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Sulzer AG

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FY2017 Annual Report · Sulzer AG
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INDUSTRIAL 
AGILITY

Annual Report 2017

Contents

  3  Letter to the shareholders

  7  Sulzer at a glance
  7  Our company
  9  Our key figures
  12  Our highlights

 15  Focus

 35  Business review
  36  Financial review
  41  Business review divisions

 53  Sustainable development
  54  Values and behaviors

  56  Ecological sustainability

  59  Social sustainability

 63  Corporate governance
  64  Corporate structure and shareholders
  65  Capital structure
  66  Board of Directors
  74  Executive Committee
  75  Shareholder participation rights
  76  Takeover and defense  measures
  77  Auditors
  78  Risk management
Information policy
  80 

 81  Compensation report
  82  Letter to the shareholders
  83  Compensation governance and principles
  87  Compensation architecture
  94 
 Compensation of the Board of Directors and the  Executive Committee
  99  Shareholdings of the Board of Directors and the  Executive Committee
 101  Auditor’s report

 103  Financial reporting
 105  Consolidated financial  statements
 179  Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Letter to the shareholders

3

Letter to the shareholders

Markets are changing faster than ever before. Technology has upended the oil and gas landscape, taking the USA in a few 

years from the status of net importer to surpassing Saudi Arabia as an oil producing nation. It has made data, ours and our 

customers’, the most valuable commodity of all. It has allowed us to enter new markets, but has also empowered a new breed 

of competitors in domains where significant industrial assets used to be a prerequisite to compete. And it makes the world a 

global village, creating limitless opportunities for efficient collaboration across our company and beyond.

The “fourth industrial revolution,” “Industry 4.0”: these terms pepper the speech of every CEO and the strategy presentations 

of their companies. Sulzer is no exception, but our digital transformation is first and foremost an enabler towards our main 

goal: to achieve industrial agility. To compete in a world where change is the only constant, Sulzer needs to combine the 

recognition it enjoys for quality and innovation with the ability to react quickly to changing markets, changing customer needs 

and changing environmental constraints.

Sulzer is ready. We are reinventing our business for tomorrow. We are using additive manufacturing to produce the next 

generation of pump impellers and to speed up the development of mascara brushes. We are using digital tools to turn our 

pumps into smart devices and to enable the Sulzer factory of the future. But we are also changing the way we work so that we 

can deliver spare parts in a matter of hours rather than weeks.

So dive into this first Annual Report available exclusively online and learn more about how we are connecting our businesses, 

increasing productivity and driving growth.

report.sulzer.com/ar17

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Letter to the shareholders

4

Performance in 2017

We had significant commercial and operational successes in 2017 and delivered on what we promised. The oil and gas 

markets remained challenging but downstream started rebounding. We do not yet expect a wider rebound this year but are 

optimistic as we look beyond 2018.

In 2017, we recorded encouraging organic order growth in addition to the strong contribution from our acquisitions. At CHF 

3.2 billion, order intake grew by 11.8% on a currency-adjusted basis and by 2.2% organically. Sales increased by 5.2% to 

CHF 3.0 billion on the strength of our acquisitions, while declining organically as a result of a low opening order backlog.

Operational profitability (opEBITA) reached CHF 255.4 million, an increase of 5.3% on a currency-adjusted basis compared 

with 2016. Savings of CHF 61 million from the Sulzer Full Potential (SFP) program and the contribution of acquisitions more 

than offset the impact of headwinds. Profitability increased to 8.4%, despite a CHF 10 million one-time charge for a 

discontinued business activity in Chemtech.

While SFP continues to deliver strong results, we have shifted our focus to 
becoming a more agile company to support our profitable growth.

Greg Poux-Guillaume CEO

Building on the successes of SFP

SFP achieved additional savings of CHF 61 million in 2017 – and there is more to come.

When we launched SFP three years ago, we set as a goal a 2018 financial objective and implementation horizon. The depth of 

the oil and gas market downturn has been more pronounced than anticipated, and its recovery slower. But SFP is on track to 

over-deliver, ahead of time and within budget. And we still have ideas for making Sulzer leaner and more agile. Consequently, 

we have decided to extend SFP for one more year and to raise the previously communicated target of CHF 200 million of 

savings from 2018 onwards to CHF 230 million of savings from 2019 onwards.

In 2018, Sulzer expects its SFP program to deliver incremental cost savings of approximately CHF 25 million to cumulatively 

reach CHF 210 million. SFP helped us get Sulzer back on track, now it will be fueling our margin recovery. And we are not 

done yet.

Delivering on acquisitions

We continued to follow the acquisition path we set out in 2016. We successfully closed four acquisitions in 2017:

—

—

—

—

Ensival Moret, closed in February 2017: added axial flow and slurry pump technologies to our portfolio;

VIEC, closed in February 2017: added separation technology for the upstream oil and gas market segment;

Rotec GT, closed in June 2017: extended our gas turbine service business in Russia;

Transcodent, closed in September 2017: strengthened our Applicator Systems’ dental segment where we already are a 

global market leader.

Furthermore, we announced the acquisition of JWC Environmental, LLC, in December 2017 (closed in January 2018). JWC is 

a leading provider of solids reduction and removal products for the wastewater business. It complements our existing water 

products and improves our access to the US municipal wastewater treatment market.

The effect from acquisitions closed in 2016 and 2017 amounted to CHF 269 million in order intake and to CHF 276 million in 

sales in 2017. For 2018, we continue to combine an active M&A pipeline with a strong focus on value creation.

report.sulzer.com/ar17

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Letter to the shareholders

5

Changes to the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee

Jill Lee, who has been a Sulzer Board member for six years and is currently member of the Audit Committee, is joining the 

Executive Committee of Sulzer as Chief Financial Officer on April 5, 2018. She will not stand for reelection to Sulzer’s Board of 

Directors at the April 4 General Assembly. Jill is succeeding Thomas Dittrich, who will leave Sulzer in March after four years of 

decisive contributions to our transformation plan.

Michael Streicher, who has been with Sulzer’s pump business for more than 20 years, succeeded César Montenegro as 

Division President Pumps Equipment and Sulzer Executive Committee member on January 1, 2018. César Montenegro is 

completing his handover to his chosen successor and will formally retire in April 2018 after 40 years of unparalleled 

contributions to Sulzer.

We are excited that – with Jill as the new CFO and Michael as the new 
President of our Pumps Equipment division – we can welcome two excellent 
colleagues to our Executive Committee. They both have intricate knowledge 
of the company, and they will ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

Peter Löscher Chairman of the Board of Directors

Outlook for 2018

Sulzer expects that the oil and gas market, which accounts for approximately 40% of our sales, will gradually recover and 

translate into a commercial rebound for Sulzer mostly visible in 2019. The power market is expected to decline, while all other 

Sulzer markets are expected to continue on their current growth path in 2018. This should lead to a slight increase in organic 

order level for the company, supplemented by additional volume from newly acquired businesses.

For the full year 2018, including acquisitions signed in 2017 and adjusted for currency effects, order intake is expected to 

grow by 5 to 7% and sales to grow by 4 to 6%. Sulzer expects opEBITA margin at around 9.5% (opEBITA in percent of sales).

Dear Shareholder, we are excited about the year ahead of us. We are continuing our transformation and we are working hard 

to build on our solid foundation for growth. We thank you for your support and continued trust. The spirit that makes Sulzer 

unique is very much alive today. Thank you for being part of it.

Sincerely,

Peter Löscher

Chairman of the Board

Greg Poux-Guillaume

CEO

report.sulzer.com/ar17

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Letter to the shareholders

6

Dive in and learn more about industrial agility at Sulzer: 

—

—

—

—

—

The next generation of impeller manufacturing

Speeding up the development of mascara brushes

Turning pumps into smart devices

Sulzer’s future factories: smart and learning

Faster than ever: delivering pump spare parts within 48 hours

report.sulzer.com/ar17

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Sulzer at a glance - Our company

7

Our company

Sulzer’s core is flow control and applicators. We specialize in pumping solutions, services for rotating 
equipment, and separation, mixing, and application technology. Our customers benefit from a network 
of over 180 production and service sites in more than 40 countries around the world.

Pumps Equipment
Pump technology and solutions

We provide a wide range of pumping solutions, related equipment, and services. Customers benefit from extensive research 

and development. We supply highly efficient products that help reduce emissions and energy consumption. Our state-of-the-

art production and testing facilities around the globe ensure customer proximity.

Our market focus is on:

—

—

—

—

The production, transport, and processing of crude oil and its derivates

The supply, treatment, and transport of water as well as wastewater treatment

Fossil-fired, nuclear, and renewable power generation

Specific general industries, such as pulp and paper, fertilizers, and other markets

Rotating Equipment Services
Service solutions for rotating equipment

We offer service solutions for rotating equipment such as turbines, pumps, compressors, motors, generators, and other 

adjacent equipment for Sulzer and third-party equipment. Our services are dedicated to improving customers’ processes and 

business performance. Fast and flexible execution tailored to customers’ needs reduces maintenance time and costs. With 

our global network of service centers, we offer a one-stop shop for all services and solutions close to the customer. These 

include maintenance, repair, replacement parts, and retrofit/upgrades. As a fully integrated maintenance partner, Sulzer can 

manage projects from the design stage right through to final installation and commissioning on-site.

Our market focus is on:

—

—

—

—

Gas and steam turbines

Compressors

Generators and electrical motors

Pumps in the oil and gas markets, power markets, and many other markets

Chemtech
Separation and mixing technology and associated services

We offer separation and mixing technology, process solutions, and field services for the oil and gas, hydrocarbon, and 

chemical processing industry. Our advanced and economical solutions set standards in the field of mass transfer and static 

mixing.

report.sulzer.com/ar17

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Sulzer at a glance - Our company

8

Our market focus is on:

—

—

—

High-performance tower internals and separators

Process engineering and skid solutions

Service for towers and static equipment

Applicator Systems
Systems for liquid applications

We offer products and services for liquid application and mixing technology. Our customers benefit from advanced solutions 

in the field of precise applications as well as one- and two-component mixing and dispensing systems. Our global network 

ensures local knowledge and competence.

Our market focus is on:

—

—

—

Mixing and dispensing systems for the adhesives and dental markets

Precise application systems for liquid color cosmetics and beauty accessories

One- and two-component application systems for healthcare markets

report.sulzer.com/ar17

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Sulzer at a glance - Our key figures

9

Our key figures

In 2017, Sulzer returned to organic order intake growth. Order intake increased by 11.8% on a 
currency-adjusted basis and by 2.2% organically. Sales increased by 5.2% on a currency-adjusted 
basis and decreased by 4.4% organically. Operational EBITA rose compared with the previous year, 
and the operational EBITA margin increased slightly to 8.4%.

Sales by division

Sales by market segment

Sales by region

2017

2017

20172017

Key figures

millions of CHF

Order intake

Order intake gross margin

Order backlog as of December 31

Sales

EBIT

opEBITA

opROSA

opROCEA

Net income attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

Basic earnings per share

Free cash flow

Net liquidity

Employees (number of full-time equivalents) as of December 31

83.2

2.44

127.0

–225.0

14’732

report.sulzer.com/ar17

2017

2016

Change in
+/–%

+/–% 
adjusted 1)

+/–% 
organic 2)

3’155.7

2’797.5

12.8

11.8

2.2

34.4%

34.0%

1’593.5

1’439.1

3’049.0

2’876.7

136.5

255.4

8.4%

115.3

238.9

8.3%

15.8%

15.7%

5.2

5.3

–4.4

–2.9

10.7

6.0

18.4

6.9

41.0

41.2

–36.7

59.0

1.73

200.5

–35.9

14’005

5.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Sulzer at a glance - Our key figures

10

1) Adjusted for currency effects.

2) Adjusted for acquisition and currency effects.

15’000

Employees

 180

Production and service 
locations

CHF 3.0 
billion

Sales in 2017

Roughly 15’000 employees from all 

over the world work at Sulzer.

Sulzer’s production and service 

Sulzer generated sales of CHF 3.0 

network spreads across the globe.

billion in 2017.

Data per share

CHF

Net income attributable to a shareholder of Sulzer Ltd

Change from prior year

Equity attributable to a shareholder of Sulzer Ltd

Ordinary dividend

Special dividend

Payout ratio

2017

2.44

41%

49.40

3.50 1)

–

2016

1.73

–20%

46.40

3.50

–

143%

202%

2015

2.17

–73%

65.30

3.50

14.60

161%

2014

8.09

17%

71.60

3.50

–

43%

2013

6.89

–23%

68.70

3.20

–

46%

Average number of shares outstanding

34’086’386

34’102’610

34’035’862

34’007’309

33’999’429

1) Proposal to the Annual General Meeting.

Stock market information

Registered share (in CHF)

– high

– low

– year-end

Market capitalization as of December 31

– number of shares outstanding

– in millions of CHF

– in percentage of equity

P/E ratio as of December 31

Dividend yield as of December 31

report.sulzer.com/ar17

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

129.90

102.30

118.20

107.80

120.10

143.90

75.55

105.00

88.55

94.35

94.95

106.00

171.00

129.60

143.90

34’043’093

34’084’909

34’075’179

34’007’430

33’979’955

4’024

240%

48.4x

3.0%

3’579

226%

60.6x

3.3%

3’215

145%

43.5x

3.7%

3’605

148%

13.1x

3.3%

4’890

209%

20.9x

2.2%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Sulzer at a glance - Our key figures

11

Shareholder structure as of December 31, 2017

Number of shares

1–100

101–1’000

1’001–10’000

10’001–100’000

More than 100’000

Number of shareholders

Shareholding

3’391

27

303

63

8

0.5%

2.5%

2.4%

5.6%

69.9%

report.sulzer.com/ar17

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Sulzer at a glance - Our highlights

12

Our highlights

The year 2017 brought us many highlights. We gained momentum and triggered growth through a 
series of acquisitions. We reinforced Sulzer’s distinguished culture of innovation by launching the 
group-wide Sulzer Innovation Awards. And we continued to contribute to the communities in which we 
operate, as we did recently in South Africa.

Growing through acquisitions throughout our portfolio

In 2017, we continued to expand our portfolio and presence through acquisitions across our product and service offering. We 

set up a new division called Applicator Systems (APS) as of January 1, 2017. APS specializes in fluid applicators for industries 

such as dental, healthcare, beauty, construction, and adhesives. With the acquisition of Transcodent in September, we 

strengthened the division’s dental segment, where Sulzer is already a global market leader.

For our Pumps Equipment division, we closed the acquisition of pumps manufacturer Ensival Moret (EM) at the end of January 

2017. EM added axial flow and slurry pump technologies to the Sulzer portfolio. Furthermore, we announced the acquisition of 

JWC Environmental, LLC in December 2017 (closed in January 2018). JWC is a leading provider of solids reduction and 

removal products for the wastewater business. The acquisition improved our access to the key US municipal wastewater 

treatment market.

In our service division, we closed the acquisition of Rotec GT at the end of June 2017. The Rotec GT gas turbine service 

business focuses on the Russian market and significantly increased our presence in an important market for such services.

report.sulzer.com/ar17

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Sulzer at a glance - Our highlights

13

A smaller but very promising acquisition is the Vessel Internal Electrostatic Coalescer (VIEC) technology, closed in January 

2017. We expect this separation technology to be a winning upstream application as soon as the market rebounds.

Sulzer Innovation Awards: and the winners are …

Innovation will be key to the success of Sulzer tomorrow. The Sulzer Innovation Awards are about celebrating those 

innovations that have created the most value for our business. They are also about promoting and strengthening Sulzer’s 

distinguished culture of innovation and recognizing the efforts and essential contributions of our talented employees around 

the world.

The proud winners of the first group-wide Sulzer Innovation Awards (from left to right): Chris Langham, Claudia Pudack, Halbe Jansen, Simon 

Gassmann, Thomas Felix, Marcelo Inforsati, and Matt Bourne.

In 2017, the Executive Committee selected three winners from 99 nominations:

Multiblok™ suspension crystallizer

The new Multiblok™ crystallizer is a modular system with standardized alternating scraped crystallization and mixing 

segments stacked on top of each other. This is a brand-new concept that increases flexibility in plant capacity, optimizes 

engineering and fabrication costs, and reduces the footprint of the installation, in particular for large plants. Sulzer has 

protected the unique design of the crystallizer by applying for a patent.

report.sulzer.com/ar17

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Sulzer at a glance - Our highlights

14

Advanced ordering service for electromechanical coils

The advanced ordering service for electromechanical coils is a highly detailed online database of 3D designs for high-voltage 

coils. The database was created to speed up the quotation process for customers and to facilitate the exchange of knowledge 

within Sulzer. Customers sometimes had to wait days for a quotation in the past. Now, they can go online and access a full 

suite of drawings as well as a quotation within minutes.

Subsea pump

The Sulzer subsea pump for multiphase pumping leverages the potential of subsea oil production. New hydraulics, a 2 MW 

permanent magnet motor, and new control concepts are just some of the innovative features of this product. The subsea 

pump reduces costs and production downtime and supports the depletion of existing oil fields. We have already sold several 

pumps with our partner TechnipFMC.

Donating modular units for a good cause

Shortly after Sulzer had completed major gas turbine overhauls at Eskom’s Ankerlig power plant near Cape Town, South 

Africa, it came to our attention that the non-profit organization Orion was looking for assistance. The organization cares for 

severely mentally and physically disabled people in South Africa. It creates a future for people with disabilities by providing 

professional therapeutic and development services. In August 2017, Sulzer donated four movable, modular units that had 

been used during the Eskom project. The units will be used as a training room, as an art center, as a staff room, and for 

additional storage.

report.sulzer.com/ar17

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Focus - The next generation of impeller manufacturing

15

The next generation of impeller 
manufacturing

Sulzer and a well-known compressor manufacturer are co-developing an innovative manufacturing 
process for closed impellers. Thanks to the new process, Sulzer will be able to offer high-quality parts 
with radically low lead times. The ambitious goal is to offer closed impellers within 48 hours to our 
customers.

An impeller is the rotating component of a pump. It transfers the energy from the motor to the fluid and accelerates the fluid to 

build up pressure. In contrast to an open impeller, a closed impeller additionally has a front shroud attached to it.

Because of the unique geometry of closed pump impellers, the only way to produce these components to date has been to 

use casting technologies. However, with these technologies there are risks of small internal and surface defects, fair-but-

limited surface quality, and slight geometrical inaccuracies. These issues not only affect the overall performance of the part 

but also determine how much post-processes – like surface treatment and balancing – are necessary.

Another factor, even for so-called rapid casting technologies, is the relatively long lead time to produce a finished part.

Combining additive and subtractive technologies

The solution to much faster and better impeller production lies in a technology that has been used by Sulzer for many years 

already – laser metal deposition (LMD). The key is to use LMD to build up 3D geometries additively, then to use classic 5-axis 

milling to achieve high-quality surfaces and accuracy.

report.sulzer.com/ar17

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Focus - The next generation of impeller manufacturing

16

The hybrid process brings even greater advantages than the widely known selective laser melting process (SLM) – often 

referred to as 3D metal printing – to certain industries, including the pump industry. The deposition rate is about one 

magnitude (5–15 times) higher than classic SLM. At the same time, the amount of additive material within a component can be 

significantly reduced, which keeps the overall process cost reasonable. Further, support structures for additive buildups can 

be avoided. The state-of-the-art 5-axis milling process achieves high precision and surface quality. Hybrid manufacturing also 

makes our product development cycles faster because we can produce prototypes and get feedback from customers much 

faster.

Closed pump impellers in 48 hours

To improve the process, all involved parameters like laser power, powder feed, speed, focal position, etc. need to be 

optimized. In addition, CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) software tools need to utilize the capabilities of such hybrid 

manufacturing processes. Most CAM software is programmed to fulfill subtractive manufacturing tasks. The additive 

generation of more than just a coating layer – especially in the way the LMD process adds material – only recently became a 

requirement.

To optimize the parameters and to automate the toolpath programming, Sulzer joined forces with a well-known compressor 

manufacturer. With the dedication and experience of both companies, the teams are convinced that they will be able to 

achieve their ambitious common goal of offering high-quality closed impellers within 48 hours to customers starting in 

mid-2018. This is a radical drop from the current standard of 25–35 days of production time using traditional casting methods.

The development of a closed impeller through hybrid manufacturing: (1) wrought billet; (2) impeller core machined to final geometry; (3) 

completed impeller achieved through additive manufacturing and subsequent milling steps.

Applying hybrid manufacturing to other parts

Hybrid manufacturing is neither limited to impellers alone nor to single materials. Therefore, future developments aim to use 

hybrid manufacturing for other pump components or to use different materials within one part. One example of the use of 

different materials is the application of a wear-resistant coating via LMD during the manufacturing process. This coating can 

be applied in the respective impeller area to replace an impeller wear ring.

Interested in more stories about our products and services? Check them out at www.sulzer.com/stories.

report.sulzer.com/ar17

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Focus - The next generation of impeller manufacturing

17

How hybrid manufacturing works

In the conventional machining process, also called subtractive manufacturing, 

material is removed from a bar, forging, or casting. In additive manufacturing, 

also known as 3D printing, layers of material are formed one by one under 

computer control to create a three-dimensional object. Hybrid manufacturing 

combines additive and subtractive production technologies.

Additive and subtractive manufacturing are combined in one machine tool. The patent-pending hybrid production process for 

a closed impeller starts with a small wrought billet, which is machined to its final geometry with 5-axis milling operations. This 

milling step is only possible because the radial dimension of this core part is smaller than the size of the final impeller. Thus, all 

channels are accessible with milling tools. When the impeller core is finished, the remaining geometry for the final impeller is 

radially built up via laser metal deposition (LMD). The added material is then milled to the final geometry and surface quality. 

Depending on tool accessibility, this additive step with subsequent final machining can be repeated several times in order to 

grow the impeller radially to its final diameter.

Functional principle of hybrid manufacturing, the combination of subtractive and additive 

manufacturing.

Additive manufacturing for unusual 
sizes and features

Sulzer has created small-scale static mixers using additive manufacturing. In this 

way, the company was able to make design adjustments and to produce unusual 

sizes and features more efficiently.

report.sulzer.com/ar17

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Focus - The next generation of impeller manufacturing

18

Static mixers are mixing elements installed in a pipe or duct. They function without moving parts and are used to achieve 

specific mixing and dispersion in continuous processes. Sulzer produces mixers for the fiber production, polymer technology, 

water treatment, chemical, or food production industries.

Long-time experience with additive manufacturing

Already ten years ago, the Chemtech division used selective laser sintering for small-scale static mixers. Additive 

manufacturing was, for example, used a lot for the development process of the SMX plus mixer and the SMR plus heat 

exchanger. Static mixing elements made by selective laser melting (SLM) have been and still are occasionally manufactured 

and sold to customers for cases requiring unconventional sizes or features. The main application area of SLM is for 

prototyping, to produce support parts, small batch size parts, or tools. At the moment, it is still too expensive for mass 

production.

How selective laser melting (SLM) works

A laser melting machine distributes a thin layer of metal powder onto a build platform. The powder is melted layer by layer with 

the help of a laser that is directed with a flexible scanning mirror.

Functional principle of the selective laser melting process, also called SLM.

report.sulzer.com/ar17

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Focus - Speeding up the development of mascara brushes

19

Speeding up the development of mascara 
brushes

The development of mascara brush prototypes usually takes up to 18 weeks. By using a new plastic 
powder for the production process, Sulzer’s Applicator Systems division was able to develop a 
prototype within one week.

Time is money, and the world of beauty is no exception to this rule. Before a new mascara finds its way into the stores, it goes 

through an extensive development process. Although they may look similar, all mascaras are different. Eyelashes are 

individual, and different cultures prefer different styles. Therefore, it is important to conduct tests under real conditions once 

the R&D department has designed a new model.

report.sulzer.com/ar17

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Focus - Speeding up the development of mascara brushes

20

Too stiff to use for tests

So far, mascara brush prototypes have been produced from a hard plastic material using a 3D CAD (computer-aided design) 

drawing. This could take up to 18 weeks because the manufacturer had to make a drawing, create visual patterns through 3D 

printing, adjust the drawings to customer needs, and create a pilot tool for the injection molding process. For every single 

mascara bristle, a small hole – called a cavity – needed to be milled into the injection mold. With the prototype, customers had 

the opportunity to evaluate the brushes visually. However, the bristles were too stiff to actually test them under real conditions. 

Further, the production process took a long time and was expensive.

Experimenting with new materials and technologies

Researchers constantly uncover new materials that can be processed using 3D printing. Today, the processes are still cost-

intensive and are used primarily for the production of prototypes or components in small quantities. Geka has used 3D 

printing technology for mascara brush prototypes since 2007.

Thanks to the new material and method, our product designers were able to 
accelerate the development process of mascara brush prototypes. We can 
introduce products to the market more quickly, and they meet customer 
requirements even better.

Amaury de Menthiere Division President Applicator Systems

To speed up the development process, the teams were looking for alternative methods and materials for the production of 

prototypes. Eventually, they were successful: A new type of plastic came onto the market. This specific material ensures that 

each individual bristle is stable enough to separate the eyelashes yet elastic enough not to hurt the eyes.

The material was set but the process not yet. The teams made many attempts to find the best manufacturing process. The 

solution was an additive manufacturing technology called selective laser sintering (SLS).

report.sulzer.com/ar17

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Focus - Speeding up the development of mascara brushes

21

Cutting production time by 17 weeks

Thanks to the new method, Sulzer accelerated the development process considerably. The customer now receives a 

prototype within one week instead of 18 weeks. Thanks to the new material, the customer can actually test the prototypes. In 

the case of customer-specific adaptations, the drawings can be immediately adjusted and new brushes produced through 3D 

printing.

Today, there are still quality differences between 3D printed and injection-molded prototypes. The surface of the 3D printed 

brushes and the amount of the mascara mass that is applied to the eyelashes may not be exactly the same as with injection 

molding. However, customers are able to gain sufficient information from the prototypes to make decisions.

The development process is faster, products are introduced to the market more quickly, and the final product meets customer 

requirements even better.

With technology progressing fast, additive manufacturing processes will not only be used for prototypes but be introduced 

into Sulzer’s factories in the foreseeable future.

Interested in more stories about our products and services? Check them out at www.sulzer.com/stories.

“In short: we want to grow profitably”

Sulzer is expanding its applicator business. Amaury de Menthiere, Division 

President of the new Applicator Systems (APS) division, explains why mascara 

and co. fit in well at Sulzer and where he wants to take the new division.

Amaury de Menthiere, Division President 

Applicator Systems

Sulzer’s acquisition of Geka surprised many people. How do mascara, lipgloss, and co. fit in at the Swiss industrial company?

Amaury de Menthiere: Many know Sulzer as a pump manufacturer for the oil and gas, power, and water markets. But Sulzer 

is a lot more than that. With its Mixpac business, the company has been delivering applicators for the adhesives, dental, and 

healthcare markets for a long time.

How does Geka fit in? You just need to have a look at the shop floors; Mixpac and Geka use almost the same production 

machines. Both businesses manufacture their products through injection molding processes. We use the same type of 

equipment for the assembly of the molded parts. We also have the same approach to assess quality and operational 

excellence. The markets may be different but the production process is essentially the same.

What are the advantages of the new setup?

Through the combination of Mixpac and Geka, we can bundle the sourcing of machines, injection molds, and plastics. This 

saves money. Another advantage is our geographical footprint. Geka is mostly active in Europe as well as North and South 

America. Mixpac has a strong presence in Switzerland and China. Thus, the two companies complement each other well in 

terms of locations. From the Geka location in Brazil, employees of Mixpac are beginning to gain access to the local dental 

market. And Mixpac’s China site is being used to source injection molds for Geka in China.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Focus - Speeding up the development of mascara brushes

22

In a nutshell, our new Applicator Systems division is the largest in its industry and the only one that is globally active. This 

meets the demands of our customers who want the same products around the world.

What does the portfolio of the new Applicator Systems division include?

We offer products and services for liquid application, and we offer mixing technology for the adhesives, dental, healthcare, 

and cosmetics markets. These products include precise applications systems as well as one- and two-component mixing and 

dispensing systems. For example, we manufacture the applicators for adhesives that are used to mount windshields in cars. 

We also produce applicators that your dentist uses when applying a dental filling. And we develop and manufacture cosmetics 

products such as mascara, lip gloss, and eyeliner.

What are your plans for APS?

In short: we want to grow profitably. Our sales were roughly CHF 420 million in 2017. Our goal is to bring these up to CHF 800 

million to CHF 1 billion in a few years. How will we achieve this? By acquiring companies but also by developing our existing 

business further. For our beauty business, we are expanding our manufacturing site in Bechhofen, Germany, and doubling its 

size. Further, we are building a new factory in Poland to drive our industrial business. We plan to stay in niche markets with 

high requirements to preserve our healthy profitability.

What is important for customers in the applicator business?

The method of applying the material is becoming more important. Nowadays, it is more common that the customers choose 

the application system first and buy adhesives, sealants, and fillings based on this. Therefore, the expediency, quality, and 

performance of the application systems are becoming an important selling point. But in the end, being able to choose the right 

system for the content and the application is what makes us successful. This is the reason why APS is constantly improving 

its capability to test the different combinations and solutions and to recommend the best application system to its customers.

Sulzer is investing in additive manufacturing (AM) technologies. What role does AM play in your division?

Additive manufacturing is becoming more and more important. We have produced prototypes of mascara brushes by 3D 

printing technologies for some years now. As new materials and methods enter the market and the technology becomes more 

affordable, we will be ready to use AM for actual products in due time.

How selective laser sintering works

Selective laser sintering (SLS) is a relatively new technology within additive 

manufacturing. So far, it has mainly been used at Sulzer for rapid prototyping 

and to produce small series of components. As the commercialization of additive 

manufacturing continues, companies are discovering SLS for more and more 

production purposes.

A laser sintering system applies a thin layer of powdered material to a construction platform. By means of a laser beam and a 

movable mirror, the material is selectively fused. After lowering the construction platform, the next powder layer is applied. 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Focus - Speeding up the development of mascara brushes

23

This process is repeated until the component has been built up in the powder bed – layer by layer. The slight drawback to this 

technique is that the components do not have the same surface structure as parts made using injection molding.

Functional principle of the selective laser sintering process, also called SLS.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Focus - Turning pumps into smart devices

24

Turning pumps into smart devices

Whereas monitoring systems are common for big, engineered pumps in critical applications, smaller 
process pumps rarely come with such a feature. Sulzer is developing a smart sensor for process 
pumps. The sensor can measure the temperature and vibration of pumps in the field and transfer this 
information wirelessly to a cloud database.

It is 5 p.m. on a Wednesday afternoon. You have done your work as plant engineer in a pulp and paper factory for the day and 

are looking forward to spending the evening with your family. On your way out, your phone vibrates. You look at the screen: 

“High vibration on the bearing unit of process pump 11! There are 250 hours of life remaining. Click here for details.”

You open the Sulzer app on your mobile phone. A dashboard appears. You check the performance measurements of your 

pump. They confirm that the bearing unit needs to be replaced. You click on the Webshop icon. The correct spare part is 

indicated by the system. You order the component. Sulzer will now deliver your spare part. It is 5:15 p.m. You have just 

avoided an unplanned outage that would have taken you days and cost your company a lot of money otherwise. Now it’s time 

to go home and enjoy the evening with your family.

Closing the gap

Thanks to a sensor in the pump and an automatic warning system, the employee in the example above was able to quickly 

solve an arising problem. Whereas such control features are common in complex pumps in high-risk areas such as the oil and 

gas industry, configured pumps rarely come with this option.

As technology becomes more affordable, sensors for medium-sized pumps are delivering tangible benefits to the customer. It 

is especially worth monitoring equipment in pulp and paper factories, as well as the sugar, food, and fertilizer industries.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Focus - Turning pumps into smart devices

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Many pumps in the field run until they fail. Because Sulzer knows that reliability is key to saving costs for our customers, we 

are changing this situation.

Connecting pumps to the Internet

Sulzer is developing a new device that connects non-instrumented pumps to the Internet and enables data collection.

With Sulzer’s sensor solutions and applications, we turn 
your pumps into smart devices. You will be in control of 
your installed pumps base – anytime and anywhere you 
need.

Ralf Gerdes Head Global Technology

Sulzer’s smart sensor is attached to the pumps, and it registers the pumps’ temperature and vibration values – without any 

wiring. It then transfers this data to a cloud. The data is displayed on a dashboard – either on a desktop or mobile app.

Sulzer customers have all the information they need about their pumps in one place: the bill of material, analytics of 

temperature and vibration of the pump, and a Webshop where they can directly order spare parts. There is no need to spend 

time looking up a pump’s specification. Everything is available in the app.

Finland and Switzerland – a team effort

The idea for such a device came up at Sulzer in Finland and Switzerland at around the same time. By listening to customers, 

the teams soon recognized the vast potential of smart sensors for process pumps. They joined efforts and worked out the 

manifold specifications for such a sensor – from sourcing to material to IT requirements.

In 2018, the sensor will be tested at customer facilities. Afterwards, it will be ready to use in the field. In the near future, 

Sulzer’s goal is to deliver its new process pumps with the integrated sensor so customers benefit from the entire package.

Interested in more stories about our products and services? Check them out at www.sulzer.com/stories.

Making order out of data 
chaos with BLUE BOX™

See how Sulzer’s intelligent software solution BLUE BOX 

makes your energy efficiency visible and identifies pumping 

challenges in near real time.

In industries such as oil and gas and power generation, a large amount of data is gathered for the day-to-day operation of a 

pumping installation. Bringing order to this data chaos is complex and time-consuming. However, there is a lot of benefit in 

analyzing that data and taking actions based on the insights gained: It delivers significant savings, optimizes the asset’s 

lifespan, and reduces operational risks.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Focus - Turning pumps into smart devices

26

Sulzer has developed an innovative, integrated, and intelligent software solution called BLUE BOX. It identifies unreliable and 

inefficient pumps in near real time and helps customers optimize their pumping systems.

Learn more at www.sulzer.com/bluebox.

Listen to what your pumps have to say

Have you ever wondered how your pumps are performing in the field? With 

Sulzer’s IoT-ready device that collects data you will have all the information you 

need about your pumps.

Sulzer’s smart sensor is attached to the pumps in the field. It registers the pumps’ temperature and vibration values – without 

any wiring. The gateway receives the data from the sensor and transfers it to a cloud. You can access all the data on a 

dashboard – either on your desktop or on your mobile app.

A sensor transfers the information about the pump’s performance via gateway to a cloud. 

Customers can directly access this data on their computer or mobile device.

Diagnosing your pumps – optimizing 
performance

DOC BOX by Sulzer is a set of services to help you optimize your pumps’ 

reliability, efficiency, and performance.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Focus - Turning pumps into smart devices

27

Pumping systems may suffer from various issues throughout their operational lifespan. Often these problems are hidden. High 

vibration, temperature, pressure pulsations, and other factors may affect the equipment and cause it to run problematically. 

The pump or pump system may even have undergone several interventions, yet no solution is apparent. Performance issues 

with any single pump can have a big impact on overall productivity.

Ultimately, it takes a specific combination of technology, expertise, and experience to resolve the situation. Sulzer’s DOC BOX 

is able to precisely diagnose the issues of your critical assets.

How does it work? DOC BOX is temporarily deployed to “problem pumps” that are insufficiently instrumented. It collects data 

while in operation and transforms it into insights. In this way, DOC BOX has the potential to deliver significant savings and 

improve the overall profitability of customers’ applications.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Focus - Sulzer's future factories: smart and learning

28

Sulzer’s future factories: smart and 
learning

The fourth industrial revolution is not only about new technologies, it is about changing the way of 
doing business and winning through information. Sulzer has reorganized its pumps engineering, 
manufacturing, and supply chain into an integrated global factory network. Each element of the 
network will be smart and contribute to constant learning. In this way, we will be able to cut delivery 
times and offer Sulzer’s recognized quality at competitive prices at the same time.

Through the ages, the world has seen many technological revolutions. We are living in the digital age, and markets are 

changing faster than ever before. Companies are reinventing their business models for tomorrow.

Sulzer is reorganizing and digitally enabling its global pumps manufacturing and supply chain network.

Four virtual factory families

In the past, each Sulzer factory manufactured several different pump types. It worked more or less autonomously and had its 

own order pipeline, supply chain, and processes.

Digitalization is changing the way we do business. It 
influences our products, our fabrication, and our business 
processes. And this is just the beginning.

Robert Laflamme Head Global Operations

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Focus - Sulzer's future factories: smart and learning

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We have now organized our factories around the world into factory families according to our four different delivery models: 

standard, configured, pre-engineered, and engineered pumps. One factory family consists of all factories that manufacture the 

same pump types and work to the same processes. The four families can be managed in real time and on a global level – 

virtually like four factories.

This allows us to fulfill the different customer needs in an ideal way: speed (reduced delivery time), competitive prices, 

customer proximity, and traceability of products and components. All factories around the globe will fully live up to common 

Sulzer quality standards.

Furthermore, the new setup allows us to balance the workload among the factories, to stimulate help and exchange within 

each factory family, and to roll out new improvements quickly around the world.

Bringing digitalization to the shop floors

Digitalization is not only vital when it comes to managing the factory network, it will also bring improvements on the shop floor 

level.

With smart factories, we will be able to flexibly adapt our 
products, our suppliers, our technologies, and our 
manufacturing network to better satisfy customer and 
market demands.

Enno Danke Head Global Manufacturing Technology

Especially in the engineered pumps business, which has low volumes and high variance, the traditional way of manufacturing 

with only limited automation still predominates. Each project is tailored to the customer. Hence, the process steps are not 

usually repetitive, the tools used are not typically connected, and issues are typically resolved through direct interaction of 

experts from different departments. So, improvements rely on singular analysis and suggestions of our employees who cannot 

tap into a regular pool of structured information.

Making data accessible and understandable

The foundation for fast learning and improvement is the right information. So we can have structured real-time data available 

at every process step, we are connecting our machine tools, deploying connected manual tools, and setting up touch screens 

at the different workplaces on the shop floors.

The paperless factory gives real-time feedback on the work center status because the production orders are digitally started, 

routed, and confirmed. Our technicians can easily record the reasons and amount of time they spend solving issues and 

waiting. They can access digital models and work instructions to overcome ambiguities. Also, they can easily connect to 

experts in other functions without always having to call for a physical meeting.

All the data collected needs then to be aggregated, put into context, and analyzed for us to continually improve. Thus, 

analytical and creative capabilities are becoming more important. We are investing in our Sulzer Production System team to 

stimulate and support the organization with this.

Interested in more stories about our products and services? Check them out at www.sulzer.com/stories.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Focus - Sulzer's future factories: smart and learning

30

From isolated shops to a network of 
focused factories

Digitalization has enabled Sulzer to set up a connected factory network.

Sulzer has converted its network from insular factories that all operated fairly autonomously to a connected factory network 

that can be managed virtually. This change brings many advantages both for customers and for Sulzer:

—

—

—

—

Speed: We can prevent local bottlenecks in the network and, thus, reduce our lead times. It takes considerably less time 

from the beginning of a project to its completion, and delivery of products is faster.

Cost: We can offer our products at competitive prices because we can tap into regional cost advantages within the 

customer sourcing restrictions.

Proximity: We are close to our customers and can manufacture products regionally because we have at least one factory 

for every delivery model type in every region.

Traceability: When required, we can trace back every detail about the pump: where its components came from, where it 

was assembled, who the suppliers were, and so on.

Humans and robots working together 
side by side

Better fulfilling our customer demands and becoming more competitive to grow 

our business are at the core of Sulzer’s digital strategy. Pump manufacturing has 

many complex steps, but many are also simple and repetitive. With the advances 

in sensors, collaborative smart robots (“cobots”) are gradually becoming cost-

effective.

This is also true for our industry, especially with regard to small pumps. The cobots are designed to work in line or even side-

by-side with humans. So, we can selectively enhance our production to offload simple tasks or to assist with non-ergonomic 

tasks. These cobots are connected to our central systems.

To globally manage all the information for operations and for improvements, Sulzer is aligning and integrating the software 

tools that are used around the world. From requirements management to computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided 

engineering (CAE), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and planning to manufacturing execution system (MES) – everything 

is managed in a seamless digital toolchain.

Our smart and learning factories will make us a faster and better partner for our customers. They will create exciting new 

opportunities for our employees. They will drive growth and increase cost competitiveness for our shareholders.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Focus - Faster than ever: delivering spare parts within 48 hours

31

Faster than ever: delivering pump spare 
parts within 48 hours

In a world where everything gets faster and faster, delivery time becomes a decisive success factor in 
the service business. Sulzer’s Rotating Equipment Services division was able to cut our average 
delivery time from ten weeks to eight days – and we aspire to be even faster.

Outages at a customer’s site are costly. Equipment that fails needs a fast replacement. Thus, lead time is a decisive success 

factor in the service business. Early in 2016, Sulzer initiated Project JUMP.

The name says it all; the goal was to make a significant jump in the speed of delivery. Accordingly, the team set a quite radical 

target: manufacturing and getting certain types of pump spare parts (simple, turned, and consumables) ready to be shipped 

within 48 hours – down from a historical average of more than ten weeks.

If you do the math, this means that Sulzer aspires to be 35 times faster than in the past. Such acceleration not only requires a 

lot of motivation from everybody involved, it requires new ways of doing things.

Thinking in days instead of months

Not only was the target radical, the implementation was, too. The teams in all locations around the world where pump parts 

are manufactured initiated new processes. Visualization played an important role. Every department received a monitor that 

displays their orders on a real-time basis and shows the project status as well as targets for the transactions.

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Project JUMP has brought us a huge leap forward and has opened other 
great opportunities for future improvement. Rotating Equipment Services is 
getting faster and better for our customers.

Daniel Bischofberger Division President Rotating Equipment Services

Other measures included speeding up deliveries from partner companies, standardizing raw materials, establishing new 

machines in cell layout, and introducing a new production planning and scheduling software.

However, one of the most important things was a change of mindset. Employees are now starting to think in hours or days 

instead of weeks or months.

From ten weeks to eight days

By the end of 2017, we were able to reduce the average time in which our parts were ready to be shipped to eight days. A 

third of these orders were delivered within 48 hours. “We are proud of this achievement. However, we are not done yet,” says 

Daniel Bischofberger, Division President Rotating Equipment Services. The next step is increasing the percentage of spare 

parts that can be delivered to the customer within 48 hours. Moreover, we want to apply the project to more and more 

categories of parts. “We’ll continue to implement Project JUMP on a global scale. Our teams work relentlessly to get our 

products to our customers faster than ever,” Daniel Bischofberger says.

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33

Thanks to JUMP, Sulzer managed to reduce the average time in which pump parts were ready to be shipped from ten weeks to eight days.

Interested in more stories about our products and services? Check them out at www.sulzer.com/stories.

Faster and better with an online 
ordering tool for coils

With the development of an advanced ordering service for electromechanical 

coils, Sulzer was able to significantly improve the way that designs for high-

voltage coils are shared with Sulzer engineers and customers alike.

The electric motor has been with us for almost 200 years. Very little has changed regarding the complex engineering 

calculations necessary to build or repair the modern day electric motor. In addition, the skills required to perform a successful 

repair on a motor or generator are still predominantly manual.

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How can you transfer something that is perceived as being “old technology” to the digital age? How can digitalization help 

speed up the quotation process for the customers? The answer was an advanced ordering service for coils that Sulzer 

developed. It is an online database of 3D designs for high-voltage coils.

In the past, a customer sometimes had to wait days for a quotation that included drawings because the production of high-

quality technical drawings was often a bottleneck in the company. With the new online tool, customers can now access a full 

suite of drawings as well as generate a quotation online within minutes. All they have to do is enter their specifications into the 

online platform – much like a car configurator.

The new process has significantly improved efficiency. The team is now able to create the quotation as well as a full suite of 

drawings within hours instead of several days.

Design your own mascara

To satisfy customers’ needs for design flexibility and cost-effectiveness, Sulzer is 

developing an online configurator for our beauty offering.

Longer eyelashes? Thicker lashes? More volume? The requirements for mascara brushes are manifold. Likewise, design 

requirements for the bottle and caps are customer-specific.

Though big cosmetic firms have the means to create new designs and to pay for the tools to produce the mascara, 

independent brands often lack these financial means. At the same time, they appreciate a certain design freedom.

Sulzer’s Applicator Systems division is developing an online configurator for our beauty offering. Customers can select from a 

range of standard components and packaging options and combine them into an individual product.

In this way, the mascara is customized at an affordable price. The product does not have to be developed from scratch and 

does not require extra tools in the manufacturing process. This also shortens the development process and thereby drives 

speed to market.

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Business
review

 36  Financial review

 41  Business review divisions
  41  Pumps Equipment
  44  Rotating Equipment Services
  47  Chemtech
  50  Applicator Systems

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Business review - Financial review

36

Return to organic order growth, improved 
profitability, and solid free cash flow 
despite market headwinds

Order intake grew by 2.2% organically and by 11.8% including acquisitions. Sales increased by 5.2% 
on acquisitions but declined organically as a result of a low order backlog entering the year. Sulzer Full 
Potential (SFP) program savings of CHF 61 million more than offset the impact of continuing market 
headwinds. Profitability increased to 8.4%, including a CHF 10 million (0.3%) one-time charge in the 
Chemtech division for a discontinued business activity. Free cash flow was CHF 127 million despite 
significant restructuring-related cash outlay.

If not otherwise indicated, changes compared with the previous year are based on currency-adjusted figures.

Encouraging organic order growth and strong contribution from acquisitions

Order intake increased by 11.8% (nominally 12.8%). CHF 269.1 million from acquisitions and 2.2% organic growth drove this 

upsurge. Order intake gross margin increased nominally by 0.4 percentage points to 34.4% as business mix effects more than 

offset the margin erosion from price pressure in the energy markets.

Sulzer delivered strong financial results in 2017, despite 
continuing market headwinds. We are well on track with 
our SFP program and should see its full impact on our 
operating margins as volumes pick up.

Thomas Dittrich Chief Financial Officer

Order intake in the Pumps Equipment division increased significantly by 8.1%, fueled by the Ensival Moret acquisition, which 

contributed 6.6%, which supplemented the organic growth of 1.5%. Organic growth was driven by oil and gas and general 

industry orders, which compensated for a strong organic decline in power. Order intake in the water market remained broadly 

flat on fewer large infrastructure projects, while municipal water order intake grew by 3%. In the Rotating Equipment Services 

division, order intake grew by 4.9% as a result of the Rotec acquisition. Orders decreased organically by 0.9%, which 

compared well against the broader market. This was mainly due to lower orders in the turbo services segment in a weak and 

highly competitive power market. Order intake in the Chemtech division grew by 5.9% (organically 5.1%) supported by the 

rebound of the Chinese market and strong growth in Europe. In the Applicator Systems division, orders increased by 55.7%. 

The strong growth resulted from two factors: the acquisitions of Geka, PC Cox, and Transcodent as well as healthy organic 

growth of 6.0%. Overall, Sulzer’s order intake grew in all regions, except the Middle East and Africa.

Currency translation effects amounted to a positive CHF 26.9 million, due to a stronger Russian ruble and euro, partly offset 

by a weaker British pound.

As of December 31, 2017, the order backlog amounted to CHF 1’593.5 million (December 31, 2016: CHF 1’439.1 million).

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Business review - Financial review

Orders

millions of CHF

Order intake

Order intake gross margin

Order backlog as of December 31

37

2016

2’797.5

34.0%

1’439.1

2017

3’155.7

34.4%

1’593.5

Higher sales due to acquisitions

Sales amounted to CHF 3’049.0 million – an increase of 5.2% (nominal: 6.0%). This rise was driven by CHF 276.4 million of 

acquisition-related sales, which offset an organic sales decline of 4.4%. Positive currency translation effects totaled CHF 23.8 

million.

In 2017, sales in the general industry segment recorded strong growth, driven by the Geka and Ensival Moret acquisitions and 

organic growth. This offset slightly lower sales in all other segments. Organically, Sulzer recorded a 7.6% sales decline in the 

energy segment.

Sales increased in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), and Asia-Pacific, while the Americas region was down from the 

previous year. Consequently, the share of sales in emerging markets increased from 38% in 2016 to 41% in 2017.

Improved gross margin

Gross margin slightly increased from 30.6% in 2016 to 30.7%. Gross margin was positively affected by the larger share of 

higher-margin business and the effect of the global factory footprint reduction. This offset the price erosion effect in the oil and 

gas and in the power markets and a CHF 10 million one-time charge in the Chemtech division for a discontinued business 

activity. Total gross profit increased to CHF 936.6 million (2016: CHF 879.4 million) as a result of higher sales volumes.

Operational return on sales increased to 8.4%

Operational EBITA (opEBITA) amounted to CHF 255.4 million compared with CHF 238.9 million in 2016, an increase of 5.3% 

(nominally 6.9%). Savings of CHF 61 million from SFP and the contribution of acquisitions more than offset the impact of 

headwinds. OpEBITA decreased organically by 2.9% compared with 2016.

Operating expenses excluding amortization, impairment on property, plant, and equipment, restructuring expenses, and other 

non-operational items increased by 7.0% because acquisition-related cost additions were higher than SFP savings.

Operational ROSA (opROSA) increased to 8.4% compared with 8.3% in 2016, including the above-mentioned CHF 10 million 

(0.3%) one-time charge in 2017.

Operational key performance ratios

opROSA

opROCEA

2017

8.4%

15.8%

2016

8.3%

15.7%

The divisions achieved the following profitability figures (opROSA):

—

—

Pumps Equipment: –0.3% (2016: 1.1%). The lower profitability was due to the significant new equipment sales decline 

and margin deterioration as well as the slightly negative contribution from newly acquired Ensival Moret.

Rotating Equipment Services: 13.9% (2016: 13.8%). The profitability was organically flat and increased by 0.1 percentage 

points with the Rotec acquisition.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Business review - Financial review

38

—

—

Chemtech: 5.2% (2016: 4.0%). The profitability increase resulted from higher sales and lower operating expenses. 

Excluding the CHF 10 million one-time charge for a discontinued business activity in the Tower Field Service business 

unit, the Chemtech opROSA would have been 7.3%.

Applicator Systems: 20.5% (2016: 23.6%). The division reported lower profitability due to the first full-year consolidation 

of the Geka business, acquired in August 2016. On a comparable basis, opROSA increased from pro forma 20.1% in 

2016 by 0.4 percentage points to 20.5% in 2017.

Bridge from EBIT to operational EBITA

millions of CHF

EBIT

Amortization

Impairment on tangible and intangible assets

Restructuring expenses

Non-operational items 1)

opEBITA

opROSA

2017

136.5

53.8

15.4

21.7

28.0

255.4

8.4%

2016

115.3

47.3

18.4

57.0

0.9

238.9

8.3%

1) Other non-operational items include significant acquisition-related expenses, gains, and losses from sale of businesses or real estate (including release of 

provisions), and certain non-operational items that are non-recurring or do not regularly occur in similar magnitude.

Restructuring expenses and SFP program costs impacted operating income

As part of the SFP program, Sulzer has continued to adapt its global factory footprint and streamline its organization. 

Restructuring expenses significantly decreased compared to 2016. In 2017, restructuring expenses were mainly associated 

with measures taken in France, China, Brazil, Switzerland and Ireland.

In 2017, other non-operational items amounted to CHF –28.0 million. SFP-related expenses (CHF 26.0 million) and acquisition-

related expenses (CHF 8.0 million) were partly offset by the income from a dispute settlement with the purchaser of the 

group’s locomotive business. In 2016, other non-operational items amounted to CHF –0.9 million. SFP-related expenses (CHF 

26.9 million), acquisition-related expenses, and other items were offset by the favorable effect resulting from a lower 

conversion rate of the Swiss pension plans (CHF 35.4 million).

Consequently, EBIT amounted to CHF 136.5 million compared with CHF 115.3 million in 2016. Return on sales (ROS) was 

4.5% compared with 4.0% in 2016.

Financial income: lower interest expenses

Total financial expenses amounted to CHF 10.8 million compared with CHF 19.3 million in 2016. Interest expenses were down 

by CHF 2.2 million as a result of the 2016 bond refinancing at favorable conditions. Other financial income/(expenses) 

amounted to CHF +0.3 million compared with CHF –7.1 million in 2016, mainly due to significantly reduced hedging costs and 

currency revaluation effects.

In 2017, Sulzer incurred expenses of CHF 0.3 million from a joint venture compared with CHF 0.8 million in the prior year. This 

relates to a joint venture in China for the service of gas turbines.

Slightly lower adjusted effective tax rate

Income tax expenses slightly increased to CHF 38.2 million (2016: CHF 35.1 million) despite a 28.2% upsurge of the pre-tax 

income. The effective tax rate declined from 36.9% in 2016 to 30.5% in 2017. Adjusted for the effects of restructuring 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Business review - Financial review

39

expenses in both years and the impact of the US tax reform enacted in late 2017, the effective income tax rate declined from 

24.3% in 2016 to 23.4% in 2017.

Higher core net income

In 2017, net income amounted to CHF 87.2 million compared with CHF 60.1 million in the previous year. Core net income 

excluding the tax-adjusted effects of non-operational items totaled CHF 178.3 million compared with CHF 153.8 million in 

2016. Basic earnings per share increased from CHF 1.73 in 2016 to CHF 2.44 in 2017.

Improved balance sheet efficiency

Total assets as of December 31, 2017, amounted to CHF 4’117.3 million, which is an increase of CHF 381.4 million from 2016, 

as a result of acquisitions and currency translation effects.

Non-current assets increased nominally by CHF 180.6 million mainly due to higher goodwill (CHF 85.6 million), other 

intangibles (CHF 85.5 million), and higher property, plant, and equipment (CHF 20.6 million), while deferred income tax assets 

decreased by CHF 17.9 million to CHF 139.7 million. Goodwill, other intangible assets, and property, plant, and equipment 

increased by CHF 123.2 million on a currency-adjusted basis, mainly due to acquisitions.

Current assets increased nominally by CHF 200.8 million, due to higher working capital and higher cash and cash equivalents.

Total liabilities nominally increased by CHF 270.0 million to CHF 2’414.9 million as of December 31, 2017. An increase in 

borrowings (CHF 248.4 million), trade accounts payable (CHF 54.5 million), advance payments from customers (CHF 30.3 

million), and other current and accrued liabilities (CHF 24.1 million) was partly offset by lower defined benefit obligations (CHF 

100.5 million).

Equity nominally increased by CHF 111.4 million to CHF 1’702.4 million. This was mainly driven by net income (CHF 87.2 

million), the remeasurement of the defined benefit obligation (CHF 91.8 million), and currency translation effects (CHF 54.6 

million) which were partly offset by the Sulzer dividend payment (CHF 119.4 million).

Net debt to EBITDA increased from 0.14 in 2016 to 0.81, mainly due to an increase in short-term debt as a result of 

acquisitions.

Solid free cash flow

Free cash flow amounted to CHF 127.0 million compared with CHF 200.5 million reported in the prior year. The decrease was 

mainly due to CHF 31.1 million higher cash-out for restructuring (2017: CHF –59.0 million, 2016: CHF –27.9 million) and CHF 

34.4 million lower contribution from net working capital (2017: CHF +22.9 million, 2016: CHF +57.3 million). The lower 

contribution from net working capital came from higher inventories on strong 2017 order growth, while inventory levels had 

decreased in 2016.

Cash flow from investing activities totaled CHF –230.8 million compared with CHF –168.8 million in the prior year. Cash-out for 

acquisitions amounted to CHF –162.5 million compared with CHF –313.4 million in 2016. Capital expenditures amounted to 

CHF 81.2 million, slightly above the CHF 74.9 million in 2016.

Cash flow from financing activities totaled CHF 106.3 million compared with CHF –680.6 million in 2016. Dividend payments 

amounted to CHF 119.4 million in 2017. In the previous year, dividend payments amounted to 617.5 million, which included a 

special dividend of CHF 498.1 million. Additional borrowings increased available cash by CHF 239.3 million (2016: CHF –59.4 

million). Exchange gains on cash amounted to CHF 0.1 million compared with a gain of CHF 6.7 million in 2016.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Business review - Financial review

40

Outlook 2018

Sulzer expects that the oil and gas market, which accounts for approximately 40% of its sales, will gradually recover and 

translate into a commercial rebound mostly visible in 2019. The power market is expected to decline, while all other Sulzer 

markets are expected to continue on their current growth path in 2018. This should lead to a slight increase in organic order 

level for the company, supplemented by additional volume from newly acquired businesses.

Sulzer delivered to date cumulative SFP savings of CHF 185 million, ahead of the previously communicated range of CHF 160 

to 180 million. Sulzer decided to extend its SFP program by an additional year. The company is therefore raising its cumulative 

savings target from the previously communicated CHF 200 million (from 2018 onwards) to CHF 230 million (from 2019 

onwards). In 2018, Sulzer expects its SFP program to deliver incremental cost savings of approximately CHF 25 million to 

cumulatively reach CHF 210 million.

For the full year 2018, including acquisitions signed in 2017 and adjusted for currency effects, order intake is expected to 

grow by 5 to 7% and sales to grow by 4 to 6%. Sulzer expects opEBITA margin at around 9.5% (opEBITA in percent of sales).

Abbreviations

EBIT: Operating income

ROS: Return on sales (EBIT/sales)

opEBITA: Operating income before restructuring, amortization, impairments, and non-operational items

opROSA: Return on sales before restructuring, amortization, impairments, and non-operational items (opEBITA/sales)

opROCEA: Return on capital employed (opEBITA/average capital employed)

EBITDA: Operating income before depreciation and amortization

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Business review - Business review Pumps Equipment

41

Order intake returned to organic growth

Pumps Equipment reported growing order intake on a currency-adjusted basis and organically. Sales, 
operational EBITA, and operational ROSA decreased. Sulzer announced the acquisition of JWC 
Environmental, LLC, a leading supplier of wastewater equipment, and completed the acquisition of 
pump manufacturer Ensival Moret.

Extending pumping portfolio for industrial and wastewater applications

In the first quarter of 2017, Sulzer completed the acquisition of Ensival Moret. The French company offers a wide range of 

industrial pumps with strong positions in a variety of industrial applications such as fertilizers, sugar, mining, and chemicals.

It is an honor to take over from César as Division 
President Pumps Equipment. I am determined to take our 
business to the next level.

Michael Streicher Division President Pumps Equipment (as of January 1, 2018)

At year-end, Sulzer announced the acquisition of the US company JWC Environmental, LLC (JWC) (completed in January 

2018). JWC is a leading provider of products to reduce and remove solids, such as grinders, screens, and dissolved air 

flotation systems for municipal, industrial, and commercial wastewater applications. The acquisition strengthened Sulzer’s 

wastewater treatment offering through complementary equipment and improved its access to the key US municipal 

wastewater treatment market.

After 40 successful years with Sulzer, César Montenegro, Division President of Sulzer’s Pumps Equipment division, chose to 

formally retire and stepped down from the Executive Committee as of December 31, 2017. Michael Streicher succeeded 

César Montenegro on January 1, 2018, as Division President Pumps Equipment and Sulzer Executive Committee member.

Returning to organic order intake growth

In 2017, the Pumps Equipment division reported growing order intake on a currency-adjusted basis (8.1%) and organically 

(1.5%) compared with the previous year. The organic increase was largely triggered by the improved oil and gas market. Order 

intake in the water market remained flat on fewer large orders for the engineered water business in 2017, despite 3% organic 

growth in Municipal Water. Order intake in the power market decreased, due to project delays in a highly competitive market. 

Order intake in the general industry markets grew organically and supported by the Ensival Moret acquisition.

Regionally, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa grew on a currency-adjusted basis but decreased organically. Demand in the 

Americas and Asia-Pacific regions grew significantly.

Our order intake grew organically in 2017. Healthy growth 
in general industry and early signs of recovery in oil and 
gas upstream helped us fill our order pipeline.

César Montenegro Division President Pumps Equipment (until December 31, 2017)

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Business review - Business review Pumps Equipment

42

Decreasing sales, operational EBITA, and operational ROSA

Compared with 2016, sales decreased on a currency-adjusted basis (–4.3%) and organically (–12.9%). This was largely due to 

the significantly lower sales volumes from the energy markets (oil and gas and power) because of the lower order backlog at 

the beginning of 2017.

Operational EBITA decreased, impacted by lower organic sales volumes and the Ensival Moret acquisition. The slightly 

negative operational EBITA resulted in an operational ROSA of –0.3%.

Sales by market segment

Sales by region

2017

2017

Higher accident frequency rate

In 2017, Pumps Equipment could not sustain its excellent safety performance that it achieved over the past five years. The 

division reported an increased accident frequency rate (AFR) of 2.2 cases per million working hours (2016: 1.3). The accident 

severity rate (ASR) amounted to 41.4 lost days per million working hours (2016: 33.8). The main reason for the increase is a 

high amount of accidents in the Asia-Pacific region. In Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, the number of accidents 

decreased considerably, whereas it remained stable in the Americas. The newly acquired companies were able to halve their 

number of accidents compared with 2016. In 2018, Sulzer will pay special attention to and implement measures at its sites in 

the Asia-Pacific region. Please read more about the company’s safety and health efforts in the chapter “Social sustainability”.

If not otherwise indicated, changes compared with the previous year are based on currency-adjusted figures.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Business review - Business review Pumps Equipment

43

Key figures Pumps Equipment

millions of CHF

Order intake

Order intake gross margin

Order backlog as of December 31

Sales

EBIT

opEBITA

opROSA

opROCEA

Employees (number of full-time equivalents) as of 
December 31

1) Adjusted for currency effects.

2) Adjusted for acquisition and currency effects.

2017

1’189.7

28.3%

847.0

1’122.7

–61.7

–3.7

–0.3%

–0.6%

5’453

2016 3)

1’090.4

26.7%

697.4

1’159.0

–64.9

13.0

1.1%

1.8%

5’156

Change
in +/–%

9.1

+/–% adjusted 1)

+/–% organic 2)

8.1

1.5

–4.3

n/a

–12.9

n/a

21.5

–3.1

n/a

n/a

5.8

3) Reclassified numbers according to new operational structure, effective since January 1, 2017.

Abbreviations

EBIT: Operating income

opEBITA: Operating income before restructuring, amortization, impairments, and non-operational items

opROSA: Return on sales before restructuring, amortization, impairments, and non-operational items (opEBITA/sales)

opROCEA: Return on capital employed (opEBITA/average capital employed)

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Business review - Business review Rotating Equipment Services

44

Order intake increased

In 2017, Rotating Equipment Services reported growing order intake on a currency-adjusted basis, 
whereas organic order intake remained broadly stable. Sales, operational EBITA, and operational ROSA 
increased. Sulzer closed the acquisition of Rotec GT to become a sizeable player in the Russian gas 
turbine service market.

Becoming a leading independent gas turbine service provider in Russia

In the second quarter of the year, Sulzer closed the acquisition of a controlling stake in Rotec’s gas turbine maintenance 

business (Rotec GT). Rotec GT, headquartered in Moscow (Russia), is active mainly in the Russian market. Through this 

acquisition, Sulzer has become a leading independent gas turbine service provider for Russia and the CIS countries.

We are very pleased with the development of our Rotec 
acquisition. It gave us a new platform and strengthened 
our presence in Russia.

Daniel Bischofberger Division President Rotating Equipment Services

Sulzer changed its reporting structure and shifted the pumps spare parts business from Pumps Equipment to Rotating 

Equipment Services. Thereby customers benefit from a single access point for services and parts.

Higher order intake

In 2017, order intake increased on a currency-adjusted basis (4.9%) and remained broadly stable organically (–0.9%), which 

compared well against the broader market.

Regionally, the Americas and Asia-Pacific grew. Europe, the Middle East, and Africa also increased on a currency-adjusted 

basis but decreased organically. The organic decline was due to lower orders in the turbo services business, impacted by a 

challenging market environment for gas turbines.

Sales, operational EBITA, and operational ROSA increased

Rotating Equipment Services reported an increase in sales on a currency-adjusted basis (1.6%) and an organic sales decrease 

(–2.1%) compared with 2016. The decline was driven by lower volumes in the oil and gas as well as the power markets.

Operational EBITA increased on a currency-adjusted basis (2.4%) and decreased organically (–1.8%). Despite pricing 

pressure, operational ROSA increased to 13.9%.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Business review - Business review Rotating Equipment Services

45

Sales by market segment

Sales by region

2017

2017

Increased number of accidents

In 2017, the accident frequency rate (AFR) increased slightly to 2.0 cases per million working hours (2016: 1.9), driven by an 

increase in the number of incidents in the Americas region. With 42.6 lost days per million working hours, the division was able 

to slightly decrease the accident severity rate (ASR; 2016: 44.9). The Sulzer Safe Behavior Program has been rolled out to all 

new entities in the division. The company intensified intra-divisional exchange of lessons learned to improve safe behavior at 

the workplace. In 2018, the target is to increase the number of safety walks and observations to identify unsafe conditions and 

behavior. Moreover, all new entities will be ISO- and OHSAS-certified in 2018. Please read more about the company’s safety 

and health efforts in the chapter “Social sustainability”.

If not otherwise indicated, changes compared with the previous year are based on currency-adjusted figures.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Business review - Business review Rotating Equipment Services

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Key figures Rotating Equipment Services

millions of CHF

Order intake

Order intake gross margin

Order backlog as of December 31

Sales

EBIT

opEBITA

opROSA

opROCEA

2017

1’071.0

38.0%

364.4

1’034.5

134.4

144.0

13.9%

28.4%

2016 3)

1’009.7

38.0%

378.7

1’011.3

129.3

139.5

13.8%

25.9%

Change
in +/–%

+/–% adjusted 1)

+/–% organic 2)

6.1

–3.8

2.3

3.9

3.2

4.9

1.6

2.4

–0.9

–2.1

–1.8

Employees (number of full-time equivalents) as of 
December 31

4’485

4’541

–1.2

1) Adjusted for currency effects.

2) Adjusted for acquisition and currency effects.

3) Reclassified numbers according to new operational structure, effective since January 1, 2017.

Abbreviations

EBIT: Operating income

opEBITA: Operating income before restructuring, amortization, impairments, and non-operational items

opROSA: Return on sales before restructuring, amortization, impairments, and non-operational items (opEBITA/sales)

opROCEA: Return on capital employed (opEBITA/average capital employed)

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Business review - Business review Chemtech

47

Solid organic growth

Chemtech reported growing order intake and sales in 2017. Compared with the previous year, 
operational EBITA and operational ROSA improved. Sulzer expanded its separation capabilities 
through the closing of the Vessel Internal Electrostatic Coalescer (VIEC) acquisition and through two 
exclusive license partnerships for oil and gas processing technologies.

Licensed technologies for oil and gas processing

Sulzer closed the acquisition of Wärtsilä’s Vessel Internal Electrostatic Coalescer (VIEC) technology in the first quarter of 2017. 

The patented technology separates oil from water in a highly efficient manner.

We drove sales and introduced new technologies in 
2017. Supported by the market rebound, Chemtech had 
a successful year.

Torsten Wintergerste Division President Chemtech

ExxonMobil has exclusively licensed its new patented cMIST™ technology to the Chemtech division. cMIST efficiently 

removes water vapor present during the production of natural gas. Furthermore, Sulzer’s Chemtech division has been granted 

an exclusive license covering the wash tank technology for oil processing patented by Total. The main purpose of this 

technology is to enhance the removal of water, salt, and contaminants from oil and emulsions.

With the creation of the new Applicator Systems division as of January 1, 2017, Sulzer Mixpac Systems, Geka, and PC Cox no 

longer report as part of the Chemtech division.

Order intake up by 5.1% organically

In 2017, order intake increased by 5.9% on a currency-adjusted basis and by 5.1% organically compared with the previous 

year. This development was driven by the rebound of the downstream market and the chemical processing industry, mainly in 

China. The introduction of new technologies supported growth as well. Order intake in the Separation Technology business 

unit was strong, especially for installations in the Asia-Pacific region. Order intake in the Tower Field Service business unit 

remained on last year’s level.

Regionally, order intake in Europe and Asia-Pacific grew strongly. Orders in the Middle East and the Americas remained flat. 

Order intake in Africa declined due to one big project in the previous year.

Growing sales, operational EBITA, and operational ROSA

In 2017, Chemtech reported growing sales, both on a currency-adjusted basis (7.0%) and organically (6.2%). The increase 

mostly stemmed from the positive development in the oil and gas market.

Operational EBITA increased strongly on a currency-adjusted basis (35.2%) and organically (39.7%). The increase was 

triggered by a higher sales volume and operational improvement measures. Accordingly, operational ROSA increased 

significantly to 7.3% before a CHF 10 million one-time charge for a discontinued business activity in Tower Field Services.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Business review - Business review Chemtech

48

Sales by market segment

Sales by region

2017

2017

Safety performance stabilized

In 2017, Chemtech was able to stabilize its safety performance and reduce the number of accidents. The accident frequency 

rate (AFR) at Chemtech dropped to 1.5 cases per million working hours (2016: 2.8). The accident severity rate (ASR) 

decreased to 84.7 lost days per million working hours (2016: 88.5). An increased number of safety walks and a stronger focus 

on work in confined spaces and lessons learned supported the development. Please read more about the company’s safety 

and health efforts in the chapter “Social sustainability”.

If not otherwise indicated, changes compared with the previous year are based on currency-adjusted figures.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Business review - Business review Chemtech

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Key figures Chemtech

millions of CHF

Order intake

Order intake gross margin

Order backlog as of December 31

Sales

EBIT

opEBITA

opROSA

opROCEA

Employees (number of full-time equivalents) as of 
December 31

1) Adjusted for currency effects.

2) Adjusted for acquisition and currency effects.

2017

502.0

31.0%

315.3

478.4

11.0

25.0

5.2%

11.3%

2’878

2016 3)

471.9

30.2%

304.9

446.1

–2.5

18.0

4.0%

8.0%

2’570

Change
in +/–%

+/–% adjusted 1)

+/–% organic 2)

5.9

5.1

7.0

35.2

6.2

39.7

6.4

3.4

7.2

n/a

38.9

12.0

3) Reclassified numbers according to new operational structure, effective since January 1, 2017.

Abbreviations

EBIT: Operating income

opEBITA: Operating income before restructuring, amortization, impairments, and non-operational items

opROSA: Return on sales before restructuring, amortization, impairments, and non-operational items (opEBITA/sales)

opROCEA: Return on capital employed (opEBITA/average capital employed)

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Business review - Business review Applicator Systems

50

Strengthening the applicator systems 
portfolio

At the beginning of 2017, Sulzer established a fourth division called Applicator Systems (APS). Order 
intake, sales, and operational EBITA increased in 2017 compared with the previous year. With the 
acquisition of Transcodent, Sulzer further strengthened its leading position in the dental market 
segment.

New division Applicator Systems up and running

On January 1, 2017, Sulzer changed its reporting structure for increased transparency and customer focus: The combination 

of the Sulzer Mixpac Systems (SMS) business unit and the recently acquired Geka and PC Cox businesses are now being 

reported as the new Applicator Systems division. APS offers a global platform for high-precision plastic molding, assembly, 

decoration, and filling technologies for mixing and applicator solutions. The division serves customers in the dental, industrial 

adhesives, and beauty (particularly mascara) segments.

Our acquired businesses supplemented our solid organic 
growth. With Transcodent, we were able to round out our 
dental portfolio and became a full-line supplier for dental 
applications. The integration is well underway.

Amaury de Menthiere Division President Applicator Systems

In the third quarter of 2017, Sulzer acquired Transcodent. The company, headquartered in Kiel, Germany, is a leading provider 

of multiple dose and unit dose application systems, needles, tips, and capsules for the dental market. The acquisition further 

strengthened the Applicator Systems division of Sulzer in its dental segment, where Sulzer is already a global market leader.

Solid organic order intake and sales growth

In 2017, order intake increased on a currency-adjusted basis (55.7%) and organically (6.0%) compared with 2016. Sales, 

which track orders closely in this division, increased by 54.9% and organically by 5.0%. The acquisitions of PC Cox, Geka, 

and Transcodent contributed CHF 135.8 million to sales in 2017. Organic growth was driven by high sales volumes in the 

industrial adhesives segment. All product lines and geographies contributed to growth.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Business review - Business review Applicator Systems

51

Sales by market segment

Sales by region

2017

2017

Higher operational EBITA

In 2017, operational EBITA increased significantly, both on a currency-adjusted basis (34.8%) and organically (10.3%). 

Operational ROSA, while diluted by the Geka acquisition which closed in the third quarter of 2016, actually increased on a 

comparable basis from pro forma 20.1% in 2016 to 20.5% in 2017.

Implementing Sulzer’s safety culture

In 2017, Applicator Systems focused on integrating Sulzer’s safety standards and driving progress in its newly acquired 

businesses. The division reported an accident frequency rate (AFR) of 7.2 cases per million working hours in 2017. The 

accident severity rate (ASR) amounted to 50.4 lost days per million working hours. APS paid particular attention to an 

increased management focus on safety matters, driving safety ownership, and implementing Sulzer’s safety culture. As a 

result, all sites of APS met or exceeded their safety performance targets in 2017. Please read more about the company’s 

safety and health efforts in the chapter “Social sustainability”.

If not otherwise indicated, changes compared with the previous year are based on currency-adjusted figures.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Business review - Business review Applicator Systems

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Key figures Applicator Systems

millions of CHF

Order intake

Order intake gross margin

Order backlog as of December 31

Sales

EBIT

opEBITA

opROSA

opROCEA

2017

426.3

43.9%

64.7

423.5

63.2

86.8

20.5%

22.7%

2016 3)

272.6

49.5%

58.0

272.0

39.7

64.1

23.6%

29.1%

Change
in +/–%

56.4

11.6

55.7

59.2

35.4

+/–% adjusted 1)

+/–% organic 2)

55.7

6.0

54.9

34.8

5.0

10.3

Employees (number of full-time equivalents) as of 
December 31

1’716

1’562

9.9

1) Adjusted for currency effects.

2) Adjusted for acquisition and currency effects.

3) Reclassified numbers according to new operational structure, effective since January 1, 2017.

Abbreviations

EBIT: Operating income

opEBITA: Operating income before restructuring, amortization, impairments, and non-operational items

opROSA: Return on sales before restructuring, amortization, impairments, and non-operational items (opEBITA/sales)

opROCEA: Return on capital employed (opEBITA/average capital employed)

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Sustainable 
development

  54  Values and behaviors
  56  Ecological sustainability
  59  Social sustainability

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Sustainable development - Values and behaviors

54

Values and behaviors at the heart of our 
company culture

As Sulzer continues to evolve, the way we make decisions, work, think, and interact together has also 
evolved. Sulzer refreshed its values and defined behaviors to underline what we believe in and to help 
employees grow and improve.

In 2017, Sulzer engaged over 150 colleagues from all across the world to refresh and re-energize how employees identify with 

the current Sulzer values, and to define the specific behaviors that represent our preferred ways of working. We have taken 

this feedback and co-created a simple and pragmatic set of values and behaviors.

Our spirit makes us unique: We continuously strive to be 
faster and better, we win together with our customers, 
and we build on the strengths and diversity of our people.

Armand Sohet Chief Human Resources Officer

The values essentially remain the same – Customer Partnership, Operational Excellence, and Committed People. The central 

meaning of each value has been updated to reflect how employees relate to these values in today’s Sulzer. Additionally, a set 

of behaviors has been defined that mirrors how people live these values today. These desired behaviors will provide guidance 

in how the organization appraises performance, identifies strong performers, and assesses talent. They will also play a large 

role in screening and attracting new talent.

Sulzer in Motion: healthy body, healthy mind

For Sulzer, committed people means happy, healthy, and energized people. The company introduced an initiative in 2017 to 

promote health, fitness, and collaboration: Sulzer in Motion. The initiative encompassed various actions (from small local 

actions to company-wide movement and healthy lifestyle initiatives) around the world. It seeks to foster collaboration and 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Sustainable development - Values and behaviors

55

team spirit, to develop new healthy habits within the working environment and beyond, and to make Sulzer a more vibrant 

place to work. Since its launch, various sports groups have emerged in the different countries, employees have participated in 

sports competitions, and programs such as annual health fairs or regular blood pressure checks have been introduced.

Read more about our values and behaviors at www.sulzer.com.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Sustainable development - Ecological sustainability

56

Energy use increased – waste and water 
use reduced

Sulzer is aware of its environmental responsibility and designs products with the highest efficiency 
levels. In 2017, the company’s own environmental performance was strongly affected by several major 
changes in Sulzer’s organization and business mix.

Since pumps can consume a large portion of the energy of your operations, they should run as efficiently and with as few 

emissions as possible. Sulzer’s design teams recognize these issues and develop new and more energy-efficient products 

and solutions constantly.

More efficient, less energy consumption

High efficiency levels and low energy consumption characterize Sulzer’s products. They use as little material as possible while 

conforming to the company’s high quality standards. Because it is not always necessary to replace your existing equipment, 

Sulzer offers revamps, retrofits, and upgrades to increase efficiency and extend its lifetime – irrespective of the brand. To 

achieve ideal efficiency levels throughout the product life cycle, Sulzer advises its customers on the safe and efficient 

installation, operation, maintenance, and disposal of their equipment.

Businesses with diverse footprints

The company reports on its energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, waste production, and water consumption, 

because Sulzer considers these as material for its operations. The company’s overall goal is to maintain, but ideally to 

improve, performance measured against working hours compared with the previous year. Sulzer’s products and services 

differ widely from one another; its portfolio encompasses pumps, separation equipment, and applicators as well as services 

for rotating equipment or for turnaround projects. These businesses have different requirements and different ecological 

footprints. Thus, Sulzer follows a local approach to reducing its environmental impact. The business units and local sites 

evaluate their footprints and set their agendas individually.

The changing technology and business mix within Sulzer have driven a 
significant reduction in our waste stream and water usage in 2017.

Rajiv Damani Head of Group Environment, Safety and Health

Comprehensive reporting system

Sulzer has a comprehensive reporting system in place to collect financial and extrafinancial data at the site level. The 

company uses the number of total working hours as a reference. The total number of working hours remained steady because 

the reduction of working hours through restructuring measures was offset by additional working hours from newly acquired 

businesses. In 2017, 76% of total working hours reported on environmental data (2016: 78%). The number is slightly lower 

than in the previous year because the newly acquired businesses are not yet fully integrated into the environmental data 

collection process. The coverage of HR and occupational health and safety data is 100% (of total working hours). The 

organization collects extrafinancial data according to two different reporting cycles and confirms the accuracy of the figures 

through regular internal audits:

—

The reporting period for environmental data was October 1, 2016, to September 30, 2017.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Sustainable development - Ecological sustainability

57

—

The reporting cycle for HR data and the health and safety performance was January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017.

Large shifts in energy use, water consumption, and waste patterns

In 2017, Sulzer’s environmental performance was strongly affected by several major changes in Sulzer’s organization and 

business mix. The company continued to implement restructuring measures and to consolidate its real estate portfolio. At the 

same time, Sulzer grew with the creation of the new Applicator Systems (APS) division and several acquisitions.

Because of the closing of the foundry in Karhula, a major consumer of district heating, energy, and water, and one of the 

highest contributors to Sulzer’s waste stream, disappeared from the Sulzer portfolio. At the same time, the Geka business, 

which uses a lot of energy, was integrated. These large shifts in use and waste patterns make it difficult to compare Sulzer’s 

environmental impact on a like-for-like basis with previous years.

Overall energy use increased slightly by 1.5%, and the rate of energy consumption per 1’000 working hours increased by 

7.5%. This increase is mainly associated with the APS business; it uses injection-molding machinery that consumes a lot of 

energy and its rate of utilization is very high.

The amount of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) increased by 27.2%. In 2017, Sulzer expanded the scope 3 reporting 

boundary and included air travel emissions. They were the largest contributor to the company’s GHG footprint, adding more 

than 21% compared with last year’s emissions.

The closing of the Karhula foundry resulted in a reduction of more than 93% in waste generated at this facility. It also 

contributed significantly to the overall reduction in Sulzer’s water use (31.5% less m  per 1’000 working hours) and total waste 

3

production (26.1% fewer tons per 1’000 working hours).

Energy consumption

Hazardous waste

GJ in 1'000

GJ/1'000 whr

Tons

t/1'000 whr

1'200

900

600

300

0

3
1
0
2

4
1
0
2

5
1
0
2

6
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

80

8'000

60

6'000

40

4'000

20

2'000

0

0

3
1
0
2

4
1
0
2

5
1
0
2

6
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

0.48

0.36

0.24

0.12

0

Total energy consumption in GJ
GJ/1'000 working hours (whr)

Total hazardous waste in t (metric)
t/1'000 working hours (whr)

report.sulzer.com/ar17

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Sustainable development - Ecological sustainability

58

2016 1)

Change in +/–%

1.5

7.5

27.2

34.0

3.8

5.2

126.7

–29.6

–26.1

–27.3

–31.5

Key figures

Energy

GJ

Energy consumption per working hours (whr)

GJ per 1’000 whr

Share of electricity

Share of gases

Share of fuels

Share of fuel oils

Share of district heating

Share of other sources

Greenhouse gas emissions

GHG emissions per working hours

GHG scope 1 2)

GHG scope 2 3)

GHG scope 3 4)

Waste

%

%

%

%

%

%

tons CO   eq.

2

tons CO   eq. per 
2
1’000 whr

tons CO   eq.

2

tons CO   eq.

2

tons CO   eq.

2

Tons

Waste per working hours

Tons per 1’000 whr

By treatment:

Recycling

Waste to landfill / incineration / other treatment

By hazardousness:

Non-hazardous waste

Hazardous waste

Water

%

%

%

%

m 3

2017

872’335

40.0

58.6

25.3

9.7

1.8

3.7

<1

116’338

5.4

18’366

59’934

38’038

19’029

0.9

58.4

41.6

77.5

22.5

845’056

37.3

56.8

23.0

11.7

1.5

6.1

<1

91’440

4.0

17’690

56’970

16’780

27’015

1.2

77.4

22.6

76.7

23.3

1’163’905

1’600’383

Water consumption per working hours

3

m   per 1’000 whr

53.8

70.8

1) The historical values have been adjusted to account for the changes in the organization and may not be identical to those reported previously.

2) Direct emissions from Sulzer stemming from primary energy sources such as natural gas and fuels used on-site.

3) Indirect emissions from secondary (converted) energy sources such as electricity and district heating.

4) Indirect emissions from the production and transport of fuels and gases not included in scopes 1 or 2.

Find further sustainability data at www.sulzer.com/sustainability.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Sustainable development - Social sustainability

59

Growing and improving in a safe work 
environment

Sulzer aims to offer its people a safe and fun place to work. With help of the Sulzer Safe Behavior 
Program, the company sets itself ambitious goals to improve its safety performance continually. Sulzer 
encourages regular dialogue and provides specific feedback to help employees grow and improve.

In 2017, Sulzer started to integrate the acquisitions announced in 2016. The newly acquired businesses added more than 

800 new employees. They started to adopt Sulzer’s safety and health standards as well as reporting systems during the 

reporting year. Many of these businesses started from a position of high accident rates and low investment in safety 

compared with the standards expected of the existing Sulzer businesses. Sulzer focused on providing management and 

employee training and workshops about workplace safety. Thanks to these efforts, the new businesses made remarkable 

progress and managed to improve their safety performance significantly throughout the year. The new Applicator Systems 

division was able to cut its major accident rate by almost 60% from 2016. Although only acquired in the second quarter of 

2017, the Ensival Moret business managed to reduce its accident rate by roughly 50%.

Striving for an accident frequency rate of 1.0 by 2020

The company’s goal is to globally track and drive an ambitious yet realistic safety program. This program encompasses 

different businesses with both more and less mature safety cultures. This is why Sulzer’s executive management set a road 

map to reduce the overall accident frequency rate (AFR, in cases per million working hours) to 1.0 by the end of 2020 

(accidents of Sulzer employees excluding those of contractors). Accordingly, Sulzer’s target for the accident frequency rate in 

2017 was set at 2.8.

Increase in accidents because of newly acquired businesses

In 2017, Sulzer achieved an overall accident frequency rate of 2.7. The accident severity rate (ASR, in lost days per million 

working hours) amounted to 54.0. Overall, the company reported a total of 78 major accidents (accidents with one or more 

lost working days), resulting in 1’564 lost working days. Sulzer suffered no fatalities in 2017.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Sustainable development - Social sustainability

Accidents

Number of cases

120

80

40

0

3
1
0
2

4
1
0
2

5
1
0
2

6
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

60

AFR

6.0

4.0

2.0

0.0

Number of cases that last > 1 lost day due to occupational accidents
Accident frequency rate (AFR) in cases per million working hours

The increase in AFR and ASR was mainly due to the higher accident rates of the newly acquired businesses. With the 

exception of the Pumps Equipment division, the more mature businesses within Sulzer were able to improve or maintain their 

safety performance. Because of Sulzer’s training and emphasis on safety, the acquisitions managed to improve their safety 

performance significantly throughout the year. 

Reinforcing the Safe Behavior Program

Despite the positive development in safety performance, it was a challenging year for Sulzer to maintain focus on its Safe 

Behavior Program (SBP). Sulzer recognizes that to match the goal set in the safety road map for 2018, the company must 

reinforce the SBP and realize more training opportunities globally. Together with the integration program, the SBP remains 

Sulzer’s flagship safety vehicle.

Creating development experiences

In 2017, Sulzer stepped away from traditional classroom training and learning-centered development. The company now 

focuses on individual development planning and on creating development experiences. The Sulzer Management Training 

(SMT) program remains to enable junior managers mastering the basics of management. It educated 91 participants in 2017. 

In addition, Sulzer implemented the Leadership Orientation program. It offers the opportunity for strong contributors to work in 

a diverse, global team with a high level of interaction with the CEO and executive team. The pilot initiative included 30 high 

performers representing 14 different countries.

Sulzer continues to use the Learning Management System (LMS), a cloud-based learning platform. Newly implemented 

projects in 2017 include a platform for global technology to better leverage knowledge and information and a stronger focus 

on health and safety.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Sustainable development - Social sustainability

61

Measuring the how

Building on the momentum created in 2016, Sulzer is continuing to harmonize key people management processes globally, 

and going digital with them at every opportunity. The company revised, simplified, and adapted the entire performance 

management process – from setting objectives to annual appraisal. The process now includes a strong focus on driving higher 

levels of performance within the organization.

The annual performance appraisal was redesigned to incorporate the newly introduced behaviors. It now emphasizes that 

achievement is measured not only by what is done but also by how it is done. The behaviors are strongly linked to driving a 

high-performance culture. Although Sulzer has made many changes in its cultural transformation, the company has 

maintained the possibility for employees to exceed objectives and be rewarded fully for delivering outstanding performance.

Geographical spread of employees

2017

Building on diversity

Sulzer builds on the strengths and diversity of its people. All employees – regardless of their cultural backgrounds, 

nationalities, genders, and ages – have unique skills to contribute. Sulzer is always stronger than the sum of its parts. To foster 

the exchange among them, employees have the possibility to participate in job rotation programs, internships, and temporary 

relocations.

Sulzer’s employees are deeply committed to personal responsibility, integrity, and ethical behavior. Every employee signs 

Sulzer’s Code of Business Conduct. The company’s compliance training sessions and Code of Business Conduct refresher 

courses ensure that Sulzer employees are fully aware of their individual ethical responsibilities and that they act accordingly. 

Read more in the “Corporate governance” section. 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Sustainable development - Social sustainability

62

Key figures

Accident frequency rate (AFR)

Accident severity rate (ASR)

Health and safety training

Voluntary attrition rate

Share of women (of total workforce)

Number of employees

Cases per million 
working hours

Lost days per 
million working 
hours

Hours

%

%

FTE

2017

2.7

54.0

107’546

9.0

17.8

14’732

2016

Change in +/–%

1.8

51.2

119’153

8.0

17.1

14’005

42.0

5.3

–9.7

5.2

Find further sustainability data at www.sulzer.com/sustainability.

report.sulzer.com/ar17

 
 
 
 
Corporate 
governance

 Corporate structure and shareholders

  64 
  65  Capital structure
  66  Board of Directors
  74  Executive Committee
  75  Shareholder participation rights
  76  Takeover and defense measures
  77  Auditors
  78  Risk management
Information policy
  80 

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Corporate governance - Corporate structure and shareholders

64

Corporate structure and shareholders

The rigorous application of sound corporate governance helps to consolidate and strengthen trust in 
the company. Sulzer is subject to Swiss corporate and stock exchange laws and applies the Swiss 
Code of Best Practice for Corporate Governance.

Sulzer Ltd is subject to the laws of Switzerland, in particular Swiss corporation and stock exchange law. The company also 

applies the Swiss Code of Best Practice for Corporate Governance. The rigorous application of sound corporate governance 

helps to consolidate and strengthen trust in the company. Sulzer has had a single share class and has separated the functions 

of Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO for many years. Since the Annual General Meeting of April 8, 2009, only 

individuals who have never held executive positions at Sulzer have been members of the Board of Directors. Unless otherwise 

indicated, the following information refers to the situation on December 31, 2017. Further information on corporate 

governance is published at www.sulzer.com/governance. The information in the following section is set out in the order 

defined by the SIX Swiss Exchange directive on information relating to corporate governance (RLCG), with subsections 

summarized as far as possible. Sulzer’s consolidated financial statements comply with International Financial Reporting 

Standards (IFRS), and in certain sections, readers are referred to the Financial Reporting section in the Sulzer Annual Report 

2017. Sulzer reports about the compensation of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee in the Compensation 

Report.

Corporate structure

The operational corporate structure is shown in the graphic in the chapter “Board of Directors” of this Corporate Governance 

report and under note 3 to the “Consolidated financial statements” in the Financial Reporting section. Sulzer Ltd is the only 

Sulzer company listed on a stock exchange. It is based in Winterthur, Switzerland. Its shares are listed and traded on the SIX 

Swiss Exchange in Zurich (Securities No. 3838891/ISIN CH0038388911). On December 31, 2017, the market capitalization of 

all registered shares was CHF 4’049’812’134. Information on the major subsidiaries included in the consolidation can be found 

under note 36 to the “Consolidated financial statements.” The list comprises all consolidated direct subsidiaries of Sulzer Ltd 

as well as all further consolidated subsidiaries that are strategically relevant. 

Significant shareholders

According to notifications of Sulzer shareholders, one shareholder held more than 3% of Sulzer Ltd’s share capital on 

December 31, 2017. On March 13, 2017 (published on the SIX disclosure platform on March 18, 2017), Viktor Vekselberg held 

63.42% of Sulzer shares. The shares are directly held by Liwet Holding AG, Tiwel Holding AG, and Renova Innovation 

Technologies. All three are part of the Renova Group. For detailed information, see the respective disclosure notifications 

on www.six-exchange-regulation.com. For the positions held by Sulzer and information on shareholders, see note 23 to the 

“Consolidated financial statements.” There are no cross-shareholdings where the capital or voting stakes on either side 

exceed the threshold of 3%. 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Corporate governance - Capital structure

65

Capital structure

Share capital

The fully paid-up share capital of Sulzer Ltd amounts to CHF 342’623.70 and is divided into 34’262’370 registered shares with 

a par value of CHF 0.01 per share. Each registered share entitles the holder to one vote at the Shareholders’ Meeting. There is 

neither any authorized nor conditional capital, nor are there any participation or dividend certificates. The latest version of the 

Articles of Association can be viewed at www.sulzer.com/governance (under “Articles of Association”). There were no 

changes of the share capital in the last three financial reporting years.

Restrictions on transferability and nominee registrations

Sulzer shares are freely transferable provided that, when requested by the company to do so, buyers declare that they have 

purchased and will hold the shares in their own name and for their own account. Nominees shall only be entered in the share 

register with the right to vote if they meet the following conditions: the nominee is subject to the supervision of a recognized 

banking and financial market regulator; the nominee has entered into a written agreement with the Board of Directors 

concerning its status; the share capital held by the nominee does not exceed 3% of the registered share capital entered in the 

commercial register; and the names, addresses, and number of shares of those individuals for whose accounts the nominee 

holds at least 0.5% of the share capital have been disclosed. The Board of Directors is also entitled, beyond these limits, to 

enter shares of nominees with voting rights in the share register if the above-mentioned conditions are met (see also 

paragraph 6a of the Articles of Association at www.sulzer.com/governance). On December 31, 2017, nine nominees holding a 

total of 1’790’740 shares (5.23% of total shares) had entered into agreements concerning their status. No exceptions have 

been granted. All of those shares have been entered in the share register with voting rights. There are no transfer restrictions 

and no privileges under the Articles of Association. A removal or amendment of the transfer restriction requires a shareholders’ 

resolution with a majority of at least two-thirds of the votes represented.

Convertible bonds and options

No convertible bonds or warrants are currently outstanding. Details of the restricted share units issued to the members of the 

Board of Directors (from 2009) as well as performance share and restricted share units issued to the members of the 

Executive Committee (in 2010 and yearly as from 2013) are set out under note 31 to the “Consolidated financial statements” 

and under note 10 to the “Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd.” 

report.sulzer.com/ar17

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Corporate governance - Board of Directors

66

Board of Directors

The Sulzer Board of Directors consists of eight members who are elected individually for one-year 
terms. None of them has ever held an executive position at Sulzer. Peter Löscher was reelected as 
Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting 2017. All other board members were 
also reelected for a one-year term.

All members of the Board of Directors are non-executive. None of the members of the Board of Directors has ever belonged to 

the management of a Sulzer company or to the Executive Committee, nor do any significant business relationships exist 

between members of the Board of Directors and Sulzer Ltd or a subsidiary of Sulzer Ltd. Exceptions are Marco Musetti and 

Mikhail Lifshitz who have a business relationship with Sulzer’s largest shareholder. Marco Musetti is an employee of Renova 

Management AG. Mikhail Lifshitz is High-tech Asset Business Development Director of Renova Group, Russia, and Chairman 

of the Board of JSC Rotec, Russia, a company belonging to the Renova Group. As of December 31, 2017, sales with related 

parties controlled by the major shareholder Renova Group amounted to CHF 22.6 million (2016: CHF 0.8 million). For further 

information, see note 32 to the “Consolidated financial statements.” There are no interlocking directorships.

Elections and terms of office

The Articles of Association stipulate that the Board of Directors of Sulzer Ltd shall comprise five to nine members. Each 

member is elected individually. The term for members of the Board of Directors is one year. All Board members were reelected 

for terms of one year at the Annual General Meeting of April 6, 2017. Accordingly, during 2017, the Board of Directors 

comprised eight members: two from Austria, one from Italy, one from Singapore, one from Russia, one from Germany, and 

two from Switzerland. Jill Lee and Thomas Glanzmann will not stand for reelection to the Board of Directors at the Annual 

General Meeting of April 4, 2018. Professional expertise and international experience played a key role in the selection of the 

members. The members of the Board of Directors and their CVs can be viewed at www.sulzer.com/board.

According to the Board of Directors and Organization Regulations, the term of office of a Board member ends no later than on 

the date of the Annual General Meeting in the year when the member reaches the age of 70. The Board of Directors can make 

exceptions up to but not exceeding the year in which the member reaches the age of 73.

Internal organization

The Board of Directors constitutes itself, except for the Chairman of the Board of Directors who is elected by the 

Shareholders’ Meeting. The Board of Directors appoints from among its members the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors 

and the members of the Board committees, except for the members of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, who 

are elected by the Shareholders’ Meeting. There are currently three standing Board committees (for their constitutions, see 

below):

—

—

—

the Audit Committee (AC)

the Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC)

the Strategy Committee (SC)

The Board of Directors and Organization Regulations and the relevant Committee Regulations, which are published at 

www.sulzer.com/governance (under “Regulations”), define the division of responsibilities between the Board of Directors and 

the CEO. They also define the authorities and responsibilities of the Chairman of the Board of Directors and of the three 

standing Board committees.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Corporate governance - Board of Directors

67

Operating principles of the Board of Directors and its committees

All decisions are made by the full Board of Directors. For each application, written documentation is distributed to the 

members of the Board of Directors prior to the meeting. The Board of Directors and the committees meet as often as required 

by circumstances. The Board of Directors meets at least six times per year, the Audit Committee and the Nomination and 

Remuneration Committee meet at least three times per year, and the Strategy Committee meets at least twice per year. In 

2017, the Board held five half-day meetings in February, May, July, October, and December, and five shorter Board meetings. 

The latter lasted up to one hour on average. For further details, see the table below. The CEO, the CFO, and the Group 

General Counsel (who is the Secretary of the Board of Directors) also generally attend the Board meetings in an advisory role. 

Other members of the Executive Committee are invited to attend Board meetings as required to discuss the midterm planning, 

the strategy, and the budget, as well as division-specific items (such as large investments and acquisitions).

The committees do not make any decisions, but rather review and discuss the matters assigned to them and submit the 

required proposals to the full Board of Directors for a decision. At the next full Board meeting following the committee 

meeting, the chairpersons of the committees report to the full Board of Directors on all matters discussed, including key 

findings, opinions, and recommendations.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Corporate governance - Board of Directors

68

Board of Directors

Name

Nationality

Position

Entry

Elected
until

Board

AC

NRC

SC

Attending meetings of the

Peter Löscher

Austria

Matthias Bichsel

Switzerland

Jill Lee

Singapore

Chairman, 
Chairman SC

Vice 
Chairman of 
the Board, 
Member SC

Chairwoman/
Member 
1)
AC   , 
Member NRC

March 2014

2018

March 2014

2018

April 2011

Marco Musetti

Italy

Member NRC

April 2011

Thomas Glanzmann

Switzerland

Chairman 
NRC, 
Chairman/
Member AC 2)

April 2012

Gerhard Roiss

Austria

Member SC

April 2015

Axel C. Heitmann

Germany

Member AC

April 2016

Mikhail Lifshitz

Russia

Member SC

April 2016

2018

2018

2018

2018

2018

2018

10

10

8

10

9

8

10

9

6

6

6

4

4

4

2

2

1

1

1

2

AC = Audit Committee, NRC = Nomination and Remuneration Committee, SC = Strategy Committee

1) Chairwoman AC until December 11, 2017, afterwards member AC.

2) Member AC until December 11, 2017, afterwards Chairman AC.

Additional mandates of members of the Board of Directors outside the Sulzer group

According to Sulzer’s Articles of Association (AoA; published at www.sulzer.com/governance, under “Articles of Association”), 

the maximum number of additional mandates held by members of the Board of Directors outside the Sulzer group is ten (of 

which a maximum of four mandates may be with listed companies) (Art. 33 AoA). Exceptions (e.g., for mandates held at the 

request of Sulzer or mandates in charity organizations) are defined in the Articles of Association (Art. 33 paragraphs a, b, and 

c).

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee (members listed above) assesses the midyear and annual consolidated financial statements and, in 

particular, the activities – including effectiveness and independence – of the internal and statutory auditor, as well as the 

cooperation between the two bodies. It also assesses the Internal Control System (ICS), risk management, and compliance; at 

least one meeting per year is dedicated to risk management and compliance. The regulations of the Audit Committee can be 

viewed at www.sulzer.com/governance (under “Regulations”). The CEO, the CFO, the Group General Counsel (at least 

partially), the Head of Group Internal Audit (who is also the Secretary of this committee), and the external auditor-in-charge, 

attend the meetings of the Audit Committee. In 2017, the Audit Committee held four meetings in February, July, September, 

and December. The meetings lasted on average between two and three hours. The statutory auditor attended all of these 

meetings. Internal experts, such as the Group General Counsel and the Heads of Group Internal Audit, Group Accounting, 

Group IT, Group Compliance and Risk Management, and Group Taxes gave presentations to the Audit Committee in 2017. In 

February, the Audit Committee is informed of compliance exposures as a result of periodic risk assessments, and it receives 

an overview of compliance cases under investigation. In September, the Audit Committee is briefed on the present state of 

risk management within the company and on the results of the risk management process – a process to systematically identify 

and evaluate significant risks and introduce countermeasures. In the same meeting, an update on Sulzer’s compliance 

approach, including the respective ongoing and planned activities, is provided. The major current compliance cases (if any) 

are reported to and discussed by the Audit Committee regularly.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Corporate governance - Board of Directors

69

Nomination and Remuneration Committee

The Nomination and Remuneration Committee (members listed above) assesses the criteria for the election and reelection of 

Board members and the nomination of candidates for the top two management levels. It deals with succession planning. It 

also regularly assesses the compensation systems and recommends compensation for the members of the Board of Directors 

and the Executive Committee (including bonus targets for the latter) on behalf of the Board of Directors and in accordance 

with its specifications. It carries out broadly based compensation benchmarks with an international comparison group, 

supported by studies of consulting firms such as Mercer and Willis Towers Watson, and it scrutinizes the work of internal and 

external consultants. The members of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee are elected by the Shareholders’ 

Meeting. The regulations of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee can be viewed at www.sulzer.com/

governance (under “Regulations”). The CEO and the Chief Human Resources Officer (who is also the Secretary of this 

committee) attend the meetings of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. In 2017, five meetings were held in January, 

February, July, and December, taking on average between one and two hours. Furthermore, the NRC held one conference 

call. External experts from Mercer and klingler provided benchmarking services (see section “Method of determination of 

compensation: benchmarking and annual target-setting process” in chapter “Compensation governance and principles” of the 

Compensation Report) and supported the Nomination and Remuneration Committee in in reviewing the compensation 

packages of the members of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.

Strategy Committee

The Strategy Committee (members listed above) advises the Board of Directors on strategic matters (such as material 

acquisitions, divestitures, alliances, and joint ventures) as well as strategic planning and definition of development priorities. 

The regulations of the Strategy Committee can be viewed at www.sulzer.com/governance (under “Regulations”). In 2017, 

two meetings in May and September took place, taking three hours on average. The CEO and the CFO attended 

both meetings.

Division of powers between the Board of Directors and the CEO

The Board of Directors has largely delegated executive management powers to the CEO. However, it is still responsible for 

matters that cannot be delegated in accordance with Art. 716a of the Swiss Code of Obligations. These matters include 

corporate strategy, the approval of midterm planning, and the annual budget, as well as key personnel decisions and the 

preparation of the Compensation Report. The same applies to acquisition and divestiture decisions involving an enterprise 

value exceeding CHF 30 million, investments in fixed assets exceeding CHF 15 million, major corporate restructurings, 

approval of dispute settlements with an impact on operating income of more than CHF 20 million, approval of research and 

development projects exceeding CHF 10 million, as well as other matters relevant to the company, and decisions that must be 

made by law by the Board of Directors. The competency regulations and the nature of the collaboration between the Board of 

Directors and the Executive Committee can be viewed in the organizational regulations at www.sulzer.com/governance (under 

“Regulations”).

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Corporate governance - Board of Directors

70

Information and control instruments

Each member of the Board of Directors receives a copy of the monthly financial statements (January to May and July to 

November), plus the midyear and annual financial statements. These include information about the balance sheet, the income 

and cash flow statements, and key figures for the company and its divisions. They incorporate comments on the respective 

business results and a six-month rolling forecast of the key figures. The CEO and CFO report at every Board meeting on 

business developments and all matters relevant to the company; once each year, the Board receives the forecasted annual 

results. During these meetings, the chairmen of the committees also report on all matters discussed by their committees and 

on the key findings and assessments, and they submit proposals accordingly. Each year, the Board of Directors discusses 

and approves the budget for the following year, and every three years it establishes a midterm plan, which is also subject to 

periodic review. The Chairman of the Board of Directors regularly consults with the CEO and other representatives of the 

Executive Committee. In addition, the Board of Directors receives a status update on investor relations on a regular basis.

Group Internal Audit

Group Internal Audit reports functionally directly to the Chairman of the Audit Committee, but administratively to the CFO. 

Meetings between internal audit and the statutory auditor take place regularly. They are used to prepare for the meetings of 

the Audit Committee, to review the interim and final reports of the statutory auditor, to plan and coordinate internal and 

external audits, and to prepare audit instructions for the attention of the statutory auditors of the individual companies. Group 

companies are audited by Group Internal Audit based on an audit plan that is approved by the Audit Committee. Depending 

on the risk category, such audits are carried out on a rotational basis either annually or every second, third, or fourth year. 

Group Internal Audit carried out 34 audits in the year under review. One of the focal points is the Internal Control System (ICS). 

The results of each audit are discussed in detail with the companies and (where necessary) the divisions concerned, and key 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Corporate governance - Board of Directors

71

measures are agreed upon. The Chairman of the Board of Directors, the members of the Audit Committee, the CEO, the CFO, 

the Group General Counsel, as well as the respective Division President and other line managers of the audited entity receive 

a copy of the audit report. Significant findings and recommendations are also presented to and discussed with the Executive 

Committee and the Group General Counsel during the monthly Executive Committee meetings. Twice a year, the divisions 

present the status of key measures agreed on. A follow-up process is in place for all Group internal audits, which allows 

efficient and effective monitoring of how the improvement measures are being implemented. Each year, the Head of Group 

Internal Audit compiles a report summarizing activities and results. This report is distributed to members of the Board of 

Directors and the members of the Executive Committee, and it is presented to the Executive Committee and the Audit 

Committee. It is discussed in both committees and, thereafter, reported to the Board of Directors.

Risk management and compliance

Sulzer has established and implemented a comprehensive, value- and risk-based compliance program that focuses on 

prevention, detection, and response. It consists of the following main elements:

Strong values and building up a strong ethical and compliance culture

Sulzer puts a high priority on conducting its business with integrity, in compliance with all applicable laws and internal rules (“a 

clean deal or no deal”), and on accepting only reasonable risks. Sulzer follows a “zero tolerance” compliance approach. The 

Board of Directors and the Executive Committee are convinced that compliant and ethical behavior in all aspects and on all 

levels is a precondition for successful and sustainable business. The ethical tone is set at the top, carried through to the 

middle, and is transmitted to the entire organization. Sulzer also fosters a speak-up culture and encourages employees to 

address potentially non-compliant behaviors. Retaliation against good faith whistleblowers will not be tolerated.

Risk assessment

As part of Sulzer’s integrated risk management process, compliance risks are assessed regularly and mitigated with 

appropriate and risk-based actions. The results are discussed both with the management and with the Audit Committee. The 

Audit Committee dedicates at least one full meeting per year to risk management and compliance. An overview of the main 

risks and corresponding mitigation measures is provided in the chapter “Risk management” of this corporate governance 

report.

Internal rules and tools

Sulzer has a Code of Business Conduct, which can be viewed in 18 languages at www.sulzer.com/governance (under “Code 

of Business Conduct”). Every employee of the company (including employees of newly acquired businesses) has to confirm in 

writing that he or she has read and understood this code, and will comply with it. Every member of the Sulzer Management 

Group (approximately 100 managers), the heads of the operating companies, the headquarters, regional, and local compliance 

officers as well as the legal entity controllers must reconfirm this compliance commitment in writing annually. Furthermore, 

Sulzer joined the UN Global Compact initiative in 2010. The latest Communication on Progress Report was published on July 

28, 2017, and can be downloaded from www.sulzer.com/sustainability or directly here.

Rules

Although Sulzer follows a behavior- and principle-based approach, compliance directives and processes have been 

implemented as elements of the governance framework. Sulzer focuses on the major compliance risks, e.g.:

—

Bribery and corruption risks: Sulzer has had a group-wide antibribery and anticorruption program in place since 2010. This 

program includes a Web-based process that addresses the due diligence of intermediaries, a corporate-wide directive for 

offering and receiving gifts and hospitalities, and an e-training (in 13 languages) to familiarize Sulzer employees with the 

requirements of the directive.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Corporate governance - Board of Directors

72

—

—

Antitrust and anticompetition risks: Sulzer has an antitrust guideline and a directive addressing behaviors in trade 

associations in place. 

Export control risks: Employees involved in export activities have to comply with all applicable export and re-export laws 

and regulations. Sulzer rolled out and implemented its global Trade Control Directive in all legal entities concerned. Every 

exporting legal entity has an ICP ( internal control program) in place which includes processes, defines responsibilities on 

export control matters and other requirements important to comply with export compliance laws and regulations.

—

Further risks (e.g., stock exchange laws and regulations; human-resource-related issues; intellectual property and know-

how; privacy and data protection laws; product liability; environment, quality, safety, and health, etc.): Focused rules and 

processes address these and many other potential risks. Sulzer has processes that ensure compliance with insider laws 

as well as stock exchange reporting and notification duties. Local compliance officers performed 79 face-to-face 

compliance training sessions in 2017.

Tools

Sulzer has a compliance hotline and an incident reporting system that provides employees with one of many options for 

reporting (potential) violations of laws or internal rules. Reports can be made anonymously or openly via a free hotline or a 

dedicated website. The company has a directive that sets clear rules for internal investigations. Further tools are available to 

all employees on Sulzer’s intranet (e.g., presentations addressing the major exposures; draft agreements; sales and 

procurement handbooks with compliance-specific explanations and standard clauses). Sulzer has a compliance risk 

assessment process in place to identify and assess potential compliance risks on a local entity level and to define appropriate 

measures. For newly acquired companies, Sulzer set up a post-merger integration process consisting of a systematic post-

merger compliance risk analysis which provides the foundation for risk-based mitigation actions. 

Organization

Since 2013, Sulzer has had a “Legal, Compliance, and Risk Management” group function (headed by the Group General 

Counsel). Within this organization, a line reporting structure is in place for the three regions: Americas (AME); Europe, Middle 

East, and Africa (EMEA); and Asia-Pacific (APAC). The local Compliance Officers ultimately report – via Regional Compliance 

Officers – to the Group General Counsel (who is also the Chief Compliance Officer). In addition, the headquartered 

Compliance and Risk Management team steers and runs the group-wide compliance program and all compliance 

investigations. The Head of Risk Management and Compliance also reports to the Group General Counsel. To ensure the 

consistent rollout of Group Compliance initiatives, a dotted reporting line exists between the Regional Compliance Officers 

and the Head of Compliance and Risk Management. The Group General Counsel informs the Board of Directors and the 

Executive Committee regularly about legal matters and key changes in legislation that may affect Sulzer, as well as on 

important litigation. Twice a year, the Audit Committee receives a report about any pending or threatened litigation with worst-

case exposure exceeding CHF 0.5 million. Further information on reports to the Audit Committee is provided in the “Audit 

Committee” section above.

Awareness building and trainings

Sulzer puts substantial effort into training its employees. Training is carried out through e-learning programs (new programs 

are rolled out and existing programs are updated every year), in person, or through Web conferences. In 2017, Sulzer 

employees completed over 23’300 e-learning courses.

Controls and sanctions

Group Function Legal carried out three audits of the contract review process in 2017. These audits were conducted within the 

framework of the audits done by Group Internal Audit and followed the same audit process. Group Function Environment, 

Safety, and Health (ESH) carried out seven audits and organized 16 external health and safety compliance audits. The focal 

points were primarily environmental protection and workplace safety. The results of each of these audits were discussed 

directly with the responsible managers, and an agreement was reached on any improvements required. The latest status of 

the company’s risks relating to environment, safety, and health is reported to the Audit Committee once a year. Apart from 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Corporate governance - Board of Directors

73

these formal audits, internal investigations (triggered by reports from the compliance hotlines, e-mails, telephone calls, or 

other avenues of communication) were carried out during 2017 and at least 11 employees had to leave Sulzer because of 

violations of Sulzer’s Code of Business Conduct. Others received warnings or were transferred internally. However, most of 

the reports received concerned non-material issues.

Continuous improvement

It is Sulzer’s goal to constantly improve its compliance and risk management approach. Findings of audits and internal 

investigations are assessed, internal processes and rules are adjusted, and training modules are improved. Sulzer always 

reviews compliance violations to determine whether they are rooted in a process weakness. If that is found to be the case, the 

process will be improved and risk-mitigating measures will be set up.

CVs of the members of the Sulzer Board of Directors can be found at www.sulzer.com/board.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Corporate governance - Executive Committee

74

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee consists of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Financial Officer 
(CFO), the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), the Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer 
(CCMO), and three Division Presidents. Michael Streicher succeeded César Montenegro as Division 
President Pumps Equipment and Sulzer Executive Committee member on January 1, 2018. César 
Montenegro chose to formally retire. Jill Lee was appointed as Chief Financial Officer and member of 
the Executive Committee, effective April 5, 2018. She is succeeding Thomas Dittrich, who has decided 
to leave Sulzer for a professional opportunity.

The Board of Directors delegates executive management powers to the CEO. The CEO delegates the appropriate powers to 

the members of the Executive Committee. The Division Presidents define and attain business targets for their respective 

divisions in accordance with group-wide goals. The Board of Directors and Organization Regulations govern, among other 

things, the transfer of responsibilities from the Board of Directors to the CEO (the regulations can be viewed 

at www.sulzer.com/governance, under “Regulations”). There are no management contracts with third parties. None of the 

Executive Committee members has a contract with a notice period exceeding 12 months. The members of the Executive 

Committee and their CVs can be viewed at www.sulzer.com/management.

Additional mandates of members of the Executive Committee outside the Sulzer group

No member of the Executive Committee may hold more than five mandates, of which no more than one may be in listed 

companies (Articles of Association, Art. 33; published at www.sulzer.com/governance, under “Articles of Association”). 

Exceptions (e.g., for mandates held at the request of Sulzer or mandates in charity organizations) are defined in the Articles of 

Association (Art. 33, paragraphs a, b, and c).

CVs of the members of the Executive Committee can be found at www.sulzer.com/management.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Corporate governance - Shareholder participation rights

75

Shareholder participation rights

Restrictions and representation of voting rights

Only nominees are subject to restrictions (see section “Capital structure” of this corporate governance report). No exceptions 

were granted during the reporting year, and no measures to remove these restrictions are planned. According to the Articles of 

Association, a shareholder may be represented at a Shareholders’ Meeting by its legal representative, another shareholder 

with the right to vote, or the independent proxy. Shares held by a shareholder may be represented by only one person.

Statutory quorum

Changes to the Articles of Association may only be approved by a majority of at least two-thirds of the voting rights 

represented at the Shareholders’ Meeting; share capital increases are carried out, however, upon an absolute majority of the 

votes represented. The dissolution or a merger of the company can only be decided upon if at least half the shares issued are 

represented at the Shareholders’ Meeting and two-thirds thereof vote in favor of the corresponding proposal (see also 

paragraph 16 of the Articles of Association).

Convocation of the Shareholders’ Meeting and submission of agenda items

The applicable regulations regarding requesting the convocation of an extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting are in line with the 

applicable law regarding the convocation of a Shareholders’ Meeting. Shareholders representing at least 2% of the share 

capital may submit items for inclusion on the agenda of a Shareholders’ Meeting. Such submissions must be requested in 

writing at least two months prior to the meeting and must specify the agenda items and proposals of the shareholder 

concerned.

Entry in the share register

Voting rights may be exercised by shareholders who are registered in the share register on the record date stated in the 

invitation to the respective Shareholders’ Meeting.

Independent proxy

At the Annual General Meeting of April 6, 2017, Proxy Voting Services GmbH was elected as the independent proxy for a term 

of office extending until completion of the next Annual General Meeting. The Articles of Association do not contain rules on the 

granting of instructions to the independent proxy and the electronic participation in the Shareholders’ meeting which deviate 

from the default Swiss law.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Corporate governance - Takeover and defense measures

76

Takeover and defense measures

The Articles of Association contain no opting-out or opting-up clauses. None of the contracts with members of the Board of 

Directors contains a change of control clause. If there is a change of control (which, for members of the Executive Committee, 

also includes a replacement of the majority of the members of the Board of Directors) or a public takeover bid that is not 

supported by the Board of Directors, all allocated restricted share units (RSU) are automatically vested and the performance 

share units (PSU) are automatically converted into shares on a pro rata basis without being subject to blocking restrictions.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Corporate governance - Auditors

77

Auditors

The statutory auditor is elected at the Annual General Meeting for a one-year term of office. KPMG AG has been acting as the 

statutory auditor since 2013. The acting external auditor-in-charge is François Rouiller (since March 27, 2013). The external 

auditor-in-charge is replaced every seven years. The Audit Committee is in charge of supervising and monitoring the statutory 

auditor, and it reports to the Board of Directors (see section “Audit Committee” in the chapter “Board of Directors” of this 

corporate governance report). The members of the Audit Committee receive summaries of audit findings and improvement 

proposals at least once a year. The external auditor-in-charge and his deputy were invited to attend meetings of the Audit 

Committee. In 2017, the statutory auditor was present at all four Audit Committee meetings. The Audit Committee or its 

Chairperson meets separately with the Head of Group Internal Audit and the statutory auditor at least once a year to assess 

(among other things) the independence of the internal and statutory auditors. The Audit Committee evaluates the work done 

by the statutory auditor based on the documents, reports, and presentations provided by the statutory auditor, as well as on 

the materiality and objectivity of their statements. To do so, the committee gathers the opinions of the CFO and the Head of 

Group Internal Audit. The Audit Committee reviews the fee paid to the auditor regularly and compares it with the auditing fees 

paid by other internationally active Swiss industrial companies. Said fee is negotiated by the CFO and approved by the Board 

of Directors. Further information on the auditor, in particular the auditor’s fees and any additional fees received by the auditor 

for advisory services outside its statutory audit mandate, is listed under note 33 to the “Consolidated financial statements.” All 

advisory services provided outside the statutory audit mandate (essentially, consulting services related to audit and 

accounting as well as legal and tax advisory services) are compliant with the applicable independence rules.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Corporate governance - Risk management

78

Risk management

At Sulzer, compliance risks are assessed regularly as part of the company’s integrated risk 
management process. The results are discussed with the management and the Audit Committee.

Risk

Risk exposure

Main loss controls

External and markets

Market assessment

Market developments that are assessed inappropriately could 
lead to missed business opportunities or losses.

— Continuous monitoring and assessment of market 

developments

— Systematic midrange planning based on market developments 

and expectations

Geopolitical shocks

A geopolitical shock event could have an impact on operations 
and travel. Also, it could imply currency risks and default risks of 
countries and banks.

— Monitoring of exposure in critical countries

— Monitoring of debt situation of countries and banks

Strategic

Innovation

Failure in R&D and innovation activities could negatively impact 
the ability to operate and to grow the business. 
Insufficient investments in innovation to maintain technology 
leadership and develop innovative products.

Operational

Attraction and retention

Failure to attract, retain, and develop people could lead to a lack 
of critical skills and knowledge, which hinders both daily 
operations and growth potential.

Health and safety

An unsafe working environment could lead to harm to people, 
reputational damage, fines, as well as liability claims and could 
have a serious economic impact.

Environmental

Environmental damage could lead to harm to people and nature, 
reputational damage, fines, as well as liability claims and could 
have a serious economic impact.

— Continuous monitoring of raw material prices and inflation 

indicators

— Sulzer’s global presence mitigates the effect of geopolitical 

shocks

®
— Stage-Gate

 process and key performance indicators to ensure 

quality of the development

— Product Development Council with strong focus on strategic 

plans and value engineering

— Prototypes and own test beds to test products before market 

release

— Core Technology Council for development of basic technology

— Focus on innovation with strategic customers

— Innovation projects

— Implementation of an expert development program for key 

critical resources

— Anchoring company values and behaviors

— Employee Opinion Survey

— Robust internal communications strategy

— Engagement in workshops and collaborative activities

— Creating development experiences and opportunities

— Salary grading and benchmarking

— Health and safety directives, guidelines, programs (e.g., Safe 

Behavior Program), and training

— OHSAS 18001 certifications

— Monthly health and safety controlling and regular audits

— Global network of health and safety officers

— Mitigation in comprehensive environmental due diligence (EDD) 

projects for acquisitions and divestitures

— Elimination of environmentally damaging substances through 

Prohibited Substances List

Compliance

Non-compliant or unethical behavior could lead to reputational 
damage, fines, and liability claims.

— Active fostering of high ethical standards by tone from the top 

and middle management

— Continuous monitoring and assessment of potential exposures

— Sulzer Code of Business Conduct and a number of supporting 

regulations (e.g., anticorruption, antitrust, trade control)

— Third-party due diligence process

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Corporate governance - Risk management

79

Quality of products and 
services

Failure of high-quality products and services could lead to 
repeated work, reputational damage, or liability claims.

Business interruptions

Business interruption, such as a fire, could cause damage to 
people, property, and equipment. It could have a negative effect 
on the ability to operate at the affected site.

— Global network of compliance and trade compliance officers

— Compliance training (incl. e-learning) and audits

— Speak-up culture, compliance hotline, and sanctions

— Quality management and assurance systems tailored to specific 

businesses

— Third-party accreditation

— Competence development programs and training of employees

— Test centers 

— Crisis and emergency management systems (at global and local 

level) 

— Risk management policy and guidelines

— Global manufacturing footprint and global procurement 

— Disaster recovery plans in IT 

Financial

Financial markets

The unpredictability of financial markets may have a negative 
effect on Sulzer’s financial performance and its ability to raise or 
access capital.

— Group financial policy

— Foreign exchange risk policy

Credit

Credit risks arising from financial institutions and from customers 
could have a negative effect on Sulzer’s financial performance 
and ability to operate.

Liquidity

Failure in liquidity risk management may have a negative effect on 
Sulzer’s financial performance and its ability to operate.

— Trading loss limits for financial instruments

— For financial institutions, only parties with a strong credit quality 

are accepted (third-party rated)

— Individual risk assessment of customers with large order 

volumes

— Continuous monitoring of country risks

— Continuous liquidity monitoring

— Management of liquidity reserves at group level

— Cash flow program to optimize liquidity and cash flow 

management

— Efficient use of available cash through cash pooling

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Corporate governance - Information policy

80

Information policy

Sulzer Ltd reports on its order intake every quarter (media releases) and on its financial results every half year. In each case, it 

also comments on business performance and outlook. In addition, the company reports on important events on an ongoing 

basis (ad hoc publications). The reporting referred to in the Compensation Report (including the respective references to the 

Financial Reporting section) complies with the recommendations on the content of the Compensation Report as laid out in 

section 38 of annex 1 to the Swiss Code of Best Practice for Corporate Governance.

Key dates in 2018

—

—

—

—

—

February 28: Annual results 2017

April 4: Annual General Meeting 2018

April 19: Order intake Q1 2018

July 25: Midyear results 2018

October 25: Order intake Q1–Q3 2018

These dates and any changes can be viewed at www.sulzer.com/events. Media releases (sent via e-mail) can be subscribed 

to at www.sulzer.com/newsletter. Other information is available on the Sulzer website www.sulzer.com.

Material changes

The text makes reference to any material changes occurring between the balance sheet date (December 31, 2017) and the 

copy deadline for the Annual Report (February 27, 2018).

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Compensation 
report

  82  Letter to the shareholders
  83  Compensation governance and principles
  87  Compensation architecture
  94  Compensation of the Board of Directors  

and the Executive Committee

  99  Shareholdings of the Board of Directors  

and the Executive Committee

 101  Auditor’s report

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Compensation report - Letter to the shareholders

82

Incentives for sustainable performance

Winterthur, February 27, 2018

On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Nomination and Remuneration Committee of Sulzer, please find enclosed our 

2017 Compensation Report.

The purpose of the Sulzer compensation policy is to enable the company to attract, retain, and motivate the talent that is key 

to the company’s performance and long-term success. With that in mind, our compensation programs have been designed to 

reward performance that delivers sustainable growth, and long-term shareholder value creation.

During the reporting year, the Board of Directors and the Nomination and Remuneration Committee continued to review 

Sulzer’s compensation policy and programs to ensure that they are aligned with the company’s strategy and shareholders’ 

interests. We also reviewed our compliance with the regulatory requirements and concluded that no fundamental changes 

were necessary. Furthermore, the Nomination and Remuneration Committee performed its regular activities throughout the 

year such as the performance goal setting at the beginning of the year and the performance assessment at year end, as well 

as a review of the global job evaluation methodology and the benchmarking process. We also reviewed the compensation of 

the members of the Board and of the Executive Committee and oversaw the preparation of the Compensation Report 

presented to the 2018 Annual General Meeting (AGM).

A continued focus of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee was on the development and the succession planning of 

the Executive Committee. Consequently, we appointed the new Division President Pumps Equipment, Michael Streicher, on 

January 1, 2018 from within the company. Michael succeeds César Montenegro who is retiring after 40 years with Sulzer. This 

internal promotion speaks for our structured succession planning and talent development process. We also appointed a 

strong successor to the CFO, Jill Lee, who has been a Board member of Sulzer since 2011 and assumes her position in April 

2018. She has significant understanding and knowledge of the company which will ensure a smooth transition and continuity 

of the role.

On the following pages, you will find further information on our activities and on the Sulzer compensation system and 

governance. This Compensation Report will be submitted for a non-binding, consultative shareholders’ vote at the AGM in 

April 2018. Shareholders will also vote on the maximum aggregate compensation amount to the Board for the term from the 

2018 AGM to the 2019 AGM and on the maximum aggregate Executive Committee compensation for 2019.

Looking ahead, we are committed to regularly assess and review our compensation programs to ensure that they are 

effective. We will also continue the open dialogue with you, our shareholders, and your representatives.

Sincerely,

Thomas Glanzmann

Chairman of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Compensation report - Compensation governance and principles

83

Compensation governance and principles

Compensation policies and plans at Sulzer reward performance, sustainable growth, and long-term 
shareholder value creation. The compensation programs are competitive, internally equitable, 
straightforward, and transparent. The Compensation Report is prepared in accordance with the 
Ordinance against Excessive Compensation in Listed Stock Corporations (Compensation Ordinance), 
the SIX Swiss Exchange Directive on Information relating to Corporate Governance (RLCG), and the 
principles of the Swiss Code of Best Practice for Corporate Governance.

Nomination and Remuneration Committee

The Articles of Association, the Board of Directors and Organization Regulations, and the Nomination and Remuneration 

Committee Regulations (please find them at www.sulzer.com/governance, under “Regulations”) define the functions of the 

Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC). The NRC supports the Board of Directors in nominating and assessing 

candidates for positions to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee positions, in establishing and reviewing the 

compensation strategy and principles, and in preparing the respective proposals to the Shareholders’ Meeting regarding the 

compensation of the members of the Board of Directors and of the Executive Committee.

The NRC is responsible for the following activities and submits all proposals concerning these activities to the Board of 

Directors, which has the final decision authority:

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Periodic assessment of the membership structure of the Board of Directors, determination of selection principles, and 

identification of potential candidates to the Board of Directors

Succession planning for the CEO and Executive Committee positions (two upper management levels)

Periodic assessment of the compensation policy and programs

Determination of performance targets for the CEO and the Executive Committee positions for the purpose of the incentive 

plans

Preparation of the respective proposals to the Shareholders’ Meeting on the maximum aggregate amounts of 

compensation for the Board of Directors and for the Executive Committee

Determination of the target compensation for the CEO and for the Executive Committee positions

Preparation of the Compensation Report

The table below describes the levels of authority:

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Compensation report - Compensation governance and principles

84

CEO

NRC

Selection criteria and succession planning for Board of Directors

proposes

Selection criteria and succession planning for Executive Committee

proposes

reviews

Compensation policy and programs

Aggregate maximum compensation amounts to be submitted to vote at the 
Annual General Meeting

Individual compensation of the members of the Board of Directors

Compensation of the CEO

proposes

proposes

proposes

proposes

Individual compensation of the members of the Executive Committee

proposes

reviews

Performance objectives and assessment of the CEO

proposes

Performance objectives and assessment of the Executive Committee

proposes

reviews

Compensation Report

proposes

Board

approves

approves

approves

reviews

approves

approves

approves

approves

approves

approves

Shareholders’ 
Meeting

approves (binding 
vote)

consultative vote

The NRC consists of a maximum of three members who are non-executive and independent and who are elected individually 

and annually by the Shareholders’ Meeting for the period of office until the following ordinary Annual General Meeting. At the 

2017 Annual General Meeting, Thomas Glanzmann (Chairman), Jill Lee, and Marco Musetti were reelected as members of the 

NRC.

The NRC meets as often as the business requires, but at least twice a year. In 2017, the NRC held four regular meetings, one 

extraordinary meeting, and one conference call that were attended by all members. Besides the standard agenda items, the 

NRC concentrated its efforts on the selection and nomination of the new Executive Committee members for the position of 

Division President Pumps Equipment and Chief Financial Officer, as well as on the review of the global job evaluation 

methodology and the benchmarking process, including the related third-party providers.

The CEO and the Chief Human Resources Officer, who serves as the Secretary of the NRC, generally attend the meetings. 

The Chairman of the Committee may invite other executives to join the meeting in an advisory capacity, when appropriate. 

However, the CEO and any other executives do not participate in the meetings, or parts of it, when their own remuneration 

and/or performance is discussed.

The Chairman of the NRC reports to the next meeting of the full Board of Directors on the activities of the NRC and the 

matters debated. The Chairman, as far as necessary, submits the respective proposals for approval by the Board of Directors. 

The minutes of the NRC meetings are available to all members of the Board of Directors.

The NRC may appoint third-party companies to provide independent advice or perform services as it deems necessary for the 

fulfillment of its duties. In the reporting year, the committee appointed Mercer and klingler consultants to provide consulting 

and benchmarking services on compensation matters. They have no other mandate with Sulzer.

Shareholders’ role and engagement

The company is keen to receive shareholders’ feedback on the compensation policy and programs, and it began the practice 

of holding a consultative vote on the Compensation Report in 2011. Further, the company regularly meets with shareholders 

and shareholder representatives to understand their perspectives. At the Annual General Meeting, shareholders approve the 

maximum aggregate compensation amounts for the Board of Directors and for the Executive Committee in an annual binding 

vote.

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Further, the Articles of Association regulate the principles of compensation. They include the following provisions related to 

compensation (read the full version of the Articles of Association at www.sulzer.com/governance, under “Articles of 

Association”):

—

Principles of compensation: non-executive members of the Board of Directors receive fixed compensation only. Members 

of the Executive Committee receive fixed and variable compensation elements. The variable compensation may include 

short-term and long-term variable compensation components. These are governed by performance metrics that take into 

account the performance of the company, the group or parts of it, targets in relation to the market, other companies or 

comparable benchmarks and/or individual targets, as well as strategic and/or financial objectives. Compensation may be 

paid in the form of cash, shares, options, financial instruments or similar units, in kind, in services, or in other types of 

benefits;

—

Shareholders’ binding vote on remuneration: the Shareholders’ Meeting shall approve the maximum aggregate amount of 

compensation for the Board of Directors for the next term of office and the maximum aggregate amount of compensation 

for the Executive Committee for the following financial year. The Board of Directors shall submit the annual Compensation 

Report to an advisory vote at the Annual General Meeting;

—

Additional amount for members of the Executive Committee hired after the vote on remuneration by the Shareholders’ 

Meeting: to the extent that the maximum aggregate amount of compensation as approved by the Shareholders’ Meeting 

does not suffice, up to 40% of the maximum aggregate amount of compensation approved for the Executive Committee 

is available, without further approval, for the compensation of the members of the Executive Committee who were 

appointed after the Annual General Meeting;

—

Loans, credit facilities, and post-employment benefits for members of the Board of Directors and of the Executive 

Committee: the company may not grant loans or credits to members of the Board of Directors and of the Executive 

Committee.

Compensation principles

The compensation of the Board of Directors is fixed and does not contain any performance-based variable component. This 

ensures that the Board of Directors is truly independent in fulfilling its supervisory duties towards the Executive Committee.

The compensation of the Executive Committee is driven by the main principle of pay for performance. The compensation 

policy and programs are designed to reward performance, sustainable growth, and long-term shareholder value creation, 

while offering competitive remuneration to be able to attract and retain highly qualified employees. The compensation 

principles are:

Pay for performance

A substantial portion of the compensation is delivered in the form of variable incentives based on company and individual 
performance.

Ownership

Part of the compensation is delivered in the form of company equity to foster ownership and to align the interests of executives with 
those of shareholders.

Market competitiveness

Compensation levels are competitive and in line with market practice to attract and retain highly qualified employees.

Internal equity

The internal compensation structure is based on a job-grading methodology applied globally.

Transparency

Compensation programs are straightforward and transparent.

Method of determination of compensation: benchmarking and annual target-setting 
process

To ensure compensation levels that are competitive and in line with market practice, the compensation of the Board of 

Directors and of the Executive Committee is regularly benchmarked against that of similar roles in comparable companies. For 

this purpose, the Nomination and Remuneration Committee selected a peer group of international industrial companies 

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headquartered in Switzerland based on their revenue and number of employees (see box “compensation benchmark”). Sulzer 

is positioned between the first quartile and median of the peer group.

Compensation benchmark

The comparison group reflects Sulzer’s ambitious business strategy:

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

ABB
Actelion
1)
Clariant
Georg Fischer
Lonza
OC Oerlikon
Rieter
Schindler
Sika
Sonova
Syngenta
Tetra Laval Group

1)

1) Still a Swiss listed company at the time of benchmarking.

The intention is to pay target compensation around the median of the relevant market. For the Executive Committee, 

sustainable superior performance is rewarded through actual variable compensation significantly above the market median.

The compensation effectively paid out depends on the performance of the company and/or the divisions and on the 

achievement of individual performance objectives. Performance objectives are defined at the beginning of the year during 

annual target setting. Achievement is assessed against each of those objectives after year-end and directly influences the 

variable incentive payouts.

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Compensation architecture

Compensation of the Board of Directors

The compensation of the Board of Directors is governed by a compensation regulation, is reviewed by the Nomination and 

Remuneration Committee (NRC) annually, and, if necessary, adjusted by a decision of the full Board of Directors based on a 

proposal by the NRC.

The compensation of the Board of Directors consists of a fixed cash component and a restricted share unit (RSU) component 

with a fixed grant value. Further, Board members are entitled to a lump sum to cover business expenses. The RSU 

strengthens the long-term alignment of the interests of the Board members with those of the shareholders. To reinforce the 

focus of the Board of Directors on the long-term strategy and to strengthen its independence from the Executive Committee, 

the compensation of the Board of Directors contains no performance-related elements and Board members are not entitled to 

pension benefits.

The amount of compensation for the Chairman and for the other members of the Board of Directors is determined based on 

the relevant compensation benchmarks (see box “Compensation benchmark” in section “Compensation governance and 

principles” of this Compensation Report). The compensation reflects the responsibility and complexity of their respective 

function, the professional and personal requirements placed on them, and the expected time required to fulfill their duties. The 

compensation structure and amounts were reviewed in 2017 and remained unchanged. They are described in the table below.

Annual compensation of the Board of Directors1)

in CHF

Base fee for Board Chairmanship 2)

Base fee for Board Vice Chairmanship

Base fee for Board membership

Additional committee fees:

Committee Chairmanship

Committee membership

Cash component (net of 
social security 
contributions)

Grant value of restricted 
share units (net of social 
security contributions)

Lump-sum expenses

250’000

155’000

125’000

10’000

5’000

5’000

420’000

100’000

70’000

40’000

25’000

1) Compensation for the period of service (from AGM to AGM).

2) The Chairman of the Board of Directors does not receive additional remuneration for committee activities.

The members of the Board of Directors are remunerated for their service during their term of office. The cash remuneration is 

paid in quarterly installments for Board members and monthly installments for the Chairman; the expense lump sum is paid 

out in December and the RSU are granted once a year. The number of RSU is determined by dividing the fixed grant value by 

the volume-weighted average share price of the last ten trading days before the grant date, which lies between the date of the 

publication of the year-end results and the Annual General Meeting. One-third of the RSU each vest after the first, second, 

and third anniversaries of the grant date respectively. Upon vesting, one vested RSU is converted into one share of the 

company. The vesting period for RSU granted to the members of the Board of Directors ends no later than on the date on 

which the member steps down from the Board. Although the value of the RSU grant is fixed (at grant), it then fluctuates with 

the share price during the vesting period, which means that the value at vesting will differ from the value at grant.

Compensation of the Executive Committee

The compensation of the Executive Committee is governed by internal regulations such as the total reward policy, the bonus 

plan, the performance share plan, and benefits plans. The compensation of the Executive Committee is reviewed by the NRC 

annually and, if necessary, adjusted and approved by decision of the Board of Directors based on a proposal by the NRC.

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In line with the pay-for-performance principle, a significant portion of the compensation of the CEO and the other members of 

the Executive Committee consists of variable incentives based on performance. The compensation is structured as follows:

Fixed compensation:

—

—

Base salary (cash)

Retirement and fringe benefits

Variable compensation:

—

—

Short-term annual bonus (cash)

Long-term incentives (performance share plan)

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Compensation elements for the members of the Executive Committee

Base salary

Benefits

Short-term incentive plan 
(bonus plan)

Long-term incentive plan (PSP 
2017)

Main parameters

Function, level of role, 
profile of incumbent 
(skill set, experience)

Pension and social security 
contributions, fringe benefits

Achievement of financial and 
individual objectives

Achievement of long-term, 
company-wide objectives

Key drivers

Labor market

Link to compensation 
principles

Competitive 
compensation

Protection against risks, labor 
market

Operational EBITA, sales, 
operational operating net cash 
flow (opONCF)

Competitive compensation

Pay for performance

Vehicle

Cash

Pension and insurance plans, 
perquisites

Cash

Amount

Fixed

Fixed

Variable, capped at 200% of 
target bonus. Target bonus 
amounts to 90% of annual base 
salary for the CEO and 60% of 
annual base salary for the other 
members of the Executive 
Committee.

Operational EBITA growth, 
operational return on average 
capital employed adjusted 
(opROCEA), relative total 
shareholder return (TSR)

Sustainable growth and
value creation

Performance share units (PSU) 
settled in shares

Variable. Grant value is defined 
based on the Global Grade and 
corresponds to CHF 1’440’000 for 
the CEO and between CHF 
330’000 and CHF 400’000 for the 
other members of the Executive 
Committee (EC). Vesting payout 
percentage is capped at 250% and 
vesting value is capped at CHF 
3’600’000 for the CEO and at CHF 
825’000 to CHF 1’000’000 for the 
other members of the EC.

Grant/payment date

Monthly

Monthly and/or annually

March of the following year

April 1, 2017

Performance period

Vesting date

–

–

–

–

Base salary (fixed, in cash)

1 year
(January 1, 2017–December 31, 
2017)

3 years
(January 1, 2017–December 31, 
2019)

–

December 31, 2019

The base salary is determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors based on the market value of the respective position 

and the incumbent’s qualifications, skills set, and experience. Positions are evaluated according to the Mercer International 

Position Evaluation (IPE). The IPE is a proprietary global job evaluation methodology based on a series of business-related 

factors to determine internal job levels. Application of the IPE methodology provides an organizing framework based on a 

job’s value within the context of an organization and the wider commercial environment. The IPE implementation follows a 

simple process focusing on organization structure, the complexities of the business, and the alignment of jobs to the 

business. The IPE serves as a basis to build the internal salary structure.

Bonus (variable, performance-based, cash remuneration)

The bonus rewards the financial performance of the company and/or its businesses, as well as the achievement of individual 

performance objectives over one calendar year. The target bonus is expressed as a percentage of annual base salary 

according to the level of the role in the IPE framework. It amounts to 90% for the CEO and to 60% for the other members of 

the Executive Committee.

For the CEO and the other members of the Executive Committee, 70% of the bonus is based on the achievement of financial 

objectives at company and/or division level, and 30% is based on the achievement of individual objectives as described 

below:

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The objectives are set within the annual target-setting process. For each financial objective, an expected level of performance 

is determined (“target”). In addition, a threshold of performance below which the respective payout factor is zero and a 

maximum level of performance above which the respective payout factor is capped are determined for each objective as well. 

The payout level between the threshold, the target, and the maximum is calculated by linear interpolation.

The actual bonus payout depends on the weighted average of the payout factors achieved for each objective and can range 

from 0% to 200% of the target bonus. The bonus is paid out in cash in March of the following year.

Sulzer strives for transparency in relation to pay for performance. However, disclosure of financial and individual objectives 

may create a competitive disadvantage to the company, because it renders sensitive insights into Sulzer’s strategy. To ensure 

transparency while avoiding competitive risk, Sulzer provides a general performance assessment at the end of the 

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performance cycle (see section “Compensation of the Executive Committee” in chapter “Compensation of the Board of 

Directors and the Executive Committee”).

Performance share plan (variable, performance-based, share-based remuneration)

The performance share plan (PSP) rewards the performance of the company over three years and aligns the interests of the 

participants with those of the shareholders by delivering a substantial portion of the compensation as company equity. The 

PSP is a plan with annual grants and is available exclusively to the members of the Executive Committee and of the Sulzer 

Management Group (defined by the job level in the IPE framework). The grant value is determined based on the level of the 

executive’s role. It amounts to CHF 1’440’000 for the CEO and to between CHF 330’000 and CHF 400’000 for the other 

members of the Executive Committee. The number of performance share units (PSU) granted is calculated by dividing the 

grant value by the three-month volume-weighted average share price before the grant date.

Each PSU is a conditional right to a certain number of shares of the company. The PSU are subject to a three-year 

performance period with three performance conditions:

—

—

—

Operational EBITA growth, weighted with 25%;

Average opROCEA, weighted with 25%;

Relative total shareholder return (TSR) weighted with 50% and measured against two different peer groups: 75% is based 

on the performance against international peers measured as percentile ranking and 25% is based on the performance 

against the companies of the Swiss Market Index Mid (SMIM) measured as a delta (see box below).

The Board of Directors has the right to change the composition of the peer group in case of a merger or acquisition or any 

other change leading to a delisting or a fundamental change in the scope of the business of a peer group company. In such a 

situation, the Board will select a new peer company. There is a predefined successor list of companies to support the Board 

of Directors in the selection process.

For each performance condition of the PSP, an achievement factor is calculated based on the following formula:

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On the vesting date, the number of vested shares is calculated by multiplying the initial number of PSU granted by the 

weighted average of the achievement factor of each performance condition as follows:

Number of PSU granted x [(achievement factor opEBITA growth x 25%) + (achievement factor opROCEA x 25%) + 

(achievement factor relative TSR x 50%)] = number of performance shares vested

The number of vested shares is subject to an absolute cap based on the level of the executive’s role in the GGS framework. 

The absolute vesting cap amounts to CHF 3’600’000 for the CEO and between CHF 825’000 and CHF 1’000’000 for other 

Executive Committee members. The fair value of the PSU at grant date has been calculated using the Monte Carlo simulation.

Sulzer strives for transparency in relation to pay for performance. The target achievement level of relative performance 

objectives are not considered confidential and are thus disclosed (see above). However, disclosure of internal financial and 

individual objectives may create a competitive disadvantage to the company because it renders sensitive insights into Sulzer’s 

strategy. To ensure transparency while avoiding competitive risk, Sulzer provides a general performance assessment at the 

end of the performance cycle.

In case of termination of employment, the following provisions apply:

—

—

—

Termination by the employer for cause: unvested PSU forfeit.

Termination of employment for any other reason (not for cause and not following a change of control): for Executive 

Committee members, unvested PSU vest on a pro rata basis (number of months between grant date and termination date) 

according to the achievement factor at the end of the vesting period. There is no early allocation of the shares.

Termination following a change of control: unvested PSU immediately vest based on a performance assessment by the 

Board of Directors on the date of the change of control.

Clawback and malus provisions: the Board of Directors may determine that an award is forfeited in full or  in part (malus) or 

that a vested award will be recovered in full or in part (clawback) in situations of material misstatement of the financial results, 

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an error in assessing a performance condition, or in the information or assumptions on which the award was granted or 

vested, serious reputational damage to the company, gross negligence, or willful misconduct on the part of the participant.

Further information on share-based compensation can be found in note 10 to the “Financial Statements of Sulzer Ltd.” 

Discontinued restricted share unit plan (variable, fixed grant value, share-based 
remuneration)

The RSU plan that was in place as a long-term incentive for members of the Executive Committee since 2009 was 

discontinued in 2013 when the PSP 2013 was introduced. The RSU plan was discontinued in 2016 for all other participants 

who are not members of the Executive Committee. As of 2016, those participants also receive awards under the PSP as 

described above.

However, RSU may still be granted to newly hired Executive Committee members to compensate for deferred awards 

forfeited at their previous employer because of joining Sulzer.

Benefits

Members of the Executive Committee participate in the regular employee pension fund applicable to all employees in 

Switzerland. The retirement plan consists of a basic plan that covers annual earnings up to CHF 146’629 per year and a 

supplementary plan in which income over this limit, up to the ceiling set by law, is insured (including variable cash 

remuneration). The contributions are age-related and are shared between the employer and the employee.

Furthermore, each member of the Executive Committee is entitled to a representation allowance in line with the expense 

regulations for all members of management in Switzerland and approved by the tax authorities.

Contracts of employment

The employment contracts of the Executive Committee are of undetermined duration and have a notice period of maximum 12 

months. Members of the Executive Committee are not entitled to any impermissible severance or change of control payments. 

The employment contracts of the Executive Committee may include non-competition agreements with a time limit of one year 

and with a maximum total compensation of one annual target compensation.

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Compensation of the Board of Directors 
and the Executive Committee

Compensation of the Board of Directors

In 2017, the Board of Directors received a total compensation of CHF 2’694’962 (previous year: CHF 2’722’620). Of this total, 

CHF 1’271’869 was in the form of cash fees (previous year: CHF 1’254’035); CHF 1’155’000 was in RSU (previous year: CHF 

1’092’500); CHF 268’093 was in the form of social security contributions (previous year: CHF 265’417), and CHF 0 was in the 

form of other payments (previous year: CHF 110’668).

This is a decrease of 1% from the previous year. On one side, two members of the Board were paid for the full year in 2017 

(pro rata in 2016), on the other side, there was no special cash payment in 2017 (special cash payment related to extra-

ordinary dividend in 2016). Those two effects nearly neutralize each other and led to a slight decrease of the overall Board 

compensation by 1%. The structure and level of the Board compensation remained unchanged compared with the previous 

year.

The portion of compensation delivered in RSU amounts to 56% of the cash compensation for the Chairman, and to between 

87% and 125% for the other members of the Board of Directors. The RSU are subject to a staged three-year vesting period.

Compensation of the Board of Directors (audited)

2017

2016

thousands of CHF

Restricted 
share unit 
(RSU) 
plan 7)

Social 
security 
contri-
butions 8)

Cash 
Fees 6)

Other

Total

Restricted 
share unit 
(RSU) 
plan 7)

Social 
security 
contri-
butions 8)

Cash 
Fees 6)

Other 9)

Total

Board of Directors

1’272

1’155

268

Peter Löscher, Chairman 1)

Matthias Bichsel, Vice 
Chairman

Thomas Glanzmann 2)

Jill Lee 3)

Marco Musetti

Gerhard Roiss

Axel C. Heitmann 4)

Mikhail Lifshitz 5)

446

133

144

144

102

100

102

102

250

155

125

125

125

125

125

125

69

33

30

30

27

25

27

27

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2’695

1’254

1’093

265

111

2’723

765

322

299

299

253

250

253

253

452

138

149

145

114

104

76

76

250

155

125

125

125

125

94

94

72

35

31

31

29

28

20

20

32

19

16

16

16

11

0

0

807

347

322

317

284

268

189

189

1) Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Strategy Committee.

2) Chairman of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. Chairman of the Audit Committee since December 11, 2017.

3) Chairwoman of the Audit Committee until Deceber 11, 2017.

4) Member of the Board of Directors since April 7, 2016.

5) Member of the Board of Directors since April 7, 2016.

6) Disclosed gross.

7) RSU awards granted in 2017 had a fair value of CHF 105.09 at grant date. The amount represents the full fair value of grants made in 2017.

8) The amount includes mandatory social security contributions on the cash fees and estimated contributions on the RSU (based on their fair value at grant) and 

includes both the employer and employee contributions paid by the company on behalf of the Board members. As of 2016, RSU are provided net of social security as 

well.

9) Special cash payment of CHF 14.60 per RSU in order to compensate for the fact that RSU granted in 2014 and 2015 did not entitle Board members to the 

extraordinary dividend payment distributed to shareholders in 2016.

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At the 2017 and 2016 AGM respectively, shareholders approved a maximum aggregate compensation amount of CHF 

2’897’000 for the Board of Directors for the period of office from the 2017 AGM until the 2018 AGM and of CHF 2’802’000 for 

the period of office from the 2016 AGM until the 2017 AGM. The table below shows the reconciliation between the 

compensation that is/will be paid out for the two periods of office and the maximum aggregate compensation amounts 

approved by the shareholders.

Reconciliation between the reported Board compensation and the amount approved by the 
shareholders at the Annual General Meeting

Compensation
earned during
financial year
as reported
(A)

Minus 
compensation 
earned from 
Jan to AGM 
of financial 
year (B)

Plus 
compensation 
accrued from 
Jan to AGM 
of year 
following 
financial year 
(C)

Total 
compensation 
earned for the 
period from 
AGM to AGM 
(A–B+C)

Amount 
approved by 
shareholders 
at respective 
AGM

Ratio between 
compensation 
earned for the 
period from 
AGM to AGM 
versus amount 
approved by 
shareholders

2017

Jan 1, 2017 
to 2017 AGM

Jan 1, 2018 
to 2018 AGM

2017 AGM to 
2018 AGM

2017 AGM

2017 AGM

2’694’962

390’292

388’062

2’692’732

2’897’000

92.9%

2016

Jan 1, 2016 
to 2016 AGM

Jan 1, 2017 
to 2017 AGM

2016 AGM to 
2017 AGM

2016 AGM

2016 AGM

2’722’620

320’292

362’854

2’765’182

2’802’000

98.7%

AGM 2017–AGM 2018

Board (total)

AGM 2016–AGM 2017

Board (total)

As of December 31, 2016, and 2017, there were no outstanding loans or credits granted to the members of the Board of 

Directors, former members of the Board of Directors or related parties (audited).

In 2016 and 2017, no compensation was granted to former members of the Board of Directors or related parties (audited).

Compensation of the Executive Committee
Performance in 2017

In 2017, Sulzer again made good progress towards its transformation goals. Financial targets were exceeded despite an 

unsupportive energy market environment. We grew through acquisitions but also organically in all divisions. The financial 

component of the bonus ranged from 100% to 134% of targeted payout (on average 124%) and significant progress on our 

transformation path led to a high level of achievement of individual objectives. This translated into an overall bonus payout 

factor ranging from 100% to 139% (on average 125%) for the members of the Executive Committee.

In 2017, the performance-based grant awarded under the PSP 2014 has vested. The PSP 2014 was based on the relative TSR 

performance and on cumulative EBIT, both calculated over the performance period from January 1, 2014, until December 31, 

2016. The overall vesting amounted to 129%. 

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The PSP 2015 vested on December 31, 2017. However, the final payout calculation will be made based on the volume-

weighted average share price of the three months following vesting date (January to March 2018) and is therefore not known 

at the time of publication of this report. The vesting level of the PSP 2015 will be disclosed in the 2018 Compensation 

Report. For the 2015 PSP awards, the peer group had to be updated, with the newly merged TechnipFMC (former peer group 

company Technip) being replaced by Xylem, chosen out of a proposal of three companies from the predefined successor list 

of companies.

Compensation awarded to the Executive Committee in 2017

In 2017, the Executive Committee received a total compensation of CHF 13’956’248 (previous year: CHF 19’476’608). Of this 

total, CHF 8’109’048 was in cash (previous year: CHF 8’306’400); CHF 3’785’036 was in PSUs (previous year: CHF 

6’529’346); CHF 1’783’861 was in pension and social security contributions (previous year: CHF 2’517’275), and CHF 

278’302 was in other payments (previous year: CHF 1’523’497). 

This is an overall decrease of 40% from the previous year. The main reason for this decrease is the new composition of the EC 

in 2017: in the previous year, there were several overlaps between leaving EC members who still received their compensation 

during the contractual notice period, and newly appointed EC members. These overlaps resulted in a higher compensation 

figure in 2016.

Otherwise, the following explanatory comments can be provided: 

—

—

—

—

On a like-for-like basis (EC members employed in both years 2017 and 2016), the base salaries of the EC members 

increased by 3% on average;

Other payments have substantially decreased compared with the previous year. This is due to the fact that unlike in the 

previous year, there was no replacement payment to new EC members and no special cash payment (in 2016, a special 

cash payment related to the extraordinary dividend was paid out);

On a like-for-like basis, the cash bonus payment increased by 10% due to a higher payout percentage (refer to the 

comments above on performance achieved in 2017);

On a like-for-like basis, the grant value of long-term incentives (LTI) remained unchanged compared with the previous 

year.

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Compensation of the Executive Committee (audited)

thousands of CHF

Highest single compensation, Greg 
Poux-Guillaume, CEO

Total Executive Committee 1)

thousands of CHF

Highest single compensation, Greg 
Poux-Guillaume, CEO

Total Executive Committee 1)

Base
salary

1’009

4’367

Base
salary

950

4’727

Bonus 2)

Other 3)

Restricted 
share unit 
(RSU) plan

Performance 
share plan 
(PSP) 5)

Pension and 
social 
security 
contributions 
6)

1’259

3’742

147

278

–

–

1’531

3’785

420

1’784

Bonus 2)

Other 7)

Restricted 
share unit 
(RSU) plan 4)

Performance 
share plan 
(PSP) 5)

Pension and 
social 
security 
contributions 
6)

1’005

3’579

747

1’523

0

600

2’201

6’529

510

2’517

2017

Total

4’367

13’956

2016

Total

5’413

19’477

1) Members of the Executive Committee: Greg Poux-Guillaume, CEO since December 1, 2015; Klaus Stahlmann, CEO until August 10, 2015. The total Executive 

Committee compensation 2016 includes the compensation of Klaus Stahlmann during the 12-month notice period that ended in August 2016; Thomas Dittrich, CFO; 

Fabrice Billard, Chief Strategy Officer until July 2016; César Montenegro, Division President Pumps Equipment until December 2017; Peter Alexander, Division 

President Rotating Equipment Services until August 2016; Daniel Bischofberger, Division President Rotating Equipment Services since September 2016; Oliver Bailer, 

Division President Chemtech until June 2016; Torsten Wintergerste, Division President Chemtech since June 2016; Armand Sohet, Chief Human Resources Officer 

since March 2016; Frédéric Lalanne, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer since June 2016.

2) Expected bonus for the performance years 2017 and 2016 respectively, that is paid out in the following year (accrual principle). Includes pro rata short-term incentive 

(STI) payments for EC members whose employment contracts started or were terminated during the year.

3) Other consists of housing allowances, schooling allowances, private use of company car, tax services, holiday compensation, and child allowances.

4) Replacement awards to compensate for forfeited remuneration at the previous employer as a result of joining Sulzer. The amount represents the full fair value at 

grant.

5) Represents the full fair value of the PSU granted under the PSP 2017 and PSP 2016, respectively. Based on the three-year business plan that has been approved by 

the Board of Directors in 2017, the underlying targets for the PSP 2016 have been recalibrated. This change had no impact on the fair value at the date of modification.

6) Includes the employer contribution to social security (including the expected employer contributions on equity awards), based on the fair value of all grants made in 

2017 and 2016, respectively (RSU and PSP).

7) Other consists of housing allowances, schooling allowances, private use of company car, tax services, holiday compensation, and child allowances. Also includes a 

special cash payment of CHF 98’730 in 2016 for a new EC member as compensation for forfeited incentives at the previous employer as a result of joining Sulzer and a 

special cash payment of CHF 14.60 per RSU in order to compensate for the fact that RSU granted in 2014 and 2015 did not entitle Executive Committee members to 

the extraordinary dividend payment distributed to shareholders in 2016.

For the entire Executive Committee, the variable component (without replacement award) represented 117% of the fixed 

component (base salary, other, pension and social security contributions). The relationship between the fixed and the variable 

components of compensation reflects Sulzer’s high-performance orientation. Further, it represents the company’s strong 

emphasis on aligning the interests of the Executive Committee and the shareholders to create long-term shareholder value 

and profitable growth.

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Executive Committee

2017

The total compensation of CHF 13’956’248 awarded to the members of the Executive Committee for the 2017 financial year is 

within the maximum aggregate compensation amount of CHF 20’810’000 that was approved by the shareholders at the 2016 

AGM.    

No severance payments to members of the Executive Committee were made during the reporting year.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, there were no outstanding loans or credits granted to the members of the Executive 

Committee or former members of the Executive Committee (audited).

In 2016 and 2017, no compensation was granted to former members of the Executive Committee or related parties (audited).

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Shareholdings of the Board of Directors 
and the Executive Committee

Shareholdings of the Board of Directors

As of the end of 2016 and 2017, the members of the Board of Directors held the following shares in the company:

Shareholdings at December 31, 2017

Restricted share units (RSU)

Total share awards and 
shares

2017

23’483

5’244

3’253

2’625

2’243

2’625

2’243

2’625

2’625

54’527

5’244

6’877

9’466

2’769

7’945

2’769

7’542

11’915

2016

Restricted share units (RSU)

Total share awards and 
shares

22’157

5’363

3’244

2’684

1’578

2’684

1’578

2’684

2’342

73’155

33’494

4’401

8’275

1’578

6’754

1’578

6’351

10’724

Sulzer
shares

31’044

–

3’624

6’841

526

5’320

526

4’917

9’290

Sulzer
shares

50’998

28’131

1’157

5’591

–

4’070

–

3’667

8’382

Board of Directors

Peter Löscher

Matthias Bichsel

Thomas Glanzmann

Axel C. Heitmann

Jill Lee

Mikhail Lifshitz

Marco Musetti

Gerhard Roiss

Shareholdings at December 31, 2016

Board of Directors

Peter Löscher

Matthias Bichsel

Thomas Glanzmann

Axel C. Heitmann

Jill Lee

Mikhail Lifshitz

Marco Musetti

Gerhard Roiss

report.sulzer.com/ar17

 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Compensation report - Shareholdings of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee

100

Shareholdings of the Executive Committee

As of the end of 2016 and 2017, the members of the Executive Committee held the following shares in the company:

Shareholdings at December 31, 2017

Sulzer
shares

46’835

9’682

–

21’000

22’546

15’121

–

–

–

7’026

14’844

–

1’309

–

–

399

Restricted 
share units 
(RSU)

Total share 
awards and 
shares

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2015

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2016

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2017

2017

69’381

24’803

–

21’000

7’026

14’844

–

1’708

6’594

942

–

2’826

–

2’826

–

–

37’266

18’641

1’424

5’178

2’314

5’178

3’560

971

32’624

13’196

3’024

3’666

3’024

3’666

3’024

3’024

2016

Sulzer
shares

28’726

–

–

14’000

–

13’858

–

868

Restricted 
share units 
(RSU)

Total share 
awards and 
shares

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2014

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2015

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2016

43’029

30’242

–

4’921

7’026

–

–

840

71’755

30’242

–

18’921

7’026

13’858

–

1’708

3’278

6’594

–

–

964

–

2’314

–

–

942

–

2’826

–

2’826

–

–

37’266

18’641

1’424

5’178

2’314

5’178

3’560

971

Executive Committee

Greg Poux-Guillaume

Daniel Bischofberger

Thomas Dittrich

Frédéric Lalanne

César Montenegro

Armand Sohet

Torsten Wintergerste

Shareholdings at December 31, 2016

Executive Committee

Greg Poux-Guillaume

Daniel Bischofberger

Thomas Dittrich

Frédéric Lalanne

César Montenegro

Armand Sohet

Torsten Wintergerste

report.sulzer.com/ar17

 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Compensation report - Auditor's report

101

We have audited the Compensation Report of Sulzer Ltd for the year ended December 31, 2017. The audit was limited to the 

information according to articles 14 – 16 of the Ordinance against Excessive compensation in Stock Exchange Listed 

Companies (Ordinance) contained in the tables and sections labeled “audited” in the chapter “Compensation of the Board of 

Directors and the Executive Committee” of the Compensation Report.

Responsibility of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation and overall fair presentation of the Compensation Report in 

accordance with Swiss law and the Ordinance against Excessive compensation in Stock Exchange Listed Companies 

(Ordinance). The Board of Directors is also responsible for designing the remuneration system and defining individual 

remuneration packages.

Auditor’s Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Compensation Report. We conducted our audit in accordance with Swiss 

Auditing Standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to 

obtain reasonable assurance about whether the Compensation Report complies with Swiss law and articles 14 – 16 of the 

Ordinance.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence on the disclosures made in the Compensation Report with 

regard to compensation, loans and credits in accordance with articles 14 – 16 of the Ordinance. The procedures selected 

depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatements in the Compensation 

Report, whether due to fraud or error. This audit also includes evaluating the reasonableness of the methods applied to value 

components of remuneration, as well as assessing the overall presentation of the Compensation Report.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.  

Opinion

In our opinion, the Compensation Report for the year ended December 31, 2017 of Sulzer Ltd complies with Swiss law and 

articles 14 – 16 of the Ordinance.

KPMG AG

François Rouiller 

Licensed Audit Expert

Auditor in Charge

Zurich, February 27, 2018

report.sulzer.com/ar17

Nanda Buess

Licensed Audit Expert

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Compensation report - Auditor's report

102

KPMG AG, Badenerstrasse 172, PO Box, CH-8036 Zurich

KPMG AG is a subsidiary of KPMG Holding AG, which is a member of the KPMG network of independent firms affiliated with 

KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss legal entity. All rights reserved.

report.sulzer.com/ar17

Financial  
reporting

 105  Consolidated financial statements
 105  Consolidated income statement
 106  Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
 107  Consolidated balance sheet
 109  Consolidated statement of changes in equity
 110  Consolidated statement of cash flows
 111  Notes to the consolidated financial statements
 169  Auditor’s report
 176  Five-year summaries

Income statement of Sulzer Ltd

 179  Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd
 179  Balance sheet of Sulzer Ltd
 180 
 181  Statement of changes in equity of Sulzer Ltd
 182  Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd
 187  Appropriation of net profit
 188  Auditor’s report

 Notes to the consolidated financial statements

 111  01 | General information
 111  02 | Significant events and transactions  
during the reporting period

 112  03 |  Segment information
 115  04 |  Acquisitions of subsidiaries
 118  05 |  Critical accounting estimates and judgments
 119  06 |  Financial risk management
 125  07 |  Corporate risk management
 126  08 |  Personnel expenses
 126  09 |  Employee benefit plans
 130  10 |  Research and development expenses
 131  11 |  Other operating income and expenses
 132  12 |  Financial income and expenses
 132  13 |  Income taxes
 136  14 |  Intangible assets
 138  15 |  Property, plant, and equipment
 139  16 |  Associates
 140  17 |  Other financial assets
 140  18 |  Inventories
 141  19 |  Construction contracts
 141  20 |  Trade accounts receivable
 142  21 |  Other current receivable and prepaid expenses
 143  22 |  Cash and cash equivalents
 143  23 |  Share capital
 144  24 |  Earnings per share
 144  25 |  Borrowings
 146  26 |  Provisions
 147  27 |  Other current and accrued liabilities
 147  28 |  Derivative financial instruments
 148  29 |  Other financial commitments
 148  30 |  Contingent liabilities
 148  31 |  Share participation plans
 150  32 |  Transactions with members of the Board of Directors, 

Executive Committee, and related parties

 151  33 |  Auditor remuneration
 151  34 |  Key accounting policies and valuation methods
 164  35 |  Subsequent events after the balance sheet date
 165  36 |  Major subsidiaries

 
Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Consolidated income statement

105

Consolidated income statement

Notes

3

10

11

12

12

12

16

13

24

24

2017

3’049.0

–2’112.4

936.6

–337.2

–362.7

–81.0

–19.2

136.5

4.1

–15.2

0.3

–0.3

125.4

–38.2

87.2

83.2

4.0

2.44

2.42

2016

2’876.7

–1’997.3

879.4

–309.2

–324.6

–71.4

–58.9

115.3

5.2

–17.4

–7.1

–0.8

95.2

–35.1

60.1

59.0

1.1

1.73

1.72

January 1–December 31

millions of CHF

Sales

Cost of goods sold

Gross profit

Selling and distribution expenses

General and administrative expenses

Research and development expenses

Other operating income and expenses, net

Operating income

Interest and securities income

Interest expenses

Other financial income and expenses, net

Share of loss of associates

Income before income tax expenses

Income tax expenses

Net income

Attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

Attributable to non-controlling interests

Earnings per share (in CHF)

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

106

Consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income

January 1–December 31

millions of CHF

Net income

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to the income 
statement

Cash flow hedges, net of tax

Currency translation differences

Total of items that may be reclassified subsequently to the 
income statement

Items that will not be reclassified to the income statement

Remeasurements of defined benefit obligations, net of tax

Total of items that will not be reclassified to the income 
statement

Total other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

Attributable to non-controlling interests

Notes

28

9

2017

87.2

4.5

54.6

59.1

91.8

91.8

150.9

238.1

233.9

4.2

2016

60.1

–1.8

–5.7

–7.5

–82.1

–82.1

–89.6

–29.5

–30.3

0.8

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Consolidated balance sheet

107

Consolidated balance sheet

December 31

millions of CHF

Non-current assets

Goodwill

Other intangible assets

Property, plant, and equipment

Associates

Other financial assets

Non-current receivables

Deferred income tax assets

Total non-current assets

Current assets

Inventories

Current income tax receivables

Advance payments to suppliers

Trade accounts receivable

Other current receivables and prepaid expenses

Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Total assets

Equity

Share capital

Reserves

Equity attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

Non-controlling interest

Total equity

Non-current liabilities

Non-current borrowings

Deferred income tax liabilities

Non-current income tax liabilities

Defined benefit obligations

Non-current provisions

Other non-current liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

Current borrowings

Current income tax liabilities

Current provisions

Trade accounts payable

report.sulzer.com/ar17

Notes

14

14

15

16

17

13

18

20

21

22

23

25

13

13

9

26

25

13

26

2017

865.7

420.8

531.6

10.3

13.6

8.8

139.7

1’990.5

488.0

27.2

84.7

901.8

136.3

488.8

2’126.8

4’117.3

0.3

1’679.8

1’680.1

22.3

1’702.4

458.7

104.8

2.3

239.1

77.6

17.6

900.1

255.1

24.8

158.5

433.8

2016

780.1

335.3

511.0

5.8

13.1

7.0

157.6

1’809.9

401.7

15.0

82.0

883.2

114.6

429.5

1’926.0

3’735.9

0.3

1’580.9

1’581.2

9.8

1’591.0

458.3

95.6

2.6

339.6

73.8

10.4

980.3

7.1

13.9

176.1

379.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Consolidated balance sheet

108

Advance payments from customers

Other current and accrued liabilities

Total current liabilities

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

27

210.1

432.5

1’514.8

2’414.9

4’117.3

179.8

408.4

1’164.6

2’144.9

3’735.9

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Consolidated statement of changes in equity

109

Consolidated statement of changes in 
equity

January 1–December 31

millions of CHF

Notes

Share 
capital

Retained 
earnings

Treasury 
shares

Cash flow 
hedge 
reserve

Currency 
translation 
adjustment

Non-
controlling 
interests

Total

Total 
equity

Equity as of January 1, 2016

0.3

2’661.4

–17.8

–9.2

–410.0

2’224.7

9.5

2’234.2

Attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

59.0

–82.1

–82.1

–23.1

–4.1

7.5

–617.5

–

4.1

–3.2

–1.8

–1.8

–1.8

–5.4

–5.4

–5.4

59.0

–1.8

–82.1

–5.4

–89.3

–30.3

0.0

–3.2

7.5

–617.5

0.3

2’024.2

–16.9

–11.0

–415.4

1’581.2

83.2

91.8

91.8

–14.6

–6.6

10.8

–119.4

6.6

–11.8

4.5

4.5

4.5

54.4

54.4

54.4

83.2

4.5

91.8

54.4

150.7

233.9

0.0

–14.6

0.0

–11.8

10.8

–119.4

0.3

2’069.4

–22.1

–6.5

–361.0

1’680.1

1.1

–0.3

–0.3

0.8

60.1

–1.8

–82.1

–5.7

–89.6

–29.5

0.0

–3.2

7.5

–0.5

9.8

–618.0

1’591.0

4.0

0.2

0.2

4.2

9.8

87.2

4.5

91.8

54.6

150.9

238.1

9.8

–14.6

0.0

–11.8

10.8

–1.5

22.3

–120.9

1’702.4

Comprehensive income for the year:

Net income

– Cash flow hedges, net of tax

– Remeasurements of defined benefit 
obligations, net of tax

– Currency translation differences

Other comprehensive income

28

9

Total comprehensive income for the year

–

Transactions with owners of the company:

Allocation of treasury shares to share plan 
participants

Acquisition of treasury shares

Share-based payments

Dividends

Equity as of December 31, 2016

Comprehensive income for the year:

Net income

– Cash flow hedges, net of tax

– Remeasurements of defined benefit 
obligations, net of tax

– Currency translation differences

Other comprehensive income

31

23

28

9

Transactions with owners of the company:

Changes in ownership in subsidiaries

Put option liability

Allocation of treasury shares to share plan 
participants

Acquisition of treasury shares

Share-based payments

Dividends

Equity as of December 31, 2017

4

31

23

report.sulzer.com/ar17

Total comprehensive income for the year

–

175.0

–

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Consolidated statement of cash flows

110

Consolidated statement of cash flows

January 1–December 31

millions of CHF

Cash and cash equivalents as of January 1

Net income

Interest and securities income

Interest expenses

Income tax expenses

Depreciation, amortization, and impairments

Income from disposals of property, plant, and equipment

Changes in inventories

Changes in advance payments to suppliers

Changes in trade accounts receivable

Changes in advance payments from customers

Changes in trade accounts payable

Change in provision for employee benefit plans

Changes in provisions

Changes in other net current assets

Other non-cash items

Interest received

Interest paid

Income tax paid

Total cash flow from operating activities

Purchase of intangible assets

Purchase of property, plant, and equipment

Sale of property, plant, and equipment

Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

Acquisitions of associates

Purchase of financial assets

Sale of financial assets

Sale of marketable securities

Total cash flow from investing activities

Dividend

Purchase of treasury shares

Dividend paid to non-controlling interests

Changes in non-controlling interests

Additions in non-current borrowings

Repayment of non-current borrowings

Additions in current borrowings

Repayment of current borrowings

Total cash flow from financing activities

Exchange gains on cash and cash equivalents

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31

report.sulzer.com/ar17

Notes

12

12

13

14,15

4

16

17

17

25

25

25

25

22

2017

429.5

87.2

–4.1

15.2

38.2

140.9

–4.4

–35.7

–0.5

36.4

10.5

12.2

–1.0

–30.9

–8.6

–7.9

4.0

–8.0

–59.8

183.7

–2.6

–78.6

12.8

–157.9

–4.6

–0.3

0.4

–

–230.8

–119.4

–11.8

–1.5

–0.3

0.5

–1.7

534.6

–294.1

106.3

0.1

59.3

488.8

2016

1’009.0

60.1

–5.2

17.4

35.1

135.2

–1.2

43.0

3.4

–17.4

–21.5

49.8

–37.9

35.3

37.2

–7.1

5.2

–15.1

–53.1

263.2

–1.4

–73.5

12.2

–309.1

–4.3

–1.1

–

208.4

–168.8

–617.5

–3.2

–0.5

–

451.5

–2.5

216.9

–725.3

–680.6

6.7

–579.5

429.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Notes to the consolidated financial statements

111

1 General information

Sulzer Ltd (the “company”) is a company domiciled in Switzerland. The address of the company’s registered office is 

Neuwiesenstrasse 15 in Winterthur, Switzerland. The consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 

2017, comprise the company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the “group” and individually as the “subsidiaries”) 

and the group’s interest in associates and joint ventures. The group specializes in pumping solutions, service solutions for 

rotating equipment, separation and mixing, and applicator technology. Sulzer was founded in 1834 in Winterthur, Switzerland, 

and employs around 14’700 people. The company serves clients in over 180 production and service sites around the world. 

Sulzer Ltd is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange in Zurich, Switzerland (symbol: SUN).

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 

(IFRS). They were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on February 27, 2018.

Details of the group’s accounting policies are included in note 34.

2 Significant events and transactions during the reporting period

The financial position and performance of the group was particularly affected by the following events and transactions during 

the reporting period:

—

—

—

—

As of January 1, 2017, the spare parts business for pumps was transferred from the Pumps Equipment to the Rotation 

Equipment Services division. The group also changed the operational structure of its organization resulting in a change of 

the reportable segments and cash-generating units. For more information refer to note 3 and note 14. 

As of January 1, 2017, the group separated the business for liquid applications and mixing technology, previously 

reported in the Chemtech division, into a new division called Applicator Systems. Comparative segment information in 

note 3 have been prepared accordingly.

The acquisitions of Ensival Moret, Rotec GT, VIEC, and Transcodent resulted in an increase in property, plant, and 

equipment of CHF 28.0 million and the recognition of goodwill of CHF 50.3 million and other intangible assets of CHF 

111.2 million at the date of acquisition (see note 4).

As part of the Sulzer Full Potential (SFP) program, the group initiated several measures to adapt the global manufacturing 

footprint and the organizational setup. Restructuring measures resulted in restructuring expenses of CHF 21.7 million in 

2017 (2016: CHF 57.0 million). Associated with restructuring initiatives, the group further recognized impairments on 

property, plant, and equipment of CHF 15.4 million (2016: CHF 18.4 million).

—

As of December 22, 2017 the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” (US Tax Reform) has been enacted reducing amongst others the 

US Federal Corporate Income Tax Rate from 35% to 21% as of January 1, 2018, onwards. The new Federal Income Tax 

Rate has been applied for the calculation of the deferred tax positions of the US entities. Furthermore, the effect of the 

revaluation of existing foreign tax credits and the impact of the Transition Tax has been taken into consideration for the 

preparation of note 13.

For a detailed discussion about the group’s performance and financial position please refer to the “Financial review.” 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Notes to the consolidated financial statements

112

3 Segment information
Segment information by divisions

millions of CHF

Pumps Equipment

Rotating Equipment Services

Chemtech

Applicator Systems

Order intake

1’189.7

1’090.4

1’071.0

1’009.7

2017

2016 6)

2017

2016 6)

2017

502.0

2016 6)

471.9

2017

426.3

2016 6)

272.6

Nominal growth 
(unaudited)

Currency adjusted 
growth (unaudited)

1)
Organic growth   
(unaudited)

Order backlog as of 
December 31 
(unaudited)

Sales 2)

Nominal growth

Currency adjusted 
growth (unaudited)

1)
Organic growth   
(unaudited)

opEBITA 3)

in % of sales 4)

in % of average 
capital employed

Restructuring 
expenses

Amortization

Impairments on 
tangible and 
intangible assets

Non-operational items

EBIT 5)

9.1%

–7.7%

6.1%

–5.3%

6.4%

–10.2%

56.4%

48.8%

8.1%

–6.9%

4.9%

–3.1%

5.9%

–8.8%

55.7%

48.7%

1.5%

–8.6%

–0.9%

–4.2%

5.1%

–8.9%

6.0%

5.4%

847.0

697.4

364.4

378.7

315.3

304.9

64.7

58.0

1’122.7

–3.1%

1’159.0

–8.6%

1’034.5

2.3%

1’011.3

–2.1%

478.4

7.2%

446.1

–8.2%

423.5

55.7%

272.0

48.3%

–4.3%

–8.0%

1.6%

–0.1%

7.0%

–7.2%

54.9%

48.1%

–12.9%

–8.3%

–2.1%

–0.9%

6.2%

–7.2%

5.0%

5.2%

–3.7

–0.3%

13.0

1.1%

144.0

13.9%

139.5

13.8%

25.0

5.2%

18.0

4.0%

86.8

20.5%

64.1

23.6%

–0.6%

1.8%

28.4%

25.9%

11.3%

8.0%

22.7%

29.1%

–15.0

–23.2

–10.5

–9.3

–61.7

–40.2

–17.9

–8.8

–11.0

–64.9

–3.8

–6.8

–2.3

3.3

134.4

0.5

–6.3

–3.8

–0.6

129.3

–1.7

–5.6

–2.6

–4.1

11.0

–12.6

–6.3

–5.4

3.8

–2.5

–0.3

–17.0

–

–6.3

63.2

–3.5

–15.4

–0.5

–5.0

39.7

Depreciation

–23.7

–20.8

–17.6

–21.2

–9.2

–10.2

–20.8

–14.9

Operating assets

1’445.6

1’351.8

Unallocated assets

–

–

1’445.6

1’351.8

685.3

–

685.3

760.3

623.9

–

623.9

727.9

880.6

–

880.6

319.8

–

319.8

560.8

813.3

–

813.3

275.4

–

275.4

537.9

463.7

–

463.7

234.1

–

234.1

229.6

441.1

–

441.1

213.3

–

213.3

227.8

655.3

–

655.3

71.5

–

71.5

583.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

760.3

21.9

727.9

19.3

560.8

19.2

537.9

21.9

229.6

10.0

227.8

13.1

583.8

28.9

559.5

–

559.5

63.6

–

63.6

495.9

–

495.9

19.9

Total assets as of 
December 31

Operating liabilities

Unallocated liabilities

Total liabilities as of 
December 31

Operating net assets

Unallocated net 
assets

Total net assets as of 
December 31

Capital expenditure

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113

Employees (number of 
full-time equivalents) 
as of December 31

5’453

5’156

4’485

4’541

2’878

2’570

1’716

1’562

1) Adjusted for currency and acquisition effects.

2) Sales between segments are not material.

3) Operating income before restructuring, amortization, impairments, and non-operational items.

4) Return on sales before restructuring, amortization, impairments, and non-operational items (opEBITA/sales).

5) Operating income.

6) Reclassified numbers according to new operational structure, effective since January 1, 2017.

Segment information by divisions

millions of CHF

Order intake

Nominal growth (unaudited)

Currency adjusted growth (unaudited)

Organic growth   (unaudited)

1)

Total Divisions

2017

2016 6)

3’189.0

2’844.6

12.1%

11.1%

1.7%

–3.8%

–2.4%

–6.2%

Order backlog as of December 31 (unaudited)

1’591.4

1’439.0

Others 2)

2016 6)

–47.1

n/a

n/a

n/a

Total Sulzer

2017

2016

3’155.7

2’797.5

12.8%

11.8%

2.2%

–3.4%

–2.0%

–5.8%

0.1

1’593.5

1’439.1

2017

–33.3

n/a

n/a

n/a

2.1

Sales

Nominal growth

Currency adjusted growth (unaudited)

Organic growth   (unaudited)

1)

opEBITA 3)

in % of sales 4)

in % of average capital employed

Restructuring expenses

Amortization

Impairments on tangible and intangible assets

Non-operational items

EBIT 5)

3’059.1

2’888.4

–10.1

–11.7

3’049.0

2’876.7

5.9%

5.1%

–4.5%

252.1

8.2%

14.8%

–20.8

–52.6

–15.4

–16.4

146.9

–2.8%

–1.7%

–4.7%

234.6

8.1%

14.6%

–55.8

–45.9

–18.5

–12.8

101.6

n/a

n/a

n/a

3.3

n/a

n/a

–0.9

–1.2

–

–11.6

–10.4

n/a

n/a

n/a

4.3

n/a

n/a

–1.2

–1.4

0.1

11.9

13.7

6.0%

5.2%

–4.4%

255.4

8.4%

15.8%

–21.7

–53.8

–15.4

–28.0

136.5

–3.2%

–2.0%

–5.1%

238.9

8.3%

15.7%

–57.0

–47.3

–18.4

–0.9

115.3

Depreciation

–71.3

–67.1

–0.4

–2.4

–71.7

–69.5

Operating assets

Unallocated assets

Total assets as of December 31

Operating liabilities

Unallocated liabilities

Total liabilities as of December 31

Operating net assets

Unallocated net assets

Total net assets as of December 31

Capital expenditure

Employees (number of full-time equivalents) as of 
December 31

3’445.2

3’165.7

–

3’445.2

1’310.7

–

1’310.7

2’134.5

–

–

3’165.7

1’176.2

–

1’176.2

1’989.5

–

2’134.5

1’989.5

80.0

74.2

14’532

13’829

–9.4

681.5

672.1

106.6

997.6

1’104.2

–116.0

–316.1

–432.1

1.2

200

–1.5

571.7

570.2

320.8

647.9

968.7

–322.3

–76.2

–398.5

0.7

176

3’435.8

681.5

4’117.3

1’417.3

997.6

2’414.9

2’018.5

–316.1

1’702.4

81.2

3’164.2

571.7

3’735.9

1’497.0

647.9

2’144.9

1’667.2

–76.2

1’591.0

74.9

14’732

14’005

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Notes to the consolidated financial statements

114

1) Adjusted for currency and acquisition effects.

2) The most significant activities under “Others” relate to the Corporate Center. Interdivisional order intake and sales are eliminated in this column.

3) Operating income before restructuring, amortization, impairments, and non-operational items.

4) Return on sales before restructuring, amortization, impairments, and non-operational items (opEBITA/sales).

5) Operating income.

6) Reclassified numbers according to new operational structure, effective since January 1, 2017.

Information about reportable segments

Operating segments are determined based on the reports reviewed by the Chief Executive Officer that are used to measure 

performance, make strategic decisions, and allocate resources to the segments. The business is managed on a divisional 

basis and the reported segments have been identified as follows:

Pumps Equipment—pump technology and solutions:

This division offers a wide range of pumping solutions and related equipment. The market focus is on (a) production, transport, 

and processing of crude oil and its derivates, (b) supply, treatment, and transport of water as well as wastewater collection, (c) 

fossil-fired, nuclear, and renewable power generation, and (d) specific general industries, e.g. pulp and paper, fertilizers, and 

other markets.

Rotating Equipment Services—provider of service solutions for rotating equipment:

This division offers a full range of repair and maintenance services. The market focus is on industrial gas and steam turbines, 

turbocompressors, generators and motors, and pumps.

Chemtech—separation, mixing, and service solutions:

This division offers products and services for separation, extraction, reaction, polymer application, and mixing technology. The 

market focus is on separation solutions and tower field services. 

Applicator Systems—systems for liquid applications:

The division offers products for liquid applications and for mixing technologies. The market focus is on mixing and dispenser 

systems and liquid application systems for the dental, healthcare, and cosmetics markets.

Others:

Certain expenses related to the Corporate Center are not attributable to a particular segment and are reviewed as a whole 

across the group. Also included are the eliminations for interdivisional order intake, sales, and operating assets and liabilities.

The Chief Executive Officer primarily uses a measure of adjusted earnings before interest, tax, and amortization (operational 

EBITA) to assess the performance of the operating segments. However, the Chief Executive Officer also receives information 

about the segments’ order intake and backlog, revenue, and operating assets and liabilities on a monthly basis.

Operational EBITA (opEBITA) excludes amortization, restructuring expenses, and impairments when the impairment is the 

result of an isolated, non-recurring event. It also excludes certain non-operational items that are non-recurring or do not 

regularly occur in similar magnitude such as acquisition-related expenses, gains and losses from sale of businesses or real 

estate, expenses related to the Sulzer Full Potential program, or amendments to the pension plans.

Revenue from external customers reported to the Chief Executive Officer is measured in a manner consistent with that in the 

income statement. There are no significant sales between the segments. No individual customer represents a significant 

portion of the group’s revenue.

Operating assets and liabilities are assets or liabilities related to the operating activities of an entity and contributing to the 

operating income.

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115

Segment information by region

The allocation of assets is based on their geographical location. Non-current assets exclude other financial assets, deferred 

tax assets, and employee benefit assets. The allocation of sales is based on the location of the customer.

millions of CHF

Non-current assets by region

Sales by region

Europe, Middle East, Africa

– thereof Switzerland

– thereof Germany

– thereof United Kingdom

– thereof Sweden

– thereof other countries

Americas

– thereof USA

– thereof Brazil

– thereof other countries

Asia-Pacific

– thereof China

– thereof India

– thereof other countries

Total

Segment information by market segment

The following table shows the allocation of sales by market segments:

millions of CHF

Oil and gas

Power

Water

General industries

Total

2017

2016

2017

2016

1’392.6

1’203.3

1’411.6

1’271.8

158.1

360.0

164.2

261.9

448.4

294.5

247.1

22.9

24.5

161.9

292.5

159.9

259.8

329.2

290.5

238.3

23.9

28.3

141.3

138.3

66.6

23.2

51.5

68.2

22.2

47.9

22.3

204.7

164.3

46.3

974.0

22.7

199.1

143.9

40.0

866.1

1’003.5

1’041.9

713.6

90.4

199.5

633.9

226.1

64.0

343.8

735.9

101.3

204.7

563.0

206.4

49.9

306.7

1’828.4

1’632.1

3’049.0

2’876.7

Sales by market segments

2016

1’382.7

459.4

344.0

690.6

2’876.7

2017

1’339.1

458.5

339.2

912.2

3’049.0

4 Acquisitions of subsidiaries
Acquisitions in 2017

The following table summarizes the recognized amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition, 

including the resulting goodwill and the total consideration paid. If new information obtained within one year of the date of 

acquisition about facts and circumstances that existed at the date of acquisition identifies adjustments to the amounts 

recognized below, then the accounting for the acquisition will be revised. 

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116

Net assets acquired

millions of CHF

Intangible assets

Property, plant, and equipment

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade accounts receivable

Other current assets

Borrowings

Other liabilities with third parties

Deferred tax liabilities

Net identifiable assets

Non-controlling interests

Fair value of 49% pre-existing interest in Sulzer TS Russia

Goodwill

Total consideration

Purchase price paid in cash

Paid in shares of Sulzer TS Russia

Total consideration

Ensival Moret (EM)

Ensival Moret

VIEC

Rotec GT

Transcodent

Total

52.9

16.9

7.0

22.2

48.1

–6.3

–75.1

–16.2

49.5

–

18.2

67.7

67.7

67.7

5.2

0.5

–

–

0.1

–

–

–1.4

4.4

–

–

4.4

4.4

4.4

11.0

5.9

–

–

1.9

–

–

–2.2

16.6

–8.3

–0.4

7.5

15.4

15.0

0.4

15.4

42.1

111.2

4.7

0.2

3.3

6.2

–2.5

28.0

7.2

25.5

56.3

–8.8

–3.0

–78.1

–

–19.8

51.0

121.5

–

–8.3

–0.4

24.6

50.3

75.6

163.1

75.6

162.7

0.4

75.6

163.1

On February 1, 2017, Sulzer acquired a 100% controlling interest of Ensival Moret (EM) for CHF 67.7 million. EM’s main 

manufacturing facilities are based in Saint Quentin, France, and Thimister, Belgium. EM employs approximately 730 

employees and offers a wide range of industrial pumps with leading positions in a broad range of industrial applications such 

as fertilizers, sugar, mining, and chemicals. Through the acquisition, Sulzer closed specific product gaps in its general industry 

pumps portfolio, such as axial flow pumps. Combining the complementary product portfolios enables Sulzer to become a full 

line supplier in most industrial process applications. EM has been integrated into Sulzer's Pumps Equipment manufacturing 

network and the scope of the acquired business has therefore changed. The goodwill is attributable to significant synergies by 

leveraging scale and cross-selling opportunities. None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. 

Transaction cost recognized in the income statement amount to CHF –0.9 million. Since the acquisition date, the acquire 

contributed order intake of CHF 72.7 million, sales of CHF 101.9 million, and net income of CHF –16.5 million to the group. 

Vessel Internal Electrostatic Coalescer (VIEC)

On February 1, 2017, Sulzer acquired 100% controlling interest of Vessel Internal Electrostatic Coalescer (VIEC) for CHF 4.4 

million. VIEC is based in Anker, Norway, and employs 13 people. VIEC’s patented technology separates oil from water in a 

highly efficient manner and reduces operating costs due to its exclusive in-vessel design. This acquisition allows Sulzer to 

further extend its Chemtech upstream product portfolio for advanced oil and water separation applications. Transaction cost 

recognized in the income statement amount to CHF –0.1 million. Since the acquisition date, the acquire contributed order 

intake of CHF 3.8 million, sales of CHF 3.3 million, and net income of CHF –1.1 million to the group.

Rotec GT

On June 30, 2017, Sulzer acquired 51% of the business of Rotec GT, the gas turbine maintenance division of the Rotec 

Group, for CHF 15.4 million, of which CHF 15.0 million was paid in cash and CHF 0.4 million in shares of a subsidiary 

measured at fair value. Sulzer obtained control of the acquired business. Rotec GT is considered to be a related party to the 

group. Sulzer holds a call option to purchase 49%, and the Rotec Group holds a put option to sell 49%, after January 1, 2019. 

Sulzer recognized a liability of CHF 14.6 million against retained earnings, for the present value of the exercise price of the put 

option. The present value calculation is based on expected revenue, target EBITDA margin, and a predefined multiple. 

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117

Remeasurements of the liability will be recognized against retained earnings. Sulzer did not recognize the call option, since the 

criteria as financial asset are not met.

Rotec GT is headquartered in Moscow, Russia, and has a service center for the refurbishment of gas turbine components in 

Ekaterinburg as well as an office for field service resources in St. Petersburg. With the service center in Ekaterinburg, Sulzer 

will have a strong local footprint. The business will be integrated into Sulzer’s Rotating Equipment Services division. The 

goodwill is attributable to synergies from combined solutions and shared services. None of the goodwill is expected to be 

deductible for tax purposes. Transaction cost recognized in the income statement of the group amount to CHF –0.6 million. 

Since the acquisition date, the acquired business contributed order intake of CHF 66.5 million, sales of CHF 42.4 million, and 

net income of CHF 4.5 million to the group.

Transcodent

On September 29, 2017, Sulzer acquired 100% controlling interest of Transcodent for CHF 75.6 million. Transcodent is based 

in Kiel, Germany, and employs 71 people. Transcodent is a leading provider of multiple dose and unit dose application 

systems, needles, tips, and capsules for the dental market. The acquisition further strengthens the Applicator Systems division 

of Sulzer in its dental segment, where Sulzer is already a global market leader. Transcodent has been integrated into Sulzer's 

Applicator Systems manufacturing network and the scope of the acquired business has therefore changed. The goodwill is 

attributable to significant synergies by leveraging scale and cross-selling opportunities. None of the goodwill is expected to be 

deductible for tax purposes. Transaction cost recognized in the income statement amount to CHF –0.1 million. Since the 

acquisition date, the acquire contributed order intake of CHF 4.6 million, sales of CHF 4.5 million, and net income of CHF –0.2 

million to the group.  

Acquired receivables

The fair value of acquired trade accounts receivable is CHF 25.5 million. The gross contractual amount for trade account 

receivables due is CHF 26.2 million, of which CHF 0.7 million is expected to be uncollectible at the date of acquisition.

Pro forma revenue and profit contribution

Had all above acquisitions occurred on January 1, 2017, management estimates that total net sales of the group would 

amount to CHF 3’093.0 million, and the consolidated net income would be CHF  89.6 million.

Cash flow from acquisitions of subsidiaries

millions of CHF

Cash consideration paid

Contingent consideration paid

Cash acquired

Payments for acquisitions in prior years

Total cash flow from acquisitions, net of cash acquired

Contingent consideration

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Payment of contingent consideration

Release to other operating income

Currency translation differences

Total contingent consideration as of December 31

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2017

–162.7

–2.2

7.2

–0.2

–157.9

2017

9.5

–2.2

–2.6

0.4

5.1

2016

–318.9

–7.7

17.7

–0.2

–309.1

2016

22.1

–7.7

–4.8

–0.1

9.5

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Notes to the consolidated financial statements

118

As of December 31, 2017, there was a decrease of CHF 2.6 million recognized in the income statement for the contingent 

consideration arrangements, as the assumed probability-adjusted gross profit and EBITDA (earnings before interests, taxes, 

depreciation, and amortization) was recalculated.

5 Critical accounting estimates and judgments

All estimates and assessments are continually reviewed and are based on historical experience and other factors, including 

expectations regarding future events that appear reasonable under the given circumstances. The group makes estimates and 

assumptions that relate to the future. By their nature, these estimates will only rarely correspond to actual subsequent events. 

The estimates and assumptions that carry a significant risk, in the form of a substantial adjustment to the present values of 

assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are set out below.

Contingent considerations

As of December 31, 2017, total contingent considerations resulting from business combinations amounted to CHF 5.1 million 

(December 31, 2016: CHF 9.5 million). The total payments under contingent considerations arrangements could be up to 

CHF 12.4 million (December 31, 2016: CHF 15.0 million). The estimated amounts are the expected payments, determined by 

considering the possible scenarios of forecast sales and other performance criteria, probabilities of occurrence, and the use of 

simulation models. The estimates could change substantially over time as new facts emerge and scenarios develop.

Employee benefit plans

The present value of the pension obligation and the plan assets depends on a number of factors that are determined on an 

actuarial basis using a number of assumptions. Assumptions used in determining the defined benefit obligation and the plan 

assets include the discount rate, future salary and pension increases, and mortality rates. The assumptions are reviewed and 

reassessed at the end of each year based on observable market data, i.e. interest rate of high-quality corporate bonds 

denominated in the corresponding currency and asset management studies. Further details are provided in note 9.

Income taxes

The group is obliged to pay income taxes in numerous jurisdictions. Assumptions are required in order to determine income 

tax provisions. There are transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain during the ordinary 

course of the business. 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 is different from the amounts that were initially 

recorded, such differences will impact the income tax and deferred tax provisions in the period in which such determination is 

made. Management believes that the estimates are reasonable, and that the recognized liabilities for income-tax-related 

uncertainties are adequate. Further details are disclosed in note 13.

Goodwill and other intangible assets

As of December 31, 2017, total goodwill amounted to CHF 865.7 million (December 31, 2016: CHF 780.1 million). In 

accordance with the accounting policies set forth in section 34.6 “Intangible assets,” the group carries out an annual 

impairment test on goodwill in the fourth quarter of the year, or when indications of a potential impairment exist. The 

recoverable amount from cash-generating units is measured on the basis of value-in-use calculations with the terminal growth 

rate, the discount rate, and the projected cash flows as the main variables. Information about assumptions and estimation 

uncertainties that have significant risk of resulting in a material adjustment in the year ending December 31, 2017, are 

disclosed in note 14.

Revenue recognition

The group uses the percentage of completion method (POC) in accounting for major long-term construction contracts. The 

use of the POC method requires the group to estimate the proportional revenue and costs. If circumstances arise that may 

change the original estimates of revenues, costs, or extent of progress toward completion, estimates are revised. These 

revisions may result in increases or decreases in estimated revenues or costs and are reflected in income in the period in 

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119

which the circumstances that give rise to the revision become known by management. Revenue from the application of the 

POC method recognized in the year 2017 amounted to CHF 568.8 million (2016: CHF 597.2 million). Further details are 

disclosed in note 19.

Provisions

Provisions are made, among other reasons, for warranties, disputes, litigation, and restructuring. A provision is recognized in 

the balance sheet when the group has a legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, and it is probable that an 

outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. The nature of these costs is such that judgment has to 

be applied to estimate the timing and amount of cash outflows. Depending on the outcome of the respective transactions, 

actual payments may differ from these estimates. Further details are disclosed in note 26.

6 Financial risk management
6.1 Financial risk factors

The group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including currency risk, fair value interest rate risk, 

cash flow interest rate risk, and price risk), credit risk, and liquidity risk. The group’s overall risk management program focuses 

on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimize potential adverse effects on the group’s financial 

performance. The group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge certain risk exposures.

Risk management is carried out by a central treasury department (Group Treasury). Group Treasury identifies, evaluates, and 

hedges financial risks in close cooperation with the group’s subsidiaries. Principles for overall risk management, as well as 

policies covering specific areas, such as foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, use of derivative financial 

instruments and non-derivative financial instruments, and investment of excess liquidity exist in writing.

a) Market risk

(I) Foreign exchange risk

The group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures. Foreign 

exchange risk arises when future commercial transactions or recognized assets or liabilities are denominated in a currency 

that is not the entity’s functional currency. Management has set up a policy to require subsidiaries to manage their foreign 

exchange risk against their functional currency. The subsidiaries are required to hedge their major foreign exchange risk 

exposure using forward contracts or other standard instruments, usually transacted with Group Treasury.

Presently, most of the contracts are designated as cash flow hedges. External foreign exchange contracts are designated as 

hedges of foreign exchange risk on specific assets, liabilities, or future transactions on a gross basis. The group has certain 

investments in foreign operations, whose net assets are exposed to foreign currency translation risk. If required, currency 

exposure arising from the net assets of the group’s foreign operations is managed primarily through borrowings denominated 

in the relevant foreign currencies. Derivative financial instruments are only used on an ad hoc basis to manage foreign 

currency translation risk.

The following tables show the hypothetical influence on the income statement for 2017 and 2016 related to foreign exchange 

risk of financial instruments. The volatility used for the calculation is the one-year historic volatility on December 31 for the 

relevant currency pair and year. For 2017, the currency pair with the most significant exposure and inherent risk was the EUR 

versus the BRL. If, on December 31, 2017, the EUR had increased by 14.1% against the BRL with all other variables held 

constant, profit after tax for the year would have been CHF 1.2 million lower mainly due to foreign exchange losses on EUR-

denominated financial liabilities. A decrease of the rate would have caused a gain of the same amount.

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120

Hypothetical impact of foreign exchange risk on income statement

millions of CHF

Currency pair

Exposure

Volatility

Effect on profit after tax (rate increase)

Effect on profit after tax (rate decrease)

millions of CHF

Currency pair

Exposure

Volatility

Effect on profit after tax (rate increase)

Effect on profit after tax (rate decrease)

EUR/BRL

USD/INR

EUR/ZAR

EUR/USD

2017

–12.2

14.1%

–1.2

1.2

19.8

4.4%

0.6

–0.6

–5.2

15.5%

–0.6

0.6

–7.4

7.3%

–0.4

0.4

2016

EUR/USD

EUR/RUB

EUR/CNY

USD/INR

–7.8

8.3%

–0.5

0.5

3.0

20.6%

0.5

–0.5

6.8

7.7%

0.4

–0.4

7.9

5.1%

0.3

–0.3

The following tables show the hypothetical influence on equity for 2017 and 2016 related to foreign exchange risk of financial 

instruments for the most important currency pairs as per December 31 of the respective year. The volatility used for the 

calculation is the historic volatility on December 31 for the relevant currency pair and year. Most of the hypothetical effect on 

equity is a result of fair value changes of derivative financial instruments designated as hedges of future cash flows in foreign 

currencies.

Hypothetical impact of foreign exchange risk on equity

millions of CHF

Currency pair

Exposure

Volatility

Effect on equity, net of taxes (rate 
increase)

Effect on equity, net of taxes (rate 
decrease)

millions of CHF

Currency pair

Exposure

Volatility

Effect on equity, net of taxes (rate 
increase)

Effect on equity, net of taxes (rate 
decrease)

(II) Price risk

GBP/USD

USD/CHF

USD/MXN

EUR/USD

EUR/CHF

USD/INR

EUR/INR

2017

50.2

8.9%

3.1

–3.1

–53.1

7.1%

–2.6

2.6

–30.9

12.2%

–2.6

2.6

34.3

7.3%

1.7

–1.7

–42.3

4.9%

–1.4

1.4

–27.8

4.4%

–0.9

0.9

–15.4

7.2%

–0.8

0.8

2016

USD/MXN

GBP/USD

USD/CHF

USD/INR

EUR/USD

USD/BRL

EUR/CHF

–44.5

17.0%

–5.7

5.7

49.0

14.1%

5.2

–5.2

–42.1

7.9%

–2.5

2.5

–56.6

5.1%

–2.2

2.2

34.9

8.3%

2.2

–2.2

–15.1

18.4%

–2.1

2.1

–30.4

4.5%

–1.0

1.0

As of December 31, 2017, the group was not exposed to significant price risk related to investments in equity securities either 

classified as “available-for-sale” or at “fair value through profit or loss.”

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121

(III) Interest rate sensitivity

The group’s interest rate risk arises from interest-bearing assets and liabilities. Assets and liabilities at variable rates expose 

the group to cash flow interest rate risk. Assets and liabilities at fixed rates only expose the group to fair value interest rate risk 

in the case of debt instruments that are classified as at fair value through profit or loss. The group analyzes its interest rate 

exposure on a net basis, and if required, enters into derivative instruments in order to keep the volatility of net interest income 

or expense limited. Currently, the group has not entered into such derivative financial instruments related to interest rate risk 

management. The group's non-current interest-bearing liabilities mainly comprise two bonds with a fixed interest rate. 

The following table shows the hypothetical influence on the income statement for variable-interest-bearing assets net of 

liabilities at variable interest rates, assuming market interest rate levels would have increased/decreased by 100 basis points. 

For the USD, increasing interest rates would have had a negative impact on the income statement, since the value of variable- 

interest-bearing liabilities would exceed the value of variable-interest-bearing assets. For the other most significant currencies, 

CHF, CNY, EUR, and INR, increasing interest rates would have had a positive impact on the income statement, since the 

value of variable-interest-bearing assets (comprising mainly cash and cash equivalents) would exceed the value of variable-

interest-bearing liabilities.

Hypothetical impact of interest rate risk on income statement

millions of CHF

Variable-interest-bearing assets (net)

USD

CHF

CNY

EUR

INR

millions of CHF

Variable-interest-bearing assets (net)

USD

EUR

CNY

CHF

INR

2017

Impact on post-tax profit

Sensitivity in basis 
points

rate increase

rate decrease

100

100

100

100

100

–1.0

0.9

0.3

0.3

0.3

1.0

–0.9

–0.3

–0.3

–0.3

2016

Sensitivity in basis 
points

rate increase

rate decrease

Impact on post-tax profit

100

100

100

100

100

1.4

0.3

0.3

0.3

0.2

–1.4

–0.3

–0.3

–0.3

–0.2

Amount

–150.1

127.8

49.9

45.7

38.9

Amount

191.6

43.0

40.5

36.5

23.3

On December 31, 2017, if the interest rates on USD-denominated liabilities net of assets had been 100 basis points higher 

with all other variables held constant, post-tax profit for the year would have been CHF 1.0 million lower, mainly as a result of 

higher interest expenses on short-term borrowings. A decrease of interest rates on USD-denominated assets net of liabilities 

would have caused a gain of the same amount. As of December 31, 2016, if the interest rates had been 100 basis points 

higher with all other variables held constant, post-tax profit for the year would have been CHF 1.4 million higher, because at 

this time the USD-denominated assets exceeded the liabilities.

b) Credit risk

Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, derivative financial instruments, and deposits with banks and financial 

institutions, as well as credit exposures to customers, including outstanding receivables and committed transactions. The 

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122

maximum exposure to credit risk per class of financial assets is outlined in the fair value table in note 6.3. Not exposed to 

credit risks are equity securities classified as available-for-sale.

Credit risks of banks and financial institutions are monitored and managed centrally. Generally, only independently rated 

parties with a strong credit rating are accepted, and the total volume of transactions is split among several banks to reduce 

the individual risk with one bank.

For every customer with a large order volume, an individual risk assessment of the credit quality of the customer is performed 

that considers independent ratings, financial position, past experience, and other factors. Additionally, bank guarantees and 

letters of credit are requested. For more details on the credit risk out of trade accounts receivable, please refer to note 20.

c) Liquidity risk

Prudent liquidity risk management includes the maintenance of sufficient cash and marketable securities, the availability of 

funding from an adequate number 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 through a committed credit line.

Management anticipates the future development of the group’s liquidity reserve on the basis of expected cash flows by 

performing regular group-wide cash forecasts. In 2017, the second of the two one-year extension options of the syndicated 

credit line of CHF 500 million was executed, and thus the credit line was extended to 2022. If special needs arise, financing 

will be reviewed case by case.

The following table analyzes the group’s financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period at 

the balance sheet to the contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash 

flows calculated with the year-end closing rates. Borrowings include the notional amount as well as interest payments.

Maturity profile of financial liabilities

millions of CHF

Borrowings

Trade accounts payable

Carrying 
amount

713.8

433.8

Other current and non-current liabilities (including 
derivative liabilities)

88.7

71.1

16.8

<1 year

1–2 years

3–5 years

>5 years

263.8

433.8

4.1

–

336.0

129.8

–

0.5

–

0.3

millions of CHF

Borrowings

Trade accounts payable

Other current and non-current liabilities

6.2 Capital risk management

Carrying 
amount

465.4

379.3

63.8

<1 year

1–2 years

3–5 years

>5 years

10.1

379.3

53.4

8.7

–

9.2

9.3

–

–

454.0

–

1.2

2017

Total

733.7

433.8

88.7

2016

Total

482.1

379.3

63.8

The group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to 

provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the 

cost of capital. In this respect, the group aims at maintaining an investment grade credit rating, either as a perceived rating or 

an external rating issued by a credit rating agency.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Notes to the consolidated financial statements

123

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return 

capital to shareholders, issue new shares, or sell assets to reduce debt.

The following table shows the net debt/EBITDA ratio as at December 31, 2017 and 2016. The increase of net debt in 2017 is 

particularly due to the additional borrowings needed mainly to finance the acquisitions.

Net debt/EBITDA ratio

millions of CHF

Net debt

EBITDA

Net debt/EBITDA

2017

–225.0

277.4

0.81

2016

–35.9

250.5

0.14

Another important ratio for the group is the gearing ratio (debt-to-equity ratio), which is calculated as total financial debt 

divided by equity attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd. The equity capital as shown in the balance sheet corresponds to 

the managed equity capital.

The increase in the gearing ratio during 2017 resulted mainly from the increase in borrowings.

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the gearing ratio was as follows:

Gearing ratio

millions of CHF

Borrowings

Equity attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

Borrowings-to-equity ratio (gearing)

6.3 Fair value estimation

2017

713.8

1’680.1

0.42

2016

465.4

1’581.2

0.29

The following tables present the carrying amounts and fair values of financial assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017 

and 2016, including their levels in the fair value hierarchy. For financial assets and financial liabilities not measured at fair value 

in the balance sheet, fair value information is not provided if the carrying amount is a reasonable approximation of fair value.

Fair values are categorized into three different levels in a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used in the valuation 

techniques as follows:

The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets, including the outstanding bonds, is based on quoted market 

prices at the balance sheet date. Such instruments are included in level 1.

The fair values included in level 2 are based on valuation techniques using observable market input data. This may include 

discounted cash flow analysis, option pricing models or reference to other instruments that are substantially the same, while 

always making maximum use of market inputs and relying as little as possible on entity-specific inputs. The fair values of 

forward contracts are measured based on broker quotes for foreign exchange rates and interest rates.

Fair values measured using unobservable inputs are categorized within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. This applies 

particularly to contingent considerations in business combinations.

Contingent considerations are linked to the fulfillment of certain parameters, mainly related to earn-out clauses and 

technology transfer. For more information please refer to note 4.

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124

Carrying 
amount

Fair value

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

December 31, 2017

0.2

7.3

7.5

0.2

7.3

7.5

9.4

4.2

8.6

901.8

27.0

488.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

6.8

5.1

14.6

26.5

456.0

456.0

456.0

456.0

0.2

7.3

7.5

–

–

–

–

–

6.8

–

–

6.8

–

–

–

5.1

14.6

19.7

–

–

Total financial assets not measured at fair value

1’439.8

–

Fair value table

millions of CHF

Financial assets measured at fair value

Derivative assets – non-current

Derivative assets – current

Total financial assets measured at fair value

Financial assets not measured at fair value

Loans and receivables

Available-for-sale financial assets

Non-current receivables (excluding non-current derivative 
assets)

Trade accounts receivable

Other current receivables (excluding current derivative 
assets and other taxes)

Cash and cash equivalents

Notes

28

21, 28

17

17

20

21

22

Financial liabilities measured at fair value

Derivative liabilities – current

Contingent considerations

Put option liability

Total financial liabilities measured at fair value

Financial liabilities not measured at fair value

Outstanding bond

Other non-current borrowings

Other current borrowings and bank loans

Other non-current liabilities (excluding put option liability)

Trade accounts payable

Other current liabilities (excluding current derivative 
liabilities, other taxes, and contingent considerations)

Total financial liabilities not measured at fair value

27, 28

4

4

25

25

25

6.8

5.1

14.6

26.5

450.4

8.3

255.1

3.0

433.8

23.9

1’174.5

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125

Total financial assets not measured at fair value

1’415.7

–

Fair value table

millions of CHF

Financial assets measured at fair value

Derivative assets – current

Total financial assets measured at fair value

Financial assets not measured at fair value

Loans and receivables

Available-for-sale financial assets

Non-current receivables (excluding non-current derivative 
assets)

Trade accounts receivable

Other accounts receivable (excluding current derivative 
assets)

Cash and cash equivalents

Notes

21, 28

17

17

20

21

22

Financial liabilities measured at fair value

Derivative liabilities – non-current

Derivative liabilities – current

Contingent considerations

Total financial liabilities measured at fair value

Financial liabilities not measured at fair value

Outstanding bond

Other non-current borrowings

Other current borrowings and bank loans

Other non-current liabilities (excluding non-current 
derivative liabilities)

Trade accounts payable

Other current liabilities (excluding current derivative 
liabilities)

Total financial liabilities not measured at fair value

7 Corporate risk management

28

27, 28

4

25

25

25

27

Carrying 
amount

Fair value

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

December 31, 2016

6.6

6.6

6.6

6.6

8.6

4.5

7.0

883.2

82.9

429.5

0.2

9.2

9.5

18.9

0.2

9.2

9.5

18.9

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

450.4

452.9

452.9

7.9

7.1

10.2

379.3

44.2

899.1

452.9

452.9

6.6

6.6

–

–

–

0.2

9.2

–

9.4

–

–

–

–

–

9.5

9.5

–

–

Sulzer maintains an integrated risk management system that is under constant scrutiny for further improvement. A defined risk 

management process and four common tools (risk assessment schedule, risk-profiling matrix, risk description schedule, loss 

control schedule) are applied in order to assess and control all key risks, to implement and maintain risk financing and risk 

transfer measures, to monitor the results, and to define and implement corrective actions if required. In order to reflect the 

organizational changes towards a more market-oriented approach, the risk management process was adapted accordingly. 

Key risks were assessed on business unit level and consolidated on group level. The business units together with the divisions 

and the group functions generate their respective key risk-profiling matrices and complete and update the related risk control 

schedules on an annual basis. These schedules identify specific risk exposures and the related risk objectives, list existing 

loss controls, address their effectiveness, list (where required) additional or alternative loss controls, and determine 

responsibilities and time frames for their implementation. The business units’ key risk-profiling matrices are reviewed at the 

group level and are then consolidated into a Sulzer key risk-profiling matrix. The head of Risk Management informs the Audit 

Committee at least once a year of the current risks and risk mitigation as well as of the progress toward achieving major risk 

objectives. The assessment of risk management processes is included within the charter and scope of Group Internal Audit.

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126

8 Personnel expenses

millions of CHF

Salaries and wages

Defined contribution plan expenses

Defined benefit plan expenses/(income)

Cost of share-based payment transactions

Social benefit costs

Other personnel costs

Total personnel expenses

2017

853.1

25.7

18.7

10.8

137.2

32.7

1’078.2

2016

795.8

30.1

–16.6

7.5

126.7

27.6

971.1

In 2016, pension plan amendments in Switzerland had a positive impact of CHF 35.4 million to the income statement 2016 and 

were recorded as a reduction of defined benefit plan expenses. In 2017, no comparable effect was recognized.

9 Employee benefit plans

The defined benefit obligation for the active members of pension plans is the present value of accrued pension obligations at 

balance sheet date considering future salary and pension increases as well as turnover rates (using the Project Unit Credit 

Method). The defined benefit obligation for the retirees is the present value of the current and future pension benefits 

considering future pension increases.

millions of CHF

Reconciliation of the amount recognized in the 
balance sheet as of December 31

Present value of funded defined benefit obligation

Fair value of plan assets

Overfunding / (underfunding)

Present value of unfunded defined benefit obligation

Adjustment to asset ceiling

Asset / (liability) recognized in the balance sheet

– thereof as liabilities under defined benefit obligation

– thereof as prepaid expenses

Funded plans 
Switzerland

Funded plans 
United 
Kingdom

Funded plans 
USA

Funded plans 
Others

Unfunded 
plans

–1’218.3

1’210.6

–7.7

–

–1.6

–9.3

–22.5

13.2

–634.4

502.3

–132.1

–

–

–132.1

–132.1

–

–65.4

45.9

–19.5

–

–

–19.5

–19.5

–

–79.5

65.5

–14.0

–

–

–14.0

–14.1

0.1

–

–

–

–50.9

–

–50.9

–50.9

–

Funded plans 
Switzerland

Funded plans 
United 
Kingdom

Funded plans 
USA

Funded plans 
Others

Unfunded 
plans

–1’271.2

1’213.4

–57.8

–

–2.2

–60.0

–69.6

9.6

–666.2

479.7

–186.5

–

–

–186.5

–186.5

–

–64.9

42.8

–22.1

–

–

–22.1

–22.1

–

–62.2

47.4

–14.8

–

–0.1

–14.9

–15.0

0.1

–

–

–

–46.4

–

–46.4

–46.4

–

millions of CHF

Reconciliation of the amount recognized in the 
balance sheet as of December 31

Present value of funded defined benefit obligation

Fair value of plan assets

Overfunding / (underfunding)

Present value of unfunded defined benefit obligation

Adjustment to asset ceiling

Asset / (liability) recognized in the balance sheet

– thereof as liabilities under defined benefit obligation

– thereof as prepaid expenses

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2017

Total

–1’997.6

1’824.3

–173.3

–50.9

–1.6

–225.8

–239.1

13.3

2016

Total

–2’064.5

1’783.3

–281.2

–46.4

–2.3

–329.9

–339.6

9.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Notes to the consolidated financial statements

127

Sulzer operates major funded defined benefit pension plans in Switzerland, UK, Ireland, and the USA. Unfunded defined 

benefit plans relate to German pension benefit plans. The plans are exposed to actuarial risks, e.g. longevity risk, currency 

risk, interest rate risk, and the funded plans additionally to market (investment) risk.

In Switzerland, Sulzer contributes to two pension plans funded via two different pension funds, i.e. a base plan for all 

employees and a supplementary plan for employees with salaries exceeding a certain limit. Both plans provide benefits 

depending on the pension savings at retirement. They include certain legal minimum interest credits to the pension savings 

(i.e. investment return) and guaranteed rates of conversion of pension savings into an annuity at retirement. In addition, the 

plans offer death in service and disability benefits. The two pension funds are collective funds administrating pension plans of 

Sulzer group companies and also unrelated companies. In case of a material underfunding of the pension plans, the 

regulations include predefined steps, such as higher contribution by employer and employees or lower interest on pension 

savings, to eliminate the underfunding. The pension funds are legally separated from the group. The vast majority of the active 

participants in the two pension funds are employed by companies not belonging to the Sulzer group. The Board of Trustees 

for the base plan comprises ten employee and ten employer representatives. The average discount rate remained stable in 

2017 compared to 2016. Fewer active plan participants and retirees resulted in a lower defined benefit obligation in 2017 

compared to 2016. Despite having fewer active members and retirees the plan assets remained stable compared to 2016 due 

to a good return on plan assets. The total expenses recognized in the income statement in 2017 were CHF 15.3 million (2016: 

income of CHF 17.9 million, impacted by pension plan amendments). The Swiss Pension Fund Board decided in June 2016 to 

reduce the guaranteed pension conversion rate by 1.0 percentage points over four years, beginning January 1, 2018. The plan 

amendments, recognized as past service cost, have had a positive impact of CHF 35.4 million in the income statement 2016.

In the UK, Sulzer merged its two funded defined benefit plans into one funded defined benefit plan. The plan is a final salary 

plan and provides benefits linked to salary at closure to future accrual adjusted for inflation to retirement or earlier date of 

leaving service. The scheme is fully closed to new entrants and future accruals. The scheme is managed by six trustees 

forming the Board. The plan is a multi-employer scheme with Sulzer (UK) Holding being the principal sponsor. The discount 

rate remained stable at 2.5% (2016: 2.5%). The net pension liabilities decreased from CHF 186.5 million in 2016 to 

CHF 132.1 million, due to changes in financial and demographic assumptions. The total expenses recognized in the income 

statement in 2017 were CHF 5.1 million compared to CHF 4.0 million in 2016.

In the USA, Sulzer operates non-contributory defined benefit retirement plans. The salaried plans provide benefits that are 

based on years of service and the employee’s compensation, averaged over the five highest consecutive years preceding 

retirement. The hourly plans’ benefits are based on years of service and a flat dollar benefit multiplier. All plans were closed for 

new entrants. In 2017, an expense of CHF 0.9 million was recognized in the income statement (2016: an expense of 

CHF 0.9 million). The discount rate decreased to 3.6% in 2017 (2016: 4.0%). The amount recognized in other comprehensive 

income (OCI) in 2017 was CHF –1.1 million (2016: CHF –0.6 million).

In Germany, Sulzer operates a range of different defined benefit pension plans. The majority of these plans are unfunded and 

benefits are paid directly by the employer to the beneficiaries as they became due. All defined benefit plans are closed for new 

joiners and a new defined contribution plan for all employees was introduced in 2007. Existing employees who participated in 

the defined benefit plans continued to be eligible for these defined benefit pensions but became also eligible for the new 

defined contribution pensions. However, benefits received under the defined contribution plan are offset against the benefits 

under the defined benefit plans. The different defined benefit plans offer retirement pension, disability pension, and survivor’s 

pension benefits.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Notes to the consolidated financial statements

128

Employee benefit plans

millions of CHF

Reconciliation of effect of asset ceiling

Adjustment to asset ceiling at January 1

Change in effect of asset ceiling excl. interest income / (expense)

Adjustment to asset ceiling at December 31

Reconciliation of asset / (liability) recognized in the balance sheet

Asset / (liability) recognized at January 1

Defined benefit income / (loss) recognized in the income statement

Defined benefit income / (loss) recognized in OCI

Employer contribution

Acquired through business combination

Currency translation differences

Asset / (liability) recognized at December 31

Components of defined benefit income / (expense) in the income statement

Current service cost (employer)

Interest cost

Interest income on plan assets

Past service cost

Effects of curtailments and settlement

Other administrative cost

Income / (expense) recognized in the income statement

– thereof charged to personnel expenses

– thereof charged to financial expense

Components of defined benefit gain / (loss) in OCI

Actuarial gain / (loss) on defined benefit obligation

Return on plan assets excl. interest income

Change in effect of asset ceiling excl. interest expense / (income)

Return on reimbursement right excl. interest income

Defined benefit gain / (loss) recognized in OCI 1)

1) The tax effect on defined benefit cost recognized in OCI amounted to CHF –21.8 million (2016: CHF 16.1 million)

2017

–2.3

0.7

–1.6

–329.9

–25.7

113.6

29.8

–2.7

–10.9

–225.8

–18.2

–27.4

20.4

–0.1

0.2

–0.6

–25.7

–18.7

–7.0

29.4

83.4

0.7

0.1

113.6

2016

–1.3

–1.0

–2.3

–285.2

9.8

–98.2

28.3

–7.0

22.4

–329.9

–20.8

–33.5

26.7

37.6

0.4

–0.6

9.8

16.6

–6.8

–202.5

104.9

–1.0

0.4

–98.2

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Notes to the consolidated financial statements

129

Employee benefit plans

millions of CHF

Reconciliation of defined benefit obligation

Defined benefit obligation as of January 1

Interest cost

Current service cost (employer)

Contributions by plan participants

Past service cost

Benefits paid/deposited

Effects of curtailments and settlement

Acquired through business combination

Other administrative cost

Actuarial gain / (loss) on obligation

Currency translation differences

Defined benefit obligation as of December 31 1)

Reconciliation of the fair value of plan assets

Fair value of plan assets as of January 1

Interest income on plan assets

Employer contribution

Contributions by plan participants

Benefits paid/deposited

Effects of curtailments and settlement

Acquired through business combination

Return on plan assets excl. interest income

Currency translation differences

Fair value of plan assets as of December 31

Total plan assets at fair value – quoted market price

Cash and cash equivalents

Equity instruments third parties

Debt instruments third parties

Real estate funds

Investment funds

Others

2017

2016

–2’110.9

–2’088.5

–27.4

–18.2

–9.7

–0.1

139.7

0.2

–13.5

–0.6

29.4

–37.4

–2’048.5

1’783.3

20.4

29.8

9.7

–139.7

–0.2

10.8

83.4

26.8

1’824.3

94.5

623.0

513.4

32.7

3.4

76.3

–33.5

–20.8

–9.0

37.6

128.2

2.6

–20.0

–0.6

–202.5

95.6

–2’110.9

1’804.6

26.7

28.3

9.0

–128.0

–2.2

13.0

104.9

–73.0

1’783.3

134.6

598.6

526.6

30.0

4.0

38.3

Total assets at fair value – quoted market price as of December 31

1’343.3

1’332.1

Total plan assets at fair value – non-quoted market price

Properties occupied by or used by third-parties (real estate)

Others

Total assets at fair value – non-quoted market price as of December 31

Best estimate of contributions for upcoming financial year

272.0

209.0

481.0

267.0

184.2

451.2

Contributions by the employer

26.0

25.0

1) The defined benefit obligation 2017 includes the funded part (CHF 1’997.6 million) and the unfunded part (CHF 50.9 million).

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Employee benefit plans

millions of CHF

Components of defined benefit obligation, split

Defined benefit obligation for active members

Defined benefit obligation for pensioners

Defined benefit obligation for deferred members

Total defined benefit obligation at December 31

Components of actuarial gain / (losses) on obligations

Actuarial gain / (loss) arising from changes in financial assumptions

Actuarial gain / (loss) arising from changes in demographic assumptions

Actuarial gain / (loss) arising from experience adjustments

Total actuarial gain / (loss) on defined benefit obligation

Components of economic benefit available

Economic benefits available in form of reduction in future contribution

Total economic benefit available

Maturity profile of defined benefit obligation

2017

2016

–354.7

–1’325.0

–368.8

–2’048.5

–7.1

19.6

16.9

29.4

453.9

453.9

–334.8

–1’367.9

–408.2

–2’110.9

–158.0

–27.5

–17.0

–202.5

343.1

343.1

Weighted average duration of defined benefit obligation in years

13.8

13.5

Since the defined benefit obligation for the Swiss and UK pension plans represents more than 91% (2016: 94%) of the group, 

the following significant actuarial assumptions apply exclusively to these two countries:

Principal actuarial assumptions as of December 31

Funded plans 
Switzerland

Funded plans 
United Kingdom

Funded plans 
Switzerland

Funded plans United 
Kingdom

2017

2016

Discount rate for active employees

Discount rate for pensioners

Future salary increases

Future pension increases

Life expectancy at retirement age (male/female) in years

0.7%

0.4%

1.0%

0.0%

23/25

2.5%

2.5%

0.0%

2.5%

22/24

0.8%

0.4%

1.0%

0.0%

22/24

millions of CHF

Sensitivity analysis of defined benefit obligation

Discount rate (decrease 0.25%)

Discount rate (increase 0.25%)

Future salary growth (decrease 0.25%)

Future salary growth (increase 0.25%)

Life expectancy (decrease 1 year)

Life expectancy (increase 1 year)

2017

–71.7

67.5

3.1

–3.2

105.5

–104.2

10 Research and development expenses

A breakdown of the research and development expenses per division is shown in the table below:

2.5%

2.5%

0.0%

2.5%

22/24

2016

–75.6

71.0

3.7

–3.8

113.4

–111.7

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Notes to the consolidated financial statements

131

millions of CHF

Pumps Equipment

Rotating Equipment Services

Chemtech

Applicator Systems

Others

Total

1) Reclassified numbers according to new operational structure, effective since January 1, 2017.

11 Other operating income and expenses

millions of CHF

Income from release of contingent consideration

Gain from sale of property, plant, and equipment

Operating currency exchange gains, net

Other operating income

Total other operating income

Restructuring expenses

Impairments of tangible and intangible assets

Cost for mergers and acquisitions

Loss from sale of property, plant, and equipment

Total other operating expenses

Total other operating income and expenses, net

2017

39.0

1.4

16.3

23.8

0.5

81.0

2017

2.6

4.6

1.3

13.7

22.2

–21.7

–15.4

–4.1

–0.2

–41.4

–19.2

2016 1)

30.8

3.0

17.2

20.3

0.1

71.4

2016

4.8

3.1

4.1

11.4

23.4

–57.0

–18.4

–5.0

–1.9

–82.3

–58.9

During 2017, the group reassessed the achievement of the earn-out targets related to contingent consideration arrangements. 

The reassessment resulted in an income of CHF 2.6 million (2016: CHF 4.8 million).

Other operating income includes income from litigation cases, government grants and incentives, and recharges to third 

parties not qualifying as sales from customers.

As part of the Sulzer Full Potential (SFP) program, Sulzer has initiated several measures to adapt the global manufacturing 

capacities and streamline the organizational setup. In 2017, the group recognized restructuring costs of CHF 21.7 million 

(2016: CHF 57.0 million). Restructuring costs are mainly associated with measures started in France, China, Brazil, 

Switzerland, and Ireland. The group further performed impairment tests on the related production machines and facilities 

leading to impairments of CHF 15.4 million (2016: CHF 18.4 million). For more details refer to note 15.

The functional allocation of the total restructuring expenses and impairments is as follows: Cost of goods sold CHF –

20.0 million (2016: CHF –52.7 million), selling and distribution expenses CHF –3.7 million (2016: CHF –2.9 million), and general 

and administrative expenses CHF –13.4 million (2016: CHF –19.8 million).

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132

12 Financial income and expenses

millions of CHF

Interest and securities income

Total interest and securities income

Interest expenses

Interest expenses on employee benefit plans

Total interest expenses

Net interest expenses

Income from investments and other financial assets

Fair value changes

Other financial expenses

Currency exchange losses (net)

Total other financial income/(expenses), net

Total financial expenses

– thereof from financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss

– thereof from loans and receivables

– thereof from borrowings

– thereof from investments

– thereof from employee benefit plans

2017

4.1

4.1

–8.2

–7.0

–15.2

–11.1

0.8

1.2

–1.2

–0.5

0.3

–10.8

1.2

2.4

–8.2

0.8

–7.0

2016

5.2

5.2

–10.6

–6.8

–17.4

–12.2

0.1

2.0

–1.6

–7.6

–7.1

–19.3

2.0

–4.0

–10.6

0.1

–6.8

The income on interest and securities decreased, and also interest expenses decreased compared with 2016, mainly due to 

lower coupon expenses on the CHF 450 million bond issued on July 11, 2016, replacing the matured CHF 500 million bond. 

Thus, total interest expenses on bonds in 2017 reduced to CHF 2.2 million from CHF 7.4 million in 2016. On the other hand, 

due to the increased level of other borrowings, interest expenses related to other borrowings increased from CHF 3.2 million in 

2016 to CHF 6.0 million in 2017. The “Fair value changes” largely comprise the fair valuation of derivative financial instruments 

that are classified as financial assets or financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss and that are used as hedging 

instruments with regard to foreign exchange risks.

13 Income taxes

millions of CHF

Current income tax expenses

Deferred income tax income

Total income tax expenses

2017

–55.4

17.2

–38.2

2016

–54.3

19.2

–35.1

The weighted average tax rate results from applying each subsidiary’s statutory income tax rate to the income before taxes. 

Since the group operates in countries that have differing tax laws and rates, the consolidated weighted average effective tax 

rate will vary from year to year according to variations in income per country and changes in applicable tax rates.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Notes to the consolidated financial statements

133

Reconciliation of income tax expenses

millions of CHF

Income before income tax expenses

Weighted average tax rate

Income taxes at weighted average tax rate

Income taxed at different tax rates

Effect of tax loss carryforwards and allowances for deferred income tax assets

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

Effect of changes in tax rates and legislation

Prior year items and others

Total income tax expenses

Effective income tax rate

2017

125.4

22.8%

–28.6

6.1

–4.6

–4.3

–4.8

–2.0

–38.2

30.5%

2016

95.2

23.1%

–22.0

3.4

–6.0

–4.0

–1.9

–4.6

–35.1

36.9%

The effective income tax rate of 30.5% (2016: 36.9%) is mainly impacted by the enacted US Tax Reform and restructuring 

expenses in China with no corresponding tax effect. The negative effect of the US Federal Corporate Income Tax Rate 

reduction from 35.0% to 21.0% amounts to CHF 4.1 million due to the revaluation of deferred tax assets and the further 

combined effects of CHF 3.6 million. Excluding these one-time effects, the effective income tax rate would have been at 

23.4%. The effective income tax rate for 2016 of 36.9% was impacted by various restructuring expenses with no 

corresponding tax effects. Excluding the restructuring expenses, the effective income tax rate would have been at 24.3%.

Income tax liabilities

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Acquired through business combination

Additions

Released as no longer required

Utilized

Currency translation differences

Total income tax liabilities as of December 31

– thereof non-current

– thereof current

2017

16.5

2.0

51.9

–

–44.3

1.0

27.1

2.3

24.8

2016

12.5

3.8

51.6

–9.0

–40.5

–1.9

16.5

2.6

13.9

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Notes to the consolidated financial statements

134

Summary of deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the balance sheet

millions of CHF

Intangible assets

Property, plant, and equipment

Other financial assets

Inventories

Other assets

Non-current provisions

Defined benefit plans

Current provisions

Other current liabilities

Tax loss carryforwards

Elimination of intercompany profits

Assets

Liabilities

0.5

7.4

0.2

22.1

19.7

16.7

35.4

22.9

28.5

38.0

0.7

–107.7

–10.9

–0.1

–4.5

–18.6

–2.5

–0.3

–3.7

–8.9

–

–

Tax assets/liabilities

192.1

–157.2

2017

Net

–107.2

–3.5

0.1

17.6

1.1

14.2

35.1

19.2

19.6

38.0

0.7

34.9

Assets

Liabilities

0.3

4.6

0.8

22.9

27.1

17.3

60.5

25.5

24.4

28.8

0.7

–98.9

–15.4

–1.5

–5.2

–11.5

–2.3

–0.6

–0.5

–15.0

–

–

212.9

–150.9

Offset of assets and liabilities

–52.4

52.4

–

–55.3

55.3

2016

Net

–98.6

–10.8

–0.7

17.7

15.6

15.0

59.9

25.0

9.4

28.8

0.7

62.0

–

Net recorded deferred income tax assets and liabilities

139.7

–104.8

34.9

157.6

–95.6

62.0

Cumulative deferred income taxes recorded in equity as of December 31, 2017, amounted to CHF 25.9 million (December 31, 

2016: CHF 48.8 million). In compliance with the exception clause of IAS 12, the group does not recognize deferred taxes on 

investments in subsidiaries in the balance sheet.

Movement of deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the balance sheet

Balance as of 
January 1

Recognized 
in profit or 
loss

Recognized in 
other 
comprehensive 
income

Acquisition of 
subsidiaries

Currency 
translation 
differences

–98.6

–10.8

–0.7

17.7

15.6

15.0

59.9

25.0

9.4

28.8

0.7

62.0

10.5

7.4

1.9

–0.1

–14.2

–1.0

–4.1

–5.5

10.1

12.2

–

17.2

–

–

–1.1

–

–

–

–21.8

–

–

–

–

–19.1

–0.1

–

–0.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–22.9

–19.8

–

–

–

0.6

–0.3

0.2

1.1

–0.3

0.1

–3.0

–

–1.6

2017

Balance as of 
December 31

–107.2

–3.5

0.1

17.6

1.1

14.2

35.1

19.2

19.6

38.0

0.7

34.9

millions of CHF

Intangible assets

Property, plant, and equipment

Other financial assets

Inventories

Other assets

Non-current provisions

Defined benefit plans

Current provisions

Other current liabilities

Tax loss carryforwards

Elimination of intercompany profits

Total

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Notes to the consolidated financial statements

135

millions of CHF

Intangible assets

Property, plant, and equipment

Other financial assets

Inventories

Other assets

Non-current provisions

Defined benefit plans

Current provisions

Other current liabilities

Tax loss carryforwards

Elimination of intercompany profits

Total

Tax loss carryforwards

millions of CHF

Expiring in the next 3 years

Expiring in 4–7 years

Available without limitation

Total tax loss carryforwards as of December 31

millions of CHF

Expiring in the next 3 years

Expiring in 4–7 years

Available without limitation

Total tax loss carryforwards as of December 31

Balance as of 
January 1

Recognized 
in profit or 
loss

Recognized in 
other 
comprehensive 
income

Acquisition of 
subsidiaries

Currency 
translation 
differences

Balance as of 
December 31

2016

–69.8

–13.4

2.6

13.8

7.6

12.2

52.4

25.1

7.7

25.4

0.7

64.3

6.2

1.8

–3.4

4.2

6.1

2.5

–4.9

–1.2

5.4

2.5

–

19.2

–

–

–0.4

–

–

–

16.1

–

–

–

–

–36.7

0.8

–

–1.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

15.7

–36.9

1.7

–

0.5

0.7

1.9

0.3

–3.7

1.1

–3.7

0.9

–

–0.3

Amount

Potential tax 
assets

Valuation 
allowance

Carrying 
amount

3.9

92.3

160.4

256.6

0.9

21.1

34.0

56.0

–0.1

–3.1

–14.8

–18.0

0.8

18.0

19.2

38.0

Amount

Potential tax 
assets

Valuation 
allowance

Carrying 
amount

0.8

85.0

78.1

163.9

0.2

19.4

19.0

38.6

–0.2

–4.5

–5.1

–9.8

–

14.9

13.9

28.8

–98.6

–10.8

–0.7

17.7

15.6

15.0

59.9

25.0

9.4

28.8

0.7

62.0

2017

TLCF

0.5

14.3

71.4

86.2

2016

TLCF

0.8

20.4

27.3

48.5

Deferred income tax assets are recognized for tax loss carryforwards to the extent that the realization of the related tax benefit 

through future taxable profits is probable. No deferred income tax assets have been recognized on tax loss carryforwards in 

the amount of CHF 86.2 million (2016: CHF 48.5 million).

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Notes to the consolidated financial statements

136

14 Intangible assets

millions of CHF

Acquisition cost

Balance as of January 1

Acquired through business combination

Additions

Disposals

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Accumulated amortization

Balance as of January 1

Additions

Disposals

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Net book value

As of January 1

As of December 31

millions of CHF

Acquisition cost

Balance as of January 1

Acquired through business combination

Additions

Disposals

Reclassifications

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Accumulated amortization

Balance as of January 1

Additions

Disposals

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Net book value

As of January 1

As of December 31

Goodwill impairment test

Goodwill

Trademarks 
and licenses

Research and 
development

Computer 
software

Customer 
relationship

1’120.1

50.3

–

–

35.3

1’205.7

149.3

25.9

0.1

–0.3

5.8

8.7

2.2

0.5

–

0.3

180.8

11.7

340.0

105.0

–

–

–

11.8

–0.3

2.5

340.0

119.0

780.1

865.7

44.3

61.8

2.5

1.8

–

0.1

4.4

6.2

7.3

48.1

0.1

1.9

–3.0

0.7

47.8

43.0

2.5

–3.0

0.1

42.6

5.1

5.2

433.0

83.0

0.1

–

27.4

543.5

153.3

37.7

–

6.0

197.0

279.7

346.5

Goodwill

Trademarks 
and licenses

Research and 
development

Computer 
software

Customer 
relationship

1’019.8

121.3

–

–

–

–21.0

1’120.1

340.0

–

–

–

133.2

11.2

–

0.1

–

4.8

149.3

93.4

13.5

0.1

–2.0

340.0

105.0

679.8

780.1

39.8

44.3

6.3

2.2

0.2

–

–

–

8.7

1.1

1.4

–

–

2.5

5.2

6.2

44.6

0.8

1.2

–1.0

1.6

0.9

48.1

39.5

3.7

–1.0

0.8

43.0

5.1

5.1

332.4

120.1

–

–6.6

–

–12.9

433.0

136.1

28.7

–6.6

–4.9

153.3

196.3

279.7

2017

Total

1’759.2

161.5

2.6

–3.3

69.5

1’989.5

643.8

53.8

–3.3

8.7

703.0

1’115.4

1’286.5

2016

Total

1’536.3

255.6

1.4

–7.5

1.6

–28.2

1’759.2

610.1

47.3

–7.5

–6.1

643.8

926.2

1’115.4

The following events during the reporting period resulted in a new definition of the cash-generating units (CGUs):

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Notes to the consolidated financial statements

137

—

As of January 1, 2017, the spare parts business for pumps was transferred from the Pumps Equipment to the Rotating 

Equipment Services division. The group also changed the operational structure of its organization. The cash-generating 

unit Water and the other business units of the Pumps Equipment division have been combined into the cash-generating 

unit Pumps Equipment.

—

As of January 1, 2017, the group separated the business for liquid applications and mixing technology, previously 

reported in the Chemtech division, into a new division and cash-generating unit called Applicator Systems.

The respective goodwill has been reallocated to the cash-generating units as follows:

millions of CHF

Goodwill, net book value as of December 31 is allocated as follows

Pumps Equipment – business unit Water

Pumps Equipment – other business units, individually not significant

Pumps Equipment

Rotating Equipment Services – region EMEA

Rotating Equipment Services – region APAC

Rotating Equipment Services – region AME

Chemtech – Separation Technology

Chemtech – Tower Field Service

2017

Goodwill

865.7

–

–

320.7

146.7

8.6

72.8

71.7

19.4

Goodwill, as 
reported

Goowill 
transferred, 
based on 
new structure

780.1

264.1

25.2

–

129.9

8.4

74.2

69.0

19.3

–0.0

–264.1

–25.2

286.6

0.8

–

1.9

–

0.8

2016

Goodwill, 
restated

780.1

–

–

286.6

130.7

8.4

76.1

69.0

20.1

Applicator Systems (previous Chemtech SMS)

225.8

190.0

–0.8

189.2

Goodwill is allocated to the smallest cash-generating unit at which goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes 

(i.e. division, business units, or areas). The fair value of these units is determined by calculating its value in use over a five-year 

cash flow projection period. The calculation uses the budget for next year (2018), the three-year strategic plan for subsequent 

two periods (2019–2020), and a management calculation for the next two periods (2021–2022). The budget has been reviewed 

by the Board of Directors. Cash flows beyond this planning period are extrapolated using a terminal value including the growth 

rates as stated below:

2017

2016

Growth rate 
residual value

Pre-tax 
discount rate

Growth rate 
residual value

Pre-tax 
discount rate

–

–

2.0%

2.0%

–

2.0%

2.0%

–

2.0%

1.0%

1.0%

–

–

9.2%

12.5%

–

12.4%

12.8%

1.0%

2.0%

–

2.0%

2.0%

–

–

10.6%

11.6%

–

10.0%

10.0%

–

–

–

1.0%

8.9%

9.9%

10.4%

6.6%

–

–

–

–

–

–

Pumps Equipment – business unit Water

Pumps Equipment – other business units, individually not significant

Pumps Equipment

Rotating Equipment Services – region EMEA

Rotating Equipment Services – other business units, individually not significant

Rotating Equipment Services – region APAC

Rotating Equipment Services – region AME

Chemtech

Chemtech – Separation Technology

Chemtech – Tower Field Service

Applicator Systems

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Notes to the consolidated financial statements

138

Sensitivity analyses

The recoverable amount from cash-generating units is measured on the basis of value-in-use calculations significantly 

impacted by the terminal growth rate used to determine the residual value, the discount rate, and the projected cash flows. A 

reduction of the terminal growth rate by 1% or an increase of the pre-tax discount rate by 1% would not lead to an impairment 

for all the cash-generating units.

15 Property, plant, and equipment

millions of CHF

Acquisition cost

Balance as of January 1

Acquired through business combination

Additions

Disposals

Reclassifications

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Accumulated depreciation

Balance as of January 1

Additions

Disposals

Impairments

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Net book value

As of January 1

As of December 31

Thereof leased property, plant, and equipment

Acquisition cost of leased property, plant, and equipment

Accumulated depreciation

Net book value as of December 31

Leasing commitments (present value) as of December 31

Land and 
buildings

Machinery 
and technical 
equipment

Other non-
current 
assets

Assets under 
construction

383.6

10.5

7.0

–12.4

7.7

6.1

402.5

164.8

13.4

–6.9

4.4

2.5

178.2

218.8

224.3

7.0

0.7

6.3

6.7

713.0

15.0

30.8

–45.1

19.8

16.5

750.0

488.6

47.3

–42.6

8.8

10.2

512.3

224.4

237.7

1.5

0.2

1.3

1.2

187.2

1.5

8.7

–20.5

2.3

3.4

182.6

152.0

11.0

–20.1

2.2

3.9

149.0

35.2

33.6

0.3

0.3

–

–

32.6

1.0

32.1

–

–29.8

0.1

36.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

32.6

36.0

–

–

–

–

2017

Total

1’316.4

28.0

78.6

–78.0

–

26.1

1’371.1

805.4

71.7

–69.6

15.4

16.6

839.5

511.0

531.6

8.8

1.2

7.6

7.9

Following restructuring announcements and under absorption in 2017, the group performed impairment tests on the related 

production machines and facilities, resulting in impairments of CHF 15.4 million as of December 31, 2017 (December 31, 2016: 

CHF 18.4 million), all of which were charged to other operating expenses. The impairment losses recognized in 2017 are 

mainly related to test beds and production machines which are not used anymore in the production process. The recoverable 

amount of these assets has been determined to be nil, since there is no market to dispose the assets externally. In 2017 the 

group sold three buildings in Canada, Denmark, and Finland with a book value of CHF 4.3 million for CHF 8.1 million resulting 

in a gain of CHF 3.8 million. Other fixed assets with a book value of CHF 4.1 million (2016: CHF 11.0 million) were sold for CHF 

4.7 million (2016: CHF 12.2 million) resulting in a gain of CHF 0.6 million (2016: gain of CHF 1.2 million).

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Notes to the consolidated financial statements

139

millions of CHF

Acquisition cost

Balance as of January 1

Acquired through business combination

Additions

Disposals

Reclassifications

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Accumulated depreciation

Balance as of January 1

Additions

Disposals

Impairments

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Net book value

As of January 1

As of December 31

Thereof leased property, plant, and equipment

Acquisition cost of leased property, plant, and equipment

Accumulated depreciation

Net book value as of December 31

Leasing commitments (present value) as of December 31

Pledged assets as of December 31

16 Associates

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Additions

Disposal as a result of the acquisition of SRE FZE

Share of loss of associates

Dividend payments received

Currency translation differences

Total investments in associates as of December 31

Land and 
buildings

Machinery 
and technical 
equipment

Other non-
current 
assets

Assets under 
construction

377.2

9.9

9.0

–14.8

3.6

–1.3

383.6

155.5

12.4

–8.9

6.8

–1.0

164.8

221.7

218.8

2.1

2.1

–

1.7

0.4

679.1

31.1

25.3

–36.5

21.4

–7.4

713.0

473.9

42.7

–33.9

11.0

–5.1

488.6

205.2

224.4

1.1

0.2

0.9

0.8

0.2

26.0

5.7

30.5

–

–29.2

–0.4

32.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

26.0

32.6

–

–

–

–

–

189.7

2.7

8.7

–17.5

2.6

1.0

187.2

151.2

14.4

–15.0

0.6

0.8

152.0

38.5

35.2

0.3

0.2

0.1

0.1

–

2017

5.8

4.6

0.0

–0.3

0.0

0.2

10.3

2016

Total

1’272.0

49.4

73.5

–68.8

–1.6

–8.1

1’316.4

780.6

69.5

–57.8

18.4

–5.3

805.4

491.4

511.0

3.5

2.5

1.0

2.6

0.6

2016

4.0

5.0

–1.1

–0.8

–0.7

–0.6

5.8

In 2017, Sulzer paid in line with the proportion of ownership CHF 4.6 million to its associated company Hua Rui in China (2016: 

CHF 4.8 million). Sulzer’s share in the associated company remained accordingly at 49%.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Notes to the consolidated financial statements

140

As of December 21, 2016, the group acquired 51% of the shares and voting interests in SRE FZE. As a result, the group’s 

equity interest in SRE FZE increased from 49% to 100%. Consequently, the associated share of 49% was eliminated from 

investments in associates.

17 Other financial assets

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Additions

Disposals

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Additions

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Available-for-sale

Loans and receivables

4.5

–

–0.4

0.1

4.2

8.6

0.3

–

0.5

9.4

Available-for-sale

Loans and receivables

4.5

–

–

4.5

7.1

1.1

0.4

8.6

2017

Total

13.1

0.3

–0.4

0.6

13.6

2016

Total

11.6

1.1

0.4

13.1

Financial assets that belong to the category “Available-for-sale financial assets” include investments in equity securities. There 

is an exemption from measurement at fair value of an available-for-sale asset if its fair value cannot be measured reliably. The 

exemption applies to equity instruments that do not have a quoted price in an active market. The group therefore measures its 

available-for-sale assets at cost.

18 Inventories

millions of CHF

Raw materials, supplies, and consumables

Work in progress

Finished products and trade merchandise

Total inventories as of December 31

2017

199.0

178.0

111.0

488.0

2016

134.6

180.8

86.3

401.7

In 2017, Sulzer recognized write-downs of CHF 13.0 million (2016: CHF 13.3 million) in the income statement. Total 

accumulated write-downs on inventories amounted to CHF 70.1 million as of December 31, 2017 (2016: CHF 69.4 million). 

Material expenses in 2017 amounted to CHF 1’102.6 million (2016: CHF 1’095.8 million).

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141

19 Construction contracts

millions of CHF

Revenue recognized from construction contracts

Receivable from construction contracts

Netting

Net receivables resulting from construction contracts as of December 31

Advance and progress payments received from customers for construction contracts as of 
December 31

Netting

Net liabilities resulting from construction contracts as of December 31

2017

568.8

670.0

–425.8

244.2

458.2

–425.8

32.4

2016

597.2

586.5

–356.3

230.2

388.4

–356.3

32.1

Sales recognized from construction contracts in accordance with the percentage of completion method (POC) for the year 

2017 amounted to CHF 568.8 million (thereof related to ongoing construction contracts CHF 395.5 million), which corresponds 

to 18.7% of total sales (2016: CHF 597.2 million, or 20.8% of sales; thereof related to ongoing construction contracts CHF 

353.3 million). The costs related to these sales amounted to CHF 436.9 million (thereof related to ongoing construction 

contracts CHF 321.2 million) and to CHF 434.8 million (thereof related to ongoing construction contracts of CHF 273.9 million) 

in 2016. The impact on gross profit was CHF 131.9 million (thereof related to ongoing construction contracts CHF 74.3 million), 

which corresponds to 14.1% of total gross profit (2016: CHF 162.4 million, which corresponds to 18.5%; amount related to 

ongoing construction contracts CHF 76.4 million).

20 Trade accounts receivable
Aging structure of trade accounts receivable

millions of CHF

Not past due

– thereof receivables resulting from construction 
contracts

Past due

1–30 days

31–60 days

61–120 days

>120 days

Total trade accounts receivable as of December 31

Gross 
amount

657.1

244.2

101.8

41.0

35.3

118.0

953.2

Allowance for doubtful trade accounts receivable

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Additions

Released as no longer required

Utilized

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

report.sulzer.com/ar17

2017

2016

Allowance

Net book 
value

Gross 
amount

Allowance

Net book value

–0.4

656.7

654.8

–

244.2

230.2

–0.8

–0.6

–0.9

–48.7

–51.4

101.0

40.4

34.4

69.3

901.8

102.2

35.8

35.0

107.7

935.5

–0.3

–

–0.6

–0.5

–1.4

–49.5

–52.3

2017

52.3

12.0

–7.5

–6.7

1.3

51.4

654.5

230.2

101.6

35.3

33.6

58.2

883.2

2016

37.7

27.6

–8.9

–4.8

0.7

52.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Notes to the consolidated financial statements

142

Approximately 31% (2016: 30%) of the gross amount of trade accounts receivable were past due, and an allowance of 

CHF 51.4 million (2016: CHF 52.3 million) was recorded. The recoverability of trade accounts receivable is regularly reviewed, 

and the credit quality of new customers is thoroughly assessed. Due to the large and heterogeneous customer base, the 

credit risk from individual customers of the group is limited.

Accounts receivable by geographical region

millions of CHF

Europe, Middle East, Africa

– thereof United Kingdom

– thereof Germany

– thereof Spain

– thereof France

– thereof United Arab Emirates

– thereof South Africa

– thereof Switzerland

– thereof other countries

Americas

– thereof USA

– thereof Mexico

– thereof Brazil

– thereof other countries

Asia-Pacific

– thereof China

– thereof India

– thereof other countries

Total as of December 31

21 Other current receivables and prepaid expenses

millions of CHF

Taxes (VAT, withholding tax)

Derivative financial instruments

Other current receivables

Total other current receivables as of December 31

Prepaid contributions to employee benefit plans

Other prepaid expenses

Total prepaid expenses as of December 31

2017

492.9

123.8

66.7

39.7

40.3

33.6

32.0

17.3

139.5

194.0

136.2

20.1

19.0

18.7

214.9

117.0

44.1

53.8

901.8

2017

54.5

7.3

27.0

88.8

13.3

34.2

47.5

2016

437.3

120.6

65.5

37.7

27.7

43.2

28.7

24.6

89.3

232.2

145.1

15.6

45.7

25.8

213.7

135.8

31.8

46.1

883.2

2016

42.4

6.6

25.5

74.5

9.7

30.4

40.1

Total other current receivables and prepaid expenses as of December 31

136.3

114.6

For further details on the position “Derivative financial instruments,” refer to note 28. Other accounts receivable do not include 

any material positions that are past due or impaired.

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143

22 Cash and cash equivalents

millions of CHF

Cash

Cash equivalents

Total cash and cash equivalents as of December 31

2017

450.9

37.9

488.8

2016

397.5

32.0

429.5

As of December 31, 2017, the group held restricted cash and cash equivalents of CHF 23.7 million (2016: CHF 0.0 million)

23 Share capital

thousands of CHF

Number of shares

Share capital

Number of 
shares

Share capital

Balance as of December 31 (par value CHF 0.01)

34’262’370

342.6

34’262’370

342.6

2017

2016

The share capital amounts to CHF 342’623.70, made up of 34’262’370 shares with dividend entitlement and a par value of 

CHF 0.01. All shares are fully paid in and registered.

Share ownership

Sulzer shares are freely transferable provided that, when requested by the company to do so, buyers declare that they have 

purchased and will hold the shares in their own name and for their own account. Nominees shall only be entered in the share 

register with the right to vote, provided that they meet the following conditions: the nominee is subject to the supervision of a 

recognized banking and financial market regulator; the nominee has entered into an agreement with the Board of Directors 

concerning its status; the share capital held by the nominee does not exceed 3% of the registered share capital entered in the 

commercial register; and the names, addresses, and number of shares of those individuals for whose accounts the nominee 

holds at least 0.5% of the share capital have been disclosed. The Board of Directors is also entitled, beyond these limits, to 

enter shares of nominees with voting rights in the share register, provided that the above-mentioned conditions are met (see 

also paragraph 6a of the Articles of Association at www.sulzer.com/governance).

Shareholders holding more than 3%

Renova Group

Retained earnings

Dec 31, 2017

Dec 31, 2016

Number of shares

21’728’914

in %

63.42

Number of 
shares

21’728’414

in %

63.42

The retained earnings include prior years’ undistributed income of consolidated companies and all remeasurements of the net 

liability for defined benefit plans.

Treasury shares

The total number of shares held by Sulzer Ltd as of December 31, 2017, amounted to 219’277 treasury shares (December 31, 

2016: 177’461 shares), which are mainly held for the purpose of issuing shares under the management share-based payment 

programs.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Notes to the consolidated financial statements

144

Cash flow hedge reserve

The hedging reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of cash flow hedging 

instruments where the hedged transaction has not yet occurred. Amounts are reclassified to profit or loss when the associated 

hedged transaction affects the income statement.

Currency translation reserve

The currency translation reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences arising on the translation of the financial 

statements of controlled entities, whose functional currency differs from the reporting currency of the group. The cumulative 

amount is reclassified to profit or loss when the net investment is disposed of.

Dividends

On April 6, 2017, the Annual General Meeting approved an ordinary dividend of CHF 3.50 (2016: ordinary dividend of CHF 3.50 

and a special dividend of CHF 14.60) per share to be paid out of reserves. The dividend was paid to shareholders on April 12, 

2017. The total amount of the dividend paid was CHF 119.4 million (2016: CHF 617.5 million).

The Board of Directors decided to propose to the Annual General Meeting 2018 a dividend for the year 2017 of CHF 3.50 per 

share (2016: CHF 3.50).

24 Earnings per share

Net income attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd (millions of CHF)

Issued number of shares

Adjustment for the average treasury shares held

Average number of shares outstanding as of December 31

Adjustment for share participation plans

Average number of shares for calculating diluted earnings per share as of December 31

Earnings per share, attributable to a shareholder of Sulzer Ltd (in CHF) as of December 31

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

25 Borrowings

2017

83.2

34’262’370

–178’237

34’084’133

267’021

34’351’154

2.44

2.42

millions of CHF

Non-current borrowings

Current borrowings

Balance as of January 1, 2017

Acquired through business combination

Additions

Repayments

Reclassifications

Currency translation differences

Total borrowings as of December 31, 2017

report.sulzer.com/ar17

458.3

6.7

0.5

–1.7

–4.9

–0.2

458.7

7.1

2.1

534.6

–294.1

4.9

0.5

255.1

2016

59.0

34’262’370

–159’760

34’102’610

228’043

34’330’653

1.73

1.72

December 31, 2017

Total

465.4

8.8

535.1

–295.8

–

0.3

713.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Notes to the consolidated financial statements

145

December 31, 2016

millions of CHF

Non-current borrowings

Current borrowings

Balance as of January 1, 2016

Acquired through business combination

Additions

Repayments

Reclassifications

Currency translation differences

Total borrowings as of December 31, 2016

Borrowings by currency

7.2

1.7

451.5

–2.5

–0.6

1.0

458.3

514.4

–

216.9

–725.3

0.6

0.5

7.1

2017

millions of 
CHF

in %

Interest rate

millions of 
CHF

BRL

CHF

EUR

INR

USD

Other

Total as of December 31

4.5

451.3

19.9

6.0

224.9

7.2

713.8

0.6

63.2

2.8

0.9

31.5

1.0

100.0

8.0%

0.5%

2.9%

8.1%

2.0%

–

–

4.8

450.5

1.7

1.1

0.5

6.8

in %

1.0

96.8

0.4

0.2

0.1

1.5

465.4

100.0

Total

521.6

1.7

668.4

–727.8

–

1.5

465.4

2016

Interest rate

8.0%

0.5%

4.8%

6.3%

1.0%

–

–

During 2017, the CHF 500 million syndicated credit facility was extended for another year until May 2022. As of December 31, 

2017, the use of the facility was CHF 224.6 million, while at the end of 2016 the facility was not used.

Outstanding bond

millions of CHF

0.375% 07/2016–07/2022

0.875% 07/2016–07/2026

Total as of December 31

Amortized 
costs

325.4

125.0

450.4

2017

Nominal

325.0

125.0

450.0

Amortized 
costs

325.5

124.9

450.4

2016

Nominal

325.0

125.0

450.0

On July 11, 2016, Sulzer issued two bonds via dual tranches of total CHF 450 million. The first tranche of CHF 325 million has a 

term of six years and carries a coupon of 0.375% and has an effective interest rate of 0.35%. The second tranche of 

CHF 125 million has a term of ten years and carries a coupon of 0.875% and has an effective interest rate of 0.88%. The 

bonds are traded at the SIX Swiss Exchange.

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146

26 Provisions

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1, 2017

Acquired through business combination

Additions

Released as no longer required

Utilized

Reclassifications

Currency translation differences

Total provisions as of 
December 31, 2017

– thereof non-current

– thereof current

Other 
employee 
benefits

Warranties/ 
liabilities

Restructuring

Environmental

Other

47.4

0.5

10.7

–2.4

–4.1

3.7

0.1

55.9

36.8

19.1

76.6

7.0

36.4

–4.8

–27.6

–

4.7

92.3

6.1

86.2

57.6

0.1

22.0

–0.3

–59.0

–0.1

–1.7

18.6

3.4

15.2

15.2

–

0.2

–

–

–0.2

0.2

15.4

15.4

–

53.1

4.4

19.6

–4.0

–14.5

–3.4

–1.3

53.9

15.9

38.0

Total

249.9

12.0

88.9

–11.5

–105.2

–

2.0

236.1

77.6

158.5

The category “Other employee benefits” includes provisions for jubilee gifts, early retirement of senior managers, and other 

obligations to employees. The additions and utilizations in “Other employee benefits” provision are mainly related to medical 

insurances of employees of the US entities.

The category “Warranties/liabilities” includes provisions for warranties, customer claims, penalties, litigation, and legal cases 

relating to goods delivered or services rendered.

As part of the Sulzer Full Potential (SFP) program, Sulzer has initiated several measures to adapt the global manufacturing 

capacities and streamline the organizational setup. Restructuring provisions are mainly associated with measures started in 

France, China, Brazil, Switzerland, and Ireland. The group recognized restructuring provisions of CHF 22.0 million. The 

remaining provision as of December 31, 2017, is CHF 18.6 million, of which CHF 15.2 million is expected to be utilized within 

one year.

“Environmental” mainly consists of expected costs related to inherited liabilities.

“Other” includes provisions that do not fit into the aforementioned categories. A large number of these provisions refer to 

indemnities, in particular related from divestitures. In addition, provisions for ongoing asbestos lawsuits and other legal claims 

are included. Based on the currently known facts, Sulzer is of the opinion that the resolution of the open cases will not have 

material effects on its liquidity or financial condition. Although Sulzer expects a large part of the category “Other” to be 

realized in 2018, by their nature the amounts and timing of any cash outflows are difficult to predict.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Notes to the consolidated financial statements

147

27 Other current and accrued liabilities

millions of CHF

Taxes (VAT, withholding tax)

Derivative financial instruments

Other current liabilities

Total other current liabilities as of December 31

Vacation and overtime claims

Salaries, wages, and bonuses

Contract-related costs

Other accrued liabilities

Total accrued liabilities as of December 31

Total other current and accrued liabilities as of December 31

28 Derivative financial instruments

2017

29.4

6.8

29.0

65.2

32.1

96.4

112.6

126.2

367.3

432.5

2017

Derivative assets

Derivative liabilities

Derivative assets

Derivative liabilities

Notional
value

Fair
value

Notional
value

Fair
value

Notional
value

Fair
value

Notional
value

546.3

546.3

540.5

5.8

–

7.5

7.5

7.3

0.2

–

540.1

540.1

540.0

0.1

–

6.8

6.8

6.8

0.0

–

375.8

375.8

374.8

1.0

–

6.6

6.6

6.6

0.0

–

394.6

394.6

382.8

11.7

0.1

millions of CHF

Forward exchange 
contracts

Total as of 
December 31

– thereof due in <1 
year

– thereof due in 1–2 
years

– thereof due in 3–5 
years

2016

18.9

9.2

25.3

53.4

27.5

96.8

123.5

107.2

355.0

408.4

2016

Fair
value

9.4

9.4

9.2

0.2

–

The notional and the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities include current and also non-current derivative financial 

instruments. The cash flow hedges of the expected future sales were assessed as highly effective. As at December 31, 2017, 

a net unrealized losses of CHF 8.6 million (2016: loss of CHF 14.2 million) with a deferred tax asset of CHF 2.1 million (2016: 

CHF 3.2 million) relating to these cash flow hedges were included in the Cash Flow Hedge Reserve. In 2017, a gain of CHF 3.2 

million (2016: a gain of CHF 1.0 million) cash flow hedge reserve was recognized in profit or loss. There was no ineffectiveness 

that arose from cash flow hedges in 2017 (2016: CHF 0.0 million). The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is 

the fair value of the derivative assets in the balance sheet.

The hedged, highly probable forecast transactions denominated in foreign currency are mostly expected to occur at various 

dates during the next 12 months. Gains and losses recognized in the hedging reserve (cash flow hedges) in equity on forward 

foreign exchange contracts as of December 31, 2017, are recognized either in sales, cost of goods sold, or in other operating 

income/expenses in the period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects the income statement. This is generally 

within 12 months from the balance sheet date unless the gain or loss is included in the initial amount recognized for the 

purchase of fixed assets, in which case recognition is over the lifetime of the asset (five to ten years).

The group enters into derivative financial instruments under enforceable master netting arrangements. These agreements do 

not meet the criteria for offsetting derivative assets and derivative liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. As per 

December 31, 2017, the amount subject to such netting arrangements was CHF 3.5 million (2016: 

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148

CHF 3.2 million). Considering the effect of these agreements the amount of derivative assets would reduce from CHF 7.5 

million to CHF 4.0 million (2016: from CHF 6.6 million to CHF 3.4 million), and the amount of derivative liabilities would reduce 

from CHF 6.8 million to CHF 3.3 million (2016: from CHF 9.4 million to CHF 6.2 million).

29 Other financial commitments

millions of CHF

Maturity <1 year

Maturity 1–5 years

Maturity >5 years

Operating lease as of December 31

Rented 
premises

17.9

46.1

14.5

78.5

Other

7.8

11.8

1.4

21.0

2017

Total

25.7

57.9

15.9

99.5

Rented 
premises

22.0

51.8

16.5

90.3

Other

7.0

11.7

0.2

18.9

2016

Total

29.0

63.5

16.7

109.2

Contractual commitments for property, plant, and 
equipment as of December 31

–

2.4

2.4

0.1

2.4

2.5

30 Contingent liabilities

millions of CHF

Guarantees in favor of third parties

Total contingent liabilities as of December 31

2017

10.0

10.0

2016

10.0

10.0

As of December 31, 2017, guarantees provided to third parties regarding certain environmental matters related to disposed 

business amounted to CHF 10 million. The guarantees will expire in 2022. 

31 Share participation plans
Share-based payments charged to personnel expenses

millions of CHF

Restricted share unit plan

Performance share plan

Total charged to personnel expenses

2017

2.2

8.6

10.8

2016

2.6

4.9

7.5

Restricted share unit plan settled in Sulzer shares

This long-term incentive plan covers the Board of Directors and until 2015 the members of the Sulzer Management Group. 

Restricted share units (RSU) are granted annually depending on the organizational position of the employee. Vesting of the 

RSU is subject to continuous employment over the vesting period. Awards to members of the Board of Directors automatically 

vest with the departure from the Board. The plan features graded vesting over a three-year period. One RSU award is settled 

with one Sulzer share at the end of the vesting period. The fair value of the RSU granted is measured at the grant date closing 

share price of Sulzer Ltd, and discounted over the vesting period using a discount rate that is based on the yield of Swiss 

government bonds for the duration of the vesting period. Participants are not entitled to dividends declared during the vesting 

period. Consequently, the grant date fair value of the RSU is reduced by the present value of the dividends expected to be 

paid during the vesting period.

During 2015, the Renova shareholder group exceeded the threshold of 50% of the voting rights in Sulzer Ltd., qualifying as a 

Change of Control under the RSU plan. The Change of Control triggered the accelerated vesting of all outstanding RSU and 

entitled the plan participants to immediately receive shares. The group offered the plan participants the opportunity to 

continue participating in the RSU plans. If the plan participants waived the right to accelerated vesting and the immediate 

allocation of shares and agreed to hold the RSU through to the end of their original vesting periods, plan participants, not 

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including the members of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, received additional RSU in a number equal to 

20% of the number of unvested RSU that the plan participants held at the time of the Change of Control. The additional RSU 

granted will vest at the same date as the last tranche of the original RSU.

Restricted share units

Grant year

Outstanding as of December 1, 2016

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding as of December 31, 2016

Outstanding as of January 1, 2017

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

2017

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2016

–

21’603

–

–

21’603

2015

2014

77’414

35’926

–

–

2013

8’611

–

–13’552

–16’250

–8’611

–150

63’712

–55

19’621

Total

121’951

21’603

–38’413

–205

104’936

104’936

11’001

–54’774

–978

60’185

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Outstanding as of December 31, 2017

11’001

16’744

21’603

63’712

19’621

11’001

–

–

–

–4’859

–30’388

–19’527

–

–884

32’440

–94

–

Average fair value at grant date in CHF

98.00

72.61

102.18

122.00

166.61

Performance share plan settled in Sulzer shares

This long-term incentive plan covers the members of the Executive Committee and since 2016 also the members of the Sulzer 

Management Group. Performance share units (PSU) are granted annually depending on the organizational position of the 

employee.  

Vesting of the PSU is subject to continuous employment and to the achievement of performance conditions over the 

performance period. Participants are not entitled to dividends declared during the vesting period. Vesting of the PSP 2016 and 

2017 is based on three performance conditions: operational EBITA growth over the performance period (weighted 25%), 

average ROCEA (weighted 25%), and on Sulzer’s total return to shareholders (TSR), compared to a selected group of ten peer 

companies and the SMIM Index (weighted 50%). Vesting of the PSP 2015 is based on two equally weighted performance 

conditions: cumulated operational EBITA and on Sulzer’s total return to shareholders (TSR), compared to a selected group of 

30 peer companies.

TSR is measured with a starting value of the volume-weighted average share price (VWAP) over the first three months of the 

first year, and an ending value of the VWAP over the last three months of the vesting period. The rank of Sulzer’s TSR at the 

end of the performance period determines the effective number of total shares. The exercise price of the PSU is zero.

The following inputs were used to determine the fair value of the PSU at grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation:

Grant year

Fair value at grant date

Share price at grant date

Expected volatility

Risk-free interest rate

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2017

116.02

104.80

25.10%

–0.56%

2016

118.05

98.50

25.46%

–0.73%

2015

193.97

107.00

28.07%

–0.72%

2014

206.63

121.50

32.25%

0.09%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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The expected volatility of the Sulzer share, the peer group companies, and the SMIM Index is determined by the historical 

volatility. The zero yield curves of those countries in which the companies and indices are listed were used as the relevant 

risk-free rates. Historical data was used to arrive at an estimate for the correlation between Sulzer, the peer companies, and 

the SMIM Index. For the TSR calculation, it is assumed that all the dividends are reinvested immediately. This has the same 

economic implication as waiving the payment of dividends. Accordingly, the expected dividend yield is zero.

Performance share units-terms of awards

Grant year

Number of awards granted

Grant date

2017

2016

2015

76’818

116’472

21’665

2014

15’965

April 1,17

August 1,16

April 1,15

April 1,14

Performance period for cumulative EBIT

01/17–12/19

01/16–12/18

01/15–12/17

01/14–12/16

Performance period for TSR

Fair value at grant date in CHF

Performance share units

Grant year

Outstanding as of January 1, 2016

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding as of December 31, 2016

Outstanding as of January 1, 2017

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding as of December 31, 2017

01/17–12/19

01/16–12/18

04/15–03/18

04/14–03/17

116.02

118.05

193.97

206.63

2017

–

–

–

–

–

–

76’818

–191

–497

76’130

2016

–

116’472

–217

–7’389

108’866

108’866

–

–4’169

–6’902

97’795

2015

13’800

5’228

–1’748

–8’284

8’996

8’996

–

2014

7’212

4’281

–2’533

–3’715

5’245

5’245

1’523

–2’002

–6’768

–400

6’594

–

–

2013

4’860

–

–808

–4’052

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total

25’872

125’981

–5’306

–23’440

123’107

123’107

78’341

–13’130

–7’799

180’519

32 Transactions with members of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and 
related parties
Key management compensation

thousands of CHF

Board of Directors

Executive Committee

Short-term 
benefits

Equity-based 
compensation

Pension and 
social 
security 
contributions

1’272

8’387

802

5’746

268

1’784

2017

Total

2’342

15’917

Short-term 
benefits

Equity-based 
compensation

Pension and 
social 
security 
contributions

1’365

9’829

468

4’076

265

2’517

2016

Total

2’098

16’422

Equity-based compensation is valued according to the requirements of IFRS 2. There are no outstanding loans with members 

of the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee as per balance sheet date. No shares have been granted to members of 

the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, or related persons, with the exception of shares granted in connection with 

equity-settled plans and service awards.

Related parties

As of December 31, 2017, sales with related parties controlled by the major shareholder Renova Group amounted to CHF 

22.6 million (2016: CHF 0.8 million) with open receivables of CHF 17.3 million (2016: CHF 0.0 million). Open payables of 

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CHF 0.4 million (2016: CHF 3.7 million) were recognized. Provision for loss/unprofitable contracts/warranties/guarantees/

liquidated damages recognized in the income statement amounted to CHF 1.3 million (2016: CHF 0.4 million). Expenses for 

services from a company controlled by the major shareholder of Sulzer amounted to CHF 0.0 million (2016: CHF 0.2 million).

Sales with associates in 2017 amounted to CHF 6.1 million (2016: CHF 0.3 million) with open receivables of CHF 2.0 million 

(2016: CHF 0.2 million). Open payables with associates amounted to CHF 1.3 million (2016: CHF 2.6 million). Provision for loss/

unprofitable contracts/warranties/guarantees/liquidated damages recognized in the income statement amounted to 

CHF 2.5 million (2016: CHF 0.0 million). Income for services with associates amounted to CHF 0.1 million (2016: 

CHF 0.0 million).

During 2017, Sulzer acquired 51% of the business of Rotec GT, the gas turbine maintenance division of the Rotec Group. 

Sulzer obtained control of the acquired business. Rotec GT is considered to be a related party to the group. For more 

information please refer to note 4.

33 Auditor remuneration

Fees for the audit services by KPMG as the appointed group auditor amounted to CHF 2.9 million (2016: CHF 2.7 million). 

Additional services provided by the group auditor amounted to a total of CHF 1.0 million (2016: CHF 0.7 million). This amount 

includes CHF 0.7 million (2016: CHF 0.4 million) for tax and legal advisory services and CHF 0.3 million for other consulting 

services (2016: CHF 0.3 million).

34 Key accounting policies and valuation methods
34.1 Basis of preparation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 

(IFRS) using the historical cost convention except for the following:

—

—

—

financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss which are measured at fair value (incl. derivative financial 

instruments),

available-for-sale financial instruments, and

net position from defined benefit plans, where plan assets are measured at fair value and the plan liabilities are measured 

at the present value of the defined benefit obligation (see note 34.19 a).

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated financial 

statements and have been applied consistently by all subsidiaries.

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 involving 

a higher degree of judgment or complexity or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated 

financial statements are disclosed in note 5 “Critical accounting estimates and judgments.”

34.2 Change in accounting policies

a) Standards, amendments, and interpretations which are effective for 2017

The group has adopted the following new standards and amendments with a date of initial application of January 1, 2017. The 

adoption of these amendments did not have any impact on the current period.

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—

—

—

Amendments to IAS 7 ‘Statement of Cash Flows,’ requires disclosures that enable users of financial statements to 

evaluate changes in liabilities arising from financing activities, including both changes arising from cash flow and non-cash 

changes.

Amendments to IAS 12 ‘Income Taxes,’ clarify the recognition of deductible temporary differences for unrealized losses.

Amendments deriving from the improvement program 2014–2016 addressing ‘Disclosure of interests in other entities.’

b) Standards, amendments, and interpretations issued but not yet effective which the group has decided not to early 
adopt in 2017

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments,’ published in July 2014, replaces the existing guidance in IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: 

Recognition and Measurement.’ IFRS 9 includes revised guidance on the classification and measurement of financial 

instruments, including a new expected credit loss model for calculating provisions for impairments on financial assets, and the 

new general hedge accounting requirements. It also carries forward the guidance on recognition and derecognition of financial 

instruments from IAS 39. IFRS 9 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. IFRS 9 

contains three principal classification categories for financial assets: measured at amortized cost, fair value through other 

comprehensive income (FVOCI), and fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL). The standard eliminates the existing IAS 39 

categories of held to maturity, loans and receivables, and available for sale. The group has reviewed its financial assets and 

financial liabilities. The financial assets currently classified as loans and receivables as well as the financial liabilities valued at 

amortized costs will be classified as financial instruments at amortized costs. The fair values of forward foreign exchange 

contracts not used for hedge accounting will be classified as financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss. 

The accounting for financial liabilities will remain unchanged, as the new requirements only affect the accounting for financial 

liabilities that are designated at fair value through profit or loss and the group does not have any such liabilities. 

The new hedge accounting rules will align the accounting for hedging instruments more closely with the group’s risk 

management practices. As a general rule, more hedge relationships might be eligible for hedge accounting, as the standard 

introduces a more principles-based approach. However, the group has not identified new hedge relationships. The group’s 

existing hedge relationships appear to qualify as continuing hedges upon the adoption of IFRS 9. As a consequence, there is 

no significant impact on the accounting for these hedging relationships.

The new impairment model requires the recognition of impairment provisions based on expected credit losses rather than only 

incurred credit losses as is the case under IAS 39. It applies to financial assets classified at amortized cost such as trade 

accounts receivable and contract assets under IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customer.’

The group applies the simplified approach to providing for expected credit losses by using the lifetime expected loss provision 

for all trade receivables. Based on the impairment methodology described above, the group has estimated that the application 

of IFRS 9 impairment requirements as of January 1, 2018, will result in an increase in the loss allowance for trade accounts 

receivable in the range of CHF 8 million to CHF 12 million as reported in the table below.

The group will apply the new requirements of IFRS 9 as of January 1, 2018, with the practical expedients permitted under the 

standard. Comparatives for 2017 will not be restated.

IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ establishes a comprehensive framework for determining whether, how 

much, and when revenue is recognized. It replaces existing revenue recognition guidance, including IAS 18 ‘Revenue,’ IAS 11 

‘Construction Contracts,’ and IFRIC 13 ‘Customer Loyalty Programs.’ The core principle of IFRS 15 is that an entity should 

recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods and services to customers in an amount that reflects the 

consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. Under IFRS 15, an entity 

recognizes revenue when a performance obligation is satisfied. IFRS 15 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on 

or after January 1, 2018.

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The standard is to be applied either (i) retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented, with the option to elect certain 

defined practical expedients, or (ii) retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the update recognized at the 

date of adoption in retained earnings (with additional disclosure as to the impact on individual financial statement lines 

affected). The group applies the modified retrospective transition method (option ii). Under this method, in the consolidated 

financial statements 2018, the 2017 comparative information will be prepared under IAS 11/IAS 18, with a cumulative catch-up 

effect in retained earnings as of January 1, 2018.

A significant part of the estimated impact is due to limitations in applying the so called over time method, which allows 

revenue and profit recognition in line with the progress of the project. For some construction contracts for which the group 

recognizes revenue and profit over time, these limitations will lead to a point in time revenue and profit recognition. This is 

mainly due to missing right to payment clauses in the construction contracts in cases of termination for convenience. With this 

change, revenue and profit recognition generally occurs later.

Based on analyzed sales orders, the group currently does not anticipate that IFRS 15 will have a significant impact on its 

sales. Under the new accounting standard it is possible that more judgments and estimates would be required than under 

existing standards, including identifying the separate performance obligations in a contract, estimating any variable 

consideration elements, and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. The update also 

requires additional disclosures about the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from 

contracts with customers.

Estimated impact of adoption of IFRS 9 and IFRS 15:

The group has assessed the estimated impact that the initial application of IFRS 9 and IFRS 15 will have on its consolidated 

financial statements. The estimated impact of the adoption of these standards on the group equity as of January 1, 2018, is 

based on assessments undertaken to date and is summarized below. The actual impact of adopting the standards as of 

January 1, 2018, may change because the group has not finalized the validation of the results of the assessments.

The following table shows the estimated impact:

millions of CHF

As reported at December 31, 2017

Estimated adjustments due to adoption of IFRS 9 before taxes

Deferred taxes impact due to adoption of IFRS 9

Estimated adjustments due to adoption of IFRS 15 before taxes

Deferred taxes impact due to adoption of IFRS 15

Estimated adjusted opening balance at January 1, 2018

Equity attributable to 
shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

1’680

–8 to –12

1 to 3

–40 to –80

7 to 20

1’590 to 1’655

IFRS 16 ‘Leases,’ published in January 2016, introduces a single lessee accounting model and requires a lessee to recognize 

assets and liabilities for all leases with a term of more than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of low value. A lessee is 

required to recognize a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying leased asset and a lease liability 

representing its obligation to make lease payments. The group has started a project and is assessing the potential impact on 

its consolidated financial statements resulting from the application of IFRS 16. So far, the most significant impact identified is 

that the group will recognize new assets and liabilities for its operating leases of buildings and equipment. In addition, the 

nature of expenses related to those leases will now change as IFRS 16 replaces the straight-line operating lease expense with 

a depreciation charge for right-of-use assets and interest expense on lease liabilities. As of December 31, 2017, operating 

leases reported in note 29 amount to CHF 99.5 million, which reflect the best estimation on the balance sheet impact to the 

group. IFRS 16 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019.

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IFRIC 23 ‘Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments,’ published in June 2017, clarifies how the recognition and measurement 

requirements of IAS 12 are applied where there is uncertainty over income tax treatments. IFRIC 23 is effective for periods 

beginning on or after January 1, 2019. 

34.3 Consolidation

a) Business combinations

The group accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method when control is transferred to the group (see 

34.3 b). The consideration transferred in the acquisition is measured at the fair value of the assets given, the liabilities incurred 

to the former owner of the acquiree, and the equity interest issued by the group. Any goodwill arising is tested annually for 

impairment (see 34.6 a). Any gain on a bargain purchase is recognized in the income statement immediately. Acquisition-

related costs are expensed as incurred, except if related to the issue of debt or equity securities. Identifiable assets acquired, 

and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination, are measured initially at their fair values at the 

acquisition date.

Any contingent consideration payable is measured at fair value at the acquisition date. If the contingent consideration is 

classified as equity, then it is not remeasured and settlement is accounted for within equity. Otherwise, subsequent changes in 

the fair value of the contingent consideration are recognized in the income statement.

If share-based payment awards (replacement awards) are required to be exchanged for awards held by the acquiree’s 

employees (acquiree’s awards), then all or a portion of the amount of the acquirer’s replacement awards is included in 

measuring the consideration transferred in the business combination. The determination is based on the difference between 

the market-based measure of the replacement awards compared with the market-based measure of the acquiree’s awards 

and the extent to which the replacement awards relate to pre-combination service.

b) Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are all entities controlled by the group. The group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has the rights to, 

variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. 

The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date on which control 

commences until the date on which control ceases.

According to the full consolidation method, all assets and liabilities as well as income and expenses of the subsidiaries are 

included in the consolidated financial statements. The share of non-controlling interests in the net assets and results is 

presented separately as non-controlling interests in the consolidated balance sheet and income statement, respectively.

c) Non-controlling interests

The group recognizes any non-controlling interest in the acquiree on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis, at the non-controlling 

interest’s proportionate share of the recognized amounts of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. Transactions with non-

controlling interests that do not result in loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions.

When the group loses control over a subsidiary, it derecognizes the assets and liabilities of the subsidiary, and any related 

non-controlling interest and other components of equity. Any resulting gain or loss is recognized in the income statement. Any 

interest retained in the former subsidiary is measured at fair value when control is lost.

d) Associates and joint ventures

Associates are those entities in which the group has significant influence, but no control, over the financial and operating 

policies. Significant influence is presumed to exist when the group holds, directly or indirectly, between 20% and 50% of the 

voting rights. Joint ventures are those entities over whose activities the group has joint control, established by contractual 

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agreement and requiring unanimous consent for strategic, financial, and operating decisions. Associates and joint ventures 

are accounted for using the equity method and are initially recognized at cost.

e) Transactions eliminated on consolidation

All material intercompany transactions and balances and any unrealized gains arising from intercompany transactions are 

eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Unrealized losses are eliminated in the same way as unrealized 

gains, but only to the extent that there is no evidence of impairment.

34.4 Segment reporting

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the Chief Executive Officer. 

The Chief Executive Officer, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance (e.g. operating income) of 

the operating segments, has been identified as chief operating decision maker.

34.5 Foreign currency translation

a) Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statements of subsidiaries are measured using the currency of the primary economic 

environment in which the entity operates (the functional currency). The consolidated financial statements are presented in 

Swiss francs (CHF).

The following table shows the major currency exchange rates for the reporting periods 2017 and 2016:

CHF

1 EUR

1 GBP

1 USD

100 CNY

100 INR

Average
rate

1.11

1.27

0.98

14.58

1.51

2017

Year-end
rate

1.17

1.32

0.98

14.99

1.53

Average
rate

1.09

1.33

0.99

14.83

1.47

2016

Year-end
rate

1.07

1.25

1.02

14.68

1.50

b) Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of 

the transactions. 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 

the income statement.

Changes in the fair value of monetary items, denominated in foreign currency classified as available-for-sale are analyzed 

between translation differences resulting from changes in the amortized cost of the item and other changes in the carrying 

amount of the item. Translation differences related to changes in the amortized costs are recognized in profit or loss; other 

changes in the carrying amount are recognized in other comprehensive income.

Translation differences on non-monetary financial assets and liabilities are reported as part of the fair value gain or loss. 

Translation differences on non-monetary financial assets and liabilities, such as equities held at fair value through profit or 

loss, are recognized in the income statement as part of the fair value gain or loss. Translation differences on non-monetary 

financial assets, such as equities classified as available-for-sale, are included in the available-for-sale reserve in other 

comprehensive income.

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c) Subsidiaries

The results and balance sheet positions of all the subsidiaries (excluding the ones with hyperinflationary economy) that have a 

functional currency different from the presentation currency of the group are translated into the presentation currency as 

follows:

—

—

assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of that balance sheet, 

and

income and expenses for each income statement are translated at average exchange rates.

Translation differences resulting from consolidation are taken to other comprehensive income. In the event of a sale or 

liquidation of foreign subsidiaries, exchange differences that were recorded in other comprehensive income are recognized in 

the income statement as part of the gain or loss on sale or liquidation.

If a loan is made to a group company, and the loan in substance forms part of the group’s investment in the group company, 

translation differences arising from the loan are recognized directly in other comprehensive income as foreign currency 

translation differences. When the group company is sold or partially disposed of, and control no longer exists, gains and 

losses accumulated in equity are reclassified to the income statement as part of the gain or loss on disposal.

34.6 Intangible assets

The intangible assets with finite useful life are amortized in line with the expected useful life, usually on a straight-line basis. The 

period of useful life is to be assessed according to business rather than legal criteria. This assessment is made at least once a 

year. An impairment might be required in the event of sudden or unforeseen value changes.

a) Goodwill

Goodwill represents the difference between the consideration transferred and the fair value of the group’s share in the 

identifiable net asset value of the acquired business at the time of acquisition. Any goodwill arising as a result of a business 

combination is included within intangible assets.  

Goodwill is subject to an annual impairment test and valued at its original acquisition cost less accumulated impairment 

losses. In cases where circumstances indicate a potential impairment, impairment tests are conducted more frequently. Profits 

and losses arising from the sale of a business include the book value of the goodwill assigned to the business being sold.

For impairment testing goodwill is allocated to those cash-generating units or groups of cash-generating units that are 

expected to benefit from the business combination in which the goodwill arose. Goodwill originating from the acquisition of an 

associated company is included in the book value of the participation in associated companies.

b) Trademarks and licenses

Trademarks, licenses, and similar rights acquired from third parties are stated at acquisition cost. Such assets are amortized 

over their expected useful life, generally not exceeding ten years.

c) Research and development

Expenditure on research activities is recognized in the income statement as incurred. Development costs for major projects 

are capitalized only if the expenditure can be measured reliably, the product or process is technically and commercially 

feasible, future economic benefits are probable, and the group intends and has sufficient resources to complete development 

and to use or sell the asset. Otherwise, it is recognized in the income statement as incurred. Subsequently such assets are 

measured at cost less accumulated amortization (max. five years) and any accumulated impairment loss.  

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d) Computer software

Acquired computer software licenses are capitalized on the basis of the cost incurred to acquire and bring to use the specific 

software. These costs are amortized over their estimated useful lives (three to max. five years).

e) Customer relationships

As part of a business combination, acquired customer rights are recorded at fair value (cost at the time of acquisition). These 

costs are amortized over their estimated useful lives, generally not exceeding 15 years.

34.7 Property, plant, and equipment

Property, plant, and equipment is stated at acquisition cost less depreciation and impairments. Acquisition cost includes 

expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the item. Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying 

amount or recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that the 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 item is derecognized. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the income statement during the financial ­

period in which they are incurred.

Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life. Land is stated at cost and is not depreciated.

The useful lives are as follows:

Buildings 20 – 50 years

Machinery 5 – 15 years

Technical equipment 5 – 10 years

Other non-current assets max. 5 years

Property, plant, and equipment financed by long-term financial leases is capitalized and amortized in the same way as other 

assets. The applicable leasing commitments are shown as liabilities and are included under long-term borrowings. An asset’s 

carrying amount is impaired immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated 

recoverable amount.

34.8 Impairment of property, plant, and equipment and intangible assets

Assets with a finite useful life are only tested for impairment if relevant events or changes in circumstances indicate that the 

book value is no longer recoverable. An impairment loss is recorded equal to the excess of the carrying value over the 

recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of the fair value of the asset less disposal costs and its value in 

use. The value in use is based on the estimated cash flow over a five-year period and the extrapolated projections for 

subsequent years. The results are discounted using an appropriate pre-tax, long-term interest rate. For the purposes of the 

impairment test, assets are grouped together at the lowest level for which separate cash flows can be identified (cash-

generating units).

34.9 Financial assets

Financial assets, including marketable securities, are classified into the following three categories: “financial assets at fair 

value through profit or loss,” “available-for-sale financial assets,” and “loans and receivables.” Classification depends on the 

purpose for which the financial assets were acquired. Management determines the classification of assets at the date of 

purchase.

a) Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

Assets in this category are either designated to this category upon initial recognition or are classified as held for trading. 

Financial assets designated at fair value from inception are those that are managed and their performance is evaluated on a 

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fair value basis, in accordance with a documented investment strategy. Derivative financial assets not designated in a hedge 

relationship are also classified as held for trading and are presented as current assets or in case maturity is later than 12 

months from the balance sheet date as non-current assets.

b) Available-for-sale financial assets

Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivatives that are either designated in this category or not in any of the other 

categories. They are included in non-current assets unless management intends to dispose of the investment within 12 

months of the balance sheet date.

c) 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 the current assets, unless the maturity is greater than 12 months after the balance sheet date. 

These are classified as non-current assets. The group initially recognizes loans and receivables on the date when they are 

originated. All other financial assets are recognized on the trade date.

Financial assets are initially measured at fair value plus transaction costs for all financial assets not carried at fair value 

through profit or loss. Financial assets carried at fair value through profit or loss are initially recognized at fair value and 

transaction costs are expensed in the income statement. Available-for-sale financial assets and financial assets at fair value 

through profit or loss are subsequently carried at fair value. Loans and receivables are carried at amortized cost using the 

effective interest method. With the exception of derivative financial instruments designated in a “cash flow hedge” or a “net 

investment hedge” gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of the financial assets at fair value through profit or 

loss are recognized in the income statement line “Other financial income” in the period they arise. Changes in the fair value of 

financial assets classified as available-for-sale are recognized in equity. When these assets are sold or impaired, the 

accumulated fair value adjustments recorded in equity are reclassified and booked to the financial income. The group 

assesses at each balance sheet date whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or group of financial assets is 

impaired.

Financial assets are derecognized when the right to receive cash flows from the investments has expired or has been 

transferred and the group has transferred all substantial risks and rewards of ownership.

34.10 Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities

The group uses derivative financial instruments, such as forward currency contracts, other forward contracts and options, to 

hedge its risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currencies arising from operational and financing activities. Such 

derivative financial instruments are initially recognized at fair value on the date on which a derivative contract is entered into 

and are subsequently remeasured at fair value. Derivatives are carried as assets when the fair value is positive and as liabilities 

when the fair value is negative.

Any gains or losses arising from changes in fair value on the derivatives during the year that do not qualify for hedge 

accounting are taken directly into profit or loss.

The group applies hedge accounting to secure future cash flows which have a high probability of occurrence. These hedges 

are classified as “cash flow hedges,” whereas the hedge instrument is recorded on the balance sheet at fair value and the 

effective portions are booked against “Other comprehensive income” in the column “Cash flow hedge reserve.” If the hedge 

relates to a non-financial transaction which will subsequently be recorded on the balance sheet, the adjustments accumulated 

under “Other comprehensive income” at that time will be included in the initial book value of the asset or liability. In all other 

cases, the cumulative changes of fair value of the hedging instrument that have been recorded in other comprehensive 

income are included as a charge or credit to income when the forecasted transaction is recognized or when hedge accounting 

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is discontinued as the criteria are no longer met. In general, the fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets is 

based on quoted market prices at the balance sheet date.

Hedges of net investments in foreign operations are accounted for similarly to cash flow hedges. Any gain or loss on the 

hedging instrument relating to the effective portion on the hedge is recognized in other comprehensive income. The gain or 

loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognized immediately in the income statement. Gains and losses accumulated in 

equity are included in the income statement when the foreign operation is partially disposed of or sold.

At the inception of the transaction, the group documents the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as 

well as its risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedging transactions. 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 fair values or cash flows of hedged items.

34.11 Offsetting financial instruments

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the balance sheet when there is a legally enforceable 

right to offset the recognized amounts, and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or realize the asset and settle the 

liability simultaneously.

34.12 Inventories

Raw materials, supplies, and consumables are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Finished products and work 

in progress are stated at the lower of production cost or net realizable value. Production cost includes the costs of materials, 

direct and indirect manufacturing costs, and contract-related costs of construction. Inventories are valued by reference to 

weighted average costs. Provisions are made for slow-moving and excess inventories.

34.13 Trade receivables

Trade and other accounts receivable are stated at nominal value less provision for impairments. The respective value 

corresponds approximately to the amortized cost. Trade receivables are classified as loans and receivables. A provision for 

impairment of trade receivables is established when there is objective evidence that the group will not be able to collect all the 

amounts due according to the original payment terms of the receivables. Significant financial difficulties of the debtor, 

probability that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganization, and default or delinquency in payments are 

considered indicators that the trade receivable is impaired. Receivables are subject to regular review and adequate 

impairment is considered. The amount of the impairment provision is the difference between the carrying amount and the 

present value of estimated future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate. An impairment charge is booked 

within selling and marketing expenses in the income statement and the carrying amount of the trade receivable is deducted 

through an allowance account. When a trade receivable is uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance account for 

trade receivables. Any subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against selling and marketing 

costs in the income statement.

34.14 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise bills, postal giros, and bank accounts, together with other short-term highly liquid 

investments with a maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition. Bank overdrafts are reported within 

borrowings in the current liabilities.

34.15 Share capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Costs directly attributable to the issue of ordinary shares and share options are 

recognized as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effects. When share capital is repurchased, the amount of the 

consideration paid, which includes directly attributable cost, is net of any tax effects and is recognized as a deduction from 

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equity. Repurchased shares are classified as treasury shares and are presented as a deduction from total equity. When 

treasury shares are sold or reissued subsequently, the amount received is recognized as an increase in equity and the 

resulting surplus or deficit on the transaction is transferred to/from retained earnings.

34.16 Trade payables

Trade payables and other payables are stated at face value. The respective value corresponds approximately to the amortized 

cost.

34.17 Borrowings

Financial debt is stated at fair value when initially recognized, after recognition of transaction costs. In subsequent periods, it 

is valued at amortized cost. Any difference between the amount borrowed (after deduction of transaction costs) and the 

repayment amount is reported in the income statement over the duration of the loan using the effective interest method. 

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.

34.18 Current and deferred income taxes

The current income tax charge comprises the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year 

and any adjustment to the tax payable or receivable in respect of previous years. It is calculated on the basis of the tax laws 

enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date in the countries where the group’s subsidiaries and associates 

operate and generate taxable income. The management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to 

situations in which applicable tax regulations are subject to interpretation and establishes provisions where appropriate on the 

basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

The liability method is used to provide deferred taxes on all temporary differences between the tax base of assets and 

liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred taxes are valued by applying tax rates 

(and regulations) substantially enacted on the balance sheet date or any that have essentially been legally approved and are 

expected to apply at the time when the deferred tax asset is realized or the deferred tax liability is settled.

Income tax is recognized in profit of loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognized directly in equity or other 

comprehensive income, in which case it is recognized directly in equity or other comprehensive income.

Deferred tax assets are recognized for unused tax losses and deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable 

that a taxable profit will be available against which they can be used. Deferred tax liabilities arising as a result of temporary 

differences relating to investments in subsidiaries and associated companies are applied, unless the group can control when 

temporary differences are reversed and it is unlikely that they will be reversed in the foreseeable future.

34.19 Employee benefits

a) Defined benefit plans

The group’s net obligation in respect of defined benefit plans is calculated separately for each plan by estimating the amount 

of future benefit that employees have earned in the current and prior periods, discounting that amount using interest rates of 

high-quality corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid and deducting the fair 

value of any plan assets.

The calculation of defined benefit obligations is performed annually by a qualified actuary using the projected unit credit 

method. When the calculation results in a potential asset for the group, the recognized asset is limited to the present value of 

economic benefits available in the form of any future refunds from the plan or reductions in future contributions to the plan. To 

calculate the present value of economic benefits, consideration is given to any applicable minimum funding requirements.

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Remeasurements of the net defined benefit liability, which comprise actuarial gains and losses, the return on plan assets 

(excluding interest income on plan assets), and the effect of the asset ceiling (if any, excluding interest), are recognized 

immediately in OCI. The group determines the net interest expense/(income) on the net defined benefit liability/(asset) for the 

period by applying the discount rate used to measure the defined benefit obligation at the beginning of the annual period to 

the then net defined benefit liability/(asset), taking into account any changes in the net defined benefit liability/(asset) during 

the period as a result of contributions and benefit payments. Net interest expenses and other expenses related to defined 

benefit plans are recognized in the income statement.

When the benefits of a plan are changed or when a plan is curtailed, the resulting change in benefit that relates to past service 

or the gain or loss on curtailment is recognized immediately in the income statement. The group recognizes gains and losses 

on the settlement of a defined benefit plan when the settlement occurs.

b) Defined contribution plans

Defined contribution plans are defined to be pure savings plans, under which the employer makes certain contributions into a 

separate legal entity (fund) and does not have a legal or an extendible (constructive) liability to contribute any additional 

amounts in the event this entity does not have enough funds to pay out benefits. A “constructive” commitment exists when it 

can be assumed that the employer will voluntarily make additional contributions in order not to endanger the relationship with 

its employees. Company contributions to such plans are considered in the income statement as personnel expenses.

c) Other employee benefits

Some subsidiaries provide other employee benefits like “Early retirement benefits” or “Jubilee gifts” to their employees. Early 

retirement benefits are defined as termination benefits for employees accepting voluntary redundancy in exchange for those 

benefits. Jubilee gifts are other long-term benefits. For example, in Switzerland, Sulzer makes provisions for jubilee benefits 

based on a Swiss local directive. The provisions are reported in the category “Other employee benefits” (Note 26).

Short-term benefits are payable within 12 months after the end of the period in which the employees render the related 

employee service. In the case of liabilities of a long-term nature, the discounting effects and employee turnover are to be taken 

into consideration.

Obligations to employees arising from restructuring measures are included under the category “Restructuring provisions.”

34.20  Share-based compensation

Sulzer operates two equity-settled share-based payment plans. A performance share plan (PSP) covers the members of the 

Executive Committee and starting 2016 also the members of the Sulzer Management Group. A restricted share plan (RSP) 

covers the members of the Board of Directors and until 2015 also covered the members of the Sulzer Management Group.

a) Performance share plan (PSP)

The fair value of the employee services received in exchange for the grant of the performance share units is recognized as a 

personnel expense with a corresponding increase in equity. The total amount to be expensed over the vesting period is 

determined by reference to the fair value of the share units granted, excluding the impact of any non-market vesting 

conditions (e.g. profitability targets). At each balance sheet date, the group reassesses its estimates of the number of share 

units that are expected to vest. It recognizes the impact of the reassessment of original estimates, if any, in the income 

statement, and a corresponding adjustment to equity. The fair value of performance share units granted is measured by 

external valuation specialists based on a Monte Carlo simulation.

The group accrues for the expected cost of social charges in connection with the allotment of shares under the PSP. The 

dilution effect of the share-based awards is considered when calculating diluted earnings per share.

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b) Restricted share plan (RSP)

The fair value of the employee services received in exchange for the grant of the share units is recognized as a personnel 

expense with a corresponding increase in equity. The total amount expensed is recognized over the vesting period, which is 

the period over which the specified service conditions are expected to be met.

The fair value of the restricted share units granted for services rendered is measured at the Sulzer closing share price at grant 

date, and discounted over the vesting period using a discount rate that is based on the yield of Swiss government bonds with 

maturities matching the duration of the vesting period. Participants are not entitled to dividends declared during the vesting 

period. The grant date fair value of the restricted share units is consequently reduced by the present value of dividends 

expected to be paid during the vesting period.

The group accrues for the expected cost of social charges in connection with the allotment of shares under the RSP. The 

dilutive effect of the share-based awards is considered when calculating diluted earnings per share.

34.21 Provisions

Provisions are recognized when: the group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events; it is 

probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation; and the amount can be reliably estimated. 

Restructuring provisions comprise lease termination penalties and employee termination payments. Provisions are not 

recognized for future operating losses. Where there are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood that an outflow will be 

required is determined by considering the class of obligation as a whole. A provision is recognized even if the likelihood of an 

outflow with respect to a single item included in the class of obligations may be small.

Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation 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 the passage of time is recognized as interest expense.

34.22 Revenue recognition

Revenue comprises the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the sale of goods and rendering of services in 

the ordinary 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. The group recognizes revenue when the amount of revenue can be reliably measured, 

when it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the entity, and when specific criteria have been met.

a) Sale of goods/products

Revenue from the sale of goods/products derives in the ordinary course of business. Goods and products are described as 

ordinary when they are part of the official product range of the organization. Goods and products are those items produced/

engineered and/or purchased for resale. This includes standard products (off the rack) as well as (pre-)engineered or tailor-

made products.

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognized when all of the conditions stated below are fulfilled. The return rights of 

products and goods are also considered. The conditions for the recognition of revenue from sale of goods and products are 

as follows:

—

—

—

—

it is probable that any future economic benefit associated with the revenue will flow to the entity,

the revenue can be measured reliably,

the cost incurred or to be incurred can be measured reliably,

the entity (seller) has transferred significant risks and rewards of ownership to the buyer; basis of the risk/reward terms are 

the agreed clauses with the customer in the sales contract, generally linked to the internationally accepted Incoterms, and

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—

the entity (seller) has retained neither continuing managerial involvement nor effective control over the goods.

Revenue is recognized only when it is probable that it is collectible and measurable. Revenue can only be collectible when 

there is a binding sales agreement. Once revenue is recognized, any subsequent uncertainty about the collectibility of the 

revenue is recognized as an expense/adjustment to the amount receivable rather than as an adjustment to revenue.

b) Rendering of services

The rendering of services involves an entity performing an agreed task for a customer. This service may involve asset 

maintenance; professional services; and the construction, development, or customization of assets. Service contracts may be 

single-element contracts, in which the entity renders one type of service, or multiple-element contracts that provide for the 

delivery of more than one service, or may include the delivery of goods as well as services. Services are often performed 

within the reporting period.

Services that are provided over a period beyond the reporting period involve estimates. Revenue is then recognized according 

to the stage, or percentage, of completion of the contract. The method used to determine the stage of completion will depend 

on the nature of the contract. A consistent approach is taken to the revenue recognition of similar contracts.

Revenue from rendering of services is recognized by reference to the stage of completion of the transaction when the 

following conditions are cumulatively met:

—

—

—

—

the amount of revenue can be measured reliably,

the flow of economic benefits to the entity is probable,

the state of completion at the period end can be measured reliably, and

the cost incurred to date and the cost to completion can be measured reliably.

c) Construction contracts

Major long-term construction contracts are reported using the percentage of completion method (POC), based on the 

percentage of costs to date compared with the total estimated contract costs, contractual milestones, or performance. The 

income statement contains a share of sales, including an estimated share of profit. The balance sheet includes the 

corresponding net trade accounts receivable (after adjustment for advance payments received) if the receivables exceed the 

advance payments from the customer of the project. The same is applicable when net advance payments from customers 

(after adjustment of trade accounts receivable) exceed the receivables of the project. When it appears probable that the total 

costs of an order will exceed the expected income, the total amount of expected loss is recognized immediately in the income 

statement.

34.23 Assets and disposal groups held for sale

A non-current asset or a group of assets is classified as “held for sale” if its carrying amount will be recovered principally 

through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. For this to be the case, the management must be committed to 

sell the assets, the assets must be actively marketed for sale, and the sale is expected to be completed within one year. A 

non-current asset or a group of assets classified as “held for sale” shall be measured at the lower of its carrying amount or fair 

value less selling cost.

34.24 Dividend distribution

Dividend distribution to the shareholders of Sulzer Ltd is resolved upon decision at the Annual General Meeting and will be 

paid in the same reporting period.

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35 Subsequent events after the balance sheet date

On January 11, 2018, the group acquired 100% of the issued shares in JWC Environmental LLC, (“JWC”) for CHF 210 million, 

adjusted for an acquired tax asset. JWC is headquartered in Santa Ana, California, US, and employs around 230 people. The 

company is a leading provider of highly engineered, mission-critical solids reduction and removal products such as grinders, 

screens, and dissolved air flotation systems for municipal, industrial, and commercial wastewater applications.

The financial effects of this transaction have not been recognized at December 31, 2017. The operating results and assets and 

liabilities of the acquired company will be consolidated from January 11, 2018. The initial accounting for the business 

combination is incomplete at the time the Board of Directors authorized these consolidated financial statements for issue.

The Board of Directors authorized these consolidated financial statements for issue on February 27, 2018. They are subject to 

approval at the Annual General Meeting, which will be held on April 4, 2018. At the time when these consolidated financial 

statements were authorized for issue, the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee were not aware of any other events 

that would materially affect these financial statements.

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36 Major subsidiaries
December 31, 2017

December 31, 2017
Europe

Subsidiary

Sulzer 
ownership 
and 
voting 
rights

Registered 
capital (including 
paid-in capital in 
the USA and 
Canada)

Direct 
participation 
by Sulzer 
Ltd

Research & 
development

Production 
& 
engineering

Sales

Service

Switzerland

Sulzer Chemtech AG, Winterthur

100%

CHF 10’000’000

Sulzer Mixpac AG, Haag

100%

CHF 100’000

Sulzer Markets and Technology 
AG, Winterthur

Sulzer Management AG, 
Winterthur

100%

CHF 4’000’000

100%

CHF 500’000

Tefag AG, Winterthur

100%

CHF 500’000

Sulzer International AG, 
Winterthur

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater 
Belgium N.V./S.A., St. Stevens-
Woluwe

Ensival Moret International SA   , 
Thimister-Clermont

1)

Ensival Moret Belgium SA   , 
Thimister-Clermont

1)

Sulzer Pumpen (Deutschland) 
GmbH, Bruchsal

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater 
Germany GmbH, Bonn

100%

CHF 100’000

100%

EUR 123’947

100%

EUR 9’400’000

100%

EUR 7’400’000

100%

EUR 3’000’000

100%

EUR 300’000

Sulzer Pump Solutions Germany 
GmbH, Lohmar

100%

EUR 1’000’000

Sulzer Chemtech GmbH, Linden

100%

EUR 300’000

Sulzer Pumps Grundbesitz 
Germany GmbH, Lohmar

100%

EUR 300’000

Sulzer APS Deutschland Holding 
GmbH, Bechhofen

100%

EUR 870’000

Geka GmbH, Bechhofen

100%

EUR 878’600

Transcodent GmbH & Co. KG   , 
Kiel

1)

100%

EUR 2’000

Sulzer Mixpac Denmark A/S, 
Greve

Sulzer Pumps Denmark A/S, 
Farum

100%

DKK 500’000

100%

DKK 500’000

Sulzer Pumps Finland Oy, Kotka

100%

EUR 16’000’000

Sulzer Pompes France SASU, 
Buchelay

Ensival Moret France SASU   , 
Saint-Quentin

1)

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater 
Greece A.E., Athens

100%

EUR 6’600’000

100%

EUR 10’000’000

100%

EUR 117’400

Belgium

Germany

Denmark

Finland

France

Greece

Great Britain

Sulzer Pumps (UK) Ltd., Leeds

100%

GBP 9’610’000

Sulzer Chemtech (UK) Ltd., 
Stockton on Tees

Sulzer Electro Mechanical 
Services (UK) Ltd., Birmingham

100%

GBP 100’000

100%

GBP 48’756

Sulzer (UK) Holdings Ltd., Leeds

100%

GBP 6’100’000

Sulzer Mixpac (UK) Ltd., 
Hungerford

Sulzer Pump Solutions Ireland 
Ltd., Wexford

100%

GBP 1’000’000

100%

EUR 2’222’500

Ireland

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•

Italy

Norway

The Netherlands

Austria

Poland

Sulzer Finance (Ireland) Limited, 
Wexford

Sulzer Italy S.r.l., Casalecchio di 
Reno

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater 
Norway A/S, Sandvika

100%

EUR 100

100%

EUR 600’000

100%

NOK 502’000

Sulzer Pumps Norway A/S, Klepp 
Stasjon

100%

NOK 500’000

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater 
Netherlands B.V., Maastricht-
Airport

Sulzer Chemtech Nederland B.V., 
Breda

Sulzer Turbo Services Rotterdam 
B.V., Europoort

Advanced Separation Company 
(Ascom) B.V., Arnhem

Process Laboratories 
Netherlands (PROLAB NL) B.V., 
Arnhem

Sulzer Turbo Services Venlo B.V., 
Lomm

Sulzer Netherlands Holding B.V., 
Breda

100%

EUR 15’882

100%

EUR 1’134’451

100%

EUR 18’000

100%

EUR 18’000

100%

EUR 18’000

100%

EUR 444’704

100%

EUR 10’010’260

Sulzer Capital B.V., Breda

100%

EUR 50’000

Sulzer Austria GmbH, Wiener 
Neudorf

Sulzer Turbo Services Poland Sp. 
z o.o., Lublin

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater 
Poland Sp. z o.o., Warsaw

100%

EUR 350’000

100%

PLN 2’427’000

100%

PLN 800’000

Sulzer Mixpac Poland Sp. z o.o., 
Nowa Wies Wroclawska

100%

PLN 5’000

Russia

ZAO Sulzer Pumps, St. 
Petersburg

100%

RUB 8’000’000

Sulzer Pumps Rus LLC, Moscow

100%

RUB 6’000’600

Sulzer Turbo Services Rus LLC, 
Moscow

51%

RUB 14’705’882

Sulzer Chemtech LLC, Serpukhov

100%

RUB 55’500’000

Sulzer Pumps Sweden AB, 
Vadstena

100%

SEK 3’000’000

Sulzer Pumps Spain S.A., Madrid

100%

EUR 1’750’497

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater Spain 
S.A., Rivas Vaciamadrid

Sulzer Pompa Çözümleri Ltd. Sti., 
Istanbul

100%

EUR 2’000’000

100%

TRY 800’000

Sulzer Pumps (Canada) Inc., 
Burnaby

Sulzer Chemtech Canada Inc., 
Edmonton

Sulzer Rotating Equipment 
Services (Canada) Ltd., 
Edmonton

Sulzer Pumps (US) Inc., Houston, 
Texas

Sulzer Pumps Solutions Inc., 
Easley, South Carolina

Sulzer Pump Services (US) Inc., 
Houston, Texas

100%

CAD 2’771’588

100%

CAD 1’000’000

100%

CAD 7’000’000

100%

USD 40’381’108

100%

USD 27’146’250

100%

USD 1’000

Sweden

Spain

Turkey

North America

Canada

USA

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•

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•

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Notes to the consolidated financial statements

167

Sulzer Chemtech USA, Inc., 
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Sulzer Mixpac USA Inc., Salem, 
New Hampshire

Sulzer Turbo Services Houston 
Inc., La Porte, Texas

Sulzer Turbo Services New 
Orleans Inc., Belle Chasse, 
Louisiana

Sulzer Electro-Mechanical 
Services (US) Inc., Pasadena, 
Texas

100%

USD 47’895’000

100%

USD 100

100%

USD 18’840’000

100%

USD 4’006’122

100%

USD 12’461’286

Sulzer US Holding Inc., Houston, 
Texas

100%

USD 
200’561’040

Geka Manufacturing Corporation, 
Elgin

Sulzer Pumps México, S.A. de 
C.V., Cuautitlán Izcalli

100%

USD 603’719

100%

MXN 4’887’413

Sulzer Chemtech, S. de R.L. de 
C.V., Cuautitlán Izcalli

100%

MXN 
231’345’500

Sulzer Turbo Services Argentina 
S.A., Buenos Aires

100%

ARS 9’730’091

Sulzer Brasil S.A., Jundiaí

100%

BRL 82’054’659

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater Brasil 
Ltda., Jundiaí

100%

BRL 30’166’785

Sulzer Services Brasil, Triunfo

100%

BRL 40’675’856

Geka do Brasil Indústria e 
Comércio de Embalagens Ltda., 
Sao Paulo

Sulzer Bombas Chile Ltda., 
Vitacura

100%

BRL 15’009’794

100%

CLP 46’400’000

Sulzer-Ecuador S.A., Quito

100%

USD 12’500

Sulzer Pumps Colombia S.A.S., 
Cota

100%

COP 
7’142’000’000

Sulzer Pumps (Venezuela) S.A., 
Barcelona

Sulzer Turbo Services Venezuela 
S.A., Caracas

100% VEB 200’000’000

100%

VEB 5’000

Sulzer Pumps (South Africa) (Pty) 
Ltd., Elandsfontein

75%

ZAR 
100’450’000

Sulzer (South Africa) Holdings 
(Pty) Ltd., Elandsfontein

Sulzer Chemtech (Pty) Ltd., 
Johannesburg

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater South 
Africa (Pty) Ltd., Johannesburg

Sulzer Maroc S.A.R.L. A.U., Ain 
Sebaa

Sulzer Pumps (Nigeria) Ltd., 
Lagos

100%

ZAR 16’476

100%

ZAR 121

100%

ZAR 1’001

100%

MAD 3’380’000

100%

NGN 10’000’000

Sulzer Zambia Ltd., Chingola

100%

ZMK 15’000’000

Mexico

Central and South 
America

Argentina

Brazil

Chile

Ecuador

Colombia

Venezuela

Africa

South Africa

Morocco

Nigeria

Zambia

Middle East

United Arab Emirates

Sulzer Pumps Middle East FZCO, 
Dubai

100%

AED 500’000

Sulzer Rotating Equipment FZE, 
Dubai

100%

USD 272’000

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Notes to the consolidated financial statements

168

Saudi Arabia

Bahrain

Asia

India

Sulzer Saudi Pump Company 
Limited, Riyadh

Sulzer Chemtech Middle East 
S.P.C., Al Seef

75%

SAR 44’617’000

100%

BHD 50’000

Sulzer Pumps India Ltd., Navi 
Mumbai

99%

INR 25’000’000

Sulzer India Pvt. Ltd., Pune

100%

INR 34’500’000

Sulzer Tech India Pvt. Ltd., Navi 
Mumbai

100%

INR 100’000

Indonesia

PT. Sulzer Indonesia, Purwakarta

100%

IDR 
28’234’800’000

PT Sulzer Pumps Indonesia, 
Purwakarta

100%

USD 300’000

Japan

Sulzer Daiichi K.K., Tokyo

60%

JPY 30’000’000

Sulzer Japan Ltd., Tokyo

100%

JPY 10’000

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater 
Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Selangor 
Darul Ehsan

Advanced Separation Company 
Asia SDN BHD, Kuala Lumpur

Sulzer Singapore Pte. Ltd., 
Singapore

100%

MYR 500’000

100%

MYR 2

100%

SGD 1’000’000

Malaysia

Singapore

South Korea

Sulzer Korea Ltd., Seoul

100%

KRW 
222’440’000

Thailand

Sulzer Chemtech Co., Ltd., 
Rayong

100%

THB 25’000’000

People’s Republic of 
China

Sulzer Dalian Pumps & 
Compressors Ltd., Dalian

100%

CHF 21’290’000

Sulzer Pumps Suzhou Ltd., 
Suzhou

100%

CNY 82’069’324

Sulzer Pump Solutions (Kunshan) 
Co., Ltd., Kunshan

100%

USD 5’760’000

Sulzer Shanghai Eng. & Mach. 
Works Ltd., Shanghai

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater 
Shanghai Co. Ltd., Shanghai

100%

CNY 61’432’607

100%

USD 1’550’000

Sulzer Chemtech Pty Ltd., 
Brisbane

Sulzer Australia Pty Ltd., 
Brisbane

100%

AUD 500’000

100%

AUD 5’308’890

Sulzer Australia Holding Pty Ltd., 
Brendale

100%

AUD 34’820’100

Australia

1) Acquired in 2017.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Auditor's report

169

Opinion

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Sulzer Ltd and its subsidiaries (the Group), which comprise the 

“Consolidated balance sheet” as at December 31, 2017 and the “Consolidated income statement”, “Consolidated statement 

of comprehensive income”, “Consolidated statement of changes in equity” and “Consolidated statement of cash flows” for the 

year then ended, and “Notes to the consolidated financial statements”, including a summary of significant accounting policies.

In our opinion the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the 

Group as at December 31, 2017, and its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for the year then 

ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and comply with Swiss law.

Basis for Opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with Swiss law, International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) and Swiss Auditing 

Standards. Our responsibilities under those provisions and standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for 

the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with 

the provisions of Swiss law and the requirements of the Swiss audit profession, as well as the IESBA Code of Ethics for 

Professional Accountants, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Key Audit Matters

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Auditor's report

170

Customer contracts – accuracy of revenue recognition, valuation of work in 
progress (WIP) and trade accounts receivable

Key Audit Matter

Our response

As per December 31, 2017, revenue from customer contracts 

Our procedures included among others obtaining an 

amounts to CHF 3,049.0 million, the balance of WIP amounts 

understanding of the project execution processes and 

to CHF 178.0 million and trade accounts receivable amount 

relevant controls relating to the accounting for customer 

to CHF 901.8 million.

contracts. We tested selected key controls, including results 

reviews by management, for their operating effectiveness and 

Revenue and related costs from long-term customer orders 

performed procedures to gain sufficient audit evidence on 

(construction and service contracts) are recognized by 

the accuracy of the accounting for customer contracts and 

applying the Percentage of Completion (PoC) method, 

related financial statement captions.

provided they fulfill the criteria of International Financial 

Reporting Standards. The PoC method allows recognizing 

These procedures included reading significant new contracts 

revenues by reference to the stage of completion of the 

to understand the terms and conditions and their impact on 

contract. The application of the PoC method is complex and 

revenue recognition. We performed enquiries with 

requires judgments by management when estimating the 

management to understand their project risk assessments 

stage of completion, total project costs and the costs to 

and inspected meeting minutes from project reviews 

complete the work. Incorrect assumptions and estimates can 

performed by management to identify relevant changes in 

lead to revenue being recognized in the wrong reporting 

their assessments and estimates. We challenged these 

period or in amounts inadequate to the actual stage of 

estimates and judgments made for PoC projects including 

completion, and therefore to an incorrect result for the 

comparing estimated project financials between reporting 

period.

periods and assessed the historical accuracy of these 

During order fulfillment, contractual obligations may need to 

estimates.

be reassessed. In addition, change orders or cancelations 

On a sample basis, we reconciled revenue to the supporting 

have to be considered. As a result, total estimated project 

documentation, validated estimates of costs to complete, 

costs may exceed total contract revenues and therefore 

tested the mathematical accuracy of calculations and the 

require write-offs of WIP or PoC receivables and the 

adequacy of project accounting.

immediate recognition of the expected loss.

Sulzer further recognizes revenue from the sale of goods 

sample basis by verifying the amounts back to source 

when the significant risks and rewards of ownership are 

documentation and tested their recoverability through 

transferred to the buyer and all the other relevant conditions 

comparing the net realizable values as per the agreements 

are fulfilled.

with estimated cost to complete.

We also examined costs included within WIP balances on a 

Regarding the non-PoC projects, the risk includes 

We further performed testing for non-PoC projects on a 

inappropriate revenue recognition from revenue being 

sample basis to confirm the appropriate application of 

recorded in the wrong accounting period or at amounts not 

revenue recognition policies. This included reconciling 

justified.

accounting entries to supporting documentation. When doing 

this, we specifically put emphasis on those transactions 

occurring close before or after the balance sheet date to 

obtain sufficient evidence over the accuracy of cut-off.

For further information on customer contracts – accuracy of revenue recognition, valuation of work in progress (WIP) and trade 

accounts receivable refer to the following:

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Auditor's report

171

—

Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements

Provisions for liquidated damages and warranty

Key Audit Matter

Our response

As per December 31, 2017, provisions in the amount of CHF 

Based on our knowledge gained through contract and project 

92.3 million are held on the balance sheet to cover expected 

reviews, we assessed the need for and the accuracy of 

costs arising from uncertain contract outcomes, in particular 

provisions. We further challenged management’s contract 

for liquidated damages and product warranties.

risk assessments by enquiries, inspection of meeting minutes 

and review of correspondence with customers where 

Sulzer is exposed to claims from customers for not meeting 

available.

contractual obligations. Remedying measures, addressing 

technical shortcomings or settlement negotiations with 

Where milestones or contract specifications were not met, 

clients may take several months and cause additional costs. 

we challenged the recognition and appropriateness of 

The assessment of these costs to satisfy order related 

provisions by recalculating the amounts, obtaining written 

obligations contains management assumptions with a higher 

management statements and evidence from supporting 

risk of material misjudgment.

documents such as correspondence with clients or legal 

assessments of external counsels where available.

We also took into account the historical accuracy of 

estimates made by management through retrospective 

reviews. In order to gain a complete and clear understanding 

of legal matters we further performed enquiry procedures 

with the office of Sulzer’s General Counsel and reviewed 

relevant documents.

For further information on provisions for liquidated damages and warranty refer to the following:

—

Note 26 to the consolidated financial statements

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Auditor's report

172

Valuation of goodwill

Key Audit Matter

Our response

As at December 31, 2017, Sulzer’s balance sheet included 

As a first step, we assessed the appropriateness of the CGUs 

goodwill amounting to CHF 865.7 million.

identified. Our audit procedures then included, amongst 

others, evaluating the methodical and mathematical accuracy 

Goodwill has to be assessed for impairment on a yearly basis 

of the model used for the impairment testing, the 

by management using a discounted cash flow model to 

appropriateness of the assumptions, and the methodology 

individually determine the value in use of goodwill balances. 

used by management to prepare its cash flow forecasts. We 

This requires the use of a number of key assumptions and 

involved our own valuation specialists to support our 

judgments, including the estimated future cash flows, long-

procedures.

term growth rates, profitability levels and discount rates 

applied as well as the determination of the cash generating 

We thereby focused on those CGUs with the most significant 

units (“CGUs”) for the goodwill impairment testing.

goodwill balances or where reasonably possible changes of 

key assumptions would lead to an impairment and performed 

The goodwill balance is significant compared to total assets 

the following procedures amongst others:

and there are a number of judgments involved in performing 

the impairment test. Furthermore, the economic conditions 

continue to be challenging in some of Sulzer’s key markets, 

• gaining an understanding and assessing the 

reasonableness of business plans by comparing them to 

specifically the oil and gas sector. With half of its business 

prior year’s assumptions;

within this market segment, Sulzer’s financial performance is 

• comparing business plan data against budgets and two-

significantly affected by the low oil prices and the resulting 

subdued demand and price pressure from its oil and gas 

year plans as approved by management;

• recalculating the value in use calculations;

customers.

• challenging the robustness of the key assumptions used 

to determine the value in use, including the allocation of 

goodwill to the adequate CGUs, cash flow forecasts, 

long-term growth rates and the discount rates based on 

our understanding of the commercial prospects of the 

related CGUs and by comparing them with publicly 

available data, where possible;

• conducting sensitivity analysis, taking into account the 

historical forecasting accuracy; and

• comparing the sum of calculated values in use to the 

market capitalization of the Group.

We also considered the appropriateness of disclosures in the 

consolidated financial statements.

For further information on valuation of goodwill refer to the following:

—

Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Auditor's report

173

Other Information in the Annual Report

The Board of Directors is responsible for the other information in the annual report. The other information comprises all 

information included in the annual report, but does not include the consolidated financial statements, the stand-alone financial 

statements of the Company, the compensation report and our auditor’s reports thereon.

Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover the other information in the annual report and we do not 

express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information in the 

annual report and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the consolidated financial 

statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If, based on the work we 

have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that 

fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Responsibility of the Board of Directors for the Consolidated Financial Statements

The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements that give a true and fair view 

in accordance with IFRS and the provisions of Swiss law, and for such internal control as the Board of Directors determines is 

necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether 

due to fraud or error.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the Board of Directors is responsible for assessing the Group’s ability to 

continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of 

accounting unless the Board of Directors either intends to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or has no realistic 

alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free 

from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. 

Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Swiss 

law, ISAs and Swiss Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise 

from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to 

influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated financial statements.

As part of an audit in accordance with Swiss law, ISAs and Swiss Auditing Standards, we exercise professional judgment and 

maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:

—

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or 

error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and 

appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is 

higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, 

or the override of internal control.

—

—

Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in 

the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control.

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related 

disclosures made.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Auditor's report

174

—

Conclude on the appropriateness of the Board of Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on 

the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant 

doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are 

required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the consolidated financial statements or, if 

such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to 

the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to cease to continue as a 

going concern.

—

—

Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the consolidated financial statements, including the 

disclosures, and whether the consolidated financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a 

manner that achieves fair presentation.

Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within 

the Group to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. We are responsible for the direction, 

supervision and performance of the Group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.

We communicate with the Board of Directors or its relevant committee regarding, among other matters, the planned scope 

and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify 

during our audit.

We also provide the Board of Directors or its relevant committee with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical 

requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably 

be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards.

From the matters communicated with the Board of Directors or its relevant committee, we determine those matters that were 

of most significance in the audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current period and are therefore the key audit 

matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s report, unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the 

matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter should not be communicated in our report 

because the adverse consequences of doing so would reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of 

such communication.

Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements

In accordance with article 728a para. 1 item 3 CO and the Swiss Auditing Standard 890, we confirm that an internal control 

system exists, which has been designed for the preparation of consolidated financial statements according to the instructions 

of the Board of Directors.

We recommend that the consolidated financial statements submitted to you be approved.

KPMG AG

François Rouiller

Licensed Audit Expert

Auditor in Charge

Zurich, February 27, 2018

report.sulzer.com/ar17

Nanda Buess

Licensed Audit Expert

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Auditor's report

175

KPMG AG, Badenerstrasse 172, PO Box, CH-8036 Zurich

KPMG AG is a subsidiary of KPMG Holding AG, which is a member of the KPMG network of independent firms affiliated with 

KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss legal entity. All rights reserved.

report.sulzer.com/ar17

Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Five-year summaries

176

Five-year summaries of key financial data
Key figures from consolidated income statement and statement of cash flows

millions of CHF

Order intake

Order intake gross margin

Order backlog

Sales

Operating income

Operational EBITA

Operational EBITA margin (operational EBITA/sales)

Return on capital employed (operational EBITA in % of 
average capital employed) 1)

Net income attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

– in percentage of equity attributable to shareholders of 
Sulzer Ltd

Reported EPS

Depreciation

Amortization

Impairments 2)

Research and development expenses

Capital expenditure

Free cash flow

FCF conversion (free cash flow/net income)

Employees (number of full-time equivalents) as of 
December 31

Personnel expenses

EBIT

opEBITA

opROSA

opROCEA

ROE

EPS

2017

3’155.7

34.4%

1’593.5

3’049.0

136.5

255.4

8.4%

15.8%

83.2

5.0%

2.44

–71.7

–53.8

–15.4

–81.0

81.2

127.0

1.46

2016

2’797.5

34.0%

1’439.1

2’876.7

115.3

238.9

8.3%

15.7%

59.0

3.7%

1.73

–69.5

–47.3

–18.4

–71.4

74.9

200.5

3.34

2015

2’895.8

33.8%

1’510.7

2’971.0

120.9

254.1

8.6%

17.0%

73.9

3.3%

2.17

–74.1

–42.3

–13.0

–73.4

73.7

155.8

2.08

2014

3’160.8

33.5%

1’699.6

3’212.1

–69.0

302.9

9.4%

17.1%

275

2013

3’249.9

33.5%

1’672.1

3’263.9

264.0

304.1

9.3%

14.6%

234.4

11.3%

10.0%

8.09

–79.2

–43.3

–0.4

–76.2

96.0

98.0

0.35

6.89

–73.0

–41.6

0.0

–70.6

80.5

218.7

0.93

14’732

1’078.2

14’005

971.1

14’253

1’020.8

15’494

1’046.2

15’382

1’047.4

1) Since 2014 opEBITA/operational capital employed (excl. other intangible assets). For 2013 and earlier capital employed.

2) Impairments does not include impairment on goodwill.

Key figures from consolidated balance sheet

millions of CHF

Non-current assets

2017

2016

2015

2014

1’990.5

1’809.9

1’574.0

1’681.9

– thereof property, plant, and equipment

531.6

511.0

491.4

530.7

Current assets

2’126.8

1’926.0

2’680.8

2’971.1

– thereof cash and cash equivalents and marketable 
securities

Total assets

Equity attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

Non-current liabilities

– thereof long-term borrowings

Current liabilities

– thereof short-term borrowings

Net liquidity 1)

Equity ratio 2)

Borrowings-to-equity ratio (gearing)

488.8

4’117.3

1’680.1

900.1

458.7

429.5

3’735.9

1’581.2

980.3

458.3

1’217.3

4’254.8

2’224.7

472.1

7.2

1’301.5

4’653.0

2’435.4

994.5

510.3

1’514.8

1’164.6

1’548.5

1’216.5

255.1

7.1

514.4

17.7

–225.0

40.8%

0.42

–35.9

42.3%

0.29

695.7

52.3%

0.23

773.5

52.4%

0.22

2013

1’891.5

492.0

2’652.4

528.7

4’543.9

2’334.4

825.3

515.9

1’377.9

56.6

–36.2

51.4%

0.25

1) Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities, less short-term and long-term borrowings

2) Equity attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd in relation to total assets.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Five-year summaries

177

Five-year summaries by division

Order intake

Sales

millions of CHF

Divisions

2017 3)

2016 3)

2015

2014

2013

2017 3)

2016 3)

2015

2014

2013

3’189.0

2’844.6

2’907.9

3’169.1

3’250.7

3’059.1

2’888.4

2’983.8

3’221.0

3’270.9

Pumps Equipment

1’189.7

1’090.4

1’500.8

1’725.5

1’801.5

1’122.7

1’159.0

1’621.0

1’754.9

1’821.6

Rotating Equipment Services

1’071.0

1’009.7

Chemtech

Applicator Systems

Others

Total

502.0

426.3

–33.3

471.9

272.6

–47.1

698.2

708.9

0.0

–12.1

725.2

718.4

0.0

–8.3

699.3

1’034.5

1’011.3

749.9

0.0

–0.8

478.4

423.5

–10.1

446.1

272.0

–11.7

693.2

669.6

0.0

–12.8

724.6

741.5

0.0

–8.9

705.6

743.7

0.0

–7.0

3’155.7

2’797.5

2’895.8

3’160.8

3’249.9

3’049.0

2’876.7

2’971.0

3’212.1

3’263.9

Order backlog

Employees 1)

millions of CHF

Divisions

Pumps Equipment

Rotating Equipment Services

Chemtech

Applicator Systems

Others

Total

2017 3)

2016 3)

2015

2014

2013

2017 3)

2016 3)

2015

2014

2013

1’591.4

1’439.0

1’510.7

1’703.6

1’672.1

14’532

13’829

14’073

15’361

15’198

847.0

364.4

315.3

64.7

2.1

697.4

378.7

304.9

58.0

0.1

998.0

1’209.4

1’190.9

205.0

307.7

0.0

0.0

212.2

282.0

0.0

–4.0

190.7

290.5

0.0

0.0

5’453

4’485

2’878

1’716

200

5’156

4’541

2’570

1’562

176

6’996

3’538

3’539

0

180

7’365

3’709

4’287

0

133

7’389

3’642

4’167

0

184

1’593.5

1’439.1

1’510.7

1’699.6

1’672.1

14’732

14’005

14’253

15’494

15’382

millions of CHF

Divisions

Pumps Equipment

Chemtech

Applicator Systems

Others

Total

Operational EBITA

Operational capital employed

2017 3)

2016 3)

2015

2014

2013

2017 3)

2016 3)

2015

2014

2013 2)

252.1

234.6

–3.7

13.0

25.0

86.8

3.3

18.0

64.1

4.3

256.3

118.1

70.8

67.4

0.0

–2.2

255.4

238.9

254.1

318.7

160.6

64.5

93.6

0.0

–15.8

302.9

332.9

1’727.8

1’605.0

1’574.6

1’866.9

2’158.7

166.9

71.0

95.0

0.0

617.3

506.5

221.5

382.5

–28.8

–113.0

760.6

400.6

223.8

220.0

–85.1

746.3

1’115.6

422.0

406.3

0.0

408.7

342.6

0.0

–76.8

–99.6

n/a

n/a

412.8

0.0

–68.9

304.1

1’614.8

1’519.9

1’497.8

1’767.3

2’089.8

Rotating Equipment Services

144.0

139.5

1) Number of full-time equivalents as of December 31.

2) Since 2014 operational capital employed (excl. other intangible assets). For 2013 and earlier capital employed.

3) Reclassified numbers according to new operational structure, effective since January 1, 2017.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Consolidated financial statements - Five-year summaries

178

Five-year summaries by region
Order intake by region

millions of CHF

Europe, Middle East, Africa

Americas

Asia-Pacific

Total

Sales by region

millions of CHF

Europe, Middle East, Africa

Americas

Asia-Pacific

Total

Capital employed (average) by company location

millions of CHF

Europe, Middle East, Africa

Americas

Asia-Pacific

Total

2017

1’422.1

1’038.2

695.4

2016

1’254.8

949.8

592.9

2015

1’303.7

1’065.3

526.8

2014

1’305.5

1’165.4

689.9

3’155.7

2’797.5

2’895.8

3’160.8

2017

1’411.6

1’003.5

633.9

2016

1’271.8

1’041.9

563.0

2015

1’214.0

1’134.9

622.1

2014

1’264.7

1’177.4

770.0

3’049.0

2’876.7

2’971.0

3’212.1

2017

1’061.5

384.5

168.8

2016

941.8

391.8

186.3

2015

875.5

415.8

206.5

2014

1’152.4

406.6

208.3

2013

1’329.7

1’123.2

797.0

3’249.9

2013

1’402.4

1’130.0

731.5

3’263.9

2013 1)

1’365.1

481.0

243.7

1’614.8

1’519.9

1’497.8

1’767.3

2’089.8

1) Since 2014 operational capital employeed (excl. other intangible assets). For 2013 and earlier capital employed.

Employees by company location1)

Europe, Middle East, Africa

Americas

Asia-Pacific

Total

1) Number of full-time equivalents as of December 31.

2017

7’279

3’911

3’542

2016

6’804

3’822

3’379

2015

6’504

4’139

3’610

2014

6’607

4’545

4’342

2013

6’749

4’361

4’272

14’732

14’005

14’253

15’494

15’382

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd - Balance sheet of Sulzer Ltd

179

Balance sheet of Sulzer Ltd

December 31

millions of CHF

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Accounts receivable from subsidiaries

Prepaid expenses and other current accounts receivable

Total current assets

Non-current assets

Loans to subsidiaries

Financial assets

Investments in subsidiaries

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Current interest-bearing liabilities

Current interest-bearing liabilities with subsidiaries

Current liabilities with subsidiaries

Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities

Current provisions

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Non-current interest-bearing liabilities

Non-current liabilities with subsidiaries

Non-current provisions

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Equity

Registered share capital

Legal capital reserves

Voluntary retained earnings

– Free reserves

– Retained earnings

– Net profit for the year

Treasury shares

Total equity

Total equity and liabilities

report.sulzer.com/ar17

Notes

3

4

6

5

5

2017

125.8

44.4

2.7

172.9

652.6

9.1

1’785.6

2’447.3

2’620.2

224.6

38.0

45.1

13.0

4.7

325.4

450.4

79.1

38.2

567.7

893.1

0.3

205.5

1’386.5

67.6

89.3

–22.1

1’727.1

2’620.2

2016

1.9

65.8

2.4

70.1

819.1

9.2

1’497.1

2’325.4

2’395.5

–

43.7

78.6

17.2

5.3

144.8

450.4

–

37.9

488.3

633.1

0.3

205.5

1’486.5

82.2

4.8

–16.9

1’762.4

2’395.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd - Income statement of Sulzer Ltd

180

Income statement of Sulzer Ltd

January 1–December 31

millions of CHF

Income

Investment income

Financial income

Other income

Total income

Expenses

Administrative expenses

Financial expenses

Investment and loan expenses

Other expenses

Direct taxes

Total expenses

Net profit for the year

Notes

9

8

9

2017

122.9

45.2

37.3

205.4

61.8

13.5

36.8

3.9

0.1

116.1

89.3

2016

86.2

42.8

38.0

167.0

60.9

14.2

82.3

3.5

1.3

162.2

4.8

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd - Statement of changes in equity of Sulzer Ltd

181

Statement of changes in equity of Sulzer 
Ltd

January 1–December 31

millions of CHF

Share
capital

Legal
reserves

Free
reserves

Retained
earnings

Equity as of January 1, 2016

0.3

205.5

1’786.5

170.6

Dividend

Allocation of net income

Net profit for the year

Change in treasury shares

–300.0

–88.4

Net
income

229.2

–617.6

388.4

4.8

Treasury 
shares

Total

–17.9

2’374.2

–617.6

–

4.8

1.0

1.0

Equity as of December 31, 2016

0.3

205.5

1’486.5

82.2

4.8

–16.9

1’762.4

Dividend

Allocation of net income

Net profit for the year

Change in treasury shares

–100.0

–14.6

–119.4

114.6

89.3

–119.4

–

89.3

–5.2

–5.2

Equity as of December 31, 2017

0.3

205.5

1’386.5

67.6

89.3

–22.1

1’727.1

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd - Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

182

1 General information

Sulzer Ltd, Winterthur, Switzerland (the Company), is the parent company of the Sulzer Group. Its unconsolidated financial 

statements are prepared in accordance with Swiss law and serve as complementary information to the consolidated financial 

statements.

These financial statements were prepared according to the provisions of the Swiss Law on Accounting and Financial 

Reporting (32nd title of the Swiss Code of Obligations). Where not prescribed by law, the significant accounting and valuation 

principles applied are described below.

2 Key accounting policies and principles
Treasury shares

Treasury shares are recognized at acquisition cost and deducted from shareholders’ equity at the time of acquisition. In case 

of a resale, the gain or loss is recognized through the income statement as financial income or financial expenses.

Investments in subsidiaries and third parties

The participations are valued at acquisition cost or if the value is lower, at value in use, using generally accepted valuation 

principles.

Non-current interest-bearing liabilities

Non-current interest-bearing liabilities are recognized in the balance sheet at amortized cost. Discounts and issue costs for 

bonds are amortized on a straight-line basis over the bond’s maturity period.

Share-based payments

Sulzer Ltd operates a share-based payment program that covers the Board of Directors. Restricted share units (RSU) are 

granted annually. The plan features graded vesting over a three-year period. One RSU award is settled with one Sulzer share 

at the end of the vesting period. Awards automatically vest with the departure from the Board. The fair value of the Sulzer 

share at vesting date is recognized as compensation to the Board of Directors.

Foregoing a cash flow statement and additional disclosures in the notes

As Sulzer Ltd has prepared its consolidated financial statements in accordance with a recognized accounting standard (IFRS), 

it has decided to forego presenting additional information on audit fees and interest-bearing liabilities in the notes as well as a 

cash flow statement in accordance with the law.

3 Cash and cash equivalents

Sulzer Ltd arranged a CHF 500 million syndicated credit facility with maturity date May 2020 with two one-year extension 

options. During 2017 the facility was extended by another year until May 2022. The facility is available for general corporate 

purposes including financing of acquisitions. The facility is subject to financial covenants based on net financial indebtedness 

and EBITDA, which were adhered to throughout the reporting period. As of December 31, 2017, the use of the facility was 

CHF 224.6 million, which is disclosed as current interest-bearing liabilities, while at the end of 2016 the facility was not used.

4 Investments in subsidiaries

A list of the major subsidiaries held directly or indirectly by Sulzer Ltd is included in note 36 of the consolidated financial 

statements.

5 Registered share capital

The share capital amounts to CHF 342’623.70, made up of 34’262’370 shares with a par value of CHF 0.01. All shares are fully 

paid in and registered.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd - Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

183

Shareholders holding more than 3%

Renova Group

Treasury shares held by Sulzer Ltd

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Purchase

Share-based remuneration

Balance as of December 31

Dec 31, 2017

Dec 31, 2016

Number of shares

21’728’914

in %

63.42

Number of 
shares

21’728’414

in %

63.42

2017

2016

Number
of shares

Total transaction 
amount

Number
of shares

Total transaction 
amount

177’461

109’720

–67’904

219’277

16.9

11.8

–6.6

22.1

187’191

33’989

–43’719

177’461

17.9

3.1

–4.1

16.9

The total number of treasury shares held by Sulzer Ltd as of December 31, 2017, amounted to 219’277 (December 31, 2016: 

177’461 shares), which are mainly held for the purpose of issuing shares under the management share-based payment 

programs.

6 Non-current interest-bearing liabilities

millions of CHF

0.375% 07/2016–07/2022

0.875% 07/2016–07/2026

Total as of December 31

2017

2016

Book value

Nominal

Book value

Nominal

325.4

125.0

450.4

325.0

125.0

450.0

325.5

124.9

450.4

325.0

125.0

450.0

On July 11, 2016, Sulzer issued new bonds via dual tranches of CHF 450 million in total. The first tranche of CHF 325 million 

has a term of six years and carries a coupon of 0.375% and has an effective interest rate of 0.35%. The second tranche of 

CHF 125 million has a term of ten years and carries a coupon of 0.875% and has an effective interest rate of 0.88%. The 

bonds were issued to refinance the CHF 500 million bond maturing in July 2016 and are traded at the SIX Swiss Exchange.

7 Contingent liabilities

millions of CHF

Guarantees, sureties, comfort letters for subsidiaries

– to banks and insurance companies

– to customers

– to others

Guarantees for third parties

Total contingent liabilities as of December 31

2017

1’393.4

268.8

251.1

10.0

1’923.3

2016

1’316.4

404.4

110.9

10.0

1’841.7

As of December 31, 2017, CHF 342.0 million (2016: CHF 272.8 million) of guarantees, sureties, and comfort letters for 

subsidiaries to banks and insurance companies were utilized.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd - Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

184

8 Administrative expenses

millions of CHF

Compensation of Board of Directors

Other administrative expenses

Total administrative expenses

2017

2.3

59.5

61.8

2016

2.1

58.8

60.9

Sulzer Ltd does not have any employees. The compensation to the Board of Directors includes share-based payments and 

remuneration. Other administrative expenses contain management services and cost related to the Sulzer Full Potential 

program.

9 Investment income and investment and loan expenses

In 2017, the investment income contains ordinary and extraordinary dividend payments from subsidiaries amounting to CHF 

122.9 million (2016: CHF 86.2 million).

The investment and loan expenses contain allowances on investments and loans amounting to CHF 36.8 million (2016: CHF 

82.3 million).

10 Share participation of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and related 
parties
Restricted share units for members of the Board

The compensation of the Board of Directors consists of a fixed cash component and a restricted share unit (RSU) component 

with a fixed grant value. The number of RSU is determined by dividing the fixed grant value by the volume-weighted share 

price of the last ten days prior to the grant date. One-third of the RSU each vest after the first, second, and third anniversaries 

of the grant date, respectively. Upon vesting, one vested RSU is converted into one share of Sulzer Ltd. The vesting period for 

RSU granted to the members of the Board of Directors ends no later than on the date on which the member steps down from 

the Board.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd - Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

185

Board of Directors

Peter Löscher

Matthias Bichsel

Thomas Glanzmann

Axel C. Heitmann

Jill Lee

Mikhail Lifshitz

Marco Musetti

Gerhard Roiss

Executive Committee

Greg Poux-Guillaume

Daniel Bischofberger

Thomas Dittrich

Frédéric Lalanne

César Montenegro

Armand Sohet

Torsten Wintergerste

Restricted 
share units 
(RSU) 1)

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2015 2)

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2016 3)

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2017 4)

2017

Sulzer
shares

31’044

–

3’624

6’841

526

5’320

526

4’917

9’290

46’835

9’682

–

21’000

23’483

5’244

3’253

2’625

2’243

2’625

2’243

2’625

2’625

22’546

15’121

–

–

–

7’026

14’844

–

1’309

–

–

399

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

6’594

942

–

2’826

–

2’826

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

37’266

18’641

1’424

5’178

2’314

5’178

3’560

971

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

32’624

13’196

3’024

3’666

3’024

3’666

3’024

3’024

1) Restricted share units assigned by Sulzer.

2) The average fair value of one performance share unit 2015 at grant date amounted to CHF 193.97.

3) The average fair value of one performance share unit 2016 at grant date amounted to CHF 118.05.

4) The average fair value of one performance share unit 2017 at grant date amounted to CHF 116.02.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd - Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

186

Board of Directors

Peter Löscher

Matthias Bichsel

Thomas Glanzmann

Axel C. Heitmann

Jill Lee

Mikhail Lifshitz

Marco Musetti

Gerhard Roiss

Executive Committee

Greg Poux-Guillaume

Daniel Bischofberger

Thomas Dittrich

Frédéric Lalanne

César Montenegro

Armand Sohet

Torsten Wintergerste

Restricted 
share units 
(RSU) 1)

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2014 2)

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2015 3)

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2016 4)

2016

22’157

5’363

3’244

2’684

1’578

2’684

1’578

2’684

2’342

43’029

30’242

–

4’921

7’026

–

–

840

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3’278

6’594

–

–

964

–

2’314

–

–

942

–

2’826

–

2’826

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

37’266

18’641

1’424

5’178

2’314

5’178

3’560

971

Sulzer
shares

50’998

28’131

1’157

5’591

–

4’070

–

3’667

8’382

28’726

–

–

14’000

–

13’858

–

868

1) Restricted share units assigned by Sulzer.

2) The average fair value of one performance share unit 2014 at grant date amounted to CHF 206.63.

3) The average fair value of one performance share unit 2015 at grant date amounted to CHF 193.97.

4) The average fair value of one performance share unit 2016 at grant date amounted to CHF 118.05.

Granted Sulzer shares to members of the Board of Directors

Allocated to members of the Board of Directors

11’001

1’156’119

14’577

1’156’248

2017

2016

Quantity

Value in CHF

Quantity

Value in CHF

11 Subsequent events after the balance sheet date

At the time when these financial statements were authorized for issue, the Board of Directors were not aware of any events 

that would materially affect these financial statements.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd - Appropriation of net profit

187

Appropriation of net profit

in CHF

Net profit for the year

Unallocated profit carried forward from previous year

Total available profit

Proposal by the Board of Directors: 
Appropriation from free reserves

Ordinary dividend

Balance carried forward

Distribution per share CHF 0.01

Gross dividend

less 35% withholding tax

Net payment

2017

89’300’000

67’624’595

156’924’595

2016

4’800’000

82’184’595

86’984’595

–

100’000’000

–119’150’826

–119’360’001

37’773’769

67’624’595

3.50

1.23

2.27

3.50

1.23

2.27

The Board of Directors proposes the payment of a dividend of CHF 3.50 per share to the Annual General Meeting on April 4, 

2018. The company will not pay a dividend on treasury shares held by Sulzer Ltd or one of its subsidiaries.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd - Auditor's report

188

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd, which comprise the chapters “Balance sheet of Sulzer Ltd” as at 

December 31, 2017, “Income statement of Sulzer Ltd”, “Statement of changes in equity of Sulzer Ltd”, and “Notes to the 

financial statements of Sulzer Ltd”, including a summary of significant accounting policies.

In our opinion the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 comply with Swiss law and the company’s 

articles of incorporation.

Basis for Opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with Swiss law and Swiss Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those 

provisions and standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements 

section of our report. We are independent of the entity in accordance with the provisions of Swiss law and the requirements of 

the Swiss audit profession and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Report on Key Audit Matters based on the circular 1/2015 of the Federal Audit Oversight Authority

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial 

statements of the current period. We have determined that there are no key audit matters to communicate in our report.

Responsibility of the Board of Directors for the Financial Statements

The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the provisions of 

Swiss law and the company’s articles of incorporation, and for such internal control as the Board of Directors determines is 

necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or 

error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Board of Directors is responsible for assessing the entity’s ability to continue as a 

going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting 

unless the Board of Directors either intends to liquidate the entity or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to 

do so.

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material 

misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance 

is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Swiss law and Swiss Auditing 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd - Auditor's report

189

Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are 

considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions 

of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

As part of an audit in accordance with Swiss law and Swiss Auditing Standards, we exercise professional judgment and 

maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:

—

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design 

and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to 

provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for 

one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override 

of internal control.

—

—

—

Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in 

the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of internal control.

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related 

disclosures made.

Conclude on the appropriateness of the Board of Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on 

the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant 

doubt on the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are 

required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such 

disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the 

date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the entity to cease to continue as a going 

concern.

We communicate with the Board of Directors or its relevant committee regarding, among other matters, the planned scope 

and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify 

during our audit.

We also provide the Board of Directors or its relevant committee with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical 

requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably 

be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards.

From the matters communicated with the Board of Directors or its relevant committee, we determine those matters that were 

of most significance in the audit of the financial statements of the current period and are therefore the key audit matters. We 

describe these matters in our auditor’s report, unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or when, 

in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter should not be communicated in our report because the adverse 

consequences of doing so would reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication. 

Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements

In accordance with article 728a para. 1 item 3 CO and the Swiss Auditing Standard 890, we confirm that an internal control 

system exists, which has been designed for the preparation of financial statements according to the instructions of the Board 

of Directors.

We further confirm that the proposed appropriation of available earnings complies with Swiss law and the company’s articles 

of incorporation. We recommend that the financial statements submitted to you be approved.

KPMG AG

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Financial reporting - Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd - Auditor's report

190

François Rouiller

Licensed Audit Expert

Auditor in Charge

Zurich, February 27, 2018

Nanda Buess

Licensed Audit Expert

KPMG AG, Badenerstrasse 172, PO Box, CH-8036 Zurich

KPMG AG is a subsidiary of KPMG Holding AG, which is a member of the KPMG network of independent firms affiliated with 

KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss legal entity. All rights reserved.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Investor contacts

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Investor contacts

Head of Investor Relations

Christoph Ladner

Head of Investor Relations

Sulzer Ltd

Neuwiesenstrasse 15

8401 Winterthur

Switzerland

Phone +41 52 262 30 22

Fax +41 52 262 32 62

Contact form | Route

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Imprint

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Imprint

Published by:

Sulzer Ltd, Winterthur, Switzerland,

© 2017

Concept/Layout:

wirDesign, Berlin Braunschweig, Germany

Publishing system:

ns.wow by mms solutions AG, Zurich, Switzerland

Photographs:

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Sulzer Ltd, Winterthur, Switzerland

Geri Krischker, Zurich, Switzerland

iStock.com/gorodenkoff

iStock.com/Drazen_

iStock.com/Poike

Offset.com/Monty Rakusen

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Sulzer Annual Report 2017 - Disclaimer

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Disclaimer

This website may contain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, projections of financial developments and 

future performance of materials and products, containing risks and uncertainties. These statements are subject to change 

based on known and unknown risks and various other factors that could cause the actual results or performance to differ 

materially from the statements made herein.

The Sulzer Annual Report 2017 is also available in German. The original version is in English.

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