Quarterlytics / Industrials / Industrial - Machinery / Sulzer AG

Sulzer AG

sulzf · OTC Industrials
Claim this profile
Ticker sulzf
Exchange OTC
Sector Industrials
Industry Industrial - Machinery
Employees 10,000+
← All annual reports
FY2019 Annual Report · Sulzer AG
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
BECAUSE LIFE  
IS FLUID

Annual Report 2019

Contents

  3  Letter to the shareholders

  7  Sulzer at a glance
  7  Our company
  8  Our key figures

 10  Focus

 18  Business review
  19  Financial review
  25  Business review divisions

 34  Sustainable development
  35  People and community
  37  Environment
  40  Safety

 42  Corporate governance
  43  Corporate structure and shareholders
  44  Capital structure
  45  Board of Directors
  53  Executive Committee
  54  Shareholder participation rights
  55  Takeover and defense  measures
  56  Auditors
  57  Risk management
Information policy
  59 

 60  Compensation report
  61  Letter to the shareholders
  64  Special report
  67  Compensation governance and principles
  70  Compensation architecture for the CEO and EC members
  79  Compensation of the Executive Committee for 2019
  84  Compensation architecture for the Board of Directors
  86  Compensation of the Board of Directors for 2019
  89  Auditor’s report

 90  Financial reporting
  91  Consolidated financial  statements
 181  Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Letter to the shareholders

3

Letter to the shareholders

At Sulzer, we know that “Life is Fluidˮ. Whether in the form of liquids or gases, many of the world’s 
critical infrastructures involve displacing or processing fluids. We apply our expertise in fluid 

engineering to make a positive impact on millions of lives every day.

Our pumps play a key role in water systems around the globe, transporting Earth’s most precious 

resource to people across hundreds of kilometers and sustaining development of thriving cities. Our 

service teams maintain reliable power supplies for growing economies and populations to satisfy the 

ever-increasing energy demand.

Our separation technologies offer groundbreaking solutions that contribute to the circular economy, 

make chemistry work better, reduce waste and simplify life. And leading device manufacturers in the 

dental and healthcare industry, renowned cosmetic brands and more than half of the world’s 

adhesives manufacturers rely on Sulzer’s applicator systems.

Over the past year, our commitment to excellence in execution, our relentless focus on costs and our 

measures to further diversify our business and drive growth all continued to pay off, leading to strong 

2019 financial results.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Letter to the shareholders

4

Strong performance in 2019

In 2019, we were again able to generate significant organic growth, 6.3% for order intake and 10.8% 

for sales. Including acquisitions but excluding a negative currency impact, growth was at a strong 

8.2% for order intake and 13.0% for sales. Continued positive developments in most of our end 

markets, and particularly in water and chemicals, created a supportive environment for our 

businesses throughout 2019 and into 2020. Organic growth was most pronounced in our Rotating 

Equipment Services division (+8.6%) in terms of order intake and in Pumps Equipment (+17.0%) in 

terms of sales. Chemtech added another 6.5% of organic order growth in 2019 after delivering 

20.5% of growth in 2018. And Applicator Systems, despite seeing volumes impacted by disruptive 

forces in the cosmetics market, protected its high level of profitability.

Our acquisitions boosted our top line by 2%, while further diversifying our business and making it 

less cyclical.

Houston-based GTC Technology, a company we acquired at the end of April 2019, brought us 

proprietary processes and systems for aromatization, C5 processing, BTX recovery and gas to 

liquids processing, supplementing our outstanding offering to process industries worldwide. The 

integration process is progressing well and GTC, which booked orders of CHF 70 million for the full 

year, contributed 2019 sales of CHF 35 million under Sulzer ownership.

We also grew our aftermarket activities through our July 2019 acquisition of Alba Power, a leading 

service provider for aeroderivative gas turbines. These light and compact turbines are prevalent in 

the distributed power segment, a market that continues to develop as power generation becomes 

more decentralized. By diversifying our service offering, we continue to balance our end-market 

exposure away from the challenging utility power sector. Alba Power booked orders of CHF 36 

million for the full year and contributed 2019 sales of CHF 20 million under Sulzer ownership.

In the last 12 months, we not only increased our volumes, but also our margins despite a pricing 

uplift from energy end markets which has yet to materialize. We achieved this through solid 

operational execution and by putting the finishing touches on our SFP transformation program, which 

delivered CHF 253 million of structural cost savings over five years. With a 10% opEBITA margin 

(opROSA), we reached double-digit profitability and delivered a record level of free cash flow, at CHF 

213.4 million.

While we have closed the books on SFP, we continue to focus on optimizing our cost structure and 

enter 2020 with a solid backlog and positive end-market momentum.

A force for sustainable solutions

Everyone at Sulzer understands that our purpose and responsibilities do not stop at delivering strong 

financial results. We aim to be a responsible corporate citizen and harness the power of fluid 

engineering to make life better, safer and more sustainable. Our expertise in pumping, agitation, 

mixing, separation and application technologies for fluids enable economies across the world to 

become more sustainable.

For that purpose, we develop solutions and equipment that deliver market-leading efficiency levels, 

enabling our customers to add more value, more sustainably. We also look at our own activities and 

track, report and reduce our overall environmental footprint, constantly striving to lower our energy 

consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, waste volumes and water usage.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page breakSulzer Annual Report 2019 – Letter to the shareholders

5

We have introduced ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) metrics into our compensation 

framework. Starting in 2020, ESG is included in the personal objectives of all our long-term-incentive-

eligible leaders, shining a spotlight on what our annual employee survey tells us is one of the main 

contributions our people expect from Sulzer. We continue to pursue significant advances in the areas 

of health and safety, emissions, water and energy-efficiency, waste management, community 

engagement and R&D for more efficient or sustainable products such as eco-packaging, 

biopolymers or energy-efficient pumps.

We have already implemented projects to deal with plastics in a more sustainable manner. We 

enable technologies that turn plastic waste into fuel, becoming part of a solution to close the plastic 

loop. Last year, our efforts in sustainable packaging were recognized by Packaging Europe. In the 

most prestigious packaging innovation competition, Sulzer’s ecopaCC™ collapsible cartridge was 
awarded the Sustainability Award in the “Resource Efficiencyˮ category.

It really is all about people

Our employees are our most important asset. We recognize that people development is not only 

critical to ensuring employees have the necessary skills to do their jobs, but also drives employee 

satisfaction and commitment to Sulzer. In the 2019 Voice of Sulzer employee survey, with an overall 

participation rate of 85% (2018: 73%), 85% of the respondents said they felt sustainably engaged 
with the company. At Sulzer, 93% of our colleagues would “go the extra mileˮ to help the company 
succeed, and 82% would recommend Sulzer as a good place to work. The improvements in eight 

out of ten categories versus the 2018 survey show us that we are on the right track, acknowledging 

that there is still more work for all of us to do.

Fostering diversity

Enriching our long tradition of supporting communities, we launched the “Sulzer Scholarship for 

Women in Science and Engineering” in 2019. Reflecting our worldwide presence and specific country 

requirements, we awarded 13 scholarships in 2019 – three in South Africa, four in Indonesia, four in 

China and two in India. At Sulzer, we value diverse teams. From the shop floor to our field service 

teams to our executive group, more than 80 nationalities encompassing people of all ages and 

convictions contribute together to the success of the company.

Changes to the Executive Committee

We welcomed a new member to our leadership team in the past year. Girts Cimermans joined us on 

October 21, 2019 as Division President Applicator Systems and member of the Executive 

Committee. He succeeded Amaury de Menthière, who retired. Joining from HOYA Vision Care’s USD 

2 billion optical business where he served as CEO, Girts brings a wealth of experience in dental and 

medical devices that makes him uniquely suited to lead Sulzer’s APS division.

Outlook for 2020

Macroeconomic clouds formed on the horizon throughout 2019. Geopolitical risks have arisen with 

increased tensions in the Middle East and in other parts of the world. Trade wars continue to disrupt 

global flows, generating inefficiencies that weigh on both Sulzer and its customers. And it is too early 

to estimate the impact of the coronavirus, which is affecting our production in, and supply chain 

from, China in February 2020, and potentially beyond.

Still, we are confident about the prospects of our businesses in 2020. We enter the year with a 
healthy commercial pipeline, good end market momentum and a solid backlog.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page breakSulzer Annual Report 2019 – Letter to the shareholders

6

Our confidence in Sulzer’s future is reflected in the proposed dividend increase to CHF 4.00 (prior 

year: CHF 3.50). We expect continued growth in order intake and sales. On the back of two strong 

years of high single-digit organic growth and despite increasingly arbitrating for margin at the 

expense of volume, we still expect order intake to grow in the range of 2% to 4%, and sales to grow 

in the range of 1% to 3%. Our profitability should further increase, with a 2020 opEBITA margin 

(opROSA) of around 10.2% to 10.5%.

This journey has only been possible with the support of all our stakeholders, and especially our 

employees. We would like to thank them for their commitment and dedication that have made our 

businesses what they are today. We would also like to extend a special thank you to you, our 

shareholders, for your support and loyalty. Sulzer is a nimble 186-year-old innovator, and we look 

forward to continuing with you our exciting journey in 2020.

Kind regards,

Peter Löscher

Chairman of the Board

Greg Poux-Guillaume

CEO

Dive into our world of fluid engineering:

—

—

—

—

Fresh water for people in a desert city

Stable power supply for Indonesia

Turning plastic waste into fuel

Helping dentists work more safely and precisely

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page breakSulzer Annual Report 2019 – Sulzer at a glance – Our company

7

Our company

Sulzer is a global leader in fluid engineering. We specialize in pumping, agitation, 
mixing, separation and application technologies for fluids of all types. Our 
customers benefit from our commitment to innovation, performance and quality 
and from our responsive network of 180 world-class manufacturing facilities and 
service centers across the globe.

Pumps Equipment

The Pumps Equipment division specializes in pumping solutions specifically engineered for the 

processes of our customers. We provide pumps, agitators, compressors, grinders and screens 

developed through intensive research and development in fluid dynamics and advanced materials. 

We are a market leader in pumping solutions for water, oil and gas, power, chemicals and most 

industrial segments.

Rotating Equipment Services

Through a network of over 100 service sites around the world, Sulzer provides cutting-edge parts as 

well as maintenance and repair solutions for pumps, turbines, compressors, motors and generators. 

We service our own original equipment, but also all associated third-party rotating equipment run by 

our customers, maximizing its sustainability and life cycle cost-effectiveness. Our technology-based 

solutions, fast execution and expertise in complex maintenance projects are available at our 

customers’ doorstep.

Chemtech

The Chemtech division is the global market leader in innovative mass transfer, static mixing and 

polymer solutions for petrochemicals, refining, LNG, biopolymers and biofuels. Our product offering 

ranges from process components to complete separation process plants, including licensing. 

Customer support covers engineering services and field services to tray and packing installation, 

tower maintenance, welding and plant turnaround projects.

Applicator Systems

Through its Mixpac, Cox, Transcodent and Geka brands, Sulzer develops and delivers innovative 

fluid applicators for the dental, adhesives, healthcare and beauty markets. Our IP-protected 

applicator solutions leverage our expertise in plastic-injection molding, micro-brushes and two-
component mixing to make our customers’ products precise, safe, unique and more sustainable.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Sulzer at a glance – Our key figures

8

Our key figures

In 2019, Sulzer was again able to generate significant organic growth, 6.3% for 
order intake and 10.8% for sales. Acquisitions added roughly another 2% to those 
numbers, while further diversifying the company’s business and making it less 
cyclical. The continued positive development in the vast majority of end markets, 
and particularly in the water and chemicals markets, resulted in growth for all 
divisions except Applicator Systems. Sulzer reached double-digit profitability and 
delivered a record level of free cash flow, at CHF 213.4 million.

Key figures

millions of CHF

Order intake

Order intake gross margin

Order backlog as of December 31

Sales

EBIT

opEBITA

opROSA

opROCEA

Core net income

Net income attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

Basic earnings per share

Free cash flow

Net debt as of December 31

2019

2018

Change in 
+/–%

+/–% 
adjusted 1)

+/–% 
organic 2)

3’747.2

3’531.5

6.1

8.2

6.3

1.9

13.0

10.8

17.9

15.9

33.6%

33.3%

1’792.6

1’786.9

3’728.5

3’364.9

241.0

371.3

10.0%

20.1%

257.8

154.0

4.52

213.4

346.9

183.8

322.5

9.6%

18.1%

223.0

113.7

3.56

181.3

239.0

0.3

10.8

31.1

15.1

15.6

35.4

27.1

17.7

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

16’506

15’572

6.0

1) Adjusted for currency effects.

2) Adjusted for acquisition and currency effects.

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/ar19

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

113.40

137.50

75.15

108.00

76.30

78.05

129.90

102.30

118.20

107.80

75.55

105.00

120.10

88.55

94.35

34’021’446

33’950’499

34’043’093

34’084’909

34’075’179

3’674

232%

23.9x

3.7%

2’650

163%

21.9x

4.5%

4’024

240%

48.4x

3.0%

3’579

226%

60.6x

3.3%

3’215

145%

43.5x

3.7%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Sulzer at a glance – Our key figures

9

Order intake by division

Order intake by segment

Order intake by region

2019

2019

2019

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

2019

4.52

27%

46.50

4.00 1)

–

88%

2018

3.56

46%

48.00

3.50

–

98%

2017

2.44

41%

49.40

3.50

–

2016

1.73

–20%

46.40

3.50

–

143%

202%

2015

2.17

–73%

65.30

3.50

14.60

161%

Average number of shares outstanding

34’026’442

31’934’459

34’084’133

34’102’610

34’035’862

1) Proposal to the Annual General Meeting.

Shareholder structure as of December 31, 2019

Number of shares

1–100

101–1’000

1’001–10’000

10’001–100’000

More than 100’000

Total registered shareholders and shares (excluding treasury shares Sulzer Ltd)

Number of shareholders

Shareholding

4’086

4’685

537

117

16

9’441

0.7%

4.3%

4.5%

9.9%

58.2%

77.5%

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Focus – Fresh water for people in a desert city

10

Fresh water for people in a desert city

The water transmission system for Riyadh, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi 
Arabia, is one of the largest of its kind. With a new major pipeline, the people of 
the desert city will receive another means of reliable freshwater supply. Sulzer 
provides custom-built pumps to transport the water to its destination. 

Skyscrapers tower under a deep blue sky. In the heart of the buzzing city, you’d never think you’re in 

the middle of a desert. Riyadh, home to seven million people, is the thriving capital of the Kingdom of 

Saudi Arabia. Few cities have developed as rapidly as Riyadh, from a small isolated desert village 

into the innovative metropolis it is today.

The challenge of all great cities

As the city of Riyadh develops further and becomes a home for more international and faster-

growing communities, it becomes faced with the challenge of all great cities. Rapid population 

growth and urbanization place pressure on the infrastructure, energy demands and water needs.

Its location in the desert brings about an even greater challenge for their vision, facing obstacles in 

logistics and infrastructure. Imagine leveraging water sources that are hundreds of kilometers away 

from the destination!

A journey of hundreds of kilometers

A functioning water supply is the key element of a flourishing city. Saudi Arabia is home to one of the 

world’s largest water transmission systems in the world.

Water is extracted from the Arabian Gulf that stretches across a vast area of 1’000 km (620 miles) in 

the eastern province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The water is treated in desalination plants. After 

treatment, hundreds of kilometers of pipelines lead the valuable fresh water to Riyadh, moved 
forward tirelessly by highly efficient pumps.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Focus – Fresh water for people in a desert city

11

The new Jubail-Riyadh water pipeline will supply the people of Riyadh with potable water, pumped through the 
desert all the way from the Arabian Gulf.

A foresighted customer

Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC), a major desalination company in Saudi Arabia, 

understands the challenges that come with a thriving city and its growing population. To enhance the 

water supply for future demands, the foresighted customer planned to build a new major pipeline to 

add to the existing giant water transmission system.

Sulzer was brought in early on in the project phase and provided its fluid engineering expertise to 

transport the water efficiently within the 412-km-long twin pipeline from the city of Jubail to Riyadh. 

With the help of its high-efficiency and easy-to-operate pumps, the new pipelines will deliver 1.2 

million m  of potable water per day for the population and for industrial usage.

3

Enabling communities to thrive, grow and expand

A project as ambitious as the Jubail-Riyadh water transmission system requires careful planning to 

navigate and overcome potential challenges. With planning and execution well underway, Sulzer is 

proud to be able to play a key role in supplying water that enables communities to thrive, grow and 

expand for the future.

More stories about our products and services at www.sulzer.com/stories.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Focus – Stable power supply for Indonesia

12

Stable power supply for Indonesia

Power plant operators need reliable plants that always deliver full power and never 
stand still. If a turbine is damaged, it needs to be repaired quickly. What normally 
takes up to a year, Sulzer Indonesia’s service center can do with a mobile 
workshop on-site in just three months.

Countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will account for almost two-thirds of global 

energy demand growth between now and 2040, according to the International Energy Agency. To 

keep up with the increasing demand, power plant operators depend on reliable plants.

Corrosive steam wearing out the equipment

Steam turbines, converting heat into mechanical torque which in turn drives a generator, process 

variable and corrosive steam that degrades equipment over time. Under these conditions, damage 

can occur fast.

Frequently the blades need to be heavily repaired or replaced. In some cases, the rotor sees damage 

to seals and other diameters; in more severe cases, the rotor shaft can even separate in two.

Losing valuable time and money

When a rotor shaft is damaged, it usually needs to be shipped to a service center for welding.

Steam turbines are large machines. They cost a lot of time and money to transport and customers 

lose valuable production time in the process. As if matters were not complicated enough, some 

power plants are located in areas that are difficult to access.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Focus – Stable power supply for Indonesia

13

Sulzer Indonesia’s mobile workshop allows the teams to repair large steam turbines directly at the customer’s 
site.

Boosting customers’ reputation

The fast repair of critical rotating components is the main specialty of Sulzer’s Rotating Equipment 

Services division. Its Indonesia workshop is unique in its ability to propose a mobile rotor welding 

process that allows it to repair rotor shafts entirely at the customer’s site.

This reduces downtime, saves on transport costs and reduces potential rotor damage risk, which 

means insurance costs are also minimized. Overall, it helps customers to ensure a stable power 

supply for the population and to improve their reputation and profitability through shorter downtimes.

Mobilizing equipment efficiently

The mobile workshop consists of a complete set of portable tools including lathes, welding 

equipment and balancing machines, which are packed into sea containers ready to be shipped to the 

customer’s site.

The service engineers assemble the equipment in the turbine hall right beside the damaged turbine. 

They remove the rotor and place it on the lathe where all repairs are performed under observation 

from the customer.

Keeping power plants running

Sulzer deals with all types of heavy damage to turbine equipment. Either in the company’s own 

service centers or, wherever possible, directly at the customer’s site with the mobile workshop.

Thanks to the innovative minds and skill set of the Indonesian team, our customers keep their power 

plants running and save millions of dollars.

More stories about our products and services at www.sulzer.com/stories.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Focus – Turning plastic waste into fuel

14

Turning plastic waste into fuel

All around the world, people are researching new approaches to deal with plastics 
in a more sustainable manner. For the project of building a revolutionary plant 
converting plastics into fuel, the Norwegian start-up Quantafuel chose Sulzer as a 
partner. 

Most plastics last forever. They are not biodegradable and take up to 1’000 years to decompose. 

While longevity of materials is usually a good property, these durable plastics are used to 

manufacture short-lived, disposable products.

According to a recent study, mankind had produced 8.3 billion tons of plastics by 2015. Of these, 

roughly 80% ended up as waste, with only 9% that could be recycled.

Today, around 8 million tons of plastic waste end up in the sea every year. All around the world, 

people are researching solutions that can help reduce the volume of plastic waste.

A promising alternative

Quantafuel, a Norwegian start-up, has recently developed a promising alternative; their mission is to 

turn non-recyclable waste into fuel. The company’s chemicals recycling process converts plastic 

polymers back into hydrocarbons, which can then be used by different downstream industrial 

processes that currently rely on fossil fuels.

By integrating chemicals recycling with waste treatment, Quantafuel enables the use of recycled 

hydrocarbons to produce fuels and other petroleum-based products including new plastic materials. 

Thereby, they decrease waste whilst reducing the carbon footprint of natural oil and gas resources.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Focus – Turning plastic waste into fuel

15

Quantafuel’s processing plant, equipped with Sulzer’s fractionation units, recycles plastic waste and turns it into 
valuable resources such as fuel for cars and other petroleum-based products. 

The right fractionation process and equipment

After successfully piloting its technology, Quantafuel decided to set up its first full-scale plant for 

continuous processing in Skive, Denmark.

Quantafuel’s process effectiveness was contingent on incorporating an efficient and scalable 

fractionation technology. Sulzer’s leading position in separation and mixing technology coupled with 

our extensive experience in the design and fabrication of skid-mounted plants, made us the ideal 

partner for Quantafuel.

Success in under ten months

Speed to market was particularly crucial in this project. Sulzer needed to ensure responsiveness and 

efficiency despite the long manufacturing lead times for these complex pieces of separation 

equipment.

Thanks to its expertise, Sulzer was able to design, fabricate and complete the installation of flexible 

fractionation units in record time – less than ten months.

The dawn of a new plastics industry

The resulting plant culminated in a unique, fully integrated solution that will be able to recycle 66 

metric tons of plastic every day to generate 53 metric tons of hydrocarbon feed that can be used as 

fuel or to produce a wide range of chemicals.

Quantafuel was extremely impressed with the skid-mounted system. Both companies look forward to 

developing the next plastic-to-fuel plants that are being planned around the world.

Sulzer supports customers in a number of sustainable projects that are revolutionizing the way we 

recycle and reduce emissions. This could be the dawn of a new, more sustainable plastics industry.

More stories about our products and services at www.sulzer.com/stories.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Focus – Helping dentists work more safely and precisely

16

Helping dentists work more safely and 
precisely

Dentists have a complex and highly demanding job – so making treatment faster 
and safer benefits them and patients alike. Sulzer developed a special syringe 
solution that allows oral surgeons to perform dental implant surgery intuitively, 
quickly and safely.

When replacing damaged or missing teeth with a dental implant, dentists often found they were 

lacking an all-in-one device to directly apply biomaterial into the bone. Approached by long-term 

partners and customers, we took on the challenge.

The art of replacing teeth

Using tooth implants is a state-of-the-art procedure for damaged or missing teeth. A dental implant 

is a component made of metal or ceramic material that is inserted into the jawbone. These implants 

take over the function of an artificial tooth root, to which various tooth prostheses – such as single 

teeth, bridges or crowns – can be fixed.

Often, the hole in a jawbone is too large for an implant to be fixed into. The solution is to fill in a bone 
substitute material – like any normal filler for walls. It takes about three to six months until it is fully 
integrated into and replaced by the natural bone. The implant can then be drilled into the newly 

grown bone and will be securely fixed for a strong and lasting solution.

No longer in a jar

Traditionally, the surgeon would prepare the material in a jar and apply it with a spatula. Given that 

this is time-consuming and leads to loss of material, the market was in need of innovative solutions.

Sulzer developed a dental syringe that can apply biomaterial directly into the bone during surgery. 

The novel solution makes the procedure easier for dentists, speeds up the treatment significantly, 

and reduces loss of material.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Focus – Helping dentists work more safely and precisely

17

With Sulzer’s dental syringe solution, dentists can apply biomaterial directly into the bone. This makes treatment 
of patients safer and easier. 

Intuitive and hygienic

The unique curved design of the syringe allows dentists to operate it with one hand only and gives 

them a much better view of the bone defect they need to treat.

With the syringe, the bone replacement material can be stored in a sterile manner until it is needed. 

Whether the bone replacement material is in the form of granulate or paste, both can be inserted 

precisely and reliably.

Supporting players in the health sector

We work together with leading biomaterial producers and device manufacturers to make biomaterial 

delivery safer and more precise.

Our application systems help make surgeons’ time in the operating rooms easier and more effective.

More stories about our products and services at www.sulzer.com/stories.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Business
review

 19  Financial review

 25  Business review divisions
  25  Pumps Equipment
  27  Rotating Equipment Services
  29  Chemtech
  32  Applicator Systems

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Business review – Financial review

19

Strong order growth, improved 
profitability and record free cash flow

Order intake grew by 6.3% organically and by 8.2% including acquisitions. Sales 
increased by 10.8% organically, supported by higher order backlog entering the 
year, and by 13.0% including acquisitions. Profitability (opROSA) increased by 0.4 
percentage points to 10.0%, driven by CHF 23 million savings from the Sulzer Full 
Potential (SFP) program and increased gross margin. Free cash flow amounted to 
CHF 213.4 million.

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

Strong order growth

Order intake increased by 8.2% compared with 2018. 6.3% organic growth and CHF 68.3 million 

from acquisitions drove this upsurge. Order intake gross margin increased nominally by 0.3 

percentage points to 33.6%, influenced by higher order selectivity.

Sulzer achieved profitable growth along with 
record free cash flow in 2019.

Jill Lee, Chief Financial Officer

Order intake in Pumps Equipment increased by 8.3%, with 0.3% coming from acquisition. The 

strong organic growth was the result of higher orders in the water and chemicals segments which 

grew 16% each organically. In Rotating Equipment Services, order intake grew by 10.7%, 8.6% 

organically and 2.1% from acquisitions. Order intake in Chemtech grew by 12.8%, supported by 

strong organic growth of 6.5%. The GTC acquisition contributed CHF 38.1 million. In Applicator 

Systems, orders decreased by 4.3%. While the beauty segment was 14.3% below last year, APS 

grew in the remaining markets by 2.8%. Sulzer’s total order intake grew in Asia-Pacific and North 

America, as well as in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Currency translation effects had a negative impact on order intake of CHF 74.2 million, due to the 

weaker euro, British pound, Chinese renminbi and Brazilian real, partly offset by the stronger US 

dollar.

As of December 31, 2019, the order backlog amounted to CHF 1’792.6 million (December 31, 2018: 

CHF 1’786.9 million). Negative currency translation effects totaled CHF 28.6 million.

Orders

millions of CHF

Order intake

Order intake gross margin

Order backlog as of December 31

report.sulzer.com/ar19

2019

3’747.2

33.6%

1’792.6

2018

3’531.5

33.3%

1’786.9

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Business review – Financial review

20

Higher sales on strong organic growth and acquisitions

Sales amounted to CHF 3’728.5 million in 2019 – an increase of 13.0%. This rise was driven by 

strong organic growth of 10.8% on the back of higher order backlog entering the year, the strong 

order intake during the year and CHF 71.8 million of acquisition-related sales. Negative currency 

translation effects totaled CHF 72.2 million.

Sales grew strongly in the oil and gas market at 37.8%, boosted by high order backlog. Sales to the 

chemical industry increased by 19.5% and by 4.7% to the water market after strong growth already 

in 2018. Sales to the general industries increased by 1.0%, whereas they declined by 3.3% to the 

power market due to a lower backlog at the beginning of the year.

Sales grew across all regions, most pronounced in the Americas.

Gross margin improvement

Gross margin increased from 29.1% in 2018 to 30.1% in 2019. Improvements in all divisions were 

partly offset by a negative mix effect. Total gross profit increased to CHF 1’121.2 million (2018: CHF 

978.3 million), supported by higher sales volumes.

Profitability (opROSA) increased to 10.0%

Operational EBITA (opEBITA) amounted to CHF 371.3 million compared with CHF 322.5 million in 

2018, an increase of 17.9%. Higher sales, savings of CHF 23 million achieved from SFP and the 

contribution from acquisitions more than offset the negative mix impact. OpEBITA increased 

organically by 15.9% compared with 2018.

Operating expenses excluding amortization, impairments on tangible and intangible assets, 

restructuring expenses and other non-operational items increased by 10.4%, partly influenced by the 

acquisition-related cost additions. Set in relation to sales, operating expenses decreased in 

comparison to the previous year.

Bridge from EBIT to opEBITA

millions of CHF

EBIT

Amortization

Impairments on tangible and intangible assets

Restructuring expenses

Non-operational items 1)

opEBITA

2019

241.0

64.5

4.4

23.1

38.3

371.3

2018

183.8

69.0

4.4

13.1

52.0

322.5

1) 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.

Operational ROSA (opROSA) increased to 10.0%, up from  9.6% in 2018. The divisions achieved the 

following profitability figures (opROSA):

—

—

—

Pumps Equipment: 4.0% (2018: 3.2%). The profitability increased on higher volumes and solid 

execution despite the negative mix effect.

Rotating Equipment Services: 14.1% (2018: 13.7%). Profitability increased due to strong sales 

growth with a favorable mix and cost management.

Chemtech: 9.6% (2018: 8.9%): Sales growth and better project execution improved profitability.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Business review – Financial review

21

—

Applicator Systems: 21.0% (2018: 21.1%). Strong operational performance of the adhesives, 

dental and healthcare segment led to stable profitability, despite considerable market shifts in 

beauty.

ROS and opROSA calculation

millions of CHF

EBIT

Sales

ROS

opEBITA

Sales

opROSA

2019

241.0

3’728.5

6.5%

371.3

3’728.5

10.0%

2018

183.8

3’364.9

5.5%

322.5

3’364.9

9.6%

Non-operational costs impacted operating income (EBIT)

Plans to consolidate two production facilities in Germany have led to an expense of CHF 27.8 million, 

consisting of both restructuring provisions and non-operational costs. In the last year of the SFP 

program, Sulzer has continued to streamline its organizational setup. SFP-related non-operational 

expenses were CHF 23.0 million and SFP-related restructuring expenses were CHF 2.0 million. 

Overall, with the SFP program the company achieved cumulative savings of CHF 253 million.

EBIT amounted to CHF 241.0 million, an increase of 34.2% compared with CHF 183.8 million in 

2018. Return on sales (ROS) was 6.5% compared with 5.5% in 2018.

Financial result

Interest expenses on borrowings and lease liabilities increased to CHF 21.1 million (2018: CHF 15.4 

million). This is mainly due to the interest expenses on bonds issued in the second half of 2018 and 
interest expenses on lease liabilities resulting from the first-time application of IFRS 16 “Leasesˮ.

Total financial expenses increased to CHF 28.3 million (2018: CHF 18.9 million), mainly as a result of 

higher interest expenses and fair value changes on financial assets at fair value through profit and 

loss.

Lower effective tax rate

Income tax expenses increased to CHF 55.1 million (2018: CHF 49.2 million) due to higher pre-tax 

income. The effective tax rate declined from 29.7% in 2018 to 25.9% in 2019. Adjusted for effects of 

reorganization expenses in Germany and prior year tax base adjustments in Mexico and Russia, the 

normalized tax rate remained stable at 23.1%.

Higher core net income

In 2019, net income amounted to CHF 157.7 million compared with CHF 116.5 million in the previous 

year. Core net income excluding the tax-adjusted effects of non-operational items totaled CHF 257.8 

million compared with CHF 223.0 million in 2018. Basic earnings per share increased from CHF 3.56 

in 2018 to CHF 4.52 in 2019.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Business review – Financial review

Bridge from net income to core net income

millions of CHF

Net income

Amortization

Impairments on tangible and intangible assets

Restructuring expenses

Non-operational items 1)

Tax impact on above items

Core net income

22

2018

116.5

69.0

4.4

13.1

52.0

–32.0

223.0

2019

157.7

64.5

4.4

23.1

38.3

–30.1

257.8

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.

Improved balance sheet efficiency

Total assets as of December 31, 2019 amounted to CHF 5’109.5 million, which is a nominal increase 

of CHF 211.2 million from 2018. Higher business volume and acquisitions contributed to the 

increase. The main driver, however, was the introduction of the new accounting standard IFRS 16 
“Leasesˮ.

Non-current assets increased by CHF 114.3 million to CHF 2’172.0 million mainly due to the addition 

of leased assets following the introduction of IFRS 16 (CHF 112.6 million). Current assets increased 

nominally by CHF 96.9 million. Better net working capital management contributed to an inventory 

reduction of CHF 84.0 million. Contract assets grew by CHF 150.1 million and trade account 

receivables by CHF 23.6 million from higher sales. Cash and cash equivalents decreased by CHF 

59.7 million, while current financial assets increased by CHF 57.5 million.

Total liabilities nominally increased by CHF 258.3 million to CHF 3’515.6 million as of December 31, 

2019. The main reasons were the addition of lease liabilities due to IFRS 16 (CHF 109.7), an increase 

in contract liabilities (CHF 88.4 million) due to higher sales of project business, as well as an increase 

on the outstanding dividend payments to Tiwel Holding Ltd by CHF 38.1 million.

Equity decreased nominally by CHF 47.1 million to CHF 1’593.9 million. This was mainly driven by 

dividend distribution (CHF 119.2 million), currency translation effects (CHF 63.9 million) and the 

remeasurement of the defined benefit obligation (CHF 24.8 million). These were partly offset by net 

income (CHF 157.7 million).

Net debt increased from CHF 239.0 million in 2018 to CHF 346.9 million in 2019, mainly due to the 
adoption of the new accounting standard IFRS 16 “Leasesˮ (CHF 109.7 million). Net debt to EBITDA 
on December 31, 2019, corresponded to 0.84 including IFRS 16 impact and 0.63 excluding IFRS 16 

impact (0.73 per December 31, 2018). Increased EBITDA contributed to a like-for-like improvement 

of 10 points in the net debt to EBITDA ratio compared with 2018.

Record free cash flow

Cash flow from operating activities amounted to CHF 319.6 million, compared with CHF 260.8 million 

in 2018. This increase was mainly due to the higher net income and a CHF 34.0 million impact due to 
the adoption of IFRS 16 “Leasesˮ, partly offset by increased interest payments. Inventory reduction 
contributed CHF 82.8 million to cash flow. Despite higher sales, overall net working capital remained 

stable. Free cash flow amounted to CHF 213.4 million compared with CHF 181.3 million in the prior 

year. This was driven by the higher cash flow from operating activities, partly offset by higher capital 

expenditure.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Business review – Financial review

Bridge from cash flow from operating activities to free cash flow (FCF)

millions of CHF

Cash flow from operating activities

Purchase of intangible assets

Sale of intangible assets

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Sale of property, plant and equipment

Free cash flow

23

2018

260.8

–6.9

0.0

–89.3

16.6

181.3

2019

319.6

–6.0

0.5

–108.9

8.1

213.4

Cash-out from investing activities totaled CHF 242.6 million compared with CHF 297.4 million in the 

prior year. Cash-out for acquisitions amounted to CHF 78.5 million compared with CHF 217.5 million 

in 2018. Capital expenditure amounted to CHF 142.1 million (thereof CHF 27.2 million IFRS 16 
“Leasesˮ impact), above the CHF 96.2 million in 2018. The group also invested in fixed-term deposits 
of CHF 57.1 million.

Cash flow from financing activities totaled CHF –123.2 million compared with CHF 669.1 million in 

2018 when additional bonds were issued. In 2019, dividend payments amounted to CHF 81.2 million, 

compared with CHF 43.1 million in 2018. While the Sulzer dividend remained unchanged at CHF 3.50 

per share, CHF 38.1 million of net dividend payments to Sulzer’s main shareholder Tiwel could still 

not be transferred as a result of US sanctions. Payments for leases amounted to CHF 34.0 million as 

a result of the adoption of IFRS 16. Exchange losses on cash amounted to CHF 13.5 million, 

compared with a loss of CHF 26.1 million in 2018.

Outlook 2020

Macroeconomic clouds formed on the horizon throughout 2019. Geopolitical risks have arisen with 

increased tensions in the Middle East and in other parts of the world. Trade wars continue to disrupt 

global flows, generating inefficiencies that weigh on both Sulzer and its customers. And it is too early 

to estimate the impact of the coronavirus, which is affecting our production in, and supply chain 

from, China in February 2020, and potentially beyond. 

Still, we are confident about the prospects of our businesses in 2020. We enter the year with a 

healthy commercial pipeline, good end market momentum and a solid backlog.

Our confidence in Sulzer’s future is reflected in the proposed dividend increase to CHF 4.00 (prior 

year: CHF 3.50). We expect continued growth in order intake and sales. On the back of two strong 

years of high single-digit organic growth and despite increasingly arbitrating for margin at the 

expense of volume, we still expect order intake to grow in the range of 2% to 4%, and sales to grow 

in the range of 1% to 3%. Our profitability should further increase, with a 2020 opEBITA margin 

(opROSA) of around 10.2% to 10.5%.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Business review – Financial review

24

Impact of IFRS 16 “Leasesˮ
Sulzer has adapted its reporting to reflect the adoption of IFRS 16 “Leasesˮ. It replaced IAS 17 
“Leasesˮ. IFRS 16 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. A lessee is required to 

recognize a lease asset representing its right to use the underlying lease asset and a lease liability 

representing its obligation to make lease payments. Exceptions apply to leases with a term of less 

than 12 months and leases of low-value items.

The main impact of the new accounting standard is to bring operating leases onto the balance sheet. 

As a result of initially applying IFRS 16, the group recognized CHF 107.3 million of lease assets as of 

January 1, 2019, previously classified as operating leases. The lease liabilities increased by the same 

amount. As of December 31, 2019, the lease assets amounted to CHF 112.6 million and the lease 

liabilities totaled CHF 109.7 million. More details are provided in note 16 of the consolidated financial 

statements.

In 2019, IFRS 16 had a positive effect on opEBITA (CHF 2.7 million) and free cash flow (CHF 34.0 

million). The difference in the profit is related to the recognition of depreciation and interest 

expenses, instead of operating lease expenses as part of the costs of goods sold and operating 

expenses. The difference in the cash flow is related to the recognition of payments for leasing as part 
of the financing activities, instead of cash flow from operating activities.

The information presented for 2018 has not been restated. In the consolidated financial statements 

(note 34), a table summarizes the impact of the new accounting standards on the financial 

statements.

Abbreviations

EBIT: Earnings before interest and taxes
ROS: Return on sales
opEBITA: Operational earnings before interest, taxes and amortization
opROSA: Operational return on sales adjusted
EBITDA: Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
FCF: Free cash flow
For the definition of the alternative performance measures, please refer to “Supplementary information”.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page breakSulzer Annual Report 2019 – Business review – Pumps Equipment

25

Continued growth in order intake, sales 
and profitability

In 2019, Pumps Equipment reported growth in order intake and sales. Operational 
EBITA increased significantly from 2018, leading to an improved operational 
ROSA. The division continued to focus on growing its water business, which 
achieved record order intake in 2019.

Highest ever order intake in water

Sulzer’s pumps play a key role in some of the biggest desalination and water transport projects in the 

world. Based on the company’s good positioning in, and continued focus on, the water market, 

Pumps Equipment secured two large orders for desalination and pipeline pumps in the Middle East. 

Providing highly efficient equipment with low energy consumption, Sulzer supports customers 

produce fresh water and transport it in pipelines to populations. These projects and continued 

growth momentum in the municipal water business helped the division achieve its highest ever water 

order intake in 2019.

Pumps Equipment continues to benefit from its 
strong market position, growing order intake in all 
market segments. Combined with our focus on 
operational excellence, we drove our profitability 
up by 80 basis points.

Frédéric Lalanne, Division President Pumps Equipment

Key figures Pumps Equipment

millions of CHF

Order intake

Order intake gross margin

Order backlog as of December 31

Sales

EBIT

opEBITA

opROSA

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

1) Adjusted for currency effects.

2) Adjusted for acquisition and currency effects.

Order intake increased

2019

1’458.9

27.4%

924.3

1’477.0

11.9

59.7

4.0%

5’759

2018

Change in +/–% +/–% adjusted 1)

+/–% organic 2)

1’372.1

26.3%

982.9

1’284.2

–27.2

41.4

3.2%

5’713

6.3

–6.0

15.0

n/a

44.0

0.8

8.3

8.0

17.2

56.8

17.0

56.3

In 2019, Pumps Equipment’s order intake increased by 8.3% over 2018, based on robust end 
markets. Order intake was particularly strong in the water (+17.3%) and chemicals (+16.4%) market 

segments. The division grew orders by 17.1% in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and by 

18.8% in Asia-Pacific.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Business review – Pumps Equipment

26

Order intake by segment

Order intake by region

2019

2019

Improved sales and profitability

Sales were stable in power and grew in all other segments. With 50.5% and 45.5%, respectively, 

growth was particularly strong in oil and gas and chemicals, on the back of a high order backlog and 

solid execution.

Operational EBITA increased significantly compared with 2018 as a result of higher sales and 

efficiency gains. Operational ROSA grew by 80 basis points to 4.0% as a result of order intake 

selectivity, more than offsetting a negative mix effect.

Safety performance in 2019

In 2019, Pumps Equipment reported a continued improvement in its accident frequency rate (AFR) to 

1.8 cases per million working hours (2018: 2.7). The accident severity rate (ASR) also significantly 

decreased to 37.3 lost days per million working hours (2018: 107.3). This is due to the improved 

safety performance in the EMEA region. Please read more about the company’s health and safety 

efforts in the chapter “Safety”.

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

Abbreviations

EBIT: Earnings before interest and taxes
opEBITA: Operational earnings before interest, taxes and amortization
opROSA: Operational return on sales adjusted
For the definition of the alternative performance measures, please refer to “Supplementary information”.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Business review – Rotating Equipment Services

27

Growing in all product lines

Rotating Equipment Services improved order intake and sales compared with 
2018. The division was able to increase profitability significantly on a strong 
performance in pump services and power. The acquisition of Alba Power 
contributed positively to the results and further diversified the division’s service 
offering.

Expanded service offering

In 2019, Sulzer acquired Alba Power, a Scottish aeroderivative gas turbine service provider, 

expanding its service offering into distributed power, offshore and marine applications. The light and 

compact aeroderivative gas turbines are not facing the same pressures as the large gas turbine 

market and provide an excellent opportunity for cross-selling to Sulzer’s existing customers.

Our strategy to build on our strong position in 
pump services and the gas turbine power market, 
expand our footprint and drive operational 
excellence has paid off. We grew on orders, sales 
and profitability in 2019.

Daniel Bischofberger, Division President Rotating Equipment 

Services

Key figures Rotating Equipment Services

millions of CHF

Order intake

Order intake gross margin

Order backlog as of December 31

Sales

EBIT

opEBITA

opROSA

2019

1’193.2

38.6%

422.2

1’167.0

152.2

164.5

14.1%

2018

Change in +/–% +/–% adjusted 1)

+/–% organic 2)

1’109.7

37.7%

393.1

1’063.7

130.8

146.1

13.7%

7.5

7.4

9.7

16.4

12.6

10.7

8.6

12.8

17.2

10.0

15.5

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

4’900

4’721

3.8

1) Adjusted for currency effects.

2) Adjusted for acquisition and currency effects.

Order intake increased across the board

In Rotating Equipment Services, order intake was up by 10.7% from last year. The division leveraged 

its favorable position in the gas turbine power market as well as in pump services, capitalizing on 

opportunities in Sulzer’s installed pumps base to grow strongly across the board. All businesses and 

regions developed positively.

Growth was most pronounced in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA, 10.2%) as well as the 

Americas (11.0%).

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Business review – Rotating Equipment Services

28

Order intake by segment

Order intake by region

2019

2019

Improved sales and profitability

Sales grew significantly in all product lines. The acquisitions of Brithinee Electric and Alba Power 

contributed CHF 29.8 million to sales growth.

Operational EBITA grew on higher volumes with slightly increased margins, leading to an operational 

ROSA of 14.1%, up 40 basis points from 2018.

Safety performance in 2019

In 2019, RES reported a significant decrease in its accident frequency rate (AFR) from 2.1 in 2018 to 

0.7 cases per million working hours at year-end. The improvement stems mainly from the EMEA 

region, achieved through focusing more on pre-work planning.

The accident severity rate (ASR) increased slightly from 53.7 in 2018 to 60.7 lost days per million 

working hours in 2019, mainly due to two severe accidents that had occurred in 2018 and continued 

to add lost time into 2019. Please read more about the company’s health and safety efforts in the 

chapter “Safety”.

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

Abbreviations

EBIT: Earnings before interest and taxes
opEBITA: Operational earnings before interest, taxes and amortization
opROSA: Operational return on sales adjusted
For the definition of the alternative performance measures, please refer to “Supplementary information”.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Business review – Chemtech

29

Significant growth driving further 
improvement in profitability

Chemtech’s double-digit increase in order intake, sales and operational EBITA 
continued in 2019. Operational ROSA also further improved. Sulzer acquired GTC 
Technology, gaining access to the attractive technology licensing business.

Gaining access to technology licensing

The petrochemical industry is growing and demand for technology suppliers is on the rise. With the 

acquisition of the US-headquartered GTC Technology at the end of April 2019, Sulzer complemented 

its offering with proprietary processes and systems for the production of aromatics and other 

petrochemicals. The acquisition is an excellent strategic fit, providing a market entry into the 

attractive technology licensing business and making Sulzer’s business less cyclical.

The acquisition of GTC Technology supported our 
strong order and sales growth in 2019, on the 
back of an intact investment cycle in 
petrochemicals and refining. By transferring our 
know-how from petrochemical to renewable 
applications, we support Quantafuel and Steelanol 
in fostering a circular economy.

Torsten Wintergerste, Division President Chemtech

Key figures Chemtech

millions of CHF

Order intake

Order intake gross margin

Order backlog as of December 31

Sales

EBIT

opEBITA

opROSA

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

1) Adjusted for currency effects.

2) Adjusted for acquisition and currency effects.

Fostering a circular economy

2019

670.0

30.4%

385.3

664.0

54.0

63.8

9.6%

3’803

2018

Change in +/–% +/–% adjusted 1)

+/–% organic 2)

600.1

31.3%

345.9

563.2

14.5

50.0

8.9%

3’063

11.6

12.8

6.5

19.0

30.0

12.7

24.0

11.4

17.9

271.8

27.5

24.2

Sulzer’s leading separation technologies play a key role in fostering a circular economy. Amidst an 

increase in research of new approaches to deal with plastics in a more sustainable manner, Sulzer’s 

Chemtech division was chosen to deliver fractionation equipment to Quantafuel’s revolutionary plant 

that turns non-recyclable plastic waste into fuel. The plant in Denmark is the first of many planned 
“plastic to fuelˮ facilities around the world, and Quantafuel decided to continue the collaboration with 
Sulzer for its future projects.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Business review – Chemtech

30

Chemtech also delivers distillation equipment to the EU-funded project “Steelanolˮ, aimed at turning 
carbon emissions into biofuels. By transferring its knowledge from the petrochemical industry to 

renewable applications, Chemtech supports ArcelorMittal’s steel production plant in Belgium to 

recycle carbon into sustainable bioethanol.

Strong order growth

Chemtech’s order intake grew by 12.8% based on a healthy performance of both separation 

technology and tower field services. The newly acquired GTC technology complemented organic 

growth.

Regionally, order intake increased by 42.9% in Asia-Pacific and by 17.4% in North America. It was 

7.3% lower in the Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region due to a base effect, as some 

large orders had been booked in this region in 2018.

Order intake by segment

Order intake by region

2019

2019

Significant increase in sales and profitability

In line with order intake growth, sales increased by 19.0% following an already strong 2018. This was 

supported by a high order backlog and by delivering further efficiency improvements in factories. 

GTC technology added CHF 35.4 million to sales.

Based on higher volumes and efficiency gains, operational EBITA grew strongly in 2019, leading to 

an operational ROSA of 9.6%, 70 basis points higher than in 2018.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Business review – Chemtech

31

Safety performance in 2019

Chemtech’s significant efforts in safety in the reporting year paid off. The division managed to reduce 

the accident frequency rate to 0.6 cases per million working hours from 1.8 cases in 2018. The 

accident severity rate improved to 41.5 lost days per million working hours (2018: 80.4).

The improved performance was based on driving a change in mindset to focus on unsafe behavior 

rather than unsafe conditions. The safety walks have also proven to be very effective. In addition, the 

division retained its global certifications in compliance with the ISO standards 14001 and OHSAS 

18001. You can read more about the company’s safety and health efforts in the chapter “Safety”.

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

Abbreviations

EBIT: Earnings before interest and taxes
opEBITA: Operational earnings before interest, taxes and amortization
opROSA: Operational return on sales adjusted
For the definition of the alternative performance measures, please refer to “Supplementary information”.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Business review – Applicator Systems

32

Successfully defending our profitability 
despite a challenging beauty market

Applicator Systems’ operational profitability (opROSA) remained robust at 21.0% 
despite a challenging beauty market. Order intake, sales and operational EBITA 
decreased in 2019. Whilst the beauty segment is adapting to market shifts, the 
adhesives, dental and healthcare segment performed well. Sulzer appointed Girts 
Cimermans as the new Division President Applicator Systems and member of the 
Executive Committee.

New Division President Girts Cimermans

As of October 21, 2019, Sulzer appointed Girts Cimermans as President of the Applicator Systems 

division and member of the Executive Committee. He succeeded Amaury de Menthière, who retired. 

Joining from HOYA Vision Care’s USD 2 billion optical business where he served as CEO, Girts 

Cimermans brings a wealth of experience in dental and medical devices that makes him uniquely 

suited to lead Sulzer’s APS division.

I’m very excited to lead APS with brands that are 
well-known and respected as key players in the 
markets they serve. Building on this great base, 
we will execute our plan to return APS to a solid 
growth path.

Girts Cimermans, Division President Applicator Systems

Key figures Applicator Systems

millions of CHF

Order intake

Order intake gross margin

Order backlog as of December 31

Sales

EBIT

opEBITA

opROSA

2019

425.1

46.3%

60.8

420.6

40.2

88.2

2018

Change in +/–% +/–% adjusted 1)

+/–% organic 2)

449.6

45.9%

65.0

453.8

63.8

95.7

–5.4

–4.3

–5.2

–6.4

–7.3

–37.0

–7.8

–6.4

–7.6

–7.4

–8.6

21.0%

21.1%

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

1’821

1’864

–2.3

1) Adjusted for currency effects.

2) Adjusted for acquisition and currency effects.

Serving the needs of new market participants

While Applicator Systems (APS) continues to be the market leader, the division’s beauty segment is 
in transition to adapt industrial assets to a fast evolving market. In order to add further decoration 

capabilities and shorten lead times, the division will expand its factory in Bechhofen. The company 

will transition production from the Bamberg factory to Bechhofen, leading to the closure of the 

Bamberg factory.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Business review – Applicator Systems

33

Order intake and sales decreased

In 2019, Applicator Systems reported a decrease in orders and sales compared with 2018. Order 

intake growth in the adhesives, dental and healthcare segment of 2.8% did not fully offset the order 

decrease of 14.3% in beauty. The adhesives growth was secured despite a soft market in 

automotive, electronics and construction.

Order intake by segment

Order intake by region

2019

2019

Stable profitability

Operational ROSA remained at a stable 21.0% due to strong operational performance of the 

adhesives, dental and healthcare segment. Operational EBITA decreased on the drop in beauty 

volumes as the division transitions its German factories.

Safety performance in 2019

In 2019, the division reported an accident frequency rate (AFR) of 7.4 cases per million working hours 

(2018: 8.1). The decrease was driven by the beauty business unit, especially Bechhofen, which 

focused on driving safety ownership for line managers in 2019. You can read more about the 

company’s health and safety efforts in the chapter “Safety”.

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

Abbreviations

EBIT: Earnings before interest and taxes
opEBITA: Operational earnings before interest, taxes and amortization
opROSA: Operational return on sales adjusted
For the definition of the alternative performance measures, please refer to “Supplementary information”.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sustainable 
development

  35  People and community
  37  Environment
  40  Safety

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Sustainable development – People and community

35

Engaging people and supporting global 
communities

Our employees are our most important asset and we build on the strengths and 
diversity of our people. Nine out of ten respondents to the company’s 2019 
employee survey recognized its committed and collaborative work environment. 
Sulzer actively supports the communities where it is present. Sulzer is a force for 
positive change on key global issues, driving technological advancement and 
enhancing people’s lives.

In constant dialogue with our employees

Our employees gave the company a thumbs up in our 2019 employee engagement survey, the Voice 

of Sulzer, which registered an 85% overall participation rate – a 12 point increase on the previous 

year.

The advances from last year are measurable across all areas, and most in the categories of 

communications and personal development.

Learning and development

Sulzer invests in learning on-the-job and targeted training programs aimed at increasing 

management effectiveness, improving customer partnership, building awareness of digital 

technologies and more.

In response to feedback from the 2018 Voice of Sulzer survey, the company developed and 

introduced the Sulzer Learning Pathways, a global learning and development framework to increase 

visibility of and access to different learning opportunities. In 2019, the first 500 people participated in 

virtual and in-person training courses offered under this new umbrella, with great feedback. We will 

continue this ambitious roll-out in 2020.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page breakSulzer Annual Report 2019 – Sustainable development – People and community

36

Leveraging ESG ambitions

We have introduced ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) metrics into our compensation 

framework. Starting in 2020, ESG is included in the personal objectives of all our long-term-incentive 

eligible leaders, shining a spotlight on what our annual employee survey tells us is one of the main 

contributions our people expect from Sulzer. We continue to pursue significant advances in the areas 

of health and safety, emissions, water and energy efficiency, waste management, community 

engagement and R&D for more efficient or sustainable products such as eco-packaging, 

biopolymers or energy-efficient pumps.

Diversity – A force for positive change

Sulzer has a long and continuing tradition of providing internship, apprenticeship and university 

support programs for students in many countries. In 2019, the company launched the “Sulzer 

Scholarship for Women in Science and Engineering” for female students studying towards university 

degrees in this area. Reflecting Sulzer’s presence and the unique requirements of the countries, in 

2019 the company awarded 13 scholarships – three in South Africa, four in Indonesia, four in China 

and two in India.

At Sulzer, diverse teams with more than 80 nationalities and people of all ages work closely together 

for the success of the company. In 2019, roughly 17% of the total workforce were women, a number 
Sulzer strives to increase steadily. The scholarship is a first step towards fostering female talent to 

pursue a career in STEM disciplines. With Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg Sørensen and Jill Lee, female 

leaders are represented in Sulzer’s Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, respectively.

Supporting communities in need

In 2019, Sulzer teams participated in the Winnovators challenge, organized by the charity WaterAid. 

The teams competed internationally to solve real-world clean water access and sanitation issues in 

Colombia, India and eSwatini.

Money raised goes directly towards supporting these communities and implementing the innovative 

solutions that were proposed during the challenge.

As a global company, we help communities in need of urgent help. In 2019, we donated several fiber 

fishing boats to coastal communities worst hit by the Tsunami disaster in Indonesia. Sulzer is also 

participating in the ongoing Tsunami Recovery Program to ensure that the boats are properly 

maintained.

Sulzer employees taking the initiative

All across Sulzer, individuals and smaller groups organize or participate in events to support a wide 

range of charitable causes around the world. We encourage these numerous local initiatives to raise 

funds and awareness and often support our employees with time and/or resources to assist their 

cause.

Key figures

Voluntary attrition rate

Share of women (of total workforce)

Number of employees

%

%

FTE

2019

6.7

17.3

16’506

2018

Change in +/–%

7.4

18.0

15’572

6.0

Please find further sustainability data at www.sulzer.com/sustainability.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Sustainable development – Environment

37

Increased efficiency of energy use and 
more transparency

Sulzer is an environmentally responsible global industrial company. We focus on 
designing products with market-leading efficiency levels, we utilize energy more 
efficiently, reduce the share of hazardous waste and improve water management. 
Compared with last year, we have increased the scope of our environmental 
reporting in order to add more value and increase transparency.

Sulzer products can be impressive in the sheer size and scale of the function they are delivering. 

Sulzer’s design teams consistently work to develop more energy-efficient products and solutions.

Serving customers and the environment

We believe strongly in doing our part to protect the environment while simultaneously helping 

customers to find the most efficient solutions for their needs – saving them time, space and money. It 

is for this reason we put a strong emphasis on making our products more efficient. Some of the 

company’s achievements in this area in 2019 were:

—

—

—

—

Reducing the overall power consumption of mixing applications with the new SALOMIX™ 

agitator family in a wide range of industries.

Supporting Quantafuel’s sustainable downstream plant in converting non-recyclable plastic 

waste into fuel.

Creating sustainable packaging for adhesives; Sulzer won the world’s most prestigious 

packaging innovation competition in the “resource efficiencyˮ category from Packaging Europe 

with its newly developed ecopaCC™ collapsible packaging.

Offering revamps, retrofits and upgrades to increase efficiency and extend the lifetime of existing 

equipment, irrespective of the brand.

Businesses with diverse footprints

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

consumption as they are material for our operations. Our goal is to continuously improve 

performance measured against working hours (whr) compared with the previous year. Our products 

and services differ widely from one another; our 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, the business 

units and local sites evaluate their footprints and set their agendas individually to reduce their 

environmental impact.

Comprehensive reporting system

Sulzer has a comprehensive reporting system in place to collect financial and non-financial data at 

site level. The number of total working hours are used as a reference. The total number of working 

hours increased in 2019, mainly due to the impact of newly acquired businesses. In the reporting 

year, 78.8% of total working hours reported on environmental data (2018: 78.5%). The number is 

slightly higher than in the previous year because acquired businesses have been integrated into the 

environmental data collection process. The coverage of HR and occupational health and safety data 

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Sustainable development – Environment

38

is 100% (of total working hours). Sulzer collects non-financial 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, 2018, to September 30, 2019.

The reporting cycle for HR data and the health and safety performance was January 1, 2019, to 

December 31, 2019.

More efficient usage of energy

The rate of energy consumption per 1’000 working hours decreased by 1.4% in 2019, since efforts to 

use energy more efficiently paid off. The decrease would have been bigger but was somewhat offset 

by several large projects in the Pumps Equipment division. Due to Sulzer’s growth in 2019, the 

overall environmental impact increased, although slower than the company’s output (energy usage 

up 4.9% versus total revenue growth of 8.2%).

In 2019, GHG emissions relative to 1’000 working hours decreased by 4.0%, whereas the total 

greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in absolute terms increased by 4.4%. Contributing factors included 

an increase in CO  emissions from petrol and diesel used and a broader scope of reporting sites.

2

Energy consumption

Hazardous waste

GJ in 1'000

GJ/1'000 whr

Tons

t/1'000 whr

1'200

900

600

300

0

5
1
0
2

6
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

9
1
0
2

80

8'000

60

6'000

40

4'000

20

2'000

0

0

5
1
0
2

6
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

9
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)

Decreased share of hazardous waste and better water management

The total waste grew by 15.7%. This increase is primarily linked to newly acquired sites that were 

integrated into Sulzer’s reporting system. In addition, certain sites implemented LEAN processes 

even more thoroughly, which involved cleaning up manufacturing facilities and resulted in additional 

waste. At the same time, we were able to decrease the share of hazardous waste requiring special 

treatment by 3.5 percentage points.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Sustainable development – Environment

39

Sulzer’s use of water grew by 10.6%. The majority of the increase stems from customer demands in 

the Applicator Systems (APS) division for specific products that consume more water in the 

production process, and from adding new sites to the reporting system. Building on the 20% 

reduction in water use in 2018, the divisions further improved water management in their processes 

and facilities in 2019. This led to an only slight increase in the overall water consumption per 1’000 

working hours, also due to the APS product mix.

2018

Change in +/–%

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 1)

GHG scope 2 2)

GHG scope 3 3)

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

Water consumption per working hours

3

m   per 1’000 whr

2019

902’751

36.9

56.6

25.3

13.8

1.3

3.0

<1

860’753

38.3

58.1

27.3

10.4

1.1

3.2

<1

118’805

113’764

4.8

21’245

56’214

41’346

20’998

0.9

44.9

55.1

86.1

13.9

1’029’302

42.0

5.1

18’979

55’998

38’787

18’142

0.8

45.3

54.7

82.6

17.4

930’530

41.4

4.9

–1.4

4.4

–4.0

12.0

0.4

7.0

15.7

11.1

10.6

1.6

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

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

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

Please find further sustainability data at www.sulzer.com/sustainability.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Sustainable development – Safety

40

Record low number of accidents based on 
deeply-rooted safety culture

Sulzer has a safety culture that is deeply rooted and shared by all. We have 
systems and programs in place to ensure employees can work in a safe 
environment. In 2019, we managed to reduce the accident frequency rate (AFR) to 
1.7 cases per million working hours, our lowest AFR ever.

In 2019, we improved our safety performance considerably and reached our lowest ever accident 

frequency rate (AFR). AFR decreased by 41.3% to 1.7 cases per million working hours. Excluding 

acquisitions, AFR would have been 1.1, which is at target corridor of an AFR of less than 1.0. Two 

out of the four divisions already managed to achieve an AFR of less than 1.0 in 2019. Our acquired 

businesses were able to reduce their accident rates by adopting Sulzer’s strong management system 

based safety program.

The overall accident severity rate (ASR) also declined significantly by 28.1% to 58.3 lost days per 

million working hours. The improved development is based on many initiatives launched in the past 
two years, such as through risk analyses at site level, increased management attention and improved 

functional support. With an AFR of 1.7, we remain one of the leading companies in safety, ahead of 

the benchmark for general industries.

Accidents

Number of cases

100

75

50

25

0

5
1
0
2

6
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

8
1
0
2

9
1
0
2

AFR

6.0

4.5

3.0

1.5

0.0

Cases that last > 1 lost day due to occupational accidents, including acquisitions
Cases that last > 1 lost day due to occupational accidents, excluding acquisitions
AFR in cases per million working hours, including acquisitions
AFR in cases per million working hours, excluding acquisitions

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Sustainable development – Safety

41

Changes in the ESH organization for better business support

In 2019, we hired a new Head of Group ESH (Environment, Safety and Health) and two new 

Divisional ESH Heads for Rotating Equipment Services and Chemtech to further strengthen our 

safety culture.

To foster knowledge exchange across all Sulzer businesses, the ESH Competence Center agreed on 

common focus areas to increase ESH competence and leadership, as well as to ensure effective 

communication on safety throughout Sulzer.

In addition, members of the Competence Center delivered several training sessions to new ESH 

officers on risk assessment and Sulzer’s Safe Behavior Program (SBP) to align them with our safety 

strategy. Embedded within the SBP, Sulzer employees participated in more than 63’000 safety walks 

and observations during the year.

Divisional initiatives to anchor Safe Behavior Program

In recent years, Sulzer launched several initiatives to increase the hazard awareness of employees, to 

encourage participation in the safety program and to foster the sharing of competence. In 2019, the 

divisions took the following measures:

—

—

—

—

Rotating Equipment Services launched a tool to assess its high hazard activities;

Chemtech worked on increasing supervisor leadership and the quality of root cause analysis;

Pumps Equipment focused on SBP and on training newly acquired businesses;

Applicator Systems focused on achieving a consistent safety standard methodology in all their 

manufacturing facilities as well as on risk assessment and improvement of root cause analysis.

Getting closer to an AFR of less than 1.0

Based on our successes in 2019, we are committed to reach our ambitious goals of an AFR of less 

than 1.0. Therefore, we continue to take measures to further improve our safety performance and to 

challenge existing standards.

Key figures

Accident frequency rate (AFR)

Accident severity rate (ASR)

Health and safety training

Cases per million 
working hours

Lost days per 
million working 
hours

Hours

2019

1.7

58.3

105’471

2018

Change in +/–%

2.9

81.1

117’599

–41.3

–28.1

–10.3

Please find further sustainability data at www.sulzer.com/sustainability.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
Corporate 
governance

 Corporate structure and shareholders

  43 
  44  Capital structure
  45  Board of Directors
  53  Executive Committee
  54  Shareholder participation rights
  55  Takeover and defense measures
  56  Auditors
  57  Risk management
Information policy
  59 

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Corporate governance – Corporate structure and shareholders

43

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 

laws. 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, 2019. 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 2019. 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 statementsˮ 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, 2019, the market 

capitalization of all registered shares was CHF 3’700’335’960. Information on the 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. 

Significant shareholders

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

share capital on December 31, 2019. As published on the SIX disclosure platform on May 29, 2018, 

Viktor Vekselberg held 48.82% of Sulzer shares. The shares are directly held by Tiwel Holding AG. 

For information on shareholders of Sulzer Ltd that have reported shareholdings of over 3% or a 

reduction of shareholdings below 3% in the financial year 2019, please refer to the website of the 

Disclosure Office of the SIX Swiss Exchange www.six-exchange-regulation.com/en/home/

publications/significant-shareholders.html. For the positions held by Sulzer and information on 

shareholders, see note 24 to the “Consolidated financial statements.” There are no cross-

shareholdings where the capital or voting stakes on either side exceed the threshold of 3%.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page breakSulzer Annual Report 2019 – Corporate governance – Capital structure

44

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 is available at www.sulzer.com/governance (under “Articles of Associationˮ). 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 not met (see also 

paragraph 6a of the Articles of Association at www.sulzer.com/governance). On December 31, 2019, 

eight nominees holding a total of 1’417’282 shares (4.14% 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 statementsˮ and under note 11 to the 
“Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd.” 

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

45

Board of Directors

Members of the Board of Directors are elected individually for one-year terms. At 
the Annual General Meeting of April 3, 2019, all members were reelected, and 
Peter Löscher was reelected as Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Board 
consists of seven members. None of them has ever held an executive position at 
Sulzer.

All members of the Board of Directors are non-executive. None of the members of the Board of 

Directors have 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. Mikhail Lifshitz is the Chairman of the Board 

and holds a 31% stake of Joint Stock Company ROTEC, Russia. Sales with ROTEC amounted to 

CHF 0.4 million (2018: CHF 0.0 million). Expenses with ROTEC amounted to CHF 0.3 million (2018: 

CHF 0.6 million). As of December 31, 2019, sales with related parties controlled by the major 

shareholder amounted to CHF 0.0 million (2018: CHF 3.1 million) with open receivables of CHF 0.0 

million (2018: CHF 0.4 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. At the Annual General Meeting of April 3, 2019, all Board members were reelected to the 

Board of Directors, all for terms of one year. The Board consists of seven members: two from 

Austria, one from Denmark, one from Italy, one from Russia, and two from Switzerland. 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 “Regulationsˮ), define the division of 
responsibilities between the Board of Directors and the CEO. They also define the authorities and 

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

46

responsibilities of the Chairman of the Board of Directors and of the three standing Board 

committees.

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 

five 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 2019, the 

Board held five half-day meetings, one shorter meeting for the constitution of the Board after the 

Annual General Meeting and two conference calls lasting about 45 minutes. 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.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

47

Board of Directors

Name

Nationality

Position

Entry

Elected
until

Board

AC

NRC

SC

Attending meetings of the

Peter Löscher

Austria

Matthias Bichsel

Switzerland

Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg 
Sørensen

Denmark

Chairman, 
Chairman SC

Vice 
Chairman of 
the Board, 
member SC

Chairwoman 
AC, member 
NRC

March 2014

2020

March 2014

2020

April 2018

2020

2020

2020

Lukas Braunschweiler

Switzerland Member SC

April 2018

Mikhail Lifshitz

Russia

Member SC

April 2016

Marco Musetti

Italy/
Switzerland

Member 
NRC and AC

April 2011

2020

Gerhard Roiss

Austria

Chairman 
NRC and 
member AC

April 2015

2020

AC = Audit Committee, NRC = Nomination and Remuneration Committee, SC = Strategy Committee

8

8

7

8

7

8

8

3

4

4

4

4

4

3

3

3

2

1

Additional mandates of members of the Board of Directors outside 
the Sulzer group

According to Sulzer’s Articles of Association (published at www.sulzer.com/governance, under 
“Articles of Associationˮ), 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). 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 “Regulationsˮ). 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 2019, 

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 

Treasury, Group Accounting, Group IT, Group Compliance and Risk Management, and Group Taxes 

gave presentations to the Audit Committee in 2019. 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.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

48

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 are available at www.sulzer.com/governance (under 
“Regulationsˮ). 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 2019, four 

regular meetings were held in January, July, September and December, taking on average between 

one and two hours. Furthermore, the NRC held two meetings by conference call (30 to 45 minutes). 

Independent third-party market compensation data was provided to the NRC, especially by Mercer 

with respect to executive management’s remuneration.

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 “Regulationsˮ). In 2019, three meetings took place in 
February, May and September, taking two hours each.

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 “Regulationsˮ).

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

49

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 

rolling forecast for the current business year. 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 Chairs 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 the 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 Chair 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, and to plan and coordinate internal and external audits. 

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 47 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 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 

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

50

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 dealˮ), and on accepting only reasonable risks. Sulzer 
follows a “zero toleranceˮ 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 Conductˮ). 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 150 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 26, 2019, 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.:

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

51

—

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.

—

—

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 40 

face-to-face compliance training sessions in 2019.

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 Managementˮ 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, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA); and Asia-Pacific (APAC). 

The local Compliance Officers ultimately report – via Regional Compliance Officers and the Head of 

Risk Management and Compliance – 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 reports to the Group General Counsel. To ensure the consistent rollout 

of Group Compliance initiatives, the compliance organization uses direct reporting lines. 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 Committeeˮ section above.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

52

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 2019, Sulzer employees completed 11’500 e-learning courses.

Controls and sanctions

The Group Function Legal supports the audits done by Group Internal Audit following the same audit 

process. The Group Function Environment, Safety and Health (ESH) carried out four internal audits 

according to Sulzer standards, 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 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 2019 and at least two employees had to 

leave Sulzer because of violations of Sulzer’s Code of Business Conduct. Others received warnings 

or faced other disciplinary measures. 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.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Corporate governance – Executive Committee

53

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee consists of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief 
Financial Officer (CFO), the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and four 
Division Presidents. From January 1, 2019, Frédéric Lalanne succeeded Michael 
Streicher as President of the Pumps Equipment division. The Chief Commercial 
and Marketing (CCMO) role that Frédéric Lalanne held no longer exists as such 
and has been replaced by a Head of Business Development role which is not part 
of the Executive Committee. On October 21, 2019, Girts Cimermans joined the 
Executive Committee as the new President of the Applicator Systems division, 
replacing Amaury de Menthière (not part of the Executive Committee) who decided 
to retire.

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 “Regulationsˮ). 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 Associationˮ). 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.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Corporate governance – Shareholder participation rights

54

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 (see also paragraph 12 of the Articles of Association).

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 3, 2019, 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.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Corporate governance – Takeover and defense measures

55

Takeover and defense measures

The Articles of Association contain no opting-out or opting-up clauses. If there is a change of control, 

all allocated restricted share units (RSU) are automatically vested. Also, the performance share units 

(PSU) are converted into shares on a pro rata basis and based on actual achievement of the 

performance targets, without being subject to blocking restrictions. A change of control includes an 

acquisition of, or a public takeover offer in relation to, more than 33.33% (RSU) or 50% or more 

(PSU) of the voting rights.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Corporate governance – Auditors

56

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. As of 2020, Rolf Hauenstein from KPMG will be the new auditor-in-charge. The Audit 

Committee is in charge of supervising and monitoring the statutory auditor, and it reports to the 
Board of Directors (see section “Audit Committeeˮ 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 2019, 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 opinion of the CFO. 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.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Corporate governance – Risk management

57

Risk management

At Sulzer, 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.

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.

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.

— Continuous monitoring and assessment of market 

developments

— Systematic midrange planning based on market 

developments and expectations

— Monitoring of exposure in critical countries
— Monitoring of debt situation of countries and banks
— Continuous monitoring of raw material prices and inflation 

indicators

— Sulzer’s global presence mitigates the effect of geopolitical 

shocks

— A phased process, technical risk manageability assessments 

and key performance indicators to ensure quality of the 
development

— Product Development Council with strong focus on strategic 

plans and digitalization

— Prototypes and own test beds to test and validate products 

before market release

— Core Technology Council for research of basic technology
— Focus on innovation with strategic customers
— Innovation and ideation projects

— Implementation of an expert development program for key 

critical resources

— Ensuring that Sulzer’s people and performance efforts are 

anchored to the company’s values and behaviors

— Ongoing feedback through employee opinion survey “Voice of 

Sulzer”

— Robust internal communications strategy
— Ongoing engagement in workshops and collaborative activities
— Visibility and access to creating development experiences and 

opportunities

— Consistent approach to 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

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.

— Mitigation in comprehensive environmental due diligence (EDD) 

projects for acquisitions and divestitures

— Elimination of environmentally damaging substances through 

Prohibited Substances List

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Corporate governance – Risk management

58

Compliance

Non-compliant or unethical behavior could lead to reputational 
damage, fines and liability claims.

Quality of products and 
services

Failure of high-quality products and services could lead to 
repeated work, reputational damage or 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
— Global network of compliance and trade compliance officers
— Compliance training (incl. e-learning) and audits

— Speak-up culture, compliance hotline and sanction checks

— Quality management and assurance systems tailored to 

specific businesses
— Third-party accreditation
— Competence development programs and training of 

employees

— Test centers 

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. Security incidents 
could impact the IT infrastructure or systems, which could 
result in a business interruption.

— Crisis and emergency management systems (at global and 

local level) 

— Risk management policy and guidelines
— Global manufacturing footprint and global procurement 
— IT security standards, measures and incident response team

— Disaster recovery plans in IT 

Financial

Financial markets

Credit

Liquidity

The unpredictability of financial markets may have a negative 
effect on Sulzer’s financial performance and its ability to raise 
or access capital.

Credit risks arising from financial institutions and from 
customers could have a negative effect on Sulzer’s financial 
performance and ability to operate.

Failure in liquidity risk management may have a negative effect 
on Sulzer’s financial performance and its ability to operate.

— Group financial policy
— Foreign exchange risk policy

— 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

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Corporate governance – Information policy

59

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 2020

—

—

—

—

—

February 19: Annual results 2019

April 15: Annual General Meeting 2020

April 21: Order intake Q1 2020

July 24: Midyear results 2020

October 29: Order intake Q1–Q3 2020

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, 2019) and the copy deadline for the Annual Report (February 17, 2020).

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Compensation 
report

  61  Letter to the shareholders
  64  Special report
  67  Compensation governance and principles
  70  Compensation architecture for the CEO  

and EC members

  79  Compensation of the Executive Committee 

for 2019

  84  Compensation architecture for  

the Board of Directors

  86  Compensation of the Board of Directors  

for 2019
  89  Auditor’s report

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Letter to the shareholders

61

Paying for sustainable performance

Winterthur, February 17, 2020

Dear Shareholder,

On behalf of the Board of Directors and the Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC), I am 

pleased to present the Compensation Report for 2019. I appreciated the ongoing opportunity in 2019 

to work together with my colleagues and our stakeholders towards ensuring that the Sulzer 

compensation structure continues to reflect best practice standards, proves to be attractive and 

competitive for employees, rewards sustainable performance and drives value creation for our 

shareholders.

In April 2018, Sulzer was unexpectedly exposed to existence-threatening US sanctions. The 

Executive Committee took effective countermeasures in a very short time to avert the sanctions. 

Therefore, this crisis also demanded that effective measures be taken to mitigate its negative 

consequences for Executive Committee’s compensation in a fair manner. These measures have only 

been applied for the duration of this extraordinary situation and to offset its effects, and we consider 

the crisis to be over at this stage. Therefore, we include an additional section in this year’s 

Compensation Report, which explains measures taken.

Executive Committee’s compensation

Our Executive Committee’s compensation system stands for a modern and tailor-made system to 

lead Sulzer successfully through the next years:

—

—

—

—

—

A significant portion of variable compensation ensures a strong pay-for-performance orientation.

Performance criteria are selected to provide appropriate incentives to achieve operational and 

strategic goals, thereby ensuring a strong alignment with Sulzer’s corporate strategy.

Variable compensation is granted in the form of performance share units, which are subject to 

malus and clawback provisions, to align interests of the Executive Committee with those of 

shareholders.

Share Ownership Guidelines are introduced in 2020 obliging the Executive Committee members 

to hold Sulzer shares for the term of their office.

Compensation levels are competitive and in line with market practice to attract and retain highly 

qualified employees who will keep Sulzer on the road to success through severe crises and 

beyond.

Paying for performance: our year 2019

In 2019, Sulzer successfully progressed on its growth path. The company acquired and integrated 

GTC Technology end of April and Alba Power in July, which in both cases supplements and further 

boosts local expertise and delivery power in important target markets. This is all part of Sulzer’s 

growth-based business strategy, which is reflected in our compensation models.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Letter to the shareholders

62

The compensation model and structure for EC members remained unchanged, and – apart from an 

increase in the LTI (long-term incentives) for two individuals – there was no increase in base salaries, 

target STI (short-term incentives) levels or regular LTI grant amounts. In 2019, the roles of two current 

EC members were reevaluated. This reevaluation, which also comprised market benchmarking, led 

to higher LTI grant entitlements. The Board also recognized the EC’s continued exceptional 

performance during and since the US sanctions episode. In this context, the Board decided to award 

all EC members a special grant of performance share units in addition to the regular annual LTI 

grants (details in special report).

The cash compensation for the EC was 25% lower in 2019 than in 2018. The aggregate EC 

compensation, including potential payments made over time, is reduced by 8.0% year on year and is 

below the maximum amount previously approved by the AGM for the respective period.

For 2020, two major changes to the current system have been decided. Firstly, mandatory 

shareholding requirements for members of the Executive Committee will be introduced. According to 

these Share Ownership Guidelines (SOG) the members of the Executive Committee are obliged to 

hold shares until the end of their service period. The value of the shares to be held is set at 200% of 

the gross base salary for the CEO and 100% of the gross base salary for the other members of the 

Executive Committee. Secondly, the TSR threshold for the industrial peer group will be set “back to 
normalˮ at the 25th percentile as before the US sanctions.

On October 21, 2019, Girts Cimermans joined Sulzer as the new President of our Applicator Systems 

(APS) division, succeeding Amaury De Menthière, who retired at the end of the year. As the new 

leader of APS, Girts will focus on profitably expanding the business and strengthening the APS 

offering, as well as capitalizing on opportunities across our diverse business segments. In the same 

context, the Board decided that the role of Division President APS should now be part of the 

Executive Committee (EC), with immediate effect.

Board of Directors compensation

The aggregate Board of Directors compensation paid in 2019 was below the maximum amounts 

previously approved by the AGM for the respective periods. An external and independent third-party 

expert assessed the Board compensation in the context of market benchmarks. Based on these 

findings, the NRC has suggested to revise the additional fees for chairmanship and membership in 

the Board committees. No additional changes to Board compensation were deemed necessary.

The aggregate Board of Directors compensation paid in 2019 was 3.6% lower than in 2018, and 

5.7% lower than in 2017, the latter reflecting the resizing of the Board in 2018.

Governance

The Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) performed its regular activities in 2019, 

including recommending EC performance targets to the Board, compensation of Board, CEO and EC 

members. You will find further information on the NRC’s activities, as well as compensation models 

and governance, in the following pages.

At the AGM in 2020, you will be asked to vote on the maximum aggregate compensation for the 

Board for its 2020–2021 term and on the maximum aggregate compensation for the EC for 2021. For 

the second consecutive year, the maximum aggregate for the Board will remain flat. Notwithstanding 

the addition of the new EC member, the maximum aggregate for the EC will be reduced by CHF 2 

million.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page breakSulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Letter to the shareholders

63

As per practice, this Compensation Report will be submitted for a non-binding, consultative vote to 

our shareholders. We encourage and pursue an open, regular dialogue with our stakeholders. Your 

constructive input is highly valued and appreciated as we continue to improve and align our 

compensation system. On behalf of Sulzer, the NRC and the Board, I thank you for your supportive 

feedback and for your continued trust in our company.

Sincerely,

Gerhard Roiss

Chairman of the Nomination and Remuneration 

Committee

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page breakSulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Special report

64

Special report 

A return to normalcy – from extraordinary compensation decisions recognizing 
exceptional performance in an extreme situation.

In 2018, Sulzer’s business was impacted by exceptional, existence-threatening circumstances. 

Against this background, Sulzer’s Executive Committee members were granted special concessions 

for the successful resolution of the impending consequences.

What happened?

Renova became the target of US sanctions on the afternoon of Friday, April 6 , 2018, which 

th

immediately severely affected Sulzer’s business, as these sanctions were extended to all companies 
held by Renova as a majority shareholder and entities doing “significantˮ business with a sanctioned 
company. Already on Saturday the company credit cards were no longer working. In addition, Sulzer 

was no longer allowed to acquire new businesses and transactions in dollars were prohibited with 

immediate effect. The situation was dramatic. Sulzer was in danger of becoming insolvent within a 

short period of time, since a large part of our business is conducted in dollars. Another immediate 
consequence was a drastic collapse in the share price.

In order to protect Sulzer from further sanctions and to work towards the cancellation of already 

imposed sanctions, the Executive Committee negotiated an immediate share buyback with Renova 

in order to reduce its shareholding below 50% and affirm Sulzer’s independence vis-à-vis US 

authorities. Sulzer’s Executive Committee’s decisive and fast reaction averted the US sanctions 

within three days by taking the most appropriatea course of action and implementing it expediently.

Timing of the events and our reactions

How did the Nomination and Remuneration Committee react?
1. We changed the PSU grant date in 2018 to allow for a grant unaffected by US 
sanctions

In line with the flexibility provided for by the PSP regulation, the PSU grant date in 2018 was shifted 

from April 1 to July 1 to allow the share price to stabilize after the massive fluctuations triggered by 

the US sanctions. This shift mitigated short-term volatility concerns by having the PSU grants based 

on a less volatile three-month average price, which also included the off-exchange share buyback of 

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Special report

65

5.00 million shares in the same period. This shift of the PSU grant date in 2018 was a one-time 

adjustment to reflect the extraordinary circumstances at that time.

2. We guaranteed the relative TSR performance prior to US sanctions for PSP 
tranches 2016 and 2017

The US sanctions targeting Renova in April 2018 were deemed to be an extraordinary event, given its 

dramatic mid-term impact on the share price of Sulzer and this despite sustained strong operational 

performance and positive strategic developments. The PSP regulation in its article 15 allows for 

corrections in case of extreme market situations or in the event of activities or decisions of large 

Sulzer shareholders which have a significant impact on Sulzer’s TSR. In order to quickly reassure the 

Executive Committee and ensure its focus on the acute problems, the effects of the sanctions on 

Sulzer’s TSR performance – which have direct impact on the payout value of the active PSP tranches 

– were compensated by the following:

The relative TSR performance which had been achieved directly prior to the event was assessed and 

guaranteed. The TSR component of the PSP (weighted at 50%) was affected while the two other 

components – opEBITA growth and opROCEA – stayed unchanged. The relative TSR performance 

was 100% for PSP 2017 and 213% for PSP 2016 just before the sanctions occurred. This guarantee 

was given for the PSP tranches granted in 2016 and 2017. No other tranches were affected. The 
guarantee led to a higher payout of the PSP 2016 at 213% versus 120% without guarantee. For the 

payout of the PSP 2017, the guarantee was not applied as the actual performance ended up higher 

than the guarantee. The introduction of the pre-April guaranteed TSR target achievement level in May 

2018 resulted in a one-time step-up in fair value of outstanding tranches (PSP 2016 and PSP 2017) 

which was duly disclosed in the compensation tables of the Annual Report 2018.

3. We lowered the relative TSR threshold to allow for a volatile share development

The threshold for Sulzer’s relative TSR performance in the industrial peer group was lowered from 

the 25th percentile to the 10th percentile. The lowered TSR threshold at the 10th percentile has been 

in place for two PSP tranches in 2018 and 2019. We understand that this adjusted TSR curve is not 

perceived as ambitious enough for our investors under normal circumstances. As we regard the 

immediate and mid-term effects of the US sanctions as settled, the original TSR threshold at the 25th 

percentile is reinstated as of 2020. Please note that as the TSR stayed higher than 100%, the 

temporarily lowered TSR threshold didn’t come into play and didn’t benefit management.

4. We decided on a special PSP grant for the Executive Committee in 2019 
(spread over 2019 and 2020 for the CEO)

The Board of Directors recognized the Executive Committee’s continued exceptional performance 

during and since the US sanctions episode. The executive team successfully protected the company 

and worked in the interest of all our shareholders, customers and employees. Team stability remains 

paramount as we work to put this unfortunate incident behind us. In this context, the Board decided 

to award all Executive Committee members a special grant of performance share units in addition to 

the regular annual PSP grant in 2019. This special grant, subject to the usual three-year progressive 

vesting, both rewards outstanding management team performance during and after the sanctions 

and acts as a retention instrument in a turbulent period. This special grant is a one-off reward. For 

the CEO, the special grant is spread over the 2019 and 2020 PSP tranches. It is disclosed in the 

respective Annual Report’s compensation tables. Even with the special grant, the compensation for 

the CEO in 2019 was 6.5% lower than in 2018.

CEO

CHF 1’440’000

CHF 720’000

CHF 720’000

Regular PSP grant 2019

Special PSP grant 2019

Special PSP grant 2020

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Special report

66

How do we proceed? Back to normal

We consider the substantial effects of the US sanctions on Sulzer’s business to be over and 

therefore see no need for further exceptions. We understand that our shareholder’s guidelines on 
compensation underpinning your votes are against “exceptionsˮ. We though believe that no policy, 
no plan rules and no contingency plans would have ever been able to ex-ante address what 

happened to our company in April 2018. We feel highly confident in our leadership team and their 

performance in safely navigating Sulzer through the eye of the storm. From 2020 we will return to 
“normalˮ regarding our compensation plans and decisions. We hope that transparency provided will 
help to understand and support our decisions.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Compensation governance and principles

67

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 
“Regulationsˮ) 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

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Compensation governance and principles

68

The table below describes the levels of authority:

Selection criteria and succession planning for Board of Directors

proposes

Selection criteria and succession planning for Executive Committee

proposes

reviews

CEO

NRC

Compensation policy and programs

Aggregate maximum compensation amounts for the Executive Committee 
and for the Board of Directors 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 (AGM). At the 2019 AGM, Gerhard Roiss (Chairman), 

Marco Musetti and Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg Sørensen were reelected as members of the NRC.

The NRC meets as often as the business requires, but at least twice a year. In 2019, the NRC held 

four regular meetings that were attended by all members. Besides the standard agenda items, the 

NRC concentrated its efforts on talent pipeline and succession planning for positions on the Board of 

Directors and the Executive Committee, including the recruitment of a new Division President APS; 

market review of Board and management remuneration models and levels; and considerations 

regarding an exceptional one-off grant of performance share units to Sulzer’s management, as 

further detailed in this Compensation Report.

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, independent third-party market 

compensation data was provided to the NRC, especially by Mercer with respect to executive 

management’s remuneration. 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 

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Compensation governance and principles

69

aggregate compensation amounts for the Board of Directors and for the Executive Committee in an 

annual binding vote.

Further, the Articles of Association, which are also subject to shareholders’ approval, regulate the 

principles of compensation. They include the following provisions related to compensation (full 
version of the Articles of Association: www.sulzer.com/governance, under “Articles of Associationˮ):

—

Principles of compensation (Article 31): 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 (Article 29): 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 (Article 30): 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 (Article 34): the company may not grant loans or credits to members 

of the Board of Directors and of the Executive Committee.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the CEO and EC members

70

Compensation architecture for the CEO 
and EC members

Compensation principles

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.

Strategy alignment

The performance criteria are selected to create adequate incentives for achieving the operational and strategic objectives.

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 transparently explained in the Compensation Report.

Method of determination of compensation: benchmarking

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 benchmarked against that 

of similar roles in comparable companies every one to two years. For this purpose, the NRC selected 

a peer group of international industrial companies headquartered in Switzerland based on their 

revenue and number of employees. 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

Clariant

Georg Fischer

Lonza

OC Oerlikon

Rieter

Schindler

Sika

Sonova

Tetra Laval Group

The intention is to pay target compensation around the median of the relevant market. Nevertheless, 

compensation increases are not granted based on benchmark results alone. The role and 

responsibility as well as current performance of the individual Executive Committee member is 

assessed at the same time. A globally applied job-grading fosters internal equity.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the CEO and EC members

71

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. The compensation of the 

Executive Committee summarizes as follows:

Compensation elements for the members of the Executive Committee

Base salary

Benefits

Short-term incentive 
plan (bonus plan)

Long-term incentive 
plan (PSP 2019)

Share ownership 
guidelines (SOG)

Main parameters

Function, level of role, 
profile of incumbent 
(skill set, experience)

Pension and social 
security contributions, 
fringe benefits

Achievement of annual 
financial and individual 
objectives

Key drivers

Labor market, internal 
job-grading

Protection against 
risks, labor market, 
internal job-grading

Operational EBITA, 
sales, operational 
operating net cash 
flow (opONCF)

Link to compensation 
principles

Competitive 
compensation

Competitive 
compensation

Pay for performance, 
strategy alignment

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.

Grant/vesting/payment 
date

Monthly

Monthly and/or 
annually

March of the following 
year

Achievement of long-
term, company-wide 
objectives, share price 
development

Operational EBITA 
growth, operational 
return on average 
capital employed 
adjusted (opROCEA), 
relative total 
shareholder return 
(TSR)

Pay for performance, 
strategy alignment, 
ownership

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. 
Malus and clawback 
provisions 
implemented.

Grant: April 1, 2019
Vesting: December 31, 
2021
Share delivery: March 
2022

Performance period

–

–

1 year (January 1, 
2019–December 31, 
2019)

3 years (January 1, 
2019–December 31, 
2021)

The compensation of the Executive Committee contains fixed, performance-independent elements to 

provide a secure income and to ensure that no unreasonable risks are taken. In order to create 

reasonable incentives for the Executive Committee, align interests of Executive Committee and 

shareholders, ensure pay for performance and implement the company’s strategy into the Executive 

Committee’s compensation, it contains also short-term and long-term performance-dependent 

elements:

Level of role

Share price 
development

Ownership

Obligation to privately 
invest in Sulzer shares 
and to hold these 
shares until the end of 
the service period

CEO:
200% of base salary.
Other members of the 
Executive Committee:
100% of base salary.

–

–

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the CEO and EC members

72

In line with the pay-for-performance principle, a significant portion (over 50%) of the compensation of 

the CEO and the other members of the Executive Committee consists of variable incentives based 

on performance. Furthermore, the compensation structure ensures sustainable long-term growth as 

the long-term variable compensation makes up the largest portion of the target total compensation 
(see “Overview of compensation elementsˮ).

Base salary (fixed, in cash)

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. An internal 

job grading provides orientation and fosters internal equity.

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 147’876 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.

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. 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.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the CEO and EC members

73

The target bonus is expressed as a percentage of annual base salary. 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:

Category

Weight

Objectives

Rationale

CEO/CFO/
CHRO

Division
President

Operational EBITA in 
% of sales

Measure of profitability (bottom line)

Financial performance

70%

Sales

Measure of growth (top line)

Operational 
operating net cash 
flow (opONCF)

Cost optimization

Individual performance

30%

Growth initiatives

Faster and better

Measure of cash generated by the 
revenues

Objectives linked to cost and 
profitability in context with “Sulzer 
Full Potential” initiative

Include initiatives that support the 
growth of Sulzer, such as M&A 
projects, breaking into new markets 
or new accounts

Initiatives focused on the profitability 
of Sulzer, with objectives linked to 
speed (“faster”) and quality (“better”)

Sulzer

Division

Sulzer

Division

Sulzer

Division

25%

25%

20%

Individual

10%

7.5%

17.5%

7.5%

17.5%

6%

14%

10%

Individual

10%

10%

Individual

10%

10%

Total

100%

100%

The objectives are set within the annual target-setting process. For each financial objective, the 

following parameters are set upfront:

—

—

—

An expected level of performance (“targetˮ), the achievement of which leads to a payout factor 

(on the respective performance metric) of 100%.

A minimum level of performance (“thresholdˮ) below which the respective payout factor is zero.

A maximum level of performance (“capˮ) above which the respective payout factor is capped at 

200%. With respect to the financial objectives, a performance of 200% of the target figure is 

required to achieve a payout factor of 200%.

Between threshold and target, as well as between target and cap, the payout factor is interpolated 

linearly.

In order to measure individual performance, each Executive Committee member is given different 
personal objectives for each of the three individual performance categories (“Cost optimizationˮ, 
“Growth initiativesˮ and “Faster and Betterˮ) at the beginning of the financial year. “Cost 
optimizationˮ, for example, includes objectives like cost saving (travel spend reduction, real estate 
costs reduction, etc.) whereas objectives for the category “Faster and Betterˮ are, among others, on 
time delivery percentage improvement, employee engagement progression (measured through 
external opinion survey) or health and safety accident frequency rates (AFR) reduction. “Growth 

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the CEO and EC members

74

initiativesˮ include for example successful completion of M&A actions or sales growth in specific 
countries. The CEO reviews the individual performance based on the personal objectives of each EC 

member which in turn is reviewed by the NRC, the CEO’s individual performance is assessed by the 

NRC.

Sulzer strives for transparency in relation to pay for performance. However, further 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 for each financial objective as well as the 

aggregated individual performance at the end of the performance cycle (see chapter “Compensation 

of the Executive Committee for 2019”).

On the basis of this performance assessment, a payout factor is determined for each financial 

objective as a result of the actual performance. The weighted average of the resulting payout factors 

on each performance metric will be multiplied by the target bonus amount to derive the actual bonus 

which will be paid out in March of the following year.

The objectives for the bonus plan are linked to Sulzer’s strategic goal of promoting sustainable and 

profitable growth of the company. They are chosen to provide different incentives for growth and 

shareholder value creation.

Strategic link of bonus plan

Growth

Profitability

Long-term shareholder 
value creation

Bonus Plan

Operational EBITA

Sales

opONCF

Cost optimization

Growth Initiatives

Faster and better

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the CEO and EC members

75

Performance share plan (variable, performance-based, share-based 
remuneration)

The long-term shareholder orientation and value creation is incentivized by a performance share plan 

(PSP) granting performance share units to the members of the Executive Committee. Performance 

share units (PSU) are a conditional right to a certain number of shares of the company, subject to 

ongoing employment and to the achievement of strategic/financial performance targets on group 

level over the three-year performance period. The performance share plan selected participants 

based on 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. This emphasizes and supports Sulzer’s focus on pay for performance and 

sustainable growth, with a long-term perspective and additional retention effect on employees.

The performance share plan (PSP) is a plan with annual grants and is available exclusively to the 

members of the Executive Committee and of the Sulzer Management Group. The grant value is 

determined based on the level of the executive’s role and amounts to CHF 1’440’000 for the CEO 

and to between CHF 330’000 and CHF 400’000 (determined by the Board of Directors) 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.

The key performance criteria being measured over the three-year performance period of PSU are:

—

—

—

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

(opEBITA) growth, weighted with 25%;

Average operational return on capital employed (opROCEA), weighted with 25%;

Relative total shareholder return (TSR) weighted with 50% and measured against two different 

peer groups: 75% of this part of the performance measurement 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 “Peer group for relative TSR performance of PSP 2019ˮ).

Peer group for relative TSR performance of PSP 2019

Both peer groups did not change in the reporting year. The Board of Directors can alter the 

composition of the peer group if deemed necessary, e.g. 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 new peer companies. There is a predefined 
successor list of companies to support the Board of Directors in the selection process.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the CEO and EC members

76

The Board of Directors deems these metrics to be the most relevant key performance indicators for 

the sustainable development of the Sulzer group, combining growth, profitability and shareholder 

return in comparison to the relevant peers and markets.

For each performance condition of the PSP, a threshold, target and cap performance level is 

determined, which in turn determines the achievement factor. Sulzer strives for transparency in 

relation to pay for performance and discloses all information whose exposure cannot lead to 

strategic disadvantages.

From 2020, the threshold for the relative TSR in the industrial peer group will be changed back to the 

th

25  percentile (as described in detail in chapter “Special report”). The performance metric for the 

relative TSR in the SMI Mid remains unchanged.

Disclosure of internal financial 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 for each performance criteria at 

the end of the performance cycle based on the following metric (see chapter “Compensation of the 

Executive Committee for 2019”).

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the CEO and EC members

77

On the vesting date, the number of vested PSU is calculated by multiplying the initial number of PSU 

granted by the weighted average of the achievement factor of each performance condition. For each 

vested PSU, a Sulzer share will be delivered to the participant.

However, while the above-mentioned performance assessment impacts the number of PSU vested 

and, consequently, the number of shares delivered, there might also be an increase in value per 

share over the three-year performance period, which may have a relevant impact on the actually 

delivered total value after three years. Therefore, the number of vested PSU is subject to an absolute 

value cap representing, in each case, 2.5 times the original grant value.

The objectives for the PSP are linked to Sulzer’s strategic goal of promoting sustainable and 

profitable growth of the company. They are chosen to provide different incentives for growth and 

shareholder value creation.

Strategic link of PSP

PSP

Operational EBITA growth

opROCEA

Relative TSR

Growth

Profitability

Long-term shareholder 
value creation

In case of termination of employment, the following provisions apply:

Type of termination

Provision

By the employer for cause

Unvested PSU forfeit

As a result of retirement

Vesting and performance measurement of PSU continues according to plan, no early allocation of the shares.

Any other reason

The number of 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.

Upon the occurrence of a change of control, PSU will vest immediately on a pro rata basis, subject to 

a performance assessment by the Board of Directors. In such a case, the Board of Directors may 

also determine a cash settlement of the awards.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the CEO and EC members

78

Malus and clawback

The Board of Directors may determine that a PSU 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, 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 31 to the “Consolidated 

Financial Statements of Sulzer Ltd.” 

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.

Shareholding requirements

There are currently no contractual shareholding requirements for Executive Committee members or 

other employees. Beginning 2020, such shareholding requirements for members of the Executive 

Committee will be introduced. According to these Share Ownership Guidelines (SOG) the members 

of the Executive Committee are obliged to hold part of their shares until the end of their service 

period. The value of the shares to be held is set at 200% of the annual gross base salary for the CEO 

and 100% of the annual gross base salary for the other members of the Executive Committee.

Function

CEO

Other EC members

Shareholding requirement in % of base salary

200%

100%

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Executive Committee for 2019

79

Compensation of the Executive 
Committee for 2019

In 2019, the Executive Committee received a total compensation of CHF 15’370’180 (previous year: 

CHF 16’703’113). Of this total, CHF 6’845’153 was in cash (previous year: CHF 7’773’076); CHF 

6’290’403 was in PSU (previous year: CHF 4’462’417); CHF 1’908’991 was in pension and social 

security contributions (previous year: CHF 2’066’420), and CHF 325’632 was in other payments 

(previous year: CHF 2’401’200).

Compensation of the Executive Committee (audited)

Cash compensation

2019

Deferred compensation 
based on future performance

thousands of CHF

Highest single compensation, Greg 
Poux-Guillaume, CEO

Total Executive Committee 1)

Base
salary

1’021

3’663

Pension and 
social 
security 
contributions
4)

Total cash-
based 
compensation

Bonus 2)

Other 3)

Estimated 
value of 
share-based 
grant under 
the 
Performance 
Share Plan 
(PSP) 5)

1’183

3’182

67

326

493

1’909

2’765

9’080

2’709

6’290

Total (incl. 
conditional 
share-based 
grant)

5’474

15’370

2018

Cash compensation

Bonus 2)

Other 3)

Pension and 
social security 
contributions 4)

Total cash-
based 
compensation

Deferred compensation 
based on future performance

Estimated 
value of 
share-based 
grant under 
the 
Performance 
Share Plan 
(PSP) 5)

Total (incl. 
conditional 
share-based 
grant)

1’375

3’683

1’081

2’401

           528

2’066

4’005

12’241

1’841

4’462

5’846

16’703

thousands of CHF

Highest single compensation, Greg 
Poux-Guillaume, CEO

Total Executive Committee 1)

Base
salary

1’021

4’090

1) The total Executive Committee compensation for 2019 includes the compensation of Greg Poux-Guillaume, CEO since December 1, 2015; Jill Lee, CFO since April 2018; 
Daniel Bischofberger, Division President Rotating Equipment Services since September 2016; Torsten Wintergerste, Division President Chemtech since June 2016; Armand 
Sohet, Chief Human Resources Officer since March 2016; Frédéric Lalanne, Division President Pumps Equipment since January 2019; Girts Cimermans, Division President 
Applicator Systems since October 21, 2019. The total Executive Committee compensation for 2018 includes Greg Poux-Guillaume, CEO since December 1, 2015; Thomas 
Dittrich, CFO until March 2018; Jill Lee, CFO since April 2018; Michael Streicher, Division President Pumps Equipment until December 2018; Daniel Bischofberger, Division 
President Rotating Equipment Services since September 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 until December 2018.
2) Expected bonus for the performance years 2019 and 2018 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, relocation allowance, schooling allowances, tax services and child allowances. For 2018, this category also includes the step-up in 
fair value of outstanding PSU (PSP 2016 and PSP 2017) resulting from the Board’s 2018 decision to set TSR floors reflecting the exceptional market conditions and share 
price collapse following the US sanctions against Russia and the collateral damages to Sulzer.
4) 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 2019 
and 2018, respectively (PSP).
5) Represents the full fair value of the PSU granted under the PSP in 2019 (including regular annual grants as well as one-off special grant as further detailed in the 
Compensation Report, which were granted on the same date and based on the same reference price as the regular annual grants) and 2018 respectively. PSU granted in 
2019 had a fair value of CHF 115.95 at grant date, based on a third-party fair value calculation. While the share price to convert the grant value into a number of granted PSU 
is based on the three-month weighted average share price before the grant date (CHF 92.46 per PSU for April 2019 grants), the disclosed fair values are calculated on the 
grant dates by using market value approaches, which typically leads to differences between the original grant value according to the compensation architecture and the 
disclosed fair market values.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Executive Committee for 2019

80

The total compensation of CHF 15’370’180 awarded to the members of the Executive Committee for 

the 2019 financial year is within the maximum aggregate compensation amount of CHF 21’505’000 

that was approved by the shareholders at the 2018 AGM.

No severance payments to members of the Executive Committee were made during the reporting 

year.

As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2019, there were no outstanding loans or credits 

granted to the members of the Executive Committee or former members of the Executive Committee 

(audited).

In 2018 and 2019, no compensation was granted to former members of the Executive Committee or 

related parties (audited).

Compensation for the Executive Committee: pay-for-performance 
assessment

In 2019, Sulzer successfully progressed on its expansion path. We acquired and integrated:

—

—

End of April 2019: GTC Technology

July 2019: Alba Power

In both cases, this will supplement and further boost our local expertise and delivery power.

In the following, we elaborate further on how the relevant business performance impacted the 

variable compensation models of our Executive Committee. More detailed information about Sulzer’s 

operational and strategic performance in 2019 can be found in the financial report.

a) Total compensation and pay for performance relation

In 2019, the Executive Committee received a total compensation of CHF 15’370’180 (previous year: 

CHF 16’703’113). This is an overall decrease of 8.0% from the previous year. The main changes 

compared with the previous year are as follows:

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Executive Committee for 2019

81

—

—

—

The roles and corresponding job sizes of two current EC members were reevaluated. This 

reevaluation and subsequent market benchmarking led to higher LTI grant entitlements.

Since October 2019, the role of the Division President APS newly also forms part of the EC, and 

as such the respective compensation is included in the 2019 compensation table for the 

Executive Committee.

The exceptional one-off grant of additional performance share units under the PSP as further 

detailed in section c) below.

For the entire Executive Committee, the variable component amounted to between 40% and 246% 

of the fixed component (base salary, other, pension and social security contributions). This pay for 

performance relation 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.

On a like-for-like basis (EC members employed in both 2019 and 2018), the base salaries of the EC 

members increased by 1.1% on average. Regarding cash bonus payments and LTI amounts, see the 

following paragraphs.

b) Short-term incentive (cash bonus payouts)

In 2019, Sulzer again made good progress towards its transformation goals. We grew organically but 

also through acquisitions in all divisions. The financial component of the bonus ranged from 109% to 

133% of targeted payout (on average 127%) and significant progress on our transformation path led 

to a high level of achievement of individual objectives. The financial performance on group level was 

as follows:

KPI

Operational EBITA in % of sales

Sales

opONCF

Total

Weighting

Payout factor

25%

25%

20%

70%

130.7%

97.3%

179.6%

132.5%

The individual performance was set at 120% to consider the exceptional team performance. For the 

newly appointed Executive Committee member Girts Cimermans, individual performance was 

determined at 100%. In recent years, however, the individual performance was very diverse among 

the members of the Executive Committee.

Overall, this translated into an overall bonus payout factor ranging from 106% to 129% (on average 

124%) for the members of the Executive Committee.

c) Long-term incentive (PSP)

We are convinced that the conditional awards to receive Sulzer shares, subject to operational return 

on capital employed (opROCEA), operating income before restructuring, amortization, impairments 

and non-operational items (opEBITA) and total shareholder return (TSR) performance as well as 

ongoing employment through the three-year vesting period:

—

—

—

constitutes a very attractive element of variable long-term remuneration for our key management;

supports and underlines the company’s focus on excellent, sustainable performance;

and provides for a strong alignment of interests with shareholders also in the longer term.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Executive Committee for 2019

82

The PSP framework (apart from the specific performance targets for each grant cycle), eligibility and 

grant entitlement remained unchanged in 2019 compared to previous years.

The roles and corresponding job sizes of two current EC members were reevaluated which resulted, 

based on a corresponding benchmark, in a higher LTI grant entitlement for those two individuals. 

This is reflected in the PSP grant amounts disclosed in this report.

The special grant in 2019 for the EC members is included in the PSP grant amounts disclosed in the 

above compensation tables.

The PSP 2017 vested on December 31, 2019. The relevant key performance indicators (KPI’s) were 

operating income before restructuring, amortization, impairments and non-operational items 

(opEBITA) growth, operational return on capital employed (opROCEA) and relative total shareholder 

return (TSR) over the three-year period from 2017 to 2019. Operational performance in this period 

was very good, even beyond expectations. The result was a total payout factor of 129% for the PSP 

2017, which reflects growth and performance, both against budget targets and against market peers, 

in the three-year period from 2017 to 2019. The total payout factor results as follows:

KPI

opEBITA

opROCEA

Rel. TSR

Total

Weighting

Payout factor

25%

25%

50%

100%

150%

127%

120%

129%

Overall, the PSP vesting levels fairly reflected the operational performance, also against direct peers, 

over the respective three-year performance cycles, so Sulzer fully achieved the desired strong link 

between sustainable company performance and competitive long-term incentive payouts.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Executive Committee for 2019

83

Shareholdings of the Executive Committee

As of the end of 2018 and 2019, the members of the Executive Committee held the following shares 

in the company:

Shareholdings at December 31, 2019

Sulzer 
shares

Share units under vesting in equity plans (RSU and PSP)

2019

Sulzer
shares

68’838

46’181

2’562

4’492

7’945

4’204

3’454

–

Restricted 
share units 
(RSU)

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2017

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2018

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2019

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

25’292

13’196

3’024

3’024

–

3’024

3’024

–

28’133

12’820

2’938

2’938

3’561

2’938

2’938

–

54’251

23’363

6’491

6’491

6’491

5’355

5’355

705

2018

Sulzer 
shares

Share units under vesting in equity plans (RSU and PSP)

Sulzer
shares

34’035

21’381

–

2’237

7’945

–

1’708

764

Restricted 
share units 
(RSU)

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2016

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2017

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2018

3’513

–

–

3’513

–

–

–

–

28’852

18’641

1’424

2’314

–

3’560

971

1’942

26’667

13’196

3’024

3’024

–

3’024

3’024

1’375

31’071

12’820

2’938

2’938

3’561

2’938

2’938

2’938

Executive Committee

Greg Poux-Guillaume

Daniel Bischofberger

Frédéric Lalanne

Jill Lee

Armand Sohet

Torsten Wintergerste

Girts Cimermans

Shareholdings at December 31, 2018

Executive Committee

Greg Poux-Guillaume

Daniel Bischofberger

Frédéric Lalanne

Jill Lee

Armand Sohet

Torsten Wintergerste

Michael Streicher

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the Board of Directors

84

Compensation architecture for the Board 
of Directors

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 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. Each RSU represents a right to receive a Sulzer 

share free of charge after a certain period, as further detailed below. Further, Board members are 

entitled to a lump sum to cover business expenses. The RSU component 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. 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. At the end of 2018, an 

independent external third party (with no further mandates at Sulzer) provided to the NRC specific 

market data regarding Board compensation. Based on those data and considering the increased 

importance of committees, the NRC performed an assessment and decided to increase the 

committee fees for Committee Chairmanship and Committee membership, effective for the 

compensation period starting at the AGM 2019. The ongoing Board compensation structure and 

amounts 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

420’000

100’000

70’000

250’000

155’000

125’000

10’000

5’000

5’000

60’000 (previously 40’000)

35’000 (previously 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.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the Board of Directors

85

The members of the Board of Directors are remunerated for their service during their term of office 

(from AGM to AGM). 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 can 

differ from the value at grant.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Board of Directors for 2019

86

Compensation of the Board of Directors 
for 2019

In 2019, the Board of Directors received a total compensation of CHF 2’542’208 (previous year: CHF 

2’637’654). Of this total, CHF 1’281’957 was in the form of cash fees (previous year: CHF 1’225’730); 

CHF 1’030’000 was in RSU (previous year: CHF 1’155’000) and CHF 230’251 was in the form of 

social security contributions (previous year: CHF 256’923).

The aggregate Board compensation paid in 2019 was 3.6% lower than in 2018, which is due to the 

lower number of Board members since May 2018.

Apart from the increase of the committee fees, the structure and level of the Board compensation 

remained unchanged compared with the previous year.

The portion of compensation delivered in restricted share units (RSU) amounts to 56% of the cash 

compensation for the Chairman, and to between 74% and 114% for the other active members of the 

Board of Directors. The RSU are subject to a staged three-year vesting period.

Compensation of the Board of Directors (audited)

2019

thousands of CHF

Cash fees 
8)

Restricted 
share unit 
(RSU) plan 9)

Social 
security 
contri-
butions 10)

Cash fees 
8)

Total

Restricted 
share unit 
(RSU) plan

Social 
security 
contri-
butions 10)

Board of Directors

1’282

1’030

230

2’542

1’226

1’155

257

Peter Löscher, Chairman 1)

Matthias Bichsel, Vice 
Chairman

Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg 
Sørensen 2)

Lukas Braunschweiler 3)

Mikhail Lifshitz

Marco Musetti

Gerhard Roiss 4)

Axel C. Heitmann 5)

Thomas Glanzmann 6)

Jill Lee 7)

446

140

168

109

109

144

165

–

–

–

250

155

125

125

125

125

125

–

–

–

64

32

30

26

26

28

25

–

–

–

760

327

323

260

260

297

315

–

–

–

446

133

108

76

102

117

132

40

40

32

250

155

125

125

125

125

125

125

0

0

69

33

27

25

27

28

16

23

4

4

2018

Total

2’638

765

322

260

226

253

270

273

187

44

36

1) Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Strategy Committee.

2) Member of the Board of Directors and Chairwoman of the Audit Committee since April 4, 2018.

3) Member of the Board of Directors since April 4, 2018.

4) Member of the Board of Directors since April 1, 2015. Chairman of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee since April 4, 2018.

5) Member of the Board of Directors until May 25, 2018.

6) Chairman of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee until April 4, 2018.

7) Chairwoman of the Audit Committee until December 11, 2017. Member of the Board of Directors until April 4, 2018.

8) Disclosed gross.

9) RSU awards granted in 2019 had a fair value of CHF 97.76 at grant date. The amount represents the full fair value of grants made in 2019.

10) 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.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Board of Directors for 2019

87

At the 2019 and 2018 AGM respectively, shareholders approved a maximum aggregate 

compensation amount of CHF 2’984’000 for the Board of Directors for the period of office from the 

2019 AGM until the 2020 AGM and of CHF 2’984’000 for the period of office from the 2018 AGM until 

the 2019 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

2019

Jan 1, 2019 
to 2019 AGM

Jan 1, 2020 
to 2020 AGM

2019 AGM to 
2020 AGM

2019 AGM

2019 AGM

2’542’208

324’428

354’767

2’572’548

2’984’000

86.2%

2018

Jan 1, 2018 
to 2018 AGM

Jan 1, 2019 
to 2019 AGM

2018 AGM to 
2019 AGM

2018 AGM

2018 AGM

2’637’654

387’961

366’336

2’616’029

2’984’000

87.7%

AGM 2019–AGM 2020

Board (total)

AGM 2018–AGM 2019

Board (total)

As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2019, 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 2018 and 2019, no compensation was granted to former members of the Board of Directors or 

related parties (audited).

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Board of Directors for 2019

88

Shareholdings of the Board of Directors

As of the end of 2018 and 2019, the members of the Board of Directors held the following shares in 

the company:

Shareholdings at December 31, 2019

Board of Directors

Peter Löscher

Matthias Bichsel

Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg Sørensen

Lukas Braunschweiler

Mikhail Lifshitz

Marco Musetti

Gerhard Roiss

Shareholdings at December 31, 2018

Board of Directors

Peter Löscher

Matthias Bichsel

Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg Sørensen

Lukas Braunschweiler

Mikhail Lifshitz

Marco Musetti

Gerhard Roiss

Restricted share units 
(RSU)

Total share awards and 
shares

2019

18’549

4’692

2’911

1’951

1’951

2’348

2’348

2’348

66’010

21’813

9’712

2’200

2’286

5’970

9’828

14’201

2018

Restricted share units 
(RSU)

Total share awards and 
shares

16’516

4’647

2’884

1’005

1’005

2’325

2’325

2’325

54’630

19’254

8’125

1’005

1’005

3’774

8’547

12’920

Sulzer
shares

47’461

17’121

6’801

249

335

3’622

7’480

11’853

Sulzer
shares

38’114

14’607

5’241

–

–

1’449

6’222

10’595

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Compensation report – Auditor’s report

89

We have audited the Compensation Report of Sulzer Ltd for the year ended December 31, 2019. 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 “auditedˮ in the chapters “Compensation of the Executive Committee for 2019” and 
“Compensation of the Board of Directors for 2019” 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 2019 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 17, 2020

Simon Niklaus

Licensed Audit Expert

KPMG AG, Räffelstrasse 28, 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 Internationalˮ), a Swiss legal entity. All rights reserved.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Financial  
reporting

 91  Consolidated financial statements
  91  Consolidated income statement
  92  Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
  93  Consolidated balance sheet
  94  Consolidated statement of changes in equity
  95  Consolidated statement of cash flows
  96  Notes to the consolidated financial statements
 169  Auditor’s report
 175  Supplementary information

Income statement of Sulzer Ltd

 181  Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd
 182  Balance sheet of Sulzer Ltd
 183 
 184  Statement of changes in equity of Sulzer Ltd
 185  Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd
 190  Proposal of the Board of Directors for the  
appropriation of the available profit

 191  Auditor’s report

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Consolidated income statement

91

Consolidated income statement

Notes

3, 20

10

11

12

12

12

17

13

25

25

2019

3’728.5

–2’607.3

1’121.2

–374.6

–408.5

–85.6

–11.5

241.0

6.6

–24.9

–10.0

0.1

212.8

–55.1

157.7

154.0

3.7

4.52

4.48

2018

3’364.9

–2’386.6

978.3

–354.4

–384.4

–86.4

30.8

183.8

2.9

–20.3

–1.5

0.7

165.6

–49.2

116.5

113.7

2.8

3.56

3.53

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 (EBIT)

Interest and securities income

Interest expenses

Other financial income and expenses, net

Share of profit and 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

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

92

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 period

attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

attributable to non-controlling interests

Notes

29

9

2019

157.7

4.3

–63.9

–59.6

–24.8

–24.8

–84.4

73.3

69.5

3.7

2018

116.5

–2.2

–90.6

–92.7

55.9

55.9

–36.9

79.6

78.2

1.4

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Consolidated balance sheet

93

Consolidated balance sheet

December 31

millions of CHF

Non-current assets

Goodwill

Other intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Lease assets

Associates

Other non-current financial assets

Non-current receivables

Deferred income tax assets

Total non-current assets

Current assets

Inventories

Current income tax receivables

Advance payments to suppliers

Contract assets

Trade accounts receivable

Other current receivables and prepaid expenses

Current financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Total assets

Equity

Share capital

Reserves

Equity attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Non-current liabilities

Non-current borrowings

Non-current lease liabilities

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 lease liabilities

Current income tax liabilities

Current provisions

Contract liabilities

Trade accounts payable

Other current and accrued liabilities

Total current liabilities

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Notes

14

14

15

16, 34

17

18

13

19

20

21

22

18

23

24

26

16, 34

13

13

9

27

26

16, 34

13

27

20

28

2019

920.8

430.1

544.4

112.6

10.7

12.6

6.3

134.4

2’172.0

574.9

22.8

73.6

355.2

645.9

172.0

57.5

1’035.5

2’937.5

5’109.5

0.3

1’580.4

1’580.7

13.1

1’593.9

1’199.2

82.3

79.4

2.6

201.0

73.4

6.2

1’644.1

131.0

27.4

33.3

135.3

344.8

522.4

677.3

1’871.5

3’515.6

5’109.5

2018

923.4

439.4

527.0

–

13.4

9.4

6.2

138.9

2’057.7

658.9

29.0

79.9

205.1

622.3

150.2

–

1’095.2

2’840.6

4’898.3

0.3

1’629.5

1’629.9

11.2

1’641.0

1’316.3

–

89.5

2.3

160.9

74.4

3.6

1’646.8

18.0

–

32.0

139.6

256.4

521.8

642.6

1’610.4

3’257.3

4’898.3

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Consolidated statement of changes in equity

94

Consolidated statement of changes in 
equity

Attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

Notes

Share 
capital

Retained 
earnings

Treasury 
shares

Cash 
flow 
hedge 
reserve

Currency 
translation 
adjustment

Non-
controlling 
interests

Total

Total 
equity

0.3

2’040.9

–22.1

–6.5

–362.2

1’650.4

22.2

1’672.6

29

9

24

24

31

24

24

29

9

24

31

24

24

113.7

55.9

55.9

–

169.6

–

11.7

–7.0

12.6

15.1

7.0

–563.8

544.8

–2.2

–2.2

–2.2

113.7

–2.2

55.9

–89.2

–35.5

–89.2

–89.2

–89.2

78.2

2.8

–1.3

–1.3

1.4

11.7

–10.6

–

–563.8

557.4

15.1

–119.1

116.5

–2.2

55.9

–90.6

–36.9

79.6

1.1

–

–563.8

557.4

15.1

–121.0

1’641.0

–119.1

2’123.6

0.3

–34.0

–8.6

–451.4

1’629.9

–1.9

11.2

0.3

2’123.6

–34.0

–8.6

–451.4

1’629.9

11.2

1’641.0

154.0

–

–24.8

–

–24.8

129.1

–19.6

–

11.7

–119.2

2’125.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.3

–

–

154.0

4.3

–24.8

–63.9

–84.4

–

–

–63.9

–63.9

–63.9

69.5

–

–

–

–

–

–11.1

11.7

–119.2

–

–

–

–

–

19.6

–11.1

–

–

4.3

–

–

4.3

4.3

–

–

–

–

–25.6

–4.3

–515.1

1’580.7

3.7

–

–

0.0

0.0

3.7

–1.7

13.1

157.7

4.3

–24.8

–63.9

–84.4

73.3

–

–11.1

11.7

–121.0

1’593.9

January 1 – December 31

millions of CHF

Equity as of January 1, 2018

Comprehensive income for the period:

Net income

– Cash flow hedges, net of tax

– Remeasurements of defined benefit 
obligations, net of tax

– Currency translation differences

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the 
period

Transactions with owners of the 
company:

Changes of non-controlling interests 
without a change in control

Allocation of treasury shares to share 
plan participants

Purchase of treasury shares

Sale of treasury shares

Share-based payments

Dividends

Equity as of December 31, 2018

Equity as of January 1, 2019

Comprehensive income for the period:

Net income

– Cash flow hedges, net of tax

– Remeasurements of defined benefit 
obligations, net of tax

– Currency translation differences

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the 
period

Transactions with owners of the 
company:

Allocation of treasury shares to share 
plan participants

Purchase of treasury shares

Share-based payments

Dividends

Equity as of December 31, 2019

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Consolidated statement of cash flows

95

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 contract assets

Changes in trade accounts receivable

Changes in contract liabilities

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

Sale of intangible assets

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Sale of property, plant and equipment

Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

Divestitures of subsidiaries

Acquisitions of associates

Dividends from associates

Purchase of other non-current financial assets

Sale of other non-current financial assets

Purchase of current financial assets

Total cash flow from investing activities

Dividend

Dividend paid to non-controlling interests

Purchase of treasury shares

Sale of treasury shares

Payments for leases

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 losses on cash and cash equivalents

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

Notes

12

12

13

14, 15, 16

11, 15, 16

14

14

15

15

4

17

17

18

18

18

24

24

16, 34

26

26

26

26

2019

1’095.2

157.7

–6.6

24.9

55.1

171.5

–0.4

82.8

7.0

–148.4

–22.7

89.5

–8.0

–7.0

–1.6

–6.1

5.2

6.6

–21.5

–58.6

319.6

–6.0

0.5

–108.9

8.1

–78.5

0.0

–0.0

0.1

–1.1

0.4

–57.4

–242.6

–81.2

–1.7

–11.1

–

–34.0

–

0.3

–0.0

153.8

–149.2

–123.2

–13.5

–59.7

2018

488.8

116.5

–2.9

20.3

49.2

145.1

–5.8

–98.4

6.1

–11.0

19.9

–23.7

106.2

–2.8

–21.3

20.8

17.6

2.9

–12.2

–65.6

260.8

–6.9

–

–89.3

16.6

–217.5

0.7

–1.2

0.1

–0.6

0.6

–

–297.4

–43.1

–1.9

–454.9

557.4

–

–14.3

859.4

–1.1

426.4

–658.9

669.1

–26.1

606.4

Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31

23

1’035.5

1’095.2

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Notes to the consolidated financial statements

  97  01 | General information
  97  02 | Significant events and transactions  
during the reporting period

  98  03 |  Segment information
 103  04 |  Acquisitions of subsidiaries
 105  05 |  Critical accounting estimates and judgments
 107  06 |  Financial risk management
 116  07 |  Corporate risk management
 116  08 |  Personnel expenses
 116  09 |  Employee benefit plans
 121  10 |  Research and development expenses
 121  11 |  Other operating income and expenses
 122  12 |  Financial income and expenses
 122  13 |  Income taxes
 126  14 |  Goodwill and other intangible assets
 129  15 |  Property, plant and equipment
 131  16 |  Leases
 132  17 |  Associates
 132  18 |  Other financial assets
 133  19 |  Inventories
 134  20 |  Assets and liabilities related to contracts  

with customers
 135  21 |  Trade accounts receivable
 136  22 |  Other current receivables and prepaid expenses
 136  23 |  Cash and cash equivalents
 136  24 |  Share capital
 138  25 |  Earnings per share
 138  26 |  Borrowings
 139  27 |  Provisions
 141  28 |  Other current and accrued liabilities
 141  29 |  Derivative financial instruments
 142  30 |  Contingent liabilities
 142  31 |  Share participation plans
 144  32 |  Transactions with members of the Board of Directors, 

Executive Committee and related parties

 145  33 |  Auditor remuneration
 146  34 |  Key accounting policies and valuation methods
 164  35 |  Subsequent events after the balance sheet date
 164  36 |  Major subsidiaries

 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

97

1 General information

Sulzer Ltd (the “companyˮ) 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, 2019, comprise the company and its subsidiaries 
(together referred to as the “groupˮ and individually as the “subsidiariesˮ) and the group’s interest in 
associates and joint ventures. The group specializes in pumping, agitation, mixing, separation and 

application technologies for fluids of all types. Sulzer was founded in 1834 in Winterthur, Switzerland, 

and employs around 16’500 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 

17, 2020.

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 April 30, 2019, the group acquired 100% of the issued shares in GTC Technology US, LLC 

(“GTCˮ) for CHF 43.5 million. GTC is headquartered in Houston, Texas, US, and employs around 

200 people. The company is offering proprietary processes and systems for the production of 

aromatics and other petrochemicals. GTC combines its specialized expertise in the licensing of 

process-based plant engineering with long-standing industry experience. The acquisition 

resulted in an increase in intangible assets of CHF 19.5 million at the date of acquisition (see note 

4).

—

As of July 1, 2019, the group acquired 100% of the issued shares in Alba Power for CHF 

54.4 million. Alba is headquartered in Scotland, UK, and employs around 80 people. The 

company is offering aeroderivative gas turbine services. The acquisition resulted in an increase in 

intangible assets of CHF 38.2 million at the date of acquisition (see note 4).

—

Sulzer has continued to streamline the organizational setup. In 2019, restructuring expenses 

were mainly associated with the consolidation of two production facilities in Germany. The group 

recognized restructuring expenses of CHF 23.1 million in 2019 (2018: CHF 13.1 million). 

Associated with restructuring initiatives, the group further recognized impairments on tangible 

and intangible assets of CHF 4.4 million (2018: CHF 4.4 million).

—

This is the first set of consolidated financial statements where IFRS 16 “Leasesˮ has been 

applied. The application of this new accounting standard resulted in an increase of total assets 

and total liabilities of CHF 107.3 million. Details and changes of the group’s accounting policies 

are described in note 34.

For a detailed discussion about the group’s performance and financial position please refer to the 

“Financial review.” 

report.sulzer.com/ar19

millions of CHF

Order intake 
(unaudited) 1)

Nominal growth 
(unaudited)

Currency-adjusted 
growth (unaudited)

2)
Organic growth   
(unaudited)

Order backlog as of 
December 31 
(unaudited)

Sales recognized at a 
point in time

Sales recognized over 
time
Sales 3)

Nominal growth

Currency-adjusted 
growth (unaudited)
2)
Organic growth   
(unaudited)

opEBITA (unaudited)

opROSA (unaudited)

Restructuring 
expenses

Amortization

Impairments on 
tangible and 
intangible assets

Non-operational items 
(unaudited)

EBIT

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

98

3 Segment information
Segment information by divisions

Pumps Equipment

Rotating Equipment Services

Chemtech

Applicator Systems

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

1’458.9

1’372.1

1’193.2

1’109.7

670.0

600.1

425.1

6.3%

8.3%

8.0%

16.3%

7.5%

16.5%

10.7%

8.6%

8.6%

5.9%

7.6%

5.8%

11.6%

19.7%

–5.4%

12.8%

20.5%

–4.3%

6.5%

20.5%

–5.2%

2018

449.6

5.4%

4.2%

0.3%

924.3

982.9

422.2

393.1

385.3

345.9

60.8

65.0

452.1

1.7

453.8

n/a

n/a

n/a

95.7

21.1%

–1.6

–19.6

–3.7

–6.9

63.8

–19.5

623.4

–

623.4

76.3

–

76.3

1’002.6

920.3

985.5

872.1

415.1

474.3

1’477.0

15.0%

17.2%

17.0%

59.7

4.0%

–5.2

–30.0

–

–12.6

11.9

363.8

1’284.2

n/a

n/a

n/a

41.4

3.2%

–8.8

–35.5

–0.7

–23.5

–27.2

181.6

1’167.0

9.7%

12.8%

10.0%

164.5

14.1%

–2.6

–8.1

–

–1.6

152.2

191.6

1’063.7

n/a

n/a

n/a

146.1

13.7%

–3.4

–7.4

0.0

–4.4

130.8

248.8

664.0

17.9%

19.0%

12.7%

63.8

9.6%

–0.8

–6.2

–1.0

–1.9

54.0

335.8

227.4

563.2

n/a

n/a

n/a

50.0

8.9%

1.1

–5.2

–

–31.4

14.5

419.1

1.5

420.6

–7.3%

–6.4%

–7.4%

88.2

21.0%

–13.7

–19.0

–1.3

–14.1

40.2

Depreciation

–34.8

–26.4

–28.2

–17.1

–13.8

–8.2

–22.9

Operating assets

Unallocated assets

Total assets as of 
December 31

Operating liabilities

Unallocated liabilities

Total liabilities as of 
December 31

1’605.5

1’670.1

–

–

1’605.5

1’670.1

730.6

–

730.6

739.1

–

739.1

960.8

–

960.8

363.2

–

363.2

860.2

–

860.2

347.7

–

347.7

590.9

–

590.9

364.5

–

364.5

483.0

–

483.0

289.8

–

289.8

608.3

–

608.3

108.6

–

108.6

Operating net assets

874.9

931.0

597.6

512.5

226.4

193.1

499.7

547.1

Unallocated net 
assets

Total net assets as 
of December 31

Capital expenditure 
(2019 incl. lease 
assets)

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

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

874.9

931.0

597.6

512.5

226.4

193.1

499.7

547.1

–41.0

–32.6

–36.6

–23.1

–22.1

–6.6

–41.3

–31.5

5’759

5’713

4’900

4’721

3’803

3’063

1’821

1’864

1) Order intake from external customers.
2) Adjusted for currency and acquisition effects.
3) Sales from external customers.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

99

Segment information by divisions

Total divisions

Others 4)

Total Sulzer

millions of CHF

Order intake (unaudited) 1)

Nominal growth (unaudited)

Currency-adjusted growth (unaudited)

Organic growth   (unaudited)

2)

2019

3’747.2

6.1%

8.2%

6.3%

2018

3’531.5

11.9%

12.5%

8.4%

Order backlog as of December 31 (unaudited)

1’792.6

1’786.9

2019

2018

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–4.9

n/a

–1.0

–1.1

–2.1

–8.2

–17.3

2’822.3

906.2

3’728.5

10.8%

13.0%

10.8%

376.2

10.1%

–22.2

–63.4

–2.3

–30.1

258.3

2’580.3

784.6

3’364.9

n/a

n/a

n/a

333.2

9.9%

–12.7

–67.8

–4.4

–66.3

181.8

–99.6

–71.2

–3.0

3’765.5

3’636.6

–

–

3’765.5

3’636.6

1’566.9

1’452.9

–

–

1’566.9

1’452.9

2’198.6

2’183.8

–

–

2’198.6

2’183.8

35.6

1’308.4

1’344.0

135.8

1’812.9

1’948.7

–100.2

–504.5

–604.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–10.7

n/a

–0.4

–1.3

–

14.3

2.0

–0.5

–26.7

1’288.4

1’261.7

79.7

1’724.7

1’804.4

–106.4

–436.4

–542.7

2019

3’747.2

6.1%

8.2%

6.3%

2018

3’531.5

11.9%

12.5%

8.4%

1’792.6

1’786.9

2’822.3

906.2

3’728.5

10.8%

13.0%

10.8%

371.3

10.0%

–23.1

–64.5

–4.4

–38.3

241.0

–102.6

3’801.1

1’308.4

5’109.5

1’702.7

1’812.9

3’515.6

2’098.4

–504.5

1’593.9

2’580.3

784.6

3’364.9

n/a

n/a

n/a

322.5

9.6%

–13.1

–69.0

–4.4

–52.0

183.8

–71.7

3’610.0

1’288.4

4’898.3

1’532.5

1’724.7

3’257.3

2’077.4

–436.4

1’641.0

Sales recognized at a point in time

Sales recognized over time
Sales 3)

Nominal growth

Currency-adjusted growth (unaudited)

Organic growth   (unaudited)

2)

opEBITA (unaudited)

opROSA (unaudited)

Restructuring expenses

Amortization

Impairments on tangible and intangible assets

Non-operational items (unaudited)

EBIT

Depreciation

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 (2019 incl. lease assets)

–140.9

–93.8

–1.2

–2.4

–142.1

–96.2

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

1) Order intake from external customers.

2) Adjusted for currency and acquisition effects.

3) Sales from external customers.

16’284

15’361

222

211

16’506

15’572

4) The most significant activities under “Others” relate to Corporate Center.

For the definition of opEBITA, opROSA and adjustments for currency and acquisition effects, 

reference is made to the “Supplementary information” and for the reconciliation statements to the 

“Financial review”.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

100

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

The Pumps Equipment division specializes in pumping solutions specifically engineered for the 

processes of its customers. The division provides pumps, agitators, compressors, grinders and 

screens developed through intensive research and development in fluid dynamics and advanced 

materials. The focus is on pumping solutions for water, oil and gas, power, chemicals and most 

industrial segments.

Rotating Equipment Services

Through a network of over 100 service sites around the world, the Rotating Equipment Services 

division provides cutting-edge parts as well as maintenance and repair solutions for pumps, turbines, 

compressors, motors and generators. The division services Sulzer original equipment, but also all 

associated third-party rotating equipment run by the customers, maximizing its sustainability and life 

cycle cost-effectiveness. The division’s technology-based solutions, fast execution and expertise in 

complex maintenance projects are available at its customers’ doorstep. 

Chemtech

The Chemtech division focuses on innovative mass transfer, static mixing and polymer solutions for 

petrochemicals, refining, LNG, biopolymers and biofuels. The division’s product offering ranges from 

process components to complete separation process plants, including licensing. Customer support 

covers engineering services and field services to tray and packing installation, tower maintenance, 

welding and plant turnaround projects.

Applicator Systems

Through its Mixpac, Cox, Transcodent and Geka brands, the Applicator Systems division develops 

and delivers innovative fluid applicators for the dental, adhesives, healthcare and beauty 

markets. The division’s IP-protected applicator solutions leverage its expertise in plastic-injection 

molding, micro-brushes and two-component mixing to make the customers’ products precise, safe, 

unique and more sustainable.

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 operating assets and 

liabilities.

The Chief Executive Officer primarily uses opEBITA to assess the performance of the operating 

segments. However, the Chief Executive Officer also receives information about the segments’ order 

intake and backlog, sales, and operating assets and liabilities on a monthly basis.

Sales from external customers reported to the Chief Executive Officer are 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 sales.

Operating assets and liabilities are assets or liabilities related to the operating activities of an entity 

and contributing to the EBIT.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page breakSulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

101

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 from 

external customers is based on the location of the customer.

Non-current assets by region

millions of CHF

Europe, Middle East, Africa

– thereof Germany

– thereof Switzerland

– thereof United Kingdom

– thereof Sweden

– thereof Netherlands

Americas

– thereof USA

Asia-Pacific

– thereof China

Total

Sales by region

millions of CHF

Europe, Middle East, Africa

– thereof Germany

– thereof United Kingdom

– thereof Russia

– thereof Saudi Arabia

– thereof France

Americas

– thereof USA

Asia-Pacific

– thereof China

Total

millions of CHF

Europe, Middle East, Africa

– thereof Germany

– thereof United Kingdom

– thereof Russia

– thereof Saudi Arabia

– thereof France

Americas

– thereof USA

Asia-Pacific

– thereof China

Total

report.sulzer.com/ar19

2019

1’346.7

275.4

234.1

222.4

192.9

124.1

524.0

479.3

148.0

60.1

2018

1’289.4

326.4

161.4

150.7

222.2

123.7

479.3

437.1

134.5

60.7

2’018.7

1’903.2

2019

Chemtech

195.4

Applicator 
Systems

232.7

Total Sulzer

1’539.6

36.9

6.7

13.8

22.5

5.0

173.4

103.4

295.2

169.7

664.0

91.5

19.6

1.3

0.1

27.0

156.0

139.9

31.8

14.9

239.1

194.8

132.7

122.7

94.9

1’321.3

965.8

867.7

420.8

420.6

3’728.5

2018

Chemtech

190.0

Applicator 
Systems

265.4

Total Sulzer

1’468.9

23.9

4.5

15.4

26.9

7.3

128.0

70.2

245.1

145.3

563.2

94.5

29.1

1.7

0.0

28.6

143.2

128.5

45.3

16.1

219.8

169.8

127.2

94.1

81.5

1’107.6

812.9

788.4

427.1

453.8

3’364.9

Pumps 
Equipment

Rotating 
Equipment 
Services

576.7

60.2

26.5

42.1

60.2

35.0

511.3

345.3

389.0

211.2

534.7

50.5

142.1

75.5

39.9

28.0

480.6

377.1

151.6

25.0

1’477.0

1’167.0

Pumps 
Equipment

Rotating 
Equipment 
Services

554.6

51.0

27.7

30.3

43.8

13.9

383.2

267.8

346.4

230.1

458.9

50.4

108.5

79.8

23.4

31.8

453.1

346.4

151.6

35.6

1’284.2

1’063.7

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

102

Segment information by market segment

The following table shows the allocation of sales from external customers by market segments:

Sales by market segment

millions of CHF

Oil and gas

Chemicals

General industry

Water

Power

Adhesives, dental, healthcare

Beauty

Total

millions of CHF

Oil and gas

Chemicals

General industry

Water

Power

Adhesives, dental, healthcare

Beauty

Total

Pumps 
Equipment

Rotating 
Equipment 
Services

Chemtech

Applicator 
Systems

Total Sulzer

2019

355.8

232.9

340.4

432.7

115.2

–

–

422.3

198.2

195.7

38.2

312.6

–

–

217.7

414.8

23.4

0.9

7.2

–

–

1’477.0

1’167.0

664.0

–

–

–

–

–

274.1

146.5

420.6

995.8

845.9

559.5

471.8

435.1

274.1

146.5

3’728.5

2018 1)

Pumps 
Equipment

Rotating 
Equipment 
Services

Chemtech

Applicator 
Systems

Total Sulzer

238.7

162.9

336.7

430.4

115.4

–

–

304.2

211.7

178.9

28.9

340.0

–

–

194.1

346.0

18.2

0.7

4.2

–

–

1’284.2

1’063.7

563.2

–

–

–

–

–

274.1

179.7

453.8

737.0

720.7

533.8

460.0

459.6

274.1

179.7

3’364.9

1) 2018 numbers are adjusted to reflect changes in the market segment definition.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

103

4 Acquisitions of subsidiaries
Acquisitions in 2019

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. 

Net assets acquired

millions of CHF

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Lease assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade accounts receivable

Other current assets

Borrowings

Lease liabilities

Provisions

Other liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

Net identifiable assets

Goodwill recognized in balance sheet

Total consideration

Purchase price paid in cash

Purchase price not yet paid

Contingent consideration

Total consideration

GTC Technology US, LLC

GTC 
Technology 
US, LLC

Alba Power

19.5

4.0

5.7

12.6

9.3

0.8

–0.4

–5.7

–

–6.9

–2.3

36.8

6.8

43.5

39.9

–

3.6

43.5

38.2

3.9

0.1

3.2

4.4

1.4

–

–0.1

–0.7

–4.1

–5.4

41.1

13.3

54.4

54.4

–

–

54.4

Other

5.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–0.7

–

4.6

0.7

5.3

–

5.3

–

5.3

Total

63.1

8.0

5.8

15.9

13.7

2.2

–0.4

–5.8

–0.7

–11.7

–7.7

82.4

20.8

103.2

94.3

5.3

3.6

103.2

On April 30, 2019, Sulzer acquired a 100% controlling interest of GTC Technology US, LLC (“GTCˮ) 
for CHF 43.5 million, of which CHF 39.9 million was paid in cash and CHF 3.6 million arose from a 

contingent consideration agreement. The headquarters of GTC are located in Houston, Texas, USA. 

GTC employs 200 people and is a technology company offering proprietary processes and systems 

for the production of aromatics and other petrochemicals. This acquisition strengthens Sulzer 

Chemtech’s leadership in petrochemical processes and expands its revenue base to process 

licensing and associated proprietary equipment and chemicals. The goodwill is attributable to 

synergies by leveraging cross-selling opportunities. None of the goodwill is expected to be 

deductible for tax purposes. Transaction costs recognized in the income statement amount to CHF 

0.3 million. Since the acquisition date, GTC contributed order intake of CHF 37.9 million, sales of 

CHF 35.4 million and net income of CHF 0.1 million to the group.

Contingent consideration

The contingent consideration is dependent on patents, technology and licensing, as well as order 

intake from the company’s product portfolio. The total liability is limited at CHF 3.6 million. The 

calculation of the contingent consideration is based on management assessments that the criteria 

will be achieved at a probability of 100%.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

104

Acquired receivables

The fair value of acquired trade accounts receivable is CHF 9.3 million. The gross contractual amount 

for trade account receivables due is CHF 11.4 million, of which CHF 2.2 million is expected to be 

uncollectible at the date of acquisition.

Alba Power

On July 1, 2019, Sulzer acquired a 100% controlling interest of the Scottish aeroderivative gas 

turbine service provider Alba Power for CHF 54.4 million. The Alba Power facilities are located in 

Aberdeen (UK), Houston (US) and Ontario (CA). The company employs 80 people. Through this 

acquisition, Sulzer diversifies its gas turbine service business into distributed power and offshore as 

well as marine applications where there are sizable, active markets and numerous cross-selling 

synergies with its existing pump, motor, generator and turbo service customers. Founded in 2003, 

Alba Power offers a wide range of services to its clients including field service, inspection, repair and 

overhaul. None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. Transaction costs 

recognized in the income statement amount to CHF 1.0 million. Since the acquisition date, Alba 

Power contributed order intake of CHF 13.4 million, sales of CHF 19.7 million and net income of CHF 

2.3 million to the group.

Acquired receivables

The fair value of acquired trade accounts receivable is CHF 4.4 million. The gross contractual amount 

for trade account receivables due is CHF 6.9 million, of which CHF 2.5 million is expected to be 

uncollectible at the date of acquisition.

Pro forma sales and profit contribution

Had all above acquisitions occurred on January 1, 2019, management estimates that total net sales 

of the group would amount to CHF 3’756.0 million, and the consolidated net income would be CHF 

156.9 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

Assumed in a business combination

Payment of contingent consideration

Release to other operating income

Currency translation differences

Total contingent consideration as of December 31

2019

–94.3

–

15.9

–

–78.5

2019

0.9

3.6

–

–0.9

–0.1

3.5

2018

–220.8

–2.7

6.4

–0.4

–217.5

2018

5.1

–

–2.7

–1.5

–0.1

0.9

Following a reassessment of the contingent consideration agreements in 2019, CHF 0.9 million of the 

contingent consideration was recognized in the income statement as the assumed probability-

adjusted gross profit and EBITDA (earnings before interests, taxes, depreciation and amortization) 

was not achieved.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

105

Total

96.8

11.1

6.4

20.4

13.3

–14.2

–1.1

132.7

88.7

–0.6

220.8

220.8

220.8

Acquisitions in 2018

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.

millions of CHF

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade accounts receivable

Other current assets

Other liabilities with third parties

Deferred tax liabilities

Net identifiable assets

Goodwill recognized in balance sheet

Negative goodwill recognized in income statement

Total consideration

Purchase price paid in cash

Total consideration

JWC Environmental, LLC

Other

90.7

11.5

3.6

17.2

11.6

–11.9

–

122.6

88.7

–

211.3

211.3

211.3

6.1

–0.3

2.8

3.2

1.7

–2.2

–1.1

10.0

–

–0.6

9.4

9.4

9.4

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.

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 and note 34.

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.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

106

Goodwill and other intangible assets

The group carries out an annual impairment test on goodwill in the first quarter of the year (after the 

budget and the three-year strategic plan have been approved by the Board of Directors in February), 

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, 2019, are disclosed in note 14. The accounting policies are disclosed in note 

34.

Lease assets and lease liabilities

The group has applied judgment to determine the lease term for lease contracts that include renewal 

and termination options. The assessment of whether the group is reasonably certain to exercise such 

options impacts the lease term, which significantly affects the amount of lease liabilities and lease 

assets recognized. This assessment is depending on economic incentives, such as removal and 

relocation costs.

Further details are disclosed in note 16 and note 34.

Sales

At contract inception, the group assesses the goods or services promised in a contract with a 

customer and identifies each promise to transfer to the customer as a performance obligation. The 

group considers the terms of the contract and all other relevant facts, including the economic 

substance of the transaction. Judgment is needed to determine whether there is a single 

performance obligation or multiple separate performance obligations. In typical engineering 

contracts, engineering, production and installation are treated as one single performance obligation.

If the consideration promised in a contract includes a variable amount (e.g. expected liquidated 

damages, early payment discounts, volume discounts), the group estimates the amount of 

consideration to which the group will be entitled in exchange for transferring the promised goods or 

services to a customer. The amount of the variable consideration is estimated by using either of the 

following methods, depending on which method the group expects to better predict the amount of 

consideration to which it will be entitled: the expected value or the most likely amount. The method 

selected is applied consistently throughout the contract and to similar types of contracts when 

estimating the effect of uncertainty on the amount of variable consideration to which the group is 

entitled. Depending on the outcome of the respective transactions, actual payments may differ from 

these estimates.

To allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation on a relative stand-alone selling 

price basis, the group determines the stand-alone selling price at contract inception of the distinct 

good or service underlying each performance obligation in the contract and allocates the transaction 

price in proportion to those stand-alone selling prices. If the stand-alone selling price is not directly 

observable, then the group estimates the amount with the expected cost plus margin method.

The group is recognizing sales either over time or at a point in time. Sales are recognized over time if 

any of the conditions described in note 34 is met. To determine the method, the right to payment 

condition is the one with the most critical estimates. The group estimates if an enforceable right to 

payment (including reasonable profit margin) for performance up to date exists in case the customer 

terminates the contract for convenience. For this estimate the group reviews the contracts and 

considers relevant laws, legal precedents and customary business practice.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

107

Applying the over time method requires the group to estimate the proportional sales and costs. To 

measure the stage of completion, generally the cost-to-cost method is applied. Work progress of 

sub-suppliers is considered to determine the stage of completion. If circumstances arise that may 

change the original estimates of sales, costs or extent of progress toward completion, estimates are 

revised. These revisions may result in increases or decreases in estimated sales or costs and are 

reflected in income in the period in which the circumstances that give rise to the revision become 

known by management.

Further details are disclosed in note 20 and note 34.

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 27 and note 

34.

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. The group is exposed to transactional foreign currency risk to the extent that 

sales, purchases, license fees, borrowings and other balance sheet items are denominated in 

currencies other than the functional currencies of group companies. The functional currencies of 

group companies are primarily CHF, EUR, USD, CNY and GBP. 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. The group’s 

management policy is to apply the following hedge ratios:

Contractual FX-exposure

—

90% – 100% of the exposure

Non-contractual FX-exposure

—

100% of the forecasted exposure for the next 1–3 months

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

108

—

—

60% of the forecasted exposure for the next 4–6 months

40% of the forecasted exposure for the next 7–12 months

The group uses forward exchange contracts to hedge its currency risk, most with a maturity of less 

than one year from the reporting date. The contracts are generally designated for hedge accounting 

as cash flow hedges. The group determines the existence of an economic relationship between the 

hedging instruments and the hedged item based on the currency, amount and timing of the 

respective cash flows. For hedges of foreign currency purchases, the group enters into hedge 

relationships where the critical terms of the hedging instrument match exactly with the terms of the 

hedged item. The group therefore performs a qualitative assessment of effectiveness. If changes in 

circumstances affect the terms of the hedged item such that the critical terms no longer match 

exactly with the critical terms of the hedging instrument, the group uses the hypothetical derivative 

method to assess effectiveness. In hedges of foreign currency purchases, ineffectiveness may arise if 

the timing of the forecast transaction changes from what was originally estimated.

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 2019 and 2018 

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 2019, the 

currency pair with the most significant exposure and inherent risk was the USD versus the CHF. If, on 

December 31, 2019, the USD had increased by 5.5% against the CHF with all other variables held 

constant, profit after tax for the year would have been CHF 0.6 million higher due to foreign 

exchange gains on USD-denominated financial assets. A decrease of the rate would have caused 

a loss of the same amount.

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)

USD/CHF

USD/ARS

USD/CAD

EUR/USD

2019

14.9

5.5%

0.6

–0.6

3.4

24.9%

0.6

–0.6

9.4

5.1%

0.4

–0.4

–9.0

4.9%

–0.3

0.3

2018

EUR/RUB

USD/INR

USD/ARS

EUR/ZAR

–12.1

13.3%

–1.1

1.1

18.0

6.6%

0.8

–0.8

4.1

27.4%

0.8

–0.8

–7.1

14.4%

–0.7

0.7

The following tables show the hypothetical influence on equity for 2019 and 2018 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 one-year historic volatility on 

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

109

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

USD/MXN

USD/BRL

GBP/USD

USD/INR

EUR/USD

USD/CHF

EUR/INR

2019

37.8

8.7%

2.4

–2.4

–20.8

12.9%

–2.0

2.0

31.1

8.2%

1.9

–1.9

–43.1

5.8%

–1.9

1.9

40.6

4.9%

1.5

–1.5

36.0

5.5%

1.5

–1.5

24.6

6.8%

1.2

–1.2

2018

USD/BRL

USD/MXN

GBP/USD

USD/CHF

EUR/USD

EUR/RUB

EUR/BRL

42.5

15.6%

4.6

–4.6

–34.6

13.1%

–3.2

3.2

48.0

8.2%

2.8

–2.8

–37.9

6.5%

–1.7

1.7

33.8

7.2%

1.7

–1.7

17.8

13.3%

1.7

–1.7

–8.7

15.2%

–0.9

0.9

As of December 31, 2019, the group was not exposed to significant price risk related to investments 

in equity securities.

(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 six 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 most significant currencies, USD, CHF, EUR, 

CNY and GBP, 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) 

exceed the value of variable-interest-bearing liabilities.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Hypothetical impact of interest rate risk on income statement

110

2019

millions of CHF

Variable-interest-bearing assets (net)

USD

CHF

EUR

CNY

GBP

millions of CHF

Variable-interest-bearing assets (net)

USD

CHF

EUR

CNY

GBP

Amount

Sensitivity in basis 
points

rate increase

rate decrease

Impact on post-tax profit

251.0

217.1

210.9

108.7

25.2

100

100

100

100

100

1.9

1.6

1.6

0.8

0.2

–1.9

–1.6

–1.6

–0.8

–0.2

2018

Amount

Sensitivity in basis 
points

rate increase

rate decrease

Impact on post-tax profit

294.8

265.4

262.6

66.8

40.1

100

100

100

100

100

2.1

1.9

1.8

0.5

0.3

–2.1

–1.9

–1.8

–0.5

–0.3

On December 31, 2019, if the interest rates on USD-denominated assets net of liabilities had been 

100 basis points higher with all other variables held constant, post-tax profit for the year would have 

been CHF 1.9 million higher, as a result of higher interest income on USD-denominated assets. A 

decrease of interest rates on USD-denominated assets net of liabilities would have caused a loss of 

the same amount. As of December 31, 2018, 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 2.1 million 

higher, as a result of higher interest income on USD-denominated assets.

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, contract assets and committed transactions. The 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.

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 contract assets, please refer to note 20 and on the credit risk out of trade 

accounts receivable, please refer to note 21.

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 

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page breakSulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

111

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

Lease liabilities

Trade accounts payable

Other current and non-current liabilities (excluding derivative liabilities)

Derivative liabilities

– thereof outflow

– thereof inflow

millions of CHF

Borrowings

Trade accounts payable

Other current and non-current liabilities (excluding derivative liabilities)

Derivative liabilities

– thereof outflow

– thereof inflow

Carrying 
amount

1’330.2

109.7

522.4

293.4

8.2

Carrying 
amount

1’334.3

521.8

240.8

8.7

<1 year

1–5 years

>5 years

144.0

27.4

522.4

287.2

8.2

434.6

426.4

1’107.3

66.4

–

5.6

0.0

0.4

0.4

125.6

15.9

–

0.6

–0.0

0.0

0.0

2019

Total

1’376.8

109.7

522.4

293.4

8.2

435.0

426.8

2018

<1 year

1–5 years

>5 years

Total

30.9

521.8

222.6

8.4

445.7

437.3

975.0

–

18.1

0.2

5.4

5.2

380.1

1’386.0

–

0.1

–

–

–

521.8

240.8

8.7

451.1

442.5

6.2 Capital risk management

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.

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, 2019 and 2018.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

112

2019

2018

–1’035.5

–57.5

1’199.2

82.3

131.0

27.4

346.9

241.0

102.6

4.4

64.5

412.5

346.9

412.5

0.84

–1’095.2

–

1’316.3

–

18.0

–

239.0

183.8

71.7

4.4

69.0

329.0

239.0

329.0

0.73

2018

1’316.3

–

18.0

–

1’334.3

1’629.9

0.82

Net debt/EBITDA ratio

millions of CHF

Cash and cash equivalents

Current financial assets

Non-current borrowings

Non-current lease liabilities

Current borrowings

Current lease liabilities

Net debt as of December 31

EBIT

Depreciation

Impairments on tangible and intangible assets

Amortization

EBITDA

Net debt

EBITDA

Net debt/EBITDA ratio

The lease liabilities have been restated as of January 1, 2019, due to the first time application of IFRS 
16 “Leasesˮ. Further details are provided in note 34. Without consideration of the lease liabilities, 
applying the same accounting policies as in the prior year, the net debt/EBITDA ratio would be 0.63.

Another important ratio for the group is the gearing ratio (borrowings-to-equity ratio), which is 

calculated as total borrowings and lease liabilities divided by equity attributable to shareholders of 

Sulzer Ltd. The equity capital as shown in the balance sheet corresponds to the managed equity 

capital.

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the gearing ratio was as follows:

Gearing ratio (borrowings-to-equity ratio)

millions of CHF

Non-current borrowings

Non-current lease liabilities

Current borrowings

Current lease liabilities

Total borrowings and lease liabilities

Equity attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

Gearing ratio (borrowings-to-equity ratio)

2019

1’199.2

82.3

131.0

27.4

1’439.9

1’580.7

0.91

The lease liabilities have been restated as of January 1, 2019, due to the first time application of IFRS 
16 “Leasesˮ. Further details are provided in note 34. Without consideration of the lease liabilities, 
applying the same accounting policies as in the prior year, the gearing ratio would be 0.84.

For the definition of net debt, EBITDA and gearing ratio, please refer to “Supplementary information”.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

113

6.3 Fair value estimation

The following tables present the carrying amounts and fair values of financial assets and liabilities as 

of December 31, 2019 and 2018, 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.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

114

Carrying amount

Fair value

Fair value 
hedging 
instruments

Fair 
value 
through 
profit or 
loss

Financial 
assets at 
amortized 
cost

Other 
financial 
liabilities

Total 
carrying 
amount

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total fair 
value

December 31, 2019

10.3

10.3

0.3

0.1

6.7

–

–

10.3

–

–

17.1

0.3

0.1

6.7

6.8

–

0.1

6.7

6.8

10.0

10.3

–

–

0.1

6.7

10.0

17.1

2.4

6.2

645.9

87.9

57.5

1’035.5

2.4

6.2

645.9

87.9

57.5

1’035.5

–

–

1’835.3

–

1’835.3

0.0

8.2

–

8.2

–

–

–

–

3.5

3.5

–

–

0.0

8.2

3.5

11.7

1’234.0

110.3

0.0

8.2

8.2

3.5

3.5

0.0

8.2

3.5

–

–

11.7

–

–

–

–

1’199.2

1’199.2

1’234.0

110.3

6.2

109.9

21.1

522.4

6.2

109.9

21.1

522.4

257.8

257.8

–

–

–

2’116.7

2’116.7

Fair value table

millions of CHF

Notes

Financial assets measured 
at fair value

Other non-current financial 
assets (at fair value)

Derivative assets – non-
current

18

29

Derivative assets – current

22, 29

Total financial assets 
measured at fair value

Financial assets not 
measured at fair value

Other non-current financial 
assets (at amortized cost)

Non-current receivables 
(excluding non-current 
derivative assets)

Trade accounts receivable

Other current receivables 
(excluding current derivative 
assets and other taxes)

Current financial assets (at 
amortized cost)

Cash and cash equivalents

Total financial assets not 
measured at fair value

Financial liabilities 
measured at fair value

Derivative liabilities – non-
current

18

21

22

18

23

29

Derivative liabilities – current

28, 29

Contingent considerations

4

Total financial liabilities 
measured at fair value

Financial liabilities not 
measured at fair value

Outstanding non-current 
bonds

Other non-current liabilities 
(excluding non-current 
derivative liabilities)

Outstanding current bonds

Other current borrowings 
and bank loans

Trade accounts payable

Other current liabilities 
(excluding current derivative 
liabilities, other taxes and 
contingent considerations)

Total financial liabilities 
not measured at fair value

26

26

26

28

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

115

Carrying amount

Fair value

Fair value 
hedging 
instruments

Fair 
value 
through 
profit or 
loss

Financial 
assets at 
amortized 
cost

Other 
financial 
liabilities

Total 
carrying 
amount

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total fair 
value

December 31, 2018

6.8

6.8

6.4

6.4

6.8

6.4

13.1

0.2

–

0.2

–

6.4

6.4

6.6

–

6.6

6.8

6.4

13.1

2.7

6.2

622.3

24.3

1’095.2

2.7

6.2

622.3

24.3

1’095.2

–

–

1’750.7

–

1’750.7

0.2

8.4

8.7

0.9

0.9

0.2

8.4

0.9

9.6

–

–

–

–

0.2

8.4

–

8.7

–

–

0.9

0.9

0.2

8.4

0.9

9.6

1’308.7

1’308.7

1’312.6

–

–

1’312.6

7.6

7.6

18.0

18.0

3.6

3.6

521.8

521.8

211.3

211.3

2’070.9

2’070.9

Fair value table

millions of CHF

Notes

Financial assets measured 
at fair value

Other non-current financial 
assets (at fair value)

18

Derivative assets – current

22, 29

Total financial assets 
measured at fair value

Financial assets not 
measured at fair value

Other non-current financial 
assets (at amortized cost)

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

Total financial assets not 
measured at fair value

Financial liabilities 
measured at fair value

Derivative liabilities – non-
current

18

21

22

23

29

Derivative liabilities – current

28, 29

Contingent considerations

4

Total financial liabilities 
measured at fair value

26

26

26

Financial liabilities not 
measured at fair value

Outstanding non-current 
bonds

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, other taxes and 
contingent considerations)

Total financial liabilities 
not measured at fair value

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

116

7 Corporate risk management

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.

Key risks are 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.

8 Personnel expenses

millions of CHF

Salaries and wages

Defined contribution plan expenses

Defined benefit plan expenses

Cost of share-based payment transactions

Social benefit costs

Other personnel costs

Total personnel expenses

2019

949.4

29.0

16.0

12.5

144.9

39.2

2018

889.4

25.7

21.8

15.1

141.2

36.5

1’191.1

1’129.7

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.

Reconciliation of the amount recognized in the balance sheet as of December 31

Funded 
plans 
Switzerland

Funded 
plans United 
Kingdom

Funded 
plans USA

Funded 
plans Others

Unfunded 
plans

–575.2

463.3

–111.9

–

–111.9

–111.9

–69.3

46.4

–22.9

–

–22.9

–22.9

–83.2

65.0

–18.2

–

–18.2

–18.5

–

–

–

–46.8

–46.8

–46.8

–1’109.5

1’140.7

31.2

–

31.2

–0.9

32.1

–

–

0.3

–

32.4

2019

Total

–1’837.2

1’715.4

–121.8

–46.8

–168.6

–201.0

millions of CHF

Present value of funded defined benefit obligation

Fair value of plan assets (funded plans)

Overfunding / (underfunding)

Present value of unfunded defined benefit obligation

Asset / (liability) recognized in the balance sheet

– thereof as liabilities under defined benefit obligation

– thereof as other current receivables and prepaid 
expenses

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

117

millions of CHF

Funded 
plans 
Switzerland

Funded 
plans United 
Kingdom

Funded 
plans USA

Funded 
plans Others

Unfunded 
plans

Present value of funded defined benefit obligation

–1’106.0

–511.0

Fair value of plan assets

1’116.6

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 other current receivables and prepaid 
expenses

10.6

–

–0.9

9.7

–2.6

12.3

432.5

–78.5

–

–

–78.5

–78.5

–60.8

44.5

–16.3

–

–

–16.3

–16.3

–78.5

63.9

–14.6

–

–

–14.6

–14.7

–

–

–

–48.8

–

–48.8

–48.8

–

–

0.1

–

12.4

2018

Total

–1’756.3

1’657.5

–98.8

–48.8

–0.9

–148.5

–160.9

Sulzer operates major funded defined benefit pension plans in Switzerland, UK 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 decreased in 2019 compared to 2018 (from 0.9% to 0.3% for active 

employees and from 0.6% to 0.1% for pensioners). The plan assets increased compared to 2018 

due to a higher return on plan assets. The total expenses recognized in the income statement in 2019 
were CHF 15.3 million (2018: CHF 15.2 million).

In the UK, 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 decreased by 0.9 percentage points to 2.1% (2018: 3.0%). The net pension 
liabilities increased from CHF 78.5 million in 2018 to CHF 111.9 million, due to changes in financial 
and demographic assumptions. The total expenses recognized in the income statement in 2019 were 
CHF 3.1 million compared to CHF 3.4 million in 2018.

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 2019, an 
expense of CHF 1.3 million was recognized in the income statement (2018: CHF 0.7 million). The 

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

118

discount rate decreased to 3.0% in 2019 (2018: 4.2%). The amount recognized in other 
comprehensive income (OCI) in 2019 was CHF –6.6 million (2018: CHF –3.0 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.

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 / (expenses)

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 / (expense) recognized in the income statement

Defined benefit income / (expense) recognized in OCI

Employer contribution

Currency translation differences

Asset / (liability) recognized at December 31

Components of defined benefit income / (expense) in the income statement

Current service cost (employer)

Interest expense

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 / (expenses)
Defined benefit gain / (loss) recognized in OCI 1)

1) The tax effect on defined benefit cost recognized in OCI amounted to CHF 4.3 million (2018: CHF –12.8 million).

2019

–0.9

0.9

–

–148.5

–19.9

–29.2

23.4

5.6

–168.6

–18.0

–27.1

23.3

–

3.4

–1.5

–19.9

–16.0

–3.8

–145.2

114.9

0.9

0.2

–29.2

2018

–1.6

0.7

–0.9

–225.8

–26.7

68.7

27.4

7.9

–148.5

–21.3

–25.0

20.1

–0.7

1.0

–0.8

–26.7

–21.8

–4.9

140.8

–73.0

0.8

0.1

68.7

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

119

Employee benefit plans

millions of CHF

Reconciliation of defined benefit obligation

Defined benefit obligation as of January 1

Interest expense

Current service cost (employer)

Contributions by plan participants

Past service cost

Benefits paid/deposited

Effects of curtailments and settlement

Other administrative cost

Actuarial gain / (loss)

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

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

Debt instruments

Real estate funds

Investment funds

Others

2019

2018

–1’805.1

–2’048.5

–27.1

–18.0

–10.0

–

120.9

3.4

–1.5

–145.2

–1.4

–1’884.0

1’657.5

23.3

23.4

10.0

–120.9

–

114.9

7.2

1’715.4

90.8

587.2

443.8

36.7

4.1

81.0

–25.0

–21.3

–9.7

–0.7

124.0

2.8

–0.8

140.8

33.3

–1’805.1

1’824.3

20.1

27.4

9.6

–124.0

–1.8

–73.0

–25.1

1’657.5

49.1

539.7

476.2

41.0

3.8

79.0

Total assets at fair value – quoted market price as of December 31

1’243.6

1’188.8

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

290.6

181.2

471.8

280.7

188.0

468.7

Contributions by the employer

30.9

26.2

1) The defined benefit obligation includes the funded part and the unfunded part.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

120

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

Maturity profile of defined benefit obligation

2019

2018

–348.8

–1’180.4

–354.8

–1’884.0

–165.1

7.2

12.7

–145.2

–318.5

–1’193.5

–293.1

–1’805.1

104.7

50.2

–14.1

140.8

Weighted average duration of defined benefit obligation in years

13.5

13.2

Since the defined benefit obligation for the Swiss and UK pension plans represents 89% (2018: 92%) 
of the group, the following significant actuarial assumptions apply exclusively to these two countries:

Principal actuarial assumptions as of December 31

2019

2018

Funded plans 
Switzerland

Funded plans 
United Kingdom

Funded plans 
Switzerland

Funded plans 
United Kingdom

Discount rate for active employees

Discount rate for pensioners

Future salary increases

Future pension increases

Life expectancy at retirement age (male/female) in years

0.3%

0.1%

1.0%

0.0%

23/25

2.1%

2.1%

0.0%

2.6%

21/23

0.9%

0.6%

1.0%

0.0%

23/25

Sensitivity analysis of defined benefit obligation

millions of CHF

Discount rate (decrease 0.25 percentage points)

Discount rate (increase 0.25 percentage points)

Future salary growth (decrease 0.25 percentage points)

Future salary growth (increase 0.25 percentage points)

Life expectancy (decrease 1 year)

Life expectancy (increase 1 year)

2019

–64.4

62.1

5.0

–3.6

97.7

–95.1

3.0%

3.0%

0.0%

2.7%

22/23

2018

–58.3

55.7

5.2

–1.5

89.0

–85.5

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

121

10 Research and development expenses

A breakdown of the research and development expenses per division is shown in the table below:

millions of CHF

Pumps Equipment

Rotating Equipment Services

Chemtech

Applicator Systems

Others

Total

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 on tangible and intangible assets

Cost for mergers and acquisitions

Loss from sale of property, plant and equipment

Operating currency exchange losses, net

Total other operating expenses

Total other operating income and expenses, net

2019

43.3

1.1

18.0

22.9

0.4

85.6

2019

0.9

0.7

–

18.0

19.6

–23.1

–4.4

–2.1

–0.3

–1.1

–31.1

–11.5

2018

45.1

1.1

17.2

22.5

0.5

86.4

2018

1.5

6.0

2.2

40.2

49.9

–13.1

–4.4

–1.4

–0.2

–

–19.1

30.8

During 2019, the group reassessed the achievement of the earn-out targets related to contingent 
consideration arrangements. The reassessment resulted in an income of CHF 0.9 million (2018: 
CHF 1.5 million).

Other operating income includes income from litigation cases, government grants and incentives, 

and recharges to third parties not qualifying as sales from customers. During 2018, the group sold 

unquoted equity instruments previously measured at cost to Sulzer Vorsorgeeinrichtung, Sulzer’s 

pension fund in Switzerland. The transaction price was CHF 31.7 million and the resulting profit CHF 

28.5 million. The transaction was priced on an arm’s length basis and was settled in cash prior to 

December 31, 2018.

Sulzer has continued to streamline the organizational setup. For 2019, the group recognized 

restructuring costs of CHF 23.4 million (2018: CHF 14.9 million), partly offset by released 

restructuring provisions of CHF 0.2 million (2018: CHF 1.8 million). Restructuring costs are mainly 

associated with the consolidation of two production facilities in Germany. The group further 

performed impairment tests on the related production machines and facilities leading to impairments 
of CHF 2.1 million (2018: CHF 4.4 million). For more details refer to note 15.

Impairments on other intangible assets amounted to CHF 2.3 million (2018: CHF 0.0 million) and were 

mainly related to computer software (see also note 14).

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

122

The functional allocation of the total restructuring expenses and impairments is as follows: Cost of 
goods sold CHF –11.4 million (2018: CHF –4.1 million), selling and distribution expenses CHF –
1.5 million (2018: CHF –1.8 million), general and administrative expenses CHF –14.0 million (2018: 
CHF –11.1 million) and research and development expenses CHF –0.6 million (2018: CHF –0.5 

million).

12 Financial income and expenses

millions of CHF

Interest and securities income

Total interest and securities income

Interest expenses on borrowings and lease liabilities

Interest expenses on employee benefit plans

Total interest expenses

Total interest income and expenses, net

Income from investments and other financial assets

Fair value changes

Other financial expenses

Currency exchange gains/losses, net

Total other financial income and expenses, net

Total financial income and expenses, net

– thereof fair value changes on financial assets at fair value through profit and loss

– thereof other income from financial assets at fair value through profit and loss

– thereof interest income on financial assets at amortized costs

– thereof other financial expenses

– thereof currency exchange gains/losses, net

– thereof interest expenses on borrowings

– thereof interest expenses on lease liabilities

– thereof interest expenses on employee benefit plans

2019

6.6

6.6

–21.1

–3.8

–24.9

–18.3

0.0

–2.6

–2.3

–5.1

–10.0

–28.3

–2.6

0.0

6.6

–2.3

–5.1

–17.8

–3.3

–3.8

In 2019, interest expenses increased to CHF 21.1 million (2018: CHF 15.4 million), mainly due to 

interest expenses on bonds issued in the second half of 2018 and interest expenses on lease 
liabilities which resulted from the first time application of IFRS 16 “Leasesˮ.

Total financial expenses increased to CHF 28.3 million (2018: CHF 18.9 million), mainly as a result 
of higher interest expenses and fair value changes on financial assets at fair value through profit and 

loss.

The “Fair value changesˮ are largely related to derivative financial instruments that are classified as 
financial assets or financial liabilities at fair value through profit and loss and that are used as hedging 

instruments to hedge foreign exchange risks.

13 Income taxes

millions of CHF

Current income tax expenses

Deferred income tax income

Total income tax expenses

report.sulzer.com/ar19

2019

–65.2

10.1

–55.1

2018

2.9

2.9

–15.4

–4.9

–20.3

–17.4

0.5

8.6

–2.0

–8.7

–1.5

–18.9

8.6

0.5

2.9

–2.0

–8.7

–15.4

-

–4.9

2018

–69.4

20.3

–49.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

123

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.

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

2019

212.8

22.5%

–48.0

11.8

–1.2

–7.8

–1.5

–8.4

–55.1

25.9%

The effective income tax rate for 2019 is 25.9% (2018: 29.7%). The effect of expenses not deductible 

for tax purposes in the amount of CHF 7.8 million is mainly related to higher disallowances of group 

charges and interests in China. Prior year items and others increased to CHF 8.4 million due to 

expenses related to a business reorganization in Germany in the amount of CHF 2.2 million and tax 

base adjustments in Russia and Mexico for prior years. Excluding these one-time effects, the 

effective income tax rate for 2019 would have been 23.1%.

The effective income tax rate for 2018 of 29.7% was impacted by restructuring expenses in China 

and expenses in the UK with no corresponding tax effects. Excluding these extraordinary effects, the 

effective income tax rate in 2018 would have been 23.1%.

In Switzerland changes to the tax laws at the Swiss federal as well as cantonal levels were 

substantially enacted in 2019. More specifically, the Swiss public voted to adopt the Federal Act on 
Tax Reform and AHV Financing (“TRAFˮ) on May 19, 2019. The cantonal regimes were abolished as 
per January 1, 2020. Other relevant changes for the group include a decrease in the Canton of Zurich 

tax rate, effective from January 1, 2021. In this respect, the group has carried out a remeasurement 

of its deferred tax positions, resulting in an immaterial impact.

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

report.sulzer.com/ar19

2019

34.3

1.2

55.7

–7.3

–47.3

–0.6

35.9

2.6

33.3

2018

165.6

22.0%

–36.4

5.9

–7.9

–5.8

–3.7

–1.3

–49.2

29.7%

2018

27.1

0.3

35.5

–1.6

–25.7

–1.3

34.3

2.3

32.0

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

124

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

Defined benefit obligations

Non-current provisions

Current provisions

Other liabilities

Tax loss carryforwards

Elimination of intercompany profits

Assets

Liabilities

13.6

5.2

5.9

20.7

16.9

29.1

16.0

17.9

28.6

32.6

0.8

–86.1

–13.7

–1.3

–3.2

–19.2

–1.3

–1.2

–0.4

–6.0

–

–

Tax assets/liabilities

187.3

–132.3

2019

Net

–72.5

–8.5

4.6

17.6

–2.3

27.9

14.8

17.5

22.6

32.6

0.8

55.0

Assets

Liabilities

12.4

6.2

4.5

17.6

34.1

20.4

14.5

22.6

27.4

32.3

0.6

–96.1

–12.0

–0.0

–12.7

–10.1

–0.1

–2.2

–0.8

–9.2

–

–

192.7

–143.3

2018

Net

–83.7

–5.8

4.5

4.9

24.0

20.3

12.3

21.8

18.2

32.3

0.6

49.4

Offset of assets and liabilities

–52.9

52.9

–

–53.8

53.8

–

Net recorded deferred income tax assets and liabilities

134.4

–79.4

55.0

138.9

–89.5

49.4

Cumulative deferred income taxes recorded in equity as of December 31, 2019, amounted to CHF 

16.4 million (2018: CHF 13.8 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

Balance as of 
December 31

2019

–83.7

–5.8

4.5

4.9

24.0

20.3

12.3

21.8

18.2

32.3

0.6

49.4

14.6

–3.0

0.1

16.8

–24.5

3.1

2.9

–3.9

4.7

–0.8

0.2

10.1

–

–

–

–

–1.8

4.3

–

–

–

–

–

–4.0

–

–

–3.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2.5

–7.7

0.6

0.3

–

–0.4

–

0.1

–0.4

–0.4

–0.3

1.1

–

0.6

–72.5

–8.5

4.6

17.6

–2.3

27.9

14.8

17.5

22.6

32.6

0.8

55.0

millions of CHF

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Other financial assets

Inventories

Other assets

Defined benefit obligations

Non-current provisions

Current provisions

Other liabilities

Tax loss carryforwards

Elimination of intercompany profits

Total

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

125

2018

Recognized 
in profit or 
loss

Recognized in 
other 
comprehensive 
income

Acquisition 
of 
subsidiaries

Currency 
translation 
differences

Balance as of 
December 31

Balance as 
of January 1

–107.2

–3.5

0.1

17.5

9.8

35.1

14.2

19.2

19.6

38.0

0.7

43.6

millions of CHF

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Other financial assets

Inventories

Other assets

Defined benefit obligations

Non-current provisions

Current provisions

Other liabilities

Tax loss carryforwards

Elimination of intercompany profits

Total

Tax loss carryforwards (TLCF)

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

20.0

–1.4

4.3

–12.0

14.4

–1.5

–1.4

3.4

–1.0

–4.3

–0.1

20.3

–

–

–

–

0.6

–12.8

–

–

–

–

–

–0.7

–

–

–0.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–12.1

–1.1

4.2

–0.9

–

–0.2

–0.8

–0.5

–0.5

–0.8

–0.4

–1.4

–

–1.3

Amount

Potential tax 
assets

Valuation 
allowance

Carrying 
amount

0.6

24.0

246.0

270.7

0.1

5.4

46.3

51.8

–0.1

–3.1

–16.1

–19.3

–0.0

2.3

30.2

32.6

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

Amount

Potential tax 
assets

Valuation 
allowance

Carrying 
amount

13.6

50.2

200.3

264.0

2.0

10.8

37.4

50.2

–0.1

–4.5

–13.3

–17.9

1.9

6.2

24.1

32.3

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 120.2 million (2018: CHF 

110.3 million).

report.sulzer.com/ar19

–83.7

–5.8

4.5

4.9

24.0

20.3

12.3

21.8

18.2

32.3

0.6

49.4

2019

TLCF

0.9

14.6

104.7

120.2

2018

TLCF

0.6

14.1

95.6

110.3

page break 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

14 Goodwill and other intangible assets

millions of CHF

Acquisition cost

Goodwill

Trademarks 
and licenses

Research 
and 
development

Computer 
software

Customer 
relationship

126

2019

Total

Balance as of January 1

1’263.4

214.0

Acquired through business combination

Additions

Disposals

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Accumulated amortization

Balance as of January 1

Additions

Disposals

Impairments

Currency translation differences

20.8

–

–

–23.3

1’260.8

12.3

1.0

–2.1

–4.3

220.8

340.0

128.1

–

–

–

–

14.5

–1.3

0.1

–3.0

Balance as of December 31

340.0

138.3

Net book value

As of January 1

As of December 31

923.4

920.8

85.9

82.5

13.8

–

0.7

–0.0

0.2

14.6

8.3

1.6

–0.0

0.0

–0.1

9.8

5.6

4.9

52.1

0.0

2.9

–1.3

–0.8

52.9

43.0

2.9

–2.3

2.2

–0.5

45.4

9.1

7.6

574.4

2’117.7

50.8

1.4

–0.8

–16.1

609.8

235.6

45.4

–0.1

–

–6.4

274.5

338.8

335.2

83.9

6.0

–4.2

–44.3

2’159.0

754.9

64.5

–3.7

2.3

–10.0

808.0

1’362.8

1’350.9

In 2019 the group sold other intangible assets with a book value of CHF 0.5 million for CHF 0.5 

million resulting in a net gain of CHF 0.0 million (2018: no sales of intangible assets).

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

127

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

millions of CHF

Acquisition cost

Goodwill

Trademarks 
and licenses

Research 
and 
development

Computer 
software

Customer 
relationship

Balance as of January 1

1’205.7

180.8

11.7

88.7

–

–

–31.0

1’263.4

40.9

0.1

–3.2

–4.6

–

0.3

–

1.9

214.0

13.8

340.0

119.0

–

–

–

15.5

–3.1

–3.4

4.4

1.9

–

2.0

8.3

7.3

5.6

47.8

0.3

6.5

–1.6

–1.0

52.1

42.6

2.7

–1.5

–0.8

43.0

5.2

9.1

543.5

55.6

–

–0.6

–24.1

574.4

197.0

48.9

–0.6

–9.7

235.6

346.5

338.8

2018

Total

1’989.5

185.5

6.9

–5.4

–58.8

2’117.7

703.0

69.0

–5.3

–11.9

754.9

1’286.5

1’362.8

Balance as of December 31

340.0

128.1

Net book value

As of January 1

As of December 31

Goodwill impairment test

865.7

923.4

61.8

85.9

During 2019, the Tower Field Service business has been integrated into the Separation Technology 

business. Therefore, the two Chemtech cash-generating units Tower Field Service and Separation 

Technology have been combined into one cash-generating unit Chemtech.

millions of CHF

Pumps Equipment

Rotating Equipment Services – region EMEA

Rotating Equipment Services – region APAC

Rotating Equipment Services – region AME

Chemtech – Tower Field Service

Chemtech – Separation Technology

Chemtech

Applicator Systems

Total goodwill as of December 31

2019

2018

Growth rate 
residual 
value

Goodwill

Pre-tax 
discount rate

Goodwill

Growth 
rate 
residual 
value

Pre-tax 
discount 
rate

378.8

153.2

7.7

70.4

–

–

93.3

217.4

920.8

2.0%

2.0%

2.0%

2.0%

n/a

n/a

1.5%

1.0%

9.0%

10.7%

12.0%

10.8%

n/a

n/a

10.0%

6.1%

394.0

2.0%

9.0%

139.2

2.0%

10.7%

7.9

71.9

18.6

70.3

–

2.0%

12.0%

2.0%

10.8%

1.0%

10.2%

2.0%

9.8%

n/a

n/a

221.5

1.0%

6.1%

923.4

Goodwill is allocated to the smallest cash-generating unit at which goodwill is monitored for internal 
management purposes (i.e. division or business unit). The recoverable amount of these units is 

determined over a five-year cash flow projection period.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

128

In order to prepare the impairment test based on approved budgets, the group shifted the yearly 

impairment test from December to March. The growth rate for the residual value and pre-tax 

discount rate for the 2019 impairment test are therefore identical to 2018, as disclosed in the table 

above. As of December 31, 2019, there is no indication for goodwill impairment. Updating the 

impairment test would not have resulted in a goodwill impairment.

The calculation uses the budget for the first period (2019), the three-year strategic plan for 

subsequent two periods (2020–2021), and a management calculation for the next two periods (2022–

2023). The budget and the three-year strategic plan have been approved by the Board of Directors in 

February 2019. Cash flows beyond the planning period are extrapolated using a terminal value 

including the growth rates as stated above.

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. The table below shows the amount which the 

estimated recoverable amount of the CGU is exceeding its carrying amount (headroom). 

Management has identified that for some CGUs a reasonably possible change in two key 

assumptions could cause the carrying amount to exceed the recoverable amount. The table shows 

the amount by which these two assumptions would need to change individually for the estimated 

recoverable amount to be equal to the carrying amount. Blank fields indicate that assumption change 

is not reasonably possible.

2019

Terminal 
growth rate: 
Change 
required for
carrying 
amount to 
equal
recoverable 
amount

Pre-tax 
discount 
rate: Change 
required for
carrying 
amount to 
equal
recoverable 
amount

–2.5%

2.0%

2018

Pre-tax 
discount 
rate: 
Change 
required for
carrying 
amount to 
equal
recoverable 
amount

Terminal 
growth 
rate: 
Change 
required for
carrying 
amount to 
equal
recoverable 
amount

–1.8%

1.5%

Headroom

217.6

717.0

109.0

401.1

30.3

671.6

–

1’750.0

3’896.6

millions of CHF

Pumps Equipment

Rotating Equipment Services – region EMEA

Rotating Equipment Services – region APAC

Rotating Equipment Services – region AME

Chemtech – Tower Field Service

Chemtech – Separation Technology

Chemtech

Applicator Systems

Total headroom as of December 31

Headroom

275.6

626.5

109.7

405.6

–

–

677.2

1’798.8

3’893.4

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

129

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

Reclassifications

Impairments

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Net book value

As of January 1

As of December 31

Land and 
buildings

Machinery 
and 
technical 
equipment

Other non-
current 
assets

Assets under 
construction

379.8

3.6

3.6

–1.3

0.7

–5.7

380.8

170.2

13.0

–1.1

–1.0

0.2

–2.8

178.4

209.6

202.4

725.5

3.9

33.2

–21.7

20.8

–5.1

756.6

498.5

43.3

–16.2

0.2

1.7

–1.8

525.7

227.0

230.9

185.0

0.5

14.1

–9.3

7.9

–4.2

193.9

149.5

11.9

–7.1

3.3

0.2

–3.3

154.4

35.5

39.5

47.3

-

58.0

-

–32.8

–1.1

71.5

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

47.3

71.5

2019

Total

1’337.7

8.0

108.9

–32.3

–3.3

–16.0

1’402.9

818.3

68.2

–24.5

2.4

2.1

–8.0

858.5

519.4

544.4

Property, plant and equipment has been adjusted as of January 1, 2019, due to the first time 
application of IFRS 16 “Leasesˮ. Further details are provided in note 34.

The group performed impairment tests on production machines and facilities, resulting in 
impairments of CHF 2.1 million as of December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018: CHF 4.4 million), all of 
which were charged to other operating expenses.

In 2019 the group sold property, plant and equipment with a book value of CHF 7.8 million for CHF 

8.1 million resulting in a net gain of CHF 0.4 million (2018: book value of CHF 10.7 million sold for 

CHF 16.6 million resulted in a net gain of CHF 5.8 million).

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

130

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

402.5

9.0

7.4

–22.3

2.5

–12.7

386.4

178.2

13.4

–15.4

–

–5.1

171.0

224.3

215.4

6.6

0.8

5.7

6.5

750.0

2.1

30.3

–48.3

19.9

–26.5

727.5

512.3

46.4

–44.9

4.3

–18.6

499.0

237.7

228.5

2.0

0.4

1.5

1.8

182.6

0.0

11.9

–6.0

4.5

–7.6

185.6

149.0

11.9

–5.6

0.1

–6.1

149.7

33.6

35.9

0.5

0.2

0.3

0.3

36.0

–

39.6

–

–26.9

–1.3

47.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

36.0

47.3

–

–

–

–

2018

Total

1’371.1

11.1

89.3

–76.6

–

–48.1

1’346.8

839.5

71.7

–66.0

4.4

–29.8

819.7

531.6

527.0

9.1

1.5

7.6

8.6

The contractual commitments to acquire property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2019, 
amounted to CHF 6.9 million (December 31, 2018: CHF 6.5 million).

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

131

16 Leases

The group has applied IFRS 16 “Leasesˮ as of January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective 
approach, under which comparative information is not restated. Accordingly, no information for 2018 

is presented.

Lease assets

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Acquired through business combination

Additions

Disposals

Depreciation

Remeasurements

Contract modifications

Reclassifications

Currency translation differences

Total lease assets as of December 31

Lease liabilities

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Acquired through business combination

Additions

Repayments

Remeasurements

Contract modifications

Reclassifications

Currency translation differences

Total lease liabilities as of December 31

Other disclosures

millions of CHF

Expenses relating to short-term leases

Land and 
buildings, leased

Machinery and 
technical 
equipment, 
leased

Other non-
current assets, 
leased

95.8

5.7

13.8

–0.7

–25.2

–3.6

–0.1

8.1

–1.2

92.6

4.6

–

3.9

–0.2

–1.9

–

–

–0.4

–0.0

5.8

14.5

0.1

9.5

–0.5

–7.3

–

0.1

–2.0

–0.3

14.1

Non-current lease liabilities

Current lease liabilities

87.3

5.8

20.9

–4.0

–2.7

–0.2

–23.7

–1.1

82.3

28.6

–

6.3

–30.1

–0.8

0.0

23.7

–0.4

27.4

Expenses relating to low-value asset leases, excluding short-term leases of low-value assets

Expenses relating to variable lease payments not included in the lease liability

Income from subleasing right-of-use assets

Interest expenses on lease liabilities

Cash outflow for leases

The lease assets as of January 1, 2019, have been restated by CHF 114.9 million (net book value) 

and the lease liabilities by CHF 115.9 million. Further details are provided in Note 34.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

2019

Total

114.9

5.8

27.2

–1.4

–34.4

–3.6

–0.0

5.7

–1.6

112.6

2019

Total

115.9

5.8

27.2

–34.1

–3.6

–0.1

–

–1.5

109.7

2019

–17.4

–4.2

–2.7

0.5

–3.3

–34.0

page break 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

132

17 Associates

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Additions

Reclassifications

Share of profit/loss of associates

Dividend payments received

Currency translation differences

Total investments in associates as of December 31

18 Other financial assets

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Changes in scope of consolidation

Additions

Disposals

Reclassifications

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

– thereof non-current

– thereof current

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Additions

Disposals

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

– thereof non-current

– thereof current

2019

13.4

0.0

–2.6

0.1

–0.1

–0.2

10.7

Financial assets at fair 
value through profit and 
loss

Financial assets at 
amortized costs

6.8

–

1.2

–

2.6

–0.3

10.3

10.3

0.0

2.7

0.2

57.2

–0.4

–

0.1

59.8

2.4

57.5

Financial assets at fair 
value through profit and 
loss

Financial assets at 
amortized costs

9.3

0.6

–3.1

–

6.8

6.8

–

4.3

–

–0.6

–1.0

2.7

2.7

–

Financial assets that belong to the categories “financial assets at fair value through profit and 
lossˮ include investments in equity securities.

During 2019, the group invested CHF 57.1 million in fixed-term deposits with maturities between 4 to 

12 months.

2018

10.3

2.4

–

0.7

–0.1

0.1

13.4

2019

Total

9.4

0.2

58.4

–0.4

2.6

–0.2

70.1

12.6

57.5

2018

Total

13.6

0.6

–3.8

–1.0

9.4

9.4

–

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

133

19 Inventories

millions of CHF

Raw materials, supplies and consumables

Work in progress

Finished products and trade merchandise

Total inventories as of December 31

2019

203.9

252.0

119.0

574.9

2018

240.0

303.5

115.4

658.9

In 2019, Sulzer recognized write-downs of CHF 23.2 million (2018: CHF 17.7 million) in the income 
statement. Total accumulated write-downs on inventories amounted to CHF 80.8 million as of 
December 31, 2019 (2018: CHF 74.3 million). Material expenses in 2019 amounted to CHF 
1'434.9 million (2018: CHF 1’223.4 million).

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page breakSulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

134

20 Assets and liabilities related to contracts with customers

millions of CHF

Sales recognized over time related to ongoing performance obligations

Sales recognized over time related to satisfied performance obligations

Sales recognized over time

Sales recognized at a point in time

Sales

– thereof sales recognized included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the 
period

– thereof sales recognized from performance obligations satisfied (or partially satisfied) in 
previous periods

Cost of goods sold recognized over time related to ongoing performance obligations

Cost of goods sold recognized over time related to satisfied performance obligations

Cost of goods sold recognized over time

Cost of goods sold recognized at a point in time

Cost of goods sold

Gross profit recognized over time related to ongoing performance obligations

Gross profit recognized over time related to satisfied performance obligations

Gross profit recognized over time

Gross profit recognized at a point in time

Gross profit

Contract assets from sales recognized over time relating to ongoing performance obligations

Expected loss rate

Allowance for expected losses

Netting with contract liabilities

Contract assets

Advance payments from customers relating to point in time contracts

Advance payments from customers relating to over time contracts

Netting with contract assets

Contract liabilities

Order backlog (aggregate amount of transaction price allocated to unsatisfied performance 
obligations)

– thereof expected to be recognized as revenue within 12 months

– thereof expected to be recognized in more than 12 months

2019

482.7

423.4

906.2

2’822.3

3’728.5

256.4

1.4

–386.2

–330.1

–716.3

–1’891.0

–2’607.3

96.5

93.3

189.9

931.3

1’121.2

779.2

0.2%

–1.2

–422.8

355.2

239.2

528.3

–422.8

344.8

1’792.6

1’637.3

155.3

2018

431.4

353.2

784.6

2’580.3

3’364.9

291.1

1.1

–330.2

–270.6

–600.8

–1’785.8

–2’386.6

101.2

82.6

183.8

794.5

978.3

638.7

0.1%

–0.3

–433.3

205.1

229.8

459.9

–433.3

256.4

1’786.9

1’661.6

125.3

Total sales recognized over time increased from CHF 784.6 million in 2018 to CHF 906.2 million in 

2019. As a result contract assets increased by CHF 150.1 million and contract liabilities by CHF 88.4 

million.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

135

21 Trade accounts receivable
Aging structure of trade accounts receivable

2019

millions of CHF

Expected 
loss rate

Gross 
amount

Allowance

Net book 
value

Expected 
loss rate

Gross 
amount

Allowance

2018

Net book 
value

Not past due

0.1%

446.7

–0.5

446.1

0.1%

408.6

–0.5

408.1

Past due

1–30 days

31–60 days

61–120 days

>120 days

Total trade 
accounts receivable 
as of December 31

0.8%

2.4%

3.3%

46.4%

84.6

36.2

30.6

94.9

–0.7

–0.9

–1.0

–44.1

83.9

35.4

29.6

50.9

0.6%

1.8%

7.3%

86.9

35.3

30.3

–0.5

–0.6

–2.2

40.3%

109.1

–44.0

86.4

34.7

28.1

65.1

693.0

–47.1

645.9

670.2

–47.9

622.3

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

2019

47.9

13.4

–10.5

–5.3

1.6

47.1

Approximately 36% (2018: 39%) of the gross amount of trade accounts receivable were past due, 
and an allowance of CHF 47.1 million (2018: CHF 47.9 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. The allowance for doubtful trade accounts receivable is based on 

expected credit losses.

Accounts receivable by geographical region

millions of CHF

Europe, Middle East, Africa

– thereof United Kingdom

– thereof Saudi Arabia

– thereof Germany

– thereof France

– thereof Russia

Americas

– thereof USA

Asia-Pacific

– thereof China

Total as of December 31

report.sulzer.com/ar19

2019

298.7

61.0

34.7

31.7

22.5

17.5

164.8

103.0

182.3

116.8

645.9

2018

60.4

12.8

–19.2

–4.6

–1.6

47.9

2018

311.2

59.1

14.0

42.5

24.2

20.6

148.6

108.1

162.6

107.4

622.3

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

136

22 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

Total other current receivables and prepaid expenses as of December 31

2019

77.5

6.7

23.4

107.6

32.4

32.1

64.5

172.0

For further details on “Derivative financial instruments,” refer to note 29 and for “Prepaid 

contributions to employee benefit plans,” refer to note 9. Other current receivables and prepaid 

expenses do not include any material positions that are past due or impaired.

23 Cash and cash equivalents

millions of CHF

Cash

Cash equivalents

Total cash and cash equivalents as of December 31

2019

802.2

233.3

1’035.5

As of December 31, 2019, the group held restricted cash and cash equivalents of CHF 11.5 million 

2018

68.8

6.4

24.3

99.4

12.4

38.4

50.8

150.2

2018

1’029.7

65.5

1’095.2

(2018: CHF 24.7 million).

24 Share capital

thousands of CHF

2019

2018

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

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).

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

137

Shareholders holding more than 3%

Viktor Vekselberg (direct shareholder: Tiwel Holding AG)

Retained earnings

Dec 31, 2019

Dec 31, 2018

Number of 
shares

16’728’414

in %

48.82

Number of 
shares

16’728’414

in %

48.82

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, 2019, amounted to 240'924 

treasury shares (December 31, 2018: 311’871 shares).

The treasury shares are mainly held for the purpose of issuing shares under the management share-

based payment programs.

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 3, 2019, the Annual General Meeting approved an ordinary dividend of CHF 3.50 (2018: 

ordinary dividend of CHF 3.50) per share to be paid out of reserves. The dividend was paid to 

shareholders on April 9, 2019. The total amount of the dividend is CHF 119.2 million (2018: CHF 

119.1 million), thereof paid dividends of CHF 81.2 million (2018: CHF 43.1 million) and unpaid 

dividends of CHF 38.1 million (2018: CHF 76.0 million). The dividend payments to the group’s main 

shareholder Tiwel Holding AG could still not be transferred as a result of US sanctions. The unpaid 
dividends are reflected in the balance sheet position “other current and accrued liabilitiesˮ (see note 
28).

The Board of Directors decided to propose to the Annual General Meeting 2020 a dividend for the 
year 2019 of CHF 4.00 per share (2018: CHF 3.50).

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
2018

113.7

34’262’370

–2’327’911

31’934’459

329’591

32’264’050

3.56

3.53

2019

Total

1’325.6

0.4

154.1

–149.2

–

–0.7

1’330.2

2018

Total

713.8

1’285.9

–659.9

–

–5.3

1’334.3

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

138

25 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

2019

154.0

34’262’370

–235’928

34’026’442

313’212

34’339’654

4.52

4.48

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

26 Borrowings

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Acquired through business combination

Additions

Repayments

Reclassifications

Currency translation differences

Total borrowings as of December 31

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Additions

Repayments

Reclassifications

Currency translation differences

Total borrowings as of December 31

Non-current borrowings

Current borrowings

1’308.7

0.4

0.3

–0.0

–110.1

–0.0

1’199.2

16.9

-

153.8

–149.2

110.1

–0.7

131.0

Non-current borrowings

Current borrowings

458.7

859.4

–1.1

–0.5

–0.2

1’316.3

255.1

426.4

–658.9

0.5

–5.1

18.0

The borrowings have been adjusted as of January 1, 2019, due to the first time application of IFRS 
16 “Leasesˮ. Further details are provided in note 34.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

139

Borrowings by currency

2019

millions of 
CHF

in %

Interest rate

CHF

INR

USD

EUR

Other

1’310.7

98.5

9.5

3.6

3.4

3.1

0.7

0.3

0.3

0.2

Total as of December 31

1’330.2

100.0

0.9%

6.4%

2.8%

0.6%

–

–

millions of 
CHF

1’309.9

4.0

0.8

17.5

2.1

in %

98.2

0.3

0.1

1.3

0.2

1’334.3

100.0

2018

Interest rate

0.8%

5.4%

2.1%

4.7%

–

–

The group arranged a CHF 500 million syndicated credit facility with maturity date 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, 2019 and 2018, the syndicated facility was 

not used.

Outstanding bonds

millions of CHF

0.375% 07/2016–07/2022

0.875% 07/2016–07/2026

0.250% 07/2018–07/2020

1.300% 07/2018–07/2023

0.625% 10/2018–10/2021

1.600% 10/2018–10/2024

Total as of December 31

– thereof non-current

– thereof current

2019

2018

Amortized costs

Nominal

Amortized costs

Nominal

325.2

125.0

109.9

289.5

209.7

249.8

1’309.1

1’199.2

109.9

325.0

125.0

110.0

290.0

210.0

250.0

1’310.0

1’200.0

110.0

325.3

125.0

109.8

289.3

209.5

249.8

1’308.7

1’308.7

-

All the outstanding bonds are traded at the SIX Swiss Exchange.

27 Provisions

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Acquired through business combination

Additions

Released as no longer required

Utilized

Reclassifications

Currency translation differences

Total provisions as of December 31

– thereof non-current

– thereof current

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Other 
employee 
benefits

Warranties/ 
liabilities

Restructuring

Environmental

Other

49.4

–

14.2

-

–7.8

–

–1.4

54.4

40.6

13.8

78.9

–

20.7

–11.2

–19.4

0.9

–2.3

67.6

3.1

64.5

10.1

–

23.4

–0.2

–14.3

0.7

0.4

20.0

3.7

16.3

15.1

–

–

–

–0.5

0.0

0.1

14.7

14.7

–

60.5

0.7

28.8

–11.7

–21.8

–1.6

–2.9

51.9

11.4

40.6

325.0

125.0

110.0

290.0

210.0

250.0

1’310.0

1’310.0

-

2019

Total

213.9

0.7

87.1

–23.1

–63.7

–

–6.2

208.7

73.4

135.3

page break 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

140

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Acquired through business combination

Additions

Released as no longer required

Utilized

Reclassifications

Currency translation differences

Total provisions as of December 31

– thereof non-current

– thereof current

Other 
employee 
benefits

Warranties/ 
liabilities

Restructuring

Environmental

Other

55.9

–

8.9

–4.0

–10.3

–

–1.1

49.4

37.1

12.3

92.3

1.4

21.0

–10.6

–22.2

0.8

–3.8

78.9

4.8

74.1

18.6

0.3

14.9

–1.8

–21.5

0.5

–0.8

10.1

4.2

5.9

15.4

–

0.1

–

–0.2

–

–0.2

15.1

15.1

–

53.9

0.1

31.0

–4.3

–18.1

–1.3

–0.8

60.5

13.3

47.2

2018

Total

236.1

1.8

75.9

–20.7

–72.4

–

–6.8

213.9

74.4

139.5

The category “Other employee benefitsˮ includes provisions for jubilee gifts, early retirement of senior 
managers and other obligations to employees. 

The category “Warranties/liabilitiesˮ includes provisions for warranties, customer claims, penalties, 
litigation and legal cases relating to goods delivered or services rendered.

Sulzer has continued to streamline the organizational setup. For 2019, the group recognized 

restructuring costs of CHF 23.4 million (2018: CHF 14.9 million), partly offset by released 

restructuring provisions of CHF 0.2 million (2018: CHF 1.8 million). Restructuring costs are mainly 

associated with the consolidation of two production facilities in Germany. The remaining 

restructuring provision as of December 31, 2019, is CHF 20 million, of which CHF 16.3 million is 

expected to be utilized within one year.

“Environmentalˮ mainly consists of expected costs related to inherited liabilities.

“Otherˮ 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 “Otherˮ to be 
realized in 2020, by their nature the amounts and timing of any cash outflows are difficult to predict.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

141

2018

108.9

76.0

25.3

8.4

0.4

26.9

245.9

130.6

101.1

31.8

133.3

396.7

642.6

2018

Fair
value

8.7

8.7

8.4

0.2

28 Other current and accrued liabilities

millions of CHF

Liability related to the purchase of treasury shares

Outstanding dividend payments

Taxes (VAT, withholding tax)

Derivative financial instruments

Notes payable

Other current liabilities

Total other current liabilities as of December 31

Contract-related costs

Salaries, wages and bonuses

Vacation and overtime claims

Other accrued liabilities

Total accrued liabilities as of December 31

Total other current and accrued liabilities as of December 31

2019

104.2

114.1

29.4

8.2

9.3

30.2

295.5

104.7

113.7

31.8

131.7

381.8

677.3

The liability related to the purchase of treasury shares of CHF 104.2 million (2018: CHF 108.9 million) 

and the outstanding dividend payments of CHF 114.1 million (2018: CHF 76.0 million) are explained 

in note 24.

29 Derivative financial instruments

2019

Derivative assets

Derivative liabilities

Derivative assets

Derivative liabilities

Notional
value

Fair
value

Notional
value

Fair
value

Notional
value

Fair
value

Notional
value

713.6

713.6

705.6

8.0

6.8

6.8

6.7

0.1

426.8

426.8

426.4

0.4

8.2

8.2

8.2

0.0

633.5

633.5

633.3

0.1

6.4

6.4

6.4

0.0

442.5

442.5

437.3

5.2

millions of CHF

Forward exchange 
contracts

Total as of 
December 31

– thereof due in <1 
year

– thereof due in 1–5 
years

The notional value 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, 2019, a net cumulative unrealized loss of CHF 5.2 

million (2018: loss of CHF 11.3 million) with a deferred tax asset of CHF 0.9 million (2018: CHF 2.7 

million) relating to these cash flow hedges were included in the Cash Flow Hedge Reserve. In 2019, a 

loss of CHF 5.7 million (2018: a loss of CHF 2.4 million) was reclassified from cash flow hedge 

reserves to profit and loss. There was no ineffectiveness that arose from cash flow hedges in 2019 

(2018: 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, 2019, 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 

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

142

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, 2019, the amount 
subject to such netting arrangements was CHF 5.3 million (2018: CHF 2.9 million). Considering the 
effect of these agreements the amount of derivative assets would reduce from CHF 6.8 million to 

CHF 1.5 million (2018: from CHF 6.4 million to CHF 3.5 million), and the amount of derivative 

liabilities would reduce from CHF 8.2 million to CHF 2.9 million (2018: from CHF 8.7 million to CHF 

5.8 million).

30 Contingent liabilities

millions of CHF

Guarantees in favor of third parties

Total contingent liabilities as of December 31

2019

10.0

10.0

As of December 31, 2019, 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

2019

0.9

11.6

12.5

Restricted share unit plan settled in Sulzer shares

This long-term incentive plan covers the Board of Directors. 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.

2018

10.0

10.0

2018

1.0

14.1

15.1

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

143

Restricted share units

Grant year

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

–

11’001

16’744

32’440

–

–

–

–6’049

–9’950

–32’440

–48’583

Outstanding as of December 1, 2018

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding as of December 31, 2018

Outstanding as of January 1, 2019

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding as of December 31, 2019

–

–

–

–

–

–

10’551

–

–

10’551

9’288

–144

–861

8’283

8’283

–

–

4’952

4’952

–

–

6’794

6’794

–

–2’761

–2’476

–6’794

–

5’522

–

2’476

–

–

Total

60’185

9’288

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–861

20’029

20’029

10’551

–12’031

–

18’549

Average fair value at grant date in CHF

97.76

118.20

98.00

72.61

102.18

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 performance share plans (PSP) is based on three performance 

conditions: operational income before restructuring, amortization, impairments and non-operational 

items (opEBITA) growth over the performance period (weighted 25%), average operational return on 

capital employed (opROCEA) (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%). 

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

2019

115.95

92.46

29.64%

–0.57%

2018

143.62

120.60

29.12%

–0.42%

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%

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 

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

144

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

2019

2018

2017

2016

112’857

74’467

76’818

116’472

2015

21’665

Grant date

April 1, 2019

July 1, 2018

April 1, 2017

August 1, 
2016

April 1, 2015

Performance period for cumulative EBIT

01/19–12/21

01/18–12/20

01/17–12/19

01/16–12/18

01/15–12/17

Performance period for TSR

Fair value at grant date in CHF

01/19–12/21

01/18–12/20

01/17–12/19

01/16–12/18

04/15–03/18

115.95

143.62

116.02

118.05

193.97

Performance share units

Grant year

2019

2018

2017

2016

Outstanding as of January 1, 2018

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding as of December 31, 2018

Outstanding as of January 1, 2019

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding as of December 31, 2019

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

76’130

97’795

74’467

–

–

74’467

–

–2’395

–4’976

68’759

–

–4’762

–2’043

90’990

74’467

68’759

90’990

112’857

–630

–1’588

110’639

–

–1’673

–2’631

70’163

–

–

–1’540

–90’990

–382

66’837

–

–

2015

6’594

–

–6’594

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total

180’519

74’467

–13’751

–7’019

234’216

234’216

112’857

–94’833

–4’601

247’639

The Board of Directors decided in May 2018 to set TSR floors reflecting the exceptional market 

conditions and share price collapse following the US sanctions against Russia and the collateral 

damages to Sulzer. The introduction of the floor led to a step-up in the market valuation of the 

respective PSU, which is the difference between the fair value of the modified PSU granted and the 

original PSU, both measured as at the date of the modification. The step-up in the fair value of CHF 

40.62 per PSU for the PSP 2016 and CHF 18.91 per PSU for the PSP 2017 is expensed over the 

remaining vesting period of the affected plans. The fair value was measured using the same pricing 

model as for the grant date fair value. The TSR floor for the PSP 2017 ended up not coming into play, 

as the effective TSR at the end of the PSP period was higher than 100%.

32 Transactions with members of the Board of Directors, Executive 
Committee and related parties
Key management compensation

thousands of CHF

Short-term 
benefits

Equity-based 
compensation

Pension and 
social 
security 
contributions

Board of Directors

1’282

1’030

230

2019

Total

2’542

Short-term 
benefits

Equity-based 
compensation

Pension and 
social 
security 
contributions

1’226

1’155

257

2018

Total

2’638

Executive 
Committee

7’171

6’290

1’909

15’370

10’175

4’462

2’066

16’703

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

145

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, 2019, sales with related parties controlled by the major shareholder amounted to 
CHF 0.0 million (2018: CHF 3.1 million) with open receivables of CHF 0.0 million (2018: 
CHF 0.4 million). Open payables of CHF 218.3 million (2018: CHF 185.1 million) were recognized 
(thereof CHF 104.2 million related to the purchase of treasury shares and CHF 114.1 million 

outstanding dividend payments, see note 24 and note 28). The income from released provisions for 

loss/unprofitable contracts/warranties/guarantees/liquidated damages recognized in the income 
statement amounted to CHF 0.0 million (2018: CHF 0.6 million). The warranty costs amounted to CHF 
0.8 million (2018: CHF 0.0 million). The interest expenses amounted to CHF 0.1 million (2018: 

expense CHF 0.0 million).

Sales with ROTEC (Joint Stock Company ROTEC, Russia), where the Sulzer Board member Mikhail 

Lifshitz is the Chairman of the Board and holds a 31% stake, amounted to CHF 0.4 million (2018: 

CHF 0.0 million). Expenses with ROTEC amounted to CHF 0.3 million (2018: CHF 0.6 million).

Sales with associates in 2019 amounted to CHF 2.3 million (2018: CHF 11.4 million) with open 
receivables of CHF 0.0 million (2018: CHF 0.1 million). The income from released provisions for loss/
unprofitable contracts/warranties/guarantees/liquidated damages recognized in the income 
statement amounted to CHF 0.0 million (2018: CHF 1.6 million). Income for services with associates 
amounted to CHF 0.3 million (2018: CHF 0.1 million). Expenses for services from associates 
amounted to CHF 0.0 million (2018: CHF 0.5 million). The warranty costs amounted to CHF 2.8 million 
(2018: CHF 0.0 million).

During 2018, the group sold unquoted equity instruments previously measured at cost to Sulzer 

Vorsorgeeinrichtung, Sulzer’s pension fund in Switzerland. The transaction price was CHF 31.7 

million and the resulting profit CHF 28.5 million. The transaction was priced on an arm’s length basis 

and was settled in cash.

33 Auditor remuneration

Fees for the audit services by KPMG as the appointed group auditor amounted to CHF 4.0 million 

(2018: CHF 4.0 million). Additional services provided by the group auditor amounted to a total of CHF 

0.7 million (2018: CHF 1.7 million). This amount includes CHF 0.5 million (2018: CHF 1.1 million) for 

tax services and CHF 0.2 million for other services (2018: CHF 0.6 million).

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

146

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 assets at fair value through profit and loss and financial assets at fair value through 

other comprehensive income, 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 34.20 

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.”

Rounding

Due to rounding, numbers presented throughout the consolidated financial statements may not add 

up precisely to the totals provided. All ratios, percentages and variances are calculated using the 

underlying amount rather than the presented rounded amount.

Tables

Within tables, blank fields generally indicate that the field is not applicable or not meaningful, or that 

information is not available as of the relevant date or for the relevant period. Dashes (–) generally 

indicate that the respective figure is zero on an actual or rounded basis.

34.2 Change in accounting policies

a) Standards, amendments and interpretations which are effective for 2019

IFRS 16 “Leasesˮ

The group has initially adopted IFRS 16 “Leasesˮ as of January 1, 2019.

IFRS 16 introduced a single, on-balance-sheet accounting model for lessees. As a result, the group 
has recognized lease assets representing its rights to use the underlying assets and lease liabilities 

representing its obligation to make lease payments.

The group does not act as a lessor except for immaterial subleases as disclosed in note 16.

The group has applied IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective approach. Accordingly, the 

comparative information presented for 2018 has not been restated. The changes of the accounting 

policies are disclosed below.

Definition of a lease

Previously the group determined at contract inception whether an arrangement was, or contained, a 
lease under IFRIC 4 “Determining whether an arrangement contains a leaseˮ. The group now 
assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease based on the new definition of a lease. 

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page breakSulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

147

Under IFRS 16, a contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys a right to control the use of 

an identified asset for a period in exchange for consideration.

Accounting policies for leases

For details on critical accounting estimates and judgments, refer to note 34.9.

Significant accounting estimates

For details on critical accounting estimates and judgments, refer to note 5.

Transition

For finance leases, the carrying amount of the lease assets and the lease liability at January 1, 2019, 

were determined at the carrying amount of the lease assets and lease liability under IAS 17 

immediately before that date.

For operating leases, lease liabilities were measured at the present value of the remaining lease 

payments, discounted at the group’s incremental borrowing rate as of January 1, 2019. Lease assets 

were measured at the amount equal to the lease liability, adjusted by the amount of any prepaid or 

accrued lease payments.

Impacts on transition

The following table summarizes the impact of IFRS 16 on the consolidated balance sheet as of 

January 1, 2019.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

148

Consolidated balance sheet

millions of CHF

Non-current assets

Goodwill

Other intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Lease assets

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

Contract assets

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 interests

Total equity

Non-current liabilities

Non-current borrowings

Non-current lease liabilities

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 lease liabilities

Current income tax liabilities

Current provisions

Contract liabilities

Trade accounts payable

Other current and accrued liabilities

Total current liabilities

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

December 31, 
2018, as originally 
presented

Adjustment IFRS 
16 finance leases

Adjustment IFRS 
16 operating 
leases

January 1, 2019, 
adjusted

923.4

439.4

527.0

–

13.4

9.4

6.2

138.9

2’057.7

658.9

29.0

79.9

205.1

622.3

150.2

1’095.2

2’840.6

4’898.3

0.3

1’629.5

1’629.9

11.2

1’641.0

1’316.3

–

89.5

2.3

160.9

74.4

3.6

1’646.8

18.0

–

32.0

139.6

256.4

521.8

642.6

1’610.4

3’257.3

4’898.3

–7.6

7.6

–

–

–

–

–

–7.3

7.3

107.3

107.3

–

107.3

–

–

80.0

923.4

439.4

519.4

114.9

13.4

9.4

6.2

138.9

2’165.1

658.9

29.0

79.9

205.1

622.3

150.2

1’095.2

2’840.6

5’005.6

0.3

1’629.5

1’629.9

11.2

1’641.0

1’308.7

87.3

89.5

2.3

160.9

74.4

3.6

–

80.0

1’726.5

–1.3

1.3

–

–

–

27.3

27.3

107.3

107.3

16.9

28.6

32.0

139.6

256.4

521.8

642.6

1’638.0

3’364.6

5’005.6

When measuring lease liabilities that were classified as operating leases, the group discounted lease 

payments using its incremental borrowing rate at January 1, 2019. The weighted-average rate 
applied is 2.3%.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

149

millions of CHF

January 1, 2019

Operating lease commitments at December 31, 2018 as disclosed in the consolidated financial statements

Discounted using the incremental borrowing rate at January 1, 2019

Recognition exemption for leases with less than 12 months of lease term at transition (short-term leases)

127.3

–9.3

–3.0

–7.7

107.3

8.6

115.9

87.3

28.6

Recognition exemption for leases of low value assets

Total adjusted operating leases at December 31, 2018

Finance lease liabilities recognized at December 31, 2018

Total lease liabilities recognized at January 1, 2019

– thereof non-current lease liabilities

– thereof current lease liabilities

Impacts for the period

Consolidated balance sheet

millions of CHF

Non-current assets

Lease assets

Total non-current assets

Current assets

Total current assets

Total assets

Equity

Reserves

Equity attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

Total equity

Non-current liabilities

Non-current lease liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

Current lease liabilities

Total current liabilities

Total liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

December 31, 2019 (as 
reported)

Adjustments

December 31, 2019 
(without adoption of IFRS 
16)

112.6

2’172.0

2’937.5

5’109.5

1’580.4

1’580.7

1’593.9

82.3

1’644.1

27.4

1’871.5

3’515.6

5’109.5

–100.5

–100.5

–

–100.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

–75.0

–75.0

–26.1

–26.1

–101.0

–100.5

12.1

2’071.5

2’937.5

5’009.0

1’580.9

1’581.3

1’594.4

7.3

1’569.1

1.3

1’845.4

3’414.5

5’008.9

As a result of initially applying IFRS 16, the group recognized CHF 100.5 million of lease assets and 

CHF 101.0 million of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2019, for leases previously classified as 
operating leases.

millions of CHF

EBIT

Interest expenses

Income before income tax expenses

Net income

2019 (as reported)

Adjustments

2019 (without adoption of 
IFRS 16)

241.0

–24.9

212.8

157.7

–2.7

3.3

0.5

0.5

238.2

–21.6

213.3

158.2

As a result of initially applying IFRS 16, the group has recognized depreciation and interest expenses, 
instead of operating lease expenses, related to leases under IFRS 16. During 2019, the group 

recognized CHF 34.4 million of depreciation charges and CHF 3.3 million of interest expenses. Due 

to the recognition of the depreciation and interest expenses compared to the operating lease 

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

150

expenses, the application of IFRS 16 had a negative impact of CHF 0.5 million on the group’s net 

income.

millions of CHF

2019 (as reported)

Adjustments

2019 (without adoption of 
IFRS 16)

Cash and cash equivalents as of January 1

Net income

Interest expenses

Depreciation, amortization and impairments

Other non-cash items

Interest paid

Total cash flow from operating activities

Total cash flow from investing activities

Payments for leases

Total cash flow from financing activities

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31

1’095.2

157.7

24.9

171.5

5.2

–21.5

319.6

–242.6

–34.0

–123.2

–59.7

1’035.5

–

0.5

–3.3

–34.4

–0.1

3.3

–34.0

–

34.0

34.0

–

–

1’095.2

158.2

21.6

137.1

5.1

–18.2

285.6

–242.6

–

–89.1

–59.7

1’035.5

As a result of initially applying IFRS 16, the group has recognized leasing payments for the principal 

portion of the lease liability as part of the financing activities, instead of operating activities (shift from 

operating activities to financing activities). During 2019, the group recognized CHF 34.0 million of 

payments for leasing.

Lease assets and lease liabilities

For details on the positions “Lease assetsˮ and “Lease liabilitiesˮ, refer to note 16.

Deferred taxes

The group reflects the future tax impacts of leases and recognizes deferred taxes. When recognizing 

deferred taxes the group has assessed the lease assets and lease liabilities together as single or 

‘integrally linked’ transactions and assessed the net temporary differences. For details on the 

deferred taxes, refer to note 13.

Practical expedients

In applying IFRS 16 for the first time, the group used the following practical expedients permitted by 

the standard:

—

—

The accounting for operating leases with a remaining lease term of less than 12 months as at 

January 1, 2019, as short-term leases.

The use of hindsight in determining the lease term where the contract contains options to extend 

or terminate the lease.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

151

IFRIC 23 “Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatmentsˮ

IFRIC 23 became effective as of January 1, 2019. The interpretation clarifies how the recognition and 

measurement requirements of IAS 12 are applied where there is uncertainty over income tax 

treatments. The group’s existing accounting policy for uncertain income tax treatments is consistent 

with the requirements in IFRIC 23.

Other IFRS standards and interpretations

A number of other new standards have become effective as of January 1, 2019, but they do not have 

a material effect on the group’s financial statements.

b) Standards, amendments and interpretations issued but not yet effective which the group 
has decided not to early adopt in 2019

There are no other IFRS standards or interpretations not yet effective that would be expected to have 

a material impact on the group.

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.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page breakSulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

152

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 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 2019 and 

2018:

CHF

1 EUR

1 GBP

1 USD

100 CNY

100 INR

Average
rate

1.11

1.27

0.99

14.38

1.41

2019

Year-end
rate

1.09

1.27

0.97

13.91

1.36

Average
rate

1.16

1.31

0.98

14.80

1.43

2018

Year-end
rate

1.13

1.25

0.99

14.32

1.41

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 

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

153

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.

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 

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

154

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.  

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

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 Lease assets and lease liabilities

The group recognizes lease assets and lease liabilities for most leases (these leases are on-balance-

sheet). However, the group has elected not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for some 

leases of low value assets and short-term leases. The group recognizes the lease payments 

associated with these leases as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

The group presents lease assets and lease liabilities as separate line items in the balance sheet.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

155

The group recognizes lease assets and lease liabilities at the lease commencement date. The asset is 

initially measured at cost and subsequently at cost less any accumulated depreciation and 

impairment losses and adjusted for certain remeasurements. The lease liability is initially measured at 

the present value of the lease payments that are not paid on commencement date, discounted using 

the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the group’s 

incremental borrowing rate. In most cases, the group uses its incremental borrowing rate as the 

discount rate.

The lease liability is subsequently increased by the interest cost on the lease liability and decreased 

by lease payments made. It is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments arising 

from a change in an index rate, a change in the estimate of the amount expected to be payable 

under a residual value guarantee, changes in the assessment of whether a purchase or extension 

option is reasonably certain to be exercised, or a termination option is reasonably certain not to be 

exercised.

34.10 Financial assets

Financial assets are classified into the following three categories:

—

—

—

financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL),

financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI),

financial assets measured at amortized cost.

The classification depends on the business model for managing the financial assets and the 

contractual terms of the cash flows. For assets measured at fair value, gains and losses will either be 

recorded in profit or loss or OCI. For investments in equity instruments that are not held for trading, 

this will depend on whether the group has made an irrevocable election at the time of initial 

recognition to account for the equity investment at fair value through other comprehensive income 

(FVOCI). The group reclassifies debt investments when and only when its business model for 

managing those assets changes.

Debt instruments

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL)

Assets that do not meet the criteria for amortized cost or FVOCI are measured at FVTPL. A gain or 

loss on a debt investment that is subsequently measured at FVTPL is recognized in profit or loss and 

presented within other operating income and expenses or other financial income and expenses, 

depending on the nature of the investment, in the period in which it arises.

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI)

Assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows and for selling the financial assets, where 

the assets’ cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest, are measured at FVOCI. 

Movements in the carrying amount are taken through OCI, except for the recognition of impairment 

gains or losses, interest income and foreign exchange gains and losses which are recognized in 

profit or loss. When the financial asset is derecognized, the cumulative gain or loss previously 

recognized in OCI is reclassified from equity to profit or loss and recognized in other gains/(losses). 

Interest income from these financial assets is included in finance income using the effective interest 

rate method. Foreign exchange gains and losses are presented in other gains/(losses) and 

impairment expenses are presented as separate line item in the statement of profit or loss.

Financial assets measured at amortized cost

Assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows where those cash flows represent solely 

payments of principal and interest are measured at amortized cost. Interest income from these 

financial assets is included in finance income using the effective interest rate method. Any gain or 

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

156

loss arising on derecognition is recognized directly in profit or loss and presented in other gains/

(losses) together with foreign exchange gains and losses. Impairment losses are presented as 

separate line item in the statement of profit or loss.

Equity instruments

The group subsequently measures all equity investments at fair value. Where the group’s 

management has elected to present fair value gains and losses on equity investments in OCI, there is 

no subsequent reclassification of fair value gains and losses to profit or loss following the 

derecognition of the investment. Dividends from such investments continue to be recognized in profit 

or loss as other income when the group’s right to receive payments is established. A gain or loss on 

an equity investment that is subsequently measured at FVTPL is recognized in profit or loss and 

presented within other operating income and expenses or other financial income and expenses, 

depending on the nature of the investment, in the period in which it arises.

There is an exemption from measurement at fair value of such assets 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 some of its fair value assets at cost.

34.11 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 the foreign currency risks of 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 incomeˮ 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 incomeˮ 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 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 

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

157

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.

34.12 Offsetting financial assets and liabilities

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.

34.13 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.

34.14 Trade receivables

Trade and other accounts receivable are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently measured 

at amortized cost, less allowances for doubtful trade accounts receivable.

The allowance for doubtful trade accounts receivable is based on expected credit losses. These are 

based on historical observed default rates over the expected life of the trade receivables and are 

adjusted for forward-looking information such as development of gross domestic product (GDP) and 

oil price development.

34.15 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.

34.16 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 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.

34.17 Trade payables

Trade payables and other payables are stated at face value. The respective value corresponds 

approximately to the amortized cost.

34.18 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.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

158

34.19 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.

34.20 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.

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.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

159

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 “constructiveˮ 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 benefitsˮ or “Jubilee giftsˮ
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 benefitsˮ (note 27).

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.”

34.21 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.

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 

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

160

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.

34.22 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.

34.23 Sales

Sales 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. This includes standard products 

(off the rack) as well as configured and engineered or tailor-made products. Sales are shown net of 

value-added tax, returns, rebates and discounts and after eliminating sales within the group.

The core principle is that sales are recognized at an amount that reflects the consideration to which 

the group expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer.

Sales are recognized when (or as) the group satisfies a performance obligation by transferring a 

promised good or service (that is, an asset) to a customer. An asset is transferred when (or as) the 

customer obtains control of that asset.

A customer obtains control of a good or service if it has the ability to direct the use of, and obtain 

substantially all of the remaining benefits from, that good or service (e.g. use, consume, sale, hold). A 

customer could have the future right to direct the use of the asset and obtain substantially all of the 

benefits from it (for example, upon making a prepayment for a specified product).

There are two methods to recognize sales:

—

—

Over time method: Sales, costs and profit margin recognition in line with the progress of the 

project.

Point in time method: Sales recognition when the performance obligation is satisfied at a 

certain point in time.

The group determines at contract inception, whether control of each performance obligation 

transfers to a customer over time or at a point in time. Arrangements where the performance 

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

161

obligations are satisfied over time are not limited to services arrangements. The assessment of 

whether control transfers over time or at a point in time is critical to the timing of revenue recognition.

Over time method (OT)

Sales are recognized over time if any of the following is met:

—

—

—

Customer simultaneously receives/consumes as the group performs

The group creates/enhances an asset and customer controls it during this process

Created asset has no alternative use for the customer and the group has enforceable right to 

payment (including reasonable profit margin) for performance up to date if the customer 

terminates the contract for convenience.

The group has construction contracts without right to payment clauses in cases of termination for 

convenience by the customer. The group applies the point in time method to recognize sales for 

such contracts.

The over time method is based on the percentage of costs to date compared with the total estimated 

contract costs (cost-to-cost method). In rare cases, other methods, such as a milestones method, 

may be used for a particular project assuming that the stage of completion can be better estimated 

than by applying the cost-to-cost method. Work progress of sub-suppliers is considered to 

determine the stage of completion. If circumstances arise that may change the original estimates of 

sales, costs or extent of progress toward completion, estimates are revised. These revisions may 

result in increases or decreases in estimated sales or costs, and are reflected in income in the period 

in which the circumstances that give rise to the revision become known by management.

The income statement contains a share of sales, including an estimated share of profit. The balance 

sheet includes the corresponding contract assets if the assets exceed the advance payments from 

the customer 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.

Point in time method (PIT)

A performance obligation is satisfied at a point in time if none of the criteria for satisfying a 

performance obligation over time is met. Sales are recognized when (or as) the customer obtains 

control of that asset (depending on incoterms). The following points indicate that a customer has 

obtained control of an asset:

—

—

—

—

—

The entity has a present right to payment

The customer has legal title

The customer has physical possession

The customer has the significant risks and rewards of ownership

The customer has accepted the asset

For contracts applying the point in time method, the transfer of risks and rewards of ownership 

(depending on international commercial terms) typically depicts the transfer in control most 

appropriately.

Contract classification per division

Sales are measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer. Sales are 

recognized over time if any of the conditions above is met. If none of the criteria for satisfying a 
performance obligation over time is met, sales are recognized at a point in time.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

162

The following table provides information about the nature and timing of the satisfaction of 

performance obligations in contracts with customers, and the related revenue recognition method.

Contract classification

Characteristics

Typical sales recognition method

Created asset has no alternative use 
for the customer and the group has 
enforceable right to payment 
(including reasonable profit margin) 
for performance up to date if the 
customer terminates the contract for 
convenience

Created asset has alternative use for 
the customer or the group has no 
enforceable right to payment 
(including reasonable profit margin) for 
performance up to date if the 
customer terminates the contract for 
convenience

n/a

OT

OT

OT

OT

OT

n/a

OT

OT

— Standard products made to stock
— New pumps
— Spare parts
— Preconfigured products
— Assembled and packaged on 

customer order

— Highly customized products
— Engineered to order according to 

customer’s specifications

— Turbo
— Electromechanical
— Pumps
— Gas turbines components
— Coils
— Pumps spares
— Retrofits
— Off-the-shelf articles or 

manufactured on customer order

— Others (tool container, remote 
monitoring, other spare parts)

— Overhaul / field service
— Site setup
— Disassembly / reassembly
— Installation / commissioning
— Technical support
— Refurb / retrofit
— Relocation
— Long-term service agreement 

(LTSA) / long-term parts 
agreement (LTPA)

— Customized services according to 

customer’s specifications

— Off-the-shelf articles of stock 

materials

— Articles purchased for sale

— Standard configured to 

customer’s requirements
— Tailor-made to customer’s 

requirements

— Replacement of components
— Standard mechanical engineering
— Supervision
— Installation workforce
— Combined order for Separation 
Technology (ST) & Tower Field 
Services (TFS)

— Studies
— Engineering
— Site project management
— Supervision
— Key equipment
— Installation
— Procurement of equipment, spare 

parts

PIT

PIT

PIT

PIT

PIT

PIT
OT for field services (asset that the 
customer controls)

PIT

PIT

PIT
OT for certain service contracts where 
the customer simultaneously receives 
the service

— Off-the-shelf articles of stock 
materials (production to stock)

n/a

PIT

Pumps Equipment

Standard business

Configured business

Engineered business

Rotating Equipment Services

Repair

Parts

Services

Chemtech

Rush orders

Components

Services / Engineered solutions

Applicator Systems

Rush orders

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

163

Disaggregation of sales

In the segment information (note 3) sales are disaggregated by:

—

—

—

—

Divisions (group’s reportable segments)

Timing of sales recognition (sales recognition method: over time, point in time) and divisions

Market segments and divisions

Geographical regions and divisions

Payment terms

The group’s general terms and conditions of supply require payments within 30 days after the invoice 

date.

If the group’s general terms and conditions apply for a contract, the group is entitled to issue the 

invoices as follows: for one-third of the contract value within five days after effective date (date when 

the purchase order has been accepted by the supplier, or the date of the latest signing), for one-third 

after expiration of half of the delivery time, and for one-third within 45 days prior to delivery. 

Payments for prices calculated on a time basis are invoiced on a bi-weekly basis or after completion 

of the scope of supply, whichever occurs first.

Other payment terms may apply if otherwise defined in the customer contract, the purchase order, 

the respective change order or the quotation.

Variable considerations

If the consideration promised in a contract includes a variable amount (e.g. liquidated damages, early 

payment discount, volume discounts), the group estimate the amount of consideration to which the 

group will be entitled in exchange for transferring the promised goods or services to a customer. The 

amount of the variable consideration is estimated by using either of the following methods, 

depending on which method the group expect to better predict the amount of consideration to which 

it will be entitled: the expected value method or the most likely amount method. The method selected 

is applied consistently throughout the contract and to similar types of contracts when estimating the 

effect of uncertainty on the amount of variable consideration to which the group is entitled.

The group’s general terms and conditions of supply foresee the following warranty periods. Except in 

cases where the scope of supply is limited to services only, the warranty period ends on the earliest 

of the dates below:

—

—

—

After 12 months from the initial operation of the scope of supply

After 18 months from delivery of the scope of supply

In the event that delivery is delayed or impeded for reasons beyond the supplier’s control, after 

18 months from the date of the supplier’s notification that the scope of supply is ready for 

dispatch

Where the scope of supply is limited to services only, the warranty period ends six months after 

completion of such services.

If the group fails to meet the delivery date for more than two calendar weeks due to reasons for 
which the group is directly responsible, and provided that the purchase order expressly provides 

liquidated damages for such failure, the purchaser is entitled to demand that the group pays 

liquidated damages at the rate stated in the purchase order.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

164

The group’s obligation for warranties, liquidated damages and other obligations is accounted for as a 

variable consideration in the sales and recognized as a provision.

Allocation of the transaction price

To allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation on a relative stand-alone selling 

price basis, the group determines the stand-alone selling price at contract inception of the distinct 

good or service underlying each performance obligation in the contract and allocates the transaction 

price in proportion to those stand-alone selling prices. If the stand-alone selling price is not directly 

observable, then the group estimates the amount with the expected cost plus margin method.

34.24 Assets and disposal groups held for sale

A non-current asset or a group of assets is classified as “held for saleˮ 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 saleˮ shall be measured at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value 
less selling cost.

34.25 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.

35 Subsequent events after the balance sheet date

The Board of Directors authorized these consolidated financial statements for issue on February 17, 

2020. They are subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting, which will be held on April 15, 

2020. 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 events that would materially affect 

these financial statements.

36 Major subsidiaries
December 31, 2019

Sulzer 
ownership 
and 
voting 
rights

Registered 
capital 
(including paid-
in capital in the 
USA and 
Canada)

Direct 
participation 
by Sulzer 
Ltd

Research 
and 
development

Production 
and 
engineering

Sales

Service

Subsidiary

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

100%

CHF 100’000

100%

EUR 123’947

Ensival Moret International SA, 
Thimister-Clermont

100%

EUR 9’400’000

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Europe

Switzerland

Belgium

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

165

Ensival Moret Belgium SA, 
Thimister-Clermont

100%

EUR 7’400’000

Czech Republic

GTC Technology Europe s.r.o. 
1)
 , Brno

100% CZK 28’053’000

Germany

Sulzer Pumpen (Deutschland) 
GmbH, Bruchsal

100%

EUR 3’000’000

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater 
Germany GmbH, Bonn

Sulzer Chemtech GmbH, 
Linden

Sulzer APS Deutschland 
Holding GmbH, Bechhofen

100%

EUR 300’000

100%

EUR 300’000

100%

EUR 870’000

Geka GmbH, Bechhofen

100%

EUR 878’600

Sulzer Mixpac Deutschland 
GmbH, Kiel

Sulzer Mixpac Denmark A/S, 
Farum

Sulzer Pumps Denmark A/S, 
Farum

Sulzer Pumps Finland Oy, 
Kotka

Sulzer Pompes France SASU, 
Buchelay

Sulzer Ensival Moret France 
SASU, Saint-Quentin

100%

EUR 26’000

100%

DKK 500’000

100%

DKK 500’000

100% EUR 16’000’000

100%

EUR 6’600’000

100% EUR 10’000’000

Denmark

Finland

France

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

Sulzer (UK) Holdings Ltd., 
Leeds

Sulzer Mixpac (UK) Ltd., 
Hungerford

100%

GBP 100’000

100%

GBP 48’756

100%

GBP 6’100’000

100%

GBP 1’000’000

Alba Power Ltd.   , Aberdeen

1)

100%

GBP 1

Sulzer Pump Solutions Ireland 
Ltd., Wexford

Sulzer Finance (Ireland) 
Limited, Wexford

Sulzer Italy S.r.l., Casalecchio 
di Reno

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater 
Norway A/S, Sandvika

Sulzer Pumps Norway A/S, 
Klepp Stasjon

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., Lomm

Ireland

Italy

Norway

The Netherlands

report.sulzer.com/ar19

100%

EUR 2’222’500

100%

EUR 100

100%

EUR 600’000

100%

NOK 502’000

100%

NOK 500’000

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 Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

166

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Sulzer Capital B.V., Lomm

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

Sulzer Mixpac Poland Sp. z 
o.o., Nowa Wies Wroclawska

GTC Technology Romania Srl 
1)
 , Bucharest

ZAO Sulzer Pumps, St. 
Petersburg

Sulzer Pumps Rus LLC, 
Moscow

Sulzer Turbo Services Rus 
LLC, Moscow

Sulzer Chemtech LLC, 
Serpukhov

Sulzer Pumps Sweden AB, 
Vadstena

Sulzer Pumps Spain S.A., 
Madrid

100%

EUR 350’000

100%

PLN 2’427’000

100%

PLN 800’000

100%

PLN 5’000

100%

RON 1’345’070

100%

RUB 8’000’000

100%

RUB 6’000’600

100% RUB 14’705’882

100% RUB 55’500’000

100%

SEK 3’000’000

100%

EUR 1’750’497

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater 
Spain S.A., Rivas Vaciamadrid

100%

EUR 2’000’000

Sulzer Pumps (Canada) Inc., 
Burnaby

Sulzer Chemtech Canada Inc., 
Edmonton

100%

CAD 2’771’588

100%

CAD 1’000’000

Sulzer Rotating Equipment 
Services (Canada) Ltd., 
Edmonton

JWC Environmental Canada 
ULC, Burnaby

Sulzer Pumps (US) Inc., 
Houston, Texas

Sulzer Pumps Solutions Inc., 
Easley, South Carolina

Sulzer Pump Services (US) 
Inc., Houston, Texas

Sulzer Chemtech USA, Inc., 
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Sulzer Mixpac USA Inc., 
Salem, New Hampshire

100%

CAD 7’000’000

100%

CAD 1’832’816

100% USD 40’381’108

100% USD 27’146’250

100%

USD 1’000

100% USD 47’895’000

100%

USD 100

Sulzer Turbo Services Houston 
Inc., La Porte, Texas

100% USD 18’840’000

Sulzer Turbo Services New 
Orleans Inc., Belle Chasse, 
Louisiana

Sulzer Electro-Mechanical 
Services (US) Inc., Pasadena, 
Texas

Sulzer US Holding Inc., 
Houston, Texas

Geka Manufacturing 
Corporation, Elgin, Illinois

JWC Environmental Inc., Santa 
Ana, California

Sulzer GTC Technology US 
Inc.   , Houston, Texas

1)

GTC Technology International 
LP   , Houston, Texas

1)

100%

USD 4’006’122

100% USD 12’461’286

100%

USD 
310’335’340

•

100%

USD 603’719

100%

100%

USD 
220’818’520

USD 1

100%

USD 5’698’387

•

Austria

Poland

Romania

Russia

Sweden

Spain

North America

Canada

USA

report.sulzer.com/ar19

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

167

Alba Power Inc.   , Austin, 
Texas

1)

Sulzer Pumps México, S.A. de 
C.V., Cuautitlán Izcalli

100%

USD 0.01

100%

MXN 4’887’413

Sulzer Chemtech, S. de R.L. 
de C.V., Cuautitlán Izcalli

100%

MXN 
231’345’500

Mexico

Central and South 
America

Argentina

Sulzer Turbo Services 
Argentina S.A., Buenos Aires

100%

ARS 9’730’091

Brazil

Sulzer Brasil S.A., Jundiaí

100% BRL 81’789’432

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater 
Brasil Ltda., Jundiaí

100% BRL 37’966’785

Sulzer Services Brasil, Triunfo

100% BRL 40’675’856

Geka do Brasil Indústria e 
Comércio de Embalagens 
Ltda., Cotia

Sulzer Bombas Chile Ltda., 
Vitacura

100% BRL 15’009’794

100% CLP 46’400’000

Sulzer Pumps Colombia 
S.A.S., Cota

100%

COP 
7’142’000’000

Sulzer Pumps (Venezuela) 
S.A., Barcelona

100%

VES 2’000

Chile

Colombia

Venezuela

Africa

South Africa

Sulzer Pumps (South Africa) 
(Pty) Ltd., Elandsfontein

75%

ZAR 
100’450’000

Sulzer (South Africa) Holdings 
(Pty) Ltd., Elandsfontein

Sulzer Maroc S.A.R.L. A.U., 
Nouaceur

Sulzer Pumps (Nigeria) Ltd., 
Lagos

100%

ZAR 16’476

100%

MAD 3’380’000

100%

NGN 5’000’000

Sulzer Zambia Ltd., Chingola

100% ZMK 15’000’000

Sulzer Pumps Middle East 
FZCO, Dubai

Sulzer Rotating Equipment 
FZE, Dubai

Sulzer Saudi Pump Company 
Limited, Riyadh

Sulzer Chemtech Middle East 
S.P.C., Al Seef

100%

AED 500’000

100%

USD 272’000

75% SAR 44’617’000

100%

BHD 50’000

Sulzer Pumps India Pvt. 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

GTC Process Technology 
(India) Pvt. Ltd.   , Gurgaon

1)

PT. Sulzer Indonesia, 
Purwakarta

100%

INR 100’000

100%

INR 37’540’000

95%

IDR 
28’234’800’000

Morocco

Nigeria

Zambia

Middle East

United Arab Emirates

Saudi Arabia

Bahrain

Asia

India

Indonesia

Japan

Sulzer Daiichi K.K., Tokyo

60%

JPY 30’000’000

Sulzer Japan Ltd., Tokyo

100%

JPY 30’000’000

Malaysia

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater 
Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Selangor 
Darul Ehsan

100%

MYR 500’000

report.sulzer.com/ar19

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

168

Singapore

Sulzer Singapore Pte. Ltd., 
Singapore

GTC Process Technology 
(Singapore) Pte. Ltd.   , 
Singapore

1)

South Korea

Sulzer Korea Ltd., Seoul

GTC Technology Korea Co. 
Ltd.   , Seoul

1)

Sulzer Chemtech Co., Ltd., 
Rayong

Thailand

100%

SGD 1’000’000

100%

SGD 150’000

100%

100%

KRW 
222’440’000

KRW 
4’870’000’000

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 
282’069’324

Sulzer Pump Solutions 
(Kunshan) Co., Ltd., Kunshan

Sulzer Shanghai Eng. & Mach. 
Works Ltd., Shanghai

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater 
Shanghai Co. Ltd., Shanghai

GTC (Beijing) Technology Inc. 
1)
 , Beijing

100%

USD 5’760’000

100% CNY 61’432’607

100%

USD 1’550’000

100%

USD 150’000

Sulzer Australia Pty Ltd., 
Brisbane

Sulzer Australia Holding Pty 
Ltd., Brendale

100%

AUD 5’308’890

100% AUD 34’820’100

Australia

1) Acquired in 2019.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – 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, 2019 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 accompanying consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the 

consolidated financial position of the Group as at December 31, 2019, 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

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Auditor’s report

170

Customer contracts – accuracy of revenue recognition, valuation of 
contract assets, work in progress (WIP), trade accounts receivable and 
accuracy of contract liabilities

Key Audit Matter

Our response

As per December 31, 2019, revenue from customer contracts 

Our procedures included, among others, obtaining an 

amounts to CHF 3,728.5 million, contract assets amount to 

understanding of the project execution processes and relevant 

CHF 355.2 million, contract liabilities to CHF 344.8 million, the 

controls relating to the accounting for customer contracts.

balance of work in progress (WIP) amounts to CHF 252.0 

million and trade accounts receivable amount to CHF 645.9 

million.

For the revenue recognized throughout the year, we tested 

selected key controls, including results reviews by 

management, for their operating effectiveness and performed 

Under IFRS 15 revenue is recognised when a performance 

procedures to gain sufficient audit evidence on the accuracy of 

obligation is satisfied by transferring control over a promised 

the accounting for customer contracts and related financial 

good or service.

statement captions.

Revenue and related costs from long-term customer orders 

These procedures included reading significant new contracts 

(construction and service contracts) are recognized over time 

to understand the terms and conditions and their impact on 

(OT), provided they fulfill the criteria of International Financial 

revenue recognition. We performed enquiries with 

Reporting Standards, specifically having the right to payment 

management to understand their project risk assessments and 

in case of termination for convenience. The OT method allows 

inspected meeting minutes from project reviews performed by 

recognizing revenues by reference to the stage of completion 

management to identify relevant changes in their assessments 

of the contract. The application of the OT method is complex 

and estimates. We challenged these estimates including 

and requires judgments by management when estimating the 

comparing estimated project financials between reporting 

stage of completion, total project costs and the costs to 

periods and assessed the historical accuracy of these 

complete the work. Incorrect assumptions and estimates can 

estimates.

lead to revenue being recognized in the wrong reporting period 

or in amounts inadequate to the actual stage of completion, 

On a sample basis, we reconciled revenue to the supporting 

and therefore to an incorrect result for the period.

documentation, validated estimates of costs to complete, 

tested the mathematical accuracy of calculations and the 

During order fulfillment, contractual obligations may need to be 

adequacy of project accounting. We also examined costs 

reassessed. In addition, change orders or cancelations have to 

included within contract assets on a sample basis by verifying 

be considered. As a result, total estimated project costs may 

the amounts back to source documentation and tested their 

exceed total contract revenues and therefore require write-offs 

recoverability through comparing the net realizable values as 

of contract assets, receivables and the immediate recognition 

per the agreements with estimated cost to complete.

of the expected loss as a provision.

Regarding the projects recognized at a point in time (PIT), the 

basis to confirm the appropriate application of revenue 

risks include inappropriate revenue recognition from revenue 

recognition policies and to verify valuation of WIP balances. 

being recorded in the wrong accounting period or at amounts 

This included reconciling accounting entries to supporting 

not justified as well as overstated WIP that requires impairment 

documentation. When doing this, we specifically put emphasis 

We further performed testing for PIT projects on a sample 

adjustments.

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 contract 

assets, work in progress (WIP), trade accounts receivable and accuracy of contract liabilities refer to the 

following:

—

—

—

Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements

Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements

Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page breakSulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Auditor’s report

171

Accounting for warranties and other cost to fulfil contract obligations

Key Audit Matter

Our response

As per December 31, 2019, provisions in the amount of CHF 

Based on our knowledge gained through contract and project 

67.6 million are held on the balance sheet to cover expected 

reviews, we assessed the need for and the accuracy of 

costs arising from product warranties. Additional expected 

provisions and deductions in revenue for variable 

costs to fulfil contract obligations and for onerous contracts 

consideration for expected liquidated damages.

are recorded as other provisions.

Sulzer is exposed to claims from customers for not meeting 

assessments by enquiries, inspection of meeting minutes and 

contractual obligations. Remedying measures, addressing 

review of correspondence with customers where available.

We further challenged management’s contract risk 

technical shortcomings or settlement negotiations with clients 

may take several months and cause additional costs. The 

assessment of these costs to satisfy order related obligations 

contains management assumptions with a higher risk of 

material misjudgment.

Where milestones or contract specifications were not met, we 

challenged the recognition and appropriateness of variable 

consideration and provisions by recalculating the amounts, 

obtaining written management statements and evidence from 

supporting 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 accounting for warranties and other cost to fulfil contract obligations to the 

following:

—

Note 27 to the consolidated financial statements

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page breakSulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Auditor’s report

172

Valuation of goodwill

Key Audit Matter

Our response

As at December 31, 2019, Sulzer’s balance sheet included 

As a first step, we assessed the appropriateness of the CGUs 

goodwill amounting to CHF 920.8 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 

individually determine the value in use of goodwill balances. 

This requires the use of a number of key assumptions and 

appropriateness of the assumptions, and the methodology 

used by management to prepare its cash flow forecasts. We 

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, 

specifically the oil and gas sector. With half of its business 

within this market segment, Sulzer’s financial performance is 

significantly affected by the low oil prices and the resulting 

subdued demand and price pressure from its oil and gas 

customers.

• gaining an understanding and assessing the 

reasonableness of business plans by comparing them to 

prior year’s assumptions;

• comparing business plan data against budgets and two-

year plans as approved by management;

• recalculating the value in use calculations;

• 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

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.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Auditor’s report

173

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.

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.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Auditor’s report

174

—

—

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 17, 2020

Simon Niklaus

Licensed Audit Expert

KPMG AG, Räffelstrasse 28, 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 Internationalˮ), a Swiss legal entity. All rights reserved.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Supplementary Information

175

Supplementary Information

Alternative performance measures (APM) 

The financial information included in this report includes certain Alternative Performance Measures 

(APMs) which are not accounting measures as defined by IFRS. These APMs should not be used 

instead of, or considered as alternatives to, the group’s consolidated financial results based on IFRS. 

These APMs may not be comparable to similarly titled measures disclosed by other companies. All 

APMs presented relate to the performance of the current reported period and comparative periods.

Definition of alternative performance measures (APM)
Order intake

Order intake includes all registered orders of the period which will be recorded or have already been 

recorded as sales. The reported value of an order corresponds to the undiscounted value of 

revenues that the group expects to recognize following delivery of goods or services subject to the 

order, less any trade discounts and excluding value added or sales tax. Adjustments, corrections and 

cancellations resulting from updating the order backlog, are respectively included in the amount of 

the order intake.  

Order intake gross margin

The order intake gross margin is defined as the expected gross profit of order intake divided by order 

intake.

Order backlog

Order backlog represents the undiscounted value of revenues the group expects to generate from 

orders on hand at the end of the reporting period.

ROS (return on sales)

ROS measures the profitability relative to sales. ROS is calculated by dividing EBIT by sales.

opEBITA (operational earnings before interest, taxes and amortization)

OpEBITA is used to determine the profitability of the business, without considering impairments, 

restructuring expenses and other non-operational items and before interest, taxes and amortization. 

Other non-operational items include significant acquisition-related expenses, gains and losses from 

sale of businesses or real estate, and certain non-operational items that are non-recurring or do not 

occur in similar magnitude.

opROSA (operational return on sales adjusted)

OpROSA measures how the group turns sales into operating profits. Other terms used for opROSA 

are opEBITA margin, profitability or opEBITA in percent of sales. OpROSA is calculated by dividing 

opEBITA by sales.

opROCEA (operational return on capital employed adjusted)

OpROCEA measures how the group generates operational profits from its capital 

employed. OpROCEA is calculated by dividing opEBITA by average capital employed. It is 

also called opEBITA in percent of average capital employed.

Capital employed

Capital employed refers to the amount of capital investment the group uses to operate and provides 

an indication of how the group is investing its money. For the calculation of the capital employed, 

please refer to the reconciliation statement below.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Supplementary Information

176

EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization)

The group uses EBITDA to determine the net debt/EBITDA ratio. EBITDA is defined as EBIT before 

depreciation and amortization.

Core net income

Core net income is used to determine the dividend proposal. Sulzer’s long-term target is to maintain 

a dividend payout ratio of approximately 40-70% of core net income with due consideration to 

liquidity and funding requirements as well as continuity. Core net income is defined as net income 

before tax-adjusted effects on restructuring, amortization, impairments and non-operational items.

FCF (free cash flow)

Free cash flow is used to assess the group’s ability to generate the cash required to conduct and 

maintain its operations. It also indicates the group’s ability to generate cash to finance dividend 

payments, repay debt and to undertake merger and acquisition activities. Free cash flow is 

calculated based on the IFRS cash flow from operating activities and adjusted for capital 

expenditures (investments in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets).

Net debt

Net debt is used to monitor the group’s overall short- and long-term liquidity. Net debt is calculated 

as the sum of total current and non-current borrowings and lease liabilities less cash and cash 

equivalents and current financial assets.

Net debt/EBITDA ratio

Net debt/EBITDA is a ratio measuring the amount of income generated and available to pay down 

debt before covering interest, taxes, depreciations and amortization expenses. The net debt/EBITDA 

ratio is used as a measurement of leverage. It is calculated as net debt divided by EBITDA.

Gearing ratio (borrowings-to-equity ratio)

The gearing ratio compares the borrowings and lease liabilities relative to the equity. The gearing 

ratio represents the group’s leverage, comparing how much of the business funding comes from 

borrowed funds (lenders) versus company owners (shareholders). The gearing ratio is defined as 

borrowings and lease liabilities divided by equity attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd.

Currency-adjusted growth

Certain percentage changes in the financial review and the business review divisions have been 

calculated using constant exchange rates which allow for an assessment of the group’s financial 

performance with the effects of exchange rate fluctuations eliminated. The currency-adjusted 

growth is calculated by applying the previous year’s exchange rates for the current year and 
calculating the growth without currency effects.

Organic growth

Organic growth measures changes with the same period in the previous year after adjusting for 

effects arising from acquisitions, divestments and foreign exchange differences.

The impact of the organic growth is determined as follows:

—

—

Currency-adjusted growth as described above

For the current-year acquisitions, by deducting the currency-adjusted amount generated during 

the current-year by the acquired entities

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Supplementary Information

177

—

—

—

For previous year acquisitions, by deducting the currency-adjusted amount generated over the 

months during which the acquired entities were not consolidated in the previous year

For current-year disposals, by adding the currency-adjusted amount generated by the divested 

entities in the previous year over the months during which those entities were no longer 

consolidated in the current-year

For the previous year disposals, by adding for the current year the currency-adjusted amount 

generated in the previous year by the divested entities

Reconciliation statements for alternative performance measures 
(APM)

For reconciliation statements of opEBITA, opROSA, core net income and free cash flow, please refer 

to the “Financial review”, for EBITDA, net debt and gearing ratio to note 6 and for opROCEA to the 

table below.

OpROCEA reconciliation statement

millions of CHF

Total assets

./. Other intangible assets

./. Cash and cash equivalents

./. Current financial assets

./. Total current and non-current income and deferred tax assets and liabilities

./. Total non-current liabilities

./. Total current liabilities

Non-current borrowings

Current borrowings

Liability related to the purchase of treasury shares

Outstanding dividend payments

Adjustment for average calculation and currency translation differences

Average capital employed

opEBITA

Average capital employed

opROCEA

2019

5’109.5

–430.1

–1’035.5

–57.5

–42.0

–1’644.1

–1’871.5

1’199.2

131.0

104.2

114.1

270.7

1’848.1

371.3

1’848.1

20.1%

2018

4’898.3

–439.4

–1’095.2

–0.0

–44.2

–1’646.8

–1’610.4

1’316.3

18.0

108.9

76.0

195.4

1’776.8

322.5

1’776.8

18.1%

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Supplementary Information

178

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)

Net income attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

– in percentage of equity attributable to shareholders of 
Sulzer Ltd

Reported EPS

Depreciation

Amortization

Impairments of tangible and intangible assets

Research and development expenses

Personnel expenses

Capital expenditure

Free cash flow

FCF conversion (free cash flow/net income)

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

EBIT

opEBITA

opROSA

ROE

EPS

Key figures from consolidated balance sheet

millions of CHF

Non-current assets

– thereof property, plant and equipment

Current assets

– thereof cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Equity attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

Non-current liabilities

– thereof long-term borrowings

Current liabilities

– thereof short-term borrowings

Net debt

Equity ratio 1)

Borrowings-to-equity ratio (gearing)

1) Equity attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd in relation to total assets.

2019

2018

2017

2016

3’747.2

33.6%

1’792.6

3’728.5

241.0

371.3

10.0%

154.0

9.7%

4.52

–102.6

–64.5

–4.4

–85.6

3’531.5

33.3%

1’786.9

3’364.9

183.8

322.5

9.6%

113.7

7.0%

3.56

–71.7

–69.0

–4.4

–86.4

3’155.7

34.4%

1’593.5

3’049.0

136.5

255.4

8.4%

83.2

5.0%

2.44

–71.7

–53.8

–15.4

–81.0

2’797.5

34.0%

1’439.1

2’876.7

115.3

238.9

8.3%

59

3.7%

1.73

–69.5

–47.3

–18.4

–71.4

2015

2’895.8

33.8%

1’510.7

2’971.0

120.9

254.1

8.6%

73.9

3.3%

2.17

–74.1

–42.3

–13.0

–73.4

–1’191.1

–1’129.7

–1’078.2

–971.1

–1’020.8

–142.1

213.4

1.35

–96.2

181.3

1.56

–81.2

127.0

1.46

–74.9

200.5

3.34

–73.7

155.8

2.08

16’506

15’572

14’732

14’005

14’253

2019

2018

2017

2016

2’172.0

2’057.7

1’990.5

1’809.9

544.4

2’937.5

1’035.5

5’109.5

1’580.7

1’644.1

1’199.2

1’871.5

131.0

346.9

30.9%

0.84

527.0

2’840.6

1’095.2

4’898.3

1’629.9

1’646.8

1’316.3

1’610.4

531.6

511.0

2’126.8

1’926.0

488.8

4’117.3

1’680.1

900.1

458.7

429.5

3’735.9

1’581.2

980.3

458.3

1’514.8

1’164.6

18.0

255.1

7.1

239.0

33.3%

0.82

225.0

40.8%

0.42

35.9

42.3%

0.29

2015

1’574.0

491.4

2’680.8

1’217.3

4’254.8

2’224.7

472.1

7.2

1’548.5

514.4

–695.7

52.3%

0.23

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Supplementary Information

179

Five-year summaries by division

Order intake

Sales

millions of CHF

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

Pumps Equipment

1’458.9

1’372.1

1’180.2

1’066.8

1’152.8

1’477.0

1’284.2

1’120.0

1’155.3

1’276.8

Rotating Equipment Services

1’193.2

1’109.7

1’047.7

986.4

1’034.1

1’167.0

1’063.7

1’029.5

1’003.4

1’024.6

Chemtech

Applicator Systems

670.0

425.1

600.1

449.6

501.5

426.3

471.8

272.6

525.7

183.2

664.0

420.6

563.2

453.8

478.0

421.6

446.0

272.0

486.2

183.4

Total

3’747.2

3’531.5

3’155.7

2’797.5

2’895.8

3’728.5

3’364.9

3’049.0

2’876.7

2’971.0

Order backlog

Employees 1)

millions of CHF

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2019

2018

2017

2016

Pumps Equipment

Rotating Equipment Services

Chemtech

Applicator Systems

924.3

422.2

385.3

60.8

982.9

393.1

345.9

65.0

847.0

364.4

315.3

66.8

697.4

378.7

304.9

58.0

998.0

205.0

307.7

0.0

5’759

4’900

3’803

1’821

5’713

4’721

3’063

1’864

5’453

4’485

2’878

1’716

5’156

4’541

2’570

1’562

2015

6’996

3’538

3’539

0

Divisions

Others

Total

1’792.6

1’786.9

1’593.5

1’439.0

1’510.7

16’284

15’361

14’532

13’829

14’073

0.0

–0.0

0.0

0.1

0.0

222

211

200

176

180

1’792.6

1’786.9

1’593.5

1’439.1

1’510.7

16’506

15’572

14’732

14’005

14’253

millions of CHF

Pumps Equipment

2019

59.7

2018

41.4

2017

–3.7

2016

2015

2019

2018

2017

2016

13.0

118.1

4.0%

3.2%

–0.3%

1.1%

OpEBITA

OpROSA

Rotating Equipment Services

164.5

146.1

144.0

139.5

14.1%

13.7%

13.9%

13.8%

70.8

67.4

25.0

86.8

18.0

64.1

9.6%

8.9%

5.2%

4.0%

13.9%

0.0

21.0%

21.1%

20.5%

23.6%

252.1

234.6

256.3

10.1%

9.9%

8.2%

8.1%

3.3

4.3

–2.2

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

255.4

238.9

254.1

10.0%

9.6%

8.4%

8.3%

2015

9.2%

6.9%

n/a

8.6%

n/a

8.6%

Chemtech

Applicator Systems

Divisions

Others

Total

63.8

88.2

376.2

–4.9

371.3

50.0

95.7

333.2

–10.7

322.5

1) Number of full-time equivalents as of December 31.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Supplementary Information

180

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

Employees by company location1)

millions of CHF

Europe, Middle East, Africa

Americas

Asia-Pacific

Total

1) Number of full-time equivalents as of December 31.

2019

2018

2017

2016

1’612.2

1’290.2

844.8

1’535.9

1’297.1

698.5

1’422.1

1’038.2

695.4

1’254.8

949.8

592.9

3’747.2

3’531.5

3’155.7

2’797.5

2019

2018

2017

2016

1’539.5

1’321.3

867.5

1’468.9

1’107.6

788.4

1’411.6

1’003.5

633.9

1’271.8

1’041.9

563.0

3’728.3

3’364.9

3’049.0

2’876.7

2019

7’751

4’579

4’176

2018

7’462

4’374

3’737

2017

7’279

3’911

3’542

2016

6’804

3’822

3’379

2015

1’303.7

1’065.3

526.8

2’895.8

2015

1’214.0

1’134.9

622.1

2’971.0

2015

6’504

4’139

3’610

16’506

15’572

14’732

14’005

14’253

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

Income statement of Sulzer Ltd

182   Balance sheet of Sulzer Ltd
 183 
 184  Statement of changes in equity of Sulzer Ltd
 185  Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd
 185  01 |  General information
 185  02 |  Key accounting policies and principles
 185  03 |  Cash and cash equivalents
 185  04 |  Investments in subsidiaries
 186  05 |  Registered share capital
 186  06 |  Interest-bearing liabilities
 187  07 |  Contingent liabilities
 187  08 |  Administrative expenses
 187  09 |  Investment income and investment and loan expenses
 187  10 |  Other income
 187  11 |  Share participation of the Board of Directors,  

Executive Committee and related parties

 189  12 |  Subsequent events after the balance sheet date
 190  Proposal of the Board of Directors for the appropriation  

of the available profit

 191  Auditor’s report

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Balance sheet of Sulzer Ltd

182

Balance sheet of Sulzer Ltd

December 31

millions of CHF

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Fixed-term deposits

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

Current liabilities with shareholders

Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities

Current provisions

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Non-current interest-bearing liabilities

Non-current provisions

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Equity

Registered share capital

Legal capital reserves

Reserves from capital contribution

Voluntary retained earnings

– Free reserves

– Retained earnings

– Net profit for the year

Treasury shares

Total equity

Total equity and liabilities

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Notes

3

4

6

6

5

5

2019

253.0

50.0

213.6

3.3

519.9

644.5

7.4

2’182.2

2’834.1

3’354.0

109.9

7.0

12.1

218.3

13.7

4.7

365.7

1’199.2

35.7

1’234.9

1’600.6

0.3

205.5

201.0

1’185.5

52.8

133.9

–25.6

1’753.4

3’354.0

2018

334.3

–

190.6

2.3

527.2

648.1

6.6

2’106.5

2’761.2

3’288.4

–

10.4

1.7

184.9

10.6

4.6

212.2

1’308.7

37.2

1’345.9

1’558.1

0.3

205.5

201.0

1’185.5

37.8

134.2

–34.0

1’730.3

3’288.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Income statement of Sulzer Ltd

183

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

10

8

9

2019

161.5

34.9

47.6

244.0

76.2

30.5

–

2.7

0.7

110.1

133.9

2018

125.1

57.2

64.7

247.0

45.5

14.3

49.0

2.4

1.6

112.8

134.2

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Statement of changes in equity of Sulzer Ltd

184

Statement of changes in equity of Sulzer 
Ltd

January 1 – December 31

millions of CHF

Share 
capital

Legal 
reserves

Reserves 
from capital 
contribution

Free 
reserves

Retained 
earnings

Net 
income

Treasury 
shares

Total

Equity as of January 1, 2018

0.3

205.5

–

1’386.5

67.6

89.3

–22.1

1’727.1

Dividend

Allocation of net income

Net profit for the year

Change in treasury shares

Allocation to reserves from capital contribution

201.0

–201.0

–29.8

–119.1

29.8

134.2

–119.1

–

134.2

–11.9

–

–11.9

Equity as of December 31, 2018

0.3

205.5

201.0

1’185.5

37.8

134.2

–34.0

1’730.3

Dividend

Allocation of net income

Net profit for the year

Change in treasury shares

15.0

–119.2

–15.0

133.9

–119.2

–

133.9

8.4

8.4

Equity as of December 31, 2019

0.3

205.5

201.0

1’185.5

52.8

133.9

–25.6

1’753.4

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

185

1 General information 

Sulzer Ltd, Winterthur, Switzerland (the company), is the parent company of the Sulzer Group. Its 

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 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, 2019 and 2018, the syndicated 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.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

186

5 Registered share capital

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.

Shareholders holding more than 3%

Viktor Vekselberg (direct shareholder: Tiwel Holding AG)

Treasury shares held by Sulzer Ltd

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Purchase

Sale

Share-based remuneration

Balance as of December 31

Dec 31, 2019

Dec 31, 2018

Number of 
shares

16’728’414

in %

48.82

Number of 
shares

16’728’414

in %

48.82

2019

2018

Number
of shares

Total transaction 
amount

Number
of shares

Total transaction 
amount

311’871

110’400

–

–181’347

240’924

34.0

11.1

–

–19.6

25.6

219’277

5’159’149

–5’000’000

–66’555

311’871

22.1

563.7

–544.8

–7.0

34.0

The total number of treasury shares held by Sulzer Ltd as of December 31, 2019, amounted to 

240’924 (December 31, 2018: 311’871 shares), which are mainly held for the purpose of issuing 

shares under the management share-based payment programs.

6 Interest-bearing liabilities

millions of CHF

0.375% 07/2016–07/2022

0.875% 07/2016–07/2026

0.250% 07/2018–07/2020

1.300% 07/2018–07/2023

0.625% 10/2018–10/2021

1.600% 10/2018–10/2024

Total as of December 31

– thereof non-current

– thereof current

2019

2018

Book value

Nominal

Book value

Nominal

325.2

125.0

109.9

289.5

209.7

249.8

1’309.1

1’199.2

109.9

325.0

125.0

110.0

290.0

210.0

250.0

1’310.0

1’200.0

110.0

325.3

125.0

109.8

289.3

209.5

249.8

1’308.7

1’308.7

-

325.0

125.0

110.0

290.0

210.0

250.0

1’310.0

1’310.0

-

All the outstanding bonds are traded at the SIX Swiss Exchange.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

187

7 Contingent liabilities

millions of CHF

2019

2018

1’336.1

252.6

527.3

10.0

2’126.0

2018

2.6

42.9

45.5

Guarantees, sureties and comfort letters for subsidiaries

– to banks and insurance companies

– to customers

– to others

Guarantees for third parties

Total contingent liabilities as of December 31

1’317.3

206.1

574.0

10.0

2’107.4

As of December 31, 2019, CHF 309.9 million (2018: CHF 321.3 million) of guarantees, sureties and 

comfort letters for subsidiaries to banks and insurance companies were utilized.

8 Administrative expenses

millions of CHF

Compensation of Board of Directors

Other administrative expenses

Total administrative expenses

2019

3.0

73.2

76.2

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, recharges from subsidiaries and cost related to the Sulzer Full Potential program. In 2019, 

the higher other administrative expenses are mainly related to recharges from subsidiaries.

9 Investment income and investment and loan expenses

In 2019, the investment income contains ordinary and extraordinary dividend payments from 

subsidiaries amounting to CHF 161.5 million (2018: CHF 125.1 million).

The investment and loan expenses contain allowances on investments and loans amounting to CHF 

0.0 million in 2019 (2018: CHF 49.0 million).

10 Other income

During 2018, the company sold unquoted equity instruments previously measured at cost to Sulzer 

Vorsorgeeinrichtung, Sulzer’s pension fund. The transaction price was CHF 31.7 million and the 

resulting profit CHF 28.5 million. The transaction was priced on an arm’s length basis and was 

settled in cash prior to December 31, 2018.

The income from trademark license amounts to CHF 38.7 million (2018: CHF 36.2 million).

11 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 

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

188

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.

Board of Directors

Peter Löscher

Matthias Bichsel

Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg Sørensen

Lukas Braunschweiler

Mikhail Lifshitz

Marco Musetti

Gerhard Roiss

Executive Committee

Greg Poux-Guillaume

Daniel Bischofberger

Frédéric Lalanne

Jill Lee

Armand Sohet

Torsten Wintergerste

Girts Cimermans

Restricted 
share units 
(RSU) 1)

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2017 2)

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2018 3)

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2019 4)

2019

18’549

4’692

2’911

1’951

1’951

2’348

2’348

2’348

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

25’292

13’196

3’024

3’024

–

3’024

3’024

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

28’133

12’820

2’938

2’938

3’561

2’938

2’938

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

54’251

23’363

6’491

6’491

6’491

5’355

5’355

705

Sulzer 
shares

47’461

17’121

6’801

249

335

3’622

7’480

11’853

68’838

46’181

2’562

4’492

7’945

4’204

3’454

–

1) Restricted share units assigned by Sulzer.

2) The average fair value of one performance share unit 2017 at grant date amounted to CHF 116.02.

3) The average fair value of one performance share unit 2018 at grant date amounted to CHF 143.62.

4) The average fair value of one performance share unit 2019 at grant date amounted to CHF 115.95.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

189

Board of Directors

Peter Löscher

Matthias Bichsel

Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg Sørensen

Lukas Braunschweiler

Mikhail Lifshitz

Marco Musetti

Gerhard Roiss

Executive Committee

Greg Poux-Guillaume

Daniel Bischofberger

Frédéric Lalanne

Jill Lee

Armand Sohet

Michael Streicher

Torsten Wintergerste

Restricted 
share units 
(RSU) 1)

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2016 2)

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2017 3)

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2018 4)

2018

16’516

4’647

2’884

1’005

1’005

2’325

2’325

2’325

–

3’513

–

–

3’513

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

28’852

18’641

1’424

2’314

–

3’560

1’942

971

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

26’667

13’196

3’024

3’024

–

3’024

1’375

3’024

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

31’071

12’820

2’938

2’938

3’561

2’938

2’938

2’938

Sulzer 
shares

38’114

14’607

5’241

–

–

1’449

6’222

10’595

–

34’035

21’381

–

2’237

7’945

–

764

1’708

1) Restricted share units assigned by Sulzer.

2) The average fair value of one performance share unit 2016 at grant date amounted to CHF 118.05.

3) The average fair value of one performance share unit 2017 at grant date amounted to CHF 116.02.

4) The average fair value of one performance share unit 2018 at grant date amounted to CHF 143.62.

Granted Sulzer shares to members of the Board of Directors

Allocated to members of the Board of Directors

10’551

1’031’419

9’288

1’155’710

2019

2018

Quantity

Value in CHF

Quantity

Value in CHF

12 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.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

190

Proposal of the Board of Directors for the 
appropriation of the available profit

in CHF

Net profit for the year

Unallocated profit carried forward from previous year

Total available profit

Ordinary dividend

Balance carried forward

Dividend distribution per share CHF 0.01

Gross dividend

Withholding tax (35%)

Net dividend

2019

133’900’000

52’791’210

186’691’210

–136’085’784

50’605’426

4.00

–1.40

2.60

2018

134’200’000

37’838’775

172’038’775

–119’247’565

52’791’210

3.50

–1.23

2.27

The Board of Directors proposes the payment of a dividend of CHF 4.00 per share to the Annual 

General Meeting on April 15, 2020. The company will not pay a dividend on treasury shares held by 

Sulzer Ltd or one of its subsidiaries.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

page break 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Auditor’s report

191

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd, which comprise the “Balance sheet of Sulzer 

Ltd” as at December 31, 2019, the “Income statement of Sulzer Ltd”, the “Statement of changes in 

equity of Sulzer Ltd” for the year then ended, and the “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, 2019 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 

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Auditor’s report

192

that an audit conducted in accordance with Swiss law 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 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.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Auditor’s report

193

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

François Rouiller

Licensed Audit Expert

Auditor in Charge

Zurich, February 17, 2020

Simon Niklaus

Licensed Audit Expert

KPMG AG, Räffelstrasse 28, 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 Internationalˮ), a Swiss legal entity. All rights reserved.

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Investor contacts

194

Investor contacts

Christoph Ladner
Head of Investor Relations

Sulzer Ltd
Neuwiesenstrasse 15

8401 Winterthur

Switzerland

Phone +41 52 262 30 22

Contact form | Route

report.sulzer.com/ar19

    
Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Imprint

195

Imprint

Published by:

Sulzer Ltd, Winterthur, Switzerland,
© 2020

Concept/Layout:

wirDesign, Berlin Braunschweig, Germany

Publishing system:

ns.wow by mms solutions AG, Zurich, Switzerland

Photographs:

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Sulzer Management Ltd, Winterthur, Switzerland

Geri Krischker, Zurich, Switzerland (Management portraits)

iStock/Peefay (Cover)

Getty Images/Mjrodafotografia (Header picture “Fresh water for people in a desert city”)

Getty Images/Yasser Chalid (Header picture “Stable power supply in Indonesia”)

Getty Images/Caiaimage (Header picture “Turning plastic waste into valuable resources”)

Getty Images/Visoot Uthairam (Story picture “Turning plastic waste into valuable resources”)

Getty Images/Luis Alvarez (Header picture “Helping dentists work more safely and precisely”)

report.sulzer.com/ar19

Sulzer Annual Report 2019 – Disclaimer

196

Disclaimer

This report 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.

Rounding

Due to rounding, numbers presented throughout this report may not add up precisely to the totals 

provided. All ratios, percentages and variances are calculated using the underlying amount rather 

than the presented rounded amount.

Tables

Within tables, blank fields generally indicate that the field is not applicable or not meaningful, or that 

information is not available as of the relevant date or for the relevant period. Dashes (–) generally 

indicate that the respective figure is zero on an actual or rounded basis.

Languages

Parts of the Sulzer Annual Report 2019 have been translated into German. Please note that the 

English-language version of the Sulzer Annual Report is the binding version.

report.sulzer.com/ar19