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Sulzer AG

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FY2020 Annual Report · Sulzer AG
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SUSTAINABLE
INNOVATION

Annual Report 2020

Contents

  3  Letter to the shareholders

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

  9  Focus

 22  Business review
  23  Financial review
  28  Business review divisions

 37  Sustainable development
  38  People and community
  40  Environment
  44  Safety

 46  Corporate governance
  47  Corporate structure and shareholders
  48  Capital structure
  49  Board of Directors
  57  Executive Committee
  58  Shareholder participation rights
  59  Takeover and defense  measures
  60  Auditors
  61  Risk management
Information policy
  63 

 64  Compensation report
  65  Letter to the shareholders
  68  COVID-19 report
  71  Compensation governance and principles
  74  Compensation architecture for the CEO and EC members
  83  Compensation of the Executive Committee for 2020
  88  Compensation architecture for the Board of Directors
  90  Compensation of the Board of Directors for 2020
  92  Auditor’s report

 93  Financial reporting
  94  Consolidated financial  statements
 178  Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Letter to the shareholders

3

Letter to the shareholders

Last year at this point in time, when the world turned its eyes to China battling a novel virus, we 

wrote that it was still too early to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Sulzer, anticipating that it would 

very likely burden us beyond our China business.

Soon after, the coronavirus found its way across continents and country borders, challenging our 

private and professional lives. Thanks to our rapid response, our global network, Sulzer’s 

geographical and industrial diversification, and dedicated employees who went above and beyond 

the call of duty to continue to support customers under the strictest safety regulations, we were able 
to mitigate to a large extent the impact of the pandemic on our business.

Performance in 2020

Amid strong market headwinds and a global recession, Sulzer once again proved to be resilient: 

Compared with the full year 2019, orders only softened by 2.2% (–3.8% organic) and sales by 4.6%

(–5.6% organic), delivering on our guidance. Our diversified portfolio underpinned by our broad 

regional presence and solid operational execution were key drivers for this performance.

Our service business continued to be strong, with year-on-year order growth of 2.5%. Chemtech’s 

overall order intake remained on the previous year’s level on a dynamic Chemicals market and a 

29.2% rise in orders in China, Chemtech’s major market. In Pumps Equipment, order intake softened 

by 4.1%. The water market continued to grow, with orders up 2.3%, excluding two large Engineered 

Water orders in 2019. Orders in Energy decreased by 1.9%, on fewer investments in a volatile 

environment. Applicator Systems’ business came to an abrupt but temporary halt following the 

report.sulzer.com/ar20

Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Letter to the shareholders

4

closing of stores, factories and dental clinics in the second quarter, resulting in an order intake 

decline of 11.0% for the full year 2020. Along with the lifting of country lockdowns, APS rebounded 

with good momentum in the second half of 2020, culminating in year-on-year growth in the fourth 

quarter.

Robust operational profitability due to swift cost cutting

To mitigate the short-term impact of market disruptions by the pandemic, we took quick actions to 

squeeze our operating expenses by CHF 59 million.

Additionally, in anticipation of the downturn in Energy-related markets, we started to ramp down the 

related capacities. The teams executed the rigorous measures swiftly and without distractions, 

proving our agility to adapt to a fast-changing market environment. The recurring savings, targeted 

for a total of CHF 70 million, already started to have a positive impact in 2020 and will be largely 

realized this year.

Together, these measures helped us achieve an operational profitability of 9.0% (2019: 10.0%), 

despite the sudden deterioration of the business environment.

With our disciplined net working capital management, we have again delivered a record free cash 

flow of CHF 272 million, strengthening our already solid balance sheet.

Boosting our presence in medical and water

In line with our strategy to complement our portfolio with bolt-on acquisitions in fast-growing markets 

such as medical and water, we have announced exciting transactions of strategic importance. 

Haselmeier, an acquisition we announced in August and closed five weeks later, provides Sulzer 

access to the highly attractive drug delivery devices market. With its self-injection pens for 

reproductive health, diabetes or osteoporosis patients, Haselmeier is a great fit to our APS business 

and leverages our precision injection-molding expertise. Through this CHF 119 million transaction, 

we welcomed to Sulzer 230 people who had generated sales of CHF 40 million in 2019, and booked 

additional sales of CHF 7.4 million for the fourth quarter 2020.

With the acquisition of the Swedish company Nordic Water, announced in January and closed on 

February 1, 2021, Sulzer strengthened its wastewater treatment offering and gained further access to 

the clean water market, an exciting and fast-growing segment where Sulzer is already present. This 

leading supplier of water treatment technology, which we bought for CHF 128 million, employs 200 

people in six countries and has annual sales of around CHF 80 million.

Fostering sustainable innovation

With these transactions, we continued Sulzer’s industrial repositioning towards higher growth 

markets. Today, we have strong positions in sustainable ventures such as water treatment, energy 

efficiency, recycling, biomaterial applications, low carbon solutions and healthcare.

As we speak, Sulzer is scaling up a new groundbreaking textile recycling technology in partnership 

with fashion giant H&M, aiming at revolutionizing the textile industry. On the following pages, we 

provide further insights into some of our projects in the area of sustainable applications, including the 

development of plastic recycling and biopolymers in Switzerland, the supply of fresh water to Brazil’s 

drought-affected areas and our artificial intelligence solution for solar power plants in the middle of 
the desert.

report.sulzer.com/ar20

Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Letter to the shareholders

5

Continuing to embed ESG in our business model

As we look to the future, we will continue to make sustainable innovation part of all we do. The 

groundwork has been laid: Our Board’s Strategy and Sustainability Committee oversees all our 

sustainability initiatives and has already integrated ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) objectives 

into our compensation framework.

Gender pay parity at Sulzer

At Sulzer, we value diversity in all forms, as is reflected in our shared values and behaviors. This 

includes equal pay for equal work irrespective of gender. We are proud to say that there is no 

material earnings gap at Sulzer: The salaries between men and women for equal work on average 

across the entire company vary by a small 3% whereas global industry benchmarks suggest a 15% 

gap.

Changes to the Board of Directors

At the 2020 Annual General Meeting, Alexey Moskov was elected as new and additional member of 

the Board of Directors for a one-year term of office, bringing it back up to eight members. All eight 

are independents, and two are representatives of our largest shareholder Tiwel.

Outlook for 2021

For 2021, Sulzer expects a progressive return to pre-pandemic levels. The first half of the year at 

least will continue to be impacted by the pandemic, with regional lockdowns hampering business 

interactions. Our business most impacted by the lockdowns in 2020, Applicator Systems, should 

build on its strong H2 2020 rebound to return to pre-pandemic volumes by the middle of 2021. 

Progress with vaccination should bring an acceleration to all Sulzer businesses in the second half of 

the year.

Sulzer order intake in 2020 was only down 2% for the year, on the back of a strong first half where 

we were up almost 2%. As such, we have a robust baseline and expect orders to be up 3% to 6% in 

2021 on a currency-adjusted basis. Sales were down 4.6% in 2020 and should grow by 5% to 7% 

on a currency-adjusted basis. Operational profitability will benefit from the rebound in Applicator 

Systems and a significant uplift from our structural cost-cutting measures to return to pre-pandemic 

levels, close to 10%.

The storm is not over yet. The world is still in a global health crisis, with far-reaching consequences 

on our lives. However, we have good reason to believe that we are in good shape to continue 

weathering it. Throughout the year, we at Sulzer worked closely together as a team to change, adapt 

and execute swiftly, all while holding our spirits high. We’ve seen many encouraging stories of 

support and “going the extra mile” during 2020, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to our employees 

for their commitment and excellent performance. We also thank our customers, shareholders and 

partners who share our vision and values, and who continue to support us through choppy waters. 

We look forward to a continued open dialogue – hopefully in person again soon.

Kind regards,

Peter Löscher

Chairman of the Board

Greg Poux-Guillaume

CEO

report.sulzer.com/ar20

Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Sulzer at a glance – Our company

6

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, screens and 

filters 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 sustainability and life cycle cost-effectiveness. Our technology-based 

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

customers’ doorsteps.

Chemtech

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

polymer solutions for chemicals, petrochemicals, refining and LNG. Chemtech is also leading the 

way in ecological solutions such as biopolymers as well as textile and plastic recycling, contributing 

to a circular economy. Our product offering ranges from technology licensing to process 

components all the way to complete separation process plants. Customer support ranges from 

engineering and field services to tray and packing installation, tower maintenance, welding and plant 

turnaround projects – ensuring minimal downtime.

Applicator Systems

Through its well-known brands (Mixpac, Transcodent, Cox, Medmix, Haselmeier and Geka), Sulzer 

APS develops and delivers innovative products and services for liquid application and mixing 

solutions within the healthcare, adhesives and beauty markets. Our IP-protected applicator solutions 

make our customers’ products precise, safe, unique and more sustainable, leveraging our industry-
leading expertise in plastic-injection molding, two-component mixing, drug delivery and micro-

brushes.

report.sulzer.com/ar20

Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Sulzer at a glance – Our key figures

7

Our key figures

Amid difficult market dynamics caused by the pandemic, Sulzer was able to 
deliver yet another resilient performance with orders only softening by 2.2% and 
sales by 4.6%. This was supported by continued growth in the aftermarket 
business, strong demand in China, and positive development in Water and 
Chemicals. Solid operational execution and strict cost-saving measures helped 
reach an operational profitability of 9.0%. For the second consecutive year, Sulzer 
delivered a record free cash flow, amounting to CHF 272.1 million in 2020.

Order intake by division

Order intake by region

2020

2020

38% Pumps Equipment

33% Rotating Equipment Services

18% Chemtech

11% Applicator Systems

Key figures

millions of CHF

Order intake

Order intake gross margin

Order backlog as of December 31

Sales

EBIT

Operational profit

Operational profitability

Operational ROCEA

Core net income

Net income attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

Basic earnings per share

Free cash flow

Net debt as of December 31

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

1) Adjusted for currency effects.

2) Adjusted for acquisition and currency effects.

report.sulzer.com/ar20

42% Europe, the Middle East and Africa

33% Americas

25% Asia-Pacific

2020  

2019  

Change in 
+/–%  

+/–% 
1)
adjusted 

+/–% 
2)
organic 

3’414.1  

3’747.2  

–8.9  

–2.2  

–3.8

34.0%  

33.6%  

1’758.9  

1’792.6  

–1.9  

3’319.0  

3’728.5  

–11.0  

–4.6  

–5.6

150.6  

241.0  

–37.5  

297.6  

371.3  

–19.8  

–13.7  

–14.4

9.0%  

10.0%  

18.7%  

20.1%  

200.2  

257.8  

–22.4  

83.6  

2.46  

154.0  

–45.7  

4.52  

–45.6  

272.1  

213.4  

414.5  

346.9  

15’054  

16’506  

27.5  

19.5  

–8.8  

 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Sulzer at a glance – Our key figures

8

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

Data per share

CHF

Net income attributable to a shareholder of Sulzer Ltd

Change from prior year

2020  

2019  

2018  

2017  

2016

110.50  

113.40  

137.50  

129.90  

107.80

40.12  

75.15  

76.30  

102.30  

75.55

93.10  

108.00  

78.05  

118.20  

105.00

  33’835’903   34’021’446   33’950’499   34’043’093   34’084’909

3’150  

3’674  

2’650  

4’024  

3’579

224%  

232%  

163%  

240%  

226%

37.8x  

23.9x  

21.9x  

48.4x  

4.3%  

3.7%  

4.5%  

3.0%  

2020  

2019  

2018  

2017  

2.46  

–46%  

4.52  

27%  

3.56  

46%  

2.44  

41%  

60.6x

3.3%

2016

1.73

–20%

46.40

3.50

Equity attributable to a shareholder of Sulzer Ltd

41.50  

46.50  

48.00  

49.40  

Ordinary dividend

Payout ratio

1)
4.00 

163%  

4.00  

88%  

3.50  

3.50  

98%  

143%  

202%

Average number of shares outstanding

  33’970’141   34’026’442   31’934’459   34’084’133   34’102’610

1) Proposal to the Annual General Meeting.

Shareholder structure as of December 31, 2020

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

4’184  

5’467  

640  

97  

15  

10’403  

0.7%

5.2%

5.1%

8.8%

58.3%

78.0%

report.sulzer.com/ar20

 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Focus – Groundbreaking textile recycling technology

9

Groundbreaking textile recycling 
technology

Fast retail has led to shorter life cycle for garments, with millions of tons of fabrics 
piling up in landfills. This makes textile waste one of society’s pressing 
environmental issues. Today, only a minor share of end-of-use clothing is 
recycled. Sulzer partners with H&M to control and develop Worn Again, an 
innovator in textile recycling technology, which aspires to enable full circularity in 
the garment industry.

Who doesn’t love the sight of a decluttered wardrobe? Since Netflix made the renowned tidying 

expert Marie Kondo and her organizing method popular across the globe, decluttering has become 

an expression of contemporary lifestyle. Even more so in times of the pandemic, with more people 

staying at home and tidying up.

But what to do with all the pieces that – in the words of Kondo – no longer “spark joy”? Although 

secondhand fashion is increasing in popularity again, most clothing still ends up being thrown away.

Three-quarters of clothing end up in landfills

Of the more than 60 million tons of natural and synthetic textile fibers that are produced for clothing 

every year, 73% is incinerated or landfilled, according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

While it is common in many countries to recycle materials such as plastic, glass and paper, it is 

estimated that only 1% of clothing is recycled into new garments. Why is that? Textiles are rather 

complex systems containing various types of fibers, dyes, fillers and additives, making them difficult 

to recycle into virgin-like raw materials.

report.sulzer.com/ar20

Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Focus – Groundbreaking textile recycling technology

10

Initiating the textile revolution

As an expert in separation and chemical recycling technologies, we have taken up the challenge of 

solving this pressing environmental issue. Sulzer and H&M together control the UK-based company 

Worn Again. The teams are working on a unique textile recycling process to convert textiles at their 

end of use back into virgin-like raw materials.

Scaling-up a novel recycling process

Sulzer provides the equipment, technology and expertise which is combined with Worn Again’s 

unique solvent technology to form the heart of the process. Converting end-of-use polyester and 

cotton garments into polyester pellets and cellulosic pulp that can further be re-spun into new fibers, 

our technology closes the loop in the textile industry.

After extensive R&D, the results from the pilot plant have been promising. Our experts are now 

engineering a larger demonstration plant to further scale-up the technology to an output of a 

thousand tons a year, the final proof of concept before commercialization.

Sulzer and H&M are just about to allow your old clothes to be Worn Again!

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

report.sulzer.com/ar20

page breakSulzer Annual Report 2020 – Focus – Groundbreaking textile recycling technology

11

From old to new

Sulzer, together with H&M and Worn Again, has developed 

a new recycling process for the textile industry. The key is 

separating and recovering PET – a common component of 

clothes – and cotton or other cellulosics from end-of-use 

textiles. But the chemical processes behind this novel 

technology are complex.

The new recycling technology will enable textile circularity. 

Polyester textiles are complex materials containing different types of fibers, dyes, fillers and 

additives. PET is a type of polyester and serves as the basis for many clothes. However, most 

garments consist of a mix of different materials; the majority are so-called PET/cotton blends.

How chemical recycling of textiles works

The chemical recycling process is complex: In the first step called “dissolution”, solvents are used to 

dissolve the PET material and remove dyes, catalysts and other organic additives. Other chemicals 

remove the dyes from the cellulosic fibers.

The insoluble additives are released as fine powders and removed in a filtration process. The result is 

two products: 100% PET resin chips on the one hand and a cellulosic pulp on the other hand, which 

can be re-spun into a cellulosic fiber. In other words, the output is virgin PET and cellulose that can 

be reused to produce new garments.

The teams are also researching how to treat the by-products that arise in the process (such as dyes 

or surface finishes) and to refine them into useful end products instead of incinerating or landfilling.

Unique recycling technology

Our technology is unique because it does not actually change the chemical composition of the 

material and separates the PET and cotton/cellulose in one process in contrast to other recycling 

practices, saving energy.

With the new demonstration facility, the teams will further develop the technology and scale up 

operations to make it commercially available.

report.sulzer.com/ar20

page breakSulzer Annual Report 2020 – Focus – Cutting-edge Swiss biopolymer and plastic recycling technologies

12

Cutting-edge Swiss biopolymer and 
plastic recycling technologies

Human creature comforts – your clothes, your computer, your car – depend 
heavily on plastics and their many advantages. But our planet is being 
overwhelmed with the resulting waste problem. Advancing biopolymers and 
plastic recycling technologies can help to resolve this dilemma. Sulzer, the leading 
provider of polylactic acid (PLA) solutions, is expanding its R&D capabilities in 
Switzerland. The company is investing in testing facilities to support the scale-up 
and commercialization of pioneering biopolymer processes and plastic recycling 
technologies.

Today, the world produces more than 380 million tons of plastics every year. It is a valuable and 

versatile material with ever-growing application areas, but the rapidly increasing production of 

disposable plastic products is stretching our ability to deal with the waste.

A lot of plastics end up back in our natural environment, accumulating on our shorelines, in our 

oceans or in landfills and persisting for decades. Today, plastic pollution has become one of the 

most pressing environmental issues.

Establishing a new dedicated R&D facility for biopolymers

The detrimental impacts throughout the life cycle of fossil fuel-based plastics – land and water 

pollution, carbon emissions and toxins released upon incineration – underline the need for alternative 

biopolymers made from renewable resources.

Sulzer is a leader in this field. We are putting our money where our mouth is by expanding our R&D 

center located in Oberwinterthur, Switzerland. The company’s biopolymer technology portfolio brings 

highly sustainable and alternative solutions to the market – with significant social, economic and 

environmental benefits.

report.sulzer.com/ar20

Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Focus – Cutting-edge Swiss biopolymer and plastic recycling technologies

13

Scaling-up the production of bioplastics

Biopolymers like polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate (PEF) provide a 

sustainable alternative to conventional plastic materials. In contrast to PET, these materials are 

based on renewable feedstocks such as sugars, starches or agricultural waste.

As a leading one-stop provider for PLA processes, Sulzer has already supplied large commercial-

scale PLA plants to customers. Our teams have also produced lab-scale batches of novel polymers 

with unique barrier and tensile properties, such as PEF and PLA copolymers, with new and exciting 

physical properties that greatly expand the field of potential application of biopolymers (beer bottles! 

complex packaging!). Industrial partnerships emphasize the potential of this technology, and 

production will be scaled up with the new pilot plant in the first half of 2021.

Increasing the recycling rate of plastics to 50%

Despite rising efforts in the field of biopolymers, most plastics are currently non-biodegradable and 

non-recyclable, ending up in landfills and incineration plants.

To tackle this issue, a growing number of companies around the globe are developing chemical 

recycling technologies. It is expected that these processes can increase the recycling rate of all 

plastics from today’s levels of around 15% to 50% by 2030.

Building a pilot plant for plastic recycling technologies

In 2019, Sulzer demonstrated the uniqueness of its fractionation technology, used as an essential 

purification step in plastic-to-liquid (PtL) recycling processes of industry innovators like Danish 

company Quantafuel. Quantafuel developed a solution to recycle plastic packaging waste into usable 

fuels. We will now take the next step to further develop and expand the fields of application of this 

technology, with a dedicated new pilot plant in Allschwil, Switzerland.

The plant is designed to upgrade the outputs from various plastic recycling processes by separating 

and/or purifying them. These purified outputs will be used as fuels or monomers, enabling circularity 

for plastic waste. We are already testing the process on our existing units as we prepare to begin 

operations at the new plant in the second half of 2021.

Advancing the sustainable production of plastics

Our partnerships with various universities, such as our Swiss neighbors ETH Zurich, along with start-

up companies, customers and other stakeholders in the value chain allow us to decrease time to 

market for these new solutions.

Reducing carbon footprints and negative environmental impacts is what drives Sulzer’s innovation 

program. We help turn ideas into commercially viable reality, to foster a circular economy.

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

report.sulzer.com/ar20

Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Focus – Cutting-edge Swiss biopolymer and plastic recycling technologies

14

“Making our way towards a 

circular economy”

Torsten Wintergerste, Division President Chemtech, 

outlines the stumbling blocks on the journey towards a 

world with more sustainable plastic solutions – and how 

Sulzer innovation helps find a way out of the plastic crisis.

Our R&D facility in Winterthur for the production of biopolymers.

Why don’t we see more bioplastics and plastic recycling technologies in use today? What are 

the obstacles?

The engineering of plastic materials has been constantly evolving since the Second World War, to 

replace wood, glass or metal products with inexpensive plastic equivalents. These engineered 

plastics are not easy to recycle, nor can they be easily replaced with bio-based alternatives with 

similar physical properties – produced at reasonable costs. While promising technologies exist at 

laboratory or pilot scale, it takes time and effort to scale up and improve these processes for the 

mass market. Furthermore, it requires all players within the value chain to optimize and streamline 

their processes. Public policies favoring the use of bio- or recycled materials can accelerate this 

trend. Nowadays, there is fortunately a global consciousness of this issue that is enabling a fast-pace 

transition to the desired circularity for plastics.

What is so special about Sulzer’s technology to produce biopolymers?

Biopolymers are produced from natural feedstocks and are thus degradable. These feedstocks are 

transformed by biochemical or chemical processes into biomonomers – the building blocks of 

biopolymers. As biomonomers consist of natural resources, they contain various impurities that must 

be removed prior to the polymerization process. Our technology consists of highly efficient process 

steps to produce and purify the biomonomers for conversion into biopolymers. This exclusive 

production platform is suitable for a wide range of very promising biopolymers (such as PEF, PLA 

and potential copolymers) that can be used for packaging, agricultural, transport and medical 

purposes.

The keyword of our newly designed plants is flexibility. Our facilities can create pure biopolymers of 

controlled length, structure and properties. Furthermore, our technology can process various raw 

materials – while maintaining Swiss quality and accuracy!

Please tell us more about Sulzer’s R&D program for plastics.

Our R&D program is based on three pillars: functionality at reduced weight thanks to our foaming 

technology, closed-loop recycling of plastics, and sustainable production of biopolymers. Behind our 

program is a team of fully committed process specialists, driven by the ambition to provide a solution 
to today’s environmental challenges. We all strongly believe that our efforts to develop advanced 

process solutions for polymeric foams, biopolymers and for the recycling of conventional polymers is 

the right path forward.

report.sulzer.com/ar20

page breakSulzer Annual Report 2020 – Focus – Cutting-edge Swiss biopolymer and plastic recycling technologies

15

Cosmetic packaging made 

from recycled plastics and 

biomaterials

Historically, the beauty industry relied heavily on virgin oil-

based plastics for packaging. Now, however, the industry 

is increasingly moving towards sustainable solutions. Geka 

offers cosmetic packaging that is made of recycled plastics 

and develops solutions using bioplastics from non-edible 

sources.

Sulzer’s Applicator Systems (APS) division focuses on offering beauty packaging made from recycled 

plastics, so-called PCR (post-consumer resin) materials, and bioplastics from non-edible sources.

In 2020, Geka launched its “Reborn” green packaging collection for eye and lip makeup, made 

exclusively from sustainable components. The mascara bottles are based on 100% PCR PET 
(polyethylene terephthalate), the caps on 100% PCR PP (polypropylene), and the fibers for brushes 

are derived from non-edible castor oil. Despite limited global production capacity for PCR and high 

demand, Geka’s goal is to fully integrate PCR into its components in the near future.

Like recycled plastics, biomaterials offer great potential for the future, with an average 30–50% lower 

carbon footprint than their fossil equivalents. However, they are considered more of a medium-term 

solution since they require changes to product designs and tools. Being part of the Sulzer group is a 

great advantage for APS, since its sister division Chemtech is a leading technology provider for bio-

based plastics. Using this know-how and network, Geka will continue its efforts to make beauty 

packaging more sustainable in 2021 and beyond.

report.sulzer.com/ar20

Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Focus – Bringing water to drought-affected areas

16

Bringing water to drought-affected areas

Brazil’s hot climate poses major challenges for the country’s water infrastructure. 
Large areas such as the Greater São Paulo metropolitan region are suffering from 
the consequences of water scarcity. The Brazilian water company Sabesp looked 
for a partner to increase the water supply and bring relief to millions of people. Not 
many suppliers were up for the job – but Sulzer was.

The land of carnival, football and eternal sunshine – the largest country in South America evokes in 

many a traveler enticing reveries of summer, sun and fun. But while this notion paints a perfect 

picture for tourists, it poses a problem for millions of people who call Brazil their home.

Three million Brazilians without access to safe water

Drought has the country in a firm grip, as climate change aggravates existing water scarcity. 

According to the global nonprofit organization Water.org, three million people in Brazil live without 

access to safe water, and a staggering 24 million lack access to sanitation. Frequent downtime in 

water supply, disruptions in service and deficiencies in drinking water systems are challenges that 

Brazilians face in their everyday lives.

Brazil’s government is building new infrastructure to bring relief to its semi-arid areas where water 

scarcity is taking its toll.

A project of superlatives

With its 22 million inhabitants, Greater São Paulo is one of the largest metropolitan regions on Earth. 

The Brazilian water company Sabesp took ambitious action to build a new source of water supply for 

the region. The São Lourenço system brings 6’400 liters of drinking water per second – enough to fill 

roughly ten Olympic-size swimming pools every hour – to the residents of seven municipalities.

The project involved the construction of a brand-new water treatment and storage facility on a 

mountaintop close to the city. Water for the plant comes from the Cachoeira do França reservoir, 83 

kilometers away and several hundred meters lower in altitude.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Focus – Bringing water to drought-affected areas

17

The one company up to the job

Several large pumps located at the reservoir intake station would transport the water from the 

reservoir to the new treatment facility. Back in 2018, the construction consortium had to find a 

partner with the ability to manufacture pumps capable of delivering up to 6’400 liters per second and 

a head of 365 meters. Not an easy task.

After conversations with several original equipment manufacturers, only Sulzer was able to 

demonstrate the necessary experience, engineering and manufacturing capabilities to design, test 

and supply pumps of this size.

Five giant Sulzer pumps

Sulzer manufactured the giant pumps and tested them at full load on our in-house test bed. With a 

500 mm discharge diameter, 970 mm nominal impeller diameter and an output of 1’500 liters per 

second at a 365-meter head, the result was five of the largest pumps ever installed in the country.

“I remember we had to carry out the customer witness tests at night to avoid overloading the local 

electricity supply because the pumps were so incredibly big”, remembers Claudio Wada, Sales 

Manager Engineered Water at Sulzer.

Meeting water demand for the next ten years

Sulzer specialists also oversaw the installation and commissioning of the pumps at the site.

Sulzer is using technology to bring water to millions of people in the Greater São Paulo metropolitan 

area, meeting projected growth in water demand for the next ten years at least.

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

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Focus – Bringing water to drought-affected areas

18

Essential services for 

critical infrastructure

Large infrastructure requires frequent maintenance and 

care – particularly in times when it is overtaxed, such as the 

COVID-19 pandemic. During lockdowns, authorities put 

their trust in Sulzer to continue providing essential services 

for the infrastructure we rely on every day. Sulzer’s skills, 

proximity and speed helped a UK hospital keep two 

operating theaters open over a winter weekend.

Our employees worked selflessly throughout the lockdowns – with stringent health and safety 

precautions in place – to keep power, water, medical and transport infrastructure up and running 

around the world.

Free health checks for energy equipment in hospitals

When medical facilities were increasingly confronted with COVID-19 patients and fast approaching 

capacity limits, Sulzer’s service teams stepped in to offer free health checks for energy equipment in 

hospitals. This enabled healthcare professionals to focus on their important work without having to 

worry that their infrastructure might fail.

Sulzer’s service specialists in the UK offered free support to the National Health Service. UK hospital 

estate managers and facility management providers seized this opportunity and called on Sulzer to 

carry out checks and maintenance on critical plants and equipment, thereby guaranteeing 

uninterrupted performance amidst the increasing strain on medical infrastructure.

Emergency weekend repairs at a hospital

Towards the year-end, Sulzer’s UK service team received a breakdown call from a hospital in 

Southern England. Two fire alarms had gone off because both their motors had failed, leaving the 

hospital unable to use two operating theatres.

This would be dangerous in any situation but even more damaging during the coronavirus crisis – it 

was clear that the hospital needed urgent assistance. When the customer contacted Sulzer, the team 

went the extra mile to source and supply a new motor within 50 minutes following the request for 

assistance.

Operating in these difficult times has meant modifying working practices, but Sulzer remained 

committed at all times to providing a flexible and high-quality service – while protecting the safety of 

staff and customers alike.

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page breakSulzer Annual Report 2020 – Focus – Artificial intelligence solution for solar power plants

19

Artificial intelligence solution for solar 
power plants

Climate change calls for innovative, energy-efficient solutions to reduce CO
2
emissions. Renewable energy sources like solar thermal power improve today’s 
carbon footprint. To manage equipment at such plants efficiently and be one step 
ahead of outages, Sulzer supports Atlantica’s solar power plants with the artificial 
intelligence of its advanced data analytics platform, BLUE BOX™.

With its thousands of reflecting parabolic troughs facing the sun, the site looks like a giant mirror in 

the middle of the desert. Located in one of the hottest areas of North America, the solar power plant 

in the Mojave Desert generates 280 megawatts of clean electricity to power roughly 90’000 homes in 

the region. A similar picture on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean: KaXu Solar One in South Africa 

uses the power of the sun to generate 100 megawatts of electricity for the population.

Preventing 665’000 tons of CO  emissions per year

2

The two solar plants belong to the diversified portfolio of Atlantica, a global player with sustainable 

infrastructure assets all over the world.

Together, the two facilities prevent the release of 665’000 tons of CO  into the atmosphere every 

2

year. That’s the same amount of emissions that forests the size of Yosemite National Park can 

absorb in one year.

Using the power of the sun

Several energy scenario studies consider concentrated solar power (CSP) to be a key sustainable 

source of energy to meet ambitious climate protection goals.

CSP systems use mirrors or lenses to concentrate the sunlight onto receiver tubes. These tubes 

contain a heat transfer fluid that is pumped around the whole site. Together with boiler feed pumps, 

the heat energy is used to create steam, which drives a generator to produce electricity. Pumps 

therefore play a vital role in ensuring the functionality of the entire plant.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Focus – Artificial intelligence solution for solar power plants

20

One step ahead of outages

Because thousands of people depend on this plant for power, the operators are keen to run their 

plants as efficiently as possible and avoid downtimes. For this reason, Atlantica invested in Sulzer’s 

BLUE BOX advanced data analytics platform to monitor and optimize the performance of its plant.

BLUE BOX uses machine learning to interpret live pump operating data. Based on this data and with 

the know-how of Sulzer experts that comes with the solution, the system supports plant operators to 

optimize operation and maintenance of their pumps.

It detects and flags anomalies, estimates the remaining lifetime of the equipment and helps make 

data-driven decisions for preventive maintenance.

More uptime and less operational risks

Collaborating with Atlantica’s own data science team, Sulzer and its digital solution increases uptime, 

improves reliability and mitigates the operational risks of solar energy plants, leading to cost savings 

and higher revenues.

Connecting the Mojave and KaXu plants to Sulzer’s cloud solution was just the first step: Atlantica 

plans to implement BLUE BOX in all its assets worldwide as part of its digitalization efforts.

The future of energy is clean and renewable. BLUE BOX enables companies like Atlantica to get the 

most out of their installations around the globe. By optimizing the performance of these sustainable 

energy sources, Sulzer helps to create a brighter future.

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

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Focus – Artificial intelligence solution for solar power plants

21

“Adding value by 

combining human and 

artificial intelligence”

Sulzer’s solutions play a critical role in infrastructure all 

over the world where downtime means profits lost. Marc 

Heggemann, Head of Group Commercial Digital Solutions 

at Sulzer, explains how artificial and human intelligence 

together optimize the efficiency of assets and predict 

equipment failures.

Can artificial intelligence and algorithms predict an outage of a plant?

It needs machine learning, but that’s not enough. Why? The amount of data is often limited, and 

quality is sometimes not good enough, since operators lack a complete history of pump operation 

and maintenance. Hence, machine learning needs to be combined with physical pump modeling to 

increase confidence in the results. That’s where Sulzer comes into play: as an OEM, we already have 

the required pump knowledge in-house. It takes thorough expert understanding, or human 

intelligence, of how the physical equipment design and operation are represented in a so-called 

“digital twin”. Building on that, our equipment optimization specialists support customers with the 

data analysis required to draw the right conclusions.

How does BLUE BOX work in practice?

BLUE BOX is an early detection system flagging anomalies on key performance indicators of pumps. 

These anomalies are often not uncovered by threshold alert systems on individual sensors until it’s 

too late. Contrary to an instant alert, anomaly detection occurs early enough to allow preventive 

maintenance action. Let me give you a real-life example. After implementing BLUE BOX at Atlantica’s 

plants, the system flagged four anomalies on a single pump over a couple of days, indicating that the 

performance of the asset deviated from its healthy state.

This finding was confirmed by Atlantica’s on-site data science team which also found an abnormal 

event by analyzing the data. The analysis of the motor power and shaft speed afterwards identified a 

bearing that was close to failure, yet far below the alarm limits for vibration and temperature in 

conventional methods. The customer was able to proactively order spare parts, mitigating the risk of 

failure and saving money.

Why should a cost-conscious plant operator invest in such an artificial intelligence solution?

If you look at the total life cycle cost of the equipment, the investment in such AI solutions in relation 

to potential savings is rather small and makes a valid business case. We add value by supporting our 

customers in their decision-making processes through customized cost-benefit analyses. The 

unexpected failure of critical pumping systems can easily have implications exceeding USD 100’000 

per occurrence. BLUE BOX monitors equipment and flags anomalies before failure happens, thus 

avoiding costly downtime and reducing operational risks. Combining these results with our expert 
knowledge, we can recommend the best and most cost-efficient solution. This allows the customer 

to extend equipment lifetimes and reduce life cycle costs, typically achieving payback within months.

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page breakBusiness
review

 23  Financial review

 28  Business review divisions
  28  Pumps Equipment
  30  Rotating Equipment Services
  32  Chemtech
  34  Applicator Systems

Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Business review – Financial review

23

Resilient orders, robust profitability and 
record free cash flow

Order intake decreased by 2.2% including acquisitions and 3.8% organically. 
Lockdowns led to a drop in sales of 4.6% compared to the previous year. The 
lower sales volume and an unfavorable mix effect, partly offset by CHF 59 million 
of year-on-year cost savings, resulted in an operational profitability of 9.0%. Free 
cash flow generation reached a record high of CHF 272.1 million, an improvement 
of CHF 58.7 million compared with last year.

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

Resilient order intake

Sulzer delivered a solid order intake in 2020, totaling CHF 3’414.1 million, limiting the decrease to 

2.2% and 3.8% organically. Acquisitions contributed CHF 54.6 million to order intake. Currency 

translation effects had a negative impact on order intake of CHF 248.9 million, as the Swiss franc 

appreciated against all currencies Sulzer is operating in. Order intake gross margin increased to 

34.0%, slightly up from 33.6% in 2019 on the back of order selectivity and pricing discipline.

Amid difficult market conditions, Sulzer delivered 
yet another resilient top line performance and 
operational profitability, while generating record 
free cash flow.

Jill Lee, Chief Financial Officer

Order intake in the Pumps Equipment division decreased by 4.1%. Water orders increased by 2.3%, 

excluding two large projects of CHF 42 million for water transport and desalination booked in 2019. 

Industry remained stable (–0.5%). After a strong first half-year, commercial activity in the Energy-

related markets slowed in the second half as expected, leading to a year-on-year decrease of 

1.9%. Order intake in Rotating Equipment Services grew by 2.5%, supported by CHF 21.9 million 

from the Alba acquisition and organic growth (0.6%). As an essential service provider, we saw 

growth across product lines and regions. However, restricted access to customer sites impacted 

order intake in the second half-year. Chemtech’s order intake remained on the previous year’s level 

(–1.1%), despite customers postponing projects and site access restrictions. The GTC acquisition 

contributed CHF 19.7 million. In Applicator Systems, orders rebounded in the second half-year, 

reducing the drop in order intake from 27.3% in the first half to 11.0% for the full year (–14.2% 

organically). The division was significantly impacted by the closing of stores and dental clinics. The 

Haselmeier acquisition contributed CHF 13.0 million.

As of December 31, 2020, the order backlog amounted to CHF 1’758.9 million (December 31, 2019: 

CHF 1’792.6 million). Negative currency translation effects totaled CHF 129.8 million.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Business review – Financial review

Orders

millions of CHF

Order intake

Order intake gross margin

Order backlog as of December 31

24

2019

3’747.2

33.6%

1’792.6

2020  

3’414.1  

34.0%  

1’758.9  

Lockdowns impacting sales

Despite limited site access, temporary closures of factories and front-end outlets, sales amounted to 

CHF 3’319.0 million in 2020, moderately decreasing by 4.6% (–5.6% organically). Acquisitions added 

CHF 34.1 million, while negative currency translation effects amounted to CHF 239.0 million.

Sales in Pumps Equipment declined by 5.7%. Strong sales in Water (+3.4% organic, –0.8% 

currency-adjusted) and stable sales in Industry (–1.0%) did not offset a sales decline in Energy

(–11.8%). Sales in Rotating Equipment Services remained stable, with the Alba acquisition 

contributing CHF 12.9 million. In Chemtech, sales declined by 4.8%. Strong execution in China could 

not offset the lockdown impacts elsewhere. The GTC acquisition supported with CHF 13.8 million. In 

Applicator Systems, sales declined by 13.4%, caused by the abrupt closure of retail stores and 

dental clinics in the first half of 2020, followed by a strong rebound later in the year. The newly 

acquired Haselmeier business contributed CHF 7.4 million.

Stable gross margin

Gross margin remained stable at 29.9% in 2020 (2019: 30.1%), despite a lower share of high-margin 

Applicator Systems business within the sales mix. Total gross profit decreased to CHF 993.6 million 

(2019: CHF 1’121.2 million), due to a lower sales volume and significant currency translation effects 

of CHF 68.9 million.

Operational profitability of 9.0%

Operational profit amounted to CHF 297.6 million compared with CHF 371.3 million in 2019, a 

decrease of 13.7%. Cost reduction measures partly mitigated the impact from lower sales volume 

and negative mix effect from lower sales in Applicator Systems. A hiring pause, reduction in 

personnel-related costs, discretionary spend and travel contributed CHF 59 million to cost savings.

Bridge from EBIT to operational profit

millions of CHF

EBIT

Amortization

Impairments on tangible and intangible assets

Restructuring expenses

1)
Non-operational items 

Operational profit

2020  

150.6  

65.9  

9.8  

55.8  

15.4  

297.6  

2019

241.0

64.5

4.4

23.1

38.3

371.3

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.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Business review – Financial review

25

Operational profitability decreased to 9.0% compared with 10.0% in 2019. The divisions achieved 

the following profitability figures:

—

—

—

—

Pumps Equipment: 4.3% (2019: 4.0%). Higher operational profitability of 30 basis points was 

supported by a strong performance in Water and Industry, a mix effect due to less Energy sales 

and significant cost reduction measures in Energy.

Rotating Equipment Services: 13.9% (2019: 14.1%). Operational profitability remained stable 

thanks to disciplined cost management.

Chemtech: 9.6% (2019: 9.6%): Stable operational profitability was supported by pick-up in the 

second half-year and cost-out actions.

Applicator Systems: 12.7% (2019: 21.0%). Operational profitability was severely impacted by 

lockdowns, particularly in the second quarter as dental practices and retailers closed, before 

experiencing a strong rebound in the last months of the year.

Calculation of ROS and operational profitability

millions of CHF

EBIT

Sales

ROS

Operational profit

Sales

Operational profitability

Structural actions

2020  

150.6  

3’319.0  

4.5%  

297.6  

3’319.0  

9.0%  

2019

241.0

3’728.5

6.5%

371.3

3’728.5

10.0%

Sulzer launched decisive measures to mitigate the impact of market disruptions on Energy-related 

business activities early in 2020. By December 2020, one-off expenses of CHF 81.0 million were 

recorded, comprised of CHF 55.8 million restructuring expenses, CHF 15.4 million non-operational 

costs and CHF 9.8 million impairments. CHF 70.7 million of the one-off expenses were attributed to 

the Energy-related footprint and resource adaptation, including the closure or resizing of sites in 

Europe and the Americas, as well as the resizing of supporting resources.

EBIT amounted to CHF 150.6 million, decreasing nominally by 37.5% compared with CHF 241.0 

million in 2019. Return on sales (ROS) was 4.5% compared with 6.5% in 2019.

Financial result

Interest expenses on borrowings and lease liabilities slightly increased to CHF 21.8 million (2019: 

CHF 21.1 million). This is mainly due to the interest expenses on bonds issued in the second half of 

2020.

Total financial expenses slightly decreased to CHF 28.1 million (2019: CHF 28.3 million), mainly as a 

result of fair value changes on financial assets, partially offset by lower interest and security income.

Higher effective tax rate

Income tax expenses decreased to CHF 34.6 million (2019: CHF 55.1 million) due to lower pre-tax 

income. The effective tax rate increased to 28.4% in 2020 compared to 25.9% in 2019. The effective 

income tax rate was impacted by restructuring expenses related to closed facilities with no 

corresponding tax effects.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Business review – Financial review

26

Lower core net income

In 2020, net income amounted to CHF 87.2 million compared with CHF 157.7 million in the previous 

year. Core net income excluding the tax-adjusted effects of non-operational items totaled CHF 200.2 

million compared with CHF 257.8 million in 2019. Basic earnings per share decreased from CHF 4.52 

in 2019 to CHF 2.46 in 2020.

Bridge from net income to core net income

millions of CHF

Net income

Amortization

Impairments on tangible and intangible assets

Restructuring expenses

1)
Non-operational items 

Tax impact on above items

Core net income

2020  

87.2  

65.9  

9.8  

55.8  

15.4  

–34.0  

200.2  

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, 2020 amounted to CHF 5’378.7 million, which is a nominal increase 

of CHF 269.2 million from 2019. Higher borrowings and acquisitions contributed to the increase.

Non-current assets increased by CHF 43.9 million to CHF 2’215.9 million mainly due to higher 

goodwill (CHF 36.9 million), higher deferred income tax assets (CHF 20.1 million) and higher 

associates (CHF 10.5 million), partly offset by lower other intangible assets (CHF 29.1 million). 

Current assets increased nominally by CHF 225.3 million. Cash and cash equivalents increased by 

CHF 87.7 million and current financial assets increased by CHF 247.6 million. Better net working 

capital management contributed to an inventory reduction of CHF 59.8 million. Contract assets 

decreased by CHF 30.3 million and trade account receivables decreased by CHF 46.8 million.

Total liabilities nominally increased by CHF 446.0 million to CHF 3’961.6 million as of December 31, 

2020. The main reasons were an increase in non-current borrowings (CHF 292.1 million), as well as in 

current borrowings by CHF 100.8 million.

Equity decreased nominally by CHF 176.7 million to CHF 1’417.2 million. This was mainly driven by 

dividend distribution (CHF 138.7 million, of which CHF 2.6 million for non-controlling interests) and 

currency translation effects (CHF 133.5 million), partly offset by net income (CHF 87.2 million) and 

remeasurement of the defined benefit obligation (CHF 8.0 million).

Net debt increased from CHF 346.9 million in 2019 to CHF 414.5 million in 2020, mainly due to higher 

borrowings. Net debt to EBITDA increased from 0.84 in 2019 to 1.26 due to the decrease in EBITDA 

and increase in net debt.

Record free cash flow

Cash flow from operating activities amounted to CHF 368.7 million, compared with CHF 319.6 million 
in 2019. Lower net income could be more than compensated with an increase of provisions (CHF 

93.2 million), also driven by restructuring-related provisions, favorable changes in inventories (CHF 

29.7 million) and advance payments to suppliers (CHF 19.2 million). Free cash flow amounted to CHF 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Business review – Financial review

27

272.1 million compared with CHF 213.4 million in the prior year. This was driven by the higher cash 

flow from operating activities and lower capital expenditure.

Bridge from cash flow from operating activities to free cash flow

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

2020  

368.7  

–7.5  

0.1  

–98.0  

8.9  

272.1  

2019

319.6

–6.0

0.5

–108.9

8.1

213.4

Cash-out from investing activities totaled CHF 461.8 million compared with CHF 242.6 million in the 

prior year. Cash-out for acquisitions amounted to CHF 108.2 million compared with CHF 78.5 million 

in 2019. Net capital expenditure for property, plant and equipment (including disposal of assets) 

amounted to CHF 89.1 million, below the CHF 100.8 million in 2019. The group also increased 

deposits by CHF 248.1 million.

Cash flow from financing activities totaled CHF 236.5 million compared with CHF –123.2 million in 

2019. This was largely due to additional borrowings in the net amount of CHF 394.0 million (2019: 

CHF 4.9 million). The additional bonds issued in 2020 flattened Sulzer’s bond maturity profile. 

Following the Sulzer dividend increase to CHF 4.00 per share, dividend payments amounted to CHF 

92.6 million in 2020, compared with CHF 81.2 million in 2019. CHF 43.5 million of net dividend 

payments to Sulzer’s main shareholder Tiwel could still not be transferred as a result of US 

sanctions. Payments of lease liabilities amounted to CHF 39.2 million. Exchange losses on cash 

amounted to CHF 55.7 million, compared with a loss of CHF 13.5 million in 2019.

Outlook for 2021

For 2021, Sulzer expects a progressive return to pre-pandemic levels. The first half of the year at 

least will continue to be impacted by the pandemic, with regional lockdowns hampering business 

interactions. Our business most impacted by the lockdowns in 2020, Applicator Systems, should 

build on its strong H2 2020 rebound to return to pre-pandemic volumes by the middle of 2021. 

Progress with vaccination should bring an acceleration to all Sulzer businesses in the second half of 

the year.

Sulzer order intake in 2020 was only down 2% for the year, on the back of a strong first half where 

we were up almost 2%. As such, we have a robust baseline and expect orders to be up 3% to 6% in 

2021 on a currency-adjusted basis. Sales were down 4.6% in 2020 and should grow by 5% to 7% 

on a currency-adjusted basis. Operational profitability will benefit from the rebound in Applicator 

Systems and a significant uplift from our structural cost-cutting measures to return to pre-pandemic 

levels, close to 10%.

Abbreviations

EBIT: Earnings before interest and taxes
ROS: Return on sales
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”.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Business review – Pumps Equipment

28

Improved operational profitability despite 
lower volumes

Despite a challenging market environment and thanks to excellence in execution 
and cost measures, Pumps Equipment (PE) increased operational profitability by 
30 basis points to 4.3%. Orders and sales declined by 4.1% and 5.7% 
respectively. Sulzer strengthened its water business by acquiring Nordic Water, a 
leading supplier of water treatment technology.

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

Taking structural action and strengthening water business

In anticipation of adverse conditions in the oil and gas market, PE took structural actions early on to 

make its Energy-related business leaner and adapt to the slowdown of market demand. The fast and 

successful execution of the Energy Resilience program paid off and resulted in an improved 

operational profitability despite lower volumes.

In January 2021, Sulzer announced to acquire Nordic Water, a leading supplier of water treatment 

technology. The acquisition complements PE’s wastewater portfolio and provides further access to 

the fast-growing clean water market. It is expected that Nordic Water, with 200 employees at 13 sites 

in six countries, will achieve sales of around CHF 80 million in 2021, in addition to generating 

significant sales and aftermarket synergies.

In the past year, we’ve demonstrated our agility 
and ability to quickly adapt, anticipating the 
impact of a challenging market environment. This 
led to an improved operational profitability despite 
lower sales. The acquisition of Nordic Water 
opens up exceptional opportunities to further 
grow in the water market going forward.

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

Operational profit

Operational profitability

2020  

2019  

Change in +/–%  

1)
+/–% adjusted 

2)
+/–% organic 

1’297.6  

1’458.9  

–11.1  

–4.1  

–2.9

28.4%  

845.0  

27.4%  

924.3  

1’296.3  

1’477.0  

–16.1  

55.2  

4.3%  

11.9  

59.7  

4.0%  

–8.6  

–12.2  

n/a  

–7.5  

–5.7  

–2.7  

–4.5

4.2

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

5’362  

5’759  

–6.9  

1) Adjusted for currency effects.

2) Adjusted for acquisition and currency effects.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Business review – Pumps Equipment

29

Resilient order intake in challenging markets

Orders in the water market continued to grow and were up 2.3%, excluding two large Engineered 

Water orders in 2019. Orders in Energy decreased by 1.9%, due to fewer investments in a volatile 

environment. Order intake in Industry remained stable (–0.5%), because the decline in Pulp and 

Paper was offset by higher activity in other industrial processing industries.

Order intake grew by 4.6% in Asia-Pacific on robust demand in China. The Americas reported a 

decrease in orders of 5.1%, impacted by less investment activity in oil and gas in the USA, whereas 

orders in EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, Africa) declined by 7.6%.

Order intake by segment

Order intake by region

2020

2020

29% Water

26% Oil and Gas

24% General Industry

15% Chemicals

6% Power

44% Europe, the Middle East and Africa

32% Americas

24% Asia-Pacific

Improved profitability on strict cost management and solid 
operational performance

Strong sales in Water (+3.4% organic, –0.8% currency-adjusted) and stable sales in Industry (–1.0%) 

did not offset the decrease in Energy (–11.8%), leading to a sales decrease of 5.7% compared with 

2019. The rapid execution of the Energy Resilience program and associated structural cost-out 

measures led to an increase in operational profitability by 30 basis points to 4.3%.

Safety performance in 2020

In 2020, PE reported an accident frequency rate (AFR) of 2.0 cases per million working hours (2019: 

1.8), despite fewer major accidents. The accident severity rate (ASR) increased to 53.5 lost days per 

million working hours from a low level of 37.3 in the previous year, largely impacted by an incident 

that occurred in late 2019 and carried over lost days into 2020. Thorough contingency planning and 

the application of COVID-19 adapted safe working processes during the pandemic were key to 

continue to serve customer needs. Through these efforts, all PE facilities were able to maintain 

workshop operations throughout 2020.

Abbreviations

EBIT: Earnings before interest and taxes
For the definition of the alternative performance measures, please refer to “Supplementary information”.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Business review – Rotating Equipment Services

30

Resilient performance in a challenging 
year

Order intake in Rotating Equipment Services (RES) grew by 2.5% in 2020 despite 
customer site access restrictions. Sales remained on the previous year’s level. The 
division reported stable operational profit and robust operational profitability at 
13.9%, helped by cost-out measures.

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

Executing critical service tasks

As the world struggled with the first, second and even third waves of the coronavirus pandemic, the 

supply of global goods was disrupted time and again. Our dedicated RES teams around the globe 

joined the circle of workers who helped maintain operation of critical infrastructure during lockdowns.

Towards the year-end, the service teams in the UK supported NHS hospitals in keeping their 
operating theatres open and fixing heating issues. After receiving emergency calls on Christmas Day, 

the teams went the extra mile to solve critical pump and motor issues within hours to enable 

seamless operations – proving the responsiveness, effectiveness and diligence of Sulzer’s service 

network with its proximity to customers. We could not be prouder of our teams.

Amid the economic recession induced by the 
pandemic, we proved the resilience of our service 
business with growing orders, stable sales and 
robust operational profitability. The credit for this 
outstanding performance goes to our dedicated 
people who went above and beyond the call of 
duty to support customers around the clock.

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

Operational profit

Operational profitability

2020  

2019  

Change in +/–%  

1)
+/–% adjusted 

2)
+/–% organic 

1’130.8  

1’193.2  

–5.2  

2.5  

0.6

38.4%  

435.0  

38.6%  

422.2  

1’078.3  

1’167.0  

126.3  

150.3  

13.9%  

152.2  

164.5  

14.1%  

3.0  

–7.6  

–17.0  

–8.6  

0.1  

0.6  

–1.1

–0.5

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

4’449  

4’900  

–9.2  

1) Adjusted for currency effects.

2) Adjusted for acquisition and currency effects.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Business review – Rotating Equipment Services

31

Order growth

RES reported an order increase of 2.5% compared with 2019 – a remarkable performance given the 

pandemic-driven customer site restrictions. All product lines supported order growth, helped by the 

acquisition of Alba Power. Strong order growth in the first quarter of 2020 was somewhat offset by a 

decrease in the second and third quarters, impacted by restricted access to customer sites and less 

investment activity. Orders started to stabilize again in the fourth quarter year on year.

Order intake increased by 4.7% in the Americas and by 4.5% in Asia-Pacific, while they remained 

stable in EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa).

Order intake by segment

Order intake by region

2020

2020

36% Oil and Gas

29% Power

16% Chemicals

16% General Industry

3% Water

43% Europe, the Middle East and Africa

42% Americas

15% Asia-Pacific

Stable sales and robust operational profitability

Sales remained on the previous year’s level. Operational profit remained robust, supported by 

structural cost-out measures from the Energy Resilience program, resulting in stable operational 

profitability of 13.9%.

Safety performance in 2020

In 2020, RES reported an accident frequency rate (AFR) of 1.6 cases per million working hours, after 

a strong decline to 0.7 cases the year before. The accident severity rate (ASR) decreased to 24.2 lost 

days per million working hours in 2020 from 60.7 in 2019. RES and Pumps Equipment jointly 

developed COVID-19 contingency and prevention plans to implement effective safety control 

measures while introducing substantial changes to working methods and shift patterns. To curb an 

increase in AFR during the first half-year, RES developed and introduced the “12 Life-Saving Rules” 

initiative and a dedicated program of Safety Compliance Training courses which will continue 

throughout 2021. Together with the RES Highly Hazardous Activity self-assessment program, the 

additional initiatives helped reduce accident and severity rates over the course of the year.

Abbreviations

EBIT: Earnings before interest and taxes
For the definition of the alternative performance measures, please refer to “Supplementary information”.

report.sulzer.com/ar20

Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Business review – Chemtech

32

Stable order intake sustained by China, 
operational profitability flat despite lower 
sales

In 2020, Chemtech reported stable orders in a challenging market environment. 
Despite a sales decline of 4.8%, operational profitability remained stable at 9.6% 
due to swift cost-out measures. Chemtech’s growing portfolio of sustainable 
technologies, from biopolymers to recycling, contributed to a resilient year.

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

Chemtech technology is enabling the circular economy

Chemtech technology is at the heart of a groundbreaking textile recycling process by Worn Again, a 

start-up company jointly controlled by Sulzer and H&M. The teams are currently working on scaling 

up the process to an output of 1’000 tons a year, the final proof of concept before commercialization.

Chemtech is also pioneering bio-based and recycling technologies, expanding its R&D capabilities in 

Switzerland. We are driving the scaling-up of cutting-edge biopolymer processes and plastic 

recycling technologies. Today, renewable applications (bio-based, recycling, low-carbon solutions) 

make up a substantial part of Chemtech’s business, with a 2020 order intake of CHF 47 million. We 

expect this to grow significantly over the next few years.

Despite the pandemic-related impact, our order 
intake remained stable on the back of strong 
demand in China. We took swift structural action 
to resize our capacities, leading to a stable 
operational profitability despite the sales decline.

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

Operational profit

Operational profitability

2020  

620.8  

30.6%  

396.9  

593.1  

35.9  

56.9  

9.6%  

2019  

Change in +/–%  

1)
+/–% adjusted 

2)
+/–% organic 

670.0  

30.4%  

385.3  

664.0  

54.0  

63.8  

9.6%  

–7.3  

–1.1  

–6.9

3.0  

–10.7  

–33.4  

–10.8  

–4.8  

–9.7

–4.1  

–12.7

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

3’221  

3’803  

–15.3  

1) Adjusted for currency effects.

2) Adjusted for acquisition and currency effects.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Business review – Chemtech

33

Stable order intake

Despite the pandemic, Chemtech’s order intake remained on the previous year’s level in 2020 (–1.1%). 

Strong demand in China (+29.2%) and CHF 17.7 milllion of orders from an internal transfer of the 

dissolved air flotation business from Pumps Equipment to the Chemtech division were 

counterbalanced by customers shifting investment decisions for larger projects and by site access 

restrictions.

Order intake in Asia-Pacific grew by 14.7%, due to strong Chinese demand. Orders decreased by 

14.1% in the Americas and by 17.2% in EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa).

Order intake by segment

Order intake by region

2020

2020

54% Chemicals

21% Gas and Refining

14% Services

8% Renewables

3% Water

56% Asia-Pacific

24% Europe, the Middle East and Africa

20% Americas

Stable operational profitability due to swift structural action

Sales declined by 4.8% compared with 2019. Strong growth and rapid factory ramp-up in 

Chemtech’s Chinese facility helped to partly offset the impact from lockdowns and lower orders in 

other parts of the world. Operational profit decreased by 4.1%, mainly due to the volume decline. 

The swift implementation of structural actions to resize capacities primarily in Europe and the 

Americas resulted in a stable operational profitability of 9.6%.

Safety performance in 2020

The company’s health and safety priorities shifted in early 2020 towards setting up and implementing 

the COVID-19 preventive measures in its facilities worldwide. Chemtech’s accident frequency rate 

(AFR) remained stable at very low 0.6 cases per million working hours. The accident severity rate 

(ASR) decreased to 27.3 lost days per million working hours, from 41.5 the year before. Thanks to the 

continued focus on the EYE 5 safety leadership initiative and the sharing of safety alerts identifying 

opportunities for improvement, Chemtech’s AFR and ASR metrics have steadily decreased in the 

past two years. The division’s business units successfully migrated from the OHSAS 18001 to the 

ISO 45001 standard and obtained certification by the independent certification company SGS.

Abbreviations

EBIT: Earnings before interest and taxes
For the definition of the alternative performance measures, please refer to “Supplementary information”.

report.sulzer.com/ar20

Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Business review – Applicator Systems

34

Forced market pause in the second 
quarter followed by a strong rebound in 
the second half-year

Order intake and sales in Applicator Systems (APS) decreased by 11.0% and 
13.4% in 2020, as markets stalled in the second quarter with lockdowns around 
the world. All segments rebounded strongly in the second half of 2020. Decisive 
cost-out measures delivered operational profitability of 12.7% compared with 
21.0% in the previous year. APS continues to expand its presence in the 
healthcare segment with the acquisition of Haselmeier, a leading provider of drug 
delivery devices.

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

Boosting presence in drug delivery devices market

In 2020, Sulzer boosted its presence in medical devices with the acquisition of Haselmeier, a Swiss-

German developer and manufacturer of drug delivery devices. With the CHF 119 million transaction, 

APS complemented its healthcare portfolio, leveraging its expertise in precision injection molding to 

seize opportunities in the fast-growing drug delivery device market. Haselmeier delivered revenues of 

CHF 40 million in the prior year. The transaction, closed on October 1, added orders of CHF 13.6 

million in 2020.

APS took further steps to integrate sustainability into its processes and make its products eco-

friendlier. Geka received the Platinum award from the prestigious EcoVadis sustainability rating 

provider, placing the beauty player amongst the top 1% of companies assessed worldwide. 

Furthermore, Geka obtained the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification and a “B" rating 

in the Carbon Disclosure Program, ahead of its competition.

After the forced pause in demand following 
lockdowns in the first half of 2020, all our 
segments rebounded in the second half-year. 
Thanks to our proactive measures and strict cost 
control, we were able to significantly mitigate the 
impact of COVID-19. Looking ahead, we are 
excited to have Haselmeier on board to boost our 
presence in the fast-growing drug delivery 
devices market.

Girts Cimermans, Division President Applicator Systems

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Business review – Applicator Systems

35

Key figures Applicator Systems

millions of CHF

Order intake

Order intake gross margin

Order backlog as of December 31

Sales

EBIT

Operational profit

Operational profitability

2020  

364.8  

46.0%  

82.0  

351.2  

20.2  

44.7  

2019  

Change in +/–%  

1)
+/–% adjusted 

2)
+/–% organic 

425.1  

46.3%  

60.8  

420.6  

40.2  

88.2  

–14.2  

–11.0  

–14.2

34.9  

–16.5  

–49.8  

–49.3  

–13.4  

–15.2

–48.6  

–47.9

12.7%  

21.0%  

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

1’857  

1’821  

2.0  

1) Adjusted for currency effects.

2) Adjusted for acquisition and currency effects.

Order and sales decline – rebound in the second half-year

Order intake decreased by 11.0% and sales by 13.4% in 2020. In the first half-year, Adhesives, 

Dental and Beauty segments suffered from pandemic-related closing of stores, factories and dental 

clinics following lockdowns, while growing Healthcare and China were the only bright spots.

All APS segments rebounded strongly in the second half of 2020 on continuing market reopening 

and customer restocking, with year-on-year order and sales growth in the fourth quarter. Thanks to 

Sulzer’s high safety standards and the quick implementation of additional preventive measures, 

global APS factories remained operational throughout the pandemic.

Order intake by segment

Order intake by region

2020

2020

67% Adhesives, Dental, Healthcare

59% Europe, the Middle East and Africa

33% Beauty

32% Americas

9% Asia-Pacific

Operational profit and profitability decreased

Operational profit decreased by 48.6%, due to the large volume hit and negative mix effects 

following lockdowns. APS reacted early in the year and took decisive cost-out measures, which 
helped mitigate the impact of the pandemic and resulted in an operational profitability of 12.7%.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Business review – Applicator Systems

36

Safety performance in 2020

In 2020, APS reported an accident frequency rate (AFR) of 4.8 cases per million working hours (2019 

7.4), and the number of major accidents reduced from 23 to 16. The accident severity rate (ASR) 

dropped from 171.1 in 2019 to 64.9 lost days per million working hours. The decrease is visible 

across all business units, and is the result of continued drive for line ownership and structured risk 

assessment.

Abbreviations

EBIT: Earnings before interest and taxes
For the definition of the alternative performance measures, please refer to “Supplementary information”.

report.sulzer.com/ar20

Sustainable 
development

  38  People and community
  40  Environment
  44  Safety

Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Sustainable development – People and community

38

Supporting our communities and 
employees in a challenging year

The year 2020 was dominated by the coronavirus pandemic, the effects of which 
significantly disrupted our lives and global industries. Sulzer was quick to react, 
putting measures in place to ensure the safety of our employees, while working 
hard to ensure that essential infrastructure like medical, power and water facilities 
remained operational during this critical time. Demonstrating the spirit of “together 
we win”, our employees came together to support local communities around the 
world.

Maintaining critical infrastructure during lockdowns

As the first wave of the pandemic struck in early 2020, our first priority was to take quick and 

decisive action to ensure the safety of our employees. In addition, we also had a responsibility to 

help ensure that essential services could keep running. With stringent health and safety measures in 

place, our committed employees worked through the lockdowns to maintain vital services in power, 

water, hospitals, shipping, refineries and essential manufacturing around the world. These activities 

included emergency repairs for two US navy hospital ships that were hosting thousands of 

coronavirus patients in the US, as well as offering pro bono services for critical equipment in 

hospitals – ensuring that operations could continue without risk of breakdowns.

Sulzer united against COVID-19

Demonstrating our rich heritage of social responsibility and engagement, our employees rapidly 

mobilized to support local communities as they struggled to deal with the effects of the pandemic. 

With a mix of company-organized initiatives and individual efforts from employees, we donated 

hundreds of thousands of PPE items to those most in need, including hospitals and medical staff, 

care homes for the elderly and children’s homes. Coordinated efforts throughout the company 

enabled us to donate money, food and even computers to schools that have helped support our 

local communities.

We are proud of the role that Sulzer played, and continues to play, in supporting people and 

infrastructure in this critical time. In small ways, these efforts contribute to the ongoing recovery of 

our communities.

From good to great with our employee-centric workplace

While much of the year has been focused on the pandemic, we have not lost sight of our annual 

employee survey, the Voice of Sulzer. In 2020 we continued to implement concrete actions based on 

the feedback that we received from employees in our last survey – when we had a resounding 85% 

participation rate. We have made significant advances in the areas identified by employees, and we 

look forward to learning more when we conduct the next edition of our survey – anticipated in the 

first half of 2021.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Sustainable development – People and community

39

Learning and development

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

management effectiveness, improving customer partnership, building awareness of digital 

technologies and more.

After its successful launch in 2019, we continued to structure offers under the Sulzer Learning 

Pathways – a global learning and development framework to increase visibility of and access to 

different learning opportunities. In 2020, nearly 500 people participated in virtual and in-person 

programs offered as part of this framework. 2020 also saw the launch of the Sulzer Finance 

Academy, an internal program aimed at helping finance employees to continue to develop their skills 

and knowledge through targeted training with in-house experts.

Supporting gender diversity in our industry

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

support programs for students in many countries. In 2019, we launched the Sulzer Scholarship for 

Women in Science and Engineering, aimed at increasing the participation of women in the science 
and engineering professions. Reflecting Sulzer’s presence and the unique requirements of the 
countries, we have awarded 15 scholarships to deserving candidates in South Africa, Indonesia, 

China and India. We maintain close contact with all the beneficiaries and continue to support them 
along their journey.

A new age of transparency and communication

As part of our efforts to respond to feedback from the Voice of Sulzer survey and to encourage open 

and transparent communication within our company, we launched our new global intranet platform in 

the first quarter of 2020. This new platform provides an easy-to-use, modern interface for our 

employees to collaborate with greater efficiency, easily access tools and information, and stay up to 

date with the latest news from around the company. With its seamless integration of Microsoft 

applications Yammer and Teams, the new intranet is a turning point in enabling dynamic 

communication and collaboration across the diverse divisions and functions within Sulzer.

Key figures

Voluntary attrition rate

Share of women (of total workforce)

Number of employees

  %

  %

  FTE

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

2020  

6.2  

17.9  

2019  

Change in +/–%

6.7  

17.3  

15’054  

16’506  

–8.8

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Sustainable development – Environment

40

Decrease across energy, water and waste 
metrics – 100% renewable energy at UK 
sites

As an environmentally responsible company, we support our customers in 
managing their operations more sustainably. We focus our R&D activities on 
solutions for a circular economy and energy-efficient equipment, and we 
incentivize sustainable product development. In 2020, Sulzer’s energy and water 
consumption declined, and our sites generated less waste. To date, 16 of our 
17 UK sites have switched to 100% renewable energy sources. Sulzer plans to 
convert further facilities across Europe to the use of exclusively renewable energy 
sources in the course of 2021.

Large infrastructure depends on the reliable, safe and efficient handling of fluids of all kinds. Sulzer’s 

solutions help to minimize the environmental impact. Our innovative and efficient technologies bring 

fresh water and sanitation to the population, reduce waste, avoid environmental pollution and 

provide alternatives to products with a high carbon footprint.

Setting incentives for sustainable product development

Sulzer actively drives research and development for sustainable solutions. A growing proportion of 

our development budget goes into areas that make our customers’ plants safer and produce fewer 

emissions.

To encourage employees and highlight its importance, Sulzer has introduced ESG (Environment, 

Social, Governance) metrics in its compensation framework. ESG is included in the personal 

objectives of all our long-term-incentive eligible leaders, shining a spotlight on the contribution every 

employee can make to build a more sustainable and positive future. Some of the company’s 

achievements in this area in 2020 were:

—

Sulzer’s beauty business Geka received the Platinum award from the prestigious EcoVadis 

business sustainability rating provider, placing Geka amongst the top 1% of companies 

assessed worldwide. Geka was also awarded the International Sustainability and Carbon 

Certification (ISCC) – an independent, globally applicable certification system for the 

sustainability of raw materials and products, traceability through the supply chain and the 

determination of greenhouse gas emissions and savings. On top of that, Geka scored a “B” in 

the Carbon Disclosure Program (CDP), while the average grade for peers was lower (C and D 

grades), recognizing the company’s coordinated action on climate issues. As of July 2020, Geka 

has committed to reduce its CO  footprint in its global value chain via the Science Based Targets 

2
2

initiative (SBTi), taking the next step on its sustainability journey.

—

Sulzer’s equipment plays a vital role in a Danish flood protection project, designed to mitigate the 

impact of rising water levels in the Ringkøbing Fjord over the next 40 years and beyond. During 

the tendering process, Sulzer’s virtual reality simulation of the installation also helped other 

contractors visualize the site.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Sustainable development – Environment

41

—

With the creation of a Global Bio-based and Renewables application development team, Sulzer’s 

Chemtech division puts its innovation focus on the conversion of renewable feedstocks into 

oleochemicals (substances derived from natural sources, including plant fats), biofuels, bio-

chemicals and biopolymers. It also supports the development of cutting-edge solutions for 

plastic and textile recycling.

Businesses with diverse footprints

Sulzer strives to continuously improve performance measured against working hours (whr) compared 

with the previous year in areas of water and waste management, energy usage and greenhouse gas 

emissions. Our products and services differ widely from one another, resulting in different 

requirements and 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 total number of working hours, which serves as a reference, remained at the previous 

year’s level in 2020 because the additional hours of newly acquired businesses was counterbalanced 

by the COVID-19-related reduction in working hours. Global coverage of sites integrated in the 

reporting system remained high: all sites report on occupational health and safety data, and the 

coverage for environmental data was 80% of total working hours in 2020 (previous year: 79%). 

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, 2019, to September 30, 2020.

The reporting cycle for HR data and the health and safety performance was January 1, 2020, to 

December 31, 2020.

Reduced energy consumption

Due to the economic slowdown and the resulting sales contraction, the company’s overall 

environmental impact decreased in 2020. Total energy consumption decreased by 2.7%, and by 

2.4% relative to 1’000 working hours. The more efficient use of energy was partially mitigated by an 

extended scope of five new sites reporting on energy usage for the first time. As the Chinese market 

reemerged from lockdowns and went from strength to strength, Sulzer’s sites in China saw higher 

demand. This resulted in increased energy consumption – a 23% rise at Sulzer Pumps Suzhou and 

12% at Chemtech Shanghai.

In 2020, total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in absolute terms decreased by 6.4%, and by 6.3% 

relative to 1’000 working hours. While scope 1 emissions remained stable, scope 2 emissions 

increased by 6.4%. This increase can be attributed to switching to a more comprehensive set of 

emissions factors. Scope 3 emissions decreased by 27.8%, mostly due to the decrease in business 

travel activities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The overall decline in GHG emissions was 

supported by the switch to renewable energy at Sulzer’s UK sites: To date, 16 of Sulzer’s 17 sites in 

the UK have switched to 100% renewable electricity from renewable sources consisting of a fuel mix 

from bioenergy, wind, photovoltaic and hydropower. The company intends to increase the use of 

renewable electricity for Sulzer sites across Europe and other locations in 2021 and beyond.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Sustainable development – Environment

42

Energy consumption

Hazardous waste

0.48

0.36

0.24

0.12

0

80

60

40

20

0

0

0

Decrease in waste and water usage

Total waste produced was reduced by 6.9%. The sites saw a decline across many waste categories, 

partly due to the continued implementation of LEAN initiatives and helped by the reduced 

manufacturing capacity following lockdowns. Overall waste reduction was partially counterbalanced 

by five additional sites that were newly included in the reporting scope.

Sulzer’s consumption of water declined by 4.1%, despite an increase in Pumps Equipment Finland of 

roughly 24’500 m  as part of a special pump testing project. The overall decrease resulted mainly 

3

from more efficient water management processes.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Sustainable development – Environment

43

Key figures

2020  

2019  

Change in +/–%

Energy

  GJ

878’109  

902’751  

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

  %

  %

  %

  %

  %

  %

36.0  

52.8  

24.5  

11.6  

5.0  

3.2  

3  

36.9  

56.6  

25.3  

13.8  

1.3  

3.0  

<1  

Greenhouse gas emissions

  tons CO 2 eq.

111’176  

118’805  

GHG emissions per working hours

1)
GHG scope 1 

2)
GHG scope 2 

3)
GHG scope 3 

Waste

tons CO 2 eq. per 
1’000 whr

  tons CO 2 eq.

  tons CO 2 eq.

  tons CO 2 eq.

  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

  %

  %

  %

  %

3
  m 

4.5  

21’545  

59’794  

29’837  

19’546  

0.8  

32.7  

67.3  

86.4  

13.6  

4.8  

21’245  

56’214  

41’346  

20’998  

0.9  

44.9  

55.1  

86.1  

13.9  

987’576  

1’029’302  

Water consumption per working hours

  m   per 1’000 whr

3

40.2  

42.0  

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.

–2.7

–2.4

–6.4

–6.3

1.4

6.4

–27.8

–6.9

–5.9

–4.1

–4.3

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Sustainable development – Safety

44

Maintaining strong safety performance

Safety awareness is deeply rooted in Sulzer’s culture and shared by all. Our 
existing systems and programs to ensure employees can work in a safe and 
healthy environment helped us react quickly and effectively to the challenges 
caused by COVID-19. In 2020, we achieved an accident frequency rate (AFR) of 
1.9 cases per million working hours, slightly above last year’s record low number 
of accidents – despite the additional challenges posed by the pandemic.

In 2020, we undertook huge efforts to ensure the health and safety of our people and to protect them 

from the risk of COVID-19 infection. These efforts included the provision of personal protective 

equipment (PPE), including face masks and additional supplies such as hand sanitizers and 

disinfectants. A COVID-19 protection plan and procedures were implemented across Sulzer globally, 

and ways of working were adapted to enable safe interaction between colleagues, customers and 

suppliers.

Following our swift action to keep our people safe and healthy and to ensure operational continuity 

for our customers, authorities around the world granted our businesses license to continue 

operations during lockdowns. For example, Chemtech’s Shanghai factory was among the first 

companies in the region to resume production at the beginning of February 2020.

Accidents

0

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6.0

4.5

3.0

1.5

0.0

Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Sustainable development – Safety

45

In 2020, AFR increased by 11.8% to 1.9 cases per million working hours. With COVID-19 putting 

unexpected additional pressure on our safety organization in 2020, we still managed a good overall 

safety performance for the year.

The overall accident severity rate (ASR) has declined significantly for two consecutive years. In 2020, 

the ASR declined by 35.7% to 37.5 lost days per million working hours.

Due to local and national lockdowns, with many managers forced to work from home, safety walks 

could not be conducted as planned, leading to a significant reduction of behavior-based safety 

observations (–54.3%).

Upscaling ESG reporting

To reflect our increased focus on ESG (Environment, Social, Governance), we upscaled our reporting 

capabilities with an integrated tool in 2020. The new automated ESH Incident Management system 

will further increase our capabilities in electronic reporting and automated analysis and trending. In 

2020, 79 Sulzer sites moved to the new software. As we continue to roll out the platform across the 

organization, we will have more sophisticated data to enable a greater understanding of complex and 

multicausal factors related to unsafe behaviors and accidents.

Thanks to the increased use of online collaboration tools, best practices on COVID-19 measures as 

well as prevention and control techniques were quickly and effectively shared across the 

organization.

Divisional initiatives to manage safety risks

Due to the diversity of Sulzer’s businesses and different working areas, there are potentially unique 

hazards within each division. In 2020, the divisions undertook the following activities to manage 

these specific risks:

—

—

—

—

Rotating Equipment Services launched the RES Life-Saving Rules to communicate non-

negotiable safety rules related to high hazard equipment and activities;

Chemtech concentrated its efforts on its supervisor leadership initiative (EYE 5);

Pumps Equipment took targeted measures at all operational sites to further improve safety and 

introduced a mandatory field service standard for confined space working;

Applicator Systems continued to focus on implementing ESH processes and procedures as well 

as driving safety leadership.

Key figures

Accident frequency rate (AFR)

Accident severity rate (ASR)

Cases per million 
working hours

Lost days per million 
working hours

Behavior-based safety observations (including safety walks)

  Cases

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

2020  

2019  

Change in +/–%

1.9  

1.7  

37.5  

32’344  

58.3  

70’739  

11.8

–35.7

–54.3

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Corporate 
governance

 Corporate structure and shareholders

  47 
  48  Capital structure
  49  Board of Directors
  57  Executive Committee
  58  Shareholder participation rights
  59  Takeover and defense measures
  60  Auditors
  61  Risk management
Information policy
  63 

Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Corporate governance – Corporate structure and shareholders

47

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, 2020. 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 2020. 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, 2020, the market 

capitalization of all outstanding registered shares was CHF 3’150’122’569. 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, 2020. 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%, 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%.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Corporate governance – Capital structure

48

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 Association”). There were 

no changes of the share capital in the last three financial reporting years.

Restrictions on transferability and nominee registrations

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

declare that they have purchased and will hold the shares in their own name and for their own 

account. Nominees shall only be entered in the share register with the right to vote if they meet the 

following conditions: the nominee is subject to the supervision of a recognized banking and financial 

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

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

share capital entered in the commercial register; and the names, addresses, and number of shares of 
those individuals for whose accounts the nominee holds at least 0.5% of the share capital have been 

disclosed. The Board of Directors is also entitled, beyond these limits, to enter shares of nominees 

with voting rights in the share register if the above-mentioned conditions are not met (see also 

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

2020, eight nominees holding a total of 1’434’699 shares (4.19% of total shares) had entered into 

agreements concerning their status. No exceptions have been granted. All of those shares have been 

entered in the share register with voting rights. There are no transfer restrictions and no privileges 

under the Articles of Association. A removal or amendment of the transfer restriction requires a 

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

Convertible bonds and options

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

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

restricted share units issued to the members of the Executive Committee (in 2010 and yearly as from 

2013) are set out under note 31 to the “Consolidated financial statements” and under note 12 to the 

“Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd”.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

49

Board of Directors

Members of the Board of Directors are elected individually for one-year terms. At 
the Annual General Meeting of April 15, 2020, all members were reelected, and 
Peter Löscher was reelected as Chairman of the Board of Directors. In addition, 
Alexey Moskov was elected as a new member of the Board of Directors. The 
Board consists of eight 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 0.0 million (2019: CHF 0.4 million). Expenses with ROTEC amounted to CHF 0.0 million (2019: 

CHF 0.3 million). As of December 31, 2020, sales with related parties controlled by the major 

shareholder amounted to CHF 0.0 million (2019: CHF 0.0 million) with open receivables of CHF 

0.0 million (2019: CHF 0.0 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 15, 2020, all Board members were reelected to 

the Board of Directors, all for terms of one year. Alexey Moskov was elected as additional member of 

the Board of Directors. The Board consists of eight members: two from Austria, one from Cyprus/

Israel, 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 and Sustainability Committee (SSC)

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 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

50

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 and Sustainability Committee meets at least twice per 

year. In 2020, the Board held two half-day meetings, one conference call for the constitution of the 

Board after the Annual General Meeting and five meetings in the format of conference calls lasting 60 

to 220 minutes. Furthermore, two circular Board resolutions were taken. For further details, see the 

table below. The CEO, the CFO and the Group General Counsel (who is the Secretary of the Board of 

Directors) also generally attend the Board meetings in an advisory role. Other members of the 

Executive Committee are invited to attend Board meetings as required to discuss the midterm 

planning, the strategy and the budget, as well as division-specific items (such as large investments 

and acquisitions).

The committees do not make any decisions, but rather review and discuss the matters assigned to 

them and submit the required proposals to the full Board of Directors for a decision. At the next full 

Board meeting following the committee meeting, the Chairpersons of the committees report to the 
full Board of Directors on all matters discussed, including key findings, opinions and 

recommendations.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

51

Board of Directors

Name

  Nationality   Position

  Entry

Elected
until

  Board

  AC

  NRC

  SSC

    Attending meetings of the

Peter Löscher

  Austria

Matthias Bichsel

  Switzerland  

Chairman, 
Chairman SC   March 2014

  2021

Vice Chairman 
of the Board, 
member SC

  March 2014

  2021

Lukas Braunschweiler

  Switzerland   Member SC

  April 2018

  2021

Mikhail Lifshitz

  Russia

  Member SC

  April 2016

  2021

1)
Alexey Moskov 

Marco Musetti

Cyprus/
Israel

  Member AC

  April 2020

  2021

Italy/
Switzerland  

Member NRC, 
member AC

  April 2011

  2021

Gerhard Roiss

  Austria

Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg 
Sørensen

  Denmark

Chairman 
NRC, member 
AC

Chairwoman 
AC, member 
NRC

  April 2015

  2021

  April 2018

  2021

8

8

8

7

6

8

8

8

3

3

3

3

2 (guest)

3

4

4

4

7

7

7

AC = Audit Committee, NRC = Nomination and Remuneration Committee, SSC = Strategy and Sustainability Committee

1) Since April 15, 2020.

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 2020, 

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 2020. 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 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

52

and planned activities, is provided. The major current compliance cases (if any) are reported to and 

discussed by the Audit Committee regularly.

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 2020, 

three meetings were held in January, February and July, taking on average between one and two 

hours. Furthermore, the NRC held four meetings by conference call (60 minutes each). Independent 

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

executive management’s remuneration.

Strategy and Sustainability Committee

To effectively govern Sulzer’s sustainability agenda, the Board of Directors has decided to extend the 

scope of the Strategy Committee and to rename it to Strategy and Sustainability Committee as of 

April 15, 2020. The Strategy and Sustainability Committee (members listed above) advises the Board 

of Directors on strategic matters (such as material acquisitions, divestitures, alliances and joint 

ventures), strategic planning, definition of development priorities, and the company’s sustainability 

initiatives and objectives as well as on other relevant public policy matters. The regulations of the 

Strategy and Sustainability Committee can be viewed at www.sulzer.com/governance (under 
“Regulationsˮ). In 2020, three meetings (one regular, two via conference call) took place in February, 
May and September, lasting one to two hours.

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).

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

53

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 Board 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 48 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 

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 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

54

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 finance heads 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 September 10, 

2020, and can be downloaded from www.sulzer.com/sustainability.

Rules

Although Sulzer follows a behavior- and principle-based approach, compliance directives and 

processes have been implemented as elements of the governance framework. Sulzer focuses on the 

major compliance risks, e.g.:

—

Bribery and corruption risks: Sulzer has had a group-wide antibribery and anticorruption program 

in place since 2010. This program includes a Web-based process that addresses the due 

diligence of intermediaries, a corporate-wide directive for offering and receiving gifts and 

hospitalities, and an e-training (in 13 languages) to familiarize Sulzer employees with the 

requirements of the directive.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

55

—

—

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 

23 face-to-face compliance training sessions at the beginning of 2020. Due to the COVID-19 

preventive measures, the remaining planned face-to-face sessions have been replaced by 20 

remote sessions, conducted by Group Compliance. 

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 Chief 

Compliance Officer – to the Group General Counsel. In addition, the headquartered Compliance and 

Risk Management team steers and runs the group-wide compliance program and all compliance 

investigations. 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.

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 2020, Sulzer employees completed 29’325 compliance e-learning 

courses.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

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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) organized nine external health 

and safety compliance audits. The focal points were primarily occupational health and safety 

including legislative compliance. 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 2020 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.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Corporate governance – Executive Committee

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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. 

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/ar20

Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Corporate governance – Shareholder participation rights

58

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 15, 2020, Proxy Voting Services GmbH was elected as the 

independent proxy for a term of office extending until completion of the next Annual General 

Meeting. The Articles of Association do not contain rules on the granting of instructions to the 

independent proxy and the electronic participation in the Shareholders’ Meeting which deviate from 

the default Swiss law.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Corporate governance – Takeover and defense measures

59

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.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Corporate governance – Auditors

60

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. As of the financial year 2020, the acting 

external auditor-in-charge is Rolf Hauenstein. The external auditor-in-charge is replaced every seven 

years. The Audit Committee is in charge of supervising and monitoring the statutory auditor, and it 
reports to the Board of Directors (see section “Audit 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 2020, 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.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Corporate governance – Risk management

61

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.

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.

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—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

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

Immediate implementation of COVID-19 preventive 
measures in all legal entities and workplaces, including: 
informing and training employees on COVID-19 preventive 
measures; implementation of risk assessment procedures, 
travel ban for high-risk countries and approval concepts for 
business travel; implementation of remote working; 
implementation of remote video to support final acceptance 
procedures in manufacturing

Mitigation in comprehensive environmental due diligence 
(EDD) projects for acquisitions and divestitures

Elimination of environmentally damaging substances 
through Prohibited Substances List

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Corporate governance – Risk management

62

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.

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.
Business interruption caused by pandemic-related lockdowns 
could have an impact on operations and supply chain and thus 
could lead to serious economic impact.

Financial

Financial markets

Credit

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.

Liquidity

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

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

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

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

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

Implementation of COVID-19 business interruption 
response team to support businesses in becoming qualified 
as essential service providers

Global monitoring of COVID-19-related governmental 
decisions

Enhancement of IT infrastructure to cope with higher data 
volumes during extended remote work

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

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Corporate governance – Information policy

63

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 2021

—

—

—

—

—

February 24: Annual results 2020

April 14: Annual General Meeting 2021

April 29: Order intake Q1 2021

July 22: Midyear results 2021

October 27: Order intake nine months 2021

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/subscribe. 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, 2020) and the copy deadline for the Annual Report (February 23, 2021).

report.sulzer.com/ar20

Compensation 
report

  65  Letter to the shareholders
  68  COVID-19 report
  71  Compensation governance and principles
  74  Compensation architecture for the CEO  

and EC members

  83  Compensation of the Executive Committee 

for 2020

  88  Compensation architecture for  

the Board of Directors

  90  Compensation of the Board of Directors  

for 2020
  92  Auditor’s report

Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Compensation report – Letter to the shareholders

65

Paying for sustainable performance

Winterthur, February 23, 2021

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 2020. I appreciated the ongoing opportunity in 2020 

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.

After a good start to 2020, COVID-19 turned the world upside down. It comes as no surprise that 

Sulzer has also been heavily challenged by COVID-19 and its economic impact. However, I am proud 

to say that Sulzer has proven to be extremely resilient this year. We achieved this thanks to our broad 

regional presence and a balance between early and late-cyclical business. And most importantly – 

thanks to the support of our employees and the enormous team effort. This also includes the great 

performance of our Executive Committee which, through its swift action and thoughtful measures, 

has been instrumental in successfully managing the COVID-19 consequences.

Executive Committee’s compensation

Our Executive Committee’s compensation framework is a modern and tailor-made system designed 

to lead Sulzer successfully through the coming 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 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 oblige 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 – even in the face of difficult 

circumstances.

Paying for performance: our year 2020

In 2020, Sulzer continued its strategic investments in sustainable technology leaders to complement 

its portfolio and provide innovative cutting-edge solutions for a more environmentally friendly future.

We implemented the following changes in 2020 with regard to the Executive Committee’s 

compensation model:

—

A fourth performance category was introduced for measuring individual performance in the 

short-term incentive plan: “Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG)”. ESG considers aspects 

such as improvements in health and safety, emissions, water and energy efficiency or initiatives 

and actions taken to increase employee and community engagement or efforts in R&D for more 

efficient or sustainable products such as eco-packaging, biopolymers or energy-efficient pumps.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Compensation report – Letter to the shareholders

66

—

Share ownership guidelines were implemented to align interests of the Executive Committee with 

those of shareholders and further strengthen the equity culture. 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.

The threshold for total shareholder return performance in the industrial peer group will be set 

“back to normalˮ at the 25th percentile (for details see special report 2019).

The Board has decided to adjust the international peer group. Due to M&A activities, Weir Group 

was replaced by Andritz, which was the predefined successor in case of necessary adjustments 

—

—

to the international peer group.

The short-term measures applied to the compensation plans in 2020 with regards to COVID-19 are 

explained in detail in the special report.

Otherwise, the general compensation model and structure for Executive Committee members 

remained unchanged. There was no increase in base salaries, target short-term incentives levels or 

regular performance share plan grant amounts and there will also be none in 2021. The CEO received 

the last tranche of the special grant under the performance share plan which was granted in 2019 

due to the exceptional performance during and after the US sanctions in 2018, and was spread over 

2019 and 2020 (for details see special report 2019).

The aggregate Executive Committee compensation is below the maximum amount previously 

approved by the Annual General Meeting for the respective period. Including potential payments 

made over time, aggregate compensation decreased by 4.7% year on year and by 11.2% like for 

like, considering we increased the number of Executive Committee members by one at year-end 

2019.

Board of Directors compensation

The aggregate Board of Directors compensation paid in 2020 was below the maximum amounts 

previously approved by the AGM for the respective periods. No changes to Board compensation 

were deemed necessary.

The aggregate Board of Directors compensation paid in 2020 was 10.4% higher than in 2019, due to 

the appointment of Mr. Alexey Moskov as a new member of the Board in 2020, thus returning to the 

former size of the Board of Directors.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Compensation report – Letter to the shareholders

67

Governance

The Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) performed its regular activities in 2020, 

including making recommendations to the Board for EC performance targets, as well as for 

compensation of Board, CEO and EC. 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 2021, you will be asked to vote on the maximum aggregate compensation for the 

Board for its 2021–2022 term and on the maximum aggregate compensation for the EC for 2022. For 

the third consecutive year, the maximum aggregate compensation for the Board will remain flat. 

Notwithstanding the addition of the new EC member, the maximum aggregate for the EC will be the 

same as for 2021.

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

our shareholders. We encourage and pursue 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/ar20

page breakSulzer Annual Report 2020 – Compensation report – COVID-19 report

68

COVID-19 report

A year ago, as we prepared to publish our 2019 business results, like many others 
we hoped that the COVID-19 crisis that China was already experiencing would not 
impact the rest of the world. As the months since then have so dramatically 
illustrated, the COVID-19 crisis continues and the aftershocks are being felt across 
all industries. Through this period, the critical issue for Sulzer has been to keep our 
people safe, while keeping our operations running.

How was Sulzer affected by the COVID-19 crisis?

The global spread of COVID-19 and the numerous countermeasures restricted the global economy 

and led to a highly volatile and uncertain business environment. Companies faced a decline in 

demand for products and services, order cancellations, a standstill of business activities, logistical 

bottlenecks, a lack of supplier goods and challenges in supply chain and sales channels.

Naturally, COVID-19 also had a massive impact on Sulzer’s business. For example, through the 

closing of beauty stores and dental practices and the slump in the oil and gas industry. Furthermore, 

we had to face a highly volatile order situation as decisions on larger projects were postponed.

Nonetheless, Sulzer proved very resilient and delivered robust results in this adverse market 

environment. Thanks to a strong performance in 2019 and a good first quarter 2020, we were able to 

pay and even increase dividend payments related to 2019, despite the economic circumstances. We 

also honored agreed salary rises for all employees. Sulzer made significant progress in its working 

capital management despite the logistics disruptions generated by the pandemic, leading to a record 

free cash flow of CHF 272 million, our highest level in years. Furthermore, we improved or maintained 

the profitability of three out of our four divisions through a combination of flawless execution and 

strong cost actions. Only Applicator Systems, with the effective suspension of dental procedures 

worldwide in the second quarter, temporarily dipped. Through the extraordinary efforts of team 

members around the world, Sulzer ended the most complicated year on record with orders and sales 

down by less than 5% , and an operational profitability of 9.0% – at the top of its guidance. This 

1)

bodes well for 2021.

How did Sulzer manage the crisis?

To maintain Sulzer’s stability and reliability for employees and customers throughout the COVID-19 

crisis and beyond, we swiftly introduced a COVID-19 committee dedicated to the pandemic 

response, implemented a resilience program and took action to further prepare Sulzer for the future.

Recognizing the need to anticipate and respond rapidly to a dynamic situation, we put the dedicated 

COVID-19 committee in place in March 2020. The committee has led our efforts, steering open and 

regular communications with our employees, establishing a common focus on safety measures 

across our 180 locations – amidst fluctuating and at times unclear public health guidance.

Preparing for the challenges that lay ahead, we initiated a resilience program aimed at controlling our 

cost base to better reflect this unique situation. The program was built around three pillars: measures 

to protect jobs, measures to adapt to market conditions and measures to support the new normal. 
Significantly, this program has met its objective while limiting the impact on existing jobs in our 

company. We achieved this by implementing a global hiring freeze, addressing accrued paid time off, 

reducing travel and related expenses, delayering our leadership structure and reducing headcount in 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Compensation report – COVID-19 report

69

support functions based out of our Swiss headquarters – primarily by managing attrition. These 

measures have helped us secure CHF 59 million in 2020, thus meeting the cost reduction target.

Besides the resilience program, our teams took swift action to ensure business continuity for our 

customers while implementing cost measures. This also helped mitigate the impact of lower sales 

volumes, temporary factory closures and supply chain disruptions, resulting in an operational profit of 

CHF 297.6 million and an operational profitability of 9.0%.

Despite the challenging circumstances back in March 2020, we chose to honor the agreed salary 

rises for all employees and performance bonus payments, as well as dividend payments related to 

2019. While we moved to freeze the base salaries for the Executive Committee, there were no 

additional adjustments to compensation in 2020.

To prepare for the future, we launched structural actions to make our energy-related businesses 

leaner, in anticipation of adverse conditions in the oil and gas market which we expect to continue 

well into 2021. Further, we doubled down on investments that prepare us for the future – in additive 

manufacturing, data platforms, remote systems and digital production methods that will make us 

faster and more flexible.

What remuneration related measures has the Nomination and 
Remuneration Committee (NRC) taken, and why?
1. Compensation levels: We froze Executive Committee compensation levels for 
2020 and 2021

Even though Sulzer has proven very resilient so far, the economic environment remains challenging. 

Therefore, as in 2020, there will be no increase in base salaries, target STI (short-term incentives) 

levels or regular LTI grant amounts in 2021 for the Executive Committee.

2. Short-term incentive plan 2020: We adjusted the actual operational profit to 
adequately reflect the performance and effort of all our employees

Aiming to stay the course for the year ahead, the NRC did not adjust financial targets for 2020 in 

February – keeping the budget unchanged and leaving the option to review the consolidated impact 

of COVID-19 at year-end to make appropriate adjustments. This review was completed in December 

2020 and the Board decided to keep the operational operating net cash flow (operational ONCF) and 

sales targets unchanged. Reflecting the severe challenges stemming from COVID-19, the profitability 

target was revised to consider COVID-19 effects. To be precise, the COVID-19 impact on our 

operational profit is estimated at roughly CHF 105 million. The NRC decided on a 30% relief of the 

calculated COVID-19 impact on actual operational profit. This benefits the nearly 5’000 employees 

who participate in our performance bonus plan this year and recognizes the extraordinary efforts we 

have made as a company. In the case of the Executive Committee, the adjustment results in an 

increase in the financial performance of 13% – from 100% (pre-adjustment) to 113% (post-

adjustment).

3. Long-term incentive plan 2020: We postponed the performance share units 
grant date in 2020 to allow for a more stable economic environment

The COVID-19 crisis hit the markets at the end of February with a steep downwards progression until 

almost the end of March, with a slight initial recovery at the very end of March. At that time, it was 

impossible to assess the further course of the crisis. In line with the flexibility provided for by the 
performance share plan regulation, the NRC therefore decided to postpone the grant, initially 

planned in April, by two months and to use this delay to assess the performance share plan validity 

and other possible vehicles for long-term incentives, namely restricted share units. The assessment 

was made by an independent advisor and led to the conclusion that even if some companies were 

switching back to restricted share units, the overall market practice and proxy’s recommendations 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Compensation report – COVID-19 report

70

were confirming performance shares as a preferred vehicle for long-term incentive. Therefore, the 

performance share plan remained unchanged in its structure and the grant was issued on June 1, 

2020, following the Board decision on May 25.

This shift of the performance share units grant date in 2020 was a one-time adjustment to reflect the 

extraordinary circumstances of an unprecedented crisis. Apart from the postponed grant date for the 

performance share units in 2020, there were no further measures taken. The performance period 

remains unchanged. This is also the case for running performance share tranches from previous 

years. With the 2018 performance share plan vesting on December 31, 2020, the COVID-19 impacts 

on Sulzer’s performance are fully reflected in the Executive Committee’s long-term compensation 

which accounts for the largest share of Executive Committee’s variable compensation.

1) Adjusted for currency effects.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Compensation report – Compensation governance and principles

71

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

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Compensation report – Compensation governance and principles

72

The table below describes the levels of authority:

  CEO

  NRC

  Board

Shareholders’ 
Meeting

Selection criteria and succession planning for Board of Directors

  proposes

  approves

Selection criteria and succession planning for Executive Committee

  proposes

  reviews

  approves

Compensation policy and programs

  proposes

  approves

Aggregate maximum compensation amounts for the Executive 
Committee and for the Board of Directors to be submitted to vote at 
the Annual General Meeting

  proposes

  reviews

approves (binding 
vote)

Individual compensation of the members of the Board of Directors

  proposes

  approves

Compensation of the CEO

  proposes

  approves

Individual compensation of the members of the Executive Committee   proposes

  reviews

  approves

Performance objectives and assessment of the CEO

  proposes

  approves

Performance objectives and assessment of the Executive Committee   proposes

  reviews

  approves

Compensation report

  proposes

  approves

  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 2020 AGM, Gerhard Roiss (Chairman), 

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

The NRC meets as often as the business requires, but at least twice a year. In 2020, the NRC held 

four regular and three extraordinary meetings that were attended by all members. Besides the 

standard agenda items, the NRC further focused its efforts on ensuring continuity and succession 

planning for the positions on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, so that the Board 

of Directors could now return to its usual number of Directors with the election of Alexey Moskov at 

the Annual General Meeting. In addition, the NRC engaged in conceptual considerations for dealing 

with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of ensuring the incentive effect of the 

compensation policy.

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.

Shareholders’ role and engagement

The company is keen to receive shareholders’ feedback on the compensation policy and programs, 
and it began the practice of holding a consultative vote on the compensation report in 2011. Further, 

the company regularly meets with shareholders and shareholder representatives to understand their 

perspectives. At the Annual General Meeting, shareholders approve the maximum aggregate 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Compensation report – Compensation governance and principles

73

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.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the CEO and EC members

74

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.

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75

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 is summarized 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 2020)

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 profit, sales, 
operational operating 
net cash flow 
(operational ONCF)

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.

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

Operational profit 
growth, operational 
return on average 
capital employed 
adjusted (operational 
ROCEA), 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.

  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.

Grant/vesting/payment 
date

  Monthly

  Monthly and/or annually  

March of the following 
year

Performance period

  –

  –

1 year (January 1, 2020–
December 31, 2020)

1)

Grant   : June 1, 2020
Vesting: December 31, 
2022
Share delivery: March 
2023

3 years (January 1, 
2020–December 31, 
2022)

  –

  –

1) Due to the unstable economic environment caused by COVID-19 at the time of the original grant date, the grant date was postponed from April 1, 2020, to 

June 1, 2020. The reasoning is described in detail in the COVID-19 report.

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:

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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.

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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 
profitability

  Measure of profitability (bottom line)

Division

Sulzer

25%  

Sales

  Measure of growth (top line)

Operational operating 
net cash flow 
(operational ONCF)

Measure of cash generated by the 
revenues

Sulzer

Division

Sulzer

Division

25%  

20%  

7.5%

17.5%

7.5%

17.5%

6%

14%

Cost-effectiveness

Objectives linked to cost reduction or 
optimization

Individual

15%  

15%

Financial performance

  70%

Growth initiatives

Faster and better

Individual performance   30%

Environment, Social, 
Governance (ESG)

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”)

Objectives linked to improvements in 
the areas of environment, employee 
engagement and local communities, 
corporate governance

Individual

Individual

5%  

5%  

5%

5%

Individual

  Total

5%  

100%  

5%

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 four individual performance categories (“Cost-effectivenessˮ, 
“Growth initiativesˮ, “Faster and betterˮ and “Environment, Social, Governance (ESG)”) at the 
beginning of the financial year. “Cost-effectivenessˮ, for example, includes objectives like cost saving 

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(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 initiativesˮ include, for example, successful completion of M&A 
actions or sales growth in specific countries. “ESG” includes improvements in health and safety, 

emissions, water and energy efficiency or initiatives and actions taken to increase employee and 

community engagement or efforts in R&D for more efficient or sustainable products such as eco-

packaging, biopolymers or energy-efficient pumps. 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 2020”).

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.

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79

Strategic link of bonus plan

Growth

Profitability

Long-term shareholder 
value creation

Bonus plan

Operational profit

Sales

Operational ONCF

Cost-effectiveness

Growth initiatives

Faster and better

ESG

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 

(operational profit) growth, weighted with 25%;

Average operational return on capital employed (operational ROCEA), 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 “Peer group for relative TSR performance of PSP 2020ˮ).

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Peer group for relative TSR performance of PSP 2020

The Board of Directors can alter the composition of the peer group if deemed necessary, such as in 

the 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. On October 30, the Board decided to adjust the international 

peer group. Due to Weir Group’s divestment of its oil and gas division, Weir Group was replaced by 

Andritz, which was the predefined successor.

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.

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 2020”).

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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 profit growth

Operational ROCEA

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.

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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.

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

Beginning 2020, shareholding requirements for members of the Executive Committee have been 

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%

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Executive Committee for 2020

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Compensation of the Executive 
Committee for 2020

In 2020, the Executive Committee received a total compensation of CHF 14’647’266 (previous year: 

CHF 15’370’180). Of this total, CHF 7’297’984 was in cash (previous year: CHF 6’845’153); CHF 

5’237’982 was in PSU (previous year: CHF 6’290’403); CHF 1’964’563 was in pension and social 

security contributions (previous year: CHF 1’908’991), and CHF 146’738 was in other payments 

(previous year: CHF 325’632).

Compensation of the Executive Committee (audited)

Cash compensation

2)
Bonus 

3)
Other 

Pension and 
social security 
4)
contributions 

Total cash-
based 

compensation  

2020

Deferred compensation based 
on future performance

Estimated 
value of share-
based grant 
under the 
performance 
share plan 
5)
(PSP) 

Total (incl. 
conditional 
share-based 
grant)

1’141  

3’227  

82  

147  

491  

1’965  

2’735  

9’409  

2’601  

5’238  

5’335

14’647

Cash compensation

2)
Bonus 

3)
Other 

Pension and 
social security 
4)
contributions 

Total cash-
based 

compensation  

2019

Deferred compensation based 
on future performance

Estimated 
value of share-
based grant 
under the 
performance 
share plan 
5)
(PSP) 

Total (incl. 
conditional 
share-based 
grant)

1’183  

3’182  

67  

326  

493  

1’909  

2’765  

9’080  

2’709  

6’290  

5’474

15’370

Base
salary  

1’021  

4’071  

Base
salary  

1’021  

3’663  

thousands of CHF

Highest single compensation, Greg 
Poux-Guillaume, CEO

1)
Total Executive Committee 

thousands of CHF

Highest single compensation, Greg 
Poux-Guillaume, CEO

1)
Total Executive Committee 

1) The total Executive Committee compensation for 2020 and 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.

2) Expected bonus for the performance years 2020 and 2019 respectively, to be paid out in the following year (accrual principle).

3) Other consists of housing allowances, relocation allowance, schooling allowances, tax services and child allowances.

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 2020 and 2019, respectively (PSP).

5) Represents the full fair value of the PSU granted under the PSP in 2020 and 2019, respectively (including regular annual grants as well as a one-off special 

grant as outlined in the 2019 compensation report, which was granted on the same date and based on the same reference price as the regular annual grants). 

PSU granted in 2020 had a fair value of CHF 78.18 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 64.93 per PSU for June 2020 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.

The total compensation of CHF 14’647’266 awarded to the members of the Executive Committee for 

the 2020 financial year is within the maximum aggregate compensation amount of CHF 21’505’000 

that was approved by the shareholders at the 2019 AGM.

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No severance payments to members of the Executive Committee were made during the reporting 

year.

As of December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2020, there were no outstanding loans or credits 

granted to the members of the Executive Committee or former members of the Executive Committee 

(audited).

In 2019 and 2020, no compensation was granted to former members of the Executive Committee or 

related parties (audited).

Compensation for the Executive Committee: pay-for-performance 
assessment

With the acquisition of drug delivery device developer and manufacturer Haselmeier in October 2020, 

Sulzer successfully progressed on its expansion path. 

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 2020 can be found in the financial report.

a) Total compensation and pay for performance relation

In 2020, the Executive Committee received a total compensation of CHF 14’647’266 (previous year: 

CHF 15’370’180). This is an overall decrease of 4.7% from the previous year and 11.2% like for like, 

considering we have increased the number of Executive Committee members by one at year-end 

2019. In comparison to 2019, there was no special grant under the PSP for EC members except for 

the CEO, for whom the special grant was spread over 2019 and 2020 (for details see special report 

2019).

For the entire Executive Committee, the variable component amounted to between 95% and 235% 

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 

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85

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 2020 and 2019), the base salaries of the EC 

members remained unchanged. Regarding cash bonus payments and LTI amounts, see the following 

paragraphs.

b) Short-term incentive (cash bonus payouts)

In 2020, Sulzer again made good progress towards its transformation goals. We grew organically but 

also through acquisitions in all divisions. Due to the impacts of COVID-19, the NRC decided to make 

minor adjustments to the short-term incentive, which are described in detail in the COVID-19 report. 

The financial component of the bonus ranged from 100% to 113% of targeted payout (on average 

110%), 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 profitability

Sales

Operational ONCF

Total

Weighting

Payout factor

25%

25%

20%

70%

85%

72%

1)
200% 

113%

1) Actual operational ONCF overachieved in 2020, therefore the maximum payout factor was capped at 200%.

The individual performance ranged from 100% to 150% to consider the exceptional team 

performance.

Overall, this translated into an overall bonus payout factor ranging from 103% to 124% (on average 

115%) 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 (operational ROCEA), operating income before restructuring, amortization, 

impairments and non-operational items (operational profit) 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.

The PSP framework (apart from the specific performance targets for each grant cycle), eligibility and 

grant entitlement remained unchanged in 2020 compared to previous years.

The CEO was granted the second tranche of the special grant under the PSP which was granted to 

the EC in 2019 due to the exceptional performance during and after the US sanctions in 2018, and 

which was spread over 2019 and 2020 for the CEO (for details see special report 2019).

The special grants in 2019 for the EC members and in 2020 for the CEO are included in the PSP 

grant amounts disclosed in the above compensation tables.

report.sulzer.com/ar20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Executive Committee for 2020

86

With the 2018 performance share plan vesting on December 31, 2020, the COVID-19 impacts on 

Sulzer’s performance are fully reflected in the Executive Committee’s long-term compensation which 

accounts for the largest share of the Executive Committee’s variable compensation.

The relevant key performance indicators (KPIs) were operating income before restructuring, 

amortization, impairments and non-operational items (operational profit) growth, operational return 

on capital employed (operational ROCEA) and relative total shareholder return (TSR) over the three-

year period from 2018 to 2020. Operational performance in this period was very good, even beyond 

expectations. The result was a total payout factor of 126% for the PSP 2018, which reflects growth 

and performance, both against budget targets and against market peers, in the three-year period 

from 2018 to 2020. The total payout factor results as follows:

KPI

Operational profit

Operational ROCEA

Relative TSR

Total

Weighting

Payout factor

25%

25%

50%

100%

100%

162%

120%

126%

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/ar20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Executive Committee for 2020

87

Shareholdings of the Executive Committee

As of the end of 2019 and 2020, the members of the Executive Committee held the following shares 

in the company:

Shareholdings at December 31, 2020

  Sulzer shares  

Share units under vesting in equity plans (RSU and PSP)

2020

Sulzer
shares  

92’944  

58’062  

6’233  

–  

6’955  

7’945  

6’624  

7’125  

Restricted 
share units 
(RSU)

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2018  

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2019  

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2020

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

28’133  

54’251  

12’820  

23’363  

2’938  

6’491  

–  

2’938  

3’561  

2’938  

2’938  

705  

6’491  

6’491  

5’355  

5’355  

66’999

33’267

6’161

5’083

6’161

6’161

5’083

5’083

2019

  Sulzer shares  

Share units under vesting in equity plans (RSU and PSP)

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  

28’133  

13’196  

12’820  

3’024  

2’938  

–  

3’024  

–  

3’024  

3’024  

–  

2’938  

3’561  

2’938  

2’938  

54’251

23’363

6’491

705

6’491

6’491

5’355

5’355

Executive Committee

Greg Poux-Guillaume

Daniel Bischofberger

Girts Cimermans

Frédéric Lalanne

Jill Lee

Armand Sohet

Torsten Wintergerste

Shareholdings at December 31, 2019

Executive Committee

Greg Poux-Guillaume

Daniel Bischofberger

Girts Cimermans

Frédéric Lalanne

Jill Lee

Armand Sohet

Torsten Wintergerste

report.sulzer.com/ar20

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the Board of Directors

88

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. The ongoing Board 

compensation structure and amounts are described in the table below:

Annual compensation of the Board of Directors1)

in CHF

2)
Base fee for Board Chairmanship 

Base fee for Board Vice Chairmanship

Base fee for Board membership

Additional committee fees:

Committee Chairmanship

Committee membership

Cash component (net of 
social security 
contributions)  

Grant value of restricted 
share units (net of social 

security contributions)  

Lump-sum expenses

250’000  

155’000  

125’000  

10’000

5’000

5’000

420’000  

100’000  

70’000  

60’000  

35’000  

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/ar20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the Board of Directors

89

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/ar20

page breakSulzer Annual Report 2020 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Board of Directors for 2020

90

Compensation of the Board of Directors 
for 2020

In 2020, the Board of Directors received a total compensation of CHF 2’807’649 (previous year: CHF 

2’542’208). Of this total, CHF 1’395’856 was in the form of cash fees (previous year: CHF 1’281’957); 

CHF 1’155’000 was in RSU (previous year: CHF 1’030’000) and CHF 256’793 was in the form of 

social security contributions (previous year: CHF 230’251).

The aggregate Board compensation paid in 2020 was 10.4% higher than in 2019, which is due to the 

appointment of Mr. Alexey Moskov as a new member of the Board in 2020, thus returning to the 

former size of the Board of Directors. Nevertheless, the aggregated Board compensation was still 

below the maximum aggregate compensation for the Board, which was approved at the AGM 2020 

and remained flat for the second consecutive year. 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 72% and 149% 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)

2020  

thousands of CHF

2)
  Cash fees 

Restricted 
share unit 
3)
(RSU) plan 

Social security 
4)
contributions 

2)
Total   Cash fees 

Restricted 
share unit 
(RSU) plan  

Social security 
4)
contributions 

Board of Directors

Peter Löscher, Chairman

Matthias Bichsel, Vice 
Chairman

Lukas Braunschweiler

Mikhail Lifshitz

1)
Alexey Moskov 

Marco Musetti

Gerhard Roiss

1’396  

447  

1’155  

250  

257  

66  

2’808  

1’282  

763  

446  

1’030  

250  

142  

112  

112  

84  

150  

173  

155  

125  

125  

125  

125  

125  

27  

26  

26  

25  

29  

26  

31  

324  

264  

264  

234  

304  

324  

140  

109  

109  

–  

144  

165  

155  

125  

125  

–  

125  

125  

332  

168  

125  

Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg 
Sørensen

176  

125  

1) Member of the Board of Directors since April 15, 2020.

2) Disclosed gross.

2019

Total

2’542

760

327

260

260

–

297

315

323

230  

64  

32  

26  

26  

–  

28  

25  

30  

3) RSU awards granted in 2020 had a fair value of CHF 65.22 at grant date. The amount represents the full fair value of grants made in 2020.

4) 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.

At the 2020 and 2019 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 

2020 AGM until the 2021 AGM and of CHF 2’984’000 for the period of office from the 2019 AGM until 

the 2020 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.

report.sulzer.com/ar20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Board of Directors for 2020

91

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)

Ratio between 
compensation 
earned for the 
period from 
AGM to AGM 
versus amount 
approved by 
shareholders

Amount 
approved by 
shareholders 
at respective 

AGM  

Jan 1, 2020 to 

Jan 1, 2021 to 

2020 AGM to 

2020  

2020 AGM  

2021 AGM  

2021 AGM  

2020 AGM  

2020 AGM

2’807’649  

354’839  

391’405  

2’844’215  

2’984’000  

95.3%

Jan 1, 2019 to 

Jan 1, 2020 to 

2019 AGM to 

2019  

2019 AGM  

2020 AGM  

2020 AGM  

2019 AGM  

2019 AGM

2’542’208  

324’428  

354’767  

2’572’548  

2’984’000  

86.2%

AGM 2020–AGM 2021

Board (total)

AGM 2019–AGM 2020

Board (total)

As of December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2020, 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 2019 and 2020, no compensation was granted to former members of the Board of Directors or 
related parties (audited).

Shareholdings of the Board of Directors

As of the end of 2019 and 2020, the members of the Board of Directors held the following shares in 

the company:

Shareholdings at December 31, 2020

Sulzer
shares   Restricted share units (RSU)

Total share awards and 
shares

2020

Board of Directors

Peter Löscher

Matthias Bichsel

Lukas Braunschweiler

Mikhail Lifshitz

Alexey Moskov

Marco Musetti

Gerhard Roiss

Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg Sørensen

Shareholdings at December 31, 2019

56’020  

19’437  

8’238  

1’097  

4’781  

–  

8’639  

13’012  

816  

27’510  

6’210  

3’853  

3’106  

3’106  

1’917  

3’106  

3’106  

3’106  

83’530

25’647

12’091

4’203

7’887

1’917

11’745

16’118

3’922

2019

Sulzer
shares   Restricted share units (RSU)

Total share awards and 
shares

47’461  

17’121  

6’801  

335  

3’622  

7’480  

11’853  

249  

18’549  

4’692  

2’911  

1’951  

2’348  

2’348  

2’348  

1’951  

66’010

21’813

9’712

2’286

5’970

9’828

14’201

2’200

Board of Directors

Peter Löscher

Matthias Bichsel

Lukas Braunschweiler

Mikhail Lifshitz

Marco Musetti

Gerhard Roiss

Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg Sørensen

report.sulzer.com/ar20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Compensation report – Auditor’s report

92

We have audited the compensation report of Sulzer Ltd for the year ended December 31, 2020. 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 2020” and 
“Compensation of the Board of Directors for 2020” 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, 2020 of Sulzer Ltd complies 
with Swiss law and articles 14–16 of the Ordinance.

KPMG AG

Rolf Hauenstein

Licensed Audit Expert

Auditor in Charge

Zurich, February 23, 2021

Simon Niklaus

Licensed Audit Expert

KPMG AG, Räffelstrasse 28, CH-8036 Zurich
KPMG AG, a Swiss corporation, is a subsidiary of KPMG Holding AG, which is a member firm of the KPMG global organization of 
independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.

report.sulzer.com/ar20

Financial  
reporting

 94  Consolidated financial statements
  94  Consolidated income statement
  95  Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
  96  Consolidated balance sheet
  97  Consolidated statement of changes in equity
  98  Consolidated statement of cash flows
  99  Notes to the consolidated financial statements
 166  Auditor’s report
 172  Supplementary information

Income statement of Sulzer Ltd

 178  Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd
 179  Balance sheet of Sulzer Ltd
 180 
 181  Statement of changes in equity of Sulzer Ltd
 182  Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd
 187  Proposal of the Board of Directors for the  
appropriation of the available profit

 188  Auditor’s report

Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Consolidated income statement

94

Consolidated income statement

Notes  

3, 20  

10  

11  

12  

12  

12  

17  

13  

25  

25  

2020  

3’319.0  

–2’325.4  

993.6  

–339.2  

–378.0  

–84.1  

–41.6  

150.6  

4.1  

–25.2  

–7.0  

–0.7  

121.8  

–34.6  

87.2  

83.6  

3.6  

2.46  

2.44  

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

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/ar20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

95

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

Notes  

29  

Items that will not be reclassified to the income statement

Remeasurements of defined benefit obligations, net of tax

9  

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

2020  

87.2  

10.1  

–133.5  

–123.4  

8.0  

8.0  

–115.4  

–28.2  

–30.5  

2.3  

2019

157.7

4.3

–63.9

–59.6

–24.8

–24.8

–84.4

73.3

69.5

3.7

report.sulzer.com/ar20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Consolidated balance sheet

96

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/ar20

Notes  

14  

14  

15  

16  

17  

18  

13  

19  

20  

21  

22  

18  

23  

24  

26  

16  

13  

13  

9  

27  

26  

16  

13  

27  

20  

28  

2020  

957.7  

401.0  

545.3  

121.2  

21.2  

10.6  

4.3  

154.5  

2’215.9  

515.1  

33.4  

59.9  

324.9  

599.1  

202.2  

305.1  

1’123.2  

3’162.8  

5’378.7  

0.3  

1’404.0  

1’404.3  

12.9  

1’417.2  

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  

1’491.3  

1’199.2  

90.2  

88.5  

4.8  

227.4  

65.8  

21.9  

82.3  

79.4  

2.6  

201.0  

73.4  

6.2  

1’989.9  

1’644.1  

231.8  

29.5  

38.7  

183.5  

300.5  

465.8  

721.9  

1’971.7  

3’961.6  

5’378.7  

131.0  

27.4  

33.3  

135.3  

344.8  

522.4  

677.3  

1’871.5  

3’515.6  

5’109.5  

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Consolidated statement of changes in equity

97

Consolidated statement of changes in 
equity

January 1 – December 31

millions of CHF

Notes  

Share 
capital  

Retained 
earnings  

Treasury 
shares  

Cash flow 
hedge 
reserve  

Currency 
translation 
adjustment  

Non-
controlling 
interests  

Total  

Total 
equity

Equity as of January 1, 2019

0.3  

2’123.6  

–34.0  

–8.6  

–451.4  

1’629.9  

11.2  

1’641.0

Attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

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

29  

9  

24  

31  

24  

24  

154.0  

–  

–24.8  

–  

–24.8  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

129.1  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

154.0  

3.7  

157.7

4.3  

–  

4.3  

–  

4.3

–  

–  

–  

–24.8  

–  

–24.8

–63.9  

–63.9  

4.3  

–63.9  

–84.4  

0.0  

0.0  

–63.9

–84.4

4.3  

–63.9  

69.5  

3.7  

73.3

–  

–  

–  

–  

–19.6  

19.6  

–  

–11.1  

11.7  

–119.2  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–11.1  

11.7  

–

–11.1

11.7

–119.2  

–1.7  

–121.0

0.3  

2’125.4  

–25.6  

–4.3  

–515.1  

1’580.7  

13.1  

1’593.9

Equity as of January 1, 2020

0.3  

2’125.4  

–25.6  

–4.3  

–515.1  

1’580.7  

13.1  

1’593.9

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, 2020

29  

9  

24  

31  

24  

24  

83.6  

–  

8.0  

–  

8.0  

91.6  

83.6  

10.1  

8.0  

–  

–  

3.6  

–  

–  

87.2

10.1

8.0

–132.3  

–132.3  

–1.2  

–133.5

10.1  

–  

–  

10.1  

–132.3  

–114.1  

–1.2  

–115.4

10.1  

–132.3  

–30.5  

2.3  

–28.2

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–10.4  

10.4  

–  

–23.1  

13.2  

–136.1  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–23.1  

13.2  

–

–23.1

13.2

–136.1  

–2.6  

–138.7

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

0.3  

2’083.8  

–38.3  

5.9  

–647.4  

1’404.3  

12.9  

1’417.2

report.sulzer.com/ar20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Consolidated statement of cash flows

98

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 tangible and intangible assets

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

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

Sale of current financial assets

Total cash flow from investing activities

Dividends paid to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries

Purchase of treasury shares

Payments of lease liabilities

Proceeds from non-current borrowings

Repayments of non-current borrowings

Proceeds from current borrowings

Repayments 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  

18  

24  

16  

26  

26  

26  

26  

2020  

1’035.5  

2019

1’095.2

87.2  

–4.1  

25.2  

34.6  

177.5  

–3.0  

29.7  

19.2  

4.2  

21.3  

–33.8  

–29.6  

44.3  

48.9  

–9.7  

42.5  

4.2  

–21.0  

–68.8  

368.7  

–7.5  

0.1  

–98.0  

8.9  

–108.2  

–6.7  

0.0  

–3.3  

1.0  

–370.4  

122.3  

–461.8  

–92.6  

–2.6  

–23.1  

–39.2  

498.9  

–0.0  

72.2  

–177.1  

236.5  

–55.7  

87.7  

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

0.1

–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

Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31

23  

1’123.2  

1’035.5

report.sulzer.com/ar20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Notes to the consolidated financial statements

 100  01 | General information
 100  02 | Significant events and transactions  
during the reporting period

 101  03 |  Segment information
 106  04 |  Acquisitions of subsidiaries
 108  05 |  Critical accounting estimates and judgments
 110  06 |  Financial risk management
 119  07 |  Corporate risk management
 119  08 |  Personnel expenses
 119  09 |  Employee benefit plans
 124  10 |  Research and development expenses
 124  11 |  Other operating income and expenses
 125  12 |  Financial income and expenses
 125  13 |  Income taxes
 129  14 |  Goodwill and other intangible assets
 131  15 |  Property, plant and equipment
 132  16 |  Leases
 134  17 |  Associates
 135  18 |  Other financial assets
 136  19 |  Inventories
 136  20 |  Assets and liabilities related to contracts  

with customers
 137  21 |  Trade accounts receivable
 138  22 |  Other current receivables and prepaid expenses
 138  23 |  Cash and cash equivalents
 139  24 |  Share capital
 140  25 |  Earnings per share
 140  26 |  Borrowings
 142  27 |  Provisions
 143  28 |  Other current and accrued liabilities
 143  29 |  Derivative financial instruments
 144  30 |  Contingent liabilities
 144  31 |  Share participation plans
 146  32 |  Transactions with members of the Board of Directors, 

Executive Committee and related parties

 147  33 |  Auditor remuneration
 147  34 |  Key accounting policies and valuation methods
 161  35 |  Subsequent events after the balance sheet date
 162  36 |  Major subsidiaries

 
Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

100

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, 2020, 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 15’000 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 

23, 2021.

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:

—

COVID-19 dominated the world stage in 2020. The lockdowns led to a standstill of public life in 

many countries, limited access to customer sites, travel restrictions and challenges in supply 

chain and sales channels. As a consequence, the group has updated the budget and the three-

year strategic plan, relevant for the goodwill impairment test (see note 5 and note 14). As another 

consequence, the group has reassessed the expected credit losses, relevant for the calculation 

of the allowance for doubtful trade accounts receivable, by applying updated forward-looking 

information such as development of gross domestic product (GDP) and oil price development 

(see note 21).

—

On October 1, 2020, Sulzer acquired a 100% controlling interest of Haselmeier AG (“Haselmeierˮ) 

for CHF 119.2 million. The headquarters of Haselmeier is located in Stuttgart, Germany. 

Haselmeier employs approximately 230 people and is an own-IP provider of drug delivery 

devices such as subcutaneous self-injection pens for use in fast-growing indications such as 

reproductive health, growth disorders, osteoporosis and diabetes. With the acquisition of 

Haselmeier, the group will complement its healthcare portfolio and leverage its expertise in 

precision injection molding. The acquisition resulted in an increase in goodwill of CHF 60.4 

million and other intangible assets of CHF 39.8 million at the date of acquisition (see note 4).

—

The group launched decisive measures to mitigate the impact of market disruptions on Energy-

related business activities early in 2020. The group recognized restructuring costs of CHF 58.0 

million (2019: CHF 23.4 million), partly offset by released restructuring provisions of CHF 2.2 

million (2019: CHF 0.2 million) (see note 27). Associated with restructuring initiatives, the group 

further recognized impairments on tangible and intangible assets of CHF 9.8 million (2019: CHF 

4.4 million) (see note 14, note 15 and note 16). These mainly relate to the closure or resizing of 

sites in Europe and the Americas, as well as the resizing of supporting resources.

For a detailed discussion about the group’s performance and financial position please refer to the

“Financial review”.

report.sulzer.com/ar20

page breakSulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

101

3 Segment information
Segment information by divisions

millions of CHF

Order intake 
1)
(unaudited) 

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

3)
Sales 

Nominal growth

Currency-adjusted 
growth (unaudited)

2)
Organic growth   
(unaudited)

Operational profit 
(unaudited)

Operational 
profitability 
(unaudited)

Pumps Equipment

  Rotating Equipment Services

Chemtech

Applicator Systems

2020  

2019  

2020  

2019  

2020  

2019  

2020  

2019

1’297.6  

1’458.9  

1’130.8  

1’193.2  

620.8  

670.0  

364.8  

425.1

–11.1%  

6.3%  

–5.2%  

7.5%  

–7.3%  

11.6%  

–14.2%  

–5.4%

–4.1%  

8.3%  

2.5%  

10.7%  

–1.1%  

12.8%  

–11.0%  

–4.3%

–2.9%  

8.0%  

0.6%  

8.6%  

–6.9%  

6.5%  

–14.2%  

–5.2%

845.0  

924.3  

435.0  

422.2  

396.9  

385.3  

82.0  

60.8

839.5  

1’002.6  

887.3  

985.5  

372.6  

415.1  

349.8  

419.1

456.9  

1’296.3  

–12.2%  

474.3  

1’477.0  

15.0%  

191.1  

1’078.3  

–7.6%  

181.6  

1’167.0  

220.5  

593.1  

248.8  

664.0  

1.4  

351.2  

9.7%  

–10.7%  

17.9%  

–16.5%  

1.5

420.6

–7.3%

–5.7%  

17.2%  

0.1%  

12.8%  

–4.8%  

19.0%  

–13.4%  

–6.4%

–4.5%  

17.0%  

–1.1%  

10.0%  

–9.7%  

12.7%  

–15.2%  

–7.4%

55.2  

59.7  

150.3  

164.5  

56.9  

63.8  

44.7  

88.2

4.3%  

4.0%  

13.9%  

14.1%  

9.6%  

9.6%  

12.7%  

21.0%

Restructuring expenses  

Amortization

Impairments on 
tangible and intangible 
assets

Non-operational items 
(unaudited)

EBIT

–34.1  

–29.6  

–2.1  

–5.6  

–16.1  

–5.2  

–30.0  

–11.3  

–9.2  

–2.6  

–8.1  

–  

–1.5  

–  

–12.6  

11.9  

–1.9  

126.3  

–1.6  

152.2  

–5.7  

–6.8  

–5.3  

–3.2  

35.9  

–0.8  

–6.2  

–1.0  

–1.9  

54.0  

–3.2  

–19.2  

–0.5  

–1.6  

20.2  

–13.7

–19.0

–1.3

–14.1

40.2

Depreciation

–34.6  

–34.8  

–28.5  

–28.2  

–12.2  

–13.8  

–23.4  

–22.9

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 
(incl. lease assets)

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

1’456.4  

1’605.5  

–  

–  

893.6  

–  

960.8  

–  

507.0  

–  

590.9  

–  

745.0  

–  

608.3

–

1’456.4  

1’605.5  

893.6  

960.8  

507.0  

590.9  

745.0  

608.3

725.1  

–  

730.6  

–  

354.9  

–  

363.2  

–  

323.6  

–  

364.5  

–  

126.6  

–  

108.6

–

725.1  

730.6  

354.9  

363.2  

323.6  

364.5  

126.6  

108.6

731.3  

–  

874.9  

–  

538.7  

–  

597.6  

–  

183.5  

–  

226.4  

–  

618.4  

–  

499.7

–

731.3  

874.9  

538.7  

597.6  

183.5  

226.4  

618.4  

499.7

–34.7  

–41.0  

–40.9  

–36.6  

–11.1  

–22.1  

–70.0  

–41.3

5’362  

5’759  

4’449  

4’900  

3’221  

3’803  

1’857  

1’821

1) Order intake from external customers.

2) Adjusted for currency and acquisition effects.

3) Sales from external customers.

report.sulzer.com/ar20

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

102

Segment information by divisions

Total divisions

4)
Others 

Total Sulzer

millions of CHF

1)
Order intake (unaudited) 

Nominal growth (unaudited)

Currency-adjusted growth (unaudited)

Organic growth   (unaudited)

2)

2020  

3’414.1  

–8.9%  

–2.2%  

–3.8%  

2019  

3’747.2  

6.1%  

8.2%  

6.3%  

Order backlog as of December 31 (unaudited)

1’758.9  

1’792.6  

2020  

2019  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–9.5  

n/a  

–1.4  

–1.1  

–0.5  

–3.2  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–4.9  

n/a  

–1.0  

–1.1  

–2.1  

–8.2  

–15.6  

–17.3  

2020  

3’414.1  

–8.9%  

–2.2%  

–3.8%  

2019

3’747.2

6.1%

8.2%

6.3%

1’758.9  

1’792.6

2’449.2  

869.8  

3’319.0  

–11.0%  

–4.6%  

–5.6%  

297.6  

9.0%  

–55.8  

–65.9  

–9.8  

–15.4  

150.6  

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

2’449.2  

869.8  

3’319.0  

–11.0%  

–4.6%  

–5.6%  

307.1  

9.3%  

–54.4  

–64.9  

–9.4  

–12.3  

166.3  

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  

–98.8  

–99.6  

–3.0  

–3.0  

–101.8  

–102.6

3’602.0  

3’765.5  

–  

–  

3’602.0  

3’765.5  

1’530.2  

1’566.9  

–  

–  

1’530.2  

1’566.9  

2’071.9  

2’198.6  

–  

–  

2’071.9  

2’198.6  

71.1  

1’705.6  

1’776.7  

152.7  

2’278.7  

2’431.4  

–81.6  

–573.1  

–654.7  

35.6  

1’308.4  

1’344.0  

135.8  

1’812.9  

1’948.7  

–100.2  

–504.5  

–604.7  

3’673.1  

1’705.6  

5’378.7  

1’682.8  

2’278.7  

3’961.6  

1’990.2  

–573.1  

1’417.2  

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

Sales recognized at a point in time

Sales recognized over time

3)
Sales 

Nominal growth

Currency-adjusted growth (unaudited)

Organic growth   (unaudited)

2)

Operational profit (unaudited)

Operational profitability (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 (incl. lease assets)

–156.7  

–140.9  

–1.3  

–1.2  

–158.0  

–142.1

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.

14’888  

16’284  

165  

222  

15’054  

16’506

4) The most significant activities under “Others” relate to Corporate Center.

For the definition of operational profit, operational profitability 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/ar20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

103

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, screens 

and filters 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’ doorsteps.

Chemtech

The Chemtech division focuses on innovative mass transfer, static mixing and polymer solutions for 

chemicals, petrochemicals, refining and LNG. Chemtech also provides ecological solutions such as 

biopolymers as well as textile and plastic recycling, contributing to a circular economy. The division’s 

product offering ranges from technology licensing to process components all the way to complete 

separation process plants. Customer support ranges from engineering and field services to tray and 

packing installation, tower maintenance, welding and plant turnaround projects – ensuring minimal 

downtime.

Applicator Systems

Through its well-known brands (Mixpac, Transcodent, Cox, Medmix, Haselmeier and Geka), the 

Applicator Systems division develops and delivers innovative products and services for liquid 

application and mixing solutions within the healthcare, adhesives and beauty markets. The division’s 

IP-protected applicator solutions make the customers’ products precise, safe, unique and more 

sustainable, leveraging the division’s expertise in plastic-injection molding, two-component mixing, 

drug delivery and micro-brushes.

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 operational profit 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.

report.sulzer.com/ar20

page breakSulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

104

Operating assets and liabilities are assets or liabilities related to the operating activities of an entity 

and contributing to the EBIT.

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 the 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 Saudi Arabia

– thereof Russia

– thereof France

Americas

– thereof USA

Asia-Pacific

– thereof China

Total

millions of CHF

Europe, Middle East, Africa

– thereof Germany

– thereof United Kingdom

– thereof Saudi Arabia

– thereof Russia

– thereof France

Americas

– thereof USA

Asia-Pacific

– thereof China

Total

report.sulzer.com/ar20

2020  

1’451.9  

365.1  

274.8  

209.9  

187.4  

116.8  

452.8  

417.1  

141.8  

54.6  

2019

1’346.7

275.4

234.1

222.4

192.9

124.1

524.0

479.3

148.0

60.1

2’046.5  

2’018.7

  Pumps Equipment  

Rotating 
Equipment 
Services  

555.7  

58.2  

25.7  

89.0  

31.5  

26.8  

452.7  

297.8  

288.0  

206.5  

469.6  

49.2  

107.4  

26.9  

50.9  

30.9  

446.2  

358.8  

162.5  

24.0  

2020

Chemtech  

172.7  

Applicator 
Systems  

204.0  

Total Sulzer

1’402.0

26.3  

7.9  

31.2  

11.7  

7.3  

128.2  

81.9  

292.2  

188.2  

82.1  

15.4  

0.0  

1.6  

23.1  

117.0  

106.5  

30.3  

15.6  

215.9

156.3

147.0

95.7

88.0

1’144.1

845.0

772.9

434.3

1’296.3  

1’078.3  

593.1  

351.2  

3’319.0

  Pumps Equipment  

Rotating 
Equipment 
Services  

576.7  

60.2  

26.5  

60.2  

42.1  

35.0  

511.3  

345.3  

389.0  

211.2  

534.7  

50.5  

142.1  

39.9  

75.5  

28.0  

480.6  

377.1  

151.6  

25.0  

2019

Chemtech  

195.4  

Applicator 
Systems  

232.7  

Total Sulzer

1’539.6

36.9  

6.7  

22.5  

13.8  

5.0  

173.4  

103.4  

295.2  

169.7  

91.5  

19.6  

0.1  

1.3  

27.0  

156.0  

139.9  

31.8  

14.9  

239.1

194.8

122.7

132.7

94.9

1’321.3

965.8

867.7

420.8

1’477.0  

1’167.0  

664.0  

420.6  

3’728.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

105

Segment information by market segment

The following table shows the allocation of sales from external customers by market segments:

Sales by market segment

  Pumps Equipment  

Rotating 
Equipment 
Services  

Chemtech  

Applicator 
Systems  

Total Sulzer

2020

319.2  

185.3  

298.3  

386.0  

107.5  

–  

–  

372.3  

191.5  

170.8  

32.6  

311.1  

–  

–  

183.5  

369.3  

35.0  

3.5  

1.8  

–  

–  

1’296.3  

1’078.3  

593.1  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

229.5  

121.7  

351.2  

875.1

746.1

504.1

422.1

420.4

229.5

121.7

3’319.0

2019

  Pumps Equipment  

Rotating 
Equipment 
Services  

Chemtech  

Applicator 
Systems  

Total Sulzer

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

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

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

106

4 Acquisitions of subsidiaries
Acquisitions in 2020

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

Deferred income tax assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade accounts receivable

Other current assets

Lease liabilities

Provisions

Non-current income tax liabilities

Deferred income tax liabilities

Other liabilities

Net identifiable assets

Goodwill recognized in balance sheet

Total consideration

Purchase price paid in cash

Contingent consideration

Total consideration

Haselmeier

Haselmeier  

Others  

39.8  

13.1  

2.4  

0.3  

3.7  

5.2  

9.6  

–2.4  

–3.5  

–2.3  

–5.3  

–1.8  

58.8  

60.4  

119.2  

105.0  

14.2  

119.2  

1.7  

0.0  

–  

–  

0.0  

0.0  

0.1  

–  

–0.0  

–  

–0.3  

–  

1.5  

–  

1.5  

1.5  

–  

1.5  

Total

41.5

13.1

2.4

0.3

3.7

5.2

9.7

–2.4

–3.5

–2.3

–5.6

–1.8

60.3

60.4

120.7

–

106.5

14.2

120.7

On October 1, 2020, Sulzer acquired a 100% controlling interest of Haselmeier AG for CHF 119.2 

million. The headquarters of Haselmeier is located in Stuttgart, Germany. Haselmeier employs 

approximately 230 people and is a leading own-IP provider of drug delivery devices such as 

subcutaneous self-injection pens for use in fast-growing indications such as reproductive health, 

growth disorders, osteoporosis and diabetes. With the acquisition of Haselmeier, Sulzer will 

complement its healthcare portfolio and leverage its APS expertise in precision injection molding to 

seize growth opportunities in the fast-growing drug delivery devices market. Haselmeier will operate 

as part of Sulzer’s Applicator Systems division. The goodwill is attributable to significant synergies by 

leveraging scale and cross-selling opportunities. None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible 

for tax purposes. Transaction costs recognized in the income statement amount to CHF –0.4 million. 

Since the acquisition date, Haselmeier contributed order intake of CHF 13.0 million, sales of CHF 7.4 

million, and net income of CHF 0.9 million to the group.

Contingent consideration

The contingent consideration is mainly dependent on technology-related proof-of-concept, project 

development and customer orders. The total liability is limited at CHF 16.5 million and is discounted 

to a present value of CHF 14.2 million. The calculation of the contingent consideration is based on 

management assessments that the criteria will be achieved at a probability of 100%.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

107

Acquired receivables

The fair value of acquired trade accounts receivable is CHF 5.2 million. The gross contractual amount 

for trade account receivables due is CHF 5.2 million, of which none are expected to be uncollectible 

at the date of acquisition.

Pro forma sales and profit contribution

Had all above acquisitions occurred on January 1, 2020, management estimates that total net sales 

of the group would amount to CHF 3'344.2 million, and the consolidated net income would be CHF 

89.9 million.

Cash flow from acquisitions of subsidiaries

millions of CHF

Cash 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

Release to other operating income

Currency translation differences

Total contingent consideration as of December 31

– thereof non-current

– thereof current

2020  

–106.5  

3.7  

–5.4  

–108.2  

2020  

3.5  

14.2  

–  

0.6  

18.3  

13.9  

4.4  

2019

–94.3

15.9

–

–78.5

2019

0.9

3.6

–0.9

–0.1

3.5

3.5

–

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

108

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.

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  

Alba Power  

Other  

19.5  

38.2  

5.3  

4.0  

5.7  

12.6  

9.3  

0.8  

–0.4  

–5.7  

–  

–6.9  

–2.3  

36.8  

6.8  

43.5  

3.9  

0.1  

3.2  

4.4  

1.4  

–  

–0.1  

–0.7  

–4.1  

–5.4  

41.1  

13.3  

54.4  

39.9  

54.4  

–  

3.6  

–  

–  

43.5  

54.4  

Total

63.1

8.0

5.8

15.9

13.7

2.2

–0.4

–5.8

–0.7

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–0.7  

–11.7

–  

4.6  

0.7  

5.3  

–  

5.3  

–  

5.3  

–7.7

82.4

20.8

103.2

94.3

5.3

3.6

103.2

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 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

109

period in which such determination is made. Management believes that the estimates are 

reasonable, and that the recognized liabilities for income-tax-related uncertainties are adequate. 

Further details are disclosed in note 13.

Goodwill and other intangible assets

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. Due to COVID-19, the budget and the three-year 

strategic plan have been updated after the approval. This update has been presented to the Board of 

Directors in May 2020. The goodwill impairment test is based on the updated version of the budget 

and the three-year strategic plan. 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, 2020, 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 depends 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 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

110

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.

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

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

111

Non-contractual FX exposure

—

—

—

100% of the forecasted exposure for the next 1–3 months

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 2020 and 2019 

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 2020, the 

currency pair with the most significant exposure and inherent risk was the EUR versus the RUB. If, on 

December 31, 2020, the EUR had increased by 1.0% against the RUB 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 EUR-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

2020

EUR/RUB  

GBP/SAR  

GBP/USD  

EUR/ZAR

4.1  

6.8  

–4.6  

–2.9

20.3%  

7.8%  

11.0%  

16.7%

Effect on profit after tax (rate increase)

Effect on profit after tax (rate decrease)

0.6  

–0.6  

0.4  

–0.4  

–0.4  

0.4  

–0.4

0.4

2019

USD/CHF  

USD/ARS  

USD/CAD  

EUR/USD

14.9  

3.4  

9.4  

5.5%  

24.9%  

5.1%  

0.6  

–0.6  

0.6  

–0.6  

0.4  

–0.4  

–9.0

4.9%

–0.3

0.3

millions of CHF

Currency pair

Exposure

Volatility

Effect on profit after tax (rate increase)

Effect on profit after tax (rate decrease)

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

112

The following tables show the hypothetical influence on equity for 2020 and 2019 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 

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

2020

Currency pair

USD/MXN  

GBP/USD  

USD/CHF  

EUR/USD  

EUR/RUB  

USD/BRL  

USD/INR

Exposure

Volatility

Effect on equity, net of taxes (rate 
increase)

Effect on equity, net of taxes (rate 
decrease)

millions of CHF

–41.5  

52.0  

18.9%  

11.1%  

–63.5  

7.4%  

49.0  

7.6%  

–15.2  

–12.5  

21.0%  

21.3%  

–5.6  

4.1  

–3.4  

2.7  

–2.3  

–1.9  

5.6  

–4.1  

3.4  

–2.7  

2.3  

1.9  

–22.1

5.4%

–0.9

0.9

2019

Currency pair

USD/MXN  

USD/BRL  

GBP/USD  

USD/INR  

EUR/USD  

USD/CHF  

EUR/INR

Exposure

Volatility

Effect on equity, net of taxes (rate 
increase)

Effect on equity, net of taxes (rate 
decrease)

(II) Price risk

37.8  

8.7%  

–20.8  

12.9%  

31.1  

8.2%  

–43.1  

5.8%  

40.6  

4.9%  

36.0  

5.5%  

2.4  

–2.0  

1.9  

–1.9  

1.5  

1.5  

–2.4  

2.0  

–1.9  

1.9  

–1.5  

–1.5  

24.6

6.8%

1.2

–1.2

As of December 31, 2020, 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. 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, CHF, USD, 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.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Hypothetical impact of interest rate risk on income statement

113

2020

millions of CHF

Variable-interest-bearing assets (net)

CHF

USD

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

501.4  

287.4  

229.5  

181.7  

40.2  

100  

100  

100  

100  

100  

3.6  

2.1  

1.6  

1.3  

0.3  

–3.6

–2.1

–1.6

–1.3

–0.3

2019

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

On December 31, 2020, if the interest rates on CHF-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 3.6 million higher, as a result of higher interest income on CHF-denominated assets. A 

decrease of interest rates on CHF-denominated assets net of liabilities would have caused a loss of 

the same amount. As of December 31, 2019, if the interest rates had been 100 basis points higher 

with all other variables held constant, post-tax profit for the year would have been CHF 1.6 million 

higher, as a result of higher interest income on CHF-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 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

114

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

Lease liabilities

Trade accounts payable

Other current and non-current liabilities (excluding derivative liabilities)

Derivative liabilities

– thereof outflow

– thereof inflow

Carrying 
amount  

<1 year  

1–5 years  

>5 years  

Total

1’723.1  

246.7  

1’207.4  

329.6  

1’783.7

2020

119.7  

465.8  

368.2  

8.1  

30.0  

465.8  

347.5  

6.9  

730.1  

723.2  

67.1  

–  

23.0  

–  

–  

–  

31.7  

–  

0.0  

1.2  

6.1  

4.9  

128.8

465.8

370.6

8.1

736.2

728.0

2019

Carrying 
amount  

<1 year  

1–5 years  

>5 years  

Total

1’330.2  

144.0  

1’107.3  

125.6  

1’376.8

109.7  

522.4  

293.4  

8.2  

27.4  

522.4  

287.2  

8.2  

434.6  

426.4  

66.4  

–  

5.6  

0.0  

0.4  

0.4  

15.9  

–  

0.6  

–  

–  

–  

109.7

522.4

293.4

8.2

435.0

426.8

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, 2020 and 2019.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

115

2020  

2019

–1’123.2  

–305.1  

1’491.3  

90.2  

231.8  

29.5  

414.5  

150.6  

101.8  

9.8  

65.9  

328.1  

414.5  

328.1  

1.26  

–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

2019

1’199.2

82.3

131.0

27.4

1’439.9

1’580.7

0.91

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

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, 2020 and 2019, 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)

2020  

1’491.3  

90.2  

231.8  

29.5  

1’842.8  

1’404.3  

1.31  

For the definition of net debt, EBITDA and gearing ratio, please refer to “Supplementary information”.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

116

6.3 Fair value estimation

The following tables present the carrying amounts and fair values of financial assets and liabilities as 

of December 31, 2020 and 2019, including their levels in the fair value hierarchy. For financial assets 

and financial liabilities not measured at fair value in the balance sheet, fair value information is not 

provided if the carrying amount is a reasonable approximation of fair value.

Fair values are categorized into three different levels in a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs 

used in the valuation techniques as follows:

The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets, including the outstanding bonds, is 

based on quoted market prices at the balance sheet date. Such instruments are included in level 1.

The fair values included in level 2 are based on valuation techniques using observable market input 

data. This may include discounted cash flow analysis, option pricing models or reference to other 

instruments that are substantially the same, while always making maximum use of market inputs and 

relying as little as possible on entity-specific inputs. The fair values of forward contracts are 

measured based on broker quotes for foreign exchange rates and interest rates.

Fair values measured using unobservable inputs are categorized within level 3 of the fair value 
hierarchy. This applies particularly to contingent considerations in business combinations.

Contingent considerations are linked to the fulfillment of certain parameters, mainly related to earn-

out clauses and technology transfer. For more information please refer to note 4.

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117

Fair value table

millions of CHF

Financial assets measured at 
fair value

Other non-current financial assets 
(at fair value)

Derivative assets – non-current

Current financial assets (at fair 
value)

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

Fair value 
hedging 
instruments  

Notes  

Carrying amount

Fair value 
through 
profit or 
loss  

Financial 
assets at 
amortized 
cost  

December 31, 2020

Fair value

Other 
financial 
liabilities  

Total 
carrying 
amount  

Level 1  

Level 2  

Level 3  

Total fair 
value

Derivative assets – current

22, 29  

18  

29  

8.7  

1.0  

12.1  

8.7  

1.0  

12.1  

0.2  

–  

–  

–  

1.0  

12.1  

8.4  

–  

–  

–  

8.7

1.0

12.1

1.7

18  

1.7  

1.7  

1.7  

–  

13.2  

10.4  

–  

–  

23.6  

2.0  

13.2  

8.4  

23.6

18  

21  

22  

18  

23  

2.0  

2.0  

3.3  

599.1  

3.3  

599.1  

19.2  

19.2  

303.3  

1’123.2  

303.3  

1’123.2  

–  

–  

2’050.0  

–  

2’050.0  

Financial liabilities measured at 
fair value

Derivative liabilities – non-current  

29  

Derivative liabilities – current

Contingent considerations

Total financial liabilities 
measured at fair value

28, 29  

4  

Financial liabilities not 
measured at fair value

Outstanding non-current bonds

Other non-current borrowings

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  

26  

28  

1.2  

6.9  

18.3  

1.2  

6.9  

18.3  

8.1  

18.3  

–  

–  

26.4  

–  

–  

–  

–  

1.2  

6.9  

–  

–  

–  

18.3  

1.2

6.9

18.3

8.1  

18.3  

26.4

1’488.5  

1’488.5  

1’527.5  

–  

–  

1’527.5

2.7  

2.7  

20.7  

20.7  

209.9  

209.9  

211.3  

–  

–  

211.3

21.9  

21.9  

465.8  

465.8  

307.6  

307.6  

–  

–  

–  

2’517.1  

2’517.1  

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

118

Fair value table

millions of CHF

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

18  

21  

22  

18  

23  

Financial liabilities measured at 
fair value

Derivative liabilities – non-current  

29  

28, 29  

4  

Derivative liabilities – current

Contingent considerations

Total financial liabilities 
measured at fair value

Financial liabilities not 
measured at fair value

Fair value 
hedging 
instruments  

Notes  

Carrying amount

Fair value 
through 
profit or 
loss  

Financial 
assets at 
amortized 
cost  

December 31, 2019

Fair value

Other 
financial 
liabilities  

Total 
carrying 
amount  

Level 1  

Level 2  

Level 3  

Total fair 
value

10.3  

0.1  

6.7  

10.3  

0.1  

6.7  

0.3  

–  

–  

–  

0.1  

6.7  

10.0  

–  

–  

10.3

0.1

6.7

6.8  

10.3  

–  

–  

17.1  

0.3  

6.8  

10.0  

17.1

2.4  

2.4  

6.2  

645.9  

6.2  

645.9  

87.9  

87.9  

57.5  

1’035.5  

57.5  

1’035.5  

–  

–  

1’835.3  

–  

1’835.3  

0.0  

8.2  

3.5  

0.0  

8.2  

3.5  

8.2  

3.5  

–  

–  

11.7  

0.0  

8.2  

–  

–  

3.5  

0.0

8.2

3.5

8.2  

3.5  

11.7

–  

–  

–  

Outstanding non-current bonds

26  

1’199.2  

1’199.2  

1’234.0  

–  

–  

1’234.0

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  

28  

6.2  

6.2  

109.9  

109.9  

110.3  

–  

–  

110.3

21.1  

21.1  

522.4  

522.4  

257.8  

257.8  

–  

–  

–  

2’116.7  

2’116.7  

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

119

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

2020  

870.1  

27.3  

21.7  

14.2  

131.8  

58.2  

2019

949.4

29.0

16.0

12.5

144.9

39.2

1’123.4  

1’191.1

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

millions of CHF

Funded plans 

Switzerland  

Funded plans 
United 
Kingdom  

Funded plans 

Funded plans 

Unfunded 

USA  

Others  

plans  

Total

2020

Present value of funded defined benefit obligation

–1’034.7  

–609.9  

–68.8  

–110.7  

Fair value of plan assets (funded plans)

1’108.4  

469.9  

Overfunding / (underfunding)

73.7  

–139.9  

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

–  

73.7  

–1.8  

75.5  

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45.1  

–23.7  

–  

–23.7  

–23.7  

66.1  

–44.6  

–  

–44.6  

–44.7  

–  

–139.9  

–139.9  

–  

–  

–  

–17.1  

–17.1  

–17.1  

–1’824.1

1’689.5

–134.6

–17.1

–151.7

–227.4

–  

–  

0.1  

–  

75.7

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

120

2019

millions of CHF

Funded plans 

Switzerland  

Funded plans 
United 
Kingdom  

Funded plans 

Funded plans 

Unfunded 

USA  

Others  

plans  

Total

Present value of funded defined benefit obligation

–1’109.5  

–575.2  

Fair value of plan assets

Overfunding / (underfunding)

1’140.7  

463.3  

31.2  

–111.9  

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

–  

31.2  

–0.9  

32.1  

–  

–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  

–1’837.2

1’715.4

–121.8

–46.8

–168.6

–201.0

–  

–  

0.3  

–  

32.4

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 2020 compared to 2019 (from 0.3% to 0.2% for active 

employees and from 0.1% to 0.05% for pensioners). The plan assets increased compared to 2019 

due to a higher return on plan assets. The total expenses recognized in the income statement in 2020 
were CHF 19.0 million (2019: CHF 15.3 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 0.6 percentage points to 1.5% (2019: 2.1%). The net pension 
liabilities increased from CHF 111.9 million in 2019 to CHF 139.9 million, due to the lower discount 
rate and changes in the demographic assumptions. The total expenses recognized in the income 
statement in 2020 were CHF 3.3 million compared to CHF 3.1 million in 2019.

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 2020, an 
expense of CHF 1.3 million was recognized in the income statement (2019: CHF 1.3 million). The 
discount rate decreased to 2.6% in 2020 (2019: 3.0%). The amount recognized in other 
comprehensive income (OCI) in 2020 was CHF –4.2 million (2019: CHF –6.6 million).

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

121

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

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)

1)
Defined benefit gain / (loss) recognized in OCI 

1) The tax effect on defined benefit cost recognized in OCI amounted to CHF -0.8 million (2019: CHF 4.3 million).

2020  

–  

–  

–  

–168.6  

–25.2  

8.8  

25.3  

8.1  

–151.7  

–22.2  

–16.3  

12.9  

2.3  

–1.8  

–25.2  

–21.7  

–3.5  

–73.6  

82.2  

–  

0.2  

8.8  

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

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

122

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

Benefits paid/deposited

Effects of curtailments and settlement

Other administrative cost

Actuarial gain / (loss)

Currency translation differences

1)
Defined benefit obligation as of December 31 

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

2020  

2019

–1’884.0  

–1’805.1

–16.3  

–22.2  

–8.7  

126.5  

2.3  

–1.8  

–73.6  

36.7  

–1’841.2  

–27.1

–18.0

–10.0

120.9

3.4

–1.5

–145.2

–1.4

–1’884.0

1’715.4  

1’657.5

12.9  

25.3  

8.7  

–126.5  

0.0  

82.2  

–28.4  

1’689.5  

70.6  

555.7  

439.8  

35.3  

3.9  

118.7  

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

Total assets at fair value – quoted market price as of December 31

1’224.1  

1’243.6

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

287.7  

177.7  

465.5  

290.6

181.2

471.8

Contributions by the employer

28.7  

30.9

1) The defined benefit obligation includes the funded part and the unfunded part.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

123

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

2020  

2019

–345.4  

–1’109.9  

–385.9  

–1’841.2  

–75.6  

11.4  

–9.5  

–73.6  

–348.8

–1’180.4

–354.8

–1’884.0

–165.1

7.2

12.7

–145.2

Weighted average duration of defined benefit obligation in years

13.5  

13.5

Since the defined benefit obligation for the Swiss and UK pension plans represents 89% (2019: 89%) 

of the group, the following significant actuarial assumptions apply exclusively to these two countries:

Principal actuarial assumptions as of December 31

2020  

2019

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

0.2%  

0.05%  

1.0%  

0.0%  

22/24  

1.5%  

1.5%  

0.0%  

2.8%  

22/24  

0.3%  

0.1%  

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)

2020  

–59.2  

64.0  

7.6  

–0.5  

110.1  

–103.5  

2.1%

2.1%

0.0%

2.6%

21/23

2019

–64.4

62.1

5.0

–3.6

97.7

–95.1

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

124

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

2020  

39.1  

1.9  

22.9  

20.3  

–  

84.1  

2020  

–  

3.2  

1.5  

20.7  

25.4  

–55.8  

–9.8  

–1.2  

–0.2  

–  

–67.0  

–41.6  

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

Other operating income includes income from litigation cases, government grants and incentives, 

and recharges to third parties not qualifying as sales from customers.

The group has initiated measures to mitigate the impact of market disruptions on Energy-related 

business activities caused by the pandemic. For 2020, the group recognized restructuring costs of 

CHF 58.0 million (2019: CHF 23.4 million), partly offset by released restructuring provisions of CHF 

2.2 million (2019: CHF 0.2 million). Restructuring costs mainly relate to the closure or resizing of sites 

in Europe and the USA, as well as the resizing of supporting resources. The group further performed 

impairment tests on the related production machines and facilities leading to impairments of CHF 9.0 

million (2019: CHF 2.1 million). For more details refer to note 15 and note 16.

Impairments on other intangible assets amounted to CHF 0.9 million (2019: CHF 2.3 million) and were 

mainly related to computer software (see also note 14).

The functional allocation of the total restructuring expenses and impairments is as follows: Cost of 

goods sold CHF –39.8 million (2019: CHF –11.4 million), selling and distribution expenses CHF –6.3 
million (2019: CHF –1.5 million), general and administrative expenses CHF –19.2 million (2019: CHF –
14.0 million) and research and development expenses CHF –0.3 million (2019: CHF –0.6 million).

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

125

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

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 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

2020  

4.1  

4.1  

–21.8  

–3.5  

–25.2  

–21.1  

6.1  

–3.7  

–9.5  

–7.0  

–28.1  

6.1  

4.1  

–3.7  

–9.5  

–19.0  

–2.8  

–3.5  

Total financial expenses, net amounted to CHF 28.1 million, compared with CHF 28.3 million in 2019.

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

2020  

–61.5  

26.9  

–34.6  

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.

2019

6.6

6.6

–21.1

–3.8

–24.9

–18.3

–2.6

–2.3

–5.1

–10.0

–28.3

–2.6

6.6

–2.3

–5.1

–17.8

–3.3

–3.8

2019

–65.2

10.1

–55.1

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

126

2019

212.8

22.5%

–48.0

11.8

–1.2

–7.8

–1.5

–8.4

–55.1

25.9%

2019

34.3

1.2

55.7

–7.3

–47.3

–0.6

35.9

2.6

33.3

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

2020  

121.8  

23.1%  

–28.2  

8.6  

–2.8  

–5.7  

–0.1  

–6.4  

–34.6  

28.4%  

The effective income tax rate for 2020 is 28.4% (2019: 25.9%). Effect of tax loss carryforwards and 

allowances of deferred income tax assets in the amount of CHF –2.8 million mainly consist of 

restructuring expenses related to closed facilities with no corresponding tax effects. Prior year items 

and others in the amount of CHF –6.4 million includes additional provisions for uncertain tax 

positions in the amount of CHF 4.2 million.

The effective income tax rate for 2019 of 25.9% was impacted by expenses not deductible for tax 

purposes in the amount of CHF 7.8 million mainly related to higher disallowances of group charges 

and interests in China, 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.

2020  

35.9  

2.3  

68.3  

–5.8  

–55.8  

–1.3  

43.5  

4.8  

38.7  

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

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

127

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

2020  

Assets  

Liabilities  

Net  

Assets  

Liabilities  

17.0  

4.5  

4.3  

27.4  

16.0  

37.8  

12.7  

16.0  

36.8  

42.7  

0.6  

–83.1  

–16.0  

–1.1  

–2.7  

–66.1  

–11.5  

3.2  

24.7  

–31.2  

–15.2  

–1.4  

–2.0  

–0.6  

–11.7  

–  

–  

36.4  

10.8  

15.4  

25.1  

42.7  

0.6  

66.0  

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  

–  

–  

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

Tax assets/liabilities

215.8  

–149.8  

Offset of assets and liabilities

–61.3  

61.3  

–  

–52.9  

52.9  

–

Net recorded deferred income tax assets and 
liabilities

154.5  

–88.5  

66.0  

134.4  

–79.4  

55.0

Cumulative deferred income taxes recorded in equity as of December 31, 2020, amounted to CHF 

13.3 million (2019: CHF 16.4 million). The group does not recognize any deferred taxes on 

investments in subsidiaries because it controls the dividend policy of its subsidiaries – i.e. the group 

controls the timing of reversal of the related taxable temporary differences and management is 

satisfied that no material amounts will reverse in the foreseeable future.

Movement of deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the balance sheet

Balance as of 

Recognized in 

Recognized in 
other 
comprehensive 

Acquisition of 

January 1  

profit or loss  

income  

subsidiaries  

Currency 
translation 
differences  

Balance as of 
December 31

2020

–72.5  

–8.5  

4.6  

17.6  

–2.3  

27.9  

14.8  

17.5  

22.6  

32.6  

0.8  

55.0  

10.9  

–3.7  

–1.0  

7.9  

–9.6  

11.1  

–3.0  

–0.9  

3.7  

11.7  

–0.2  

26.8  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–2.4  

–0.8  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–5.6  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

0.3  

–  

–  

–  

–3.2  

–5.3  

1.2  

0.7  

–0.5  

–0.8  

–0.9  

–1.8  

–1.0  

–1.5  

–1.2  

–1.5  

–  

–7.3  

–66.1

–11.5

3.2

24.7

–15.2

36.4

10.8

15.4

25.1

42.7

0.6

66.0

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

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

128

2019

Balance as of 

Recognized in 

Recognized in 
other 
comprehensive 

Acquisition of 

January 1  

profit or loss  

income  

subsidiaries  

Currency 
translation 
differences  

Balance as of 
December 31

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

–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  

Amount  

Potential tax 

assets  

Valuation 
allowance  

Carrying 
amount  

0.5  

32.9  

285.6  

318.9  

0.1  

6.4  

55.4  

62.0  

–0.1  

–3.3  

–15.9  

–19.3  

0.1  

3.1  

39.5  

42.7  

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  

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  

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 126.6 million (2019: CHF 

120.2 million).

report.sulzer.com/ar20

–72.5

–8.5

4.6

17.6

–2.3

27.9

14.8

17.5

22.6

32.6

0.8

55.0

2020

TLCF

0.3

14.6

111.7

126.6

2019

TLCF

0.9

14.6

104.7

120.2

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

129

14 Goodwill and other intangible assets

Goodwill

Trademarks 
and licenses  

Research and 
development  

Computer 

software  

Customer 
relationship  

millions of CHF

Acquisition cost

Balance as of January 1

Acquired through business combination

Additions

Disposals

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

1’260.8  

60.4  

–  

–  

–23.5  

1’297.7  

220.9  

14.6  

9.2  

0.0  

–5.9  

–2.5  

–  

0.6  

–  

0.0  

221.6  

15.3  

Accumulated amortization and impairment losses  

Balance as of January 1

340.0  

138.4  

Additions

Disposals

Impairments

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Net book value

As of January 1

As of December 31

–  

–  

–  

–  

15.4  

–5.9  

–  

0.8  

340.0  

148.7  

920.8  

957.7  

82.5  

73.0  

9.8  

1.6  

–  

0.0  

–0.0  

11.4  

4.9  

4.0  

2020

Total

2’159.0

101.9

7.5

–7.5

–39.6

2’221.4

609.8  

32.0  

–  

–0.1  

–13.3  

628.4  

274.5  

808.1

45.7  

–0.0  

–  

–4.1  

316.1  

65.9

–7.4

0.9

–4.9

862.6

335.2  

312.3  

1’350.9

1’358.8

52.9  

0.3  

6.9  

–1.5  

–0.3  

58.3  

45.4  

3.2  

–1.4  

0.9  

–1.6  

46.5  

7.6  

11.8  

In 2020 the group sold other intangible assets with a book value of CHF 0.1 million for CHF 0.1 

million resulting in a net gain of CHF 0.0 million (2019: intangible assets sold for CHF 0.5 million with 

a book value of CHF 0.5 million, resulting in a net gain of CHF 0.0 million).

millions of CHF

Acquisition cost

Balance as of January 1

Acquired through business combination

Additions

Disposals

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Accumulated amortization

Balance as of January 1

Additions

Disposals

Impairments

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Net book value

As of January 1

As of December 31

Goodwill impairment test

Goodwill

Trademarks 
and licenses  

Research and 
development  

Computer 

software  

Customer 
relationship  

2019

Total

1’263.4  

20.8  

–  

–  

–23.3  

1’260.8  

214.0  

12.3  

1.0  

–2.1  

–4.2  

220.9  

340.0  

128.1  

–  

–  

–  

–  

14.5  

–1.3  

0.1  

–2.9  

340.0  

138.4  

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  

574.4  

2’117.7

50.8  

1.4  

–0.8  

–16.1  

609.8  

83.9

6.0

–4.2

–44.3

2’159.0

235.6  

754.9

45.4  

–0.1  

–  

–6.4  

274.5  

64.5

–3.7

2.3

–9.9

808.1

9.1  

7.6  

338.8  

335.2  

1’362.8

1’350.9

During 2020, the regional organization of the Rotating Equipment Services business has been 

reorganized to align it to the overarching global strategy. Global product lines and a global 

management organization have been established during the year 2020. Due to the reorganization, a 

reassessment of the cash-generating units and how goodwill impairment tests are performed within 

the Rotating Equipment Services division has been carried out. As an outcome of the reassessment, 

report.sulzer.com/ar20

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

130

the three regional Rotating Equipment Services cash-generating units have been combined into one 

cash-generating unit.

millions of CHF

Pumps Equipment

Rotating Equipment Services – region EMEA

Rotating Equipment Services – region APAC

Rotating Equipment Services – region AME

Rotating Equipment Services

Chemtech

Applicator Systems

Total goodwill as of December 31

2020  

2019

Goodwill

Growth rate 
residual value  

Pre-tax 

discount rate  

Goodwill  

Growth 
rate 
residual 
value  

Pre-tax 
discount 
rate

373.6  

2.0%  

8.8%  

378.8  

2.0%  

9.0%

–  

–  

–  

217.2  

89.8  

277.1  

957.7  

n/a  

n/a  

n/a  

2.0%  

1.5%  

2.0%  

n/a  

n/a  

n/a  

10.2%  

10.3%  

153.2  

2.0%  

10.7%

7.7  

2.0%  

12.0%

70.4  

2.0%  

10.8%

–  

n/a  

n/a

93.3  

1.5%  

10.0%

5.8%  

217.4  

1.0%  

6.1%

920.8  

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.

The calculation is based on the budget for the first period (2020), the three-year strategic plan for 

subsequent two periods (2021–2022), and a management calculation for the next two periods (2023–

2024). The budget and the three-year strategic plan have been approved by the Board of Directors in 

February 2020. Due to COVID-19, the budget and the three-year strategic plan have been updated 

after the approval. This update has been presented to the Board of Directors in May 2020. The 

calculation is based on the updated version. Cash flows beyond the planning period are extrapolated 

using a terminal value including the growth rates as stated above.

As of December 31, 2020, there is no indication for goodwill impairment. Updating the impairment 

test would not have resulted in a goodwill impairment.

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 one CGU 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.

report.sulzer.com/ar20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

2020  

Terminal 
growth rate: 
Change 
required for
carrying 
amount to 
equal
recoverable 

Pre-tax 
discount rate: 
Change 
required for
carrying 
amount to 
equal
recoverable 

Headroom  

amount  

amount  

Headroom  

131

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

235.3  

–2.3%  

1.7%  

275.6  

–2.5%  

2.0%

–  

–  

–  

1’021.0  

594.8  

1’762.3  

3’613.5  

626.5  

109.7  

405.6  

–  

677.2  

1’798.8  

3’893.4  

Land and 
buildings  

Machinery and 
technical 
equipment  

Other non-
current assets  

Assets under 
construction  

380.8  

2.8  

10.2  

–11.1  

6.7  

–22.6  

366.8  

178.4  

11.6  

–10.0  

0.9  

–11.3  

169.5  

756.6  

4.2  

20.1  

–60.3  

27.7  

–38.2  

710.2  

525.7  

42.1  

–56.5  

4.6  

–26.0  

489.8  

193.9  

0.6  

9.5  

–11.9  

4.0  

–9.9  

186.3  

154.4  

12.2  

–10.8  

0.2  

–8.0  

148.0  

71.5  

5.5  

58.1  

–  

–38.5  

–7.4  

89.3  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

202.4  

197.3  

230.9  

220.4  

39.5  

38.3  

71.5  

89.3  

2020

Total

1’402.9

13.1

98.0

–83.3

–

–78.1

1’352.6

858.5

65.9

–77.4

5.7

–45.4

807.3

544.4

545.3

millions of CHF

Pumps Equipment

Rotating Equipment Services – region EMEA

Rotating Equipment Services – region APAC

Rotating Equipment Services – region AME

Rotating Equipment Services

Chemtech

Applicator Systems

Total headroom as of December 31

15 Property, plant and equipment

millions of CHF

Acquisition cost

Balance as of January 1

Acquired through business combination

Additions

Disposals

Reclassifications

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Accumulated depreciation

Balance as of January 1

Additions

Disposals

Impairments

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Net book value

As of January 1

As of December 31

The group performed impairment tests on production machines and facilities, resulting in 
impairments of CHF 5.7 million as of December 31, 2020 (December 31, 2019: CHF 2.1 million), all of 
which were charged to other operating expenses.

In 2020 the group sold property, plant and equipment with a book value of CHF 5.9 million for CHF 

8.9 million resulting in a net gain of CHF 3.0 million (2019: property, plant and equipment sold for 

CHF 8.1 million with a book value of CHF 7.8 million, resulting in a net gain of CHF 0.4 million).

report.sulzer.com/ar20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
132

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

2020

Total

112.6

2.4

52.5

–3.0

–35.8

–3.3

0.9

–5.1

121.2

Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

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  

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  

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  

47.3  

–  

58.0  

–  

–32.8  

–1.1  

71.5  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

209.6  

202.4  

227.0  

230.9  

35.5  

39.5  

47.3  

71.5  

The contractual commitments to acquire property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2020, 
amounted to CHF 7.0 million (December 31, 2019: CHF 6.9 million).

Land and buildings, 

Machinery and 
technical 

Other non-current 

leased  

equipment, leased  

assets, leased  

92.6  

2.1  

39.5  

–1.3  

–25.8  

–3.3  

–0.2  

–4.0  

99.7  

5.8  

0.0  

5.0  

–0.4  

–2.1  

–  

–  

–0.3  

8.2  

14.1  

0.3  

8.0  

–1.3  

–8.0  

–  

1.1  

–0.8  

13.4  

16 Leases
Lease assets

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Acquired through business combination

Additions

Disposals

Depreciation

Impairments

Remeasurements and contract modifications

Currency translation differences

Total lease assets as of December 31

report.sulzer.com/ar20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

133

Land and buildings, 

Machinery and 
technical 

Other non-current 

leased  

equipment, leased  

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  

82.3  

1.6  

45.9  

2.1  

–9.8  

–2.1  

–5.3  

–20.6  

–3.7  

90.2  

27.4  

0.9  

6.6  

0.7  

–29.4  

–0.7  

4.5  

20.6  

–1.2  

29.5  

  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  

2019

Total

114.9

5.8

27.2

–1.4

–34.4

–3.6

–0.0

5.7

–1.6

112.6

2020

Total

109.7

2.4

52.5

2.8

–39.2

–2.8

–0.8

–

–4.9

119.7

2019

Total

115.9

5.8

27.2

–34.1

–3.6

–0.1

–

–1.5

109.7

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

Interest expenses

Cash flow for repayments – principal portion

Cash flow for repayments – interest portion

Remeasurements and contract modifications

Reclassifications

Currency translation differences

Total lease liabilities as of December 31

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Acquired through business combination

Additions

Cash flow for repayments

Remeasurements

Contract modifications

Reclassifications

Currency translation differences

Total lease liabilities as of December 31

report.sulzer.com/ar20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

134

Other leasing disclosures

millions of CHF

Recognized in the income statement

Expenses relating to short-term leases

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

Total recognized in the income statement

Recognized in the statement of cash flows

Cash flow for short-term, low value and variable leases (included within cash flow from 
operating activities)

Cash flow from subleasing right-of-use assets (included within cash flow from operating 
activities)

Cash flow for repayments of interests on lease liabilities (included within cash flow from 
operating activities)

Cash flow for repayments of the principal portion on lease liabilities (included within cash 
flow from financing activities)

Total cash outflow

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

2020  

–17.5  

–1.9  

–2.4  

0.5  

–2.8  

–24.1  

–21.9  

0.5  

–2.8  

–39.2  

–63.3  

2020  

10.7  

6.7  

4.4  

–0.7  

–0.0  

0.1  

21.2  

2019

–17.4

–4.2

–2.7

0.5

–3.3

–27.0

–24.3

0.5

–3.3

–34.0

–61.1

2019

13.4

0.0

–2.6

0.1

–0.1

–0.2

10.7

On June 1, 2020, the group acquired 25% non-controlling interests of technology company 

Tamturbo Plc, for CHF 5.2 million. Tamturbo is a manufacturer of oil-free industrial air compressor 

systems, offering disruptive solutions. It enables cleaner and more energy-efficient compressed air 

production, complementing the group’s low-pressure compressors for wastewater aeration.

On October 26, 2020, the group increased its investment in Worn Again by CHF 1.5 million (paid in 

cash). Worn Again is developing a unique polymer recycling process leveraging Sulzer technology to 

enable the recycling of textiles and polyester packaging. See Note 18 for further details on the 

reclassification of CHF 4.4 million.

report.sulzer.com/ar20

 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

135

18 Other financial assets

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Changes in scope of consolidation

Additions

Disposals

Reclassifications

Changes in fair value

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

– thereof non-current

– thereof current

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

Financial assets at fair value 

through profit and loss  

Financial assets at 

amortized costs  

10.3  

–  

4.0  

–  

–4.1  

0.1  

–0.0  

10.4  

8.7  

1.7  

59.8  

0.1  

369.7  

–123.3  

–0.4  

–  

–0.7  

305.3  

2.0  

303.3  

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  

2020

Total

70.1

0.1

373.8

–123.3

–4.4

0.1

–0.7

315.7

10.6

305.1

2019

Total

9.4

0.2

58.4

–0.4

2.6

–0.2

70.1

12.6

57.5

Financial assets that belong to the categories “financial assets at fair value through profit and lossˮ
include investments in equity securities.

On June 10, 2020, the group increased its investment in Worn Again (previously classified as 

financial asset at fair value through profit and loss) by CHF 1.9 million (thereof CHF 1.5 million paid in 

cash and CHF 0.4 million converted from a loan, classified as financial assets at amortized costs). 

After this increase, the group reassessed the classification and reclassed the investment of CHF 4.4 

million into investments in associates (see Note 17).

Financial assets at amortized costs include CHF 302.4 million investments in fixed-term deposits with 

maturities between 4 to 12 months at the date of acquisition.

report.sulzer.com/ar20

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

136

19 Inventories

millions of CHF

Raw materials, supplies and consumables

Work in progress

Finished products and trade merchandise

Total inventories as of December 31

2020  

197.6  

216.4  

101.1  

515.1  

In 2020, Sulzer recognized write-downs of CHF 26.5 million (2019: CHF 23.2 million) in the income 
statement. Total accumulated write-downs on inventories amounted to CHF 94.2 million as of 
December 31, 2020 (2019: CHF 80.8 million). Material expenses in 2020 amounted to CHF 1’225.0 
million (2019: CHF 1’434.9 million).

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

Contract liabilities from costs recognized over time relating to ongoing performance 
obligations

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

2020  

475.9  

393.9  

869.8  

2’449.2  

3’319.0  

344.8  

0.1  

–364.9  

–289.8  

–654.7  

–1’670.8  

–2’325.4  

111.0  

104.2  

215.2  

778.4  

993.6  

749.3  

0.1%  

–0.6  

–423.9  

324.9  

46.9  

200.8  

476.8  

–423.9  

300.5  

1’758.9  

1’561.5  

197.3  

Total sales recognized over time decreased from CHF 906.2 million in 2019 to CHF 869.8 million in 

2020. As a result contract assets decreased by CHF 30.3 million and contract liabilities by CHF 44.3 

million.

report.sulzer.com/ar20

2019

203.9

252.0

119.0

574.9

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

34.2

239.2

494.1

–422.8

344.8

1’792.6

1’637.3

155.3

page break 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

137

21 Trade accounts receivable
Aging structure of trade accounts receivable

2020  

millions of CHF

rate   Gross amount  

Allowance  

value  

rate   Gross amount  

Allowance  

Expected loss 

Net book 

Expected loss 

2019

Net book 
value

Not past due

0.1%  

419.7  

–0.6  

419.1  

0.1%  

446.7  

–0.5  

446.1

Past due

1–30 days

31–60 days

61–120 days

>120 days

Total trade accounts 
receivable as of 
December 31

0.8%  

6.2%  

4.2%  

54.6%  

83.4  

27.3  

31.8  

90.5  

–0.7  

–1.7  

–1.3  

–49.4  

82.7  

25.6  

30.5  

41.1  

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

652.7  

–53.7  

599.1  

693.0  

–47.1  

645.9

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

2020  

47.1  

22.9  

–10.1  

–4.5  

–1.8  

53.7  

2019

47.9

13.4

–10.5

–5.3

1.6

47.1

Approximately 36% (2019: 36%) of the gross amount of trade accounts receivable were past due, 
and an allowance of CHF 53.7 million (2019: CHF 47.1 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. Due to COVID-19, the group has reassessed the expected credit losses by 

applying updated forward-looking information such as development of gross domestic product 

(GDP) and oil price development. The allowance for doubtful trade accounts receivable has increased 

by CHF 4.2 million as a consequence of the reassessment.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

138

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

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

2020  

284.7  

62.7  

27.2  

37.4  

21.4  

18.4  

137.2  

88.4  

177.1  

112.2  

599.1  

2020  

63.9  

12.1  

19.2  

95.2  

75.7  

31.3  

107.0  

202.2  

2019

298.7

61.0

34.7

31.7

22.5

17.5

164.8

103.0

182.3

116.8

645.9

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

2020  

915.8  

207.4  

1’123.2  

2019

802.2

233.3

1’035.5

As of December 31, 2020, the group held restricted cash and cash equivalents of CHF 17.3 million 

(2019: CHF 11.5 million).

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

139

24 Share capital

thousands of CHF

Number of shares  

Share capital

  Number of shares  

Share capital

Balance as of December 31 (par value CHF 0.01)

34’262’370  

342.6  

34’262’370  

342.6

2020  

2019

The share capital amounts to CHF 342’623.70, made up of 34’262’370 shares with dividend 
entitlement and a par value of CHF 0.01. All shares are fully paid in and registered.

Share ownership

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

declare that they have purchased and will hold the shares in their own name and for their own 

account. Nominees shall only be entered in the share register with the right to vote, provided that 

they meet the following conditions: the nominee is subject to the supervision of a recognized banking 

and financial market regulator; the nominee has entered into an agreement with the Board of 

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

registered share capital entered in the commercial register; and the names, addresses and number of 

shares of those individuals for whose accounts the nominee holds at least 0.5% of the share capital 

have been disclosed. The Board of Directors is also entitled, beyond these limits, to enter shares of 
nominees with voting rights in the share register, provided that the above-mentioned conditions are 

met (see also paragraph 6a of the Articles of Association at www.sulzer.com/governance).

Shareholders holding more than 3%

Viktor Vekselberg (direct shareholder: Tiwel Holding AG)

16’728’414  

48.82  

16’728’414  

Number of shares  

in %   Number of shares  

in %

48.82

Dec 31, 2020  

Dec 31, 2019

Retained earnings

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, 2020, amounted to 

426’467 treasury shares (December 31, 2019: 240’924 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.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

140

Dividends

On April 15, 2020, the Annual General Meeting approved an ordinary dividend of CHF 4.00 (2019: 

ordinary dividend of CHF 3.50) per share to be paid out of reserves. The dividend was paid to 

shareholders on April 21, 2020. The total amount of the dividend to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd is CHF 

136.1 million (2019: CHF 119.2 million), thereof paid dividends of CHF 92.6 million (2019: CHF 81.2 

million) and unpaid dividends of CHF 43.5 million (2019: CHF 38.1 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 2021 a dividend for the 
year 2020 of CHF 4.00 per share (2019: CHF 4.00).

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  

2020  

83.6  

34’262’370  

–292’229  

33’970’141  

343’482  

34’313’623  

2.46  

2.44  

2019

154.0

34’262’370

–235’928

34’026’442

313’212

34’339’654

4.52

4.48

2020

Total

1’330.2

571.1

–177.1

0.4

–

–1.5

1’723.1

Non-current borrowings  

Current borrowings  

1’199.2  

498.9  

–0.0  

0.3  

–207.1  

0.0  

1’491.3  

131.0  

72.2  

–177.1  

0.1  

207.1  

–1.6  

231.8  

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

26 Borrowings

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Cash flow from proceeds

Cash flow for repayments

Changes in amortized costs

Reclassifications

Currency translation differences

Total borrowings as of December 31

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

141

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Acquired through business combination

Cash flow from proceeds

Cash flow for repayments

Reclassifications

Currency translation differences

Total borrowings as of December 31

Borrowings by currency

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  

2019

Total

1’325.6

0.4

154.1

–149.2

–

–0.7

1’330.2

2020  

2019

millions of 

CHF  

in %  

Interest rate  

millions of 

CHF  

in %  

Interest rate

CHF

INR

USD

EUR

Other

1’700.2  

98.7  

6.0  

5.1  

10.1  

1.7  

0.3  

0.3  

0.6  

0.1  

Total as of December 31

1’723.1  

100.0  

0.9%  

5.0%  

1.8%  

1.1%  

–  

–  

1’310.7  

98.5  

9.5  

3.6  

3.4  

3.1  

0.7  

0.3  

0.3  

0.2  

1’330.2  

100.0  

0.9%

6.4%

2.8%

0.6%

–

–

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, 2020 and 2019, 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

0.800% 09/2020–09/2025

0.875% 11/2020–11/2027

Total as of December 31

– thereof non-current

– thereof current

Amortized costs  

Nominal

Amortized costs  

2020  

325.1  

125.0  

–  

289.6  

209.9  

249.8  

299.3  

199.6  

1’698.4  

1’488.5  

209.9  

325.0  

125.0  

–  

290.0  

210.0  

250.0  

300.0  

200.0  

1’700.0  

1’490.0  

210.0  

325.3  

125.0  

109.9  

289.4  

209.7  

249.8  

–  

–  

1’309.1  

1’199.2  

109.9  

2019

Nominal

325.0

125.0

110.0

290.0

210.0

250.0

–

–

1’310.0

1’200.0

110.0

On August  26, 2020, Sulzer issued a CHF 300 million single tranche bond. The bond has a term of 

five years and carries a coupon of 0.80% at a price of 100.037%.

On October 21, 2020, Sulzer issued a CHF 200 million single tranche bond. The bond has a term of 

seven years and carries a coupon of 0.875% at a price of 100.101%.

All the outstanding bonds are traded at the SIX Swiss Exchange.

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2020

Total

208.7

3.5

179.9

–15.5

–12.5

249.3

65.8

183.5

2019

Total

213.9

0.7

87.1

–23.1

–63.7

–

–6.2

208.7

73.4

135.3

Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

142

27 Provisions

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Acquired through business combination

Additions

Released as no longer required

Other 
employee 

benefits  

54.4  

–  

12.2  

–  

Warranties/ 

liabilities   Restructuring   Environmental

Other  

67.6  

0.0  

44.2  

–7.5  

20.0  

–  

58.0  

–2.2  

14.7  

–  

–  

–0.2  

–1.4  

–0.3  

12.8  

12.7  

0.0  

51.9  

3.5  

65.6  

–5.6  

–4.2  

56.3  

9.7  

46.6  

–54.9  

–114.8

Utilized

–10.1  

–15.5  

–33.0  

Currency translation differences

Total provisions as of December 31

– thereof non-current

– thereof current

–3.0  

53.5  

37.3  

16.2  

–3.6  

85.3  

3.3  

82.0  

–1.4  

41.5  

2.7  

38.7  

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  

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  

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.

The group has initiated measures to mitigate the impact of market disruptions on Energy-related 

business activities caused by the pandemic. For 2020, the group recognized restructuring costs of 

CHF 58.0 million (2019: CHF 23.4 million), partly offset by released restructuring provisions of CHF 

2.2 million (2019: CHF 0.2 million). Restructuring costs mainly relate to the closure or resizing of sites 

in Europe and the Americas, as well as the resizing of supporting resources. The remaining 

restructuring provision as of December 31, 2020, is CHF 41.5 million, of which CHF 38.7 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 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

143

liquidity or financial condition. Although Sulzer expects a large part of the category “Otherˮ to be 
realized in 2021, by their nature the amounts and timing of any cash outflows are difficult to predict.

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

Contingent consideration

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

2020  

103.4  

157.6  

35.6  

6.9  

17.0  

4.4  

29.6  

354.5  

116.3  

114.0  

20.8  

116.3  

367.5  

721.9  

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 outstanding dividend payments of CHF 157.6 million (2019: CHF 114.1 million) are explained in 

note 24.

29 Derivative financial instruments

2020  

2019

Derivative assets

Derivative liabilities

Derivative assets

Derivative liabilities

Notional

value  

Fair
value  

Notional

value  

Fair
value  

Notional

value  

Fair
value  

Notional

value  

Fair
value

672.7  

4.9  

12.1  

1.0  

723.2  

4.9  

6.9  

1.2  

713.6  

–  

6.8  

–  

426.8  

–  

677.6  

13.2  

728.0  

8.1  

713.6  

6.8  

426.8  

672.7  

12.1  

723.2  

6.9  

705.6  

6.7  

426.4  

–  

–  

–  

–  

8.0  

0.1  

0.4  

4.9  

1.0  

4.9  

1.2  

–  

–  

–  

8.2

–

8.2

8.2

0.0

–

millions of CHF

Forward exchange rate 
contracts

Interest rate swaps

Total as of December 
31

– thereof due in <1 
year

– thereof due in 1–5 
years

– thereof due in >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, 2020, a net cumulative unrealized gain of CHF 

7.4 million (2019: loss of CHF 5.2 million) with a deferred tax liability of CHF 1.5 million (2019: tax 
asset of CHF 0.9 million) relating to these cash flow hedges were included in the Cash Flow Hedge 

Reserve. In 2020, a loss of CHF 6.3 million (2019: CHF 5.7 million) was reclassified from cash flow 

hedge reserves to profit and loss. There was no ineffectiveness that arose from cash flow hedges in 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

144

2020 (2019: 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, 2020, are recognized either in sales, cost of goods sold, or in other operating income/expenses in 

the period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects the income statement. This is 

generally within 12 months from the balance sheet date unless the gain or loss is included in the 

initial amount recognized for the purchase of fixed assets, in which case recognition is over the 

lifetime of the asset (five to ten years).

The group enters into derivative financial instruments under enforceable master netting 

arrangements. These agreements do not meet the criteria for offsetting derivative assets and 

derivative liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet. As per December 31, 2020, the amount 
subject to such netting arrangements was CHF 5.0 million (2019: CHF 5.3 million). Considering the 
effect of these agreements the amount of derivative assets would reduce from CHF 13.2 million to 

CHF 8.2 million (2019: from CHF 6.8 million to CHF 1.5 million), and the amount of derivative 

liabilities would reduce from CHF 8.1 million to CHF 3.1 million (2019: from CHF 8.2 million to CHF 

2.9 million).

30 Contingent liabilities

millions of CHF

Guarantees in favor of third parties

Total contingent liabilities as of December 31

2020  

11.0  

11.0  

As of December 31, 2020, guarantees provided to third parties amounted to CHF 11.0 million (2019: 

CHF 10.0 million), whereof CHF 10.0 million were related to certain environmental matters of 

disposed business (2019: CHF 10.0 million) and CHF 1.0 million to general business activities. Both 

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

2020  

1.2  

13.0  

14.2  

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.

report.sulzer.com/ar20

2019

10.0

10.0

2019

0.9

11.6

12.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–

18’549

18’549

17’715

–8’754

–

27’510

Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

145

Restricted share units

Grant year

2020  

2019  

2018  

2017  

2016  

Total

Outstanding as of December 1, 2019

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding as of December 31, 2019

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

8’283  

4’952  

6’794  

10’551  

–  

–  

–  

20’029

10’551

–2’761  

–2’476  

–6’794  

–12’031

–  

–  

–  

–  

10’551  

5’522  

2’476  

Outstanding as of January 1, 2020

–  

10’551  

5’522  

2’476  

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding as of December 31, 2020

17’715  

7’034  

2’761  

17’715  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–3’517  

–2’761  

–2’476  

–  

–  

–  

–  

Average fair value at grant date in CHF

65.22  

97.76  

118.20  

98.00  

72.61  

Performance share plan settled in Sulzer shares

This long-term incentive plan covers the members of the Executive Committee and 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 (operational profit) growth over the performance period (weighted 25%), average operational 

return on capital employed (operational ROCEA) (weighted 25%), and on Sulzer’s total return to 

shareholders (TSR), compared to a selected group of ten peer companies and the SMIM Index 

(weighted 50%).

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

2020  

78.18  

76.05  

2019  

2018  

2017  

2016

115.95  

143.62  

116.02  

92.46  

120.60  

104.80  

118.05

98.50

37.45%  

29.64%  

29.12%  

25.10%  

25.46%

–0.64%  

–0.57%  

–0.42%  

–0.56%  

–0.73%

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. 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

146

For the TSR calculation all dividends paid during the vesting period are added to the closing share 

price.

Performance share units – terms of awards

Grant year

Number of awards granted

2020  

2019  

2018  

2017  

2016

151’422  

112’857  

74’467  

76’818  

116’472

Grant date

June 1, 2020  

April 1, 2019  

July 1, 2018  

April 1, 2017  

August 1, 
2016

Performance period for cumulative operational profit

01/20–12/22  

01/19–12/21  

01/18–12/20  

01/17–12/19  

01/16–12/18

Performance period for TSR

Fair value at grant date in CHF

01/20–12/22  

01/19–12/21  

01/18–12/20  

01/17–12/19  

01/16–12/18

78.18  

115.95  

143.62  

116.02  

118.05

Performance share units

Grant year

2020  

2019  

2018  

2017  

2016  

Total

Outstanding as of January 1, 2019

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding as of December 31, 2019

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

74’467  

68’759  

90’990  

234’216

112’857  

–  

–  

–  

112’857

–630  

–1’673  

–1’540  

–90’990  

–94’833

–1’588  

–2’631  

–382  

110’639  

70’163  

66’837  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

Pension and 
social security 

contributions  

230  

–4’601

247’639

247’639

151’422

–76’415

–10’766

311’880

2019

Total

2’542

1’909  

15’370

Outstanding as of January 1, 2020

–  

110’639  

70’163  

66’837  

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding as of December 31, 2020

146’859  

101’764  

63’257  

151’422  

–  

–  

–  

–999  

–3’831  

–4’748  

–66’837  

–3’564  

–5’044  

–2’158  

–  

–  

32 Transactions with members of the Board of Directors, Executive 
Committee and related parties
Key management compensation

thousands of CHF

Board of Directors

Executive Committee

Short-term 

benefits  

Equity-based 
compensation  

Pension and 
social security 

contributions  

Total

Short-term 

benefits  

Equity-based 
compensation  

1’396  

7’445  

1’155  

5’238  

257  

2’808  

1’965  

14’648  

1’282  

7’171  

1’030  

6’290  

2020  

There are no outstanding loans with members of the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee 

as per the 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, 2020, open payables with related parties controlled by the major shareholder of 
CHF 261.0 million (2019: CHF 218.3 million) were recognized (thereof CHF 103.4 million related to the 
purchase of treasury shares and CHF 157.6 million outstanding dividend payments, see note 24 and 

note 28). The operating expenses amounted to CHF 0.8 million (2019: CHF 0.8 million). The interest 

expenses amounted to CHF 0.0 million (2019: expense CHF 0.1 million).

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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 0.0 million (2019: 

CHF 0.4 million). Expenses with ROTEC amounted to CHF 0.0 million (2019: CHF 0.3 million).

Sales with associates in 2020 amounted to CHF 1.1 million (2019: CHF 2.3 million) with open 
receivables of CHF 0.5 million (2019: CHF 0.0 million). The income for services with associates 
amounted to CHF 0.0 million (2019: CHF 0.3 million). The operating expenses amounted to CHF 0.2 
million (2019: CHF 2.8 million).

33 Auditor remuneration

Fees for the audit services by KPMG as the appointed group auditor amounted to CHF 3.6 million 

(2019: CHF 4.0 million). Additional services provided by the group auditor amounted to a total of CHF 

1.8 million (2019: CHF 0.7 million). This amount includes CHF 0.5 million (2019: CHF 0.5 million) for 

tax services and CHF 1.3 million for other services (2019: CHF 0.2 million).

34 Key accounting policies and valuation methods
34.1 Basis of preparation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial 

Reporting Standards (IFRS) using the historical cost convention except for the following:

—

—

financial 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 2020

A number of new standards and amendments to standards have become effective as of January 1, 

2020, but they do not have a material effect on the group’s financial statements.

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b) Standards, amendments and interpretations issued but not yet effective which the group 
has decided not to early adopt in 2020

There are no other IFRS standards or interpretations issued but 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.

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.

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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 2020 and 

2019:

CHF

1 EUR

1 GBP

1 USD

100 CNY

100 INR

Average

Year-end

Average

2020  

rate  

1.07  

1.20  

0.94  

13.60  

1.27  

rate  

1.08  

1.20  

0.88  

13.49  

1.21  

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

b) Transactions and balances

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates 

prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the 

settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year-end exchange rates of monetary 

assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in the income statement.

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.

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Translation differences resulting from consolidation are taken to other comprehensive income. In the 

event of a sale or liquidation of foreign subsidiaries, exchange differences that were recorded in other 

comprehensive income are recognized in the income statement as part of the gain or loss on sale or 

liquidation.

If a loan is made to a group company, and the loan in substance forms part of the group’s 

investment in the group company, translation differences arising from the loan are recognized 

directly in other comprehensive income as foreign currency translation differences. When the group 

company is sold or partially disposed of, and control no longer exists, gains and losses accumulated 

in equity are reclassified to the income statement as part of the gain or loss on disposal.

34.6 Intangible assets

The intangible assets with finite useful life are amortized in line with the expected useful life, usually on 

a straight-line basis. The period of useful life is to be assessed according to business rather than 

legal criteria. This assessment is made at least once a year. An impairment might be required in the 

event of sudden or unforeseen value changes.

a) Goodwill

Goodwill represents the difference between the consideration transferred and the fair value of the 

group’s share in the identifiable net asset value of the acquired business at the time of acquisition. 

Any goodwill arising as a result of a business combination is included within intangible assets.

Goodwill is subject to an annual impairment test and valued at its original acquisition cost less 

accumulated impairment losses. In cases where circumstances indicate a potential impairment, 

impairment tests are conducted more frequently. Profits and losses arising from the sale of a 

business include the book value of the goodwill assigned to the business being sold.

For impairment testing goodwill is allocated to those cash-generating units or groups of cash-

generating units that are expected to benefit from the business combination in which the goodwill 

arose. Goodwill originating from the acquisition of an associated company is included in the book 

value of the participation in associated companies.

b) Trademarks and licenses

Trademarks, licenses and similar rights acquired from third parties are stated at acquisition cost. 

Such assets are amortized over their expected useful life, generally not exceeding ten years.

c) Research and development

Expenditure on research activities is recognized in the income statement as incurred. Development 

costs for major projects are capitalized only if the expenditure can be measured reliably, the product 

or process is technically and commercially feasible, future economic benefits are probable, and the 

group intends and has sufficient resources to complete development and to use or sell the asset. 

Otherwise, it is recognized in the income statement as incurred. Subsequently such assets are 

measured at cost less accumulated amortization (max. five years) and any accumulated impairment 

loss.

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).

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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.

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 

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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 

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 

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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.

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 

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

156

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 

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 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

157

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 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 an 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.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

158

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.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

159

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

Pumps Equipment

Standard business

  — Standard products made to stock
  — New pumps
  — Spare parts

  — Preconfigured products

— Assembled and packaged on 

Configured business

customer order

  n/a

  OT

Engineered business

customer’s specifications

  OT

Rotating Equipment Services

  — Highly customized products

— Engineered to order according to 

Repair

Parts

Services

Chemtech

  — Turbo
  — Electromechanical
  — Pumps

  — Gas turbines components
  — Coils
  — Pumps spares
  — Retrofits

— Off-the-shelf articles or 

  OT

manufactured on customer order

— Others (tool container, remote 
monitoring, other spare parts)

  OT

  — 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

  OT

— Off-the-shelf articles of stock 

materials

  PIT

  PIT

  PIT

  PIT

  PIT

PIT
OT for field services (asset that the 
customer controls)

Rush orders

  — Articles purchased for sale

  n/a

  PIT

Components

— 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

Services / Engineered solutions

parts

— Procurement of equipment, spare 

Applicator Systems

Rush orders

— Off-the-shelf articles of stock 
materials (production to stock)

  OT

  n/a

report.sulzer.com/ar20

  OT

  PIT

  PIT
  OT for certain service contracts

where the customer simultaneously 
receives the service

  PIT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

160

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 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 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.

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page breakSulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

161

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 23, 

2021. They are subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting, which will be held on April 14, 

2021. 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.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

162

36 Major subsidiaries
December 31, 2020

  Subsidiary

Europe

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

Switzerland

  Sulzer Chemtech AG, Winterthur

100%   CHF 10’000’000  

  Sulzer Mixpac AG, Haag

100%  

CHF 100’000  

Sulzer Markets and Technology 
AG, Winterthur

Sulzer Management AG, 
Winterthur

100%  

CHF 4’000’000  

100%  

CHF 500’000  

  Tefag AG, Winterthur

100%  

CHF 500’000  

  Sulzer International AG, Winterthur

100%  

CHF 100’000  

  Haselmeier AG   , St. Gallen

1)

100%  

CHF 2’000’000  

Belgium

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater Belgium 
N.V./S.A., St. Stevens-Woluwe

100%  

EUR 123’947  

Ensival Moret Belgium SA, 
Thimister-Clermont

100%  

EUR 7’400’000  

Czech Republic

Sulzer GTC Technology Europe 
s.r.o., Brno

100%  

CZK 28’053’000  

Germany

Denmark

Finland

France

  Haselmeier s.r.o.   , Dnesice

1)

100%  

CZK 50’200’000  

Sulzer Pumpen (Deutschland) 
GmbH, Bruchsal

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater 
Germany GmbH, Bonn

100%  

EUR 3’000’000  

100%  

EUR 300’000  

  Sulzer Chemtech GmbH, Linden

100%  

EUR 300’000  

Sulzer APS Deutschland Holding 
GmbH, Bechhofen

100%  

EUR 870’000  

  Geka GmbH, Bechhofen

100%  

EUR 878’600  

Sulzer Mixpac Deutschland GmbH, 
Kiel

100%  

EUR 26’000  

  Haselmeier GmbH   , Stuttgart

1)

100%  

EUR 2’027’700  

Sulzer Pumps Denmark A/S, 
Farum

100%  

DKK 500’000  

  Sulzer Pumps Finland Oy, Kotka

100%  

EUR 16’000’000  

Sulzer Pompes France SASU, 
Buchelay

100%  

EUR 6’600’000  

Sulzer Ensival Moret France SASU, 
Saint-Quentin

100%  

EUR 10’000’000  

Great Britain

  Sulzer Pumps (UK) Ltd., Leeds

100%  

GBP 9’610’000  

Sulzer Chemtech (UK) Ltd., 
Stockton on Tees

100%  

GBP 100’000  

Sulzer Electro Mechanical Services 
(UK) Ltd., Birmingham

100%  

GBP 48’756  

  Sulzer (UK) Holdings Ltd., Leeds

100%  

GBP 6’100’000  

Sulzer Mixpac (UK) Ltd., 
Hungerford

100%  

GBP 1’000’000  

  Alba Power Ltd., Aberdeen

100%  

GBP 1  

Ireland

Sulzer Pump Solutions Ireland Ltd., 
Wexford

100%  

EUR 2’222’500  

Sulzer Finance (Ireland) Limited, 
Wexford

100%  

EUR 100  

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•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

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

Process Laboratories Netherlands 
(PROLAB NL) B.V., Arnhem

Sulzer Turbo Services Venlo B.V., 
Lomm

Sulzer Netherlands Holding B.V., 
Lomm

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 443’940  

100%  

EUR 10’010’260  

  Sulzer Capital B.V., Lomm

100%  

EUR 50’000  

Sulzer Austria GmbH, Wiener 
Neudorf

100%  

EUR 350’000  

Sulzer Turbo Services Poland Sp. z 
o.o., Lublin

100%  

PLN 2’427’000  

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater Poland 
Sp. z o.o., Warsaw

Sulzer Mixpac Poland Sp. z o.o., 
Nowa Wies Wroclawska

GTC Technology Romania Srl, 
Bucharest

100%  

PLN 800’000  

100%  

PLN 5’000  

100%  

RON 1’345’070  

  AO Sulzer Pumps, St. Petersburg

100%  

RUB 8’000’000  

  Sulzer Pumps Rus LLC, Moscow

100%  

RUB 6’000’600  

Sulzer Turbo Services Rus LLC, 
Moscow

100%   RUB 14’705’882  

  Sulzer Chemtech LLC, Serpukhov

100%   RUB 55’500’000  

Sulzer Pumps Sweden AB, 
Vadstena

100%  

SEK 3’000’000  

  Sulzer Pumps Spain S.A., Madrid

100%  

EUR 1’750’497  

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater Spain 
S.A., Rivas Vaciamadrid

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  

100%  

CAD 7’000’000  

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

100%  

CAD 1’832’816  

100%   USD 40’381’108  

100%   USD 25’589’260  

100%  

USD 1’000  

Sulzer Chemtech USA, Inc., Tulsa, 
Oklahoma

100%   USD 47’895’000  

Sulzer Mixpac USA Inc., Salem, 
New Hampshire

Sulzer Turbo Services Houston 
Inc., La Porte, Texas

Sulzer Turbo Services New 
Orleans Inc., Belle Chasse, 
Louisiana

100%  

USD 100  

100%   USD 18’840’000  

100%  

USD 4’006’122  

Italy

Norway

The Netherlands

Austria

Poland

Romania

Russia

Sweden

Spain

North America

Canada

USA

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

164

Sulzer Electro-Mechanical Services 
(US) Inc., Pasadena, Texas

100%   USD 12’461’286  

Sulzer US Holding Inc., Houston, 
Texas

Geka Manufacturing Corporation, 
Elgin, Illinois

JWC Environmental Inc., Santa 
Ana, California

Sulzer GTC Technology US Inc., 
Houston, Texas

Sulzer Pumps México, S.A. de 
C.V., Cuautitlán Izcalli

Sulzer Chemtech, S. de R.L. de 
C.V., Cuautitlán Izcalli

100%   USD 310’335’340  

100%  

USD 603’719  

100%   USD 220’818’520  

100%  

USD 1  

100%  

MXN 4’887’413  

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 (South Africa) (Pty) 
Ltd., Elandsfontein

Sulzer (South Africa) Holdings (Pty) 
Ltd., Elandsfontein

Sulzer Maroc S.A.R.L. A.U., 
Nouaceur

75%   ZAR 100’450’000  

100%  

ZAR 16’476  

100%  

MAD 3’380’000  

  Sulzer Pumps (Nigeria) Ltd., Lagos  

100%  

NGN 5’000’000  

  Sulzer Zambia Ltd., Chingola

100%  

ZMK 15’000’000  

Chile

Colombia

Africa

South Africa

Morocco

Nigeria

Zambia

Middle East

United Arab Emirates

Sulzer Pumps Middle East FZCO, 
Dubai

100%  

AED 500’000  

Saudi Arabia

Bahrain

Asia

India

Sulzer Rotating Equipment FZE, 
Dubai

Sulzer Saudi Pump Company 
Limited, Riyadh

Sulzer Chemtech Middle East 
W.L.L., Al Seef

100%  

USD 272’000  

75%  

SAR 44’617’000  

100%  

BHD 50’000  

Sulzer Pumps India Pvt. Ltd., Navi 
Mumbai

100%  

INR 24’893’500  

  Sulzer India Pvt. Ltd., Pune

100%  

INR 34’500’000  

Sulzer Tech India Pvt. Ltd., Navi 
Mumbai

100%  

INR 100’000  

Indonesia

  PT. Sulzer Indonesia, Purwakarta

95%  

IDR 
28’234’800’000  

Japan

  Sulzer Daiichi K.K., Tokyo

60%  

JPY 30’000’000  

  Sulzer Japan Ltd., Tokyo

100%  

JPY 30’000’000  

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

165

Malaysia

Singapore

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater 
Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Selangor 
Darul Ehsan

Sulzer Singapore Pte. Ltd., 
Singapore

100%  

MYR 500’000  

100%  

SGD 1’000’000  

South Korea

  Sulzer Korea Ltd., Seoul

100%   KRW 222’440’000  

Sulzer GTC Technology Korea Co. 
Ltd., Seoul

100%  

KRW 
4’870’000’000  

Thailand

  Sulzer (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Rayong  

100%  

THB 25’000’000  

People’s Republic of 
China

Sulzer Dalian Pumps & 
Compressors Ltd., Dalian

Sulzer Pumps Suzhou Ltd., 
Suzhou

Sulzer Pump Solutions (Kunshan) 
Co., Ltd., Kunshan

Sulzer Shanghai Eng. & Mach. 
Works Ltd., Shanghai

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater 
Shanghai Co. Ltd., Shanghai

Sulzer GTC (Beijing) Technology 
Inc., Beijing

100%   CHF 21’290’000  

100%   CNY 282’069’324  

100%  

USD 5’760’000  

100%   CNY 61’432’607  

100%  

USD 1’550’000  

100%  

USD 150’000  

Australia

1) Acquired in 2020.

  Sulzer Australia Pty Ltd., Brisbane  

100%  

AUD 5’308’890  

Sulzer Australia Holding Pty Ltd., 
Brendale

100%  

AUD 34’820’100  

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Auditor’s report

166

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, 2020 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, 2020, 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 International Ethics Standards Board 
for Accountants’ International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International 
Independence Standards) (IESBA Code), and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in 
accordance with these requirements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for 
our opinion.

Key Audit Matters

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167

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, 2020, revenue from customer 
contracts amounts to CHF 3’319.0 million, contract assets 
amount to CHF 324.9 million, contract liabilities to CHF 300.5 
million, the balance of work in progress (WIP) amounts to 
CHF 216.4 million and trade accounts receivable amount to 
CHF 599.1 million.

Under IFRS 15 revenue is recognized when a performance 
obligation is satisfied by transferring control over a promised 
good or service.

Revenue and related costs from long-term customer orders 
(construction and service contracts) are recognized over time 
(OT), provided they fulfill the criteria of International Financial 
Reporting Standards, specifically having the right to payment 
in case of termination for convenience. The OT method 
allows recognizing revenues by reference to the stage of 
completion of the contract. The application of the OT method 
is complex and requires judgments by management when 
estimating the stage of completion, total project costs and 
the costs to complete the work. Incorrect assumptions and 
estimates can lead to revenue being recognized in the wrong 
reporting period or in amounts inadequate to the actual 
stage of completion, and therefore to an incorrect result for 
the period.

During order fulfillment, contractual obligations may need to 
be reassessed. In addition, change orders or cancelations 
have to be considered. As a result, total estimated project 
costs may exceed total contract revenues and therefore 
require write-offs of contract assets, receivables and the 
immediate recognition of the expected loss as a provision.

Regarding the projects recognized at a point in time (PIT), the 
risks include inappropriate revenue recognition from revenue 
being recorded in the wrong accounting period or at 
amounts not justified as well as overstated WIP that requires 
impairment adjustments.

Our procedures included, among others, obtaining an 
understanding of the project execution processes and 
relevant controls relating to the accounting for customer 
contracts.

For the revenue recognized throughout the year, we tested 
selected key controls, including results reviews by 
management, for their operating effectiveness and 
performed procedures to gain sufficient audit evidence on 
the accuracy of the accounting for customer contracts and 
related financial statement captions.

These procedures included reading significant new contracts 
to understand the terms and conditions and their impact on 
revenue recognition. We performed enquiries with 
management to understand their project risk assessments 
and inspected meeting minutes from project reviews 
performed by management to identify relevant changes in 
their assessments and estimates. We challenged these 
estimates including comparing estimated project financials 
between reporting periods and assessed the historical 
accuracy of these estimates.

On a sample basis, we reconciled revenue to the supporting 
documentation, validated estimates of costs to complete, 
tested the mathematical accuracy of calculations and the 
adequacy of project accounting. We also examined costs 
included within contract assets on a sample basis by 
verifying the amounts back to source documentation and 
tested their recoverability through comparing the net 
realizable values as per the agreements with estimated cost 
to complete.

We further performed testing for PIT projects on a sample 
basis to confirm the appropriate application of revenue 
recognition policies and to verify valuation of WIP balances. 
This included reconciling accounting entries to supporting 
documentation. When doing this, we specifically put 
emphasis on those transactions occurring close before or 
after the balance sheet date to obtain sufficient evidence 
over the accuracy of cut-off.

For further information on customer contracts – accuracy of revenue recognition, valuation of 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

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168

Accounting for warranties and other costs to fulfill contract obligations

Key Audit Matter

Our response

As per December 31, 2020, provisions in the amount of CHF 
85.3 million are held on the balance sheet to cover expected 
costs arising from product warranties. Additional expected 
costs to fulfill contract obligations and for onerous contracts 
are recorded as other provisions.

Based on our knowledge gained through contract and 
project reviews, we assessed the need for and the accuracy 
of provisions and deductions in revenue for variable 
consideration for expected liquidated damages.

Sulzer is exposed to claims from customers for not meeting 
contractual obligations. Remedying measures, addressing 
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.

We further challenged management’s contract risk 
assessments by enquiries, inspection of meeting minutes 
and review of correspondence with customers where 
available.

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 costs to fulfill contract obligations to the 
following:

—

Note 27 to the consolidated financial statements

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page breakSulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Auditor’s report

169

Valuation of goodwill

Key Audit Matter

Our response

As at December 31, 2020, Sulzer’s balance sheet included 
goodwill amounting to CHF 957.7 million.

Goodwill has to be assessed for impairment on a yearly 
basis 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 judgments, including the estimated future 
cash flows, long-term growth rates, profitability levels and 
discount rates applied as well as the determination of the 
cash generating units (CGUs) for the goodwill impairment 
testing.

The goodwill balance is significant compared to total assets 
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 a significant share in 
this market segment, Sulzer’s financial performance is 
affected by the volatile oil prices, triggered by political 
tensions, and the resulting subdued demand and price 
pressure from its oil and gas customers. These effects were 
accompanied by the COVID-19 pandemic heavily affecting 
the global economy in 2020.

As a first step, we assessed the appropriateness of the 
CGUs identified. Our audit procedures then included, 
amongst others, evaluating the methodical and mathematical 
accuracy of the model used for the impairment testing, the 
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 
procedures.

We thereby focused on those CGUs with the most significant 
goodwill balances or where reasonably possible changes of 
key assumptions would lead to an impairment and 
performed the following procedures amongst others:

• 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 

three-year plans as approved by management and 

board of directors;

• 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 

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170

consolidated financial statements, the stand-alone financial statements of the Company, the 
compensation report and our auditor’s reports thereon.

Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover the other information in the annual 
report and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, our responsibility is to read the 
other information in the annual report and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is 
materially inconsistent with the consolidated financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the 
audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If, based on the work we have performed, we 
conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that 
fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Responsibility of the Board of Directors for the Consolidated Financial Statements

The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements that 
give a true and fair view in accordance with IFRS and the provisions of Swiss law, and for such internal 
control as the Board of Directors determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated 
financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the Board of Directors is responsible for assessing 
the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going 
concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Board of Directors either intends to 
liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements 
as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s 
report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a 
guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Swiss law, ISAs and Swiss Auditing Standards 
will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error 
and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to 
influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated financial 
statements.

As part of an audit in accordance with Swiss law, ISAs and Swiss Auditing Standards, we exercise 
professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:

—

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, 

whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, 

and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one 

resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, 

misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

—

—

Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit 

procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an 

opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control.

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting 

estimates and related disclosures made.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Auditor’s report

171

—

Conclude on the appropriateness of the Board of Directors’ use of the going concern basis of 

accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists 

related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue 

as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw 

attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the consolidated financial statements 

or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the 

audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or 

conditions may cause the Group to cease to continue as a going concern.

—

—

Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the consolidated financial statements, 

including the disclosures, and whether the consolidated financial statements represent the 

underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.

Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or 

business activities within the Group to express an opinion on the consolidated financial 

statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the Group 

audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.

We communicate with the Board of Directors or its relevant committee regarding, among other matters, 
the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant 
deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

We also provide the Board of Directors or its relevant committee with a statement that we have 
complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, and communicate with them all 
relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and 
where applicable, actions taken to eliminate threats or safeguards applied.

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

Rolf Hauenstein

Licensed Audit Expert

Auditor in Charge

Zurich, February 23, 2021

Simon Niklaus

Licensed Audit Expert

KPMG AG, Räffelstrasse 28, CH-8036 Zurich
KPMG AG, a Swiss corporation, is a subsidiary of KPMG Holding AG, which is a member firm of the KPMG global organization of 
independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Supplementary information

172

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.

Operational profit

Operational profit 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.

Operational profitability

Operational profitability measures how the group turns sales into operating profits. Operational 

profitability is calculated by dividing operational profit by sales.

Operational ROCEA (operational return on capital employed adjusted)

Operational ROCEA measures how the group generates operational profits from its capital employed. 

Operational ROCEA is calculated by dividing operational profit by 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.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Supplementary information

173

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.

Free cash flow (FCF)

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

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

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Supplementary information

174

—

—

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 operational profit, operational profitability, 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 operational ROCEA to the table below.

Operational ROCEA 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

Operational profit

Average capital employed

Operational ROCEA

2020  

5’378.7  

–401.0  

–1’123.2  

–305.1  

–56.0  

–1’989.9  

–1’971.7  

1’491.3  

231.8  

103.4  

157.6  

79.5  

1’595.4  

297.6  

1’595.4  

18.7%  

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%

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Five-year summaries

175

Five-year summaries of key financial data
Key figures from consolidated income statement and statement of cash flows

millions of CHF

Order intake

2020  

2019  

2018  

2017  

2016

3’414.1  

3’747.2  

3’531.5  

3’155.7  

2’797.5

Currency-adjusted growth order intake

–2.2%  

8.2%  

12.5%  

11.8%  

Order intake gross margin

34.0%  

33.6%  

33.3%  

34.4%  

–2.0%

34.0%

Order backlog

Sales

Operating income  (EBIT)

Operational profit

Operational profitability

Net income attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

– in percentage of equity attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd 
(ROE)

Reported EPS

Depreciation

Amortization

Impairments of tangible and intangible assets

Research and development expenses

1’758.9  

1’792.6  

1’786.9  

1’593.5  

1’439.1

3’319.0  

3’728.5  

3’364.9  

3’049.0  

2’876.7

150.6  

297.6  

9.0%  

83.6  

6.0%  

2.46  

241.0  

371.3  

10.0%  

154.0  

9.7%  

4.52  

–101.8  

–102.6  

–65.9  

–9.8  

–84.1  

–64.5  

–4.4  

–85.6  

183.8  

322.5  

9.6%  

113.7  

7.0%  

3.56  

–71.7  

–69.0  

–4.4  

–86.4  

136.5  

255.4  

8.4%  

83.2  

5.0%  

2.44  

–71.7  

–53.8  

–15.4  

–81.0  

115.3

238.9

8.3%

59.0

3.7%

1.73

–69.5

–47.3

–18.4

–71.4

Personnel expenses

–1’123.4  

–1’191.1  

–1’129.7  

–1’078.2  

–971.1

Capital expenditure (incl. lease assets)

Free cash flow (FCF)

FCF conversion (free cash flow/net income)

–158.0  

–142.1  

272.1  

3.12  

213.4  

1.35  

–96.2  

181.3  

1.56  

–81.2  

127.0  

1.46  

–74.9

200.5

3.34

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

15’054  

16’506  

15’572  

14’732  

14’005

Key figures from consolidated balance sheet

millions of CHF

Non-current assets

2020  

2019  

2018  

2017  

2016

2’215.9  

2’172.0  

2’057.7  

1’990.5  

1’809.9

– thereof property, plant and equipment

545.3  

544.4  

527.0  

531.6  

511.0

Current assets

3’162.8  

2’937.5  

2’840.6  

2’126.8  

1’926.0

– thereof cash and cash equivalents

1’123.2  

1’035.5  

1’095.2  

488.8  

429.5

Total assets

5’378.7  

5’109.5  

4’898.3  

4’117.3  

3’735.9

Equity attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

1’404.3  

1’580.7  

1’629.9  

1’680.1  

1’581.2

Non-current liabilities

– thereof non-current borrowings

– thereof non-current lease liabilities

Current liabilities

– thereof current borrowings

– thereof current lease liabilities

Net debt

Net debt/EBITDA ratio

1)
Equity ratio 

1’989.9  

1’644.1  

1’646.8  

1’491.3  

1’199.2  

1’316.3  

90.2  

82.3  

–  

900.1  

458.7  

–  

980.3

458.3

–

1’971.7  

1’871.5  

1’610.4  

1’514.8  

1’164.6

231.8  

29.5  

414.5  

1.26  

131.0  

27.4  

346.9  

0.84  

18.0  

255.1  

–  

–  

239.0  

0.73  

225.0  

0.81  

7.1

–

35.9

0.14

26.1%  

30.9%  

33.3%  

40.8%  

42.3%

1) Equity attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd in relation to total assets.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Five-year summaries

176

Five-year summaries by division

Order intake

Sales

millions of CHF

2020  

2019  

2018  

2017  

2016  

2020  

2019  

2018  

2017  

2016

Pumps Equipment

1’297.6  

1’458.9  

1’372.1  

1’180.2  

1’066.8  

1’296.3  

1’477.0  

1’284.2  

1’120.0  

1’155.3

Rotating Equipment Services

1’130.8  

1’193.2  

1’109.7  

1’047.7  

986.4  

1’078.3  

1’167.0  

1’063.7  

1’029.5  

1’003.4

Chemtech

620.8  

670.0  

600.1  

501.5  

471.8  

593.1  

664.0  

563.2  

478.0  

446.0

Applicator Systems

364.8  

425.1  

449.6  

426.3  

272.6  

351.2  

420.6  

453.8  

421.6  

272.0

Total

3’414.1  

3’747.2  

3’531.5  

3’155.7  

2’797.5  

3’319.0  

3’728.5  

3’364.9  

3’049.0  

2’876.7

Order backlog

1)
Employees 

millions of CHF

2020  

2019  

2018  

2017  

2016  

2020  

2019  

2018  

2017  

2016

Pumps Equipment

845.0  

924.3  

982.9  

847.0  

697.4  

5’362  

5’759  

5’713  

5’453  

5’156

Rotating Equipment Services

435.0  

422.2  

393.1  

364.4  

378.7  

4’449  

4’900  

4’721  

4’485  

4’541

Chemtech

396.9  

385.3  

345.9  

315.3  

304.9  

3’221  

3’803  

3’063  

2’878  

2’570

Applicator Systems

82.0  

60.8  

65.0  

66.8  

58.0  

1’857  

1’821  

1’864  

1’716  

1’562

Divisions

Others

Total

1’758.9  

1’792.6  

1’786.9  

1’593.5  

1’439.0  

14’888  

16’284  

15’361  

14’532  

13’829

0.0  

0.0  

–0.0  

–  

0.1  

165  

222  

211  

200  

176

1’758.9  

1’792.6  

1’786.9  

1’593.5  

1’439.1  

15’054  

16’506  

15’572  

14’732  

14’005

Operational profit

Operational profitability

millions of CHF

2020  

2019  

2018  

2017  

2016  

2020  

2019  

2018  

2017  

2016

Pumps Equipment

55.2  

59.7  

41.4  

–3.7  

13.0  

4.3%  

4.0%  

3.2%  

–0.3%  

1.1%

Rotating Equipment Services

150.3  

164.5  

146.1  

144.0  

139.5  

13.9%  

14.1%  

13.7%  

13.9%  

13.8%

Chemtech

Applicator Systems

56.9  

44.7  

63.8  

88.2  

50.0  

95.7  

25.0  

86.8  

18.0  

9.6%  

9.6%  

8.9%  

5.2%  

4.0%

64.1  

12.7%  

21.0%  

21.1%  

20.5%  

23.6%

Divisions

Others

Total

307.1  

376.2  

333.2  

252.1  

234.6  

9.3%  

10.1%  

9.9%  

8.2%  

8.1%

–9.5  

–4.9  

–10.7  

3.3  

4.3  

n/a  

n/a  

n/a  

n/a  

n/a

297.6  

371.3  

322.5  

255.4  

238.9  

9.0%  

10.0%  

9.6%  

8.4%  

8.3%

1) Number of full-time equivalents as of December 31.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Five-year summaries

177

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.

2020  

2019  

2018  

2017  

2016

1’427.6  

1’612.2  

1’535.9  

1’422.1  

1’254.8

1’125.1  

1’290.2  

1’297.1  

1’038.2  

861.4  

844.8  

698.5  

695.4  

949.8

592.9

3’414.1  

3’747.2  

3’531.5  

3’155.7  

2’797.5

2020  

2019  

2018  

2017  

2016

1’402.0  

1’539.6  

1’468.9  

1’411.6  

1’271.8

1’144.1  

1’321.3  

1’107.6  

1’003.5  

1’041.9

772.9  

867.7  

788.4  

633.9  

563.0

3’319.0  

3’728.5  

3’364.9  

3’049.0  

2’876.7

2020  

7’261  

4’104  

3’689  

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

15’054  

16’506  

15’572  

14’732  

14’005

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Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

Income statement of Sulzer Ltd

179   Balance sheet of Sulzer Ltd
 180 
 181  Statement of changes in equity of Sulzer Ltd
 182  Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd
 182  01 |  General information
 182  02 |  Key accounting policies and principles
 182  03 |  Cash and cash equivalents
 182  04 |  Investments in subsidiaries
 183  05 |  Registered share capital
 183  06 |  Interest-bearing liabilities
 184  07 |  Contingent liabilities
 184  08 |  Administrative expenses
 184  09 |  Investment income and investment and loan expenses
 184  10 |  Other income
 184  11 | Financial expenses
 185  12 |  Share participation of the Board of Directors,  

Executive Committee and related parties

 186  13 |  Subsequent events after the balance sheet date
 187  Proposal of the Board of Directors for the appropriation  

of the available profit

 188  Auditor’s report

Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Balance sheet of Sulzer Ltd

179

Balance sheet of Sulzer Ltd

Notes  

2020  

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

Investments in associates

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

3  

4  

6  

6  

5  

5  

454.7  

80.0  

289.6  

2.0  

826.3  

667.8  

8.4  

2’254.6  

4.6  

2’935.4  

2019

253.0

50.0

213.6

3.3

519.9

644.5

7.4

2’182.2

–

2’834.1

3’761.7  

3’354.0

209.9  

–  

10.2  

261.0  

17.7  

5.6  

504.4  

1’488.5  

33.2  

1’521.7  

2’026.1  

0.3  

205.5  

201.0  

1’185.5  

50.6  

131.0  

–38.3  

1’735.6  

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

Total equity and liabilities

3’761.7  

3’354.0

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Income statement of Sulzer Ltd

180

Income statement of Sulzer Ltd

January 1 – December 31

millions of CHF

Income

Investment income

Financial income

Other income

Total income

Expenses

Administrative expenses

Financial expenses

Investment and loan expenses

Other expenses

Direct taxes

Total expenses

Net profit for the year

Notes  

2020  

9  

10  

8  

11  

9  

189.0  

35.6  

43.2  

267.8  

61.7  

65.6  

2.7  

5.4  

1.4  

136.8  

131.0  

2019

161.5

34.9

47.6

244.0

76.2

30.5

–

2.7

0.7

110.1

133.9

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Statement of changes in equity of Sulzer Ltd

181

Statement of changes in equity of Sulzer 
Ltd

January 1 – December 31

millions of CHF

Share 
capital  

Legal 
reserves  

Reserves 
from capital 
contribution  

Free 
reserves  

Retained 
earnings  

Net 
income  

Treasury 
shares  

Total

Equity as of January 1, 2019

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

–119.2  

15.0  

–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

Dividend

Allocation of net income

Net profit for the year

Change in treasury shares

–136.1  

–2.2  

2.2  

131.0  

–136.1

–

131.0

–12.7  

–12.7

Equity as of December 31, 2020

0.3  

205.5  

201.0  

1’185.5  

50.6  

131.0  

–38.3  

1’735.6

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

182

1 General information

Sulzer Ltd, Winterthur, Switzerland (the company), is the parent company of the Sulzer Group. Its 

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, 2020 and 2019, 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.

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page breakSulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

183

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)

16’728’414  

48.82  

16’728’414  

Number of shares  

in %   Number of shares  

in %

48.82

Dec 31, 2020  

Dec 31, 2019

Treasury shares held by Sulzer Ltd

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Purchase

Share-based remuneration

Balance as of December 31

2020  

2019

Number of shares  

amount   Number of shares  

Total transaction 

Total transaction 
amount

240’924  

285’460  

–99’917  

426’467  

25.6  

23.1  

–10.4  

38.3  

311’871  

110’400  

–181’347  

240’924  

34.0

11.1

–19.6

25.6

The total number of treasury shares held by Sulzer Ltd as of December 31, 2020, amounted to 

426’467 (December 31, 2019: 240’924 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

0.800% 09/2020–09/2025

0.875% 11/2020–11/2027

Total as of December 31

– thereof non-current

– thereof current

2020  

2019

Book value  

Nominal

Book value  

Nominal

325.1  

125.0  

–  

289.6  

209.9  

249.8  

299.3  

199.7  

1’698.4  

1’488.5  

209.9  

325.0  

125.0  

–  

290.0  

210.0  

250.0  

300.0  

200.0  

1’700.0  

1’490.0  

210.0  

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

All the outstanding bonds are traded at the SIX Swiss Exchange.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

184

7 Contingent liabilities

millions of CHF

2020  

2019

1’317.3

206.1

574.0

10.0

2’107.4

2019

3.0

73.2

76.2

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

1’205.5  

214.6  

436.8  

11.0  

1’867.9  

As of December 31, 2020, CHF 295.5 million (2019: CHF 309.9 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

2020  

2.7  

59.0  

61.7  

Sulzer Ltd does not have any employees. The compensation to the Board of Directors includes 

share-based payments and remuneration. Other administrative expenses contain management 

services and recharges from subsidiaries.

9 Investment income and investment and loan expenses

In 2020, the investment income contains ordinary and extraordinary dividend payments from 

subsidiaries amounting to CHF 159.0 million (2019: CHF 161.5 million).

In 2020, Sulzer Ltd released hidden reserves in the amount of CHF 30.0 million (2019: CHF 0.0 

million).

The investment and loan expenses contain allowances on investments, loans and share of loss of 

associates of CHF 2.7 million in 2020 (2019: CHF 0.0 million).

10 Other income

The income from trademark license amounts to CHF 41.4 million (2019: CHF 38.7 million).

11 Financial expenses

The financial expenses contain mainly allowances on foreign currency loans amounting to CHF 48.5 

million (2019: CHF 15.3 million) and interest expenses on interest-bearing liabilities of CHF 12.9 

million (2019: CHF 12.2 million).

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

185

12 Share participation of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee 
and related parties
Restricted share units for members of the Board

The compensation of the Board of Directors consists of a fixed cash component and a restricted 

share unit (RSU) component with a fixed grant value. The number of RSU is determined by dividing 

the fixed grant value by the volume-weighted share price of the last ten days prior to the grant date. 

One-third of the RSU each vest after the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date, 

respectively. Upon vesting, one vested RSU is converted into one share of Sulzer Ltd. The vesting 

period for RSU granted to the members of the Board of Directors ends no later than on the date on 

which the member steps down from the Board.

Board of Directors

Peter Löscher

Matthias Bichsel

Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg Sørensen

Lukas Braunschweiler

Mikhail Lifshitz

Marco Musetti

Gerhard Roiss

Alexey Moskov

Executive Committee

Greg Poux-Guillaume

Daniel Bischofberger

Frédéric Lalanne

Jill Lee

Armand Sohet

Torsten Wintergerste

Girts Cimermans

  Sulzer shares  

Restricted 
share units 
1)
(RSU) 

Performance 
share units 
2)
(PSU) 2018 

Performance 
share units 
3)
(PSU) 2019 

Performance 
share units 
4)
(PSU) 2020 

2020

56’020  

27’510  

19’437  

8’238  

816  

1’097  

4’781  

8’639  

13’012  

–  

92’944  

58’062  

6’233  

6’955  

7’945  

6’624  

7’125  

–  

6’210  

3’853  

3’106  

3’106  

3’106  

3’106  

3’106  

1’917  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

28’133  

54’251  

12’820  

23’363  

2’938  

2’938  

3’561  

2’938  

2’938  

–  

6’491  

6’491  

6’491  

5’355  

5’355  

705  

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

66’999

33’267

6’161

6’161

6’161

5’083

5’083

5’083

1) Restricted share units assigned by Sulzer.

2) The average fair value of one performance share unit 2018 at grant date amounted to CHF 143.62.

3) The average fair value of one performance share unit 2019 at grant date amounted to CHF 115.95.

4) The average fair value of one performance share unit 2020 at grant date amounted to CHF 78.18.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

186

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

  Sulzer shares  

Restricted 
share units 
1)
(RSU) 

Performance 
share units 
2)
(PSU) 2017 

Performance 
share units 
3)
(PSU) 2018 

Performance 
share units 
4)
(PSU) 2019 

2019

47’461  

18’549  

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  

–  

4’692  

2’911  

1’951  

1’951  

2’348  

2’348  

2’348  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

25’292  

28’133  

13’196  

12’820  

3’024  

3’024  

–  

3’024  

3’024  

–  

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

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.

Granted Sulzer shares to members of the Board of Directors

Allocated to members of the Board of Directors

17’715  

1’155’000  

10’551  

1’031’419

2020  

2019

Quantity  

Value in CHF  

Quantity  

Value in CHF

13 Subsequent events after the balance sheet date

At the time when these financial statements were authorized for issue, the Board of Directors were 

not aware of any events that would materially affect these financial statements.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

187

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

2020  

2019

131’000’000  

50’591’802  

181’591’802  

–135’343’612  

46’248’190  

4.00  

–1.40  

2.60  

133’900’000

52’791’210

186’691’210

–136’085’784

50’605’426

4.00

–1.40

2.60

The Board of Directors proposes the payment of a dividend of CHF 4.00 per share to the Annual 

General Meeting on April 14, 2021. The company will not pay a dividend on treasury shares held by 

Sulzer Ltd or one of its subsidiaries.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Auditor’s report

188

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd, which comprise the “Balance sheet of Sulzer 
Ltd” as at December 31, 2020, 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, 2020 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.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Auditor’s report

189

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole 
are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that 
includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an 
audit conducted in accordance with Swiss law and Swiss Auditing 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 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.

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page breakSulzer Annual Report 2020 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Auditor’s report

190

Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements

In accordance with article 728a para. 1 item 3 CO and the Swiss Auditing Standard 890, we confirm that 
an internal control system exists, which has been designed for the preparation of financial statements 
according to the instructions of the Board of Directors.

We further confirm that the proposed appropriation of available earnings complies with Swiss law and 
the company’s articles of incorporation. We recommend that the financial statements submitted to you 
be approved.

KPMG AG

Rolf Hauenstein 

Licensed Audit Expert

Auditor in Charge

Zurich, February 23, 2021

Simon Niklaus

Licensed Audit Expert

KPMG AG, Räffelstrasse 28, CH-8036 Zurich
KPMG AG, a Swiss corporation, is a subsidiary of KPMG Holding AG, which is a member firm of the KPMG global organization of 
independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.

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page breakSulzer Annual Report 2020 – Investor contact

191

Investor contact

Christoph Ladner
Head of Investor Relations

Sulzer Ltd
Neuwiesenstrasse 15

8401 Winterthur

Switzerland

Phone +41 52 262 30 22

Contact form | Route

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Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Imprint

192

Imprint

Published by:

Sulzer Ltd, Winterthur, Switzerland
© 2021

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)

Getty Images/stilllifephotographer (Cover)

Getty Images/Wokephoto17 (Header picture “Groundbreaking textile recycling technology”)

Shutterstock/RecycleMan (Header picture “Cutting-edge Swiss biopolymer and plastic recycling 

technologies”)

Shutterstock/Mark Fisher (Header picture “Bringing water to drought-affected areas”)

Shutterstock/Jenson (Header picture “Artificial intelligence solution for solar power plants”)

Getty Images/Westend61 (Box “Artificial intelligence solution for solar power plants”)

report.sulzer.com/ar20

Sulzer Annual Report 2020 – Disclaimer

193

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 2020 have been translated into German. Please note that the 

English-language version of the Sulzer Annual Report is the binding version.

report.sulzer.com/ar20