaving the Company. Upon termination of his appointment to a body at the request of the Management Board or for another im- portant reason, no future rights to variable components of the LTI shall be granted. Furthermore, when taking office in 2015, a Management Board member is entitled to a pension, which is measured as a percentage of the pensionable income. The pension enti- tlement arises when the contract has expired, but not before reaching the age of 65, or if that individual is unable to work. The percentage depends on the number of years of service as a Management Board member. The percentage amounts to 4% of the last yearly fixed salary prior to leaving for each completed year of service. The percentage can increase to a maximum of 55%. Furthermore, a survivor’s pension is to be provided as well. In the event of premature termination of the employment con- tract without an important reason, any payments to the Manage- ment Board are not to exceed the value of two annual remuner- ations and correspond at most to the value of the remuneration for the remaining term of the employment contract (see section 4.2.3 of the GCGC). If a special right of termination is exercised in the event of a change of control, the Management Board re- ceives compensation of three years’ remuneration, but no more than the value of the remuneration for the remaining term of Consolidated Management ReportCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS 96 the employment contract (see section 4.2.3 of the GCGC). The annual remuneration includes the current annual fixed salary as well as short- and long-term variable remuneration components from the past fiscal year. The members of the Management Board are additionally com- pensated with a company car, which they can also use for per- sonal purposes. Furthermore, Management Board members are reimbursed for any expenses and travel costs incurred while performing their duties for the Company in accordance with the Company’s respectively applicable guidelines. Inven- tor’s bonuses are also granted. The members of the Man- agement Board arrange private insurance or are personally responsible for the statutory deductible of 10% of the loss for the D&O insurance policy carried for the Managing Directors of NORMA Group. Remuneration of the Management Board in fiscal year 2016 The Management Board’s remuneration for fiscal year 2016 is reported in accordance with the applicable accounting princi- ples (DRS 17) and the recommendations of the German Corpo- rate Governance Code. Pursuant to the resolution of the Annual General Meeting on April 6, 2011, no individualized disclosure of the Management Board’s remuneration pursuant to section 314 (1) no. 6 lit. A) Sentence 5 to 9 HGB is to be made for the years 2011 to 2015. Management Board remuneration in 2016 according to the accounting standard DRS 17 The total remuneration of the Management Board pursuant to section 315a in connection with section 315 (2) no. 4 and sec- tion 314 (1) no. 6 of the German Commercial Code (HGB) is distributed among the individual members of the Management Board as shown in  Table 031 on p. 97. The performance-related components include only the short- term annual bonuses. All other bonuses, including the MSP are listed under long-term incentives. A provision was recognized for the variable compensation ele- ments. The stock options associated with the MSP are assessed on an ongoing basis and included in other provisions in the in- come statement. Prior to the changeover to cash remuneration, they were recognized in the capital reserve on a prorated basis over the course of the holding period. Remuneration of the Management Board in 2016 in accordance with the German Corporate Governance Code In accordance with the German Corporate Governance Code in its version dated May 5, 2015, which draws a distinction between remuneration that is being granted for the year under review and inflow in or for the year under review, the remunera- tion of the Management Board is shown in  Table 030 on p. 97 (models recommended in the Code are being used): R E M U N E R AT I O N G R A N T E D T O T H E M A N A G E M E N T B O A R D in EUR thousands Basic remuneration Benefits Sum One-year variable remuneration Multi-year variable remuneration LTI tranche 2016–2018 LTI tranche 2015–2017 Other perennial remuneration MSP 2016–2020 MSP 2015–2019 Sum Pension expenses Total remuneration Werner Deggim Dr. Michael Schneider Bernd Kleinhens John Stephenson Complete Management Board 2016 2016 (Min) 2016 (Max) 2016 2016 (Min) 2016 (Max) 2016 2016 (Min) 2016 (Max) 2016 2016 (Min) 2016 (Max) 2015 2016 2016 (Min) 2016 (Max) 450 21 471 113 481 0 0 232 0 826 0 450 21 471 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,297 471 450 21 471 225 1,093 0 0 1,616 0 2,934 0 3,405 300 27 327 517 0 0 300 0 0 817 135 1,279 300 27 327 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 135 462 300 27 327 600 0 0 300 0 0 900 135 1,362 300 6 306 75 318 0 0 0 0 154 547 853 300 306 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 300 6 306 150 723 0 0 0 0 1,074 1,947 280 14 294 70 300 0 0 0 0 144 514 808 280 14 294 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 280 14 294 140 682 0 0 0 0 1,002 1,824 1,248 52 1,299 461 960 150 0 906 2,478 137 3,914 1,330 68 1,398 775 1,099 300 530 0 0 2,704 135 4,237 1,330 68 1,398 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 135 1,533 306 2,253 294 2,118 T 0 3 0 1,330 68 1,398 1,115 2,498 300 3,692 0 0 7,605 135 9,138 NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 Remuneration Report for the Management and Supervisory Boards M A N A G E M E N T B O A R D R E M U N E R AT I O N I N 2 0 16 in EUR thousands Werner Deggim Dr. Michael Schneider Bernd Kleinhens John Stephenson Total Fixed components Performance-related components Long-term incentive effect Total remuneration 2016 471 158 556 1,185 2016 327 0 817 1,144 2016 306 105 369 780 2016 294 98 347 739 2016 1,398 361 2,089 3,848 I N F L O W F R O M M A N A G E M E N T B O A R D M E M B E R R E M U N E R AT I O N in EUR thousands Fixed remuneration Benefits Sum One-year variable remuneration Multi-year variable remuneration LTI tranche 2013–2015 LTI tranche 2012–2014 MSP 2012–2016 MSP 2011–2015 Other perennial remuneration Sum Pension expenses Total remuneration Werner Deggim Dr. Michael Schneider Bernd Kleinhens John Stephenson Complete Management Board 2016 450 21 471 158 299 0 879 0 0 1,336 0 1,807 2016 300 27 327 517 0 0 0 0 150 667 135 1,129 2016 300 6 306 105 198 0 584 0 0 887 0 1,193 2016 280 14 294 98 186 0 545 0 0 829 0 1,123 2016 1,330 68 1,398 878 683 0 2,008 0 150 3,719 135 5,252 97 T 0 31 2015 4,557 T 0 3 2 2015 1,248 52 1,299 461 0 682 0 2,265 0 3,409 137 4,845 Expenses in the amount of EUR 134 thousand for the LTI tranche 2013–2015 and EUR 526 thousand for the MSP are recognized for former members of the Management Board in the fiscal year. R E M U N E R AT I O N G R A N T E D T O T H E M A N A G E M E N T B O A R D T 0 3 0 in EUR thousands Basic remuneration Benefits Sum One-year variable remuneration Multi-year variable remuneration LTI tranche 2016–2018 LTI tranche 2015–2017 Other perennial remuneration MSP 2016–2020 MSP 2015–2019 Sum Pension expenses Total remuneration Werner Deggim Dr. Michael Schneider Bernd Kleinhens John Stephenson Complete Management Board 2016 2016 (Min) 2016 (Max) 2016 2016 (Min) 2016 (Max) 2016 2016 (Min) 2016 (Max) 2016 2016 (Min) 2016 (Max) 2015 2016 2016 (Min) 2016 (Max) 450 21 471 113 481 0 0 0 0 232 826 450 21 471 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 450 21 471 225 1,093 0 0 0 0 1,616 2,934 300 27 327 517 0 0 0 0 300 817 135 1,297 471 3,405 1,279 300 27 327 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 135 462 300 27 327 600 300 0 0 0 0 900 135 1,362 300 6 306 75 318 0 0 154 0 547 0 853 300 6 306 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 306 300 6 306 150 723 0 0 1,074 0 1,947 0 2,253 280 14 294 70 300 0 0 144 0 514 0 808 280 14 294 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 294 280 14 294 140 682 0 0 1,002 0 1,824 0 2,118 1,248 52 1,299 461 960 150 0 906 2,478 137 3,914 1,330 68 1,398 775 1,099 0 300 530 0 2,704 135 4,237 1,330 68 1,398 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 135 1,533 1,330 68 1,398 1,115 2,498 0 300 3,692 0 7,605 135 9,138 Consolidated Management ReportCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS 98 R EMUNER ATION OF THE SUPERVISORY BOAR D The remuneration for the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board was calculated separately in accordance with the recommendations of the German Corporate Gover- nance Code in the version dated May 5, 2015. The Chairman is paid double the remuneration of the other members of the Supervisory Board, and the Deputy Chairman is paid one and a half times this amount. In addition, the Chairman and mem- bers of the Supervisory Board’s committees are remunerated separately. The Supervisory Board members will be remunerated for their activities on the day after the 2017 Annual General Meeting as follows: R E M U N E R AT I O N O F T H E S U P E R V I S O R Y B O A R D T 0 3 3 Supervisory Board member Membership / Chairmanship of a committee Remunera- tion in EUR Dr. Stefan Wolf Chairman of the Supervisory Board 110,000.00 Lars M. Berg Chairman of the General and Nomination Committees Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board Member of the Audit Committee Member of the General and Nomination Committees 95,000.00 Günter Hauptmann Not a member of a committee 50,000.00 Knut J. Michelberger Chairman of the Audit Committee (since October 1, 2016) 66,284.15 Member of the Audit Committee (until September 30, 2016) Dr. Christoph Schug Chairman of the Audit Committee (until September 30, 2016) 86,202.19 Member of the General and Nomination Committees Erika Schulte Member of the Audit Committee (since October 1, 2016) Total 52,513.66 460,000.00 No remuneration was paid to Supervisory Board members in fiscal year 2016 for services personally rendered (in particular advisory and brokerage services). Furthermore, the Supervisory Board members are reimbursed for any expenses and travel costs incurred while performing their duties for the Company in accordance with the Compa- ny’s respectively applicable guidelines. The members of the Supervisory Board arrange private insurance or are personally responsible for the statutory deductible of 10% of the loss for the D&O insurance policy carried for the Management Board and the Supervisory Board of NORMA Group. Other Legally Required Disclosures An overview of the information required under section 315 (4) of the German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch, HGB) is presented below: Section 315 (4) no. 1 HGB NORMA Group SE’s share capital totalled EUR 31,862,400.00 on December 31, 2016. This is divided into 31,862,400 registered shares with no par value. Each share entitles the bearer to one vote. There are no other classes of shares. NORMA Group SE holds no treasury shares. Section 315 (4) no. 2 HGB The Management Board of NORMA Group SE is not aware of any restrictions affecting voting rights or the transfer of shares or any agreements between shareholders which could result in such restrictions. Section 315 (4) no. 3 HGB There are no direct or indirect capital holdings exceeding one tenth of the voting rights other than those voting rights listed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Section 315 (4) no. 4 HGB There are no shares in NORMA Group SE that confer special control rights to the holder. Section 315 (4) no. 5 HGB There are no employee share schemes through which employ- ees can acquire shares of NORMA Group SE. Employees with shareholdings in NORMA Group SE exercise control rights in the same way as other shareholders in accordance with applicable legislation and the Articles of Association. Section 315 (4) no. 6 HGB Management Board members are appointed and dismissed in accordance with section 84 et seq. AktG. The Articles of As- sociation of NORMA Group SE do not contain any provisions related to this issue that contradict the applicable legislation. The Supervisory Board is responsible for determining the actual number of members on the Management Board. It can nom- inate a Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Management Board or a Management Board spokesperson and a deputy spokesperson. Changes to the Articles of Association are made by the Annual General Meeting in accordance with section 179 (1) AktG. In accordance with section 179 (1) sentence 2 AktG, the Annual General Meeting can authorize the Supervisory Board to make changes which affect only the wording of the Articles of As- sociation. The Annual General Meeting of NORMA Group SE has chosen to do so: According to Article 14 (2) of the Articles of Association, the Supervisory Board is authorized to make changes to the Articles of Association which only affect their wording. In accordance with article 20 sentence 3 of the Articles NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016Other Legally Required Disclosures 99 of Association, a simple majority of votes submitted is sufficient for a resolution on changing the Articles of Association if at least half of the share capital is represented when the resolution is adopted and a different majority is not required under the law. The Supervisory Board is authorized to amend the wording of article 6 of the Articles of Association to reflect the issue of the new shares from the Conditional Capital 2015. The same will apply insofar as the authorization to issue convertible bonds, bonds with warrants, and / or participation rights with or without conversion or option rights or conversion or option obligations in accordance with the Annual General Meeting’s resolution of May 20, 2015 is not exercised during the term of the authoriza- tion or the corresponding option or conversion rights or option or conversion obligations have lapsed because the exercise periods have expired or for another reason. The Supervisory Board is authorized to amend the wording of article 5 of the Articles of Association in accordance with the issuance of new shares from the Authorized Capital 2015 and, provided that the Authorized Capital 2015 has not been utilized or not been fully utilized by May 19, 2020, adjust the authoriza- tion after that deadline has expired. The Management Board may determine that the share capi- tal is to remain unchanged in the event that shares are to be withdrawn and, instead, be increased by withdrawing a per- centage of the remaining shares in the share capital pursuant to section 8 (3) AktG. In this case, the Management Board is authorized to adjust the number of shares in the Articles of Association. Section 315 (4) no. 7 HGB Authorized capital In accordance with the resolution passed at the Annual General Meeting on May 20, 2015, the Management Board is autho- rized, with the Supervisory Board’s consent, to increase the Company’s share capital once or repeatedly by up to a total of EUR 12,744,960 on or before May 19, 2020 by issuing up to 12,744,960 new registered shares against cash and / or non- cash contributions (Authorized Capital 2015). The Management Board is authorized, with the Supervisory Board’s consent, to exclude the shareholders’ subscription rights wholly or in part, once or repeatedly, in accordance with the following provisions: • to exclude the shareholders’ subscription rights for fractional amounts; • if and to the extent that it is necessary to grant the bearers or creditors of conversion or option rights and / or the bearers or creditors of financing instruments carrying conversion or option obligations which were or are issued by the NORMA Group SE, or by a domestic or foreign company in which NORMA Group SE holds directly or indirectly the majority of the votes and capital; • in the case of a capital increase against cash contributions pursuant or according to section 186 (3), sentence 4 AktG if the par value of the new shares is not substantially lower than the stock exchange price of the already listed shares in the Company and if the new shares which were issued under exclusion of the subscription right do not exceed a proportional amount of 10% of the share capital in total; • in case of capital increases against non-cash contributions, in particular for the purpose of acquiring enterprises, parts of enterprises or interests in enterprises. The Authorized Capital 2011/II which was resolved by the An- nual General Meeting on April 6, 2011 has thus been cancelled by resolution of the Annual General Meeting on May 20, 2015. Article 5 of the Articles of Association of NORMA Group SE has been changed accordingly. Conditional Capital The Management Board is authorized to issue, with the Super- visory Board’s consent, once or repeatedly on or before May 19, 2020, bearer or registered convertible bonds and / or bonds with warrants and / or participation rights carrying a conversion or option right and / or conversion or option obligation (or a combination of these instruments) in a total nominal amount of up to EUR 200,000,000 with or without a limited maturity term (hereinafter referred to collectively as ‘bonds’) and to grant the creditors of bonds conversion / option rights and / or lay down for the creditors of bonds conversion / option obligations to sub- scribe to a total of up to 3,186,240 new registered shares of the Company with a pro rata amount of the share capital of a total of up to EUR 3,186,240 in accordance with the terms and conditions of the bonds. The share capital of the Company is conditionally increased by up to EUR 3,186,240 through an issuance of up to 3,186,240 new registered shares (Conditional Capital 2015). The purpose of the Conditional Capital 2015 is to issue shares to the creditors of convertible bonds and / or bonds with war- rants and / or participation rights carrying an option / conversion right and / or a conversion / option obligation (or a combination of such instruments), which will be issued based on the authoriza- tions granted by the Annual General Meeting of NORMA Group SE on May 20, 2015 or domestic or foreign companies in which NORMA Group SE directly or indirectly holds the majority of the votes and the capital. New shares are issued at the conversion or option price to be determined in each case in accordance with the respective au- thorization. The conditional increase in capital will be performed only insofar as the bearers of conversion or option rights based on the aforementioned bonds or participation rights exercise their conversion or option rights or conversion or option obli- gations that are based on such bonds are fulfilled, and insofar as the conversion or option rights and / or conversion or option obligations are not satisfied through own shares, shares from authorized capital or other consideration. Consolidated Management ReportCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS100 The new shares will participate in the profit as of the beginning of the fiscal year in which they are issued; notwithstanding the above, the Management Board may, if permitted by law, resolve with the consent of the Supervisory Board that the new shares be able to participate in the profit as of the beginning of an ear- lier fiscal year for which, at the time of their issue, the Annual General Meeting has not yet resolved on the appropriation of the net retained profit. The authorization of the Management Board to issue warrants and convertible bonds and participation rights with warrants and convertible rights and the Conditional Capital 2011 resolved by the Annual General Meeting on April 6, 2011 were cancelled by shareholder resolution on May 20, 2015. Article 6 of the Ar- ticles of Association of NORMA Group SE has been amended accordingly. Authorization to acquire own shares Pursuant to the resolution of the Annual General Meeting on May 20, 2015, NORMA Group SE is authorized to acquire up to a total of 10% of its own share capital at the time at which the resolution was adopted or – in the event that this value is lower – at the time that the authorization is exercised via the stock exchange or via a public purchase offer on or before May 19, 2020 for any permissible purpose. This authorization may be exercised by NORMA Group SE in whole or in partial amounts, once or repeatedly, in pursuit of one or more purposes, but also be carried out by companies that are dependent on NORMA Group SE or in which NORMA Group SE holds a majority of the shares, or on its or their account. If the shares are acquired on the stock exchange, the equivalent value per share that is paid (without ancillary acquisition costs) may not exceed the price of the share in NORMA Group SE in the Xetra trading system (or a comparable successor system), as determined on the trading day in Frankfurt / Main by the opening auction, by more than 10% and not fall below it by more than 20%. If the acquisition is effected by way of a public purchase offer, the purchase price offered or the threshold values of the purchase price margin (without ancillary acquisition costs) may not exceed the closing price of the NORMA Group SE share in the Xetra trading system (or a comparable successor system) on the third trading day in Frankfurt / Main prior to the day of the public announcement of the offer by more than 10% and not fall below it by more than 20%. Should the relevant price vary by a not inconsiderable extent following the publication of the public purchase offer, the offer may be adjusted. In this case, the closing price on the third trading day in Frankfurt / Main prior to the public announcement will be based on any adjustment that has been made. The Management Board is authorized to use shares of the Com- pany for any legal purpose, once or repeatedly, in whole or in part, and also through dependent or majority-owned NORMA Group SE related companies or through third parties acting on their behalf or on behalf of NORMA Group SE. In particular, the shares acquired may be redeemed without such redemption or its implementation requiring a shareholder resolution. The cancellation leads in principle to a capital reduction. The Man- agement Board may alternatively determine that the share cap- ital is to remain unchanged upon redemption. In addition, the Management Board is expressly authorized to use the shares acquired under this authorization on one or more occasions, in whole or in part, individually or jointly, and also by dependent or majority-owned NORMA Group SE related companies or, on their account or third parties acting on the account of NORMA Group SE as follows: • for sale against cash, provided that the price is not significantly below the stock market price of shares of the Company at the time of sale (simplified exclusion of subscription rights in ac- cordance with section 186 para. 3 sentence 4, 71 para. 1 no. 8 sentence 5 half-sentence 2, AktG, is limited to a maximum of 10% of the share capital), • for sale against payment in kind, particularly for the acqui- sition of companies, parts of companies or participations in companies, • to meet obligations under conversion or option rights or obli- gations to act or option, • to issue in connection with share-based payments and em- ployee share participation programs. The purchase right of shareholders to these own shares is ex- cluded in the event of an appropriate use. NORMA Group SE is authorized to acquire its own shares with- in the framework of the aforementioned, related to the share capital limits, and by using derivatives such as put options, call options, forward purchases or a combination of these instru- ments and to take out derivative transactions. The acquisition of shares by using derivatives is limited to a number of shares that does not exceed a proportionate amount of 5% of the existing share capital at the time. Section 315 (4) no. 8 HGB NORMA Group’s financing agreements including the contracts for the promissory notes include the typical Change of Control Clause. In the event of a takeover by a third party, the possi- bility that NORMA Group would not be able to finance itself at similarly favorable terms and conditions cannot be ruled out. Section 315 (4) no. 9 HGB NORMA Group SE has no agreements in place that provide compensation for members of the Management Board or em- ployees in the event of a takeover bid. Please see the remuner- ation report for further details.  Remuneration Report, p. 94. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016101 Report on Transactions with Related Parties Report on Transactions with Related Parties In fiscal year 2016, there were no significant transactions with related companies or persons besides the minority activities of members of the Management Board described in the Corporate Governance Report. Maintal, March 9, 2017 NORMA Group SE The Management Board Werner Deggim Dr. Michael Schneider Bernd Kleinhens John Stephenson Consolidated Management ReportCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS 102 NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016103 The world population is growing steadily and with it the challenges for many industries. The construction industry and agriculture are two of them when it comes to creating new housing and safeguarding the food supply to the population. Consolidated Management ReportPrinciples of the GroupCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS104 “NORMA Group supplies manufacturers of construction and agricultural vehicles in the heavy equipment sector. These place HIGH DEMANDS ON THE PERFORMANCE of the machines. Due to the complexity and numerous interfaces, with the motor and cooling system for example, RELIABLE JOINING TECHNOLOGY plays an important role. In order to meet the high mechanical requirements, we developed the new NORMA Quick V2 XC in close cooperation with an agricultural machinery manufacturer last year.” D I R K H A G E N K O R D A C C O U N T M A N A G E R O F N O N R O A D & I N D U S T R Y N O R M A G R O U P H O L D I N G G M B H NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016105 17 C O N N E C T I N G P R O D U C T S I N E N G I N E A N D C O O L I N G S Y S T E M S 4 C O N N E C T I N G P R O D U C T S I N F U E L S Y S T E M 148 C O N N E C T I N G P R O D U C T S I N O T H E R A P P L I C A T I O N S Consolidated Management ReportPrinciples of the GroupCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS106 NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016107 Consolidated Management ReportPrinciples of the GroupCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKONZERNLAGEBERICHTAN UNSERE AKTIONÄREINHALTSVERZEICHNIS110 Consolidated Financial Statements 178 Responsibility Statement 110 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 112 Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 113 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 114 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 116 Segment Reporting 179 Auditor’s Report 180 Further Information 180 Glossary 185 List of Graphics 186 List of Tables 189 Overview by Quarter 2016 190 Multi-Year Overview 118 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 140 Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 143 Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 169 Other Notes 176 Appendix to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 176 Voting Rights Notifications 177 Corporate Bodies S T N E M E T A T S L A I C N A N I F D E T A D I L O S N O C 110 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position A S S E T S in EUR thousands Non-current assets Goodwill Other intangible assets Property, plant and equipment Other non-financial assets Derivative financial assets Income tax assets Deferred income tax assets Current assets Inventories Other non-financial assets Other financial assets Derivative financial assets Income tax assets Trade and other receivables Cash and cash equivalents T 0 3 4 Note Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 (19) (19) (20) (25) (22) (17) (18) (24) (25) (26) (22) (17) (23) (36) 368,859 295,427 201,177 261 1,576 106 7,563 874,969 139,885 15,701 5,685 1,157 10,479 124,208 165,596 462,711 343,829 271,009 169,939 234 0 458 8,105 793,574 129,902 13,711 3,856 248 3,772 122,865 99,951 374,305 Total assets 1,337,680 1,167,879 NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 111 E Q U I T Y A N D L I A B I L I T I E S T 0 3 4 in EUR thousands Note Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent Subscribed capital Capital reserve Other reserves Retained earnings Equity attributable to shareholders Non-controlling interests Total equity Liabilities Non-current liabilities Retirement benefit obligations Provisions Borrowings Other non-financial liabilities Other financial liabilities Derivative financial liabilities Deferred income tax liabilities Current liabilities Provisions Borrowings Other non-financial liabilities Other financial liabilities Derivative financial liabilities Income tax liabilities Trade and other payables Total liabilities Total equity and liabilities 31,862 210,323 27,077 213,504 482,766 819 (27) 483,585 (29) (30) (31) (32) (33) (22) (18) (30) (31) (32) (33) (22) (17) (34) 11,786 9,668 513,105 610 1,240 2,014 101,845 640,268 9,489 42,176 31,212 1,119 167 10,087 119,577 213,827 854,095 31,862 210,323 21,128 165,600 428,913 898 429,811 11,951 10,842 443,711 1,368 681 2,510 104,380 575,443 9,972 7,056 28,653 6,019 876 9,172 100,877 162,625 738,068 1,337,680 1,167,879 Consolidated Financial Statements 112 Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Note Q4 2016 Q4 2015 2016 2015 T 0 3 5 in EUR thousands Revenue Changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress Other own work capitalized Raw materials and consumables used Gross profit Other operating income Other operating expenses Employee benefits expense Depreciation and amortization Operating profit Financial income Financial costs Financial costs – net Profit before income tax Income taxes PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax Other comprehensive income that can be reclassified to profit or loss, net of tax Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations Cash flow hedges Other comprehensive income that cannot be reclassified to profit or loss, net of tax (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (19, 20) (13) (16) (27) (22,27) Remeasurements of post employment benefit obligations, net of tax (27, 29) Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE PERIOD Profit attributable to Shareholders of the parent Non-controlling interests Total comprehensive income attributable to Shareholders of the parent Non-controlling interests 215,454 217,025 894,887 889,613 456 890 −87,561 129,239 5,033 −37,935 −58,926 −17,623 19,788 120 − 2,930 − 2,810 16,978 −1,516 15,462 15,963 12,861 3,102 833 833 16,796 32,258 15,449 13 15,462 32,281 −23 32,258 781 914 −88,354 130,366 2,488 −34,864 −57,543 −12,909 27,538 280 −3,830 −3,550 23,988 −5,503 18,485 7,169 6,607 562 −401 −401 6,768 25,253 18,510 −25 18,485 25,327 −74 25,253 244 3,318 −353,527 544,922 15,210 −141,446 −244,061 −54,624 120,001 227 −14,872 −14,645 105,356 −29,490 75,866 5,955 3,926 2,029 833 833 6,788 82,654 75,747 119 75,866 82,529 125 82,654 3,622 2,748 −365,373 530,610 11,408 −133,514 −234,616 −49,094 124,794 500 −17,709 −17,209 107,585 −33,738 73,847 18,599 18,017 582 −401 −401 18,198 92,045 73,680 167 73,847 91,911 134 92,045 (Un)diluted earnings per share (in EUR) (15) 0.48 0.58 2.38 2.31 NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income | Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 113 T 0 3 6 in EUR thousands Note Q4 2016 Q4 2015 2016 2015 Operating activities Profit for the period Depreciation and amortization Gain (−) / loss (+) on disposal of property, plant and equipment Change in provisions Change in deferred taxes Change in inventories, trade account receivables and other receivables, which are not attributable to investing or financing activities (19, 20) (30) (18) (23, 24, 25, 26) Change in trade and other payables, which are not attributable to investing or financing activities (32, 33, 34) Change in reverse factoring liabilities Payments for share-based payments Interest expenses in the period Income (−) / expenses (+) due to measurement of derivatives Other payments classified as investing activities Other non-cash expenses (+) / income (−) (36) Cash flow from operating activities thereof interest received thereof income taxes Investing activities 15,462 17,623 −150 −2,396 −4,150 18,485 12,909 150 2,000 −6,237 75,866 54,624 80 870 −5,202 73,847 49,094 72 1,374 −7,158 12,157 12,338 −11,348 −19,474 11,719 −788 0 3,722 2,392 1,650 −3,885 53,356 105 −6,953 −3,946 0 2,740 2,732 0 −1,993 32,225 27 18,580 2,279 −2,534 12,652 2,435 1,650 −754 149,198 221 10,559 5,690 −2,265 13,599 12,610 0 −9,789 128,159 84 −12,682 −21,788 −40,079 −44,228 Payments for acquisitions of subsidiaries, net (36, 40) −82,681 0 −87,623 −52 Investments in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment Cash flow from investing activities (19, 20) −15,571 −15,975 −46,974 448 −97,804 −75 748 −16,050 −133,849 Financing activities Interest paid Dividends paid to shareholders Dividends paid to non-controlling interests Proceeds from borrowings Repayment of borrowings Repayment of derivatives Repayment of lease liabilities −4,890 −4,536 (27) (31) (31) 0 −38 0 −2,598 −3,056 −77 0 −55 99,247 −83,658 −22,619 −72 −11,693 4,482 94,965 504 99,951 −12,026 −28,676 −204 188,434 −94,163 −3,485 −294 49,586 64,935 99,951 710 165,596 Cash flow from financing activities (36) −10,659 Net change in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period −55,107 217,556 3,147 165,596 −44,793 378 −44,467 −13,926 −23,897 −205 99,703 −94,076 −37,751 −294 −70,446 13,246 84,271 2,434 99,951 Consolidated Financial Statements 114 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity in EUR thousands Note Subscribed capital Capital reserve Other reserves Retained earnings Total Non-controlling interests Total equity Attributable to equity holders of the parent Attributable to equity holders of the parent Balance as of December 31, 2014 Changes in equity for the period Result for the period Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations Cash flow hedges, net of tax Remeasurements of post employment benefit obligations, net of tax Total comprehensive income for the period Stock options Dividends paid Dividends paid to non-controlling interests Total transactions with owners for the period Balance as of December 31, 2015 Changes in equity for the period Result for the period Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations Cash flow hedges, net of tax Remeasurements of post employment benefit obligations, net of tax Total comprehensive income for the period Stock options Dividends paid Dividends paid to non-controlling interests Total transactions with owners for the period (22) (27, 29) (28) (27) (22) (27, 29) (28) (27) 31,862 216,468 0 0 31,862 0 0 0 −6,145 −6,145 210,323 0 0 Balance as of December 31, 2016 31,862 210,323 2,496 18,050 582 18,632 0 21,128 3,920 2,029 5,949 0 27,077 116,218 73,680 −401 73,279 −23,897 −23,897 165,600 75,747 833 76,580 −28,676 −28,676 213,504 367,044 73,680 18,050 582 −401 91,911 −6,145 −23,897 0 −30,042 428,913 75,747 3,920 2,029 833 82,529 0 0 −28,676 −28,676 482,766 969 167 −33 134 −205 −205 898 119 6 125 −204 −204 819 T 0 3 7 368,013 73,847 18,017 582 −401 92,045 −6,145 −23,897 −205 −30,247 429,811 75,866 3,926 2,029 833 82,654 0 −28,676 −204 −28,880 483,585 NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 115 T 0 3 7 in EUR thousands Note Subscribed capital Capital reserve Other reserves Retained earnings Total Non-controlling interests Total equity Attributable to equity holders of the parent Attributable to equity holders of the parent Balance as of December 31, 2014 Changes in equity for the period Result for the period Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations Cash flow hedges, net of tax Remeasurements of post employment benefit obligations, net of tax Total comprehensive income for the period Stock options Dividends paid Dividends paid to non-controlling interests Total transactions with owners for the period Balance as of December 31, 2015 Changes in equity for the period Result for the period Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations Cash flow hedges, net of tax Remeasurements of post employment benefit obligations, net of tax Total comprehensive income for the period Stock options Dividends paid Dividends paid to non-controlling interests Total transactions with owners for the period (22) (27, 29) (28) (27) (22) (27, 29) (28) (27) 31,862 216,468 31,862 0 0 0 0 0 −6,145 −6,145 210,323 0 0 Balance as of December 31, 2016 31,862 210,323 2,496 18,050 582 18,632 0 21,128 3,920 2,029 5,949 0 27,077 116,218 73,680 −401 73,279 −23,897 −23,897 165,600 75,747 833 76,580 −28,676 −28,676 213,504 367,044 73,680 18,050 582 −401 91,911 −6,145 −23,897 0 −30,042 428,913 75,747 3,920 2,029 833 82,529 0 −28,676 0 −28,676 482,766 969 167 −33 134 −205 −205 898 119 6 125 −204 −204 819 368,013 73,847 18,017 582 −401 92,045 −6,145 −23,897 −205 −30,247 429,811 75,866 3,926 2,029 833 82,654 0 −28,676 −204 −28,880 483,585 Consolidated Financial Statements 116 Segment Reporting EME A Americas Asia-Pacific Total segments Central functions Consolidation Consolidated Group in EUR thousands 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 Total revenue thereof inter-segment revenue 459,049 27,043 445,188 29,171 390,303 8,686 403,418 8,071 84,126 2,862 81,047 2,798 933,478 38,591 929,653 40,040 35,802 35,802 31,620 31,620 −74,393 −74,393 −71,660 −71,660 894,887 889,613 0 0 Revenue from external customers 432,006 416,017 381,617 395,347 81,264 78,249 894,887 889,613 0 0 0 0 894,887 889,613 T 0 3 8 Contribution to consolidated Group sales Adjusted gross profit 1 Adjusted EBITDA 1 Adjusted EBITDA margin 1, 2 Depreciation without PPA depreciation 3 Adjusted EBITA 1 Adjusted EBITA margin 1, 2 Assets 4 Liabilities 5 CAPE X Number of employees 6 48% 271,116 93,677 20.4% −10,225 83,452 18.2% 556,935 184,247 19,988 2,950 47% 261,322 88,025 19.8% −9,964 78,061 17.5% 489,161 136,903 14,425 2,756 43% 235,941 83,055 21.3% −7,871 75,184 19.3% 673,203 354,953 16,921 1,439 44% 237,376 87,571 21.7% −7,872 79,699 19.8% 636,294 358,563 17,752 1,399 9% 41,000 11,681 13.9% −2,683 8,998 10.7% 119,283 34,804 5,526 780 9% 36,762 10,133 12.5% −2,463 7,670 9.5% 84,422 30,805 5,597 767 1 For details regarding the adjustments, please refer to  Note 7. 2 Based on segment sales. 3 Depreciation from purchase price allocations. 4 Including allocated goodwill, taxes are shown within the column “consolidation.” 5 Taxes are shown within the column “consolidation.” 6 Number of employees (average headcount). 100% 548,057 188,413 −20,779 167,634 1,349,421 574,004 42,435 5,169 100% 535,460 185,729 −20,299 165,430 1,209,877 526,271 37,774 4,922 n /a −8,568 −1,113 −9,681 474,932 672,332 5,452 97 n /a −8,017 −884 −8,901 404,821 556,760 4,392 84 −2,500 −468 0 −468 −486,673 −392,241 n /a n /a −2,378 −233 0 −233 −446,819 −344,963 n /a n /a 545,557 179,377 20.0% −21,892 157,485 17.6% 1,337,680 854,095 47,887 5,266 533,082 177,479 20.0% −21,183 156,296 17.6% 1,167,879 738,068 42,166 5,006 NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 Segment Reporting 117 T 0 3 8 EME A Americas Asia-Pacific Total segments Central functions Consolidation Consolidated Group in EUR thousands 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 2016 2015 Total revenue thereof inter-segment revenue 459,049 27,043 445,188 29,171 390,303 8,686 403,418 8,071 84,126 2,862 81,047 2,798 933,478 38,591 929,653 40,040 35,802 35,802 31,620 31,620 −74,393 −74,393 −71,660 −71,660 894,887 889,613 0 0 Revenue from external customers 432,006 416,017 381,617 395,347 81,264 78,249 894,887 889,613 0 0 0 0 894,887 889,613 Contribution to consolidated Group sales Adjusted gross profit 1 Adjusted EBITDA 1 Adjusted EBITDA margin 1, 2 Depreciation without PPA depreciation 3 Adjusted EBITA 1 Adjusted EBITA margin 1, 2 Assets 4 Liabilities 5 CAPE X Number of employees 6 48% 271,116 93,677 20.4% −10,225 83,452 18.2% 556,935 184,247 19,988 2,950 47% 261,322 88,025 19.8% −9,964 78,061 17.5% 489,161 136,903 14,425 2,756 43% 235,941 83,055 21.3% −7,871 75,184 19.3% 673,203 354,953 16,921 1,439 44% 237,376 87,571 21.7% −7,872 79,699 19.8% 636,294 358,563 17,752 1,399 9% 41,000 11,681 13.9% −2,683 8,998 10.7% 119,283 34,804 5,526 780 9% 36,762 10,133 12.5% −2,463 7,670 9.5% 84,422 30,805 5,597 767 100% 548,057 188,413 −20,779 167,634 1,349,421 574,004 42,435 5,169 100% 535,460 185,729 −20,299 165,430 1,209,877 526,271 37,774 4,922 n /a −8,568 −1,113 −9,681 474,932 672,332 5,452 97 n /a −8,017 −884 −8,901 404,821 556,760 4,392 84 −2,500 −468 0 −468 −486,673 −392,241 n /a n /a −2,378 −233 0 −233 −446,819 −344,963 n /a n /a 545,557 179,377 20.0% −21,892 157,485 17.6% 1,337,680 854,095 47,887 5,266 533,082 177,479 20.0% −21,183 156,296 17.6% 1,167,879 738,068 42,166 5,006 Consolidated Financial Statements 118 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 1. GENER AL INFOR M ATION NORMA Group SE is the ultimate parent Company of NORMA Group. Its headquarters are located at 63477 Maintal, Edison- strasse 4 in the vicinity of Frankfurt, Germany, and the Compa- ny is registered in the commercial register of Hanau under the number HRB 94473. NORMA Group SE and its affiliated Group subsidiaries operate in the market as ‘NORMA Group.’ NORMA Group has been listed in the Prime Standard of Frank- furt Stock Exchange’s Regulated Market since April 8, 2011. For a detailed overview of NORMA Group’s shareholdings, please refer to the  Appendix to the Notes: ‘Voting Rights.’ NORMA Group SE was established in 2006 as a result of the merger of Rasmussen GmbH and the ABA Group. Rasmussen was founded in 1949 as Rasmussen GmbH in Germany. It man- ufactured connecting and retaining elements as well as fluid conveying conduits such as monolayer and multilayer tubes and corrugated tubes. All products were marketed globally under the NORMA brand. ABA Group was founded in 1896 in Sweden. The Group has since developed into a leading multi-national compa- ny specializing in the design and production of hose and pipe clamps, as well as connectors for many world-wide applications. In past decades, NORMA Group has, driven by its successful acquisitions and continuous technological innovation with prod- ucts and operations, developed into a group of companies of global importance. On November 30, 2016, NORMA Group acquired the Autoline business (Autoline) with locations in France, Mexico and Chi- na from Parker Hannifin. This acquisition strengthens NORMA Group’s market position with new products in the area of quick connectors and by gaining new customers. For Engineered Joining Technology (EJT) customers, NORMA Group offers tailor-made solutions and special engineered joining systems. To effectively fulfill special requirements, N O R M A Group builds on extensive industr y and applica- tion knowledge, a successful track record of innovation and long-standing relationships with all its key customers. As a result, many joining systems and fluid conveying conduits have been developed in close cooperation with global OEMs and NORMA Group. For Distribution Services (DS) customers, NORMA Group of- fers a wide range of standard fastening and fixing products. Furthermore, NORMA Group offers a broad technological and innovative product portfolio which includes brands like ABA ®, Breeze®, Clamp-All®, CONNECTORS ®, FISH ®, Five Star®, Gemi®, NDS ®, NORMA ®, R.G.RAY®, Serflex®, TERRY® and TORCA ®. 2 . BASIS OF PR EPAR ATION The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated. The Consolidated Financial Statements of NORMA Group have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Re- porting Standards and the relevant interpretations as adopted by the EU (IFRS) as well as with the regulations under commer- cial law as set forth in section 315a of the German Commercial Code (HGB) for the year ended December 31, 2016. The Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income has been prepared in accordance with the total cost method. NORMA Group markets its products to its customers via two different market channels: Engineered Joining Technology (EJT) and Distribution Services (DS). The Consolidated Financial Statements of NORMA Group SE were prepared by the Management Board on March 9, 2017, and released for publication after they were approved by the Supervisory Board on March 20, 2017. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016119 The Consolidated Financial Statements of NORMA Group are being filed with and published in the German Federal Gazette (Bundesanzeiger). Financial Statements are disclosed in  Note 6 ‘Critical Ac- counting Estimates and Judgments.’ The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgment in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies. The areas involv- ing a higher degree of judgment or complexity or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the Consolidated New and amended standards adopted by the Group for the first time in 2016 The following new standards or amendments to standards which were applied for the first time for the fiscal year be- ginning January 1, 2016, did not have a material impact on NORMA Group’s financial position, cash flows and financial performance. N E W A N D A M E N D E D S TA N D A R D S A D O P T E D B Y T H E G R O U P F O R T H E F I R S T T I M E T 0 3 9 New or revised standard Amendments Amendments to IAS 19: Defined Benefit Plans: Employee Contributions IAS 19 requires an entity to consider contributions from employees or third parties when accounting for defined benefit plans. The amendments clarify that, if the amount of the contributions is independent of the number of years of service, an entity is permitted to recognize such contributions as a reduction in the service cost in the period in which the service is rendered, instead of allocating the contributions to the periods of service. Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38: Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortization Amendments to IAS 1: Presentation of Financial Statements This amendment clarifies that the use of revenue-based methods to calculate the depreciation of an asset is not appro- priate because revenue generated by an activity that includes the use of an asset generally reflects factors other than the consumption of the economic benefits embodied in the asset. This has also clarified that revenue is generally presumed to be an inappropriate basis for measuring the consumption of the economic benefits embodied in an intangible asset. The amendments further clarify that the depreciation of property, plant and equipment based on the sales revenue of the goods produced by them does not necessarily correspond to this approach and is therefore not appropriate since the revenue not only depends on the consumption of the asset, but also on other factors such as sales volume, price or inflation. In principle, this clarification is also included in IAS 38 for the amortization of intangible assets having limited useful lives. The presumption may only be rebutted in certain limited circumstances. These are where the intangible asset is expressed as a measure of revenue; or where it can be demonstrated that revenue and the consumption of the economic benefits of the intangible asset are highly correlated. On December 18, 2014, the IASB issued Amendments to IAS 1: Presentation of financial statements. The amendments emphasize the concept of materiality to avoid several application issues. The amendments clarify that an entity must not reduce the understandability of its financial statements by obscuring material information with immaterial information or by aggregating material items that have different natures or functions. The aim of these clarifications is to relieve IFRS financial statements of non-essential information while promoting the exchange of relevant information. Furthermore, the understandability of financial statement information shall not be limited by summarizing relevant and irrelevant information or by aggregating main items with different characteristics or functions. The amendments result in the deletion of a model structure of the notes towards consideration of company-specific relevance, whereby it is explicitly clarified that companies should take the impact on the readability and comparability of their IFRS financial statements into account in determining the structure of their notes. Furthermore, companies are expected to take the nature of their business and the methods by which the addressees most likely expect to receive information into consideration in determining the accounting policies to be listed. The amended standard also contains explanations on aggregation and disaggregation of items in the balance sheet and the income statement, and clarification as to how shares of other comprehensive income of companies to be accounted for using the equity method are to be presented in the statement of comprehensive income. Annual Improvements to IFRS: 2010–2012 Cycle and 2012–2014 Cycle In December 2014, as part of its annual improvements project, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issued Annual Improvements to IFRSs: 2010–2012 Cycle and also in September 2014, 2012–2014 Cycle, both of which propose amendments to several International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs). The amendments are intended to clarify the requirements and not to change the accounting practice. Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements120 Standards, amendments and interpretations of existing standards that are not yet effective and have not been adopted early by the Group The following standards and amendments to existing standards have been published and application is mandatory for all ac- counting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017. The Group has decided against an early adoption. 1) Standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards that have already been endorsed by the EU (with reference to each respective EU effective date): S TA N D A R D S , A M E N D M E N T S A N D I N T E R P R E TAT I O N S T O E X I S T I N G S TA N D A R D S T H AT H AV E A L R E A D Y B E E N E N D O R S E D B Y T H E E U T 0 4 0 New or revised standards EU endorse- ment date Amendments IFRS 9: Financial Instruments Nov 22, 2016 In July 2014, the IASB finalized the reform of financial instruments accounting and issued IFRS 9, which will supersede IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. The completed IFRS 9 contains the requirements for the classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities, the impairment methodology, and the general hedge accounting. Classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities IFRS 9 retains but simplifies the mixed measurement model and establishes three primary measurement categories for financial assets: amortized cost, fair value through OCI and fair value through P&L. The basis of classification depends on the entity’s business model and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial asset. Investments in equity instruments are required to be measured at fair value through profit or loss with the irrevocable option at inception to pres- ent changes in fair value in OCI not recycling. There is now a new expected credit losses model that replaces the incurred loss impairment model used in IAS 39. For financial liabilities, there were no changes to classification and measurement except for the recognition of changes in own credit risk in other comprehensive income, for liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss. Impairment methodology The impairment model under IFRS 9 reflects expected credit losses, as opposed to incurred credit losses under IAS 39. IAS 39’s ‘incurred loss’ model delayed the recognition of impairment until objective evidence of a credit loss event had been identified. Under the impairment approach in IFRS 9, it is no longer necessary for a credit event to have occurred before credit losses are recognized. Instead, an entity always accounts for expected credit losses and changes in those expected credit losses. Hedge accounting IFRS 9 relaxes the requirements for hedge effectiveness by replacing the bright line hedge effectiveness tests. It requires an economic relationship between the hedged item and hedging instrument and for the ‘hedged ratio’ to be the same as the one management actually uses for risk management purposes. Contemporaneous documentation is still required but is different to that currently prepared under IAS 39. The new standard is effective for accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. IFRS 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers The Group is currently assessing the impact of adopting IFRS 9 on the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Sep 22, 2016 In May 2014, IFRS 15 was issued which established a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. IFRS 15 will supersede the current revenue recognition guidance. The core principle of IFRS 15 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to a cus- tomer in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Specifically, the Standard introduces a 5-step approach to revenue recognition: 1. Identify the contract(s) with a customer; 2. Identify the performance obligations in the contract; 3. Determine the transaction price; 4. Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; 5. Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. Under IFRS 15, an entity recognizes revenue when (or as) a performance obligation is satisfied, i. e. when control of the goods or services underlying the particular performance obligation is transferred to the customer. Key changes to current practice are: • Any bundled goods or services that are distinct must be recognized separately, and any discounts or rebates on the contract price must generally be allocated to the separate elements. • Revenue may be recognized earlier than under current standards if the consideration varies for any reasons (such as for incentives, rebates, performance fees, royalties, success of an outcome etc). • The point at which revenue is able to be recognized may shift: some revenue which is currently recognized at a point in time at the end of a contract may have to be recognized over the contract term and vice versa. • There are new specific rules e. g. on licenses, warranties, non-refundable upfront fees and consignment arrangements. Furthermore, extensive disclosures are required by IFRS 15. In September 2015, the IASB issued amendments to this standard, which move the effective date to accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The impacts of IFRS 15 are currently being analyzed within a Group-wide implementation project. Changes within the cur- rent timing of revenue recognition could occur for long-term delivery contracts within the Engineered Joining Technology (EJT) business with integrated graduated discounts, staggered rebates or price scales. A reliable quantitative estimate of the potential effects is not possible before the completion of this project. Besides, changes to the Statement of Financial Position are expected, e. g. separate line items for contract liabilities resulting from granted customer bonuses. However, from the Group’s present point of view, the application of IFRS 15 will not have a material impact on NORMA Group’s financial position, cash flows and financial performance. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016121 2) Standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards that have not been endorsed by the EU: S TA N D A R D S , A M E N D M E N T S A N D I N T E R P R E TAT I O N S T O E X I S T I N G S TA N D A R D S T H AT H AV E N O T B E E N E N D O R S E D B Y T H E E U T 0 41 New or revised standards IFRS: 16 Leases Amendments to IAS 12: Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets on Unrealized Losses Amendments to IAS 7: Disclosure Initiative Amendments The IASB issued the new leasing standard IFRS 16, Leases, on January 13, 2016, which replaces the previous leases stan- dard IAS 17 and related interpretations. IFRS 16 sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract, i. e. the customer (‘lessee’) and the supplier (‘lessor’). The new standard affects particularly lessees, as almost all leases will be recognized on the lessee’s balance sheet. The lessor accounting requirements in IAS 17 will be substantially carried forward by IFRS 16. IFRS 16 eliminates, with only few exceptions, the dis- tinction between finance and operating leases for lessees. Instead, the standard adopts a single lessee accounting model. Applying that model, a lessee is required to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability and depreciation of lease assets separately from interest on lease liabilities in the income statement. The lease liability includes the present value of the outstanding future lease payments plus residual value guarantees. Exceptions exist for leases with a term of less than 12 months and leases with an underlying asset of low value (primarily “small IT equipment”). Those leases are recognized according to the existing operating leases. A lessor continues to classify its leases as operating or finance leases, and to account for those two types of leases differently. The new standard is effective for accounting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. The Group is currently assessing the impact of adopting IFRS 16 on the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements. On January 19, 2016, the IASB published amendments to IAS 12, Income Taxes, which contain clarifications on the ap- proach of deferred tax assets on temporary differences from unrealized losses. The amendment to IAS 12 makes it clear once again that the determination of a temporary difference within the meaning of IAS 12 is based on the fact that the book value is realized at the time of the determination of the economic benefit that flows to the company in future periods. The existence of a temporary difference could be determined solely by comparing the IFRS carrying value at the respective balance sheet date with the tax base at that time. Future foreseeable changes in the book value are not to be considered. In addition, the amendment clarifies that the IFRS book value is only relevant for the determination of temporary differences, but not for the estimation of the future taxable profit. When determining the taxable profit, the realization of a value greater than the current IFRS carrying value is also conceivable, provided this is probable. In this context, it is also clarified that, insofar as the tax deduction limits the use of deductible temporary differences to a certain type of result, when assessing whether and to what extent deferred tax assets are to be applied, only these types of deferred taxes can be applied to these differences. In addition, the IASB makes clear that the reversal of any deductible differences is not to be taken into account when deter- mining the future taxable profit, which is used to determine the recoverability of deferred tax assets. Entities are required to apply the amendments for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017. Earlier application is permitted. The Group is currently assessing the impact of an application of the amendments to IAS 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the company. On January 29, 2016, the IASB published amendments to IAS 7, Cash Flow Statement, which are intended to improve information on financing and liquidity of companies. In particular, the financial statements should enable users of financial statements to evaluate changes in liabilities arising from financing activities. To achieve this objective, the IASB requires that the following changes in liabilities arising from financing activities are disclosed (to the extent necessary): changes from financing cash flows, changes arising from obtaining or losing control of subsidiaries or other businesses; the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates, changes in fair values; and other changes. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017. Earlier application is permitted. The Group does not expect any material effects on the Consolidated Financial Statements from the amendments. Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements122 New or revised standards Amendments Amendments to IFRS 15: Clarifications to IFRS 15 On April 12, 2016, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) published final clarifications to IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers. The amendments contain clarifications on various provisions of IFRS 15 and simplifications regarding the transition to the new standard. Amendments to IFRS 2: Clarification on: Valuation, Classification and Modification The clarifications concern the identification of the performance obligations from a contract, the assessment of whether a company is the principal or agent of a business transaction, and the assessment of whether revenues from a granted license are to be taken on a time or period basis. In addition to the clarifications, the amendment standard provides two further simplifications to reduce the complexity and cost of switching to the new standard. These relate to options for the presentation of contracts which are concluded either at the beginning of the earliest period shown or which have been changed before the start of the earliest period. The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, which is the same effec- tive date as that of IFRS 15. Earlier application is permitted. On June 20, 2016, the IASB issued amendments to IFRS 2, Share-based Payment, clarifying how to account for certain types of share-based payment transactions. The amendments provide requirements on the accounting for the following areas: Consideration of conditions of performance (terms of service, market conditions and other performance condi- tions) within the framework of the valuation of cash settled share-based payments. Under the new regulations, market conditions and non-exercisable conditions must be taken into account when estimating the fair value. Service conditions and other performance conditions must be considered when estimating the number of awards expected to vest. Classification of share-based payment transactions with a net settlement feature for withholding tax obligations. If a company reduces the number of equity instruments to be delivered otherwise because it is obliged to withhold the number of equity instruments equal to the monetary value of the employee’s tax obligation, and if this net compensation is provided for in the contract, the remuneration is – in spite of this partial payment – classified in its entirety as an equity-set- tled share-based payment transaction. Accounting for a modification in the terms and conditions of a share-based payment that changes the transaction from cash-settled to equity-settled. The equity-settled share-based payment is recognized at the modification date fair value of the equity instrument granted to the extent that services have been rendered up to the modification date. The cash-settled award is remeasured, with any difference recognized in the income statement before the remeasured liability is reclassified into equity. Entities are required to apply the amendments for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. Early application is permitted. The Group is currently examining the effects of applying IFRS 2 to its consolidated financial statements. In December 2016, the IASB conducted the cycle as part of the Annual Improvement Project 2014–2016, which provides vari- ous amendments to existing standards. The cycle: 2014–2016 contains clarifications for three standards, IFRS 1, IFRS 12 and IAS 28. The amendments to IFRS 1 and IAS 28 are effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, the amendment to IFRS 12 for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017. The amendments are intended for clarification purposes and not for any fundamental changes in accounting practice. As a result, the Group does not expect any material effects on the Consolidated Financial Statements. 3 . SUMM ARY OF SIG NIFICA NT ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES 1. Consolidation (a) Subsidiaries Subsidiaries are all entities (including structured entities) over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Consolidation of an investee begins from the date the Group obtains control of the investee and ceases when the Group loses control of the investee. The IASB has published a number of other pronouncements. These recently translated accounting pronouncements as well as the pronouncements which have not yet been implemented have no material effect on the consolidated financial statements of NORMA Group. The Group uses the acquisition method of accounting to ac- count for business combinations. The initial value for the ac- quisition of a subsidiary is recognized at fair value of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred and the equity interests issued NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 123 by the Group. The initial value recognized includes the fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement. On the acquisition date, the fair value of the con- tingent consideration is recognized as part of the consideration transferred in exchange for the acquiree. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair value on the ac- quisition date. According to IFRS 3, for each business combi- nation the acquirer shall measure any non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair value (full goodwill method) or at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the acquiree’s net assets. The Group measures the non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the acquiree’s net assets. The excess of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the acquisition date fair value of any previous equity interest in the acquiree over the fair value of the Group’s share of the identifiable net assets acquired, is recorded as goodwill. If this is less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired in the case of a bargain purchase, the difference is recognized immediately in the statement of comprehensive income. In a business combination achieved in stages, the Group remea- sures its previously held equity interest in the acquiree at its acquisition date fair value and recognizes the resulting gain or loss, if any, in profit or loss. Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealized gains or losses on transactions between Group companies are elimi- nated. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies ad- opted by the Group. (b) Non-controlling interests Non-controlling interests have a share in the earnings of the re- porting period. Their interests in the shareholders’ equity of sub- sidiaries are reported separately from the equity of the Group. The Group treats transactions with non-controlling interests that do not result in a loss of control as transactions with equity owners of the Group. For purchases from non-controlling in- terests, the difference between any consideration paid and the relevant share acquired of the carrying value of net assets of the subsidiary is recorded in equity. (c) Disposal of subsidiaries When the Group ceases to have control, any retained interest in the subsidiary is remeasured at its fair value, with the change in the carrying amount recognized in profit or loss. The initial carry- ing amount is the fair value for the purposes of subsequently ac- counting for the retained interest as an associate, joint venture or financial asset. In addition, any amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income in respect of that entity are account- ed for as if the Group had directly disposed of the related assets or liabilities. This may mean that amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss. Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements124 2. Valuation methods The following table shows the most important valuation methods: VA L U AT I O N M E T H O D S T 0 4 2 Position Assets Goodwill Valuation method Impairment-only approach Other intangible assets (except goodwill) – finite useful lives Amortized costs Other intangible assets (except goodwill) – indefinite useful lives Impairment-only approach Property, plant and equipment Derivative financial assets: Classified as cash flow hedge Classified as fair value hedge Without hedge accounting Inventories Other non-financial assets Other financial assets Trade and other receivables Cash and cash equivalents Liabilities Pensions Other provisions Borrowings Other non-financial liabilities Other financial liabilities (categories IAS 39): Financial liabilities at cost (FL AC) Derivative financial liabilities: Classified as cash flow hedge Classified as fair value hedge Without hedge accounting Contingent consideration Trade and other payables Amortized costs At fair value in other comprehensive income At fair value through profit or loss At fair value through profit or loss Lower of cost or net realizable value Amortized costs Amortized costs Amortized costs Nominal amount Projected unit credit method Present value of future settlement amount Amortized costs Amortized costs Amortized costs At fair value in other comprehensive income At fair value through profit or loss At fair value through profit or loss At fair value through profit or loss Amortized costs 3. Fair value estimation The amendment to IFRS 7 for financial instruments that are measured in the statement of financial position at fair value in accordance with IFRS 13 requires disclosure of fair value mea- surements by level using the following fair value measurement hierarchy: The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement is categorized in total is determined on the basis of the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value mea- surement in total. The different hierarchy levels demand different amounts of disclosure. Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for iden- tical assets or liabilities, Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either di- rectly (that is as prices) or indirectly (that is derived from prices), and On December 31, 2016, and 2015, the Group’s derivative finan- cial instruments carried in the statement of financial position at fair value (e. g. derivatives used for hedging) are categorized in total within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of interest rate swaps is calculated as the present value of the estimated future cash flows. The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts is determined using a present value model based on forward exchange rates. Level 3: Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (that is unobservable inputs). Contingent considerations recognized in the balance sheet as of December 31, 2015, measured at fair value, are within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.  Note 21 ‘Financial Instruments.’ NORMA Group SE Annual Report 20164. Foreign currency translation E X C H A N G E R AT E S T 0 4 3 125 (a) Functional and presentation currency Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary eco- nomic environment in which the entity operates (‘the functional currency’). The Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in ‘euros’ (EUR), which is NORMA Group SE’s functional and the Group’s presentation currency. (b) Transactions and balances Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the actual exchange rates on the dates of the transactions or valuation where items are remeasured. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in profit or loss. Foreign exchange gains and losses that relate to borrowings and cash and cash equivalents are presented in profit or loss within ‘financial income / costs.’ All other foreign exchange gains and losses are presented in profit or loss within ‘other operating income / expenses.’ (c) Group companies The results and financial position of all the Group entities (none of which has the currency of a hyper-inflationary economy) that have a functional currency different from the presentation cur- rency are translated into the presentation currency as follows: • Assets and liabilities for each Consolidated Statement of Financial Position presented are translated at the closing rate on the date of that Consolidated Statement of Financial Position; • income and expenses are translated at average exchange rates (unless this average is not a reasonable approxima- tion of the cumulative effect of the rates prevailing on the transaction dates, in which case income and expenses are translated at the actual rate on the dates of the transac- tions); and all resulting exchange differences are recognized as a separate component of equity. • Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising through the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabil- ities of the foreign entity and translated at the closing rate. The exchange rates of the currencies affecting foreign currency translation are as follows: Spot rate Average rate per EUR Australian dollar Brazilian real Chinese renminbi yuan Swiss franc Czech koruna Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 2016 2015 1.4596 3.4305 7.3202 1.0739 1.4897 4.3117 7.0608 1.0835 1.4885 3.8611 7.3501 1.0900 1.4773 3.6935 6.9747 1.0679 27.0210 27.0230 27.0344 27.2832 British pound sterling 0.8562 0.7340 0.8189 0.7262 Indian rupee 71.5935 72.0215 74.3474 71.1975 Japanese yen 123.4000 131.0700 120.3107 134.3315 South Korean won 1,269.3600 1,280.7800 1,284.3540 1,256.0469 Malaysian ringgit 4.7287 4.6959 4.5843 4.3318 Mexican peso Polish złoty Serbian dinar Russian ruble Swedish krona Singapore dollar Thai baht Turkish lira US dollar 21.7719 18.9145 20.6641 17.6063 4.4103 4.2639 4.3628 4.1827 123.3860 121.5970 123.0988 120.6521 64.3000 80.6736 74.1911 67.9736 9.5525 1.5234 9.1895 1.5417 9.4676 1.5275 9.3539 1.5251 37.7260 39.2480 39.0434 38.0130 3.7072 1.0541 3.1765 1.0887 3.3426 1.1067 3.0231 1.1100 5. Intangible assets (a) Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the net identifiable assets of the acquired subsidiary on the date of acquisition. Goodwill on acquisitions of subsidiaries is included in ‘intangible assets.’ Goodwill is tested annually for impairment and carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Impairment losses on goodwill are not reversed. Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of impairment testing. The allocation is made to those cash-generat- ing units or groups of cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the business combination in which the goodwill arose. (b) Development costs Costs of research activities undertaken with the prospect of gaining new scientific or technical knowledge and understand- ing are expensed as incurred. Costs for development activities, whereby research findings are applied to a plan or design for the production of new or substantially improved products and pro- cesses, are capitalized if development costs can be measured reliably, the product or process is technically and commercially feasible, future economic benefits are probable. Furthermore, NORMA Group intends, and has sufficient resourc- es, to complete development and use or sell the asset. The costs capitalized include the cost of materials, direct labor and Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 126 other directly attributable expenditure that serves to prepare the asset for use. Such capitalized costs are included in profit or loss in line ‘own work capitalized.’ Capitalized development costs are stated at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment losses with an amortization period of generally three to five years. Development costs which did not meet the require- ments are expensed as incurred. (c) Other intangible assets Separately acquired other intangible assets are shown at his- torical cost less accumulated amortization. Intangible assets acquired in a business combination are recognized at fair value on the acquisition date. Other intangible assets which have a finite useful life will be amortized over their estimated useful life. Amortization is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate their cost. Other intangible assets which are deter- mined to have indefinite useful lives as well as intangible assets not yet available for use are not amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually. Furthermore, other intangible assets which are determined to have indefinite useful life and therefore are not amortized, will be reviewed each period to de- termine whether events and circumstances continue to support an indefinite useful life assessment for these assets. In general, the Group’s other intangibles are not qualifying as- sets in accordance with IAS 23 and borrowing costs eligible for capitalization therefore do not exist. The useful lives of other intangible assets acquired in a business combination are estimates based on the economics of each specific asset which were determined in the process of the purchase price allocation. The major part of these assets are brand names and customer lists. The estimated useful lives for other intangible assets are as follows: • Patents: 5 to 10 years • Customer lists: 4 to 20 years • Technology: 10 to 20 years • Licenses, rights: 3 to 5 years • Trademarks: indefinite or 20 years • Software: 3 to 5 years • Development costs: 3 to 5 years Other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are essentially brand names, for which the end of usability is not foreseeable and therefore indeterminable. These brand names result from acquisitions. For these brand names an indefinite useful life is assumed. Based on a market perspective, there are no clear indications for a definite useful life of these brand names as they have been well-established in the market for many years. 6. Property, plant and equipment All property, plant and equipment are stated at historical cost less depreciation and impairment loss, if substantial. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the ac- quisition of the items and, if any, the present value of estimated costs for dismantling and removing the assets, restoring the site on which it is allocated. Borrowing costs eligible for capitaliza- tion in the sense of IAS 23 were not available. Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is foreseeable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognized. All other repairs and maintenance expenses are charged to profit or loss during the financial period in which they are incurred. Land is not depreciated. Depreciation on other assets is calcu- lated using the straight-line method to allocate their cost to their residual values over their estimated useful lives. The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, on each balance sheet date. An asset’s carrying amount is written down to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its esti- mated recoverable amount. Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognized within ‘other operating income / expenses.’ The estimated useful lives for property, plant and equipment are as follows: • Buildings: 8 to 40 years • Machinery and technical equipment: 3 to 18 years • Tools: 3 to 10 years • Other equipment: 2 to 20 years • Land is not depreciated 7. Impairment of non-financial assets Assets with a finite useful life For assets with a finite useful life, an impairment test is needed if there are indications that those assets may be impaired. If such indications exist, the amortized carrying value of the asset is compared to the recoverable amount, which is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. The value in use is the discounted present value of future cash flows expected to arise from the continuing use of the asset. In the case of an impairment, the difference between the amortized carrying amount and the lower recoverable amount is recog- nized as an expense in profit or loss. If evidence exists that the reasons for the impairment no longer exist, the impairment loss is reversed. The reversal cannot result in an amount exceeding amortized cost. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016127 Goodwill and other assets with an indefinite useful life Moreover, other intangible assets with an indefinite useful life, other intangible assets not yet ready for use or advance pay- ments on such assets as well as goodwill must be tested for impairment annually. A test is also performed whenever there is any indication that an asset might be impaired. Where the reasons for an impairment no longer exist, the impairment loss is reversed, except in the case of goodwill. The recoverable amount is determined for each individual asset, unless an asset generates cash inflows that are not largely in- dependent of those from other assets or other groups of assets or cash-generating units. In these cases, the impairment test is performed at the relevant level of cash-generating units to which the asset is attributable. Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated at the acquisition date to the cash-generating unit or group of cash-generating units that are expected to profit from the synergies deriving from the business combination. This also represents the lowest level at which goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes. These are the operating and reportable segments EME A, Americas and Asia-Pacific. There is currently no goodwill in the Group that can be directly allocated to an individual entity because this reflects the enter- prise value of the acquired entity regardless of the transaction. The Company normally determines the recoverable amount using measurement methods based on discounted cash flows. Brand names with indefinite useful lives acquired in business combinations are tested for impairment at the level at which a recoverable amount, which is based on the fair-value-less- costs-to-sell, can be determined. For cash-generating units, NORMA Group first determines the relevant recoverable amount as fair-value-less-costs-to-sell, which it compares with the respective carrying amounts, in- cluding allocated goodwill in the case of impairment tests on goodwill. For further details regarding the determination of the fair-value-less-costs-to-sell and the underlying assumptions, we refer to  Note 19 ‘Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.’ 8. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of completion and the estimated variable selling costs. Cost is determined using the weighted average method. The cost of finished goods and work in progress comprises design costs, raw materials, di- rect labor, other direct costs and related production overheads (based on normal operating capacity). Inventories of the Group are not qualifying assets in accordance with IAS 23, so that the acquisition or production costs do not include capitalized borrowing costs. 9. Financial instruments Financial assets Classification The Group classifies its financial assets in the following catego- ries: at fair value through profit or loss, loans and receivables, available-for-sale and held to maturity. The classification de- pends on the purpose for which the financial assets were ac- quired. Management determines the classification of its financial assets at initial recognition. In the current and in the previous fiscal year, all financial assets, except for derivative financial instruments, are classified to the category loans and receivables. Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. They are included in current assets, except for matur- ities greater than 12 months after the balance sheet date. These are classified as non-current assets. The Group’s loans and receivables comprise ‘trade and other receivables’ ( paragraph 12) and ‘cash and cash equivalents’ ( paragraph 13) in the statement of financial position. Recognition and measurement Regular purchases and sales of financial assets are recognized on the trade date – the date on which the Group commits to pur- chase or sell the asset. Financial assets are initially recognized at fair value plus transaction costs for all financial assets not carried at fair value through profit or loss. Financial assets are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows have expired or have been transferred and the Group has transferred substan- tially all risks and rewards of ownership. Loans and receivables are carried at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Impairment of financial assets carried at amortized cost The Group assesses at the end of each reporting period wheth- er there is objective evidence that a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired. A financial asset or a group of finan- cial assets is impaired and impairment losses are incurred only if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the asset (a ‘loss event’) and that loss event (or events) has (have) an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or group of financial assets that can be reliably estimated. The criteria that the Group uses to determine if there is objective evidence of an impairment loss include: • Financial difficulty of the issuer or obligor; • A breach of contract, such as a default or delinquency in interest or principal payments; • The Group, for economic or legal reasons relating to the borrower’s financial difficulty, granting to the borrower a concession that the lender would not otherwise consider; Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements128 • It becomes probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganization; • Observable data indicating that there is a measurable de- crease in the estimated future cash flows from a portfolio of financial assets since the initial recognition of those assets, although the decrease cannot yet be identified with the indi- vidual financial assets in the portfolio, including: i. Adverse changes in the payment status of borrowers in the portfolio; and ii. National or local economic conditions that correlate with defaults on the assets in the portfolio. The Group first assesses whether objective evidence of im- pairment exists. The amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows (excluding future credit losses that have not been incurred) discounted at the financial asset’s original effec- tive interest rate. The asset’s carrying amount is reduced and the amount of the loss is recognized in profit or loss. If a loan has a variable interest rate, the discount rate for measuring any impairment loss is the current effective interest rate determined under the contract. If, in a subsequent period, the amount of the impairment loss decreases and the decrease can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment was recognized (such as an improvement in the debtor’s credit rating), the reversal of the previously recognized impairment loss is recognized in profit or loss. Impairment testing of trade receivables is described in  para- graph 12. Financial liabilities Financial liabilities primarily include trade payables, liabilities to banks, derivative financial liabilities ( paragraph 11) and other liabilities. a) Financial liabilities that are measured at amortized cost After initial recognition, financial liabilities are carried at amor- tized cost using the effective interest method. In this category, in particular, trade payables, liabilities to banks and other financial liabilities are classified. b) Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss include derivative financial instruments unless they are designated as hedges and contingent purchase price liabilities. Gains or losses on financial liabilities that are measured at fair value through profit or loss are included in profit or loss. 10. Offsetting financial instruments Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognized amounts and an intention to settle on a net basis, or realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. At NORMA Group, arrangements exist which do not meet the criteria for netting in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position according to IAS 32.42, as they allow netting only in the case of future events such as default or insolvency on the part of the Group or the counterparty. The following table presents the recognized financial instru- ments that are offset, or subject to enforceable master netting arrangements and other similar agreements but not offset, as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 O F F S E T T I N G O F F I N A N C I A L I N S T R U M E N T S T 0 4 4 129 December 31, 2016 in EUR thousands Financial assets Derivative financial instruments (b) Trade and other receivables (a) Other financial assets Cash and cash equivalents Total Financial liabilities Borrowings Derivative financial instruments (b) Trade and other payables (a) Other financial liabilities Total December 31, 2015 in EUR thousands Financial assets Derivative financial instruments (b) Trade and other receivables (a) Other financial assets Cash and cash equivalents Total Financial liabilities Borrowings Derivative financial instruments (b) Trade and other payables (a) Other financial liabilities Total Gross amounts of financial assets / financial liabilities Gross amounts of financial assets / financial liabilities offset in the statement of financial position Net amounts recognized in the statement of financial position Amounts that are not offset in the statement of financial position Financial instruments Net amount 2,733 124,565 5,685 165,596 298,579 555,281 2,181 119,934 2,359 679,755 0 357 0 0 357 0 0 357 0 357 2,733 124,208 5,685 165,596 298,222 555,281 2,181 119,577 2,359 679,398 635 0 0 0 635 0 635 0 0 635 2,098 124,208 5,685 165,596 297,587 555,281 1,546 119,577 2,359 678,763 Gross amounts of financial assets / financial liabilities Gross amounts of financial assets / financial liabilities offset in the statement of financial position Net amounts recognized in the statement of financial position Amounts that are not offset in the statement of financial position Financial instruments Net amount 248 123,195 3,856 99,951 227,250 450,767 3,386 101,207 6,700 562,060 0 330 0 0 330 0 0 330 0 330 248 122,865 3,856 99,951 226,920 450,767 3,386 100,877 6,700 561,730 248 0 0 0 248 0 248 0 0 248 0 122,865 3,856 99,951 226,672 450,767 3,138 100,877 6,700 561,482 (a) Offsetting arrangements NORMA Group gives volume-based rebates to selected cus- tomers. Under the terms of the supply agreements, the amounts payable by NORMA Group are offset against receivables from the customers and only the net amounts are settled. The relevant amounts have therefore been presented net in the balance sheet. (b) Master netting arrangements – not currently enforceable Agreements with derivative counterparties are based on an ISDA Master Agreement and other corresponding national master agreements, such as the corresponding German Framework Agreement. These arrangements do not meet the offsetting criteria, because they allow netting only in the case of future events such as default or insolvency on the part of the Group or the counterparty. The table above shows the impact on the Group’s balance sheet if all set-off rights were exercised. 11. Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured at their fair value. The method of recognizing the resulting gain or loss depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged. Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 130 (a) Derivative financial instruments not designated as hedges Gains and losses from derivatives that are not designated as hedges (trading derivatives) are recognized in profit or loss. Trading derivatives are classified as non-current assets or lia- bilities in accordance with IAS 1.68 and 1.71 if they are due after more than one year; otherwise they are classified as current. (b) Derivative financial instruments designated as hedges Derivatives included in hedge accounting are generally desig- nated as either: • Hedges of the fair value of recognized assets or liabilities or firm commitments (fair value hedge); • Hedges of a particular risk associated with a recognized asset or liability or a highly probable forecast transaction (cash flow hedge); or • Hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation (net in- vestment hedge). The entities of NORMA Group use derivative financial instruments for the hedging of future cash flows and for intragroup monetary items, which are between two Group entities that have different functional currencies. Derivatives such as swaps and forwards are used as hedging instruments. The accounting treatment of a change in the fair value of hedging instruments depends on the nature of the hedging relationship. In the case of hedges of fu- ture cash flows (cash flow hedges), the hedging instruments are measured at fair value. Gains and losses from remeasurement of the effective portion of the derivatives are initially recognized in the other reserves within equity, and are only recognized in the income statement when the hedged item is recognized in profit or loss; the ineffective portion of a cash flow hedge is recognized immediately in profit or loss. Amounts accumulat- ed in other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss in the periods when the hedged item affects profit or loss. In the case of a hedge against foreign exchange rate gains and losses on intragroup monetary items, which are not fully elim- inated on consolidation (fair value hedges), gains and losses from the remeasurement of the hedging instruments as well as foreign exchange rate gains and losses of the hedged item are recognized in profit or loss. At the inception of the transaction, the relationship between the hedging instrument and hedged item is documented, as well as the risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking the hedging transaction. The Group also documents its assessment, both at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, of whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of hedged items. The fair values of derivative financial instruments used for hedg- ing purposes and of those held for trading are disclosed in  Note 22 ‘Derivative Financial Instruments.’ Movements on the hedging reserve in equity are shown in  Note 22 and 27 ‘Equity.’ 12. Trade receivables Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for mer- chandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business. If collection is expected within one year or less, they are classified as current assets. If not, they are presented as non-current assets. Trade receivables are classified as loans and receivables in accordance with IAS 39 and recognized ini- tially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impair- ment. An allowance for doubtful accounts of trade receivables is established when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the orig- inal terms of the receivables. Significant financial difficulties of the debtor, the probability that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganization, and default or delinquency in pay- ments are considered indicators that the trade receivable is im- paired. The amount of the allowance is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate. In addition to the required individual bad debt allowances, the Group will determine a portfolio-based bad debt allowance considering the aging structure for trade receivables to cover general credit risk if this is applicable. 13. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents are measured at their nominal value and include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and which are subject only to insignifi- cant risk of change in value. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. 14. Trade and other payables Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade payables are recognized initially at fair value and subsequent- ly measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The Group participates in a reverse factoring program as well as in an ABS program. The payments to the factor and from the ABS program are included in trade and other payables, as this represents the economic substance of the transactions. The full fair value of a hedging derivative is classified as a non-current asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the hedged item is more than 12 months and as a current asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the hedged item is less than 12 months. 15. Borrowings Borrowings are recognized initially at fair value, net of directly attributable transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subse- quently stated at amortized cost; any difference between the NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016131 proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognized in profit or loss over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method. Fees paid on the establishment of loan facilities are recognized as transaction costs of the loan to the extent that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down. In this case, the fee is deferred until the draw-down occurs. To the extent that there is no evidence that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down, the fee is capitalized as a pre-payment for liquidity services and amortized over the period of the facility to which it relates. Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the balance sheet date. 16. Current and deferred income tax The tax expenses for the period are comprised of current and deferred tax. Tax is recognized in profit or loss, except to the ex- tent that it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive in- come or directly in equity. In this case, the tax is also recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively. The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted on the balance sheet date in the countries where the Group’s subsidiaries operate. Management period- ically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to inter- pretation. It establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities. Deferred income tax is recognized using the liability method on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the Consolidated Financial Statements and on tax losses carried forward and not yet used tax credits. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realized or the deferred income tax liability is settled. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the deferred income tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority on either the taxable entity or different taxable entities where there is an intention to settle the balances on a net basis. A surplus of deferred income tax assets is recognized only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be avail- able against which the temporary differences can be utilized. For taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, deferred tax liabilities are recog- nized, except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the Group and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. 17. Employee benefits (a) Pension obligations Group companies operate different pension schemes. NORMA Group has both defined benefit and defined contribution plans. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Group pays fixed contributions to a separate entity. The Group has no legal or constructive obligations to pay further contribu- tions if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all em- ployees the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods. A defined benefit plan is a pension plan that is not a defined contribution plan. The major defined benefit plan is the German benefit plan which defines the amount of pension benefit that an employee will receive on retirement to depend on years of service and compensation. The liability recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Finan- cial Position with respect to defined benefit pension plans is the present value of the defined benefit obligation on the balance sheet date less the fair value of plan assets. The defined ben- efit obligation is calculated annually by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the es- timated future cash outflows using interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid and that have terms to maturity approx- imating the terms of the related pension liability. Remeasurement gains and losses arising from experience ad- justments and changes in actuarial assumptions, as well as returns on plan assets, which are not included within the net interest on the defined benefit liability, are recognized within retained earnings in the other comprehensive income (OCI). Past service costs are recognized fully in the period of the re- lated plan amendment. For defined contribution plans, the Group pays contributions to publicly or privately administered pension insurance plans on a mandatory, contractual or voluntary basis. The Group has no further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid. The contributions are recognized as employee benefits ex- pense when they are due. Prepaid contributions are recognized as an asset to the extent that a cash refund or a reduction in the future payments is available. (b) Termination benefits Termination benefits are payable when employment is ter- minated by the Group before the normal retirement date, or whenever an employee accepts voluntary redundancy in ex- change for these benefits. The Group recognizes termination benefits as a liability and expense on the earlier date of: (a) when the entity can no longer withdraw the offer of those benefits; or (b) when the entity recognizes costs for a re- structuring that is within the scope of IAS 37 and involves the payment of termination benefits. Benefits falling due more than 12 months after the balance sheet date are discounted to their present value. Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements132 (c) Short-term employee benefits Employee benefits with short-term payment dates include wag- es and salaries, social security contributions, vacation pay and sickness benefits and are recognized as liabilities at the repay- ment amount as soon as the associated job has been performed. If the refund is in a close economic relationship with the rec- ognized provision, the expenses from the provision are netted with the income from the corresponding refund in profit or loss. Income from the release of non-utilized provisions from prior years are recorded within other operating income. (d) Provisions for other long-term employee benefits Provisions for obligations similar to pensions (such as anniversa- ry allowances and death benefits) are comprised of the present value of future payment obligations to the employee less any associated assets measured at fair value. The amount of pro- visions is determined on the basis of actuarial opinions in line with IAS 19. Gains and losses from the remeasurement are rec- ognized in profit or loss in the period in which they are incurred. 18. Share-based payment Share-based payment plans issued in NORMA Group are ac- counted for in accordance with IFRS 2 “Share-based payment.” In accordance with IFRS 2, NORMA Group in principle distin- guishes between equity-settled and cash-settled plans. The financial interest from equity-settled plans granted on grant date is generally allocated over the expected vesting period against equity until the exit event occurs. Expenses from cash-settled plans are generally also allocated over the expected vesting pe- riod until the exit event occurs, but against accruals. A descrip- tion of the plans existing within NORMA Group can be found in  Note 28 ‘Share-based Payments.’ 19. Provisions Provisions are recognized when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation to third parties as a result of past events; it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to set- tle the obligation; and the amount has been reliably estimated. Where there is a number of similar obligations, the likelihood that an outflow will be required in settlement is determined by con- sidering the class of obligations as a whole. A provision is rec- ognized even if the likelihood of an outflow with respect to any one item included in the same class of obligations may be small. Provisions are measured at the present value of the expendi- tures expected to be required to settle the obligation taking into account all identifiable risks. Provisions are discounted using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision due to passage of time is recognized as interest expense. In addition to the expected amount of cash outflows, uncertain- ties also exist regarding the time of outflows. If it is expected that the outflows will take place within one year, the relevant amounts are reported in the short-term provisions. When the Group expects a refund for a provision, this refund is recognized in accordance with IAS 37.53 as a separate asset. 20. Revenue recognition Revenue comprises the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the sale of goods and services in the ordi- nary course of the Group’s activities. Revenue is shown net of value-added tax, returns, rebates and discounts and after eliminating sales within the Group. Sale of goods The Group recognizes revenue when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured, it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the entity and when the significant risks and rewards associated with ownership of the goods sold have been transferred to the buyer. The above criteria are regular- ly fulfilled if the beneficial ownership has been transferred to the customer in accordance with the agreed Incoterms. The amount of revenue is not considered to be reliably measurable until all contingencies relating to the sale have been resolved. The Group bases its estimates on historical results, taking into consideration the type of customers, the type of transaction and the specifics of each arrangement. Development contracts Revenues from customer-specific fixed price development con- tracts are recognized with the percentage of completion method (PoC method) in accordance with IAS 11 if the outcome can be reliably measured. The stage of completion is calculated on the basis of the proportion of contract costs incurred to the esti- mated total contract costs. An expected loss on a construction contract is expensed immediately. The percentage of completion method places considerable importance on accurate estimates of the extent of progress towards completion and may involve estimates on the scope of deliveries and services required for fulfilling the contractu- ally defined obligations. These estimates include total contract costs, total contract revenues, contract risks, including technical risks and other judgments. Under the percentage of comple- tion method, changes in estimates may lead to an increase or decrease in revenue. The creditworthiness of our customers is taken into account in estimating the probability that economic benefits associated with a contract will flow to the Company. 21. Leases Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases (net of any in- centives received from the lessor) are charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016133 Leases where the Group has substantially all the risks and re- wards of ownership are classified as finance leases. Finance leases are capitalized at the lease’s commencement at the less- er of the fair value of the leased property and the present value of the minimum lease payments. on a systematic basis over the periods in which the related costs are expensed that the grants are intended to compensate for. Grants related to non-depreciable assets are recognized in profit or loss as part of the other operating income over the periods that bear the cost of meeting the obligations. Each lease payment is allocated between the liability and finance charges so as to achieve a constant periodic rate of interest on the finance balance outstanding. The corresponding rental ob- ligations, net of finance charges, are included in other financial liabilities. The interest element of the finance cost is charged to profit or loss over the lease period. The property, plant and equipment acquired under finance leases is depreciated over the shorter of the useful life of the asset and the lease term. The Group’s leases include both operating leases and finance leases, which relate mainly to property and equipment. 22. Government grants Government grants are not recognized until there is reasonable assurance that the conditions attached to them are complied with and that the grants will be received. Grants related to depreciable assets are recognized in profit or loss over the periods that bear the expense related to the depreciation of the underlying assets and are recognized as deferred income in the statement of financial position. The de- ferred income is recognized in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the expected useful life of the underlying asset and reported as part of other operating income. 4. SCOPE OF CONSOLIDATION With N OR M A Group SE, the Consolidated Financial State- ments contain all domestic and foreign companies which NORMA Group SE controls directly or indirectly. The Consolidated Financial Statements of 2016 include 7 do- mestic (Dec 31, 2015: 7) and 40 foreign (Dec 31, 2015: 38) companies. Government grants for the compensation of expenses incurred are recognized in profit or loss as part of the other operating income The composition of the Group changed as follows: C H A N G E I N S C O P E O F C O N S O L I D AT I O N T 0 4 5 As of January 1 Additions of which newly founded Disposals of which no longer consolidated As of December 31 2016 2015 Total Domestic Foreign Total Domestic Foreign 45 2 2 0 0 47 7 0 0 0 0 7 38 2 2 0 0 40 46 0 0 1 1 45 7 0 0 0 0 7 39 0 0 1 1 38 In 2016, NORMA Autoline France SAS, based in France and NORMA EJT (Wuxi) Co., Ltd., based in China, were founded in the context of the acquisition of the Autoline business from Parker Hannifin. For further details, please refer to  Note 40 ‘Business Combinations.’ In 2015, Nordic Metalblok S.r.l. was liquidated and deconsolidated. For a detailed overview of NORM A Group’s shareholdings, please refer to the following chart: Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 134 L I S T O F G R O U P C O M PA N I E S O F N O R M A G R O U P A S O F D E C E M B E R 3 1, 2 0 16 T 0 4 6 No. Company Central Functions 01 02 03 NORMA Group SE NORMA Group APAC Holding GmbH NORMA Group Holding GmbH Segment EME A NORMA Distribution Center GmbH DNL GmbH & Co KG NORMA Germany GmbH NORMA Verwaltungs GmbH (formerly NORMA Türkei Verwaltungs GmbH) DNL France SAS NORMA Autoline France SAS Registered address Maintal, Germany Maintal, Germany Maintal, Germany Marsberg, Germany Maintal, Germany Maintal, Germany Maintal, Germany Briey, France Guichen, France NORMA Distribution France SAS La Queue En Brie, France NORMA France SAS DNL UK Ltd. NORMA UK Ltd. NORMA Italia SpA Briey, France Newbury, Great Britain Newbury, Great Britain Gavardo, Italy Groen Bevestigingsmaterialen B.V. Purmerend, Netherlands NORMA Netherlands B.V. NORMA Polska Sp. z o.o. Delft, Netherlands Slawniów, Poland NORMA Group Distribution Polska Sp. z.o.o. Krakow, Poland NORMA Group CIS LLC DNL Sweden AB NORMA Sweden AB Togliatti, Russian Federation Stockholm, Sweden Stockholm, Sweden Connectors Verbindungstechnik AG Tagelswangen, Switzerland NORMA Grupa Jugoistocna Evropa d.o.o. Fijaciones NORMA S.A. NORMA Czech, s.r.o. Subotica, Serbia Barcelona, Spain Hustopece, Czech Republic NORMA Turkey Bağlantı ve Birleştirme Teknolojileri Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Şirketi Kartal, Istanbul, Turkey Segment Americas NORMA do Brasil Sistemas De Conexão Ltda. São Paulo, Brazil NORMA Group México S. de R.L. de C.V. Monterrey, Mexico NORMA Distribution and Services S. de R.L. de C.V. Juarez, Mexico Craig Assembly Inc. National Diversified Sales, Inc. NORMA Michigan Inc. NORMA Pennsylvania Inc. NORMA US Holding LLC R.G.R AY Corporation Segment Asia-Pacific NORMA Pacific Pty. Ltd. Guyco Pty. Ltd. NORMA China Co., Ltd. NORMA EJT (Changzhou) Co., Ltd. NORMA EJT (Wuxi) Co., Ltd. NORMA Group Products India Pvt. Ltd. NORMA Japan Inc. NORMA Products Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (formerly Chien Jin Plastic Sdn. Bhd.) NORMA Korea Inc. St. Clair, USA Woodland Hills, USA Auburn Hills, USA Saltsburg, USA Saltsburg, USA Auburn Hills, USA Melbourne, Australia Adelaide, Australia Qingdao, China Changzhou, China Wuxi, China Pune, India Osaka, Japan Ipoh, Malysia Seoul, Republic of Korea NORMA Group Asia Pacific Holding Pte. Ltd. Singapore, Singapore NORMA Pacific Asia Pte. Ltd. NORMA Pacific (Thailand) Ltd. Singapore, Singapore Chonburi, Thailand 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 Share in % held by direct parent company of NORMA Group SE Cur­ rency Equity 1 Result 1 01 01 03 03 03 03 03 08 08 08 03 12 03 03 20 03 17 03 03 20 03 03 03 03 07 33 32 32 33 33 33 01 33 33 45 36 03 45 45 45 45 45 45 01 45 45 −2 0 2 0 2 −1 0 2 0 2 2,490 −1,328 3 684 −1,151 7,560 8,797 1,450 1,265 441 645 20,867 49,009 46,390 −105 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 kEUR kEUR 38 106,814 94.80 100.00 100.00 100.00 94.90 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 60.00 90.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 kEUR kEUR kEUR kEUR kEUR kEUR kEUR kEUR kGBP kGBP kEUR kEUR kEUR kPLN kPLN 2,175 6,542 56,306 20 47,953 25,173 3,016 1,938 2,944 32,877 6,002 1,400 2,085 5,745 126,673 32,148 99.96 100.00 kRUR 131,370 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 kSEK kSEK kCHF 79,160 201,362 7,532 100.00 100.00 kRSD 3,725,684 402,761 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 kEUR kCZK 5,813 365,575 1,978 56,979 100.00 100.00 kTRL 5,136 2,402 97.80 99.40 99.00 100.00 100.00 kBRL kUSD 100.00 kMXN 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 99.99 60.00 100.00 60.00 kUSD kUSD kUSD kUSD kUSD kUSD kAUD kAUD kCNY kCNY kCNY kINR kJPY 31,864 −7,933 8,812 1,138 40,325 226,994 76,591 112,618 23,374 98,663 13,183 8,085 157,846 40,292 179,620 358,612 129,342 2,447 318 5,966 27,962 4,868 −3,657 −765 7,231 −819 1,535 26,216 −804 −3,375 19,587 6,747 100.00 100.00 kMYR 31,609 6,622 100.00 100.00 kKRW 463,280 278,499 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 kSGD kSGD kTHB 101,926 −129 737 −657 106,560 10,957 1 Reported values according to IFRS as of December 31, 2016; except for NORMA Group Holding GmbH, NORMA Germany GmbH and NORMA Distribution Center GmbH; these values are prepared according to German GA AP as of December 31, 2016, but not yet finally audited. The values are translated with the exchange rates according to Note 3.4. 2 A profit­pooling­contract exists. 3 Including transaction tax amounting to EUR 1,650 thousand relating to the acquisition on November 30, 2016. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016135 5. FIN A NCIAL RISK M A N AGEMENT 1. Financial risk factors The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks, including market risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group’s financial risk management focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimize its potential adverse effects on the Group’s financial performance. The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge certain risk exposures. Financial risk management is carried out by a central treasury department (Group Treasury). The necessary responsibilities and controls associated with risk management are determined by Group management. Group Treasury identifies, evaluates and hedges financial risks in close cooperation with the Group’s operating units. Market risk (i) Foreign exchange risk NORMA Group operates internationally in around 100 different countries and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from the exposure to various currencies – primarily with respect to the US dollar, the British pound sterling, the Chinese renminbi yuan, the Indian rupee, the Polish złoty, the Swedish krona, the Swiss franc, the Serbian dinar and the Singapore dollar. The effects of changes in foreign exchange rates are analyzed below for financial assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. F O R E I G N E X C H A N G E R I S K T 0 47 Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 in EUR thousands +10% −10% +10% −10% Currency relation EUR / USD – Profit before tax −481 588 −1,293 1,580 EUR / GBP – Profit before tax 1,504 −1,838 1,101 −1,346 EUR / CNY – Profit before tax −532 EUR / INR – Profit before tax EUR / PLN – Profit before tax EUR / SEK – Profit before tax EUR / CHF – Profit before tax EUR / RSD – Profit before tax −99 244 285 43 729 EUR / SGD – Profit before tax −303 650 121 −299 −348 −52 −891 371 −406 −95 545 279 70 −161 −132 497 116 −667 −341 −86 197 161 The Group Treasury’s risk management policy is to hedge about 50%–90% or more of anticipated operational cash of the signif­ icant foreign currency exposures. NORMA Group has certain investments in foreign operations whose net assets are exposed to foreign currency translation risks. This translation risk is primarily managed through borrow­ ings in the relevant foreign currency. (ii) Interest rate risk NORMA Group’s interest rate risk arises from long­term borrow­ ings with variable interest rates. Borrowings issued at variable interest rates expose the Group to cash flow interest rate risk which is partially offset by hedges (interest rate swaps). The Group’s policy is to maintain approximately 75% of its medi­ um­term borrowings in fixed rate instruments. NORMA Group uses the flexibility of floating instruments for extraordinary re­ payments without any additional cost. Below, the effects of changes in interest rates are analyzed for bank borrowings which bear variable interest rates, and for interest rate swaps included in hedge accounting. Borrowings that bear fixed interest rates are excluded from this analysis. Due to the current low level of interest rates in those markets that are relevant for NORMA Group’s funding, the likelihood of rising interest rates is higher than that of declining interest rates – this has been addressed in the sensitivity analysis. In fiscal year 2016, if interest rates on euro and US dollar de­ nominated borrowings had been 100 basis points (BPS) (2015: 100 BPS) higher with all other variables held constant, profit before tax for the year would have been EUR 746 thousand lower (2015: EUR 133 thousand lower) and other comprehensive income would have been EUR 5,375 thousand higher (2015: EUR 2,074 thousand higher with 100 BPS shift). In fiscal year 2016, if interest rates on euro and US dollar de­ nominated borrowings had been 50 basis points (2015: 50 BPS) lower with all other variables held constant, profit before tax for the year would have been EUR 245 thousand higher (2015: EUR 518 thousand lower). The prior year effect of higher interest payments with lower rates can be explained as the behavior of hedges and hedged items is not fully identical with interests below zero. Other comprehensive income would have been EUR 2,786 thousand lower (2015: EUR 4,016 thousand lower). (iii) Other price risks As NORMA Group is not exposed to any other material eco­ nomic price risks, such as stock exchange prices or commodity prices, an increase or decrease in the relevant market prices within reasonable margins would not have an impact on the Group’s profit or equity. Hence, the Group’s exposure to other price risks is regarded as not material. Credit risk The credit risk incurred by the Group is the risk that counterpar­ ties fail to meet their obligations arising from operating activities and from financial transactions. Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents and deposits with banks and financial institutions, as well as credit exposures to customers, including outstanding receivables and committed transactions. Credit risk is monitored on a Group basis. To minimize credit risk from operating activities and financial transactions, each Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 136 counterparty is assigned a credit limit, the use of which is mon­ itored regularly. Default risks are continuously monitored in the operating business. The aggregate carrying amounts of financial assets represent the maximum default risk. For an overview of past­due receiv­ ables, please refer to  Note 23 ‘Trade and Other Receivables.’ Given the Group’s heterogeneous customer structure, there is no risk concentration. Liquidity risk Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining suffi­ cient cash and marketable securities, the availability of funding through an adequate amount of committed credit facilities and the ability to close out market positions. Due to the dynamic nature of the underlying businesses, Group Treasury maintains flexibility in funding by maintaining availability under committed credit lines. With NORMA Group’s IPO in April 2011, all bank borrowings were refinanced with syndicated bank facilities in the amount of EUR 250 million, of which EUR 178 million had been repaid before December 31, 2014. In September 2014, the existing syndicated bank facilities were renegotiated with the result of an updated loan amount of EUR 100 million. In December 2015, another renegotiation of the syndicated bank facilities to in total EUR 100 million in euro and US dollar led to a further improved interest profile and now better reflects the currency of NORMA Group’s cash flows (mainly US dollar and euro). After scheduled repayment in 2016, the credit volume as of December 31, 2016 is EUR 19 million and USD 83.5 million (Dec 31, 2016: EUR 79.2 million). On top of this, the term loan includes an option of an additional accordion facility in the amount of EUR 250 million and a maturity of up to seven years. In addition, a borrowing facility in the amount of EUR 50 million is available for future operating activities and to settle capital commitments, which was not yet drawn on December 31, 2016. For refinancing of the borrowing line and for M&A purposes, an additional promissory note was issued in August 2016 with enhanced conditions. It includes euro tranches in the amount of EUR 102 million with 5, 7 and 10­year terms and US dollar tranches in the amount of USD 52.5 million with 5 and 7­year terms. In the fourth quarter of 2014, an additional promissory note was issued with euro tranches in the amount of EUR 106 million with 3, 5, 7 and 10­year terms and US dollar tranches in the amount of USD 128.5 million with 3, 5 and 7­year terms. Liquidity is monitored on an ongoing basis with regard to the Group’s business performance, planned investment and re­ demption of capital. The amounts disclosed in the table below are the contractual, undiscounted cash flows. Financial liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the closing rate on the bal­ ance sheet date. Interest payments on financial instruments with variable interest rates are calculated on the basis of the interest rates applicable as of the reporting date. M AT U R I T Y S T R U C T U R E O F N O N - D E R I VAT I V E F I N A N C I A L L I A B I L I T I E S T 0 4 8 December 31, 2016 in EUR thousands up to 1 year > 1 year up to 2 years > 2 years up to 5 years > 5 years Borrowings 51,475 42,404 357,303 160,656 Trade and other payables 119,577 Finance lease liabilities Other financial liabilities 139 981 138 862 245 172,172 43,404 357,548 160,656 December 31, 2015 Furthermore, in July 2013, NORMA Group issued a promissory note valued at EUR 125 million with 5, 7 and 10­year terms. in EUR thousands up to 1 year > 1 year up to 2 years > 2 years up to 5 years > 5 years The variable tranches with 5 and 7­year terms of the promis­ sory note dated 2013 valued at EUR 49 million were repaid in advance in July 2016. For this purpose, NORMA Group made use of the borrowing facility as part of the syndicated loan fa­ cility in the amount of EUR 40 million on a short­term basis. Borrowings 15,656 48,957 327,888 108,878 Trade and other payables 100,877 Finance lease liabilities Other financial liabilities 147 5,880 138 511 13 20 122,560 49,606 327,921 108,878 NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016137 The maturity structure of the derivative financial instruments based on cash flows is as follows: or shareholder actions. If a covenant breach occurs and is not remedied, the syndicated loans may be, but are not required to be, withdrawn. M AT U R I T Y S T R U C T U R E O F D E R I VAT I V E F I N A N C I A L I N S T R U M E N T S T 0 4 9 6. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIM ATES A ND JUDGMENTS up to 1 year > 1 year up to 2 years > 2 years up to 5 years > 5 years Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience, and expectations regarding future events that are believed to be reasonable under the cir­ cumstances. As of December 31, 2016 in EUR thousands Derivative receivables – gross settlement Cash outflows Cash inflows Derivative liabilities – gross settlement Cash outflows Cash inflows Derivative receivables – net settlement Cash inflows Derivative liabilities – net settlement Cash outflows As of December 31, 2015 in EUR thousands Derivative receivables – gross settlement Cash outflows Cash inflows Derivative liabilities – gross settlement Cash outflows Cash inflows Derivative liabilities – net settlement Cash outflows −73,840 74,997 −16,914 16,747 282 41 1,253 −530 742 −983 −942 −501 752 0 up to 1 year > 1 year up to 2 years > 2 years up to 5 years > 5 years −41,919 42,167 −104,582 103,706 −626 −1,254 −932 −932 −992 −992 40 40 2. Capital risk management The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to ensure that it will continue to be able to repay its debt and remain financially sound. The Group is subject to the financial covenant total net debt cover (net debt in relation to adj. Group EBITDA), which is mon­ itored on an ongoing basis. This financial covenant is based on the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements as well as on special definitions of the bank facility agreements. There were no covenant breaches in 2016 and 2015. In the case of a covenant breach, the facility agreement includes several ways to remedy a potential breach by rules of exemption The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the respective actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities with­ in the next fiscal year are addressed below. Estimated impairment of goodwill NORMA Group tests annually whether goodwill has suffered any impairment in accordance with the accounting policy stated in  Note 3.7. The recoverable amounts of cash­generating units have been determined based on fair­value­less­costs­to­sell cal­ culations. These calculations are based on discounted cash flow models, which require the use of estimates.  Note 19 ‘Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.’ In 2016 and 2015, no impairment of goodwill, which amounted to EUR 368,859 thousand on December 31, 2016 (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 343,829 thousand), was necessary. Even if the discount rate would increase by +2% and the terminal value growth rate would be 0%, the change of these key assumptions would not cause the carrying amount to exceed its recoverable amount in any CGU. Income taxes The Group is subject to income taxes in numerous jurisdictions. Significant judgments are required in determining the worldwide provision for income taxes. There are transactions and calcu­ lations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Group recognizes liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on estimates of whether additional taxes will be due. Where the final tax outcome of these matters differs from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact the current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the period in which such determination is made. On December 31, 2016, income tax liabilities were EUR 10,087 thousand (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 9,172 thousand) and deferred tax liabilities were EUR 101,845 thousand (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 104,380 thousand). Pension benefits The present value of the pension obligations depends on a number of factors determined on an actuarial basis using a number of assumptions. The assumptions used in determining the net cost (income) for pensions include the discount rate. Any changes in these assumptions will impact the carrying amount of pension obligations. Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements138 The present value of the defined benefit obligation is calculated by discounting the estimated future cash outflows using the interest rates of high­quality corporate bonds. The Group determines the appropriate discount rate on the bal­ ance sheet date. In determining the appropriate discount rate, the Group considers the interest rates of high­quality corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the bene­ fits will be paid, and that have terms to maturity approximating the terms of the related pension liability. Other key assumptions for pension obligations are based in part on current market conditions. Additional information is disclosed in  Note 3.17. Pension liabilities amounted to EUR 11,786 thousand on Decem­ ber 31, 2016 (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 11,951 thousand). Useful lives of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets The Group’s management determines the estimated useful lives and related depreciation / amortization charges for its property, plant and equipment and intangible assets. This es­ timate is based on projected lifecycles. These could change as a result of technical innovations or competitor actions in response to severe industry cycles. Management will increase the depreciation charge where useful lives are less than pre­ viously estimated lives, or it will write­off or write­down tech­ nically obsolete or non­strategic assets that have been aban­ doned or sold. 7. AD JUSTMENTS Certain expenses are adjusted for operational management pur­ poses. Hence, the following results which are adjusted by these expenses, reflect the management perspective. In fiscal year 2016, expenses amounting to EUR 4,752 thou­ sand (2015: EUR 3,591 thousand) were adjusted within EBITDA (Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization). These adjustments within EBITDA are related in the amount of EUR 635 thousand to expenses for raw materials and con­ sumables used, which are a result of the remeasurement of acquired inventories within the purchase price allocation for the acquisition of the Autoline business. Furthermore, acquisi­ tion­related expenses in the amount of EUR 2,076 thousand and a transaction tax amounting to EUR 1,650 thousand related to the acquisition were adjusted within other operating expenses. Expenses associated with the integration of the acquired entity in the amount of EUR 223 thousand were adjusted within other operating expenses and in the amount of EUR 168 thousand within employee benefits expense. In fiscal year 2015, these adjustments within EBITDA are related in the amount of EUR 2,472 thousand to expenses for raw ma­ terials and consumables used, which are a result of the remea­ surement of acquired inventories within the purchase price allocation for the acquisition of National Diversified Sales, Inc. (NDS). Furthermore, expenses associated with the integration of the acquired entity in the amount of EUR 578 thousand were adjusted within other operating expenses and in the amount of EUR 541 thousand within employee benefits expense. Besides the adjustments described, depreciation in the amount of EUR 2,317 thousand (2015: EUR 2,237 thousand) and amorti­ zation in the amount of EUR 16,685 thousand (2015: EUR 17,257 thousand) from purchase price allocations were adjusted as in previous years. Additionally, in 2016 an impairment of capitalized customer lists in the amount of EUR 3,921 thousand was adjusted within the amortization of intangible assets.  Note 19 ‘Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.’ The theoretical taxes resulting from the adjustments are calcu­ lated using the respective tax rate of each Group entity and are considered within the adjusted earnings after taxes. The following table shows profit or loss net of these expenses: NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016139 P R O F I T A N D L O S S N E T O F A D J U S T M E N T S T 0 5 0 in EUR thousands 2016 unadjusted Notes Transfer taxes paid M&A related costs Integration costs Step­up effects from purchase price allocations Total adjustments 2016 adjusted Revenue (8) 894,887 Changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress Other own work capitalized 244 3,318 Raw materials and consumables used (9) −353,527 Gross profit 544,922 Other operating income and expenses (10, 11) −126,236 Employee benefits expense (12) −244,061 EBITDA Depreciation EBITA Amortization Operating profit (EBIT) Financial costs – net Profit before income tax Income taxes Profit for the period Non­controlling interests Profit attributable to shareholders of the parent Earnings per share (in EUR) (13) 174,625 −24,209 150,416 −30,415 120,001 −14,645 105,356 −29,490 75,866 119 75,747 2.38 in EUR thousands Notes 2015 unadjusted Revenue (8) 889,613 Changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress Other own work capitalized 3,622 2,748 Raw materials and consumables used (9) −365,373 Gross profit 530,610 Other operating income and expenses (10, 11) −122,106 Employee benefits expense (12) −234,616 EBITDA Depreciation EBITA Amortization Operating profit (EBIT) Financial costs – net Profit before income tax Income taxes Profit for the period Non­controlling interests Profit attributable to shareholders of the parent Earnings per share (in EUR) (13) 173,888 −23,420 150,468 −25,674 124,794 −17,209 107,585 −33,738 73,847 167 73,680 2.31 0 1,650 0 2,076 1,650 2,076 1,650 2,076 1,650 2,076 1,650 −535 1,115 2,076 −672 1,404 0 223 168 391 391 391 391 −127 264 635 635 635 2,317 2,952 20,606 23,558 23,558 −7,631 15,927 0 0 0 894,887 244 3,318 635 635 −352,892 545,557 3,949 −122,287 168 −243,893 4,752 2,317 7,069 20,606 27,675 179,377 −21,892 157,485 −9,809 147,676 0 −14,645 27,675 −8,965 18,710 0 133,031 −38,455 94,576 119 1,115 1,404 264 15,927 18,710 94,457 2.96 Step­up effects from purchase price allocations Integration costs Total adjustments 2015 adjusted 0 0 0 2,472 2,472 578 541 3,591 2,237 5,828 17,257 23,085 889,613 3,622 2,748 −362,901 533,082 −121,528 −234,075 177,479 −21,183 156,296 −8,417 147,879 0 −17,209 23,085 −8,210 14,875 0 130,670 −41,948 88,722 167 0 578 541 1,119 1,119 1,119 1,119 −397 722 2,472 2,472 2,472 2,237 4,709 17,257 21,966 21,966 −7,813 14,153 722 14,153 14,875 88,555 2.78 Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 140 Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 10. OTHER OPER ATING INCOME Other operating income comprised the following: 8 . R E VENUE Revenue recognized during the period related to the following: in EUR thousands 2016 2015 O T H E R O P E R AT I N G I N C O M E T 0 5 3 R E V E N U E B Y C AT E G O R Y T 0 51 Currency gains operational in EUR thousands 2016 2015 Reversal of accruals Reversal of provisions Engineered Joining Technology (EJT) Distribution Services (DS) Other revenue 535,857 354,542 4,488 894,887 540,336 344,108 5,169 889,613 Grants related to employee benefits expense Reimbursement of vehicle costs Other income from disposal of fixed assets Foreign exchange derivatives Government grants Refund other taxes Others Revenue for 2016 (EUR 894,887 thousand) was 0.6% above revenue for 2015 (EUR 889,613 thousand). The increase in rev­ enue results from organic growth and from the inclusion of the Autoline business. Negative currency effects have an opposite effect. The Autoline business, which was acquired in the fourth quarter of 2016, contributed EUR 3,479 thousand to revenue. Revenues from the Autoline business are fully allocated to En­ gineered Joining Technology. 11. OTHER OPER ATING E XPENSES Other operating expenses comprised the following: O T H E R O P E R AT I N G E X P E N S E S T 0 5 4 In 2016, EUR 599 thousand in revenues from construction con­ tracts are included (2015: EUR 1,298 thousand). in EUR thousands 2016 2015 Consulting and marketing −19,004 −16,232 For the analysis of sales by region, please refer to  Note 37 ‘Segment Reporting.’ Expenses for temporary workforce and other personnel­related costs 6,703 1,245 3,801 85 802 82 386 450 389 1,267 15,210 6,741 1,169 1,525 177 624 50 99 449 0 574 11,408 9. R AW M ATERIALS A ND CONSUM ABLES USED Raw materials and consumables used comprised the following: R A W M AT E R I A L S A N D C O N S U M A B L E S U S E D T 0 5 2 in EUR thousands 2016 2015 Cost of raw materials, consumables and supplies Cost of purchased services −326,133 −333,548 −27,394 −31,825 −353,527 −365,373 The raw materials and consumables used lead to a ratio of 39.5% (2015: 41.1%). Also in relation to the total value, raw ma­ terials and consumables used are, with a ratio of 39.3%, below last year’s level (2015: 40.8%). The Autoline business, which was acquired in the fourth quarter of 2016, contributed EUR 3,208 thousand to the material costs. Freights IT and telecommunication Rentals and other building costs Travel and entertaining Currency losses operational Research & development Vehicle costs Maintenance Commission payable Non­income­related taxes Insurances Other administrative expenses Others −25,917 −22,288 −12,228 −10,851 −9,841 −6,648 −4,883 −4,054 −2,903 −6,111 −4,043 −2,589 −4,626 −5,460 −24,602 −22,431 −11,499 −10,159 −9,566 −6,955 −2,567 −3,875 −3,928 −6,307 −2,382 −2,527 −4,896 −5,588 −141,446 −133,514 Other operating expenses for 2016 (EUR 141,446 thousand) were 5.9% higher than other operating expenses for 2015 (EUR 133,514 thousand). In relation to the total value, other operating expenses increased disproportionately higher with a ratio of 15.7% (2015: 14.9%). The increase in comparison to the prior year is partly due to the costs in the amount of EUR 3,726 thou­ sand incurred in connection with the Autoline business acquired in the fourth quarter of 2016.  Notes 7 ‘Adjustments.’ The Autoline business acquired in 2016 contributed EUR 2,115 thousand to other operating expenses. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 141 12 . EMPLOYEE BENEFITS E XPENSE Employee benefits expense comprised the following: E M P L OY E E B E N E F I T S E X P E N S E T 0 5 5 in EUR thousands 2016 2015 Wages and salaries and other termination benefits Social security costs Pension costs – defined contribution plans Pension costs – defined benefit plans −200,304 −193,174 −31,139 −11,873 −745 −29,456 −11,645 −341 −244,061 −234,616 In 2016, employee benefits expense amounted to EUR 244,061 thousand compared to EUR 234,616 thousand in 2015. The increase of 4.0% is mainly due to an increase in the average headcount in 2016 compared to 2015. Currency effects had a positive effect on employee benefits expense. In relation to the total value, employee benefits expense increased dis­ proportionately higher with a ratio of 27.2% (2015: 26.2%). Average headcount was 5,266 in 2016 (2015: 5,006). The Autoline business acquired in 2016 contributed EUR 748 thousand to employee benefits expenses. 13 . FIN A NCIAL INCOME A ND COSTS Financial income and costs comprised the following: F I N A N C I A L I N C O M E A N D C O S T S T 0 5 6 in EUR thousands 2016 2015 Due to a largely stable US dollar spot rate compared to the prior year, the foreign exchange result on financing activities shows in fiscal year 2016 income in the amount of EUR 1,617 thousand compared to EUR 11,683 thousand in fiscal year 2015. Losses from the valuation of derivatives amount to EUR 2,436 thousand and decreased by EUR 10,562 thousand compared to fiscal year 2015 (EUR 12,998 thousand). The development of losses on valuation of derivatives as well as of foreign exchange result on financing activities results from the hedging of the US dollar financial liabilities and from the development of the US dollar compared to the prior year. The hedging relationship is classified as a fair value hedge, hence the valuation effects of the derivatives and of the fi­ nancial liabilities are both reflected in the financial result. The net effect is disclosed in  Note 14 ‘Net Foreign Exchange Gains / Losses.’ Transaction costs in connection with financing are netted with the bank borrowings in accordance with IAS 39.43. They are amortized over the financing period of the respective debt using the effective interest method. The value of transaction costs recognized in the balance sheet and amortized over the matur­ ities of the bank borrowings amounted to EUR 1,467 thousand (2015: EUR 1,293 thousand). 14. NE T FOR EIG N E XCH A NGE G AINS / LOS SES The exchange differences recognized in profit or loss are as follows: N E T F O R E I G N E X C H A N G E G A I N S / L O S S E S T 0 5 7 in EUR thousands Note 2016 2015 Financial costs Interest expenses Currency gains operational Bank borrowings incl. hedging instruments −12,831 −15,144 Currency losses operational Finance lease Expenses for interest accrued on provisions Expenses for interest accrued on pensions Foreign exchange result on financing activities Losses on valuation of derivatives Other financial cost Financial income Interest income on short­term bank deposits Gains on valuation of derivatives Other financial income −21 −59 −162 1,617 −2,436 −980 −25 −22 −165 11,683 −12,998 −1,038 −14,872 −17,709 221 0 6 227 84 389 27 500 Foreign exchange result on financing activities Result from foreign exchange rate derivatives (10) (11) (13) 6,703 −6,648 6,741 −6,955 1,617 11,683 (13, 22) −2,301 −629 −13,008 −1,539 15. E AR NINGS PER SH AR E Earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income for the period attributable to NORMA Group’s shareholders by the weighted average number of shares issued during the period under review. NORMA Group has only issued common shares. In 2016, as in the previous year, the average weighted number of shares was 31,862,400. Net financial cost −14,645 −17,209 The interest expenses from bank borrowings, including hedging instruments, include in 2016 EUR 11,203 thousand from bor­ rowings (2015: EUR 11,944 thousand) and EUR 1,628 thousand are related to interest expenses from hedging derivatives (2015: EUR 3,200 thousand). The MSP tranche from 2011 was settled in cash in June 2015. Due to this payment, the classification of the outstanding tranches changes from equity settlement to cash settlement. For this reason, no dilutive stock options resulted from the re­ maining MSP tranches as of December 31, 2016, and 2015, and therefore also no dilutive effects on earnings per share. Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 142 Earnings per share in 2016 and 2015 were as follows: E A R N I N G S P E R S H A R E T 0 5 8 Profit attributable to shareholders of the parent (in EUR thousands) 15,449 18,510 75,747 73,680 Number of weighted shares Earnings per share (un)diluted (in EUR) 31,862,400 31,862,400 31,862,400 31,862,400 0.48 0.58 2.38 2.31 Q4 2016 Q4 2015 2016 2015 16. INCOME TA XES The breakdown of income taxes is as follows: I N C O M E TA X E S T 0 5 9 in EUR thousands 2016 2015 The income tax expense of the Group actually reported differs from the theoretical income tax expense based on the German combined income tax rate of 30.1% for 2016 as follows: TA X R E C O N C I L I AT I O N T 0 6 0 in EUR thousands 2016 2015 Current tax expenses Deferred tax income Total income taxes −34,635 5,145 −29,490 −41,482 7,744 Profit before tax −33,738 Group tax rate The combined income tax rate for the German companies for 2016 amounted to 30.1% (2015: 30.1%), comprising corporate income tax at a rate of 15%, the solidarity surcharge of 5.5% on corporate income tax, and trade income tax at an average rate of 14.3%. The taxation of the foreign subsidiaries is calculated on the basis of the tax rate applicable in the respective coun­ try of domicile. Deferred taxes, calculated using the tax rates which apply respectively, are expected to apply in the various countries at the time of realization. Expected income taxes Tax effects of: Tax losses and tax credits from the actual year for which no deferred income tax is recognized Effects from deviation of Group tax rate resulting mainly from different foreign tax rates Non­deductible expenses for tax purposes Tax expenses recognized in equity Utilization of tax losses and tax credits from prior year for which no deferred income tax asset was recognized Other tax­free income Tax effect of changes in tax rates regarding deferred taxes Income taxes related to prior years Other Income taxes 105,356 30.1% −31,712 107,585 30.1% −32,383 −758 −1,333 1,110 −799 0 0 149 503 1,430 587 −516 −830 1,336 1,164 276 −268 −676 −508 −29,490 −33,738 The positive effect within the position ‘Effects from deviation of Group tax rate resulting mainly from different foreign tax rates’ results from the shift in the amounts contributing to earnings from the Americas region to the EME A region. The tax rate of some countries within the EMEA region is lower than the Group tax rate whereas the tax rate of the Americas region is higher than the Group tax rate. This leads to positive effects regarding the income tax expenses. Furthermore, the average tax rate of the Americas region decreased. In 2015, the item ‘Tax expenses recognized in equity’ relates to the switch over of the MSP for the Management Board of NORMA Group and the corresponding recognition of the pro rata fair value of the options in equity  Note 28 ‘Share­based Payments.’ NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 The item ‘Income taxes related to prior years’ consists regarding 2015 of the capitalization of provisions for tax risk related to prior years. In 2016 provisions for tax risk regarding future tax audits were recognized in this item. The income tax expenses regarding the capitalization of these provisions were overcom­ pensated for by tax credits concerning the Americas region. The item ‘Other’ consists in 2016 and 2015 mainly of other income­based taxes (e. g., withholding tax) and the income­rel­ evant tax­related recognition of valuation units due to a new tax assessment of the facts. The income tax charged / credited directly to other comprehen­ sive income during the year is as follows: I N C O M E TA X C H A R G E D / C R E D I T E D T O O T H E R C O M P R E H E N S I V E I N C O M E T 0 6 1 143 Notes to the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 17. INCOME TA X AS SE TS A ND LIABILITIES Due to changes in German corporate tax laws (“SE­Steuerge­ setz” or “SEStEG,” which came into effect on December 31, 2006) an imputation credit asset (“Körperschaftsteuerguthaben gem. § 37 KStG”) has been set up. As a result, an uncondi­ tional claim for payment of the credit in ten annual installments from 2008 through 2017 has been established. The resulting receivable arising from corporation and trade taxes is included in income tax assets and amounted to EUR 459 thousand on December 31, 2016 (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 901 thousand). 18 . DEFER R ED INCOME TA X The analysis of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities due to maturity is as follows: 2016 in EUR thousands Before tax amount Tax charge / credit Net­of­tax amount D E F E R R E D TA X A S S E T S A N D D E F E R R E D TA X L I A B I L I T I E S T 0 6 2 Cash flow hedges gains / losses 2,759 −730 2,029 Remeasurements of post employment benefit obligations Other comprehensive income 1,119 3,878 −286 −1,016 833 2,862 2015 in EUR thousands Before tax amount Tax charge / credit Net­of­tax amount Cash flow hedges gains / losses 895 −313 582 Remeasurements of post employment benefit obligations Other comprehensive income −491 404 90 −223 − 401 181 in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 Deferred tax assets Deferred tax assets to be recovered after more than 12 months Deferred tax assets to be recovered within 12 months Deferred tax assets Deferred tax liabilities Deferred tax liabilities to be recovered after more than 12 months Deferred tax liabilities to be recovered within 12 months Deferred tax liabilities Deferred tax liabilities (net) 1,663 5,900 7,563 1,383 6,722 8,105 101,709 104,276 136 101,845 94,282 104 104,380 96,275 The movement in deferred income tax assets and liabilities during the year is as follows: M O V E M E N T I N D E F E R R E D TA X A S S E T S A N D L I A B I L I T I E S T 0 6 3 in EUR thousands 2016 2015 Deferred tax liabilities (net) – as of January 1 Deferred tax income Tax charged to other comprehensive income Foreign exchange rate differences Acquisition of subsidiaries Deferred tax liabilities (net) – as of December 31 96,275 −5,145 1,016 2,686 −550 93,510 −7,744 223 10,286 0 94,282 96,275 Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 144 The analysis of deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities without taking into consideration the offsetting of balances within the same tax jurisdiction is as follows: D E F E R R E D I N C O M E TA X A S S E T S T 0 6 4 ible temporary difference can be utilized. As of December 31, 2016, and also in the previous year, deferred tax assets were recognized for all deductible temporary differences because sufficient taxable income will most likely be available to utilize these deductible temporary differences. in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 In 2016 and prior years, the Group had tax losses at several subsidiaries in several countries. Intangible assets Property, plant and equipment Other assets Inventories Trade receivables Retirement benefit obligations / pension liabilities Provisions Borrowings Other liabilities, incl. derivatives Trade and other payables Tax loss carry forward and tax credits Deferred tax assets (before valuation allowances) Valuation allowance Deferred tax assets (before offsetting) Offsetting effects Deferred tax assets 4,577 214 293 2,590 909 1,474 1,059 5,481 3,131 508 3,361 23,597 −157 23,440 −15,877 7,563 4,168 430 1,810 2,733 941 1,694 1,326 3,551 3,729 329 3,514 24,225 −2,017 22,208 −14,103 8,105 D E F E R R E D I N C O M E TA X L I A B I L I T I E S T 0 6 5 in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 Deferred income tax assets are recognized for tax loss carry forwards as far as it is expected that the deferred tax assets would be utilized in the foreseeable future. The Group did recognize the following tax losses: E X P I R Y O F R E C O G N I Z E D TA X L O S S E S T 0 6 6 in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 Up to 1 year > 1 year up to 5 years > 5 years Unlimited carry forward Total 140 33 3,177 3,537 6,887 0 326 3,157 2,813 6,296 The Group did not recognize deferred income tax assets in respect of loss carry forwards amounting to EUR 12,503 thousand on December 31, 2016 (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 11,031 thousand). The expiration of loss carry forwards not recognized for tax purposes is as follows: 95,855 15,800 4,070 E X P I R Y O F N O T R E C O G N I Z E D TA X L O S S E S T 0 6 7 in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 Intangible assets Property, plant and equipment Other assets Inventories Trade receivables Borrowings Provisions Other liabilities, incl. derivatives Trade and other payables Untaxed reserves Deferred tax liabilities (before offsetting) Offsetting effects Deferred tax liabilities Deferred tax liabilities (net) 92,293 15,919 6,717 110 207 70 67 387 446 177 532 577 161 111 Up to 1 year > 1 year up to 5 years 0 > 5 years 1,506 1,200 Unlimited carry forward Total 117,722 −15,877 101,845 94,282 118,483 −14,103 104,380 96,275 Deferred income tax assets are recognized for all deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that fu­ ture taxable profits will be available against which the deduct­ 0 2,013 1,001 9,489 12,503 270 932 3,781 6,048 11,031 Regarding taxable temporary differences amounting to EUR 265,156 thousand on December 31, 2016 (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 218,660 thousand), associated with investments in subsidiaries, no deferred tax liabilities are recognized since the respective parent is able to control the timing of the reversal of the tempo­ rary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 145 19. GOODWILL A ND OTHER INTA NGIBLE AS SE TS The acquisition costs as well as accumulated amortization and impairment of intangible assets consist of the following: D E V E L O P M E N T G O O D W I L L A N D O T H E R I N TA N G I B L E A S S E T S T 0 6 8 in EUR thousands Acquisition costs Goodwill Customer lists Licenses, rights Software acquired externally Trademarks Patents & technology Internally generated intangible assets Intangible assets, other Total Amortization and Impairment Goodwill Customer lists Licenses, rights Software acquired externally Trademarks Patents & technology Internally generated intangible assets Intangible assets, other Total in EUR thousands Acquisition costs Goodwill Customer lists Licenses, rights Software acquired externally Trademarks Patents & technology Internally generated intangible assets Intangible assets, other Total Amortization and Impairment Goodwill Customer lists Licenses, rights Software acquired externally Trademarks Patents & technology Internally generated intangible assets Intangible assets, other Total As of Jan 1, 2016 Additions Deductions Transfers Changes in consolidation Currency effects As of Dec 31, 2016 379,576 228,921 2,091 26,735 54,837 40,404 9,925 15,295 757,784 35,747 38,172 1,374 16,351 9,251 27,201 3,666 11,184 0 0 15 2,513 0 550 2,899 3,350 9,327 0 17,995 286 5,372 1,245 2,431 2,199 887 142,946 30,415 0 0 −202 −73 0 0 −658 −156 −1,089 0 0 −202 −73 0 0 −630 0 −905 0 0 0 3,585 0 0 0 −3,585 0 0 0 0 64 0 0 0 −64 0 18,922 26,901 0 0 1,410 10,606 0 0 6,998 5,930 4 375 1,766 1,336 76 −118 405,496 261,752 1,908 33,135 58,013 52,896 12,242 14,786 57,839 16,367 840,228 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 890 1,227 4 224 341 880 38 −118 3,486 36,637 57,394 1,462 21,938 10,837 30,512 5,273 11,889 175,942 As of Jan 1, 2015 Additions Deductions Transfers Changes in consolidation Currency effects As of Dec 31, 2015 357,441 206,967 2,059 23,496 49,249 36,322 8,017 12,482 696,033 32,945 22,749 1,072 11,859 7,221 21,519 1,827 9,885 0 3 1 2,611 0 716 2,213 2,858 8,402 0 13,398 371 4,279 1,229 3,466 1,747 1,184 109,077 25,674 0 0 −39 −20 0 0 0 −61 −120 0 0 −39 −20 0 −1 0 −52 −112 0 0 38 129 0 0 105 −272 0 0 0 −35 0 0 0 35 0 0 −256 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 22,391 21,951 32 519 5,588 3,366 −410 288 379,576 228,921 2,091 26,735 54,837 40,404 9,925 15,295 −256 53,725 757,784 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2,802 2,025 5 233 801 2,217 57 167 35,747 38,172 1,374 16,351 9,251 27,201 3,666 11,184 8,307 142,946 Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements146 G O O D W I L L A N D O T H E R I N TA N G I B L E A S S E T S – C A R R Y I N G A M O U N T S T 0 6 9 Carrying amounts in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 Goodwill Customer lists Licenses, rights Software acquired externally Trademarks Patents & technology Internally generated intangible assets Intangible assets, other Total 368,859 204,358 446 11,197 47,176 22,384 6,969 2,897 343,829 190,749 717 10,384 45,586 13,203 6,259 4,111 664,286 614,838 The item ‘Patents & technology’ on December 31, 2016, con­ sists of patents worth EUR 12,245 thousand (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 1,903 thousand) and technology worth EUR 10,139 thousand (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 11,300 thousand). Internally generated intangible assets mainly include technolo­ gies as well as internally generated software in the amount of EUR 283 thousand. The item ‘Intangible assets, other’ consists mainly of prepayments. The change in goodwill, customer lists and patents & technol­ ogy results from positive foreign exchange differences, mainly from the US dollar area and from the acquisition of the Autoline business  Note 40 ‘Business Combinations.’ The change in goodwill is summarized as follows: C H A N G E I N G O O D W I L L T 0 7 0 in EUR thousands Balance as of December 31, 2015 Changes in consolidation Autoline France Autoline China Autoline Mexico Currency effect Balance as of December 31, 2016 343,829 18,922 16,991 499 1,432 6,108 368,859 Besides the goodwill, there are intangible assets within trade­ marks with an indefinite useful life in the amount of EUR 30,263 thousand (2015: EUR 29,301 thousand) resulting from the ac­ quisition of NDS in 2014. From a market perspective, NORMA Group assumed an indefinite useful life for these acquired trademarks, which mainly include the corporate brand NDS ®, because these brands have been established in the market for a number of years and there is no foreseeable end to their useful life, therefore useful lives are indefinite. Trademarks with indefinite useful lives are fully allocated to the cash­generating unit (CGU) Americas. Trademarks with an unknown term of use are subjected to an annual impairment test pursuant to IAS 36 on the basis of the recoverable amount pursuant to the procedure described in  Note 3.7 ‘Summary of Significant Accounting Policies: Impair­ ment of Non­Financial Assets.’ On December 31, 2016, and 2015, the intangible assets are unsecured. Impairment tests for goodwill Goodwill is allocated to the Group’s cash­generating units (CGUs) identified according to geographical areas. A summary of the goodwill allocation is presented below. G O O D W I L L A L L O C AT I O N P E R S E G M E N T T 0 71 in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 CGU EME A CGU Americas CGU Asia­Pacific 172,087 190,756 6,016 368,859 155,035 183,294 5,500 343,829 Goodwill for the CGU EMEA increased in 2016 due to the acquisi­ tion of the Autoline business in France amounting to EUR 16,991 thousand and due to currency effects. Goodwill for the CGU Americas increased in 2016 due to currency effects and due to the acquisition of the Autoline business in Mexico amount­ ing to EUR 1,432 thousand. Goodwill for the CGU Asia­Pacific was increased by currency effects and by the acquisition of the Autoline business in China amounting to EUR 499 thousand. The recoverable amount of a CGU is determined based on fair­ value­less­costs­to­sell, which is calculated by discounting pro­ jected cash flows. Based on the inputs used for this valuation technique, fair values are classified as level 3 fair values ( Note 3.3 ‘Fair Value Estimation’). These calculations use cash flow projections based on financial budgets approved by the man­ agement covering a five­year period. Cash flows beyond the five­year period are extrapolated using the estimated growth rates stated below. The growth rate does not exceed our ex­ pectations for the long­term average growth rate for the geo­ graphical area of the respective CGU. The discount rates used are after­tax­rates and reflect the specific risk of each CGU. The respective before­tax­rates are 9.86% (2015: 10.38%) for the CGU EME A, 10.30% (2015: 10.79%) for the CGU Americas and 10.01% (2015: 10.49%) for the CGU Asia­Pacific. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 147 The key assumptions used for fair­value­less­costs­to­sell cal­ culations are as follows: G O O D W I L L P E R S E G M E N T – K E Y A S S U M P T I O N S T 0 7 2 December 31, 2016 CGU EME A CGU Americas CGU Asia­Pacific Terminal value growth rate Discount rate Costs to sell 1.50% 7.80% 1.00% 1.50% 6.92% 1.00% 1.50% 7.90% 1.00% December 31, 2015 CGU EME A CGU Americas CGU Asia­Pacific the customer list was prepared which resulted in the recoverable amount being lower than the carrying amount. Consequently, an impairment charge amounting to EUR 3.9 million was recognized within the amortization, reducing the carrying amount to the re­ coverable amount. The fair value of the customer lists was determined using the residual value method based on level 3 inputs. The residual value method estimates the fair value by determining the present value of the future economic returns expected from the cus­ tomers over their useful lives. The earnings were taken from the mid­term planning (own data) as there was no other available information that indicated that market participants would use different assumptions / data. Terminal value growth rate Discount rate Costs to sell 1.50% 8.11% 1.00% 1.50% 7.25% 1.00% 1.50% 8.32% 1.00% Key assumptions used in determining the fair value of the cus­ tomer lists are: The assumptions are based on management’s expectations regarding future developments. The Group has performed a sensitivity analysis wherein the EBITA was decreased by 10%. This change would not cause the carrying amount to exceed its recoverable amount in any CGU. Even if the discount rate would increase by +2% and the ter­ minal value growth rate would be 0%, the change of these key assumptions would not cause the carrying amount to exceed its recoverable amount in any CGU. Impairment losses – acquired customer lists An impairment test on customer lists was conducted in the sec­ ond half of the year after observing a significant decrease in the related forecasted sales revenue. The reason for this reduction was attributed to the loss of several main customers (triggering event) which the management considered to be an indicator of po­ tential impairment resulting in a downward revision of the project­ ed cash flows. A new estimate of expected cash flow attributed to A S S U M P T I O N S I M PA I R M E N T Proportion of total revenue driven from acquired customers Pre­tax risk adjusted discount rate Tax rate EBITDA margin Attrition factor This figure was determined after an analysis of the current circumstances while taking into account historical and forecasted data. The WACC was calculated specifically for the subsidiary by considering its specific business risk and financial risk. The last available standalone marginal corporate tax rate of the subsidiary was used (F Y 2016). The EBITDA margin has been set in line with the expectations of the management of the subsidiary after an analysis of the market conditions. Since the useful life of the asset is 8 years, the factor is expected to reduce every year by 12.5%. T 0 7 3 98% 6.98% 21.2% 10% 12.5% Besides the afore mentioned impairment, no material impair­ ments for intangible assets or write ups were recognized in 2016 and 2015. Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 148 20. PROPERT Y, PL A NT A ND EQUIPMENT The acquisition and manufacturing costs as well as accumu­ lated depreciation of property, plant and equipment consist of the following: D E V E L O P M E N T O F P R O P E R T Y, P L A N T A N D E Q U I P M E N T T 0 74 As of Jan 1, 2016 Additions Deductions Transfers Changes in consolidation Currency effects As of Dec 31, 2016 in EUR thousands Acquisition costs Land and buildings Machinery & tools Other equipment Assets under construction Total Depreciation and Impairment Land and buildings Machinery & tools Other equipment Assets under construction Total in EUR thousands Acquisition costs Land and buildings Machinery & tools Other equipment Assets under construction Total Depreciation and Impairment Land and buildings Machinery & tools Other equipment Assets under construction Total 105,133 245,297 54,900 22,057 427,387 45,875 169,979 41,580 14 1,392 11,490 5,346 20,332 38,560 2,877 16,738 4,579 15 −31 −2,757 −1,455 1,122 12,094 1,747 −50 −14,963 1,963 11,484 136 2,332 −26 1,329 100 549 109,553 278,937 60,774 30,257 −4,293 0 15,915 1,952 479,521 −2 −2,517 −1,229 0 −6 37 −31 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 −90 457 68 0 435 48,654 184,694 44,967 29 278,344 257,448 24,209 −3,748 As of Jan 1, 2015 Additions Deductions Transfers Changes in consolidation Currency effects As of Dec 31, 2015 100,925 224,425 52,875 14,816 393,041 43,016 155,801 39,535 199 1,663 13,993 3,665 14,443 33,764 2,843 16,481 4,082 14 −163 −5,998 −2,773 −101 −9,035 −271 −5,779 −2,534 0 238,551 23,420 −8,584 889 6,136 610 −7,635 0 −98 215 98 −215 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,819 6,741 523 534 105,133 245,297 54,900 22,057 9,617 427,387 385 3,261 399 16 45,875 169,979 41,580 14 4,061 257,448 P R O P E R T Y, P L A N T A N D E Q U I P M E N T – C A R R Y I N G A M O U N T S T 0 75 On December 31, 2016, the item ‘Machinery & tools’ includes tools valued at EUR 26,222 thousand (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 17,820 thousand). in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 Land and buildings Machinery & tools Other equipment Assets under construction Total 60,899 94,243 15,807 30,228 201,177 59,258 75,318 13,320 22,043 169,939 No material impairment and no material write­ups were re­ cognized on property, plant and equipment in 2016 and 2015. On December 31, 2016, and 2015, property, plant and equip­ ment, except for finance lease assets, are unsecured. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 149 Land and buildings includes the following amounts where the Group is a lessee under a finance lease: Other equipment includes the following amounts where the Group is a lessee under a finance lease: F I N A N C E L E A S E S – L A N D A N D B U I L D I N G S T 0 7 6 F I N A N C E L E A S E S – O T H E R E Q U I P M E N T T 0 7 8 in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 Cost – capitalized finance leases Accumulated depreciation Net carrying amount 885 −49 836 630 −25 605 Cost – capitalized finance leases Accumulated depreciation Net carrying amount 74 −53 21 70 −21 49 Machinery includes the following amounts where the Group is a lessee under a finance lease: F I N A N C E L E A S E S – M A C H I N E R Y T 0 7 7 in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 The Group leases various property, machinery, technical and IT equipment under non­cancellable finance lease agreements. The lease terms for machinery and other equipment are be­ tween three and ten years, the lease terms for land and building are up to 50 years. Cost – capitalized finance leases Accumulated depreciation Net carrying amount 46 −29 17 265 −179 86 21. FIN A NCIAL INSTRUMENTS Financial instruments according to classes and categories were as follows: F I N A N C I A L I N S T R U M E N T S – C L A S S E S A N D C AT E G O R I E S T 0 7 9 in EUR thousands Financial assets Derivative financial instruments – hedge accounting Interest rate swaps – cash flow hedges Foreign exchange derivatives – cash flow hedges Foreign exchange derivatives – fair value hedges Trade and other receivables Other financial assets Cash and cash equivalents Financial liabilities Borrowings Derivative financial instruments – hedge accounting Interest rate swaps – cash flow hedges Foreign exchange derivatives – cash flow hedges Foreign exchange derivatives – fair value hedges Trade and other payables Other financial liabilities Other liabilities Finance lease liabilities Totals per category Loans and receivables (LaR) Financial liabilities at amortized cost (FL AC) Measurement basis IAS 39 Category IAS 39 Carrying amount Dec 31, 2016 Amortized Cost Fair value through profit or loss Derivatives used for hedging Measure­ ment basis IAS 17 Fair value Dec 31, 2016 n / a n / a n / a LaR LaR LaR 1,576 685 472 124,208 5,685 165,596 124,208 5,685 165,596 FL AC 555,281 555,281 n / a n / a n / a FL AC FL AC n / a 2,014 115 52 119,577 119,577 2,088 271 2,088 295,489 676,946 295,489 676,946 1,576 685 472 2,014 115 52 1,576 685 472 124,208 5,685 165,596 567,028 2,014 115 52 119,577 2,088 266 295,489 688,693 271 Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 150 in EUR thousands Financial assets Derivative financial instruments – held for trading Measurement basis IAS 39 Category IAS 39 Carrying amount Dec 31, 2015 Amortized Cost Fair value through profit or loss Derivatives used for hedging Measure- ment basis IAS 17 Fair value Dec 31, 2015 Foreign exchange derivatives FAHf T 62 62 Derivative financial instruments – hedge accounting Foreign exchange derivatives – cash flow hedges Foreign exchange derivatives – fair value hedges Trade and other receivables Other financial assets Cash and cash equivalents Financial liabilities Borrowings Derivative financial instruments – held for trading n / a n / a LaR LaR LaR 43 143 122,865 122,865 3,856 99,951 3,856 99,951 FL AC 450,767 450,767 Foreign exchange derivatives FLHf T 74 74 Derivative financial instruments – hedge accounting Interest rate swaps – cash flow hedges Foreign exchange derivatives – cash flow hedges Foreign exchange derivatives – fair value hedges Trade and other payables Other financial liabilities Contingent considerations Other liabilities Finance lease liabilities Totals per category Financial assets held for trading (FAHf T) n / a n / a n / a FL AC n / a FL AC n / a 2,510 41 761 100,877 100,877 3,472 2,939 289 62 Loans and receivables (LaR) 226,672 226,672 Financial liabilities held for trading (FLHf T) 74 Financial liabilities at amortized cost (FL AC) 554,583 554,583 62 74 43 143 2,510 41 761 3,472 2,939 289 62 43 143 122,865 3,856 99,951 461,867 74 2,510 41 761 100,877 3,472 2,939 292 62 226,672 74 565,683 Financial instruments, which are recognized in the balance sheet at amortized cost and for which the fair value is stated in the notes, are also allocated within a three-step fair value hierarchy. The fair value calculation of the fixed-interest promissory note, which is recognized at amortized cost and for which the fair value is stated in the notes, was based on the market yield curve according to the zero coupon method considering credit spreads (level 2). Interests accrued on the reporting date are included. Trade and other receivables and cash and cash equivalents have short-term maturities. Their carrying amounts on the re- porting date equal their fair values, as the impact of discounting is not significant. Trade and other payables and other financial liabilities have short times to maturity; therefore the carrying amounts report- ed approximate the fair values. On December 31, 2015, contingent considerations measured at fair value in the amount of EUR 3,472 thousand resulting from the acquisition of the business activities of Five Star Clamps, Inc. in the second quarter of 2014 are included in the position other financial liabilities. Furthermore, this position includes lia- bilities from the acquisition of NDS in the fourth quarter of 2014 NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 151 in the amount of EUR 1,622 thousand. Both liabilities are fully paid as of December 31, 2016. have been categorized entirely within level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of finance lease liabilities are calculated as the present values of the payments associated with the debts based on the applicable yield curve and NORMA Group’s credit spread curve (level 2). Derivative financial instruments held for trading and those used for hedging are carried at their respective fair values. They None of the financial assets that are fully performing were re- negotiated last year. The tables below provide an overview of the classification of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the fair value hierarchy under IFRS 13 as of December 31, 2016, as well as December 31, 2015: F I N A N C I A L I N S T R U M E N T S – FA I R VA L U E H I E R A R C H Y in EUR thousands Level 1 1 Level 2 2 Level 3 3 T 0 8 0 Total as of Dec 31, 2016 Recurring fair value measurements Assets Interest rate swaps – cash flow hedges Foreign exchange derivatives – cash flow hedges Foreign exchange derivatives – fair value hedges Total Liabilities Interest rate swaps – cash flow hedges Foreign exchange derivatives – cash flow hedges Foreign exchange derivatives – fair value hedges Total 1,576 685 472 2,733 2,014 115 52 2,181 0 0 1,576 685 472 2,733 2,014 115 52 2,181 0 0 1 Fair value measurement based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for these or identical assets or liabilities. 2 Fair value measurement for the asset or liability based on inputs that are observable on active markets either directly (i. e. as priced) or indirectly (i. e. derived from prices). 3 Fair value measurement for the asset or liability based on inputs that are not observable market data. in EUR thousands Recurring fair value measurements Assets Foreign exchange derivatives – held for trading Foreign exchange derivatives – cash flow hedges Foreign exchange derivatives – fair value hedges Total Liabilities Interest rate swaps – cash flow hedges Foreign exchange derivatives – held for trading Foreign exchange derivatives – cash flow hedges Foreign exchange derivatives – fair value hedges Other financial liabilities Total Level 1 1 Level 2 2 Level 3 3 Total as of Dec 31, 2015 0 62 43 143 248 2,510 74 41 761 0 0 3,386 3,472 3,472 62 43 143 248 2,510 74 41 761 3,472 6,858 1 Fair value measurement based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for these or identical assets or liabilities. 2 Fair value measurement for the asset or liability based on inputs that are observable on active markets either directly (i. e. as priced) or indirectly (i. e. derived from prices). 3 Fair value measurement for the asset or liability based on inputs that are not observable market data. Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 152 No transfers between the different levels occurred in 2016 and 2015. In 2016, currency effects on this liability amounting to EUR 152 thousand (2015: EUR -334 thousand) were recognized in other comprehensive income. The fair value of interest swaps is calculated as the pres- ent value of estimated future cash flows. The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts is determined using a present value model based on forward exchange rates. The contingent consideration related to the acquisition of the business activities of Five Star Clamps, Inc. existing on Decem- ber 31, 2015, in the amount of EUR 3,472 thousand was settled with a payment of EUR 3,320 thousand in the second quarter of 2016. The payment was equal to the outstanding fair value of the liability in euros calculated on June 30, 2016. The development of the financial assets that are recognized at fair value and assigned to level 3 of the fair value hierarchy is stated below: In accordance with IFRS 7.20 (a), net gains and losses from financial instruments by measurement category are as follows: F I N A N C I A L I N S T R U M E N T S – N E T G A I N S A N D L O S S E S T 0 8 2 in EUR thousands 2016 2015 Loans and receivables (LaR) −345 −2,023 Financial instruments held for trading (FAHf T and FLHf T) Financial liabilities at cost (FL AC) −1,538 −11,454 −13,337 −1,799 −11,959 −15,781 F I N A N C I A L I N S T R U M E N T S – C H A N G E S I N L E V E L 3 I N S T R U M E N T S T 0 8 1 Net gains and losses of loans and receivables comprise impair- ment of trade receivables and interest income on short-term bank deposits. Net gains and losses of financial liabilities at cost comprise interest expenses and fees from borrowings. in EUR thousands Contingent consideration in business combinations Total Balance as of January 1, 2016 3,472 3,472 Gains and losses recognized in profit (−) or loss (+) Payments Currency effects Balance as of December 31, 2016 Total gains or losses for the period included in profit (−) or loss (+), under ‘Financial result’ 0 0 −3,320 −3,320 −152 −152 0 0 0 0 Net gains and losses of financial instruments held for trad- ing result from the dynamic protection concept described in  Note 22 ‘Derivative Financial Instruments.’ Currency effects from the translation of financial assets and liabilities according to IAS 21 are shown within  Note 14 ‘Net Foreign Exchange Gains / Losses.’ 22 . DERIVATIVE FIN A NCIAL INSTRUMENTS The derivative financial instruments were as follows: D E R I VAT I V E F I N A N C I A L I N S T R U M E N T S T 0 8 3 in EUR thousands Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 Interest rate swaps – cash flow hedges Foreign exchange derivatives – held for trading Foreign exchange derivatives – cash flow hedges Foreign exchange derivatives – fair value hedges Total Less non-current portion Interest rate swaps – cash flow hedges Non-current portion Current portion 1,576 2,014 685 472 2,733 1,576 1,576 1,157 115 52 2,181 2,014 2,014 167 62 43 143 248 0 248 2,510 74 41 761 3,386 2,510 2,510 876 NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 153 Foreign exchange derivatives On December 31, 2016, foreign exchange derivatives with a positive market value of EUR 685 thousand and with a negative market value of EUR 115 thousand were classified as cash flow hedges. The notional principal amounts were EUR 21,584 thou- sand (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 5,957 thousand) and EUR 15,534 thou- sand (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 3,017 thousand). Furthermore, foreign exchange derivatives with a positive market value of EUR 472 thousand and a negative value of EUR 52 thousand and a no- tional principal amount of EUR 52,257 thousand (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 24,565 thousand) and EUR 1,212 thousand (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 77,772 thousand) were classified as fair value hedges. Foreign exchange derivatives classified as cash flow hedges are used to hedge foreign currency risk within the operative busi- ness. The foreign exchange derivatives classified as fair value hedges are used to hedge foreign currency risk of external debt and intragroup monetary items. As part of its financial risk management, NORMA Group not only employs traditional approaches, such as using so-called natural hedges to reduce US dollar exposure and rolling hedg- ing with foreign currency derivatives, but has also delegated certain parts of its exposure to banking partners. The purpose of this instrument is to protect NORM A Group against any unfavorable exchange rate developments while at the same time letting the Company take advantage of positive devel- opments in foreign exchange markets. A dynamic protection concept with variable rate hedging is used here that analyzes market trends on the basis of quantitative models and imple- ments these findings in a technical security model. All activi- ties must always follow the strict requirements of internal risk management. Foreign exchange derivatives resulting from the described dynamic protection concept are classified as held for trading. No such foreign exchange derivatives were held on December 31, 2016. Interest rate swaps In order to avoid interest rate fluctuations, NORMA Group has hedged parts of the loans against changes in interest rates. On December 31, 2016, interest rate swaps with a positive market value of EUR 1,576 thousand and a negative market value of EU R 2,014 thousand are recognized. The notion- al principal amount of the interest rate swaps amounts to EUR 95,210 thousand (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 0 thousand) and EUR 99,754 thousand (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 117,430 thousand). On December 31, 2016, the hedged fixed interest rate was be- tween 1.178% and 2.0025%; the variable interest rate was the 3-month LIBOR and the 6-month EURIBOR. The maximum exposure to credit risk on the reporting date is the fair value of the derivative assets in the Consolidated State- ment of Financial Position. In 2016 and 2015, no ineffective portion of cash flow hedges relating to foreign exchange derivatives and interest rate swaps was recognized in profit or loss. The effective part recognized in other comprehensive income excluding taxes developed as follows: C H A N G E I N H E D G I N G R E S E R V E B E F O R E TA X in EUR thousands Balance as of January 1, 2015 Foreign currency translation effects Reclassification in profit or loss Net fair value changes Balance as of December 31, 2015 Foreign currency translation effects Reclassification in profit or loss Net fair value changes Balance as of December 31, 2016 Foreign exchange derivatives Interest rate swaps Cross-currency swaps −109 −3 110 26 24 −21 −45 754 712 −2,554 0 1,544 −1,498 −2,508 0 1,628 443 −437 −716 −67 783 0 0 0 0 0 0 T 0 8 4 Total −3,379 −70 2,437 −1,472 −2,484 −21 1,583 1,197 275 Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements154 Amounts due to interest rate swaps recognized in the hedging reserve in equity will be released in profit or loss before the repayment of the loans. Amounts due to foreign exchange de- rivatives recognized in the hedging reserve in equity are current and will therefore be released in profit or loss within one year. An overview of the gains and losses arising from the hedging of fair value changes that were recognized in the financial result is shown below: G A I N S A N D L O S S E S FA I R - VA L U E H E D G E S T 0 8 5 23 . TR ADE A ND OTHER R ECEIVABLES Trade and other receivables were as follows: T R A D E R E C E I VA B L E S A N D O T H E R R E C E I VA B L E S T 0 8 6 in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 Trade receivables thereof receivables from POC Other receivables 123,901 122,781 1,525 307 1,460 84 124,208 122,865 in EUR thousands 2016 2015 On the balance sheet date, trade receivables were as follows: Losses (−) / Gains (+) on hedged items Loss (−) on hedging instruments −69 −892 −961 11,124 T R A D E R E C E I VA B L E S T 0 8 7 −11,220 −96 in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 Trade receivables Less: allowances for doubtful accounts 127,011 −3,110 123,901 126,100 −3,319 122,781 All trade receivables are due within one year. The following table shows the maturity analysis for overdue trade receivables and other current receivables that are not impaired: T R A D E R E C E I VA B L E S – M AT U R I T Y A N A LY S I S T 0 8 8 As of December 31, 2016 in EUR thousands Not past due < 30 days 30–90 days 91–180 days 181 days– 1 year > 1 year Total Trade receivables Other receivables 102,902 12,210 307 0 103,209 12,210 3,854 0 3,854 1,680 0 1,680 1,128 0 1,128 275 0 275 122,049 307 122,356 As of December 31, 2015 in EUR thousands Not past due < 30 days 30–90 days 91–180 days 181 days– 1 year > 1 year Total Trade receivables Other receivables 99,408 12,888 67 1 99,475 12,889 5,959 16 5,975 2,034 0 2,034 1,831 0 1,831 632 0 632 122,752 84 122,836 On December 31, 2016, and 2015, there was no indication that trade receivables that were not impaired could be irrecoverable. The amount of receivables that were impaired was as follows: T R A D E R E C E I VA B L E S – I M PA I R M E N T S T 0 8 9 in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 Trade receivables impaired and provided for Allowances for doubtful accounts 4,962 −3,110 3,348 −3,319 NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 155 The carrying amounts of the Group’s trade and other receiv- ables are denominated in the following currencies: T R A D E A N D O T H E R R E C E I VA B L E S – C A R R Y I N G A M O U N T P E R C U R R E N C Y T 0 9 0 in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 Euro US dollar Chinese renminbi British pound Australian dollar Swedish krona Swiss franc Indien rupee Malaysian ringgit Thai baht Russian ruble Other currencies 32,280 63,049 15,947 2,712 2,949 773 622 1,374 1,124 793 307 39,428 59,465 10,137 3,656 3,009 918 584 1,330 1,264 493 332 2,278 124,208 2,249 122,865 All trade receivables were impaired by specific valuation allow- ances. There have been no general allowances. Movements on the Group provision for impairment of trade receivables are as follows: T R A D E R E C E I VA B L E S – D E V E L O P M E N T I M PA I R M E N T S T 0 9 1 in EUR thousands 2016 2015 As of January 1 Additions Amounts used Reversals Currency effects As of December 31 3,319 518 −610 −126 9 3,110 1,921 1,359 −202 −54 295 3,319 The creation and release of allowances for doubtful accounts have been included in ‘other operating income / expenses’ in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. Amounts charged to the allowance account are generally written off when there is no expectation of recovering addi- tional cash. The other classes within trade and other receivables do not contain impaired assets. The maximum exposure to credit risk on the reporting date is the carrying amount of each class of receivables mentioned above. The Group does not hold any collateral as security. On December 31, 2016, and 2015, the trade and other receiv- ables are unsecured. Factoring transactions In the factoring agreement concluded in 2016, with a maximum volume of receivables of EUR 20 million, NORMA Group sub- sidiaries in Germany and Poland sell trade receivables directly to external purchasers. As part of this factoring program, receivables of EUR 10.9 million were sold as of December 31, 2016, (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 0 mil- lion), of which EUR 1.09 million (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 0 million) were retained as a reserve and recognized as other financial assets. The requirements for a receivables transfer were met in accor- dance with IAS 39.15 since the receivables were transferred in accordance with IAS 39.18 a). Verification in accordance with IAS 39.20 shows that nearly all opportunities and risks were neither transferred nor retained. It follows in accordance with IAS 39.30 that NORMA Group recognizes remaining continuing involvement. NORMA Group is continuing to perform receivables manage- ment (servicing) for the receivables sold. Although NORMA Group is only entitled to act as a servicer, NORMA Group retains the right to dispose of the sold receiv- ables, as purchasers do not have the right to resell the receiv- ables acquired. NORMA Group is continuing to recognize the sold trade re- ceivable to the extent of its continuing involvement, i. e., at the maximum amount to which it continues to be liable for the credit and late payment risk inherent in the receivables sold. Hence, NORMA Group is recognizing a corresponding financial liability. The remaining continuing involvement in the amount of EUR 74 thousand (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 0 thousand) was recognized as a financial liability and considers the maximum potential loss for NORMA Group resulting from the late payment risk of receiv- ables sold as of the reporting date. The fair value of the guar- antee / interest payments to be assumed has been estimated at EUR 5 thousand, taken through profit or loss and recognized under other liabilities. ABS program In 2014, NORMA Group entered into a revolving asset purchase agreement (Receivables Purchase Agreement) with Weinberg Capital Ltd. (special purpose entity). Within the agreed structure, NORMA Group sold trade receivables in the context of an ABS transaction which was successfully initiated in December 2014. Receivables are sold by NORMA Group to a special purpose entity. As of December 31, 2016, domestic NORMA Group entities had sold receivables in an amount of EUR 13.5 million (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 13.9 million) under this asset-backed securities (ABS) pro- gram with a maximum volume of EUR 25 million. From the receiv- ables sold, EUR 3.8 million (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 3.6 million) were retained as loss reserves and not paid out. These assets were Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 156 recognized as other financial assets. The basis for this transaction is the transfer of trade receivables of individual NORMA Group subsidiaries to a special purpose entity with a framework of un- disclosed assignment. This special purpose entity (SPE) is not consolidated under IFRS 10 because neither the power over the SPE is attributable to NORMA Group nor does NORMA Group have an essential self-interest and no connection between power and variability of the returns of the special purpose entity exists. The requirements for a receivables transfer according to IAS 39.15 are met, since the receivables are transferred according to IAS 39.18 a). Verification in accordance with IAS 39.20 shows that a substantial share of all risks and rewards were neither transferred nor retained. Therefore, according to IAS 39.30, NORMA Group’s continuing involvement must be recognized. This continuing involvement in the amount of EUR 245 thou- sand (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 251 thousand) includes the maximum amount that NORMA Group could conceivably have to pay back under the default guarantee and the expected interest payments until the payment is received for the carrying amount of the receivables transferred. The fair value of the guarantee / inter- est payments to be assumed has been estimated at EUR 171 thousand (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 1 thousand), taken through profit or loss and recognized under other liabilities. Receivables from construction contracts Trade receivables include the following receivables from cus- tomer-specific contract production recognized using the per- centage of completion method: 24. IN VENTORIES Inventories were as follows: I N V E N T O R I E S T 0 9 4 in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 Raw materials Work in progress Finished goods and goods for resale 32,471 20,997 86,417 31,484 20,266 78,152 139,885 129,902 On December 31, 2016, impairments were made on inventories amounting to EUR 4,224 thousand (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 3,957 thousand). Inventories include inventories amounting to EUR 6,356 thou- sand from the Autoline business acquired in 2016. Thereof, EUR 3,867 thousand were measured at fair value less costs to sale as part of the purchase price allocation. On December 31, 2016, and 2015, the inventories were not collateralized with the exception of the customary business res- ervations of title. 25. OTHER NON - FIN A NCIAL AS SE TS Other non-financial assets were as follows: O T H E R N O N - F I N A N C I A L A S S E T S T 0 9 5 R E C E I VA B L E S F R O M C O N S T R U C T I O N C O N T R A C T S T 0 9 2 in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 Deferred costs Production costs, including result from construction contracts Payments received on account VAT assets Prepayments 2,270 −745 1,525 1,460 0 1,460 Reimbursement insurance contracts Other assets 3,120 7,948 3,255 0 1,639 15,962 3,575 5,836 2,635 170 1,729 13,945 Receivables from construction contracts include customer-spe- cific contract production with an asset-side balance, whose production costs, taking account of profit shares and loss-free valuation, exceed the payments received on account. The following table shows the gross amounts of the construc- tion contracts as of December 31, 2016, and 2015: 26. OTHER FIN A NCIAL AS SE TS Other financial assets were as follows: O T H E R F I N A N C I A L A S S E T S T 0 9 6 in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 G R O S S A M O U N T C U S T O M E R C O N T R A C T S T 0 9 3 Receivables from ABS program Receivables from factoring in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 Payment claims from acquisitions Other assets 3,830 1,095 407 353 5,685 3,593 0 0 263 3,856 Amounts due from customers for contract work Amounts due to customers for contract work 1,525 0 1,525 1,460 0 1,460 Receivables from the ABS program and from factoring include reserves for the trade receivables sold  Note 23 ‘Trade and Other Receivables.’ NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 157 Payment claims from acquisitions include outstanding receiv- ables from a purchase price adjustment in connection with the acquisition of the Autoline business in 2016.  Note 40 ‘Busi- ness Combinations.’ by issuing up to 3,186,240 new no-par value registered shares to grant convertible bonds and / or bonds with warrants (con- ditional capital 2015). 27. EQUIT Y Subscribed capital The subscribed capital of the Company on December 31, 2016, and 2015 amounted to EUR 31,862 thousand and was fully paid in. It is divided into 31,862,400 shares with no par value and a notional value of EUR 1. The liability of the shareholders for the obligations of the Company to its creditors is limited to this capital. The amount of the subscribed capital is not permitted to be distributed by the Company to its shareholders. Authorized and conditional capital The Management Board is entitled to increase the share capital by up to EUR 12,744,960.00 until May 19, 2020, by issuing up to 12,744,960 new no-par value registered shares in exchange for cash and / or contributions in kind either once or several times by resolution of the Annual General Meeting held on May 20, 2015, with the approval of the Supervisory Board, whereby the subscription rights of shareholders may be restricted (authorized capital 2015). The resolutions of the Annual General Meeting of April 6, 2011, Authorized Capital 2011 and Conditional Capital 2011, were re- pealed. Capital reserve The capital reserve contains: • amounts (premiums) received for the issuance of shares, • premiums paid by shareholders in exchange for the granting of a preference for their shares, • amounts resulting from other capital contributions of the owners. Management incentive schemes In the second quarter of 2015, the Matching Stock Program (M S P) for the Management Board of N O R M A Group was switched over to cash settlement by resolution of the Super- visory Board. Due to the change in classification, EUR 6,278 thousand were recognized directly in equity as a reduction of the capital reserve against a corresponding provision. The share capital is being increased by up to EUR 3,186,240.00 by resolution of the Annual General Meeting on May 20, 2015, Retained earnings Retained earnings consisted of the following: D E V E L O P M E N T R E TA I N E D E A R N I N G S in EUR thousands Balance as of December 31, 2014 Profit for the year Dividends paid Effect before taxes Tax effect Balance as of December 31, 2015 Profit for the year Dividends paid Effect before taxes Tax effect Remeasure- ments of post employment benefit obligations IPO costs directly netted with equity Reimburse- ment of IPO costs by shareholders Acquisition of non- controlling interest Effects from the application of IAS 19R T 0 9 7 Total −2,607 −4,640 4,681 −2,429 839 116,218 −491 90 73,680 −23,897 −491 90 −3,008 −4,640 4,681 −2,429 839 165,600 1,119 −286 75,747 −28,676 1,119 −286 Retained earnings 120,374 73,680 −23,897 170,157 75,747 −28,676 Balance as of December 31, 2016 217,228 −2,175 −4,640 4,681 −2,429 839 213,504 A dividend of EUR 28,676 thousand (EUR 0.90 per share) was paid to the shareholders of NORMA Group after the Annual Gen- eral Meeting in June 2016, which reduced the retained earnings. Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 158 Other reserves Other reserves consisted of the following: D E V E L O P M E N T O T H E R R E S E R V E S T 0 9 8 the 2015 tranche, on March 31, 2018, for the 2014 tranche, and on March 31, 2017, for the 2013 tranche). Non-forfeitable claims out of the options are earned pro rata over the respective perfor- mance period. The exercise price for the outstanding tranches will be the weighted average of the respective closing price of the Group’s share on the 60 trading days directly preceding the allocation of each tranche. Dividend payments by the Group during the vesting period are deducted from the exercise price of each tranche. Foreign exchange rate differences on translating for- eign operations Cash flow hedges Total −2,343 895 −313 −1,761 2,759 −730 4,839 2,496 18,050 18,945 −313 22,889 21,128 3,920 6,679 −730 268 26,809 27,077 The options of a tranche can only be exercised within a period of two years following the expiration of the holding period. In order for an option to be exercised, the weighted average of the last ten trading days must be at least 1.2 times that of the exercise price. The pay-out is limited to 2% of the average (ad- justed) EBITA (tranches 2014, 2015 and 2016) respectively of the average (adjusted) EBITDA (tranche 2013) during the holding period. When the option is exercised, the Group can decide whether to settle the option in shares or cash. in EUR thousands Balance as of January 1, 2015 Effect before taxes Tax effect Balance as of December 31, 2015 Effect before taxes Tax effect Balance as of December 31, 2016 28 . SH AR E- BASED PAYMENTS Management incentive schemes The Matching Stock Program The Matching Stock Program (MSP) for the Management Board provides a long-term incentive to commit to the success of the Group. The MSP is a share-based option. To this end, the Supervi- sory Board specifies a number of share options to be granted each fiscal year with the proviso that the Management Board mem- ber makes a corresponding personal investment in the Group. The shares involved in the share options are those shares allo- cated or acquired and qualified as part of the MSP defined in the Management Board contract. The number of share options is calculated by multiplying the qualified shares (2016: 85,953; 2015: 85,953) held at the time of allotment by the option factor specified by the Supervisory Board. A new option factor is set for every tranche (the option factor for 2016 is 1.5; 2015: 1.5). The first tranche was allocated on the day of the IPO. The oth- er tranches will be allocated on March 31 each following year. There are therefore 128,929 share options in the 2016 fiscal year (2015: 128,929 share options). The holding period is four years (on March 31, 2020, for the 2016 tranche, on March 31, 2019, for In the second quarter of 2015, the MSP for the Management Board of NORMA Group was switched over to cash settlement by resolution of the Supervisory Board. Due to the change in classification of the stock options from being a settlement in equity instruments to a cash settlement, the proportional fair value of the options was recalculated at the time of the change in estimates. The proportional expenses for the year 2015 up to the date of change in the amount of EUR 135 thousand were recognized within the capital reserve through profit or loss. The pro rata fair value on the date of the change in the assessment in the amount of EUR 6,278 thousand was recognized directly in equity as a reduction of the capital reserve against a corre- sponding provision. The determination of fair value, which is the basis for determining the pro rata provision on the balance sheet date, was carried out using a Monte Carlo method. The expected volatilities are set to be the historical volatility of the three-year period before the val- uation date. Due to the cash settlement, the options are valued at each balance sheet date and the resulting changes in fair val- ue are recognized through profit or loss, whereby the prorated expenses were ratably recognized over the performance period. The option rights granted under the MSP changed as follows in the 2016 and 2015 fiscal years: NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 159 D E V E L O P M E N T O F T H E M S P O P T I O N R I G H T S T 0 9 9 Tranche MSP 2012 Tranche MSP 2013 Tranche MSP 2014 Tranche MSP 2015 Tranche MSP 2016 Expected duration until exercise in years n /a 0.42 1.42 2.42 3.42 Proportional fair value per outstanding “share units” in EUR as of December 31, 2016 Fair value per “share unit” in EUR as of December 31, 2016 Exercise price in EUR n /a 2,363,785.00 548,816.00 383,241.00 207,190.00 n /a 15.17 16.43 20.71 4.40 37.81 4.10 43.19 4.11 45.72 Balance as of December 31, 2014 Tentatively granted “share units” Exercised Lapsed 162,679 162,679 162,679 0 128,929 8,438 16,875 25,313 Balance as of December 31, 2015 154,241 145,804 137,366 128,929 Balance as of December 31, 2015 Tentatively granted “share units” Exercised Lapsed 154,241 145,804 137,366 128,929 154,241 0 0 0 128,929 Balance as of December 31, 2016 0 145,804 137,366 128,929 128,929 In fiscal year 2016, expenses in the amount of EUR 396 thou- sand (2015: EUR 1,762 thousand) resulting from the MSP were recognized in employee benefits expense against a correspond- ing addition within the provisions. Furthermore, a payment amounting to EUR 2,534 (2015: EUR 2,265 thousand) was made for the exercised options of the 2012 tranche. The total provision for the MSP amounts to EUR 3,650 thousand as of December 31, 2016 (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 5,640 thousand). Long-Term Incentive Plan In fiscal year 2013, NORMA Group installed a share-based, long- term, variable compensation component for executives and cer- tain other groups of employees (Long-Term Incentive Plan). The Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTI) is a share-based payment, cash settled plan that takes into account both the performance of the Company and the share price development. The participants receive a preliminary number of share units (vir- tual shares) at the start of the performance period based on a percentage of the respective base salary multiplied by a conver- sion rate. The conversion rate is determined based on the aver- age share price of the previous 60 trading days of the calendar year prior to the grant date. Once four years have elapsed, the number of share units granted at the start of the performance period is adjusted based on the performance the Company has achieved, incorporating both the targets defined during the performance period and the Company / regional factor. The goal achievement factor, measured by adjusted EBITA, as well as the Company / regional factor are applied as per- formance targets. The goal achievement factor is based on the adjusted EBITA of NORMA Group. The absolute adjusted EBITA target is determined for every year of the performance period based on the budgeted value. After conclusion of the four-year-period, the yearly recorded adjusted EBITA values are defined as a percentage in relation to the target values and averaged out over the four years. Allocation occurs above a goal achievement ratio of 90%. Between 90% and 100% goal achievement, every percentage point amounts to 10 percentage points of goal achievement factor. Between 100% and 200% goal achievement, the goal achievement factor grows by 1.5 percentage points per percentage point of goal achievement. The Company factor is determined by the Group Senior Man- agement based on the Company’s development, as well as the development in relation to comparable companies. In addition to this, the development of free cash flows is taken into account when determining the factor. At the discretion of the Group Senior Management, unanticipated developments can also be taken into account and the Company factor corrected either downward or upward accordingly. The factor can assume values between 0.5 and 1.5. The regional factor is defined by the Group Senior Management prior to pay-out and can assume a value between 0.5 and 1.5. The factor takes into account the results of the region, as well as any region-specific aspects. The value of the share units is then determined at the end of the fourth calendar year based on the average share price of the last 60 days of trading in this fourth year. In case the calculated Long-term Incentive pay-out exceeds 250% of the initial grant value, the maximum pay-out is capped at 250%. The value de- termined is paid out to the participants in cash in May of the fifth year. Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements160 The LTI is a Group-wide and global compensation instrument with a long-term orientation. Due to the coupling to the devel- opment not only of the stock price, but also the Company’s performance, the LTI provides an additional incentive to cre- ate value through value-based action, aligned with the goals of NORMA Group. performed using a Monte Carlo simulation. Due to the cash settlement of the virtual share units, the fair value is measured on each balance sheet date and the resulting changes in the fair value are recognized in income or loss. The allocation of the expenses is made on a pro rate basis over the performance period. The determination of fair value, which is the basis for deter- mining the pro rata provision on the balance sheet date, was The share units granted under the LTI changed as follows in the 2016 and 2015 fiscal years: D E V E L O P M E N T LT I T 10 0 Expected duration until exercise in years Fair value per “share unit” in EUR as of December 31, 2016 Share price when granted in EUR Balance as of December 31, 2015 Tentatively granted “share units” Exercised Lapsed Balance as of December 31, 2016 Expected duration until exercise in years Fair value per “share unit” in EUR as of December 31, 2015 Share price when granted in EUR Balance as of December 31, 2014 Tentatively granted “share units” Exercised Lapsed Balance as of December 31, 2015 1st Tranche LTI 2013 2nd Tranche LTI 2014 3rd Tranche LTI 2015 4th Tranche LTI 2016 n /a 39.77 20.68 1.00 39.89 36.40 2.00 38.94 36.89 31,158 22,144 38,056 – – 1,391 29,767 – – 3,768 18,376 – – 5,061 32,995 3.00 38.19 48.57 0 31,210 – – 31,210 1st Tranche LTI 2013 2nd Tranche LTI 2014 3rd Tranche LTI 2015 1.00 45.29 20.68 2.00 48.43 36.40 31,884 23,385 – 726 – 31,158 – – 1,241 22,144 3.00 46.60 36.89 0 39,726 – 1,670 38,056 In fiscal year 2016, expenses resulting from the LTI in the amount of EUR 1,706 thousand (2015: EUR 1,178 thousand) were record- ed under personnel expense and within a corresponding pro- vision. In total, the provision for the LTI amounts to EUR 3,661 thousand as of December 31, 2016 (2015: EUR 1,955 thousand). NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016161 2 9. R E TIR EMENT BENEFIT OBLIG ATIONS Retirement benefit obligations result mainly from two German pension plans and a Swiss post-employment benefit plan. according to decisions of the relevant foundation board. Strate- gies of the foundation boards to make up for potential shortfalls are subject to approval by the regulator. The German defined benefit pension plan for NORMA Group employees was closed for new entrants in 1990 and provides benefits in case of retirement, disability, and death as life-long pension payments. The benefit entitlements depend on years of service and salary. The portion of salary that is above the income threshold for social security contribution leads to high- er benefit entitlements compared to the portion of the salary up to that threshold. Although the plan was closed in 1990, NORMA Group is still exposed to certain actuarial risks associ- ated with defined benefit plans, such as longevity and compen- sation increases. Due to the amount of the obligation and the composition of the plan participants, approximately 95% being pensioners, a significant change in the actuarial assumptions would have no significant effects on NORMA Group. Employees hired after 1990 are eligible under a defined con- tribution scheme. The contributions are paid into an insurance contract providing lump sum payments in case of retirements and deaths. Furthermore, in fiscal year 2015, a plan for members of the Management Board was established. This second German de- fined benefit plan is based on a direct commitment to an annual retirement payment for members of the Management Board of NORMA Group. The annual retirement payment is measured as a percentage of the pensionable income. The pension en- titlement arises when the contract has expired, but not before reaching the age of 65, or if that individual is unable to work. The percentage depends on the number of years of service as a Management Board member. The percentage amounts to 4% of the last fixed annual salary prior to leaving for each completed year of service. The percentage can increase to a maximum of 55%. Furthermore, a survivor’s pension is to be provided as well. The obligations arising from the plan are subject to certain actuarial risks associated with defined benefit plans, such as longevity and compensation increases. Besides the German plans, there is a further benefit plan in Switzerland resulting from the Swiss “Berufliches Vorsorgege- setz” law (BVG). According to the BVG, each employer has to grant post-employment benefits for qualifying employees. The plan is a capital-based plan under which the Company has to make contributions equivalent to at least the limits specified in the plan conditions for employee contributions. These plans are administered by foundations that are legally separated from the entity and are subject to the BVG. The Group has outsourced the investment process to a foundation, which sets the strategic asset allocation in its group life portfolio. All regulatory grant- ed obligations out of the plan are reinsured by an insurance company. This covers risks of disability, death and longevity. Furthermore, there is for the retirement assets invested a 100% capital and interest guarantee. In the case of a shortfall, the employer and plan participants’ contribution might be increased Besides the plans described in Germany and Switzerland, NORMA Group also participates in a multi-employer pension plan in the US for the benefit of employees of one of its US based plants. NORMA Group’s obligation to participate in the fund arises from the agreement with the employees’ labor or- ganization. The multi-employer pension plan is governed by US federal law under which the plan funds are held in trust and the plan administration and procedures substantially governed by federal regulation. The multi-employer pension plan is a defined benefit plan, and would normally be treated as such based on its associated actuarial estimates; however, the plan trustees do not provide the participating employers with sufficient infor- mation to individually account for the plan (or their portioned participation therein) as a defined benefit plan. For this reason, the plan is being treated in accordance with the rules for de- fined contribution pension plans (IAS 19.34). The share of con- tributions that NORMA Group paid to the pension schemes in the previous fiscal year amounts to EUR 1.1 million (2015: EUR 1.2 million). Contributions to the plan are recognized directly in personnel expenses for the period. Future changes to the con- tributions, if any, would be determined through negotiations with the workers’ organization, as they may be slightly modified from time to time by regulation, and except for which NORMA Group has no other fixed commitment to the plan. Conditionally, in the unlikely event that NORMA Group withdraws from the fund or a significant employer in the fund experiences a major solvency event, additional future contribution payment obligations could arise. The funded status of the multi-employer plan is report- ed annually by the US Department of Labor, and is influenced by various factors, including investment performance, inflation, changes in demographics and changes in the participants’ levels of performance. Based on the information provided by the plan administrator, the plan is undercapitalized. The value of the undercapitalization amounts to USD 836.4 million for all plan participants (approximately 155 companies). The portion of NORMA Group to this shortfall is 3.0% (based on information provided for 2015). The expected employer contributions to the pension schemes for the following year 2017 amount to EUR 1,276 thousand. Reconciliation of defined benefit obligations (DBO) and plan assets The amounts included in the Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements arising from its post-employment defined benefit plans are as follows: C O M P O N E N T S P E N S I O N L I A B I L I T Y T 10 1 in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 Present value of obligations Fair value of plan assets Liability in the balance sheet 14,805 3,019 11,786 15,785 3,834 11,951 Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 162 The reconciliation of the net defined benefit liability (liability in the balance sheet) is as follows: R E C O N C I L I AT I O N O F T H E N E T D E F I N E D B E N E F I T L I A B I L I T Y T 10 2 in EUR thousands 2016 2015 As of January 1 Current service cost Past service cost Administration costs Interest expenses Remeasurements: Return on plan assets excluding amounts included in net interest expenses Actuarial (gains) losses from changes in demographic assumptions Actuarial (gains) losses from changes in financial assumptions Experience (gains) losses Employer contributions Benefits paid Settlement payments Business combinations, disposals and other Foreign currency translation effects 11,951 12,271 745 0 20 162 30 −155 275 −1,269 −221 −638 0 883 3 536 −195 19 165 −240 −181 902 0 −228 −628 −591 0 121 As of December 31 11,786 11,951 A detailed reconciliation for the changes in the DBO is provided in the following table: R E C O N C I L I AT I O N O F T H E C H A N G E S I N T H E D B O T 10 3 in EUR thousands 2016 2015 As of January 1 Current service cost Past service cost Administration costs Interest expenses Remeasurements: Actuarial (gains) losses from changes in demographic assumptions Actuarial (gains) losses from changes in financial assumptions Experience (gains) losses Plan participants contribution Benefits paid Transfers Settlement payments Business combinations, disposals and other Foreign currency translation effects 15,785 15,130 745 0 20 192 536 −195 19 217 275 −1,269 1,068 −638 −2,110 0 883 9 902 0 536 −1,012 0 −591 0 424 As of December 31 14,805 15,785 The total defined benefit obligation at the end of fiscal year 2016 includes EUR 7,054 thousand for active employees, EUR 92 thousand for former employees with vested benefits and EUR 7,659 thousand for retirees and surviving dependents. The transfer in the amount of EUR 2,110 thousand relates to the benefit plan in Switzerland and is a result of the legally required transfer of net defined benefit obligation to the new employer upon the departure of an employee. Experience gains and losses recognized in fiscal year 2016 are a result of the described transfers within the benefit plan in Swit- zerland and a result of changes in the number of participants within the plan in Germany. Settlement payments in fiscal year 2015 in the amount of EUR 591 thousand relate to the liquidation of Nordic Metalblok, Italy, in fiscal year 2015. A detailed reconciliation of the changes in the fair value of plan assets is provided in the following table: R E C O N C I L I AT I O N O F C H A N G E S I N T H E FA I R VA L U E O F P L A N A S S E T S T 10 4 in EUR thousands 2016 2015 As of January 1 Interest income Remeasurements: Return on plan assets excluding amounts included in net interest expenses Employer contributions Plan participants contributions Benefits paid Transfers Foreign currency translation effects Fair value of plan assets at end of year 3,834 30 −30 221 1,068 0 −2,110 6 3,019 2,859 52 240 228 536 −384 0 303 3,834 Disaggregation of plan assets The allocation of the plan assets of the benefit plans is as follows: in EUR thousands 2016 2015 Asset class Insurance contracts Cash deposit Equity securities Total 2,948 3,787 66 5 41 6 3,019 3,834 Cash deposits and equity securities have quoted prices in ac- tive markets. The values for insurance contracts represent the redemption value. No quoted prices in an active market are available for these. −155 −181 D I S A G G R E G AT I O N O F P L A N A S S E T S T 10 5 NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 163 Actuarial assumptions The principal actuarial assumptions are as follows: A C T U A R I A L A S S U M P T I O N S T 10 6 in % Discount rate Inflation rate Future salary increases Future pension increases 2016 2015 1.24 1.59 2.32 1.66 1.40 1.62 2.30 1.61 The biometric assumptions are based on the 2005 G Heubeck life-expectancy tables for the German plan and on the life-ex- pectancy tables of the BVG 2015 G for the Swiss plan. The tables are generation tables and hence differ according to sex, status and year of birth. Sensitivity analysis If the discount rate were to differ by +0.25% / −0.25% from the interest rate used on the balance sheet date, the defined ben- efit obligation for pension benefits would be an estimated EUR 386 thousand lower or EUR 423 thousand higher. If the fu- ture pension increase used were to differ by +0.25% / −0.25% from Management’s estimates, the defined benefit obligation for pension benefits would be an estimated EUR 210 thousand higher or EUR 203 thousand lower. The reduction / increase of the mortality rates by 10% results in an increase / deduction of life expectancy depending on the individual age of each ben- eficiary. That means, for example, that the life expectancy of a male NORMA Group employee age 55 years as of December 31, 2016, increases / decreases by approximately one year. In order to determine the longevity sensitivity, the mortality rates were reduced / increased by 10% for all beneficiaries. The effect on DBO as of December 31, 2016, due to a 10% reduction / in- crease in mortality rates would result in an increase of EUR 774 thousand or a decrease of EUR 767 thousand. When calculating the sensitivity of the defined benefit obligation to significant actuarial assumptions, the same method (present value of the defined benefit obligation calculated with the pro- jected unit credit method) has been applied as when calculat- ing the post-employment benefit obligation recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. Increases and decreases in the discount rate or rate of pension progression which are used in determining the DBO do not have a symmet- rical effect on the DBO due to the compound interest effect created when determining the net present value of the future benefit. If more than one of the assumptions are changed si- multaneously, the combined impact due to the changes would not necessarily be the same as the sum of the individual effects due to the changes. If the assumptions change at a different level, the effect on the DBO is not necessarily in a linear relation. Future cash flows Employer contributions expected to be paid to the post-em- ployment defined benefit plans in fiscal year 2017 are EUR 199 thousand (2015: EUR 274 thousand). Expected payments from post-employment benefit plans are as follows: E X P E C T E D PAY M E N T S F R O M P O S T- E M P L OY M E N T B E N E F I T P L A N S in EUR thousands Expected benefit payments 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022–2026 in EUR thousands Expected benefit payments 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021–2025 T 10 7 2016 731 715 702 916 677 3,152 2015 819 802 787 771 753 3,702 The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation is 11.3 years (2015: 11.8 years). Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 164 3 0. PROVISIONS The development of provisions is as follows: D E V E L O P M E N T O F P R O V I S I O N S T 10 8 As of Jan 1, 2016 Additions Amounts used Unused amounts reversed Interest accrued Changes in consoli- dation Foreign currency translation As of Dec 31, 2016 Transfers in EUR thousands Guarantees Severance Early retirement Other personnel-related obligations 11,481 Outstanding credit notes Outstanding invoices Others Total provisions 1,072 798 1,928 20,814 1,226 899 3,410 325 257 1,139 4,585 0 811 1,364 8,481 −187 −338 −1,266 −4,166 0 −878 −1,370 −8,205 −154 −334 0 −6 −307 −1 −443 −1,245 0 0 55 4 0 0 0 59 0 140 0 0 0 0 0 140 0 0 0 58 −757 0 −267 −966 −3 −2 1 43 −8 50 −2 79 1,207 622 3,339 11,999 0 780 1,210 19,157 As of Jan 1, 2015 Additions Amounts used Unused amounts reversed Interest accrued Changes in consoli- dation Foreign currency translation As of Dec 31, 2015 Transfers in EUR thousands Guarantees Severance Early retirement Other personnel-related obligations Outstanding credit notes Outstanding invoices Others Total provisions 1,391 1,004 3,321 4,206 1,285 1,049 2,093 14,349 340 618 1,986 10,693 842 773 1,261 16,513 −147 −723 −1,919 −3,447 −434 −1,049 −1,274 −8,993 −380 0 0 −5 −627 −24 −133 −1,169 0 0 22 0 0 0 0 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 −7 0 0 0 −7 22 0 0 41 6 49 −19 99 1,226 899 3,410 11,481 1,072 798 1,928 20,814 T 10 9 P R O V I S I O N S – S P L I T C U R R E N T / N O N - C U R R E N T in EUR thousands Guarantees Severance Early retirement Other personnel-related obligations Outstanding credit notes Outstanding invoices Others Total provisions December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Total 1,207 622 3,339 11,999 0 780 1,210 19,157 thereof current thereof non-current 1,010 622 0 6,127 0 780 950 9,489 197 0 3,339 5,872 0 0 260 9,668 Total 1,226 899 3,410 11,481 1,072 798 1,928 20,814 thereof current thereof non-current 940 899 0 4,588 1,072 798 1,675 9,972 286 0 3,410 6,893 0 0 253 10,842 Early retirement contracts Employees at NORMA Group in Germany can in general en- gage in an early retirement contract (“Altersteilzeit”). In the first phase, the employee works 100% (“Arbeitsphase”). In the sec- ond phase, he / she is exempt from work (“Freistellungsphase”). The employees receive half of their pay for the total early re- tirement-phase as well as top-up payments (including social security costs paid by the employer). The duration of the early retirement has a maximum of six years. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 165 The accounting for early retirement (“Altersteilzeit”) is based on actuarial valuations taking into account assumptions such as a discount rate of 0.2% p.a. (2015: 0.61% p.a.) as well as the 2005 G Heubeck life-expectancy tables. For signed early retirement contracts, a liability has been recognized. The liability includes top-up payments (“Aufstockungsbeträge”) as well as deferred salary payments (“Erfüllungsrückstände”). Guarantees Provisions for guarantees include provisions due to circum- stances where a final agreement has not yet been achieved and provisions based on experience (customer claim quota, amount of damage, etc.). Future price increases are considered if material. Severance payments Provisions for severance payments include expected severance payments for NORMA Group employees due to circumstances where a final agreement has not yet been reached. The provi- sions will be paid out in the following fiscal year and are there- fore reported under the current provisions. Other personnel-related provisions Other personnel-related provisions are as follows: P R O V I S I O N S – O T H E R P E R S O N N E L- R E L AT E D T 110 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 in EUR thousands Notes Total thereof current thereof non-current LTI – Board Members LTI – Management STI – Board Members Matching Stock Program (MSP) NORMA VA Bonus Anniversary provisions Other personnel-related (28) (28) 1,800 3,661 880 3,650 300 788 920 796 996 880 2,400 300 0 755 1,004 2,665 0 1,250 0 788 165 Total 1,608 1,955 460 5,640 150 770 898 thereof current thereof non-current 808 0 460 2,396 150 0 774 800 1,955 0 3,244 0 770 124 11,999 6,127 5,872 11,481 4,588 6,893 The Company’s Long-Term Incentive (LTI) of the Management Board consists of two different long-term compensation ele- ments. The variable compensation is designed differently de- pending on the time when a Board member took office. With the Board members present before 2015, it consists of an EBITA component and an operating free cash flow before external use (FCF) component, each of which is observed over a period of three years (performance period). A new three-year perfor- mance period begins every year. Both components are cal- culated by multiplying the average annual adjusted EBITA and FCF values actually achieved in the performance period by the adjusted EBITA and FCF bonus percentages specified in the employment contract. In the second step, the actual value of a component is compared to the medium-term plan approved by the Supervisory Board to evaluate the Company’s performance and adjustments are made to the LTI plan. The LTI plan is limited to two and a half times the amount that would be arrived at on the basis of the figures in the Company’s medium-term plan. If the actual value is lower than the planned value, the LTI plan is reduced on a straight-line basis down to a minimum of EUR 0 if the three-year targets are missed by a significant amount. Due to the calculation of the variable remuneration based on future results of the Group, uncertainties exist regarding the amount of the future outflows. Parts of the long-term compensation component will be paid out in the first half of the following fiscal year and are therefore reported under the current provisions. Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 166 When entering service as from reporting year 2015, the vari- able compensation of the Management Board consists of the NORMA VA Bonus. This variable remuneration for the members of the Management Board who are not part of the MSP provides a long-term incentive for the Management Board to work hard to make the Company successful. The LTI is an appreciation bonus that is based on the Group’s performance. The Board member receives a percentage of the calculated increase in value. The NORMA Value Added Bonus corresponds to the per- centage of the average increase in value from the current and the two previous fiscal years. The annual increase in value is calculated using the following formula: NORMA Value Added = (EBIT × (1 − s)) − (WACC × invested capital) The calculation of the first component is based on the con- solidated earnings before interest and taxes (Group EBIT) for the fiscal year and the average corporate tax rate (s). The sec- ond component is calculated from the Group cost of capital (WACC) multiplied by the capital invested. The NORMA Value Added Bonus is limited to a fixed annual salary. 75% of the amount attributable to the LTI is paid to each Management Board member the following year. The Company then uses the remaining 25% attributable to the LTI to purchase shares of NORMA Group SE in the name and on behalf of the individual Board members. Alternatively, the Company may pay out this balance to the Board member. In this case, the Management Board obligates itself to purchase shares of NORMA Group SE with the balance of this amount within 120 days after the annual financial statements are approved at the Supervisory Board meeting. The Management Board member may not dispose of the shares for four years. Dividends and subscription rights are to be made freely available to the Management Board mem- ber. If a Board member takes office in the current fiscal year or does not work for the Company for a full twelve months in a fiscal year, the LTI is to be reduced proportionally (pro rata). Upon termination of the employment contract, a Management Board member may dispose of his shares only after 12 months of leaving the Company. The LTI for Management (Long-Term Incentive Plan) is a vari- able compensation component based on the share price of the NORMA Group. A detailed description can be found in  Note 28 ‘Share-based Payments.’ The STI of the Management Board (Short-Term Incentive Plan) results from short term variable cash payment. A description can be found in the  Remuneration Report for the Management and Supervisory Boards. Anniversary provisions are based on actuarial valuations taking into account assumptions such as a discount rate of 1.39% p. a. as well as the 2005 G Heubeck life-expectancy tables. Furthermore, other personnel-related provisions mainly include payable income tax and social security contributions in foreign countries. Other non-personnel related provisions Provisions for outstanding invoices in the amount of EUR 780 thousand (2015: EUR 798 thousand) include expected obliga- tions for the audit and advisory services. There are uncertainties regarding the amount and timing of the outflows. However, it is expected that this results within a year in payments. Other provisions mainly include obligations for long-term cus- tomer bonus agreements as well as for other taxes. The amount of the long-term customer bonus agreements depends on fu- ture sales volumes. Therefore, uncertainties exist regarding the amount of the final obligation. 31. BOR ROWINGS The borrowings were as follows: B O R R O W I N G S T 111 in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 Non-current Bank borrowings Current Bank borrowings Other borrowings Total borrowings 513,105 513,105 42,176 0 42,176 555,281 443,711 443,711 6,994 62 7,056 450,767 Bank borrowings As of December 31, 2016, NORMA Group’s financing consists in the amount of EUR 19.0 million (2015: EUR 20.0 million) and USD 83.5 million of syndicated bank facilities (value in EUR on December 31, 2016: 79.2 million, 2015: USD 87.9 million or EUR 80.8 million). The adjusted syndicated bank facilities in fiscal year 2015 led to a further improved interest profile and now much better reflect the currency of NORMA Group’s US dollar cash flows. Both tranches are due in 2021 but include an option to prolongate until 2022. In fiscal year 2016, the repayment of the syndicated bank facilities amounts to EUR 5.1 million (2015: EUR 92.8 million with a contrary issuing in connection with the renegotiation in the amount of EUR 100.0 million). As of December 31, 2016, provisions for the Matching Stock Program (MSP) for NORMA Group’s Management Board amount to EUR 3,650 thousand (2015: EUR 5,640 thousand). In fiscal year 2016, EUR 2,534 thousand were paid for exercised options from the 2012 tranche.  Note 28 ‘Share-based Payments.’ Furthermore, NORMA Group issued a promissory note valued at EUR 125.0 million with 5, 7 and 10-year terms in 2013, of which EUR 49.0 million were paid back in 2016. In the fourth quarter of 2014, NORMA Group issued a second promisso- NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 167 32 . OTHER NON - FIN A NCIAL LIABILITIES Other non-financial liabilities are as follows: O T H E R N O N - F I N A N C I A L L I A B I L I T I E S T 114 in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 ry note valued at EUR 106.0 million with 3, 5, 7 and 10-year terms and at USD 128.5 million (value in euro on December 31, 2016: EUR 121.9 million, 2015: EUR 118.0 million) with 3, 5, and 7-year terms. In the third quarter of 2016, a third prom- issory note was issued with euro tranches in the amount of EU R 102.0 million 5, 7 and 10-year terms and U S dol- lar tranches in the amount of USD 52.5 million (value in euro on Dec 31, 2016: EUR 49.8 million) with 5 and 7-year terms. The maturity of the syndicated bank facilities and the promissory note on December 31, 2016, is as follows: Non-current Government grants Other liabilities Current M AT U R I T Y B A N K B O R R O W I N G S 2 0 16 T 112 Government grants 2016 in EUR thousands up to 1 year > 1 year up to 2 years > 2 years up to 5 years > 5 years Syndicated bank facilities, net 5,170 5,170 87,897 0 Promissory note, net 34,422 26,000 244,955 150,333 Non-income tax liabilities Social liabilities Personnel-related liabilities (e. g. vacation, bonus, premiums) Other liabilities Deferred income Total 39,592 31,170 332,852 150,333 Total other non-financial liabilities 521 89 610 341 2,892 4,438 22,421 398 722 31,212 31,822 1,316 52 1,368 0 1,559 3,547 21,544 890 1,113 28,653 30,021 The maturity of the syndicated bank facilities and the promissory note on December 31, 2015, is as follows: M AT U R I T Y B A N K B O R R O W I N G S 2 0 15 T 113 2015 in EUR thousands up to 1 year > 1 year up to 2 years > 2 years up to 5 years > 5 years Syndicated bank facilities, net 5,038 5,038 90,681 0 Promissory note, net 0 33,789 214,168 101,074 Total 5,038 38,827 304,849 101,074 Costs directly attributable to financing were netted with the bank borrowings in accordance with IAS 39.43. They are amortized over the financing period using the effective interest method. The total amount, which was amortized over the remaining fi- nancing period, amounts to EUR 1,467 thousand as of Decem- ber 31, 2016 (2015: EUR 1,293 thousand). Furthermore, parts of the syndicated bank facilities and the ma- turity of tranches of the promissory note with variable interest rates are hedged against interest rate changes. The derivative liability was decreased from EUR 2,510 thousand on December 31, 2015, to EUR 2,014 thousand on December 31, 2016. NORMA Group received government grants, of which EUR 862 thousand were not recognized in profit or loss. They consist of grants in cash as well as land. The grants are bound to capital expenditures and employees. NORMA Group recognizes the government grants as income over the period in which related expenses occur. In 2016, EUR 450 thousand were recognized as income (2015: EUR 449 thousand). 3 3 . OTHER FIN A NCIAL LIABILITIES Other financial liabilities were as follows: O T H E R F I N A N C I A L L I A B I L I T I E S T 115 in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 Non-current Lease liabilities Other liabilities Current Lease liabilities Outstanding credit notes Acquisition liability Liabilities from ABS and Factoring Other liabilities 133 1,107 1,240 138 0 0 496 485 1,119 2,359 150 531 681 139 225 5,094 253 308 6,019 6,700 The bank borrowings were unsecured on December 31, 2016, and 2015. Total other financial liabilities Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 168 The future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-can- cellable finance leases and their respective present values are as follows: 3 5. FIN A NCIAL LIABILITIES A ND NE T DEBT The financial liabilities of NORMA Group have the following ma- turity: F U T U R E M I N I M U M L E A S E PAY M E N T S N O N - C A N C E L L A B L E F I N A N C E L E A S E S T 116 M AT U R I T Y F I N A N C I A L L I A B I L I T I E S T 118 in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 Gross finance lease liabilities – minimum lease payments Up to 1 year Later than 1 year and up to 5 years Later than 5 years Future finance charges on finance lease Present value of finance lease liabilities Up to 1 year Later than 1 year and up to 5 years Later than 5 years 139 138 0 277 6 138 133 0 271 147 151 0 298 9 139 150 0 289 Lease liabilities are effectively secured because the rights to the leased assets will revert to the lessor in the event of default. December 31, 2016 in EUR thousands up to 1 year > 1 year up to 2 years > 2 years up to 5 years > 5 years Borrowings 42,176 30,563 332,383 150,159 Trade and other payables 119,577 Finance lease liabilities Other financial liabilities 138 981 133 862 245 162,872 31,558 332,628 150,159 December 31, 2015 in EUR thousands up to 1 year > 1 year up to 2 years > 2 years up to 5 years > 5 years Borrowings 7,056 38,276 304,426 101,009 Trade and other payables 100,877 Finance lease liabilities Other financial liabilities 139 5,880 137 511 13 20 113,952 38,924 304,459 101,009 3 4. TR ADE A ND OTHER PAYABLES Trade and other payables were as follows: Net debt of NORMA Group is as follows: T R A D E A N D O T H E R PAYA B L E S T 117 N E T D E B T T 119 in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 79,768 Bank borrowings, net 555,281 450,705 Trade payables and other payables Reverse factoring liabilities 96,189 23,388 119,577 21,109 100,877 All trade and other payables are due to third parties within one year. For information regarding trade and other payables, please refer to  Note 3.14. Derivative financial liabilities – hedge accounting Derivative financial liabilities – held for trading Other borrowings Finance lease liabilities Other financial liabilities Financial debt Cash and cash equivalents Net debt 2,181 3,312 0 0 271 2,088 559,821 165,596 394,225 74 62 289 6,411 460,853 99,951 360,902 NORMA Group’s financial debt increased by 21.5% from EUR 460,853 thousand as of December 31, 2015, to EUR 559,821 thousand as of December 31, 2016. The increase within the bank borrowings is due to the placement of a third promis- sory note (SSD III) in the amount of EUR 149,030 thousand. It was used to finance future acquisitions and was partially used for the repayment of a share of the promissory note, issued in 2013 in the amount of EUR 49,000 thousand to further im- prove the structure of NORMA Group’s debt. The issue volume is divided into four euro tranches and four US dollar tranches. The SSD III is equipped with both fixed interest rates and float- ing rate tranches. The terms include five, seven and ten years. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 The bank borrowings are additionally influenced by the sched- uled repayment of the syndicated bank facilities in the amount of EUR 5,065 thousand as well as effects from changes in the exchange rates on the US dollar portion of parts of the syndi- cated bank facilities and of the promissory notes. Within the derivatives, the negative market value of the hedging derivatives decreased. The decrease in other financial liabilities is mainly due to the repayment of liabilities resulting from the acquisition of NDS in 2014 as well as the repayment of the con- tingent consideration resulting from the acquisition of Five Star in 2014 in the total amount of EUR 4,942 thousand. Compared to December 31, 2015 (EUR 360,902 thousand), net debt increased to EUR 394,225 due to the financing of the ac- quisition of the Autoline business in the fourth quarter of 2016. The increase in cash and cash equivalents results from the increase of net cash provided by operating activities which overcompensated for total cash outflows from investing and financing activities. 169 Other Notes 3 6. INFOR M ATION ON THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS In the statement of cash flows, a distinction is made between cash flows from operating activities, investing activities and fi- nancing activities. Net cash provided by operating activities is derived indirectly from profit for the period. The profit for the period is adjusted to eliminate non-cash expenses from depreciation and amortiza- tion as well as expenses for which the cash effects are investing or financing cash flows and to eliminate other non-cash expens- es and income. Net cash provided by operating activities of EUR 149,198 thousand (2015: EUR 128,159 thousand) represents changes in current assets, provisions and liabilities (excluding liabilities in connection with financing activities). As in the prior year, the Group participates in a reverse factoring program as well as in an ABS program. The payments to the factor and from the ABS program are included in cash flows from operating activities, as this represents the economic sub- stance of the transactions. In 2016, NORMA Group entered into a factoring agreement in which trade receivables will be sold on a monthly revolving ba- sis. This factoring agreement resulted in positive effects of EUR 9,854 thousand on net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal year 2016. The total amount of trade receivables sold within the factoring and ABS program, as well as the amount of trade payables which are part of the reverse factoring program can be found in  Note 23 ‘Trade and Other Receivables’ or  Note 34 ‘Trade and Other Payables.’ Net cash provided by operating activities includes in 2016 cash outflows from the payments of the cash-settled share-based payments of the MSP tranche 2012 (2015: tranche 2011) for the Management Board of NORMA Group in the amount of EUR 2,534 thousand (2015: EUR 2,265 thousand). The correction of expenses due to measurement of derivatives within a hedge in the amount of EUR 2,435 thousand (2015: EUR 12,610 thousand) relates to fair value gains and losses recognized within the income statement assigned to the cash flows from financing activities. Other payments classified as investing activities result from the transfer tax amounting to EUR 1,650 thousand paid in connec- tion with the acquisition of the Autoline business which were classified as cash flows from investing activities. Non-cash income (−) / expenses (+) in net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal year 2016 mainly include foreign Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements170 exchange rate gains and losses on external debt and intragroup monetary items in the amount of EUR −1,616 thousand (2015: EUR −11,683 thousand). Furthermore, other non-cash income (−) / expenses (+) included non-cash interest expenses from the amortization of accrued costs directly attributable to the refinancing amounting to EUR 421 thousand (2015: EUR 1,570 thousand). In 2015, this includes in addition non-cash expenses from the stock option program amounting to EUR 135 thousand (2016: EUR 0 thousand). Cash flows resulting from interest paid are disclosed as cash flows from financing activities. Cash flows from investing activities include transactions relat- ing to the acquisition and disposal of non-current assets in the amount of EUR 46,226 thousand (2015: EUR 44,415 thousand), including the repayment of liabilities from prior year investments in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets amount- ing to EUR −636 thousand (2015: EUR 2,627 thousand). From the investments in non-current assets of EUR 47,611 thousand (2015: EUR 42,166 thousand), expenditures in the amount of EUR 29,097 thousand (2015: EUR 23,893 thousand) relate to growth and expenditures amounting to EUR 18,514 thousand (2015: EUR 18,273 thousand) to maintenance and continuous improvements. In 2016, also net payments for acquisitions of subsidiaries in the amount of EUR 87,623 thousand (2015: EUR 52 thousand) are included in the cash flows from investing activities, which result from the payments due to the acquisition of the Autoline business in fiscal year 2016 amounting to EUR 81,031 thousand and the transfer tax amounting to EUR 1,650 thousand paid in connection with this acquisition. Furthermore, payments for the contingent liability resulting from the acquisition of the business of Five Star Clamps, Inc. in the amount of EUR 3,320 thousand and the payment of the outstanding purchase liability from the acquisition of NDS amounting to EUR 1,622 thousand are in- cluded in the cash flows from investing activities. The net payments for acquisitions of subsidiaries in 2016 and 2015 were as follows: N E T PAY M E N T S F O R A C Q U I S I T I O N S O F S U B S I D I A R I E S T 12 0 in EUR thousands 2016 2015 Acquisition liability at the beginning of the period Payment for acquisitions Payment for transfer taxes Other changes Less acquisition liability at the end of the period Net payments for acquisitions of subsidiaries 5,094 81,031 1,650 −152 4,284 0 0 862 0 5,094 87,623 52 Cash flows from financing activities mainly comprise net pro- ceeds from borrowings in the amount of EUR 94,271 thousand (2015: net proceeds in the amount of EUR 5,627 thousand). The proceeds from borrowings in the amount of EUR 188,434 thou- sand are a result of the issuance of a new promissory note as of August 1, 2016, in the amount of EUR 148,434 thousand (in- cluding transaction costs in the amount of EUR −596 thousand) and of bridge financing in the amount of EUR 40,000 thousand which was settled as of September 30, 2016. The repayment of borrowings in the amount of EUR 94,163 thousand (2015: EUR 94,076 thousand) mainly includes the repayment of a share of the promissory note, issued in 2013 in the amount of EUR 49,000 thousand made in July 2016 as well as the repayment of the bridge financing in the amount of EUR 40,000 thousand made in August 2016.  Note 31 ‘Borrowings.’ Furthermore, outflows from the scheduled repayment of borrow- ings in the amount of EUR 5,065 thousand, the payment of the dividend amounting to EUR 28,676 thousand (2015: EUR 23,897 thousand), cash outflows resulting from interest paid (2016: EUR 12,026 thousand, 2015: EUR 13,926 thousand) as well as re- payments for derivatives in the amount of EUR 3,485 thousand (2015: repayment of EUR 37,751 thousand) are included. Additionally, dividend payments to non-controlling interests in the amount of EUR 204 thousand (2015: EUR 205 thousand) and repayments from finance lease liabilities in the amount of EUR 294 thousand (2015: EUR 294 thousand) are disclosed as cash flows from financing activities. The changes in balance sheet items that are presented in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows cannot be derived di- rectly from the balance sheet, as the effects of currency transla- tion are non-cash transactions and changes in the consolidated Group are shown directly in net cash used in investing activities. Cash is comprised of cash on hand and demand deposits of EUR 165,470 thousand on December 31, 2016 (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 99,828 thousand), as well as cash equivalents with a value of EUR 125 thousand (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 123 thousand). Cash from China, India, Russia, Brazil and Malaysia (Dec 31, 2016: EUR 10,668 thousand, Dec 31, 2015: EUR 5,816 thou- sand) cannot currently be distributed due to restrictions on capital movements. 37. SEGMENT R EPORTING NORMA Group segments the Group at a regional level. The reportable segments of NORMA Group are EME A, the Ameri- cas and Asia-Pacific. NORMA Group’s vision includes regional growth targets. Distribution Services are focused regionally and locally. EMEA, the Americas and Asia-Pacific have linked region- al intercompany organizations of different functions. As a result, the Group’s management reporting and controlling system has a regional focus. The product portfolio does not vary significantly between these segments. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 171 Revenues of each segment are generated from the three prod- uct categories clamps (CL AMP), joining elements (CONNECT) and fluid systems / connectors (FLUID). External sales per country, measured according to the place of domicile of the company which manufactures the products, are as follows: NORMA Group measures the performance of its segments through profit or loss indicators which are referred to as “ad- justed EBITDA” and “adjusted EBITA.” “Adjusted EBITDA” comprises revenue, changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress, other own work capital- ized, raw materials and consumables used, other operating in- come and expenses, and employee benefits expense, adjusted for material one-time effects. EBITDA is measured in a manner consistent with that used in the statement of comprehensive income. “Adjusted EBITA” includes, in addition to the EBITDA, the de- preciation adjusted for depreciation from purchase price allo- cations. E X T E R N A L S A L E S P E R C O U N T R Y T 12 1 in EUR thousands 2016 2015 Germany USA, Mexico, Brazil Other countries 189,911 381,617 323,359 193,150 395,347 301,116 894,887 889,613 The non-current assets per country include non-current assets less deferred tax assets, derivative financial instruments, and shares in consolidated related parties and are as follows: N O N - C U R R E N T A S S E T S P E R C O U N T R Y T 12 2 in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 In 2016, acquisition related expenses in connection with the acquisition of the Autoline business in the amount of EUR 4,752 thousand were adjusted within EBITDA and EBITA  Note 7 ‘Ad- justments.’ Inter-segment revenue is recorded at values that approximate third-party selling prices. Germany USA, Mexico, Brazil Sweden Other countries Consolidation 119,414 506,566 49,996 204,676 −14,822 115,695 490,440 50,779 144,269 −15,714 865,830 785,469 Segment assets comprise all assets less (current and deferred) income tax assets. Taxes are shown in the reconciliation. Seg- ment assets and liabilities are measured in a manner consistent with that used in the Statement of Financial Position. Assets of the “Central Functions” include mainly cash and intercompany receivables. Segment liabilities comprise all liabilities less (current and de- ferred) income tax liabilities. Taxes are shown in the consolida- tion. Segment assets and liabilities are measured in a manner consistent with that used in the Statement of Financial Position. Liabilities of the “Central Functions” include mainly borrowings. Capex equals additions to non-current assets (property, plant and equipment and other intangible assets). Current and deferred tax assets and liabilities are shown in the consolidation. On December 31, 2016, EUR 24,997 thousand (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 18,562 thousand) in tax assets and EUR 108,499 thousand (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 111,002 thousand) in tax liabilities were shown in the consolidation. 3 8 . CONTINGENCIES The Group has contingent liabilities in respect of legal claims arising in the ordinary course of business (e.g. warranty obli- gations). NORMA Group does not believe that any of these contingent liabilities will have a material adverse effect on its business or any material liabilities will arise from contingent liabilities. 3 9. COMMITMENTS Capital commitments Capital expenditure (nominal value) contracted for on the bal- ance sheet date but not yet incurred is as follows: C O M M I T M E N T S T 12 3 in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 Property, plant and equipment Inventory Service contracts 5,698 1,383 90 3,183 817 85 7,171 4,085 There are no material commitments concerning intangible assets. Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 172 Operating lease commitments The Group leases various vehicles, property and technical equipment under non-cancellable operating lease agreements. The lease terms are between 1 and 15 years. The Group also leases various technical equipment under cancellable operating lease agreements. NORMA Group has significant operating lease arrangements with annual lease payments of more than EUR 200 thousand con- cerning the leasing of land and buildings. Except for usual renew- able options, the lease contracts do not comprise other options. The lease arrangements are held by the following companies: • NORMA UK Ltd. (Great Britain): lease term from 2006 to 2016, prolonged to 2028, soonest termination in 2021, • NORMA Pacific Pty Ltd. (Australia): lease term from 2016 to 2021, soonest termination in 2021, • NORMA Michigan Inc. (USA): lease term from 2013 to 2019, soonest termination in 2019, • Connectors Verbindungstechnik AG (Switzerland): lease term from 2012 to 2017, soonest termination in 2017, • National Diversified Sales, Inc. (USA): lease terms from 2013 to 2020, soonest termination in 2020; 2015 to 2018, soonest termination in 2018; 2016 to 2019, soonest termination in 2019 and 2016 to 2021, soonest termination in 2021, • R.G.RAY Corporation (USA): lease term from 2014 to 2019, soonest termination in 2019. Lease expenditure (including non-cancellable and cancellable operating leases) amounting to EUR 10,101 thousand in 2016 (2015: EUR 9,449 thousand) is included in profit or loss in ‘other operating expenses.’ The following table shows the future aggregate minimum lease payments (nominal value) under non-cancellable operating leases: F U T U R E M I N I M U M L E A S E PAY M E N T S O F N O N - C A N C E L L A B L E O P E R AT I N G L E A S E S T 124 in EUR thousands Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 No later than 1 year Later than 1 year and no later than 5 years Later than 5 years 6,936 12,163 1,180 20,279 6,694 10,540 1,824 19,058 40. BUSINES S COMBIN ATIONS On November 30, 2016, NORMA Group acquired the Autoline business (Autoline) from Parker Hannifin. Autoline produces quick connectors for the connection of fluid lines in motor vehicles and has more than 200 employees at lo- cations in France, Mexico and China. The acquisition of Autoline strengthens NORMA Group’s market position with new products in the area of quick connectors and by gaining new customers, including in Asia. Autoline has developed, manufactured and marketed plastic quick connectors for more than 20 years. The products connect, among other things, fuel-line systems, tank ventilation, cooling, brake vacuums and SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) in all vehicle types. Autoline’s main production site is located in Guichen, France. The following intangible assets were identified and measured as part of the purchase price allocation. Customer relationships amounting to EUR 26,901 thousand were valued using the ‘Multi Period Excess Earnings Method.’ Trademarks in the amount of EUR 1,410 thousand were valued using the ‘Relief from Royalty Method.’ Technology in the amount of EUR 10,606 thousand was valued using the ‘Relief from Royalty Method.’ The summarized assets and liabilities below were allocated to the following cash-generating units (CGUs): France to CGU ‘EMEA,’ Mexico to CGU ‘Americas’ and China to CGU ‘Asia-Pa- cific’ because it is expected that they will benefit from the ac- quisition respectively. Goodwill of EUR 18,922 thousand derives from the acquisition, which mainly relates to the strengthening of NORMA Group’s mar- ket position, the extended product range mainly in the area of quick connectors and expected customer and distribution synergies. Of the consideration of EUR 80,624 thousand, EUR 81,031 thousand were paid in cash and EUR 407 thousand consist of receivables from the previous owners due to a purchase price adjustment. The consideration is subject to future purchase price adjustments, which result from the final determination of the acquired inventories and other personnel-related liabilities on the acquisition date. The following table summarizes the consideration paid for the Autoline business and the amounts acquired and liabilities as- sumed recognized on the acquisition date: NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 173 P U R C H A S E P R I C E A L L O C AT I O N A U T O L I N E T 12 5 in EUR thousands Total France China Mexico Consideration on November 30, 2016 80,624 49,655 20,610 10,359 Acquisition-related costs (included in other operating expenses in the consolidated financial statement of comprehensive income) Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed Property, plant and equipment Trademarks Customer lists Patented technology Inventory Personnel-related liabilities Deferred tax assets Total identifiable net assets Goodwill Due to the acquisition of the Autoline business on November 30, 2016, the determination of the fair values of the acquired assets and liabilities on the balance sheet date could not be completed. The consolidation is therefore based on a preliminary purchase price allocation. This concerns in particular the fair value of the acquired identifiable intangible assets in the amount of EUR 38,917 thousand; this position mainly includes customer rela- tionships and patented technology. Other personnel-related liabilities mainly relate to pension liabil- ities in France and to outstanding bonus and salary payments as well as to outstanding vacation claims from the periods prior to the acquisition. The revenue included in the consolidated statement of compre- hensive income contributed by the Autoline business was EUR 3,479 thousand since December 1, 2016. NORMA Group acquired individual assets and processes. Therefore, no profit or revenue can be shown for the period from January 1 to November 30, 2016. 41. R EL ATED - PART Y TR A NSACTIONS Sales and purchases of goods and services In 2016 and 2015, no management services were bought from related parties. 2,076 n /a n /a n /a 15,915 1,410 26,901 10,606 8,520 −2,200 550 61,702 18,922 80,624 14,039 1,410 5,633 10,606 2,255 −1,829 550 32,664 16,991 49,655 316 0 15,496 0 4,647 −348 0 20,111 499 20,610 C O M P E N S AT I O N O F M E M B E R S O F T H E M A N A G E M E N T B O A R D ( I F R S ) 1,560 0 5,772 0 1,618 −23 0 8,927 1,432 10,359 T 12 6 in EUR thousands 2016 2015 Short-term benefits Other long-term benefits Termination benefits Share-based payment Total compensation according to IFRS 2,276 1,288 199 284 4,047 1,969 729 96 1,763 4,557 In fiscal year 2015, in addition to the compensation above, EUR 6,278 thousand were recognized directly in equity as a reduc- tion of the capital reserve against a corresponding provision in the context of the change in classification of the Matching Stock Program (MSP) for the Management Board of NORMA Group  Note 28 ‘Share-based Payments.’ Provisions for the compensation of the members of the Man- agement Board are as follows: P R O V I S I O N S F O R C O M P E N S AT I O N O F T H E M A N A G E M E N T B O A R D M E M B E R S T 12 7 in EUR thousands Notes Dec 31, 2016 Dec 31, 2015 There are no material sales or purchases of goods and services from non-consolidated companies, from the shareholders of NORMA Group, from key management or from other related parties in 2016 and 2015. LTI – Management Board STI – Management Board Matching Stock Program (MSP) NORMA VA Bonus Total (30) (30) (28) (30) 1,800 880 3,650 300 6,630 1,608 460 5,640 150 7,858 Compensation of members of the Management Board Compensation of the members of the Management Board ac- cording to IFRS is as follows: Details regarding the individual provisions can be found in the respective notes. Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 174 Beside the provisions above, a defined benefit obligation exists for the Management Board. The present value of the obligation amounts to EUR 362 thousand as of December 31, 2016 (Dec 31, 2015: EUR 96 thousand)  Note 29 ‘Retirement Benefit Ob- ligations.’ Details regarding the compensation of the Management Board can be found on  pages 94 to 98. 42 . ADDITION AL DISCLOSURES PURSUA NT TO SECTION 315A (1) OF THE GER M A N COMMERCIAL CODE (HGB) Compensation of Board members The remuneration of the Management Board and Supervisory Board of NORMA Group GmbH was as follows: C O M P E N S AT I O N O F B O A R D M E M B E R S T 12 8 in EUR thousands 2016 2015 Total Management Board Total Supervisory Board 3,848 460 4,308 4,557 460 5,017 The remuneration of the members of the Management Board was as follows: C O M P E N S AT I O N O F M E M B E R S O F T H E M A N A G E M E N T B O A R D ( § 3 15 A H G B ) in EUR thousands Fixed compensation Variable compensation Long-term incentives Total compensation Werner Deggim Dr. Michael Schneider Bernd Kleinhens John Stephenson Total 2016 471 158 556 1,185 2016 327 0 817 1,144 2016 306 105 369 780 2016 294 98 347 739 2016 1,398 361 2,089 3,848 T 12 9 2015 4,557 NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 175 Besides these expenses, expenses for defined benefit obli- gation for Dr. Michael Schneider in the amount of EUR 199 thousand (2015: EUR 96 thousand) are also recognized with- in employee benefits expense.  Note 29 ‘Retirement Benefit Obligation.’ Fees for the auditor Fees for the auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers GmbH Wirt- schafts prüfungsgesellschaft, Frankfurt / Main were expensed as follows: F E E S F O R T H E A U D I T O R T 13 0 in EUR thousands 2016 2015 Audit fees Audit-related fees Other fees 485 30 50 565 562 18 84 664 Headcount The average headcount breaks down as follows: AV E R A G E H E A D C O U N T T 131 but rather supports production. Salaried employees are employ- ees in administrative / sales / central functions. Consolidation Name, place of domicile and share in capital pursuant to section 313 (2) No. 1 HGB of the consolidated group of companies is presented in  Note 4 ‘Scope of Consolidation.’ Proposal for the distribution of earnings The Management Board proposes that a dividend of EUR 0.95 be paid as a dividend per bearer of shares, leading to a total dividend payment of EUR 30,269,280. Corporate governance (section 161 AktG) The Management Board and Supervisory Board have issued a corporate governance declaration pursuant to section 161 of the German Stock Corporation Act (Aktiengesetz) and made it available to shareholders on the website of NORMA Group. @ http://investors.normagroup.com 43. E XEMPTIONS UNDER SECTION 264, PAR AGR APH 3 OF THE GER M A N COMMERCIAL CODE (HGB) In 2016, the following German subsidiaries made use of disclo- sure exemptions pursuant to section 264, Paragraph 3 of the German Commercial Code (HGB): Number Direct labor Indirect labor Salaried 2016 2015 2,416 1,169 1,681 5,266 2,319 1,123 1,564 5,006 • NORMA Group Holding GmbH, Maintal • NORMA Distribution Center GmbH, Marsberg • NORMA Germany GmbH, Maintal • NORMA Verwaltungs GmbH, Maintal The category ‘direct labor’ consists of employees who are di- rectly engaged in the production process. The numbers fluctu- ate according to the level of output. The category ‘indirect labor’ consists of personnel that does not directly produce products, 4 4. E VENTS AF TER THE BAL A NCE SHEE T DATE As of March 9, 2017, no events were known that would have led to a material change in the disclosure or valuation of the assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2016. Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 176 Appendix to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements VOTING RIGHTS NOTIFICATIONS According to section 160 (1) No. 8 AktG, information regarding voting rights that have been notified to the Company pursuant to section 21 (1) or (1a) of the German Securities Trading Act (Wertpapierhandelsgesetz – WpHG) have to be disclosed. tains the information of the last notification of each share- holder and the percentage and shares may have changed in the meantime. The following sheet gives an overview of all voting rights that have been sent to the Company as of March 9, 2017. It con- All notifications of voting rights by the company in the reporting period and up until March 9, 2017, are available on the website of NORMA Group @ http://investors.normagroup.com. V O T I N G R I G H T S N O T I F I C AT I O N S T 13 2 Notifying party Achievement of voting rights Share in % Shares Pursuant to WpHG Allianz Global Investors Europe GmbH, Frankfurt am Main, Germany January 21, 2014 Ameriprise Financial Inc., Minneapolis, USA 1 December 21, 2016 1,601,001 thereof 0.50% (157,764 voting rights) according to § 22 (1) sent. 1 no. 6 WpHG 1,773,418 § 21, 22 WpHG 5.02 5.57 November 6, 2015 4.85 1,543,895 § 22 (1) sent. 1 no. 6 in connection with sent. 2 WpHG November 6, 2015 February 18, 2016 1,543,895 § 22 (1) sent. 1 no. 6 in connection with sent. 2 WpHG 1,599,240 § 21, 22 WpHG 960,377 § 21, 22 WpHG 1,564,752 § 21, 22 WpHG 4.85 5.02 2.98 4.91 March 7, 2014 3.05 973,100 § 22 (1) sent. 1 no. 6 WpHG Atlantic Value General Partner Limited, London, United Kingdom Atlantic Value Investment Partnership LP, Wilmington, Delaware, USA A X A S.A., Paris, France BNP Paribas Asset Management SAS, Paris, France August 9, 2016 BNP Paribas Investment Partners S.A., Paris, France July 14, 2016 Capital Research and Management Company, Los Angeles, CA, USA Impax Asset Management Group Plc, London, United Kingdom MIPL Group Limited, London, United Kingdom February 20, 2017 November 6, 2015 MIPL Holdings Limited, London, United Kingdom November 6, 2015 Mondrian Investment Partners Limited, London, United Kingdom November 6, 2015 SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc., Los Angeles, CA, USA October 30, 2014 T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., Baltimore, Maryland, USA February 24, 2016 3.08 4.85 4.85 4.85 3.05 3.11 982,407 § 21, 22 WpHG 1,543,895 § 22 (1) sent. 1 no. 6 in connection with sent. 2 WpHG 1,543,895 § 22 (1) sent. 1 no. 6 in connection with sent. 2 WpHG 1,543,895 § 22 (1) sent. 1 no. 6 WpHG 970,940 990,078 § 21, 22 WpHG The Capital Group Companies, Inc., Los Angeles, CA, USA March 7, 2014 3.05 973,100 § 22 (1) sent. 1 no. 6 in connection with sent. 2 and 3 WpHG 1 The voting rights attributed to the notifying party are held by the following shareholder whose share in the voting rights in NORMA Group SE amounts to 3% or more: Threadneedle Investment Funds ICVC NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 177 Corporate Bodies MEMBERS OF THE M A N AGEMENT BOAR D MEMBERS OF THE SUPERVISORY BOAR D Werner Deggim Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Michael Schneider PhD in Economics, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Bernd Kleinhens Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Managing Director Business Development John Stephenson Master of Science, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Dr. Stefan Wolf (Chairman) • Chairman of the Management Board (CEO) of ElringKlinger AG, Dettingen, Germany • Member of the Supervisory Board of Allgaier Werke GmbH, Uhingen, Germany Lars M. Berg (Vice-Chairman) • Consultant to various companies in the fields of telecommunications, media and finances • Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Net Insight AB, Stockholm, Sweden • Member of the Supervisory Board of Greater Than AB, Stockholm, Sweden (since February 5, 2016) • Member of the Supervisory Board of BioElectric Solutions AB, Stockholm, Sweden Günter Hauptmann • Consultant • Chairman of the Advisory Board of Atesteo GmbH (formerly GIF GmbH), Alsdorf, Germany • Member of the Supervisory Board of Geka GmbH, Bechhofen, Germany (until August 31, 2016) • Member of the Advisory Board of Moon TopCo GmbH, formerly mertus 268. GmbH (Schlemmer Group), Poing, Germany (since September 1, 2016) Knut Michelberger • Consultant • Member of the Advisory Board of Rena Technologies GmbH, Gütenbach, Germany • Member of the Supervisory Board (raad van commissar- issen) of Weener Plastics Group, Ede, Netherlands (since January 1, 2016) • Member of the Advisory Board of Kaffee Partner Holding GmbH, Osnabrück, Germany (since June 1, 2016) Dr. Christoph Schug • Entrepreneur • Member of the Advisory Board of Bomedus GmbH, Bonn, Germany • Member of the Advisory Board of MoebelFirst GmbH, Cologne, Germany • Member of the Administrative Board of AMEOS Gruppe AG, Zurich, Switzerland (until December 31, 2016) Erika Schulte • Managing Director of Hanau Wirtschaftsförderung GmbH and Liquidator of Techno logie- und Gründerzentrum Hanau GmbH (until February 3, 2017) • No seats on other boards or comparable committees Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements178 Responsibility Statement To the best of our knowledge, and in accordance with the applicable reporting principles, the consoli- dated financial statements give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Group, and the Group Management Report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Group, together with a description of the principal opportunities and risks associated with the expected development of the Group. Maintal, March 9, 2017 NORMA Group SE The Management Board Werner Deggim Dr. Michael Schneider Bernd Kleinhens John Stephenson NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 179 Auditor’s Report We have audited the consolidated financial statements prepared by the NORMA Group SE, comprising the statement of financial position, the statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity, cash flow statement and the notes to the consolidated financial statements, together with the group management report for the business year from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements and the group management report in accordance with the IFRSs, as adopted by the EU, and the additional requirements of German commercial law pursuant to § (Article) 315a Abs. (paragraph) 1 HGB (“Handelsgesetzbuch”: German Commercial Code) is the responsibility of the parent Company’s Board of Managing Directors. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements and on the group management report based on our audit. We conducted our audit of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with § 317 HGB and German generally accepted standards for the audit of financial statements promulgated by the Institut der Wirtschaftsprüfer (Institute of Public Auditors in Germany) (IDW). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit such that misstatements materially affecting the presentation of the net assets, financial position and results of operations in the consolidated financial statements in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework and in the group management report are detected with reasonable assurance. Knowledge of the business activities and the economic and legal environment of the Group and expectations as to possible misstatements are taken into account in the determination of audit procedures. The effectiveness of the accounting-related internal control system and the evidence supporting the disclosures in the consolidated financial statements and the group management report are examined primarily on a test basis within the framework of the audit. The audit includes assessing the annual financial statements of those entities included in consolidation, the determination of the entities to be included in consolidation, the accounting and consolidation principles used and significant estimates made by the Company’s Board of Managing Directors, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements and the group management report. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. Our audit has not led to any reservations. In our opinion based on the findings of our audit the consolidated financial statements comply with the IFRSs as adopted by the EU and the additional requirements of German commercial law pursuant to § 315a Abs. 1 HGB and give a true and fair view of the net assets, financial position and results of operations of the Group in accordance with these requirements. The group management report is consistent with the consolidated financial statements, complies with legal requirements, as a whole provides a suitable view of the Group’s position and suitably presents the opportunities and risks of future development. Frankfurt am Main, March 9, 2017 PricewaterhouseCoopers GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft Thomas Tilgner Wirtschaftsprüfer (German Public Auditor) ppa. Richard Gudd Wirtschaftsprüfer (German Public Auditor) Consolidated Financial StatementsNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements180 Glossary 5S ME THOD OLOGY 5S is a method for organizing a work space for efficiency and effectiveness in order to reduce industrial accidents. CASH POOLING Consolidating liquidity within the Group through central finan- cial management with the purpose of compensating for excess liquidity or liquidity shortfalls. A F TER M ARKE T SEGMENT The market concerned with the maintenance / repair of invest- ment goods or long-life final goods (e. g. vehicles) or the sale of replacement parts or complementary parts for the goods. This involves the sale of services and / or parts that are directly related to the previous sale of the goods. APAC Abbreviation for the Asia-Pacific region. CODE OF CONDUCT A set of policies which can and should be applied in a wide range of contexts and environments depending on the situa- tion. In contrast to a rule, the target audience is not obliged to always comply with the Code of Conduct. A Code of Conduct is more of a personal commitment to follow or abstain from cer- tain patterns of behavior, ensuring that nobody gains an unfair advantage by circumventing these patterns. AS SE T BACKED SECURITIES (ABS) PROGR A M A specific way of converting payment claims into negotiable securities with a financing company. COMMODIT Y A term used in procurement for any kind of material good used by traders. AUSTENITIC STEEL Austenitic steel is a stainless steel that normally contains an alloy of 15–20% chromium and 5–15% nickel. COMPLIA NCE Conforming to rules: companies adhering to Codes of Conduct, laws and guidelines. BEST L A NDED COST APPROACH Assessment of the total costs of a product including the price of the product as well as the charges for the shipping, taxes and / or duties. COR POR ATE GOVER N A NCE A set of all international and national rules, regulations, values and principles which apply to companies and determine how these companies are to be managed and monitored. BUBBLE AS SIG NMENT Short-term exchange program for employees to promote internal knowledge transfer, intercultural awareness, the development of networks and the individual development of participants. COR POR ATE R ESPONSIBILIT Y A form of corporate self-regulation integrated into a business model by taking societal and environmental aspects into ac- count. BR E XIT In a referendum on June 23, 2016, the citizens of the United Kingdom voted against the country remaining in the European Union (EU). The collective consequence of the EU exit has taken on the popular, unofficial term of Brexit. CAQ SOF T WAR E Software for quality assurance. COVER AGE The regular assessment of the economic and financial situation of a listed company by banks or financial research institutions. CROS S CURRENCY SWAP A financial derivative in which two parties exchange interest and principal payments in different currencies. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016Further Information Glossary 181 CROS S - SELLING EFFECTS The action or practice of selling an additional product or service to an existing customer. DISTRIBUTION SERVICES (DS) One of NORMA Group’s two ways to market, providing a wide range of high-quality, standardized joining products for a broad range of applications and customers. E- PROCUR EMENT SYSTEM Electronic procurement system. EBITA (E AR NINGS BEFOR E INTER EST, TA XES A ND A MORTIZ ATION) EBITA describes earnings before interest, taxes and amortiza- tion of intangible assets. For long-term comparison and a better understanding of business development, NORMA Group adjusts the EBITA for certain one-time expenses. These are described in the Management Report as well as in the Notes to the Con- solidated Financial Statements. EBITA M ARGIN (AD JUSTED) The adjusted EBITA margin is calculated from the ratio of ad- justed EBITA to sales and is an indicator of the profitability of NORMA Group’s business activities. EBITDA (E AR NINGS BEFOR E INTER EST, TA XES, DEPR ECIATION A ND A MORTIZ ATION) Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation (of property, plant and equipment) and amortization (of intangible assets). It is a measure of a company’s operating performance before invest- ment expenses. For long-term comparison and a better under- standing of its business development, NORMA Group adjusts the EBITA for certain one-time expenses. These are described in the Management Report as well as in the Notes to the Con- solidated Financial Statements. EL ASTOMERS Stable but elastic plastics which are used at a temperature above their glass transition temperature. The plastics can de- form under tensile or compressive load, but then return to their original shape. EME A Abbreviation for the economic area of Europe (comprising West- ern and Eastern Europe), the Middle East and Africa. EMPLOYER BR A NDING Corporate strategic measure to represent the company as an attractive employer and for positioning in the labor market. ENGINEER ED JOINING TECHNOLOGY (E JT ) One of NORMA Group’s two ways to market. It provides custom- ized, highly engineered joining technology products primarily, but not exclusively, for industrial OEM customers. EURIBOR Reference rate for time deposits in the interbank business (cur- rency: EUR). EUROPE A N M AR KE T INFR ASTRUCTUR E R EGUL ATION (EMIR) An EU regulation that regulates the over-the-counter market with derivative products. The main stipulation of this regulation obligates market participants to clear their over-the-counter standard derivative transactions through a central counterpart and report these transactions to a trade repository. FACTORING Factoring is a type of debtor finance in which a business sells its accounts receivable to a third party (called a factor) at a discount. EBITDA M ARGIN (AD JUSTED) The adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated from the ratio of ad- justed EBITA to sales. FER RITIC STEEL Ferritic chromium steel is a stainless steel that normally cannot be hardened. It is magnetizable and used in environments con- taining little or no chloride. 182 FR EE CASH FLOW Indicates the amount of money that is available to pay dividends to shareholders and / or repay loans. ISO 9 0 01 International standard that defines the minimum requirements that quality management systems must meet. GE ARING Gearing is a measure of a company’s debt level. Gearing is calculated from the ratio of net debt to equity. ISO / TS 16 9 49 An international standard that combines the existing general demands on quality management systems of the (mostly North American and European) automotive industry. GEMBA WALK Daily walk through the production halls, inspecting individual processes in the opposite order of workflow and analyzing po- tential opportunities for improvements. GLOBAL E XCELLENCE PROGR A M A cost optimization program started in 2009. It coordinates and manages all of NORMA Group’s sites and business units. INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING (IPO) First offering of shares of a company on the organized capital market. INNOVATION ROADM APPING Systematic approach to adapt company-specific product in- novations to future market and technological developments. INNOVATION SCOUTING Structured observation of changes, potentials and relevant knowledge of technological developments and processes. INTER N ATION AL SECURITIES IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (ISIN) 12-digit alphanumerical code used to identify a security traded on the stock market. K AIZEN A methodical concept the aim of which is continuous and in- finite improvement. The improvement takes place as a gradual, punctual perfection or optimization of a product or process. K A NBA N Method of production process control for the reduction of local stocks of precursors. LE A N M A NUFACTURING A systematic method for the elimination of waste within a manu- facturing process. An integrated socio-technical system reduces or minimizes supply-side, customer-side and internal fluctuations. LE VER AGE Leverage is a measure of a company’s debt and is calculated as the ratio of net debt (without hedging instruments) to adjusted EBITDA over the last 12 months (LTM). For the purpose of a bet- ter comparison, adjusted EBITDA LTM includes the companies acquired during the year. LONG -TER M AS SIG NMENT Long-term exchange program for employees to promote internal knowledge transfer, intercultural awareness, the development of networks and the individual development of participants. ISO 140 01 An international environmental management standard that spec- ifies the internationally accepted requirements for an environ- mental management system. M ATERIAL USAGE R ATIO The material usage ratio of NORM A Group results from the ratio of material expenses to sales. Furthermore, N O R M A NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016Further Information Glossary 183 Group presents material expenses in relation to total output. The latter is the result of sales plus changes in inventories of finished goods and work in progress and other capitalized own work. N ATION AL BUR E AU OF STATISTICS (NBS) Chinese Bureau of Statistics. NE T DEBT Net debt is the sum of financial liabilities less cash and cash equivalents. Financial liabilities also include liabilities from de- rivative financial instruments that are held for trading purposes or as hedging instruments. OHSAS 18 0 01 Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series; certification of occupational health and safety management systems. ORIGIN AL EQUIPMENT M A NUFACTUR ER (OEM) A company that retails products under its own name. PRIME STA NDARD A segment of the regulated stock market with higher inclusion requirements than the General Standard. It is the private law segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange with the highest transparency standards. All companies listed in the DA X, MDA X, TecDA X and SDA X must be included in the Prime Standard. PRINT ON DEM A ND SYSTEMS Publication process by which print templates are not created until the first order has been received. R E- ENGINEERING CENTER Engineering redesign of existing products to adapt to changing market conditions. R E VERSE FACTORING A financing solution initiated by the ordering party in order to help its suppliers finance their receivables more easily and at a lower interest rate than they would normally be offered. NE T OPER ATING CASH FLOW Net operating cash flow Is calculated on the basis of EBITDA plus changes in working capital, less investments from oper- ating activities. Net cash flow is a key financial control figure for NORMA Group and serves as a measure for the Group’s liquidity. ROADSHOW Series of corporate presentations made to investors by an issuer at various financial locations to attract investment in the company. SELECTIVE CATALY TIC R EDUCTION (SCR) Selective catalytic reduction is a method used to reduce particle and nitric oxide emissions. PATENT COOPER ATION TR E AT Y (PCT ) The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) is an international treaty. Under the terms of this treaty, its Contracting States shall form a special association in accordance with the Paris Conven- tion on the Protection of Industrial Property. The PCT allows either nationals of a Contracting State or those domiciled in a Contracting State to submit a single patent application to the International Bureau of WIPO or another approved office (e. g. Deutsches Patentamt or European Patent Office) for all Con- tracting States Of the PCT. SENIOR FACILIT Y AGR EEMENT (SFA ) Loan agreement. SIX SIGM A Management system for process improvement using analytical and statistical tools. ECONOMIES OF SCALE Indicates the ratio of the production volume to the production fac- tors used. In the case of positive scale effects, the production out- put is also increased with the intensification of production factors. 184 SMED (SINGLE MINUTE E XCH A NGE OF DIE ) Optimization of set up times of processes through both organi- zational and technical measures. SOCIE TAS EUROPAE A (SE ) Legal form for stock companies in the European Union and the European Economic Area. With the SE, the EU started allowing for companies to be founded in accordance with a largely uni- form legal framework at the end of 2004. SUNSHINE LINE A short-term bilateral framework credit line for general company purposes, which can be used as current bank overdrafts as well as in the form of debts or money market loans. WEIGHTED AVER AGE COST OF CAPITAL ( WACC) The WACC is calculated at NORMA Group as a weighted aver- age cost of equity and borrowing costs at the end of the year. The cost of equity is derived from capital market information as the expectation of a shareholder’s return. NORMA Group’s risk profile is based on market parameters. SECURITIES ID NUMBER ( WK N) A six-character combination of numbers and letters used in Germany to identify securities. WORKING CAPITAL Trade working capital describes the Group’s current net operat- ing assets and is calculated as the sum of inventories and trade receivables minus trade payables. THER MOPL ASTS (ALSO K NOWN AS PL ASTOMERS) Plastics which become elastic (thermoplastic) in a particular temperature range, whereby this process is reversible. XE TR A An electronic trading system operated by Deutsche Börse AG for the spot market. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016Further Information List of Graphics 185 List of Graphics COVER CONSOLIDATED M A N AGEMENT R EPORT (CONT.) G R A P H I C G 001 NORMA Group Production and Distribution Sites P A G E Back cover TO OUR SH AR EHOLDERS G R A P H I C G 009 Sales by Distribution Channels G 010 Strategic Goals of NORMA Group G 011 Development of Sales in 2016 G 012 Cost of Materials and Cost of Materials Ratio (Adjusted) G R A P H I C G 002 Index-Based Comparison of NORMA Group’s Share Price Performance 2016 with the MDAX and DAX 26 27 27 28 G 003 Distribution of Trading Activity in 2016 G 004 Free Float by Region G 005 Analyst Recommendations G 006 Share Price Development Since the IPO in April 2011 Compared to the MDAX CONSOLIDATED M A N AGEMENT R EPORT G R A P H I C G 007 NORMA Group (Simplified Structure) G 008 Organization Structure of NORMA Group P A G E 29 P A G E 49 50 G 013 Adjusted EBITA and Adjusted EBITA Margin G 014 Asset and Capital Structure G 015 Maturity Profile by Currency G 016 Maturity Profile by Financial Instrument G 017 Breakdown of Sales by Segment G 018 Material Purchasing Turnover in 2016 According to Material Groups Development of Nickel Prices and the Alloy Surcharge 1.4301 in 2016 G 020 Personnel Development at NORMA Group G 021 Breakdown of Employees by Group G 022 G 023 Marketing Expenditures 2016 by Segment G 024 Risk Management System of NORMA Group Incident Rate G 019 P A G E 50 54 63 64 64 66 67 67 68 72 72 74 74 76 77 83 186 List of Tables COVER CONSOLIDATED M A N AGEMENT R EPORT (CONT.) TA B L E T 001 Overview of Key Figures 2016 P A G E Front cover TA B L E T 025 TO OUR SH AR EHOLDERS T 026 Automotive Industry: Global Production and Development of Sales (Passenger Vehicles) Construction Industry: Development of European Construction Output TA B L E T 002 Overview of Voting Rights Notifications T 003 Analysts Covering NORMA Group T 004 Key Figures of the NORMA Group Share Since the IPO 29 35 T 005 Responsibilities of the Management Board T 006 Directors’ Dealings 2016 37 T 007 Other Mandates of the Supervisory Board Members 38 P A G E 27 28 T 027 Forecast for the Fiscal Year 2017 T 028 T 029 Risk and Opportunity Portfolio of NORMA Group Overview of the Matching Stock Programme (MSP) at the Time of Allotment 95 Remuneration Granted to the Management Board 96 97 T 030 T 031 Management Board Remuneration in 2016 T 032 Inflow from Management Board Member Remuneration CONSOLIDATED M A N AGEMENT R EPORT T 033 Remuneration of the Supervisory Board CONSOLIDATED FIN A NCIAL STATEMENTS TA B L E T 008 T 009 P A G E Overview of End Markets and Brands by Segment 51 Regulation of Average Emissions (CO2) for Vehicle Fleets T 010 Financial Control Parameters T 011 Non-Financial Control Parameters T 012 R&D Key Figures T 013 GDP Growth Rate (Real) T 014 Actual Business Development Compared to the Forecast Investment Highlights in 2016 T 015 Adjustments T 016 Effects on Group Sales T 017 Development of Sales Channels T 018 Development of Segments T 019 T 020 Core Workforce by Segment T 021 Age Structure of NORMA Group Employees T 022 T 023 Forecasts For GDP Growth (Real) T 024 Engineering: Real Change in Industry Sales Length of Service of NORMA Group Employees TA B L E P A G E 110 T 034 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position T 035 Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 112 113 T 036 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 114 T 037 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 116 T 038 Segment Reporting T 039 New and Amended Standards Adopted for the First Time Standards, Amendments and Interpretations That Have Already Been Endorsed by the EU Standards, Amendments and Interpretations That Have Not Been Endorsed by the EU T 040 T 041 T 042 Valuation Methods T 043 Exchange Rates T 044 Offsetting of Financial Instruments T 045 Change in Scope of Consolidation T 046 List of Group Companies of NORMA Group as of December 31, 2016 T 047 Foreign Exchange Risk 53 55 55 58 59 62 63 63 64 68 70 73 74 74 79 79 P A G E 79 80 82 92 97 98 119 120 121 124 125 129 133 134 135 NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016Further Information List of Tables 187 CONSOLIDATED FIN A NCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.) CONSOLIDATED FIN A NCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.) TA B L E T 048 T 049 Maturity Structure of Non-Derivative Financial Liabilities Maturity Structure of Derivative Financial Instruments T 050 Profit and Loss Net of Adjustments T 051 Revenue by Category T 052 Raw Materials and Consumables Used T 053 Other Operating Income T 054 Other Operating Expenses T 055 Employee Benefits Expense T 056 Financial Income and Costs T 057 Net Foreign Exchange Gains / Losses T 058 Earnings Per Share T 059 T 060 Tax Reconciliation T 061 Income Tax Charged / Credited to Other Comprehensive Income Income Taxes T 062 Deferred Tax Assets and Deferred Tax Liabilities T 063 Movement in Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities T 064 Deferred Income Tax Assets T 065 Deferred Income Tax Liabilities T 066 Expiry of Recognized Tax Losses T 067 Expiry of Not Recognized Tax Losses Development Goodwill and T 068 Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets – Carrying Amounts T 069 T 070 Change in Goodwill T 071 Goodwill Allocation Per Segment T 072 Goodwill Per Segment – Key Assumptions T 073 Assumptions Impairment T 074 Development of Property, Plant and Equipment T 075 Property, Plant and Equipment – Carrying Amounts T 076 Finance Leases – Land and Buildings P A G E 136 137 139 140 140 140 140 141 141 141 142 142 142 143 143 143 144 144 144 144 145 146 146 146 147 147 148 148 149 TA B L E T 077 Finance Leases – Machinery T 078 Finance Leases – Other Equipment T 079 Financial Instruments – Classes and Categories T 080 Financial Instruments – Fair Value Hierarchy Financial Instruments – Changes in T 081 Level 3 Instruments T 082 Financial Instruments – Net Gains and Losses T 083 Derivative Financial Instruments T 084 Change in Hedging Reserve Before Tax T 085 Gains and Losses Fair-Value Hedges T 086 Trade and Other Receivables T 087 Trade Receivables T 088 Trade Receivables – Maturity Analysis T 089 Trade Receivables – Impairments T 090 Trade and Other Receivables – Carrying Amount Per Currency P A G E 149 149 149 151 152 152 152 153 154 154 154 154 154 Inventories 155 155 T 091 Trade Receivables – Development Impairments 156 T 092 Receivables from Construction Contracts 156 T 093 Gross Amount Customer Contracts 156 T 094 156 T 095 Other Non-Financial Assets 156 T 096 Other Financial Assets 157 T 097 Development Retained Earnings 158 T 098 Development Other Reserves 159 T 099 Development of the MSP Option Rights 160 T 100 Development LTI T 101 Components Pension Liability 161 T 102 Reconciliation of the Net Defined Benefit Liability 162 T 103 Reconciliation of the Changes in the DBO 162 Reconciliation of Changes in the T 104 Fair Value of Plan Assets T 105 Disaggregation of Plan Assets T 106 Actuarial Assumptions T 107 Expected Payments from Post-Employment Benefit Plans 162 162 163 163 188 CONSOLIDATED FIN A NCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.) CONSOLIDATED FIN A NCIAL STATEMENTS (CONT.) TA B L E T 108 Development of Provisions T 109 Provisions – Split Current / Non-Current T 110 Provisions – Other Personnel-Related T 111 Borrowings T 112 Maturity Bank Borrowings 2016 T 113 Maturity Bank Borrowings 2015 T 114 Other Non-Financial Liabilities T 115 Other Financial Liabilities T 116 Future Minimum Lease Payments Non-Cancellable Finance Leases T 117 Trade and Other Payables T 118 Maturity Financial Liabilities T 119 Net Debt T 120 Net Payments for Acquisitions of Subsidiaries T 121 External Sales Per Country T 122 Non-Current Assets Per Country T 123 Commitments T 124 Future Minimum Lease Payments of Non-Cancellable Operating Leases P A G E 164 164 165 166 167 167 167 167 168 168 168 168 170 171 171 171 172 TA B L E T 125 Purchase Price Allocation Autoline Compensation of Members of the T 126 Management Board (IFRS) Provisions for Compensation of the Management Board Members T 127 T 128 Compensation of Board Members Compensation of Members of the T 129 Management Board (§ 315a HGB) T 130 Fees for the Auditor T 131 Average Headcount T 132 Voting Rights Notifications FURTHER INFOR M ATION TA B L E T 133 Overview by Quarter 2016 T 134 Multi-Year Overview P A G E 173 173 173 174 174 175 175 176 P A G E 189 190 NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016Further Information Overview by Quarter 2016 189 Overview by Quarter 2016 1 Income statement Revenue Adjusted gross profit Adjusted EBITA Adjusted EBITA margin EBITA Adjusted profit for the period Adjusted EPS Profit for the period EPS Cash flow Cash flow from operating activities Net operating cash flow Cash flow from investing activities Cash flow from financing activities Balance sheet Total assets Equity Equity ratio Net debt Q1 2016 2 Q2 2016 2 Q3 2016 2 Q4 2016 2 T 13 3 EUR millions EUR millions EUR millions % EUR millions EUR millions EUR EUR millions EUR EUR millions EUR millions EUR millions EUR millions EUR millions EUR millions % EUR millions 226.6 137.7 40.1 17.7 39.6 22.6 0.71 19.4 0.61 19.4 11.8 −11.1 −1.6 236.2 144.3 43.8 18.5 42.1 25.3 0.79 21.7 0.68 41.6 42.1 −12.6 −32.8 216.6 133.7 38.7 17.9 37.8 22.5 0.71 19.3 0.61 35.4 32.2 −12.3 94.6 215.5 129.9 34.9 16.2 31.0 24.2 0.76 15.5 0.48 53.4 62.4 −97.8 −10.7 Mar 31, 2016 Jun 30, 2016 Sep 30, 2016 Dec 31, 2016 1,164.1 1,174.1 1,282.1 1,337.7 437.1 37.6 347.8 433.4 36.9 354.1 451.4 35.2 335.1 483.6 36.2 394.2 1 Minor deviations may occur due to commercial rounding for the full year 2016 compared with the summation of the corresponding quarterly amounts. 2 The adjustments are described in the Notes.  Notes, p. 138. 190 Multi-Year Overview 1 2016 2 2015 2 2014 2 2013 2012 3 2011 2010 T 13 4 EUR millions 302.4 295.8 279.6 236.7 215.4 218.6 188.0 EUR millions EUR millions EUR millions EUR millions EUR millions EUR millions EUR millions EUR millions % of sales EUR millions EUR millions EUR millions EUR EUR 894.9 432.0 381.6 81.3 535.9 354.5 545.6 157.5 17.6 150.4 94.6 75.9 2.96 2.38 889.6 416.0 395.3 78.2 540.3 344.1 533.1 156.3 17.6 150.5 88.7 73.8 2.78 2.31 694.7 394.5 237.8 62.5 481.0 211.5 405.6 121.5 17.5 113.3 71.5 54.9 2.24 1.72 635.5 388 191.5 56.0 443.9 193.6 371.4 112.6 17.7 112.1 62.1 55.6 1.95 1.74 604.6 367.5 193.3 43.8 427.6 174.5 344.4 105.4 17.4 105.1 61.8 56.6 1.94 1.78 EUR millions −14.6 −17.2 −14.5 −15.6 −13.2 581.4 372.7 173 35.7 411.5 170.3 322.6 102.7 17.7 84.7 57.6 35.7 1.92 1.19 −29.6 30.0 4 16.8 4.1 490.4 336.6 123.8 30.0 323.6 168.3 274.7 85.4 17.4 64.9 48.2 30.3 1.93 1.21 −14.9 27 16.6 5.1 32.1 25.4 4.7 33.3 25.7 5.3 32.6 21.9 4.9 30.3 22.1 5.1 362.9 289.9 269.4 263.5 262.3 220.5 % EUR millions % of EJT sales EUR millions % of sales EUR millions EUR millions EUR millions 28.9 28.8 5.4 352.9 39.4 243.9 149.2 148.5 EUR millions −133.8 EUR millions 49.6 40.8 234.1 128.2 134.7 −44.5 −70.4 41.7 188.3 96.4 109.2 −265.1 57.7 EUR millions 1,337.7 1,167.9 1,078.4 EUR millions % EUR millions EUR millions % of sales 483.6 36.2 394.2 144.5 16.1 5,450 6,664 429.8 36.8 360.9 151.9 17.1 5,121 6,306 368.0 34.1 373.1 141.8 20.4 4,828 5,975 42.4 169.7 115.4 103.9 −43.4 51.7 823.7 319.9 38.8 153.5 110.8 17.4 4,134 4,947 43.6 156.5 96.1 81 −58.1 −34.1 691.8 289.2 41.8 199 115.9 19.2 3,759 4,485 45.1 143.7 71.7 66.8 −33.7 −0.5 648.6 256.0 39.5 198.5 106.2 18.3 3,415 4,252 45 124.4 62.1 51.7 −56.6 −3.1 578.8 78.4 13.5 344.1 86.7 17.7 3,028 3,830 Order situation Order book (Dec 31) Income statement Revenue thereof EME A thereof Americas thereof Asia-Pacific EJT DS Adjusted gross profit Adjusted EBITA 2 Adjusted EBITA margin 2 EBITA Adjusted profit for the period 2 Profit for the period Adjusted EPS 2 EPS Financial result Tax rate R&D expenses R&D ratio (in relation to EJT sales) Cost of materials 2 Cost of materials ratio 2 Personnel expenses 5 Cash flow Cash flow from operating activities Net operating cash flow Cash flow from investing activities Cash flow from financing activities Balance sheet Total assets Equity Equity ratio Net debt Working capital Working capital ratio Employees Core workforce Total workforce incl. temporary workers Share Number of shares (weighted) Number of shares (year-end) 31,862,400 31,862,400 31,862,400 31,862,400 31,862,400 30,002,126 24,862,400 31,862,400 31,862,400 31,862,400 31,862,400 31,862,400 31,862,400 24,862,400 1 Key figures prior to the IPO in 2011 are not shown due to lack of comparability be- 3 2012: The accounting rules changed in 2013 due to the first-time use of IAS 19R. In tween HGB and IFRS. For this reason, the multi-year-overview includes only the years order to better compare the earnings, assets and financial positions, the 2012 figures from 2010 onwards. have been adjusted to suit the new accounting rules and may therefore deviate from 2 In 2016 adjustments were made which especially relate to the acquisition of the Autoline business. The adjustments are described in the Notes.  Notes, p. 138. Adjustments of prior years are shown in the respective Annual Reports from prior years. the figures published in the 2012 Annual Report. 4 Adjusted for deferred tax liabilities of EUR 2.8 million resulting from 2007. 5 From 2010 to 2011 and 2014 to 2016, adjusted by one-off effects. NORMA Group SE Annual Report 2016 Annual Review J A N U A R Y – M A R C H 2 0 1 6 A P R I L – J U N E 2 0 1 6 N OR M A Group publishes Corporate Respon- sibility Roadmap 2018 N OR M A Group issued Gold Status by EcoVadis for its achievements in the area of sustainability General Motors recognizes N OR M A Group in China and the Czech Republic with its Supplier Quality Excellence Award N OR M A Group has launched the new Breeze Super-Seal clamp for fluid connections in high-pres- sure applications using rubber or silicone hoses N OR M A Group has received Platinum Supplier Status 2015 from General Motors Company for its site in Poland w e i v e R l a u n n A | p u o r G A M R O N J U LY – S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6 O C T O B E R – D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6 N OR M A Group SE issues third promissory note valued at EUR 150 million N OR M A Group is supplying Fuel Transport Tube Systems for a new model of an Italian motorcycle manufacturer on a serial basis N OR M A Group successfully completes acqui- sition of Parker’s global Autoline business for quick connectors N OR M A Group wins major contract from French motor vehicle manufacturer Annual Review NORMA Group Worldwide N O R M A G R O U P P R O D U C T I O N A N D D I S T R I B U T I O N S I T E S G 0 0 1 A M E R I C A S Brazil (P, D) Mexico (P, D) USA (P, D) A S I A - P A C I F I C Australia (D) China (P, D) India (P, D) Indonesia (D) Japan (D) Malaysia (P, D) Singapore (D) South Korea (D) Thailand (P, D) E M E A Czech Republic (P, D) France (P, D) Germany (P, D) Italy (D) Poland (P, D) Russia (P, D) Serbia (P) Spain (D) Sweden (P, D) Switzerland (P, D) The Netherlands (D) Turkey (D) United Kingdom (P, D) P = Production sites D = Sales, distribution and competence center Financial Calendar 2017 Mar 22, 2017 May 10, 2017 May 23, 2017 Aug 9, 2017 Nov 8, 2017 Publication of Full Year Results 2016 Publication of Q1 Interim Statement 2017 Annual General Meeting 2017 in Frankfurt/Main Publication of Q2 Interim Report 2017 Publication of Q3 Interim Statement 2017 The financial calendar is constantly updated. Please visit the Investor Relations section on the Company website @ www.normagroup.com for up-to-date information. Contact and Imprint If you have any questions regarding NORM A Group or would like to be included in the distribution list, please contact the Investor Relations team: E-Mail: ir@normagroup.com Andreas Trösch Vice President Investor Relations Phone: + 49 6181 6102 741 | Fax: + 49 6181 6102 7641 E-mail: andreas.troesch@normagroup.com E D I TO R NORMA Group SE Edisonstraße 4 63477 Maintal, Germany Vanessa Wiese Senior Manager Investor Relations Phone: + 49 6181 6102 742 | Fax: + 49 6181 6102 7642 E-mail: vanessa.wiese@normagroup.com Phone: + 49 6181 6102 740 E-mail: info@normagroup.com www.normagroup.com Dana Feuerberg Manager Investor Relations Phone: + 49 6181 6102 748 | Fax: + 49 6181 6102 7648 E-mail: dana.feuerberg@normagroup.com C O N C E P T A N D L AYO U T 3st kommunikation, Mainz P R I N T Woeste Druck, Essen Print compensated Id-No. 1763438 www.bvdm-online.de Note on the Annual Report This Annual Report is also available in German. If there are differences between the two, the German version takes priority. Note on rounding Please note that slight differences may arise as a result of the use of rounded amounts and percentages. Forward-looking statements This Annual Report contains certain future-oriented statements. Future-oriented statements include all statements which do not relate to historical facts and events and contain future-oriented expressions such as ‘believe,’ ‘estimate,’ ‘assume,’ ‘expect,’ ‘forecast,’ ‘intend,’ ‘could’ or ‘chould’ or expressions of a similar kind. Such future-oriented statements are subject to risks and uncertainties since they relate to future events and are based on the Company’s current assumptions, which may not in the future take place or be fulfilled as expected. The Company points out that such future-oriented statements provide no guarantee for the future and that the actual events including the financial position and profitability of NORMA Group SE and developments in the economic and regulatory fundamentals may vary substantially (particularly on the down side) from those explicitly or implicitly assumed in these statements. Even if the actual assets for NORMA Group SE, including its financial position and profitability and the economic and regulatory fundamentals, are in accordance with such future-oriented statements in this Annual Report, no guarantee can be given that this will continue to be the case in the future. E E S S p p u u o o r r G G A A M M R R O O N N 6 1 0 2 T R O P E R L A U N N A NORMA Group SE Edisonstraße 4 63477 Maintal, Germany Phone: +49 6181 6102 740 E-mail: info@normagroup.com Internet: www.normagroup.com 

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