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Sulzer AG

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FY2021 Annual Report · Sulzer AG
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Evergreen 
incubator

Annual Report 2021

Contents

3 Letter to the shareholders

8 Sulzer at a glance

8 Our company
9 Our key figures

11 Focus

23 Business review

41 Corporate governance

69 Compensation report

100 Consolidated financial 

statements

205 Financial statements of 

Sulzer Ltd

24 Financial review
31 Business review divisions

42 Corporate structure and shareholders
44 Capital structure
45 Board of Directors
58 Executive Committee
62 Shareholder participation rights
63 Takeover and defence measures
64 Auditors
65 Risk management
67 Information policy

70 Letter to the shareholders
73 Special report — medmix spin-off
75 Compensation governance and principles
78 Compensation architecture for the CEO and EC 

members

88 Compensation of the Executive Committee for 2021
93 Compensataion architecture for the Board of Directors
95 Compensation of the Board of Directors in 2021
98 Auditor’s report

101 Consolidated income statement
102 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
103 Consolidated balance sheet
104 Consolidated statement of changes in equity
105 Consolidated statement of cash flows
107 Notes to the consolidated financial statements
190 Auditor’s report
197 Supplementary information

205 Balance sheet of Sulzer Ltd
206 Income statement of Sulzer Ltd
207 Statement of changes in equity of Sulzer Ltd
208 Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd
214 Proposal of the Board of Directors for the appropriation 

of the available profit

215 Auditor’s report

Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Letter to the shareholders

3

2021 was an eventful and pivotal year for Sulzer. All three of Sulzer’s divisions reached record 

profitability in 2021 — an achievement rendered all the more impressive by the significant disruptions 

in global supply chains and the ongoing challenges caused by the pandemic. 2021 was also the year 

in which medmix was successfully spun off and made its debut on the SIX Swiss Exchange. The spin-

off, and Sulzer’s strong performance throughout the year, created close to CHF 2 billion in 

shareholder value. With Sulzer’s transformation complete, renewed focus on its core businesses 

following the medmix demerger and the elevation of internal talent to form a new leadership team in 

December 2021 as part of our strategic succession plan, Sulzer is in a strong position to continue on 

its profitable growth path.

Record profitability

In 2021, Sulzer’s order intake increased by 3.6%, ahead of our guidance. All businesses across 

Sulzer’s three divisions grew except for Energy-related activities, which were affected by the 

anticipated softer market conditions. Our strategic focus markets, Water and Renewables, grew 

organically by 11.4% and 94.9% respectively.

Sales increased strongly by 6.0%, in line with our guidance, despite headwinds in supply chains and 

logistics. Operational profitability reached a record 9.3%, beating pre-pandemic levels, with all three 

divisions contributing to this outstanding achievement. In 2021, we once again generated strong free 

cash flow, reaching CHF 239 million, further strengthening our balance sheet.

report.sulzer.com/ar21

Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Letter to the shareholders

4

“

During my tenure as CEO, we have returned Sulzer to growth, 
expanded our activities with increasing focus on sustainable 
solutions and delivered record profitability for all three divisions. 
Sulzer is in great shape, and the medmix spin-off will stimulate 
accelerated profitable growth for both businesses. After six 
transformative and highly enjoyable years at Sulzer, I am excited 
to hand over the baton to Frederic Lalanne, who I have worked 
with for many years. I am confident that he will take the company 
from strength to strength.”

Greg Poux-Guillaume
CEO

Flow Equipment’s largest single business — Water

In January 2021, we acquired Nordic Water, a leading supplier of water treatment technology. This 

acquisition has further strengthened our Water business — we have one of the largest complete 

portfolios of water pumping and treatment solutions, and Water now represents the biggest single 

market segment in the Flow Equipment division (39%). In this report, you can read more about our 

diverse range of 

water treatment solutions and how we help to protect this most precious natural 

resource

 throughout the entire water life cycle.

Sulzer’s latest successful incubation: medmix

In 2021, medmix became the latest success story in Sulzer’s proven track record of incubating 

businesses and industry-leading technologies. Applicator Systems began as a start-up in Sulzer’s 

Chemtech division, a venture that culminated in its listing on the SIX Swiss Exchange as an 

independent company with an enterprise value of roughly CHF 2 billion.

The spin-off unlocked significant value for Sulzer shareholders. It has also allowed Sulzer to once 

again refocus and reinvent itself, as it has done so many times throughout its history. Sulzer is now a 

pure play flow-control company, using its expertise to improve lives and develop innovative and 

sustainable solutions to many of society’s most pressing problems. You can read more in this report 

about Sulzer’s long history as an evergreen incubator — how the company has remained relevant 

over two hundred years by developing pioneering technologies and businesses and consistently 

reinventing itself to take on the next challenge.

Refreshing the Sulzer brand

As part of Sulzer’s latest recalibration and the renewed focus on our core flow-control business 

activities, in 2021 we decided to refresh the Sulzer brand and update our division names. The 

changes reflect our new positioning as well as the widened scope of solutions and services that our 

divisions have evolved to provide.

report.sulzer.com/ar21

Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Letter to the shareholders

5

Pumps Equipment became 

Flow Equipment

 to encompass all of our offering, which expands far 

beyond pumps: compressors, grinders, agitators, digital and our comprehensive portfolio of water 

treatment solutions. Rotating Equipment Services became 

Services

, encapsulating the growth of the 

business into a full-spectrum service provider — moving beyond equipment that rotates. 

Chemtech

retained its name, but its journey towards renewable applications is well under way.

A new leadership team to shape the next phase of Sulzer’s 
journey

After a successful transformation under the leadership of Greg Poux-Guillaume and his team, we 

announced in 2021 that Sulzer would be elevating successors from within its own ranks, as part of its 

strategic succession planning. Sulzer has undergone a significant transformation over the last few 

years through a combination of strategic repositioning, significant operational improvement and value-

creating management and acquisitions. Following the highly successful medmix spin-off and at the 

conclusion of a year of record performance, a number of our long-tenured leaders expressed the 

desire to hand over their responsibilities to a renewed leadership team that will shape the next stage 

of the company’s development.

After eight years as the Chairman of Sulzer, Peter Löscher will not stand for reelection at the next 

annual general meeting (AGM) in April. The Board has voted to propose Dr. Suzanne Thoma to a 

shareholder vote as Sulzer’s Chairwoman. Suzanne is an experienced business leader with a strong 

track record as the CEO of a publicly traded company. The Board is convinced that Suzanne, with her 

experience in the chemicals, energy and infrastructure services industries, is well-equipped to be an 

outstanding successor to Peter and to further develop Sulzer’s strategy based on the company’s 

strong momentum.

Greg Poux-Guillaume decided to step down as Sulzer’s CEO. After six transformational years leading 

Sulzer, and with the company in great shape, he hands over his responsibilities to Frederic Lalanne, 

providing the perfect balance of experience and continuity. During his five years at Sulzer, Frederic led 

the turnaround of the Flow Equipment division from loss-making to an operational profitability of over 

6%. He was also instrumental in Sulzer’s portfolio repositioning, pushing the development of our 

Water business and expanding our offering far beyond the traditional pumps. He initially joined Sulzer 

in 2016 as Group Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, a role in which he modernized and 

energized Sulzer’s commercial approach and processes across all our businesses.

Daniel Bischofberger, President of the Services division, is stepping down to take on the role of CEO 

of ABB Turbocharging, after a successful tenure in charge of our re-energized Service business. 

Daniel has been replaced by Tim Schulten, formerly our Group Head of Strategy, Marketing and 

Digital. Tim has extensive experience in running service and parts businesses, gained during his 

tenure at Caterpillar and engine-maker MWM GmbH. With Daniel’s support, he has hit the ground 

running.

While these changes are significant, they are part of our strategic succession-planning process. All 

replacements are internal, a testament to the good performance of Sulzer and to the quality of the 

leaders that we cultivate within the company.

report.sulzer.com/ar21

Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Letter to the shareholders

6

“

It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as Chairman of 
Sulzer for eight successful years. Under my leadership, the Board 
worked hand in hand with a re-energized executive team to 
position Sulzer in markets driven by sustainability. We leveraged 
Sulzer’s ability to innovate to transform the company’s business 
portfolio, its culture and its performance. It is my great personal 
satisfaction to see that our strategy, which our employees 
transformed into outstanding results, has been embraced by the 
markets and positions the company for long term, sustainable 
success. Sulzer now begins another chapter, and the Board is 
confident that we have a strong and highly capable set of leaders 
to guide the next stage of our development.”

Peter Löscher
Chairman of the Board of Directors

Sustainable Sulzer

The transformation and recalibration that Sulzer has undertaken over the last few years has been built 

with sustainability at its core. Much our efforts are now focused on innovating to solve some of 

society’s most pressing environmental problems. Our technologies are helping companies and 

industries worldwide to reduce emissions and waste by enabling a circular economy, carbon capture 

and storage, renewable fuels and materials, recycling, cutting-edge techniques for energy production, 

and comprehensive water life-cycle management — while also creating value for our shareholders in 

these future-focused business areas.

In 2021, we launched a comprehensive new environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy — 

Sustainable Sulzer. The plan is composed of three pillars, which target Sulzer’s own carbon footprint, 

fostering a greener society with our products and contributions to circular and renewable 

technologies, and engaging our employees and communities to build a safer, more inclusive, and 

more sustainable future. For our emissions, we set an ambitious target: 30 by 30, neutral by 50. We 

will reduce our carbon emissions 30% by 2030 (compared with 2019) and become carbon neutral by 

2050.

Further reflecting our increasing focus on sustainability, Sulzer will now publish a dedicated 

sustainability report. This model will help us to report fully on all our sustainability activities, and to 

provide detailed updates to all our stakeholders on our progress against our targets. The first report 

will be published in the second quarter of 2022 and will follow the yearly reporting cycle thereafter.

Outlook for 2022

We expect continued growth in our markets, despite uncertainties linked to the pandemic, bottlenecks 

in supply and logistics, increased input costs, monetary tightening and a volatile macro environment. 

Against this background, Sulzer has started the year with a high order backlog and strong commercial 

momentum, fuelled by our focus on growing Water and Industry in Flow Equipment, expanding our 

Services business and boosting Chemtech’s leadership in Renewables.

report.sulzer.com/ar21

Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Letter to the shareholders

7

Following another highly successful year for Sulzer, we take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt 

thanks to our employees for their commitment and excellent performance. We also thank our loyal 

customers, shareholders and partners for the ongoing trust in Sulzer and the fruitful collaboration of 

the last few years.

Kind regards,

Peter Löscher

Chairman of the Board

Greg Poux-Guillaume

CEO

report.sulzer.com/ar21

Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Sulzer at a glance – Our company

8

Sustainable flow-control innovation

Sulzer is a global leader in fluid engineering, with two centuries of experience 
developing innovative products and services that drive sustainable progress — 
and help our customers build a better world. 

We specialize in pumping, agitation, mixing, separation and purification 
technologies for fluids of all types. Our customers benefit from our commitment 
to innovation, performance and quality through our responsive network of 180 
world-class manufacturing facilities and service centers across the globe.

Flow Equipment

Wherever fluids are treated, pumped or mixed, we deliver highly innovative and reliable 

solutions for the most demanding applications.

Services

We are your partner for uptime and enhanced performance for your rotating equipment 

and more. Our dedicated people provide unrivalled service and expertise to meet your 

operational needs — anytime, anywhere.

Chemtech

When superior chemical processing and separation technologies matter most, we 

enable our customers to operate world-class plants and produce high-value products.

report.sulzer.com/ar21

Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Sulzer at a glance – Our key figures

9

Our key figures

Order intake by division

Order intake by region

2021

2021

42%

 Flow Equipment

37%

 Services

21%

 Chemtech

Key figures

millions of CHF

41%

 Europe, the Middle East and Africa

33%

 Americas

26%

 Asia-Pacific

2021  

2020 1)  

Change in 

+/–% 

+/–%  

adjusted 2)  

+/–% 
organic 3)

Order intake from continuing operations

3’167.6  

3’049.2  

3.9  

3.6  

0.9

Order intake gross margin from continuing operations

Order backlog from continuing operations as of December 31

Sales from continuing operations

EBIT from continuing operations

Operational profit from continuing operations

Operational profitability from continuing operations

Operational ROCEA from continuing operations

Core net income from continuing operations

Net income from continuing operations

33.1%  

32.6%  

1’724.1  

1’676.8  

3’155.3  

2’967.8  

221.8  

132.5  

293.3  

255.0  

9.3%  

8.6%  

22.7%  

21.3%  

2.8  

6.3  

67.4  

15.1  

6.0  

3.5

14.1  

10.9

195.3  

165.6  

140.7  

71.5  

17.9  

96.7  

Basic earnings per share from continuing operations (in CHF)

4.10  

2.00  

104.9  

Free cash flow (FCF)

Net debt as of December 31

238.7  

272.1  

–12.3  

66.8  

414.5  

–83.9  

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

13’816  

13’197  

4.7  

1) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations (details are described in note 7 to the consolidated financial statements).
2) Adjusted for currency effects.
3) Adjusted for acquisition and currency effects.

report.sulzer.com/ar21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Sulzer at a glance – Our key figures

10

Stock market information

Registered share (in CHF)

– high

– low 1)

– year-end 1)

Market capitalization as of December 31 1)

2021  

2020  

2019  

2018  

2017

144.40  

110.50  

113.40  

137.50  

129.90

92.35  

40.12  

75.15  

76.30  

102.30

134.85  

93.10  

108.00  

78.05  

118.20

– number of shares outstanding

  33’727’637   33’835’903   34’021’446   33’950’499   34’043’093

– in millions of CHF

– in percentage of equity

4’548  

3’150  

3’674  

2’650  

4’024

357%  

224%  

232%  

163%  

240%

P/E ratio as of December 31

Dividend yield as of December 31

1)

Including CHF 45.00 per share from medmix spin-off.

Data per share

CHF

3.2x  

37.8x  

23.9x  

21.9x  

2.6%  

4.3%  

3.7%  

4.5%  

2021  

2020  

2019  

2018  

Net income attributable to a shareholder of Sulzer Ltd

41.93  

2.46  

4.52  

3.56  

Change from prior year

1’603%  

–46%  

27%  

46%  

48.4x

3.0%

2017

2.44

41%

Equity attributable to a shareholder of Sulzer Ltd

37.80  

41.50  

46.50  

48.00  

49.40

Ordinary dividend

Payout ratio

3.50 1)  

4.00  

4.00  

3.50  

3.50

8%  

163%  

88%  

98%  

143%

Average number of shares outstanding

  33’788’006   33’970’141   34’026’442   31’934’459   34’084’133

1) Proposal to the Annual General Meeting.

Shareholder structure as of December 31, 2021

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

4’170  

4’783  

580  

95  

11  

9’639  

0.7%

4.6%

4.6%

8.2%

58.7%

76.7%

report.sulzer.com/ar21

 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Focus – Two centuries of technological leadership

11

Two centuries of technological 
leadership

Since Sulzer’s founding in 1834, the company has been at the forefront of 
technological advancement across a wide range of industries. In a year when 
Sulzer’s Applicator Systems division was spun off to create medmix, a newly 
independent global leader in high-precision delivery devices, we take a look at 
some of Sulzer’s achievements and historical milestones: how the company has 
incubated technologies and businesses as an innovative pioneer over almost 
200 years.

One theme remains particularly constant throughout Sulzer’s history: the company has never been 

afraid to reinvent itself. As times, industries and technologies change, so does Sulzer — constantly 

reshaping its business as new opportunities arise, and others mature, to meet the evolving needs of 

our society.

The first steam and diesel engines

In 1851, the visionary British engineer Charles Brown moved from the UK to Switzerland to join Sulzer, 

which had already established an international reputation for engineering. Brown worked for 20 years 

at Sulzer, during which time he carried out pioneering work developing early steam engines. In 1871, 

Brown co-founded the Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works, which was eventually taken over by 

Sulzer in 1961 to continue a legacy of over 100 years of railway engineering. In 1998, Sulzer sold its 

railway business in parts to Stadler Rail and Bombardier to focus on faster-growing core activities and 

provide a better fit for the further development of the businesses.

A similar chain of events has played out in other industries — Sulzer innovating to develop solutions 

to society’s problems. This is how Sulzer’s name came to be inseparably linked to some of the most 

important developments of the last two centuries. In 1898, Rudolf Diesel’s work at Sulzer led to the 

invention of the first diesel engine and 100 years of diesel engineering for Sulzer, until the company 

once again recalibrated its core focus and sold the diesel business to Wärtsilä in 1997. Sulzer began 

report.sulzer.com/ar21

Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Focus – Two centuries of technological leadership

12

producing turbo compressors and turbines in the mid-twentieth century, and while the production 

parts of the business were variously sold to MAN and ABB, and later to Alstom and Siemens, the 

decades-long expertise with the machinery still forms a core part of Sulzer’s Services division today.

From military planes to prosthetics

Sulzer's precision casting, used for example in the twentieth century for specialized parts in military 

planes, was the spark that ignited Sulzer’s activities in a completely new field — orthopedic implants. 

Thanks to a great deal of research and innovation over the following decades, Sulzer Medica’s 

portfolio included cardiac pacemakers, vascular prostheses and heart valves in addition to more than 

400 different prosthesis variants by the time it was sold to Zimmer in 2003 — where it remains a very 

successful part of the business. These are but a few examples of how Sulzer’s legacy endures across 

industries — and how the technologies it incubated are still central to today’s products and 

machinery.

Sulzer’s latest creation: medmix

Fast-forward to 2021, and Sulzer successfully completed the spin-off of its Applicator Systems 

division, renamed medmix. As part of the Sulzer family, medmix became a global leader in high-

precision delivery devices for markets ranging from healthcare to adhesives and beauty. The division’s 

roots trace back to 2006, when Sulzer acquired Mixpac, Werfo and Mold. These acquisitions, 

combined with the expertise of Sulzer’s Chemtech division, allowed Sulzer to revolutionize the mixing, 

dispensing and application of multicomponent materials. Sulzer created the Applicator Systems 

division in 2017 to encompass this newest niche, and in 2021, the business was ready to stand on its 

own. With a valuation close to CHF 2 billion, profit margins of 25% and over 900 active patents, 

medmix’s success and innovations touch billions of people’s lives — from its contributions to 

healthcare devices to the glue that sticks the pieces of your car together, and even to your makeup.

report.sulzer.com/ar21

Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Focus – Two centuries of technological leadership

13

Sustainable solutions to society’s problems

The spin-off has allowed Sulzer to once again refocus and reinvent itself, as it has done so many 

times throughout its history. Sulzer is now a pure play flow-control company, using its expertise to 

improve lives and solve many of society’s pressing problems.

Water is now the largest business in Sulzer’s Flow Equipment division, and its comprehensive 

portfolio of water treatment solutions mean that it provides for every stage of the water life cycle. Our 

products ensure that fresh, clean water is brought to millions of people worldwide, for use in our 

homes, farms and industries, while protecting this most precious natural resource.

And as the world prioritizes the essential goal of decarbonization, Sulzer continues to lead the way. 

Our technologies are helping companies and industries worldwide to reduce emissions and waste 

through the circular economy, carbon capture and storage, renewable fuels and materials, recycling, 

and novel techniques for energy production. Discover in this report how Sulzer’s technology is central 

to most production facilities for 

degradable polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastics

 worldwide, or how we are 

helping to create

 biogas from sludge during water treatment

 so that these electricity-intensive 

facilities can achieve energy neutrality. And almost 90 years on from Sulzer’s development of weaving 

machines and the successful textile business that followed, the company has once again entered 

textiles, this time with core separation technology to recycle them.

In a world where the pace of change is only accelerating, nothing lasts forever. Times change, our 

society evolves and the problems to be solved mutate. Thanks to Sulzer’s unparalleled ability to 

incubate new technologies and reinvent itself, the company has stayed relevant over 180 years and 

continues to develop highly innovative solutions to the world’s problems. Sulzer’s most exciting 

business is always the next one.

More information about our products and services at www.sulzer.com.

report.sulzer.com/ar21

Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Focus – Making waves in the water industry

14

Making waves in the water industry

The ability of water utilities to support global demands ultimately depends on 
the infrastructures used and the technologies that these facilities leverage. For 
decades, Sulzer has been developing and expanding its business to create a 
comprehensive portfolio of water treatment solutions for all stages of the water 
life cycle. Our state-of-the-art solutions and services allow water to be collected, 
purified, transported, desalinated and more — protecting this precious natural 
resource and saving energy with innovative treatment techniques.

Life on Earth relies on an invaluable and indispensable resource — water. The water industry is 

therefore fundamental to our survival, from supplying safe drinking water to the world’s population to 

providing irrigation on farms producing our food, all the way to wastewater treatment to close the 

loop. As a full-spectrum service provider of treatment solutions, Sulzer helps water utilities worldwide 

to ensure that these demands are met with the highest levels of reliability and efficiency.

Wastewater in particular has changed dramatically in recent years. It contains less water but more 

solids and fibrous materials, which places tough new demands on collection networks. Sulzer’s 

innovative range of pumps, grinders, solids-handling hydraulics and smart controllers are specially 

designed to meet these challenges, ensuring that water is efficiently recovered with minimal disruption 

and waste at collection facilities across the globe. Our screens, grinders, pumps, mixers, 

compressors, aeration and filtration systems and other wastewater treatment solutions then ensure 

that the water is properly cleaned and ready to be reused in our homes and industries, or pumped 

safely back into natural environments.

We don’t just go with the flow — we create it

Thanks to our unique combination of engineering expertise and experience in the water sector, we 

can provide bespoke, fully integrated technologies that address the specific requirements of our 

customers in some the most challenging circumstances.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Focus – Making waves in the water industry

15

In Saudi Arabia, our engineers delivered 

289 high-efficiency desalination pumps

 in a tight 12-month 

window, helping to bring fresh water to millions of people within a desert territory. And in Egypt, our 

solutions are helping an award-winning water treatment facility to 

irrigate 70’000 acres of agricultural 

land

, while simultaneously restoring the once-thriving ecology of the heavily polluted El Tamseh lake.

And in Sweden, Sulzer Nordic Water helped the Simrishamn wastewater plant to achieve the 

first full-

scale expansion of its kind with the addition of advanced treatment steps

 designed to remove 

pharmaceutical residuals and micropollutants. This was a critical first step towards enabling water 

reusability in a region that suffers from seasonal water shortages and water pollution, and the newly 

commissioned plant achieved significant reduction rates for all the targeted substances — including a 

99.8% reduction in microplastics using our Dynasand filters.

Groundbreaking power-generation strategies

The ebswien water treatment facility is one of the largest in Europe, serving the city of Vienna in 

Austria and processing up to 1’000 cubic meters of wastewater per minute. The facility uses 

groundbreaking technology to produce biogas from sludge during the water treatment process, which 

is then converted to electricity and used to help power the plant and reduce its footprint.

When ebswien wanted to expand its capabilities and circular energy production, the facility called 

upon Sulzer. At the center of the upgraded plant are six 30-meter-high digesters, each capable of 

generating biogas from 12’500 cubic meters of sludge. Sulzer delivered the mixer units for the 

digester tanks to keep the biogas production running optimally. In contrast to conventional 

equipment, Sulzer’s solution required smaller motors, thus unlocking energy savings. In addition, 

Sulzer’s highly efficient turbocompressors delivered further savings, cutting total power consumption 

by 400 kW, while reducing noise and offering very low maintenance costs.

Sulzer specialists were also able to install a number of digital solutions and provide key products that 

helped ebswien reduce its energy consumption and improve operations across the facility. The plant 

has now been transformed from a major energy consumer, accounting for more than 1% of the city of 

report.sulzer.com/ar21

Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Focus – Making waves in the water industry

16

Vienna’s annual energy consumption, to an entirely self-sufficient net energy producer — thereby 

reducing Vienna’s annual carbon emissions by 40’000 tonnes.

Capacity boost that supports carbon neutrality

An increasing number of businesses are committing to net-zero policies. One of these is the 

Netherland’s Rivierenland Water Authority, which also produces biogas from sludge during water 

treatment to help minimize its footprint. When the utility wanted to improve the performance and 

sustainability of its Sleeuwijk wastewater operations, Sulzer offered the ideal technologies and 

services to create Energiefabriek West (“Energy Factory West”).

In particular, we were able to develop a customized sludge-mixing approach that supports the 

implementation of an innovative technology to increase capacity and maximize biogas production. 

The enhanced capacity enables the plant to process additional sludge that is transported in from a 

number of smaller wastewater treatment plants in the region, thereby increasing biogas production by 

20 to 30%.

With Sulzer’s help, Energiefabriek West has been able to continue serving the 90’000 people in the 

Rivierenland region with new levels of efficiency and circularity. The authority is now well on track to 

achieve its goal of carbon neutrality by 2030.

More information about our products and services at www.sulzer.com.

report.sulzer.com/ar21

Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Focus – Extending the life of renewable energy assets

17

Extending the life of renewable 
energy assets

Water represents one of the largest sources of renewable energy on our planet. 
For over 2’000 years, water has been harnessed to power machines, and more 
recently to generate electricity. Today, using the latest engineering techniques, 
we are able to achieve new levels of efficiency and reliability for hydropower 
stations, ensuring the future of this sustainable form of energy production. 
Sulzer helps hydropower stations to maximize output and extend their 
operational life by decades, thereby accelerating the world’s transition to 
renewable energy.

From waterwheels and windmills to wind turbines and solar power, renewable energy sources have 

been utilized for centuries. In 1878, William Armstrong used water in lakes on his estate in 

Northumberland, UK, to power a turbine and create electricity to light his house — the first home in 

the world to use hydroelectricity. Soon after, in 1882, the world’s first hydroelectric power plant began 
operating in Appleton, Wisconsin, USA. 1)

The hydropower landscape

Today, over 70% of the world’s renewable electricity is generated using hydropower,

2)

 and all of these 

sites need to be carefully maintained to ensure optimum performance.

Sulzer has been a leader in the maintenance and repair of generators and pumps in hydroelectric 

power stations for decades. Our expertise, products and modern manufacturing and maintenance 

facilities enable us to deliver on the very high standards required by the hydroelectric industry. The 

testing criteria for key components are more stringent than in any other sector, primarily because of 

the remote locations of these sites and the need for superior durability and reliability.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Focus – Extending the life of renewable energy assets

18

Maximizing the efficiency of ageing equipment

A rewind gives our customers in hydropower and other power-generation industries the opportunity to 

renew their ageing equipment to maximize efficiency and sustainability. Rewinds and retrofits can 

significantly lower energy consumption, operating costs and waste, while improving the performance 

of the whole system — thanks to the world-class efficiency of Sulzer’s products.

In many cases, when a generator needs to be rewound, the work has to be completed on-site 

because the size of the equipment makes it very difficult to remove and transport to a service center. 

It is therefore essential to have experienced and skilled field service teams that can be mobilized to 

complete a repair quickly and minimize downtime.

These skills were highlighted in a recent project that Sulzer completed for Statkraft, which operates 

several hydroelectric sites in the UK. In operation since 1965, the Dinas hydropower station utilizes a 

single 13.5 MW (18’100 hp) generator to produce 24 GWh of electricity each year, enough to power 

approximately 3’500 homes. Following a winding failure, Statkraft awarded an overhaul project to 

Sulzer for the complete repair and refurbishment of the generator.

Expert support from local teams

The team at Sulzer’s Birmingham service center designed, manufactured and tested 220 new high-

voltage coils destined for the generator. Four coils were tested to destruction to establish and prove 

the quality of the new coils, according to the demanding specifications for hydroelectric applications. 

We also assigned two teams of winders to the project to work around the clock and ensure the 

generator repair was completed as quickly as possible. The teams were drawn from Sulzer’s network 

of service centers across the UK, including Falkirk, Ipswich and Middlesbrough.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Focus – Extending the life of renewable energy assets

19

Moreover, our investment in the latest technologies saved six days on the rebuild time because three 

brazing stations could operate simultaneously, allowing the process to be completed quicker than 

with traditional methods. As a result, Statkraft was able to restart its generator with minimum 

downtime, knowing that it will provide years of reliable and optimized service to ensure uninterrupted 

renewable electricity for the people of Wales.

As the world increasingly moves towards sustainable practices, Sulzer’s Services division will 

continue to meet the growing demand for repairs, retrofits and rewinds to help our customers 

accelerate the global energy transition and maximize the efficiency and sustainability of their 

operations.

1) National geographic: Hydropower, explained
2) National geographic: hydroelectric energy

More information about our products and services at www.sulzer.com.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Focus – Sustainable and degradable bioplastics with Sulzer

20

Sustainable and degradable 
bioplastics with Sulzer

While we have come to realize the environmental limitations of plastics, there is 
still a great future in such materials — especially if solutions based on the 
principles of renewability and circularity are adopted. One of the most 
remarkable examples is polylactic acid (PLA), a highly sustainable bioplastic that 
is now produced worldwide. PLA production is mostly based on Sulzer 
Chemtech’s advanced technology, which is included in almost all PLA 
production plants currently in operation across the globe.

In just over 60 years, plastics have witnessed an extraordinary evolution as materials, fitting practically 

any application. From consumer goods to packaging, all the way to art and medicine, plastics are 

ubiquitous. Thanks to their adaptable properties and limited cost, no other alternative can effectively 

compete.

However, these tremendous advantages typically come with an environmental price tag that is 

impossible to overlook. Traditionally made from fossil fuel-based petrochemicals, they rely on non-

renewable resources. In addition, they are generally not easily recyclable, and it can take anywhere 

from 20 to 500 years for them to decompose. In this time, the waste accumulates and can leach 

unwanted chemicals, with disastrous environmental consequences. At least 14 million tonnes of 

plastic end up in the oceans every year, and plastic makes up 80% of all marine debris found from 

surface waters to deep-sea sediments.

Sustainable solutions for the future of plastics

Thanks to recent pioneering developments, there are new solutions that can turn the tide. Innovative 

chemical recycling strategies, for example based on Sulzer’s devolatilization technology, are providing 

new recycling opportunities for traditional plastics. Sulzer recently announced its collaboration with 

Tide Ocean SA and the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences on a groundbreaking 

solution to recycle ocean-bound plastic waste

. Sulzer Chemtech developed a method to turn recycled 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Focus – Sustainable and degradable bioplastics with Sulzer

21

polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recovered from the ocean into high-quality foams that match the 

properties of virgin plastics. This is a key step towards forming premium raw materials that can be 

made into innovative circular products.

Moreover, new alternatives are offering more sustainable, yet highly performing, polymeric material 

without any compromise. The most widely adopted of such alternatives is PLA, a plastic obtained 

from sugars contained in crops and plants. It is renewable, biodegradable, compostable and 

recyclable — achieving circularity.

Increasingly used worldwide, PLA relies greatly on Sulzer Chemtech’s leading purification processes. 

Sulzer proprietary technology is included in almost all PLA production plants currently in operation, 

from small- to large-scale facilities, including the largest globally.

One ring (-opening polymerization) to rule them all

What makes PLA unique is that the bioplastic is made using a non-traditional chemical reaction 

known as ring-opening polymerization. This process allows us to deliver more robust materials, whose 

properties can be easily adjusted to suit different applications and uses. For example, it is possible to 

adapt the compostability of PLA, making it exceptionally resistant if used in durable products with 

long-term performance or easily degradable for disposable applications.

This allows us to revolutionize the plastic life cycle, solving the problem that has marred the plastics 

industry for decades. We give our customers full control over the technical properties of their 

bioplastics, so that they can be used long-term, easily recycled, or degradable in natural 

environments depending on their intended use. Businesses choosing our state-of-the-art technology 

can therefore produce a wide range of competitive and fully circular products that serve different 

industries and enhance their role in the marketplace.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Focus – Sustainable and degradable bioplastics with Sulzer

22

Driving sustainability practices worldwide

When Corbion, a market leader in biotechnology, wanted to establish a new production facility for 

PLA, Sulzer Chemtech offered the right services and technologies in record time. In just over a year, 

we provided a complete, fully customized technology and project-management solution that enables 

the bioplastic manufacturer to deliver approximately 75’000 tons of sustainable bioplastics every year.

Thanks to our expertise and capabilities, the flexible production line can supply different types of PLA 

to support various applications, including packaging, consumer goods, 3D printing, fibers and 

automotive products. At the end of their service life, these products can be mechanically or 

chemically recycled, or even industrially composted to fertilize soil, making them truly sustainable, 

circular products.

Supporting continuous growth

NatureWorks, the world’s leading manufacturer of low-carbon PLA biomaterials, wanted to support 

the increasing global demand for bioplastics with a new production facility for PLA and its 

intermediates. Located in Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex, Thailand, this plant will have a capacity of 

approximately 75’000 tons of biopolymer annually.

To provide the key equipment for this facility, particularly for lactide and PLA production, NatureWorks 

selected its long-term partner, Sulzer Chemtech. A key reason was that our technology can purify 

lactide and its intermediates to reach extremely high levels, while the polymerization can support 

versatility in the types of plastics created. These elements will help NatureWorks maintain a 

competitive edge with a range of high-quality, sustainable products.

More information about our products and services at www.sulzer.com.

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Business 
review

24 Financial review

31 Business review divisions
31 Flow Equipment
34 Services
38 Chemtech

 
Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Business review – Financial review

24

Strong sales and record profitability

Note: If not otherwise indicated, changes from the previous year are based on currency-adjusted figures and relate to continuing operations only. For balance 
sheet items and cash flow KPIs, the influence of discontinued operations is specifically outlined.

Order intake increased by 3.6% including acquisitions and 0.9% organically. 
Sales increased by 6.0% and by 3.5% excluding acquisitions, despite 
headwinds from supply chain disruptions. Operational profitability in all divisions 
reached new heights, leading to a record 9.3% operational profitability for 
Sulzer. Solid free cash flow amounted to CHF 238.7 million, including CHF 28.2 
million from discontinued operations.

Strong order intake with positive mix

Order intake increased by 3.6% compared with 2020 to CHF 3’167.6 million, fueled by organic growth 

of 0.9% and CHF 82.9 million from acquisitions. Currency translation effects had a positive impact on 

order intake of CHF 8.8 million. Order intake gross margin increased nominally by 0.5 percentage 

points to 33.1%, influenced by a better mix.

“

Once again, Sulzer successfully delivered strong results despite 
the continuing challenging environment in 2021. Our proactive 
measures to mitigate the anticipated drop in Energy proved to be 
successful, and we were agile in pushing growth in the other 
businesses. Our focused execution enabled us to achieve strong 
growth, record-high profitability and another year of robust free 
cash flow.”

Jill Lee
Chief Financial Officer

Order intake growth in Water and Industry within Flow Equipment more than offset the expected drop 

in Energy, leading to an increase of 1.8% (–3.9% organically) in the division. Water orders increased 

significantly by 29.9%, equally driven by 11.4% organic growth and CHF 73.6 million from the Nordic 

Water acquisition. Orders in Industry were up 6.9%, while the Energy market segment declined by 

22.6% due to softer market conditions and continued order selectivity. Order intake in the Services 

division grew by 2.8%, supported by organic growth of 2.0% and CHF 9.3 million from acquisitions. 

All regions grew except Asia-Pacific (APAC), where pandemic-related restrictions remained most 

pronounced. Chemtech’s order intake increased by 8.8%, on strong increases in the US and China 

and the growing commercial success in the Renewables market segment, which now accounts for 

13.6% of the division’s order intake.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Business review – Financial review

25

As of December 31, 2021, the order backlog amounted to CHF 1’724.1 million (December 31, 2020: 

CHF 1’676.8million). Currency translation effects added CHF 27.5 million.

Orders

millions of CHF

Order intake from continuing operations

Order intake gross margin from continuing operations

Order backlog from continuing operations as of December 31

2021  

3’167.6  

33.1%  

1’724.1  

2020 1)

3’049.2

32.6%

1’676.8

1) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations (details are described in note 7 to the consolidated financial statements).

Robust sales growth in all divisions

Sales increased by 6.0% compared to 2020, reaching CHF 3’155.3 million. Organic growth amounted 

to 3.5%, with acquisitions adding CHF 71.7 million and positive currency translation effects 

amounting to CHF 11.0 million.

The Flow Equipment division increased its sales by 6.9% (2.0% organically). Sales in Water increased 

strongly by 22.7%, including the contribution from the Nordic Water acquisition of CHF 63.6 million 

and solid organic growth of 7.0%. The Industry market segment also grew strongly, reaching 6.5% 

organic growth. The positive momentum in Water and Industry more than offset the sales decline in 

Energy (4.9%). Sales in Services grew in all regions except APAC, where pandemic containment 

measures muted the market. Despite this, Services achieved year-on-year sales growth of 3.5% 

(2.7% organically). In Chemtech, sales were significantly up by 8.4% on strong execution in China and 

a reduced impact from lockdowns compared to last year.

Higher gross profit margin

Gross profit margin increased to 30.0% (2020: 29.4%), thanks to operating leverage from higher sales 

volume, a larger share of high-margin business and the positive impact from implemented cost 

actions. Gross profit grew nominally CHF 74.5 million to CHF 946.9 million (2020: CHF 872.4 million).

Record operational profitability of 9.3%

Operational profit amounted to CHF 293.3 million compared with CHF 255.0 million in 2020, an 

increase of 14.1%. The higher gross profit from increased sales and a better mix was further 

supported by CHF 40 million savings from swift structural measures taken in the Energy-related 

businesses coupled with continued spending discipline.

Operational profitability from continuing operations reached a record high of 9.3% (2020: 8.6%), with 

all three divisions hitting new heights:

Flow Equipment reached 5.9% (2020: 4.3%), on a positive mix effect driven by strong sales in 

Water and Industry relative to lower Energy sales, and well supported by swift adaptation 

measures in Energy

Services hit 14.2% (2020: 13.9%), on strict margin management in an active market where Sulzer 

was able to differentiate itself

Chemtech reached 10.0% (2020: 9.6%), thanks to operational leverage on higher volumes

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Business review – Financial review

Bridge from EBIT to operational profit

millions of CHF

EBIT from continuing operations

Amortization

Impairments on tangible and intangible assets

Restructuring expenses

Non-operational items 1)

Operational profit from continuing operations

26

2020 2)

132.5

46.7

9.4

52.6

13.8

255.0

2021  

221.8  

50.2  

4.2  

9.5  

7.7  

293.3  

1) Non-operational items include significant acquisition-related expenses, gains and losses from the 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.

2) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations (details are described in note 7 to the consolidated financial statements).

Calculation of return on sales (ROS) and operational profitability

millions of CHF

EBIT

Sales

ROS from continuing operations

Operational profit

Sales

Operational profitability from continuing operations

2021  

221.8  

3’155.3  

7.0%  

293.3  

3’155.3  

9.3%  

2020 1)

132.5

2’967.8

4.5%

255.0

2’967.8

8.6%

1) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations (details are described in note 7 to the consolidated financial statements).

Return on sales of 7.0%

Sulzer incurred one-off expenses of CHF 21.4 million (2020: CHF 75.8 million). These were mainly 

related to the structural actions launched in early 2020 to resize Sulzer’s Energy-related footprint. 

EBIT amounted to CHF 221.8 million, increasing nominally by 67.4%, compared with CHF 132.5 

million in 2020. Return on sales (ROS) was 7.0%, compared with 4.5% in 2020.

Financial income and expenses

Interest expenses on borrowings and lease liabilities increased to CHF 22.5 million (2020: CHF 20.6 

million). As a result, total financial expenses increased to CHF 21.7 million (2020: CHF 20.5 million).

Lower effective tax rate

Income tax expenses increased to CHF 57.2 million (2020: CHF 39.8 million) due to higher pre-tax 

income. The effective tax rate decreased to 28.9% in 2021, from 35.8% in 2020, due to lower 

restructuring expenses with no corresponding tax effects and a slightly different geographical spread 

of profit before tax.

Higher core net income

In 2021, net income from continuing operations amounted to CHF 140.7 million compared with 

CHF 71.5 million in the previous year. Core net income from continuing operations excluding the tax-

adjusted effects of non-operational items totaled CHF 195.3 million compared with CHF 165.6 million 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Business review – Financial review

27

in 2020. Basic earnings per share from continuing operations increased from CHF 2.00 in 2020 to 

CHF 4.10 in 2021.

Bridge from net income from continuing operations to core net income from 
continuing operations

millions of CHF

Net income from continuing operations

Amortization

Impairments on tangible and intangible assets

Restructuring expenses

Non-operational items 1)

Tax impact on above items

Core net income from continuing operations

2021  

140.7  

50.2  

4.2  

9.5  

7.7  

–17.0  

195.3  

2020 2)

71.5

46.7

9.4

52.6

13.8

–28.4

165.6

1) Other non-operational items include significant acquisition-related expenses, gains and losses from the 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.

2) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations (details are described in note 7 to the consolidated financial statements).

medmix spin-off

On September 20, 2021, the shareholders of Sulzer Ltd at their Extraordinary General Meeting 

approved the proposed 100% spin-off of the Applicator Systems division (later renamed medmix) 

through a 1:1 share split, granting Sulzer shareholders one medmix share in addition to each Sulzer 

share held. medmix’ shares started trading in an oversubscribed offering on September 30, 2021, on 

the SIX Swiss Exchange.

Sulzer has separated in its annual report the group’s reported data for the current and prior years into 

“continuing” and “discontinued” operations. Discontinued operations include the operational results 

from the Applicator Systems division and certain corporate activities attributable to the Applicator 

Systems division prior to the spin-off on September 20, 2021.

The shareholder approval to spin off the Applicator Systems division required the recognition of a 

distribution liability, measured at the fair value of the Applicator Systems division, and represented a 

deduction of retained earnings.

Net income from discontinued operations amounted to CHF 1’278.3 million, comprising a net income 

from discontinued business activities of CHF 23.2 million for the year up to the spin-off date and a 

gain on net assets derecognized of CHF 1’255.1million. The gain on net assets derecognized is mainly 

the difference between the distribution liability of the Applicator Systems division of CHF 1’485.6 

million and the division’s net assets of CHF 244.2 million on the spin-off date. In the balance sheet, 

the equity is increased by the net income from discontinued operations of CHF 1’278.3 million and 

offset by the derecognition of the spin-off related distribution liability of CHF 1’485.6 million. The 

details pertaining to the income statement, segment information and balance sheet of the 

discontinued operations are presented in 

note 7

 to the consolidated financial statements.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Business review – Financial review

Bridge from net income from continuing operations to net income

millions of CHF

Net income from continuing operations

Net income from discontinued operations before gain on net assets derecognized

Gain on net assets derecognized 1)

Net income

1) Details are described in note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

2021  

140.7  

23.2  

1’255.1  

1’418.9  

Key balance sheet positions after medmix spin-off

28

2020

71.5

15.6

–

87.2

Note: Contrary to the prior paragraphs relating to orders and the income statement, both balance sheet and cash flow movements are influenced by 
discontinued operations. The respective amounts are specifically mentioned when significant, and further details are described in 
financial statements.

note 7

 to the consolidated 

Total assets as of December 31, 2021, amounted to CHF 5’010.4 million, a decrease of CHF 356.5 

million from December 31, 2020. Non-current assets decreased by CHF 445.7 million to CHF 1’834.2 

million, whereof the medmix spin-off accounts for CHF 632.7 million. The most notable reductions 

attributable to the discontinued medmix operations are CHF 265.4 million in goodwill, CHF 143.9 

million in other intangible assets, CHF 165.0 million in property, plant and equipment and CHF 51.6 

million in lease assets. For continuing operations, the acquisitions undertaken in 2021 led to an 

increase in goodwill of CHF 56.6 million as well as CHF 79.7 million in other intangible assets. Other 

increases in continuing operations included property, plant and equipment (CHF 13.7 million) and 

lease assets (CHF 19.5 million).

Inventories decreased by CHF 39.5 million (of which CHF 71.8 million was medmix related), contract 

assets increased by CHF 84.5 million and trade accounts receivables decreased by CHF 49.9 million 

(CHF 40.7 million due to the medmix spin-off), whereas other current receivables and prepaid 

expenses decreased by CHF 7.8 million.

Cash and cash equivalents increased overall by CHF 382.2 million. Besides regular cash flow 

generation and acquisition-related cash-out, this was affected by the repayments of borrowings in the 

amount of CHF 430.2 million by medmix, CHF 85.9 million of cash and cash equivalents that were 

transferred to medmix, a decrease in current financial assets of CHF 278.4 million and a reduction in 

borrowings of CHF 213.0 million.

Total liabilities decreased by CHF 218.7 million to CHF 3’731.1 million as of December 31, 2021. 

Current and non-current borrowings combined reduced by CHF 213.0 million, mostly due to the 

repayment of a bond. Other drivers were the reduction of lease liabilities by CHF 30.9 million (of which 

CHF 51.1 million medmix related), an increase in undistributed dividends (CHF 43.5 million), an 

increase in accrued liabilities (CHF 64.8 million) and contract liabilities (CHF 24.0 million), a decrease 

in trade accounts payable (CHF 34.0 million, mainly medmix related) and a decrease in defined benefit 

obligations (CHF 47.3 million). An aggregate CHF 81.0 million reduction in current liabilities can be 

attributed to the medmix spin-off.

Equity decreased by CHF 137.8 million to CHF 1’279.3 million. This was mainly driven by a dividend 

distribution (CHF 137.4 million, of which CHF 2.1 million was for non-controlling interests), and the 

acquisition of non-controlling interests (CHF 17.3 million). Other equity changes comprised net 

income including discontinued operations of CHF 1’418.9 million, offset by the derecognition of a 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Business review – Financial review

29

spin-off related distribution liability of CHF 1’485.6 million and the remeasurement of defined benefit 

plans (CHF 88.7 million).

Net debt decreased from CHF 414.5 million in 2020 to CHF 66.8 million in 2021, mainly due to higher 

cash and cash equivalents. Net debt to EBITDA decreased from 1.26 in 2020 to 0.15 in 2021, due to 

the increase in EBITDA and decrease in net debt.

Continued solid free cash flow

Cash flow from operating activities amounted to CHF 315.9 million, compared with CHF 368.7 million 

in 2020. The contribution of discontinued operations was CHF 49.0 million (2020: CHF 50.6 million). 

Cash flow from operating activities was improved by higher net income of CHF 76.7 million (before 

gain on net assets derecognized) and favorable changes in current trade assets (CHF 18.8m net 

positive impact from change in accounts receivables, accounts payables, advances to suppliers and 

other net current assets). Due to sales growth, cash flow was impacted by higher inventories 

(CHF 20.8 million increase in 2021, compared with CHF 29.7 million of volume-related decrease in 

2020), higher changes in net contract assets (CHF 29.0 million) as well as increased tax payments 

(CHF 14.9 million). The impact from the changes in provisions also reduced cash flow by CHF 50.3 

million (mainly due to the build-up of restructuring provisions in 2020 for the energy-related resizing 

activities). Free cash flow amounted to CHF 238.7 million (thereof CHF 28.2 million from discontinued 

operations) compared with CHF 272.1 million in the prior year. The bridge from cash flow from 

operating activities to free cash flow is shown in the table below.

Bridge from cash flow from operating activities to free cash flow

millions of CHF

Cash flow from operating activities

- thereof discontinued operations

Purchase of intangible assets

Sale of intangible assets

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Sale of property, plant and equipment

Free cash flow (FCF)

- thereof discontinued operations

2021  

315.9  

49.0  

–6.9  

0.2  

–79.2  

8.7  

238.7  

28.2  

2020

368.7

50.6

–7.5

0.1

–98.0

8.9

272.1

9.5

The reported cash flow from investing activities (CHF +432.3 million, compared with CHF –461.8 

million in the prior year) and cash flow from financing activities (CHF –382.5 million, compared with 

CHF +236.5 million in 2020) were significantly impacted by the intercompany debt split as part of the 

medmix spin-off and should therefore be seen in this context. Overall, this included repayments of 

borrowings in the amount of CHF 430.2 million by medmix, CHF 85.9 million of cash and cash 

equivalents that were transferred to medmix, a decrease in current financial assets by CHF 278.4 

million and the repayment of a bond of CHF 210.0 million.

As for items unrelated to the medmix intercompany debt split, cash-out for acquisitions amounted to 

CHF 123.9 million, compared with CHF 108.2 million in 2020. Net capital expenditure for property, 

plant and equipment (including disposal of assets) amounted to CHF 70.5 million, below the CHF 89.1 

million in 2020.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Business review – Financial review

30

Dividend payments amounted to CHF 91.9 million, compared with CHF 92.6 million in 2020. 

Payments of lease liabilities amounted to CHF 41.1 million (2020: CHF 39.2 million). Exchange gains 

on cash amounted to CHF 16.5 million, compared with a loss of CHF 55.7 million in 2020. Overall, 

CHF 9.7 million (2020: CHF 4.4 million) of cash flow from investing activities and CHF 9.7 million 

(2020: CHF –42.9 million) cash flow from financing activities can be attributed to discontinued 

operations.

Outlook for 2022

We expect continued growth in our markets, despite uncertainties linked to the pandemic, bottlenecks 

in supply and logistics, increased input costs, monetary tightening and a volatile macro environment. 

Against this background, Sulzer has started the year with a high order backlog and strong commercial 

momentum, fueled by our focus on growing Water and Industry in Flow Equipment, expanding our 

Services business and boosting Chemtech’s leadership in Renewables.

For 2022, Sulzer expects orders to grow organically by 3 to 5%. Excluding Energy, we expect sales to 

grow organically by 4 to 6%. Year on year, sales are expected to grow organically by 2 to 4% (as 

Energy, which saw an order decline of 23% in 2021, will impact sales by a negative 2 percentage 

points). Operational profitability is expected to continue on its upwards trajectory to reach close to 

10% of sales.

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 2021 – Business review – Flow Equipment

31

Business review 2021

Rising orders and sales, record operational 
profitability

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

In 2021, the Flow Equipment division returned a robust set of results, with 
orders up 1.8%, significant sales growth of 6.9% and a rise in operational 
profitability to a record 5.9%. The division also changed its name to Flow 
Equipment in 2021, representing our evolution far beyond the division’s 
renowned pumps offering as well as our comprehensive portfolio of water 
treatment solutions.

Changing division name to reflect portfolio evolution

As part of Sulzer’s brand refresh and refocus on its core businesses as a pure play flow-control 

company, the Pumps Equipment division changed its name to Flow Equipment. The name change 

encompasses the division’s evolution far beyond its market-leading pumps offering — to blowers, 

grinders, filters, agitators, digital and more. Flow Equipment also encapsulates our comprehensive 

portfolio of water treatment solutions. You can learn more in this report about how our solutions are 

helping to manage the entire water life cycle, bringing water to growing populations while helping to 

protect this precious natural resource.

At the beginning of February 2021, Sulzer closed its acquisition of Nordic Water, a leading supplier of 

water treatment technologies. With its broad water treatment solutions complementing Flow 

Equipment’s portfolio, Water is now the largest single business in the Flow Equipment division, 

representing 39% of its order intake in 2021. As part of our strategic shift towards sustainable 

technologies and our continued order selectivity, our Energy business represented 31% of total 

orders in 2021, down from 41% in 2020.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Business review – Flow Equipment

32

“

With profitability at record levels in 2021 and Water representing 
the largest share of the division’s order intake, our 
transformation is yielding very positive results. I am proud of 
what Flow Equipment has achieved and become, and I look 
forward to using my experience leading Sulzer’s largest division 
as CEO of the Company.”

Frederic Lalanne
Division President Flow Equipment

Key figures Flow Equipment

millions of CHF

Order intake

Order intake gross margin

Order backlog as of December 31

Sales

EBIT

Operational profit

Operational profitability

2021  

2020   Change in +/–%  

+/–% adjusted 1)  

+/–% organic 2)

1’324.7  

1’297.6  

2.1  

1.8  

–3.9

30.0%  

811.5  

28.4%  

845.0  

1’389.0  

1’296.3  

35.1  

81.4  

5.9%  

–16.1  

55.2  

4.3%  

–4.0  

7.1  

n/a  

47.5  

6.9  

2.0

46.6  

35.5

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

5’325  

5’362  

–0.7  

1) Adjusted for currency effects.
2) Adjusted for acquisition and currency effects.

Water and Industry driving strong order growth

Flow Equipment’s orders increased by 1.8% including the Nordic Water acquisition (–3.9% 

organically). Our strategic shift towards sustainable solutions in the Flow Equipment division is 

yielding results, with Water and Industry growing by a significant 11.4% (organically) and 6.9% 

respectively. Pulp and Paper and Mining were the key contributors to the growth in Industry, while 

Wastewater drove the rise in our Water market segment. These strong increases were able to offset a 

decline in Energy orders (–22.6%), which fell due to the anticipated soft markets in 2021 and our 

continued order selectivity to protect our margins.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Business review – Flow Equipment

33

Order intake by market segment

Order intake by region

2021

2021

39%

 Water

31%

 Energy

30%

 Industry

47%

 Europe, the Middle East and Africa

30%

 Americas

23%

 Asia-Pacific

Significant sales increase and record profitability

In 2021, sales saw a significant increase of 6.9%, also thanks to Water and Industry’s strong 

performance which was able to more than offset the decline in Energy. Operational profitability 

reached record levels in 2021 with an increase to 5.9%, mainly driven by our focus on operational 

excellence in all business units and savings resulting from structural actions to resize our Energy 

business. We were also able to mitigate the adverse impact of supply chain pressures thanks to our 

agility in our procurement and manufacturing processes.

Safety performance in 2021

In 2021, Flow Equipment reported a slightly improved accident frequency rate (AFR) of 1.8 cases per 

million working hours compared to the previous year (2020: 2.0). The accident severity rate (ASR) 

decreased to 35 lost days per million working hours, from a high level of 51.1 in the previous year.

Thorough contingency planning and the application of continuously updated COVID-19 safe working 

processes during the pandemic were key in allowing us to keep serving our customers' needs. 

Through these efforts, all Flow Equipment facilities were able to maintain workshop operations 

throughout 2021.

Flow Equipment's Take Care safety campaign was released in Q4 of 2021 and early signs of 

improvements are encouraging. This campaign will continue into 2022.

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 2021 – Business review – Services

34

Business Review 2021

Order and sales growth, profitability at new 
heights

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

Order intake in the Services division grew by 2.8% in 2021 despite ongoing 
customer site access restrictions. Sales increased 3.5% while operational 
profitability rose to a record 14.2%. With the acquisition of Turbo Services Ltd., 
we further expanded our aero-derivatives portfolio to cover Pratt & Whitney 
engines. In 2021, the division changed its name to Services to reflect its 
expanded range of competencies. As part of Sulzer’s strategic succession plan 
announced in 2021, Tim Schulten has succeeded Daniel Bischofberger as 
Division President.

A new name and leader for the Services division

In 2021, Sulzer initiated a brand refresh with new division names to better represent the expanding 

range of competencies and services we offer. Rotating Equipment Services therefore became 

Services

, reflecting the growth of the division from providing parts and repair work for rotating 

equipment into a full-spectrum service provider. Using additive manufacturing and artificial 

intelligence, our customers look to us to maximize the lifetime value of a wide range of equipment — 

rotating and non-rotating.

As previously announced, Daniel Bischofberger, who joined Sulzer as Division President Services in 

2016, is leaving the company to take on a role of CEO outside of Sulzer. Daniel’s tenure over the last 

six years has been a great success for the division — he reorganized the business in regions, built a 

strong leadership team, was instrumental in the digitalization of our businesses, and expanded the 

division’s reach with targeted acquisitions to adjacencies like aero-derivatives. We are excited for 

Daniel as he moves onto this next stage of his career and thank him for his outstanding contribution to 

Sulzer over the last six years.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Business review – Services

35

“

Leading Sulzer’s Services division has been a privilege and a 
highly enjoyable and successful period of my career. Together we 
have transformed the division, greatly expanding its offering and 
delivering a resilient performance over the years — now with 
record profitability. Tim Schulten is an excellent leader and a 
great fit to shape the next chapter for the Services division.”

Daniel Bischofberger
Division President Services

The Board selected Tim Schulten, formerly Sulzer’s Group Head of Strategy, Marketing and Digital to 

take over from Daniel as of January 1, 2022. Tim joined Sulzer in early 2021. At Caterpillar, where he 

spent most of his career, Tim acquired extensive experience running service and parts businesses. He 

was most recently the General Manager for Marketing and Product Support for the Electric Power 

business, responsible for marketing, channel development, pricing, business support, parts logistics 

and engineering. He was previously General Manager for Sales and Distribution of engine-maker 

MWM GmbH, in Mannheim. Tim holds an MSc in Mechanical Engineering from the Swiss Federal 

Institute of Technology (ETH), and an MBA from Harvard.

“

I am proud and excited to be taking over the leadership of 
Sulzer’s Services division. I look forward to building on the 
division’s strong foundations and excellent performance and 
making it even stronger.”

Tim Schulten
Division President Services (as of January 1, 2022)

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Business review – Services

36

Key figures Services

millions of CHF

Order intake

Order intake gross margin

Order backlog as of December 31

Sales

EBIT

Operational profit

Operational profitability

2021  

2020   Change in +/–%  

+/–% adjusted 1)  

+/–% organic 2)

1’163.4  

1’130.8  

2.9  

2.8  

2.0

38.0%  

479.5  

38.4%  

435.0  

1’117.7  

1’078.3  

148.2  

158.7  

126.3  

150.3  

14.2%  

13.9%  

10.2  

3.7  

17.3  

5.6  

3.5  

5.1  

2.7

3.8

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

4’571  

4’449  

2.7  

1) Adjusted for currency effects.
2) Adjusted for acquisition and currency effects.

Increasing orders

Orders in our Services division increased 2.8% (2.0% organically), with both Pumps Services and 

Other Equipment contributing equally. Regionally, Europe, the Middle East and Africa grew 5.2%, 

while the Americas increased by 5.0%. Asia-Pacific decreased 10.2% due to regional lockdowns 

causing access restrictions at customer sites, mainly in Southeast Asia.

Order intake by market segment

Order intake by region

2021

2021

54%

 Pumps Services

46%

 Other Equipment

45%

 Europe, the Middle East and Africa

42%

 Americas

13%

 Asia-Pacific

Rising sales and record profitability

In 2021, sales increased by 3.5% thanks to strong activity in the Americas (+8.2%) and Europe, the 

Middle East and Africa (+1.7%) regions, which was more than able to offset the decrease in Asia-

Pacific (–4.3%) due to the continued impact of the pandemic. Operational profitability also rose to a 

record level of 14.2%, thanks to strong execution and strict margin and cost management.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Business review – Services

37

Safety performance in 2021

In 2021, Services reported a substantially reduced accident frequency rate (AFR) of 1.0 case per 

million working hours, after an increase in 2020 up to 1.6. The accident severity rate (ASR) in 2021 

increased to 34 lost days per million working hours, up from 24.2 in 2020. This increase was primarily 

due to three road-traffic accidents (where our drivers were not at fault) that caused more than 100 

days of lost time in 2021.

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 2021 – Business review – Chemtech

38

Business review 2021

Profitability at record 10%, Renewables orders 
almost doubled

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

In 2021, orders in the Chemtech division increased by a significant 8.8%, driven 
by strong activity in Chemicals and our Renewables business, which almost 
doubled. Sales saw a similar rise of 8.4%, with almost all of Chemtech’s 
businesses contributing to the increase. Operational profitability reached 10%, a 
new record for the division. The Chemtech division continues to expand its 
offering in Renewables and a diverse range of circular solutions.

Fast-growing Renewables business

In 2021, Chemtech reached further milestones in its development of highly innovative and sustainable 

solutions that are helping companies and industries worldwide to reduce emissions and waste 

through the circular economy, carbon capture and storage, renewable fuels and materials and more. 

Successes in 2021 included developing a 

new method to recycle ocean-bound plastic waste

 for Tide 

Ocean S.A., and enabling Arbaflame to 

produce 70’000 tonnes of biomass-based combustible pellets 

per year

 — a carbon-neutral source of clean power that can be used to substitute coal in power 

plants. You can also discover in this report how 

Chemtech’s technology is central to most production 

facilities for degradable PLA bioplastics worldwide

, with two more significant orders in 2021 for large-

scale PLA plants that will produce over 100’000 tons per year.

The division is experiencing strong demand across its Renewables businesses, with orders, sales and 

profitability significantly up in 2021 compared to the previous year. The renewables market is growing 

fast and continuously gaining momentum as the world accelerates its shift towards sustainable and 

circular solutions, and Renewables now account for 13.6% of Chemtech’s total business in 2021. We 

continue to drive innovation in bio-based polymers, sustainable fuels and chemicals as well as the 

recycling of polymers, and are perfectly positioned to capture significant growth opportunities in these 

important and attractive markets.

In 2021, we also saw continued growth in the chemicals market across the world, with particularly 

strong demand in China. This was partly driven by a shift from gas and refining to chemicals, where 

Chemtech is well positioned with its current offerings and status as global market leader.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Business review – Chemtech

39

“

The Chemtech division achieved exceptional results in 2021 — 
significant rises in orders and sales as well as record profitability. 
Our transition to Renewables is well underway — we are the 
market leader for the production technology of PLA, and with our 
innovation pipeline we are perfectly placed to capture growth 
opportunities across the Renewables market.”

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

2021  

679.5  

30.7%  

433.2  

648.5  

53.6  

64.8  

10.0%  

2020   Change in +/–%  

+/–% adjusted 1)  

+/–% organic 2)

620.8  

30.6%  

396.9  

593.1  

35.9  

56.9  

9.6%  

9.5  

8.8  

8.8

9.1  

9.4  

49.2  

13.8  

8.4  

8.4

11.5  

11.5

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

3’734  

3’221  

15.9  

1) Adjusted for currency effects.
2) Adjusted for acquisition and currency effects.

Strong order growth

In 2021, Chemtech’s orders increased significantly by 8.8% (both FX adjusted and organically). The 

increase was driven in large part by Renewables, which almost doubled, and continued growth in 

Chemicals. Regionally, the division saw particularly strong activity in China and the Americas, as our 

customers ramped up their operations over the course of 2021, recovering from the impacts of 

lockdowns.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Business review – Chemtech

40

Order intake by market segment

Order intake by region

2021

2021

51%

 Chemicals

17%

 Gas and Refining

14%

 Renewables

13%

 Services

5%

 Water

55%

 Asia-Pacific

25%

 Americas

20%

 Europe, the Middle East and Africa

Significantly rising sales and record profitability

Thanks to strong execution, we were able to achieve solid sales growth of 8.4%. We saw some 

project delays due to global supply chain disruptions, but these were more than offset by continued 

strong performance in China. Chemtech’s operational profitability reached a new high of 10%, driven 

by the notable increase in volumes as well as good cost management. 

Safety performance in 2021

Chemtech’s accident frequency rate (AFR) remained stable at a very low 0.7 cases per million working 

hours, thanks to our maintaining the EYE 5 methodology to assess our process risks, executing 

Safety Through Observation Process (STOP) assessments, our Machine Safeguarding Awareness 

campaign and enhancing our Confined Spaces training. The accident severity rate (ASR) decreased to 

17 lost days per million working hours, from 27.3 the year before.

In addition, significant work has been done to learn from the various health and safety audits 

performed in the division, leading to increased audit action closure rates. This allows us to tackle the 

root causes of any potential future incidents. A new initiative, Dispensation Tool, was launched in 

2021 to support workers on Tower Field Services’ various sites in implementing the Sulzer health and 

safety rules and generate management engagement when site conditions deviate from the 

requirements.

Abbreviations

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

Supplementary information

”.

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Corporate 
governance

42 Corporate structure and shareholders
44 Capital structure
45 Board of Directors
58 Executive Committee
62 Shareholder participation rights
63 Takeover and defense measures
64 Auditors
65 Risk management
67 Information policy

Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Corporate governance – Corporate structure and shareholders

42

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 corporate 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 Shareholders (AGM) 

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, 2021. 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 2021. Sulzer reports the compensation of the 

Board of Directors and the Executive Committee in the 

compensation report

.

Corporate structure

The Company’s business is managed on a divisional basis and the organizational group structure 

corresponds to these reported segments, which consist of the Flow Equipment division (renamed in 

2021 from Pumps Equipment), the Services division (renamed in 2021 from Rotating Equipment 

Services) and the Chemtech division. The operational corporate structure is shown 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 

September 20, 2021, the shareholders of Sulzer Ltd approved during an extraordinary meeting of 

shareholders the spin-off of the Applicator Systems division, which was the fourth division in the 

organizational group structure, and which was renamed medmix. The spin-off was effectuated by way 

of a symmetrical demerger pursuant to art. 29 lit. b in conjunction with art. 31 para. 2 lit. a of the 

Swiss Federal Merger Act dated October 3, 2003, without any changes to Sulzer Ltd’s share capital. 

Each shareholder of Sulzer Ltd received one share in medmix Ltd for each share in Sulzer Ltd held at 

the time of the demerger. medmix shares are traded on SIX Swiss Exchange since September 30, 

2021. On December 31, 2021, the market capitalization of all outstanding registered shares of 

Sulzer Ltd. was CHF 3’078’473’945. 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, two shareholders held more than 3% of Sulzer Ltd’s 

share capital on December 31, 2021. As published on the SIX disclosure platform on May 29, 2018, 

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

Furthermore, FIL Limited, Pembroke, Bermuda, announced a stake of 3.25% as published on the SIX 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Corporate governance – Corporate structure and shareholders

43

disclosure platform on October 9, 2021. 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 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 5%. For 

information on transaction with related parties, see 

note 32

 to the “consolidated financial statements”.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Corporate governance – Capital structure

44

Capital structure

Share capital

The fully paid-up share capital of Sulzer Ltd amounts to CHF 342’623.70 and is divided into 

34’262’370 registered shares with a par value of CHF 0.01 per share. The shares are issued in the 

form of uncertificated securities within the meaning of art. 973c of the Swiss Code of Obligations and 

are held as intermediated securities within the meaning of the Swiss Federal Act on Intermediated 

Securities of October 3, 2008. Each registered share entitles the holder to one vote at the 

Shareholders’ Meeting. The company’s Articles of Association provide for the possibility of a share 

capital increase in a maximum amount of CHF 17’000 through the issuance of up to 1’700’000 

registered shares with a par value of CHF 0.01 per share (corresponding to 4.96% of the current share 

capital) through the voluntary or mandatory exercise of certain conversion, option or similar rights for 

the subscription of shares granted to shareholders or third parties in connection with bonds, loans or 

other financial market instruments of Sulzer Ltd or any of the companies controlled by it (for more 

details, see § 3a of the Articles of Association). The introduction of this conditional capital was 

approved by Sulzer Ltd’s shareholders at the AGM on April 14, 2021. There is no authorized 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”).

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 § 6a of 

the Articles of Association at 

www.sulzer.com/governance

). On December 31, 2021, ten nominees 

holding a total of 1’544’049 shares (4.51% of total shares) had entered into agreements concerning 

their status. No exceptions were granted. All of those shares were entered in the share register with 

voting rights. Other than these restrictions on nominee voting, there are no transfer restrictions and no 

privileges under the Articles of Association. A removal or amendment of the nominee voting 

restrictions 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 

(RSUs) issued to the members of the Board of Directors as well as performance share units (PSUs) 

and RSUs issued to the members of the Executive Committee 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 2021 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

45

Board of Directors

Members of the Board of Directors are elected individually for one-year terms. 
At the AGM of April 14, 2021, Marco Musetti and Lukas Braunschweiler did not 
stand for re-election. All other members were re-elected, and Peter Löscher was 
re-elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors. In addition, Suzanne Thoma 
and David Metzger were elected as new members 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. 

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 AGM of April 14, 2021, six Board members were re-elected to the Board of 

Directors, all for terms of one year. Marco Musetti and Lukas Braunschweiler did not stand for re-

election. Suzanne Thoma and David Metzger were elected as additional members of the Board of 

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

Denmark, one from France/Switzerland, 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 below.

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 AGM 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 

responsibilities of the Chairman of the Board of Directors and of the three standing board committees.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

46

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

47

CVs of members of the Board of Directors

Peter Löscher
Chairman of the Board
Member of the Strategy and Sustainability Committee 1)

Educational background

Diploma in Economics, Vienna University of Economics and Business, Austria, 

and Chinese University of Hong Kong, China

Advanced Management Program, Harvard University, USA

Honorary professor at Tongji University Shanghai; honorary doctorate of 

Engineering from Michigan State University; doctor honoris causa of Slovak 

University of Engineering in Bratislava

Binding interests

Member of the Board of Directors, Telefónica, Spain

Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Telefónica Holding AG, Germany

Member of the Board of Directors, TBG AG, Switzerland

Member of the Board of Directors, Doha Ventures LLC, Qatar

Member of the Supervisory Board, Royal Philips N.V., Netherlands

Career
Peter Löscher (born 1957, Austria) joined the Sulzer Board of Directors and was appointed Chairman of the Board 

of Directors in 2014. As of April 1, 2020, Peter Löscher joined the Supervisory Board of Telefónica Deutschland as 

Chairman. As of April 30, 2020, he further joined the Supervisory Board of Royal Philips as a Board member. From 

2014 to 2016, he was CEO and Delegate of the Board of Directors of Renova Management AG Switzerland. 

Previously, he was President and CEO of the German company Siemens AG (2007–2013), Chairman of the Board 

of Trustees of Siemens Stiftung Germany (2008–2014) and served as President of Global Human Health and 

Member of the Executive Board of Merck & Co., Inc., USA (2006–2007). From 2004 to 2006, he was CEO of 

Healthcare Bio-Sciences and Member of the Corporate Executive Council of General Electric in the US. He was 

COO and Member of the Board of Amersham plc., UK (2002–2004). From 1999 to 2002, he acted as Chairman and 

CEO of Aventis Pharma Ltd in Japan. He held various senior leadership positions with Hoechst Group in Germany, 

Spain, the US, and the UK (1987–1999).

1) Peter Löscher was Chairman of the SSC until April 14, 2021

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

48

Dr. Suzanne Thoma 1 )
Vice Chairwoman of the Board 

Member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee

Educational background

Ph.D. in Technical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Graduate School of Business 

Administration (GSBA), Zurich, Switzerland

Binding interests

Member of the Board of Directors, OC Oerlikon , Switzerland

2)

Vice President of the foundation “Avenir Suisse”, Switzerland

Career
Dr. Suzanne Thoma (born 1962, Switzerland) was elected as member of Sulzer’s Board of Directors in 2021. She is 

CEO of BKW AG, Berne, Switzerland (stepping down in the course of 2022). Prior to being appointed CEO of BKW 

in 2013, she was a member of the Group Executive Committee of BKW, responsible for the Networks division. 

Before that, she was head of the Automotive division of the WICOR Group, Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland, and 

CEO of Rolic Technologies Ltd., Allschwil, Switzerland. Suzanne Thoma also served in various management roles 

and countries at Ciba Specialty Chemicals Ltd. (now BASF).

1) since April 14, 2021
2) will not stand for re-election at the AGM 2022 of OC Oerlikon

Matthias Bichsel
1 )
Member of the Board, (Vice Chairman )

Chairman of the Strategy and Sustainability Committee

2)

Educational background

Ph.D. in Earth Sciences, University of Basel, Switzerland

Honorary professor, Chinese University of Petroleum, China

Binding interests

Member of the Board of Directors, Petrofac, UK

Member of the Advisory Board, Chrysalix EVC, Canada

Member of the Board of Directors, Canadian Utilities Ltd, Canada

Member of the Board of Directors, Southpole Holding, Switzerland

Member of the Board of Directors, Voliro AG, Switzerland

Career
Matthias Bichsel (born 1954, Switzerland) joined the Sulzer Board of Directors in 2014. Currently, he is member of 

the Board of Directors of Petrofac, UK (since 2015), member of the Board of Directors of South Pole Holding, 

Switzerland (since 2015), member of the Board of Directors of Canadian Utilities, Canada (since 2014), member of 

the Board of Directors of Voliro AG, Switzerland (since 2021) and member of the Advisory Board of Chrysalix EVC, 

Canada (since 2015). From 2009 to 2014, he was member of the Executive Committee of Royal Dutch Shell plc 

and Director of its Projects and Technology Business, the Netherlands. Previously, during his international career 

with Shell since 1980, he served in various senior management roles such as Executive Vice President in 

Exploration and Production, the Netherlands, CEO/Chairman of Shell International Exploration and Production Inc 

and Managing Director of Shell Deepwater Services, Houston, TX, USA.

1) until April 14, 2021
2) since April 14, 2021

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Mikhail Lifshitz
Member of the Board

Member of the Strategy and Sustainability Committee

Educational background

Graduate degree in Electronic Engineering, Bauman Moscow State Technical 

University, Russia

Honorary Power Engineer, Mongolia

Honorary Mechanical Engineer, Russia

Binding interests

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Rotec, Russia

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ural Turbine Works, Russia

Chairman of the Board of Directors, TEEMP, Russia

Member of the Board of Directors, SOLIDpower S.p.a., Italy

Member of the Board of Directors, Hevel, Russia

Member of the Board of Directors, VoltAero, France

Career
Mikhail Lifshitz (born 1963, Russia) joined the Sulzer Board of Directors in 2016. From 2009 to 2011, he was High-

Tech Assets Development Director of Renova Group and CEO (2009–2015) as well as Chairman of the Board of 

Directors (since 2015) of ISC Rotec. Furthermore, he has chaired the Board of Directors of Ural Turbine Works 

(since 2012), and served as member of the Board of Directors of Oerlikon AG (2013–2016). Previously, he was 

Founder and President of the Global Edge Group (2001–2009) and Marketing Director.

Alexey Moskov
Member of the Board

Member of the Audit Committee

Educational background

Master’s degree in Software Engineering/Developing from the Moscow State 

University of Railway Engineering, Russia

Binding interests

Executive Chairman, Witel Ltd (formerly Renova Management Ltd), Switzerland

Member of the Board of Directors, OC Oerlikon, Switzerland

President of the Board of Directors, Liwet Holding AG, Switzerland (as of 2022)

Career
Alexey Moskov (born 1971, Russia, Cyprus and Israel) was elected as new member of the Sulzer Board of 

Directors in 2020. As of 2022, he is President of the Board of Directors of Liwet Holding AG. Since 2018, Alexey 

Moskov is Executive Chairman of Witel Ltd, Switzerland. Since 2016 he has been a member of the Board of 

Directors of OC Oerlikon and since 2019 of Swiss Steel Holding. From 2004 to 2018, he was Chief Operating 

Officer of Renova Management AG, Switzerland. Previously, he served as Vice-President and member of the 

Executive Board at Tyumen Oil Company (now TNK-BP), Russia, and as member of the Board of Directors of OAO 

NGK Slavneft, Russia (1998–2004).

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Gerhard Roiss
Member of the Board

Chairman of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee 

Member of the Audit Committee

Educational background

PhD in Economics, Johannes Kepler University of Linz, Austria

Career
Gerhard Roiss (born 1952, Austria) joined the Sulzer Board of Directors in 2015. He served as Chief Executive 

Officer and Chairman of the Executive Board of OMV AG (2011–2015). During more than two decades, he has held 

a variety of leadership positions within OMV AG. Among other functions, he has led the Refining and Marketing 

division (2002–2011), the Exploration and Production division (2000–2002), and the Chemicals and Plastics division 

(1997–2002). He was Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Petrol Ofisi A.S., Istanbul, Turkey (2010–2015), 

Chairman of the Supervisory Board of OMV Petrom S.A., Bucharest, Romania (2011–2015), and Chairman/Vice 

Chairman of the Board of Borealis AG, Vienna, Austria (1997–2011).

Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg Sørensen
Chairwoman Audit Committee 

Member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee

Educational background

MSc in Economics and Management, University of Aarhus, Denmark

Binding interests

Member of the Board of Directors, Tata Motors Ltd., India

Member of the Board of Directors, Ferrovial S.A., Spain

Member of the Board of Directors, Holcim Ltd., Switzerland

Member of the Board of Directors, Jaguar Land Rover Automotive PLC, United 

Kingdom

Member of the Board of Directors, Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., India

Career
Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg Sørensen (born 1965, Denmark) joined the Sulzer Board of Directors in 2018. In 2017, 

she was interim CEO of V.Group Limited, the world’s largest ship management and marine service company 

headquartered in London. From 1994 to 2016, she held various positions within the A.P.Moller — Maersk A/S 

Group in Denmark, a conglomerate of several companies primarily within the energy and transportation industry: 

CEO of Damco, the Netherlands (2014–2016), CEO of Maersk Tankers, Denmark (2012–2013), Senior VP and Chief 

Commercial Officer of Maersk Line, Denmark (2008–2012)

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David Metzger 2 )
Member of the Board

Member of the Audit Committee

Educational background

Master of Business Administration from INSEAD Business School

Master of Finance (lic. oec. publ.), University of Zurich

Binding interests

Member of the Board of Directors, Swiss Steel Holding AG, Switzerland

Member of the Board of Directors, Octo Telematics, Italy

Career
David Metzger (born 1969, Switzerland and France) was elected as member of Sulzer’s Board of Directors in 2021. 

He has significant experience as a board member of private and public companies. He is currently Managing 

Director Investments and Portfolio Manager for Liwet Holding AG. Prior to this David held senior positions in 

Witel AG, and previously the Renova Group, as Deputy Managing Director M&A and Strategic Investment at 

Renova Management AG, and Chief Financial Officer of Venetos Management AG (part of the Renova Group). Prior 

to this, he held various roles at Good Energies Inc., Bain & Company, Novartis, and Morgan Stanley.

2) since April 14, 2021

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 the 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 2021, the Board held three half-day meetings, one conference call for the constitution of the 

Board after the AGM and eight conference calls lasting 10 to 180 minutes. For further details, see the 

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

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

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

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

and acquisitions).

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

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

Board meeting following the committee meeting, the Chairpersons of the committees report to the full 

Board of Directors on all matters discussed, including key findings, opinions and recommendations.

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Board of Directors

Name

  Nationality   Position

  Entry

    Attending meetings of the

Elected 
until

  Board

  AC

  NRC

  SSC

  March 2014

  2022

  12

  -

  -

  3

Peter Löscher

  Austria

Matthias Bichsel

  Switzerland  

Chairman, Chairman 
SSC 1)/member SSC 2)

Vice Chairman of the 
Board 1), member 
SSC 1)/ Chairman 
SSC 2)

Lukas Braunschweiler 1)

  Switzerland   Member SSC

  April 2018

  2022

Mikhail Lifshitz

  Russia

  Member SSC

  April 2016

  2022

  March 2014

  2022

  11

  2

  12

David Metzger 2)

Alexey Moskov

Marco Musetti 1)

Switzerland / 
France

  Member AC

  April 2021

  2022

  10

Cyprus / 
Israel

  Member AC

  April 2020

  2022

  11

Italy / 
Switzerland  

Member NRC, 
member AC

  April 2011

  2022

  3

Gerhard Roiss

  Austria

Chairman NRC, 
member AC

  April 2015

  2022

  12

Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg 
Sørensen

  Denmark

Chairwoman AC, 
member NRC

  April 2018

  2022

  10

  -

  -

  -

  5

  5

  1

  4

  6

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  3

  1

  3

  1 (guest)

  1 (guest)

  2

  1 (guest)

  10

  2 (guest)

  10

  2 (guest)

Suzanne Thoma 2)

  Switzerland  

Vice Chairwoman of 
the Board, member 
NRC, member SSC

  April 2021

  2022

  10

  -

  8

  2

AC = Audit Committee, NRC = Nomination and Remuneration Committee, SSC = Strategy and Sustainability Committee
1) Until April 14, 2021.
2) From April 14, 2021

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 (§ 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 2021, 

the Audit Committee held four regular meetings, in February, July, September and December. The 

meetings lasted on average between two and two and a half hours. In addition, two extraordinary 

meetings took place in August and October, which on average lasted 20 minutes. 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 Tax gave presentations to the Audit Committee in 2021. In February, 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

53

the Audit Committee is informed of compliance exposures as a result of periodic risk assessments, 

and it receives an overview of compliance cases under investigation. In September, the Audit 

Committee is briefed on the present state of risk management within the company and on the results 

of the risk management process — a process to systematically identify and evaluate significant risks 

and introduce countermeasures. In the same meeting, an update on Sulzer’s compliance approach, 

including the respective ongoing — and planned — activities, is provided. The major current 

compliance cases (if any) are reported to and discussed by the Audit Committee regularly.

Nomination and Remuneration Committee 1)

The Nomination and Remuneration Committee (members listed above) assesses the criteria for the 

election and re-election of Board members and the nomination of candidates for the top two 

management levels and deals with succession planning. It also 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 2021, four 

regular meetings were held in January, July, September and December, taking on average two hours. 

Furthermore, the NRC held six extraordinary meetings by conference call, lasting on average 60 

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

Mercer with respect to executive management’s remuneration.

1) The Board of Directors intends to split the Nomination and Remuneration Committee into two separate committees after the 2022 AGM: a Nomination and a 
Remuneration Committee. The members of the Remuneration Committee will continue to be elected by the AGM.

Strategy and Sustainability Committee

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

scope of the Strategy Committee and to rename it the 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 2021, three meetings (one regular, two via conference call) took place in February, 

May and October, lasting one and a half to two and a half 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 a transaction value 

exceeding CHF 30 million, investments in fixed assets exceeding CHF 15 million, major corporate 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

54

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).

Information and control instruments

Each member of the Board of Directors receives a copy of the monthly financial information (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.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

55

Group Internal Audit

Group Internal Audit reports functionally directly to the Chair of the Audit Committee, but 

administratively to the CFO. Meetings between Group 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 36 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. 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 whistleblowers acting 

in good faith 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.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

56

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 70 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, 2021, 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 anti-bribery and anti-corruption 

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

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

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

the requirements of the directive.

Antitrust and anticompetition risks: Sulzer has an antitrust 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 internal 

control program (ICP) in place that includes processes and defines responsibilities on export 

control matters and other important requirements to comply with export compliance laws and 

regulations.

Further risks (e.g. non-compliance with stock exchange laws and regulations; human resource–

related issues; insufficient protection of intellectual property and know-how; violations of privacy 

and data protection laws; product liability; risk related to 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 10 face-to-face compliance training 

sessions. Due to the COVID-19 preventive measures, face-to-face sessions have been replaced 

by 21 compliance webinars, conducted by Group Compliance and covering 2’610 employees. In 

addition, 34 export control trainings have been provided.

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 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

57

level and to define appropriate measures. For newly acquired companies, Sulzer sets up a post-

merger integration process consisting of a systematic post-merger compliance risk analysis, which 

provides the foundation for risk-based mitigation actions.

Organization

Since 2013, Sulzer has had a Legal, Compliance and Risk Management group function (headed by the 

Group General Counsel). Within this organization, a line reporting structure is in place for the three 

regions: Americas (AME); Europe, 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 2021, Sulzer employees completed 22’051 compliance e-learning 

courses.

Controls and sanctions

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

process. The Group Function Environment, Safety and Health (ESH) organized 10 external health and 

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

applicable regulations. The results of each of these audits were discussed directly with the 

responsible managers, and an agreement was reached on any improvements required. Audit actions 

are reported in a central repository (group tool) that enables the follow-up and tracking of closures 

and is regularly reviewed by management. 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 2021 and at least five 

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 taken.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Corporate governance – Executive Committee

58

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee consists of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the 
Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and 
the 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 (EC). 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 below. In the course 

of the medmix spin-off, Girts Cimermans became the CEO of medmix Ltd and left the Executive 

Committee of Sulzer Ltd as of September 20, 2021.

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, § 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 (§ 33, 

paragraphs a, b and c).

CVs of Executive Committee members

Greg Poux-Guillaume 1)
Chief Executive Officer

Educational background

MBA, Harvard Business School, USA

Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering, Ecole Centrale Paris, France

Binding interests

Chairman of the Board of Directors of medmix Ltd, Switzerland

Board member Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce

Career
Greg Poux-Guillaume (born 1970, France) was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Sulzer in 2015. He joined from 

General Electric, where he had been named CEO of GE Grid Solutions upon the closing of GE’s takeover of 

Alstom’s energy businesses. Previously, he was Executive Vice President of Alstom Group and a member of the 

Executive Committee, and served as President and CEO of Alstom Grid (2011–2015). From 2009 to 2011, he was a 

Senior Managing Director at CVC Capital Partners. Prior to this, he held various positions with Alstom Group 

(2003–2008), in technology venture capital with Softbank and in consulting with McKinsey & Company. Greg 

started his career in Exploration and Production with Total (1993–1997).

1) stepping down on February 18, 2022

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Corporate governance – Executive Committee

59

Jill Lee 1)
Chief Financial Officer

Educational background

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Nanyang Business School, Singapore

Bachelor of Business Administration, National University of Singapore, 

Singapore

Binding interests

Member of the Board of Directors, Schneider Electric SE, Switzerland

Member of the Board of Directors, medmix Ltd, Switzerland

Member of the Foundation Board, IMD Business School, Switzerland

Career
Jill Lee (born 1963, Singapore) joined the Sulzer Executive Committee as Chief Financial Officer in 2018. From 

2011 until 2018, she was a member of the Sulzer Board of Directors. Besides that, she was the Senior Group Vice 

President and Head of Next Level Program Management of ABB Ltd. From 2012 to 2014, she was the Senior Vice 

President and CFO for ABB China and North Asia Region. Prior to this, she served as Senior Vice President, 

Finance Strategy and Investments for Neptune Orient Lines in Singapore (2010–2011). She has also held a number 

of positions with Siemens, including global Chief Diversity Officer (2008–2010), CFO and Senior Executive Vice 

President of Siemens in China (2004–2008), CFO and Senior Vice President of Siemens in Singapore (2000–2004), 

CFO Asia-Pacific and General Manager of the Asia Regional Headquarters of Siemens Electromechanical 

Components in Singapore (1997–2000).

1) Retiring later in 2022

Armand Sohet

Chief Human Resources Officer

Chief Sustainability Officer

Educational background

Diploma in Mathematics and Sociology from Besançon University, France

Graduate of Institut d’Etudes Politiques Paris, France

Career
Armand Sohet (born 1965, France) joined the Executive Committee as Chief Human Resources Officer in 2016 and 

was appointed Chief Sustainability Officer in 2021. He was Human Resources Senior Executive Leader of GE Grid 

Solutions from 2015 to 2016. Before, he was Head of Human Resources at Alstom Grid (2011–2015). From 2010 to 

2011, he served as Group Vice President of Constellium. From 2007 to 2010, he led Human Resources for Thales 

Defence & Security C4I Systems. He previously held various positions at Novartis in Switzerland and in France, 

including Head of Human Resources of the Ophtha business unit, Basel, Switzerland (2006–2007), Head of Human 

Resources of Western and Central Europe, Basel (2004–2006), Head of Human Resources of Novartis France 

(2000–2004), and Human Resources Manager of Field Forces and Marketing at Novartis Pharma France (1998–

2000). Armand Sohet started his career at Peugeot PSA, where he served in various managerial positions in the 

field of Human Resources (1989–1998).

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Corporate governance – Executive Committee

60

Frederic Lalanne 1)
Division President Flow Equipment

Educational background

International Executive Program, Insead, Fontainebleau, France

Master in International Politics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium

Post Graduate Degree in Business Administration, Sorbonne, Paris, France

Master’s Degree in Sciences and Technology, Angers University, France

Career
Frederic Lalanne (born 1963, France) took over the position as Division President Flow Equipment on January 1, 

2019. Frederic joined the Executive Committee as Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer in 2016. He joined from 

General Electric Grid Solutions in France, where he was Vice President Global Sales and Marketing (2015–2016). 

Previously, he was Senior Vice President Global Sales and Marketing at Alstom Grid in France (2012–2015). He 

worked as Managing Director of Catering International and Services, France (2011–2012), and was President 

Cegelec Worldwide Business of the Belgium-based company Cegelec (2008–2011). From 2005 to 2007, he served 

as Managing Director Alstom Projects India Ltd and Vice President Sales and Marketing Alstom Power in India. 

Before that, he held various positions as General Manager and Sales and Marketing Director at Pauwels Group in 

Belgium and Indonesia (1996–2004).

1) Succeeding Greg Poux-Guillaume as Chief Executive Officer on February 18, 2022

Daniel Bischofberger 1)
Division President Services

Educational background

Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering and Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical 

Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zurich, Switzerland

MBA Program, Insead, Fontainebleau, France

IMD, ABB Senior Leadership Development Program, Lausanne, Switzerland

Career
Daniel Bischofberger (born 1966, Switzerland) joined the Sulzer Executive Committee as Division President 

Services in 2016. Previously, he worked as Local Division Manager Power Products at ABB Switzerland (2011–

2016). From 2004 to 2011, he was Head of Alstom’s Gas Turbine Service Business, Switzerland. Before, he was 

Head of Corporate Development and Assistant to the CEO at the Swiss-based Dätwyler Holding Ltd (2002–2004). 

From 2000 to 2002, he acted as Head of Worldwide Sales and Marketing for a business unit of ABB High-Voltage 

Technologies Ltd, Switzerland. He started his career as Commissioning Engineer for gas turbine power plants at 

ABB Power Generation in the USA and Libya and gradually took over different managing positions in the USA, 

Switzerland and Malaysia (1993–1998).

1) stepping down in early 2022

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Corporate governance – Executive Committee

61

Torsten Wintergerste
Division President Chemtech

Educational background

Master of Business Administration (Executive MBA), University of St. Gallen, 

Switzerland

Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology 

(ETH) Zurich, Switzerland

Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, University of Stuttgart, Germany

Career
Torsten Wintergerste (born 1965, Switzerland) was announced as Division President Chemtech and member of the 

Executive Committee in 2016. He has been Head of Chemtech’s business unit Separation Technology for Europe, 

Middle East, India, Russia, and Africa since 2012. He joined Sulzer in 1998, first within the research and 

development unit Sulzer Innotec, where he became Head of the groupwide center of excellence for fluid 

technology. From 2006 to 2012, he worked in various managing positions within Sulzer’s division Chemtech, 

amongst others Director Polymer Technology as well as Manager Technology and Business Development of the 

Sulzer Mixpac business unit. Before joining Sulzer, he was a research associate at the Swiss Federal Institute of 

Technology (ETH) Zurich in Switzerland (1994–1998) and at the National Aeronautics and Space Research Center 

in Germany (1992–1994).

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Corporate governance – Shareholder participation rights

62

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, other than ordinary share capital increases 

(against payment in cash and without the exclusion of shareholders’ preemptive rights), which are 

decided by 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 § 16 of the 

Articles of Association

).

Convocation of the Shareholders’ Meeting and submission of 
agenda items

The applicable regulations regarding requests for 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 § 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 AGM of April 14, 2021, Proxy Voting Services GmbH was elected as the independent proxy for 

a term of office extending until completion of the next AGM. 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 2021 — Corporate governance — Takeover and defense measures

63

Takeover and defense measures

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

all restricted share units (RSUs) allocated to Board members are automatically vested. Also, the 

performance share units (PSUs) allocated to members of the Executive Committee 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% (RSUs) or 50% or more (PSUs) of the voting rights.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Corporate governance – Auditors

64

Auditors

The statutory auditor is elected at the AGM 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 2021, the statutory auditor was present at all six 

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 Audit 

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 2021 – Corporate governance – Risk management

65

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.

Environment, Social and 
Governance (ESG)

ESG-related regulations could change. Stakeholder 
expectations related to ESG commitments could change. Not 
meeting regulatory requirements could result in fines, limit 
access to financing, impact banking channels and result in loss 
of business and reputational damages

Operational

Attraction and retention

Failure to attract, retain and develop people could lead to a lack 
of critical skills and knowledge, which hinders both daily 
operations and growth potential.

Health and safety

An unsafe working environment could lead to harm to people, 
reputational damage, fines as well as liability claims and could 
have a serious economic impact.

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Continuous monitoring and assessment of market 
developments

Systematic midrange planning based on market 
developments and expectations

Monitoring of exposure in critical countries

Monitoring of debt situation of countries and banks

Continuous monitoring of raw material prices and inflation 
indicators

Sulzer’s global presence mitigates the effect of geopolitical 
shocks

A phased process, technical risk manageability 
assessments and key performance indicators to ensure 
quality of the development

Product Development Council with strong focus on 
strategic plans and digitalization

Prototypes and own test beds to test and validate products 
before market release

Core Technology Council for research of basic technology

Focus on innovation with strategic customers

Innovation and ideation projects

Implementation of an expert development program for key 
critical resources

Board Strategy and Sustainability Committee extended to 
cover ESG and sustainability

Setting of clear ESG-related objectives and progress 
tracking

ESG initiatives driven by EC including different group and 
business functions covering regulatory requirements and 
supply chain due diligence

—

ESG assessments in business projects

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

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 and ISO 45001 certifications

Monthly health and safety controlling and regular audits, 
systematic risk assessments

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

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Corporate governance – Risk management

66

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.

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 or bottlenecks in logistics centers, 
lack of transport capacities, lack of raw materials or electronic 
parts or increased demand could have an impact on operations 
and supply chains 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.

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

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

Elimination of environmentally damaging substances 
through Prohibited Substances List

Sulzer sustainability strategy that defines key targets in 
view of climate change

Active fostering of high ethical standards by tone from the 
top and middle management

Continuous monitoring and assessment of potential 
exposures

Continuous monitoring of regulatory environment

Sulzer Code of Business Conduct and a number of 
supporting regulations (e.g. anticorruption, antitrust, trade 
control)

Third-party due diligence process

Global and centrally led organization of compliance and 
trade compliance officers

Compliance training (incl. e-learning) and audits

Sensitive country list with escalation process and project-
specific compliance assessments in high-risk countries

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) including close monitoring of incidents which 
could impact supply chains

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 and COVID-19 impacts on supply chains and 
availability of raw materials

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 2021 – Corporate governance – Information policy

67

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 the 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 2022

February 18: Annual results 2021

April 6: AGM 2022

April 11: Order intake Q1 2022

July 29: Midyear results 2022

October 26: Order intake nine months 2022

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

, or by contacting Investor Relations: 

https://www.sulzer.com/en/about-us/

investors

 — Christoph Ladner, Head of Investor Relations, +41 52 262 30 22

Material changes between December 31, 2021, and the 
publication of this report

In November and December 2021, respectively, Sulzer announced that Peter Löscher and Gerhard 

Roiss will not stand for re-election at the 2022 AGM and that Suzanne Thoma will be proposed as 

successor to Peter Löscher as the Chairperson of the Board. At the same time, it was communicated 

that on February 18, 2022, CEO Greg Poux-Guillaume would step down as CEO and be replaced by 

Frederic Lalanne. Furthermore, also as announced in December 2021, Daniel Bischofberger will also 

leave Sulzer and Tim Schulten has succeeded him in the Executive Committee of Sulzer as of 

January 1, 2022. Finally, CFO Jill Lee will retire later in 2022. Group Treasurer Thomas Zickler has 

been named the internal successor.

General blackout periods

Generally, and regardless of whether any inside information exists or not, pursuant to Sulzer Ltd’s 

Securities Trading Regulation, the trading in Sulzer Ltd securities is prohibited for (a) the members of 

the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, (b) any staff reporting to any member of the 

Executive Committee, (c) members of Group Finance, Group Planning and M&A, Group 

Communications and Investor Relations, and (d) any external advisors having access to inside 

information in connection with Sulzer Ltd’s financial reporting, during the following periods: (i) the 

periods starting on January 1 and July 1 until and including the trading day of the public releases of 

the respective full-year or half-year reports (if published prior to 7:30 a.m.) or the following trading day 

(if published between 5:40 p.m. and midnight) and (ii) the periods starting on April 1 and October 1 

until and including the trading day of the public releases of the respective quarterly results (if 

published prior to 7:30 a.m.) or the following trading day (if published between 5:40 p.m. and 

midnight.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Corporate governance – Information policy

68

Under certain circumstances (in particular in case of personal hardship), the company may allow 

exceptions to a blackout period upon reasoned request by an employee, provided that such 

employee is not in possession of any inside information. Such exceptions must be issued in writing 

with a copy to the employee’s file.

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Compensation 
report

70 Letter to the shareholders
73 Special report – medmix spin-off
75 Compensation governance and principles
78 Compensation architecture for the CEO and EC 

members

88 Compensation of the Executive Committee for 

2021

93 Compensation architecture for the Board of 

Directors

95 Compensation of the Board of Directors for 2021
98 Auditor’s report

Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Compensation report – Letter to the shareholders

70

Paying for sustainable performance

Winterthur, February 18, 2022

Dear Shareholder,

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

am pleased to present to you this year’s compensation report. Once again in 2021, I appreciated the 

opportunity to work together with my colleagues and our stakeholders towards ensuring that Sulzer’s 

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.

2021 was a challenging year — however, I’m proud to say that Sulzer surmounted the challenges and 

was able to celebrate a strong finish to the year with record-high profitability. What was challenging 

for our company over the last year? On the one hand, the constraints from COVID-19 in many 

countries continued to impact our business. Nonetheless, thanks to the outstanding engagement of 

all employees, Sulzer once again demonstrated resilience and was able to clearly steer back to the 

path of success that the company was on before the pandemic broke out in 2020. On the other hand, 

in May 2021, the decision was made to spin off Sulzer’s Applicator Systems (APS) division, and the 

spin-off was successfully executed with the listing of medmix on the Swiss Stock Exchange on 

September 30, 2021. To find out more about the rationale behind this decision and how it impacted 

the compensation of our Executive Committee in 2021, please refer to the corresponding special 

report covering the medmix spin-off.

Notwithstanding our great success story in 2021, a new leadership team will write the next chapter of 

Sulzer’s success story. After 6 years of management stability, we are simply at the end of a leadership 

cycle and it’s time to hand the baton over for the next leg. The leadership changes relate to both the 

Board of Directors as well as the Executive Committee.

Firstly, on the Board of Directors, Peter Löscher, the long-serving Chairman of Sulzer who has led the 

Board since 2014, will not stand for re-election at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2022. At 

the AGM 2022, Suzanne Thoma, currently Vice Chairwoman of the Board and member of the NRC, 

will stand for election as the Chairwoman of the Board. Furthermore, I, Gerhard Roiss, Chairman of 

the NRC, will also not stand for re-election at the AGM 2022.

At Executive Committee level, Greg Poux-Guillaume, Sulzer’s CEO, decided to step down after six 

years at the helm of Sulzer and having led a successful turnaround of the company. Frederic Lalanne, 

formerly President of Sulzer’s Flow Equipment division, was appointed CEO to succeed Greg Poux 

Guillaume as of February 18, 2022. Tim Schulten, formerly Sulzer’s Group Head of Strategy, 

Marketing and Digital, has been promoted to be the President of Sulzer’s Services division as of 

January 1, 2022, succeeding Daniel Bischofberger, who is leaving for an external CEO position. These 

appointments from our internal leadership bench underscore our sharp and committed focus on 

building our internal talent pipeline.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Compensation report – Letter to the shareholders

71

Executive Committee’s compensation

The compensation eligibilities of our Executive Committee remained unchanged in 2021. Sulzer's 

compensation represents a modern and tailor-made system to guide the company successfully 

through the next years:

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

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

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

Variable compensation is granted in the form of performance share units (PSUs) to align the 

interests of the Executive Committee with those of shareholders.

Short- and long-term variable compensation is subject to malus and clawback provisions.

Share Ownership Guidelines (SOG) are implemented which 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 through severe crises and 

beyond.

Paying for performance — our year 2021

Despite the constrained environment of the pandemic in 2021, Sulzer demonstrated agility in further 

strengthening its position as a leading company in industrial flow control products and services for 

markets such as water, energy, chemicals and industrial infrastructure. During the year, Sulzer 

streamlined its portfolio with the spin-off of medmix and the acquisition of Nordic Water, while 

continuing to advance on its growth path. Record-high profitability was achieved in 2021, with all 

divisions reaching new heights in profitability.

In 2021, we implemented the following adjustments to the Executive Committee’s compensation 

system:

To emphasize the pay-for-performance approach of our variable compensation even more, we 

decided to implement a clawback provision to our short-term incentive, i.e. the annual bonus.

To reduce the complexity of the performance measurement within the Performance Share Plan 

(PSP), from 2021, the performance measurement of the relative total shareholder return (TSR) is 

evaluated against one peer group instead of two different peer groups as done in previous years. 

This decision reduces and simplifies the performance indicators for the PSP program from four 

to three, bringing Sulzer in line with market practice. The weighting of 50% of the performance 

criterion “relative TSR” within the PSP remained unchanged. As a recap, in the past years, the 

relative TSR was measured against the performance of a peer group of international peers 

(assigned with a weight of 75% within the “relative TSR” key performance criterion), as well as 

against the performance of the Swiss Market Index Mid (SMIM, assigned with a weight of 25% 

within the “relative TSR” key performance criterion). This approach meant that there were four 

performance indicators being measured for the PSP program, thereby adding complexity and 

deviating from market practice.

To better reflect portfolio development and ensure a more appropriate composition of the peer 

group, there were also changes to the composition of the international peer group: SPX flow and 

Kirloskar Brothers were replaced by OC Oerlikon and Burckhardt Compression, which were 

selected from the predefined successor list of companies.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Compensation report – Letter to the shareholders

72

In terms of pay levels, we neither increased base salaries nor the target amounts for the bonus and 

PSP. In addition, there were no special grants on variable compensation. This given, for 2021, the 

target cash compensation remained unchanged compared to 2020. The compensation for the 

Executive Committee amounted to kCHF 14’609 in 2021 and was thereby below the maximum 

amount previously approved by Sulzer’s AGM 2020 for the respective period.

Board of Directors’ compensation

The Board of Directors compensation paid in 2021 was below the maximum amounts previously 

approved by the AGM for the respective periods. No changes to the Board's compensation were 

deemed necessary.

Compared to 2020, the compensation for the Board of Directors paid in 2021 remained unchanged 

and was 0.7% lower.

Governance

The NRC performed its regular activities in 2021, including recommending Executive Committee 

performance targets to the Board and compensation of Board, CEO and Executive Committee 

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

and governance, in the following pages.

At Sulzer’s AGM in 2022, you will be asked to vote on the maximum aggregate compensation for the 

Board of Directors for its 2022–2023 term and on the maximum aggregate compensation for the 

Executive Committee for 2023. For the fourth consecutive year, the maximum aggregate for the Board 

will remain flat. Reflecting the medmix spin-off and the subsequent reduction of the Executive 

Committee's size, the maximum aggregate for the Executive Committee will be reduced by CHF 2 

million compared to 2022.

As per practice, this compensation report will be submitted for a non-binding, consultative vote to our 

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

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

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

feedback and for your continued trust in our company.

Sincerely,

Gerhard Roiss

Chairman of the Nomination and 

Remuneration Committee

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Compensation report – Special report – medmix spin-off

73

Special report – medmix spin-off

With the approval of Sulzer’s shareholders obtained at the Extraordinary General 
Meeting on September 20, 2021, a 100% spin-off of our former Applicator 
Systems (APS) division from our core business through a 1:1 share split was 
successfully completed and we created two focused companies, leading in their 
respective markets. Since September 30, 2021, Sulzer and the former APS 
division which is now named medmix are both traded separately on the Swiss 
Stock Exchange.

Why was medmix separated from Sulzer?

Sulzer has a track record of incubating promising ventures and developing them to become market 

leaders. Over the past five years, Sulzer developed the former Applicator Systems division to become 

a global market leader in high-precision delivery devices for the healthcare, consumer and industrial 

segments. The rapid development of the former Applicator Systems division and the anticipated 

growth of its healthcare platform made 2021 the right time to spin it off as a separate, standalone 

company. As a focused company on its own, the growth story of the former Applicator Systems 

division will advance. The former Applicator Systems division was significantly undervalued as part of 

Sulzer and, by separating the business, Sulzer can renew its focus and accelerate its transformation. 

This separation created significant value for all stakeholders of Sulzer. The combined market cap of 

Sulzer and medmix went up by 45%. Each Sulzer shareholder got one medmix share granted in 

addition to each Sulzer share held and the combined share price of Sulzer and medmix was 

CHF 135.01.

How was Sulzer affected by the spin-off?

Sulzer took the opportunity of the spin-off to accelerate its transformation and boosted its business 

results in 2021, achieving strong growth to reach sales of CHF 3’155.3 million, as well as new highs in 

profitability across all divisions and at Sulzer level (operational profitability reached a record 9.3% with 

operational profit of CHF 293.3 million, excluding medmix). The renewed focus on our position as a 

leading company in industrial flow control products and services for water, energy, chemical and 

industrial infrastructure is also clearly appreciated by our investors. These positive outcomes validate 

the decision to separate medmix and Sulzer — with the renewed focus, Sulzer is in an even better 

position to drive the next level of its development.

What remuneration related measures has the NRC taken, and 
why?

When defining the target values for the variable compensation at the beginning of financial year 2021, 

these were defined without anticipating the medmix spin-off. Given this, the NRC adjusted the target 

values and corresponding thresholds and maximum values for the performance objectives to ensure 

proper, adequate target setting for the financial year 2021.

1. Bonus 2021

Sulzer demerged the Applicator Systems division by way of a symmetrical split on September 20, 

2021. The financial figures of the Applicator Systems division for the year until September 20, 2021 

are included in Sulzer’s consolidated financial statements for 2021. As the performance objectives set 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Compensation report – Special report – medmix spin-off

74

at the beginning of the year during annual target setting included the full year of 2021 for the 

Applicator Systems division, the target objectives for the Applicator Systems division are adjusted to 

reflect the phased targets up to September 20, 2021. This ensures that the actual financial figures for 

the Applicator Systems division are assessed against the corresponding targets for a comparable 

measurement period. Consistently, Sulzer Group’s achievement is assessed based on the 

aggregation of the full 2021 annual performance of all continuing businesses and Applicator Systems 

division for the period until September 20, 2021.

2. Performance Share Plan

The key performance targets for the unvested performance share plans of PSP 2019, PSP 2020 and 

PSP 2021 had been established without the anticipation of the spin-off of the Applicator Systems 

division. Therefore, the target performance conditions for the respective PSPs were originally 

determined with the full inclusion of the financial values of the Applicator Systems division. Given the 

spin-off of the Applicator Systems division, Sulzer adopted the methodology typically used in a spin-

off context to neutralize the consequences from the demerger. The number of originally granted PSUs 

was recalculated to neutralize the effect of the spin-off on share price to continue a fair incentive. The 

target values of the Applicator Systems division for PSP 2019, PSP 2020 and PSP 2021, as derived 

from their respective three-year financial plans, are deducted for Sulzer group. As a result, the target 

values for Sulzer group comprise only what remains as continuing businesses within the group. 

Furthermore, for each performance condition (i.e. operational profit growth and operational ROCEA) of 

PSP 2019, PSP 2020 and PSP 2021, the performance curve depicting the gradient formed from the 

threshold, target and cap performance level remains unchanged. By adopting such a methodology, 

Sulzer keeps consistency with the performance-based measurement approach of its PSP and 

upholds the underlying three-year strategic/financial targets of its continuing businesses.

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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 on the Board of 

Directors and Executive Committee, in establishing and reviewing the compensation strategy and 

principles, and in preparing the respective proposals for 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 for 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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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 AGM

  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 at least 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 AGM. At the 2021 AGM, Gerhard Roiss (Chairman) and Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg 

Sørensen were reelected as members of the NRC. Suzanne Thoma was elected for the first time to 

the Board of Directors in 2021 and since then is also member of the NRC. She replaced Marco 

Musetti as a member of the NRC.

The NRC meets as often as the business requires, but at least twice a year. In 2021, the NRC held 

four regular and six 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.

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 AGM, shareholders approve the maximum aggregate compensation amounts for 

the Board of Directors and for the Executive Committee in an annual binding vote.

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Further, the Articles of Association, 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 can be found at 

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 AGM.

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 AGM.

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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78

Compensation architecture for the CEO and 
Executive Committee 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:

Risk

  Risk exposure

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 determining 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.

The NRC regularly reviews the composition of the peer group, which is applied for benchmarking 

purposes. Having reviewed the composition in 2021, the NRC decided that from 2022, the 

composition of the peer group should be revised. Going forward, companies of a comparable size 

from the Swiss market will form the respective peer group, which is used to derive the compensation 

levels for the Board of Directors as well as for the Executive Committee.

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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, responsibility 

and current performance of the individual Executive Committee member is assessed at the same 

time. A globally applied job-grading methodology fosters internal equity.

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:

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Compensation elements for the members of the Executive Committee

  Base salary

  Benefits

Short-term incentive 
plan (bonus plan)

Long-term incentive 
plan (PSP 2021)

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. 
Clawback provisions 
implemented.

Grant/vesting/payment 
date

  Monthly

  Monthly and/or annually  

March of the following 
year

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

Operational 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.

Grant: April 1, 2021 
Vesting: December 31, 
2023 Share delivery: 
March 2024

Performance period

  –

  –

1 year (January 1, 
2021–December 31, 
2021)

3 years (January 1, 
2021–December 31, 
2023)

  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.

  –

  –

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 the interests of the Executive Committee 

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

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

elements:

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In line with the pay-for-performance principle, a significant portion (over 59%) 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, skillset and experience. An internal job-

grading methodology 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 149’125 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%

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 
and corporate governance

Individual

5%  

5%

Individual

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.

For information on the adjustments made to the key performance criteria due to the medmix spin-off, 

please refer to the section “

Special report — medmix spin-off

”. In order to measure individual 

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performance, each Executive Committee member is given different personal objectives for each of the 

four individual performance categories (“Cost-effectiveness,ˮ “Growth initiativesˮ, “Faster and betterˮ, 

and “ESG”) at the beginning of the financial year. “Cost-effectivenessˮ, for example, includes 

objectives like cost-saving (travel spend reduction, real estate costs reduction, etc.) whereas 

objectives for the category “Faster and betterˮ are, among others, on-time delivery percentage 

improvement, employee engagement progression (measured through external opinion surveys) 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 Executive Committee 

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 2021

”).

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 the sustainable 

and profitable growth of the company. They are chosen to provide different incentives for growth and 

shareholder value creation.

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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 (PSUs) to the members of the Executive Committee. PSUs 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 PSP is 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 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 PSUs 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, other than in previous 

tranches, only based on the performance against international peers measured as percentile 

ranking

With respect to the adjustments made to the key performance criteria due to the medmix spin-off 

please refer to the section “

Special report — medmix spin-off

”.

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Peer group for relative TSR performance of PSP 2021

International peers

Andritz

Burckhardt Compression

Ebara

Flowserve

ITT

OC Oerlikon

Pentair

Wood Group

Xylem

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 28, 2021, SPX Flow, which recently divested its Pump division 

and now mainly focuses on dairy systems and Kirloskar Brothers, a family-owned Indian pump 

company have been replaced by OC Oerlikon and Burckhardt Compression, which were the 

predefined successors.

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.

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 for 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 2021

”).

On the vesting date, the number of vested PSUs is calculated by multiplying the initial number of 

PSUs 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.

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However, while the above-mentioned performance assessment impacts the number of PSUs 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 PSUs 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 the 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 PSUs forfeit.

As a result of retirement

Vesting and performance measurement of PSUs continues according to plan, no early allocation of the 
shares.

Any other reason

The number of unvested PSUs vest on a pro rata basis (number of months between grant date and 
termination date) according to the achievement factor at the end of the vesting period. There is no early 
allocation of the shares.

Upon the occurrence of a change of control, PSU will vest immediately on a pro rata basis, subject to 

a performance assessment by the Board of Directors. In such a case, the Board of Directors may also 

determine a cash settlement of the awards.

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 

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negligence, or willful misconduct on the part of the participant. In 2021, the clawback clause was 

extended to cover bonuses, whereby Sulzer may recover in full or in part any relevant bonus 

compensation from Executive Committee members in situations of material misstatement of the 

financial results, an error in assessing a performance condition or gross misconduct 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 were 

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 Executive 
Committee members

  Shareholding requirement in % of base salary

  200%

  100%

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Compensation of the Executive Committee for 2021

Compensation of the Executive Committee: overview

In 2021, the Executive Committee received total compensation in the amount of kCHF 14’609 

(previous year: kCHF 14’647). Of this total, kCHF 8’027 was in cash (previous year: kCHF 7’298); 

kCHF 4’486 was in PSU (previous year: kCHF 5’238); kCHF 1’938 was in pension and social security 

contributions (previous year: kCHF 1’965), and kCHF 158 was in other payments (previous year: 

kCHF 147).

Compensation of the Executive Committee

Cash compensation

2021

Deferred compensation 
based on future performance

thousands of CHF

Base salary  

Bonus 2)  

Other 3)  

Estimated 
value of 
share-based 
grant under 
the 
performance 
share plan 

Total cash-
based 

compensation  

(PSP) 5)  

Total (incl. 
conditional 
share-based 
grant)

Pension and 
social security 
contributions 4)  

Highest single compensation, Greg 
Poux-Guillaume, CEO

Total Executive Committee 1)

1’021  

3’931  

1’500  

4’096  

87  

158  

461  

3’069  

1’938  

10’123  

1’779  

4’486  

4’849

14’609

Cash compensation

2020

Deferred compensation 
based on future performance

thousands of CHF

Base salary  

Bonus 2)  

Other 3)  

Estimated 
value of 
share-based 
grant under 
the 
performance 
share plan 

Total cash-
based 

compensation  

(PSP) 5)  

Total (incl. 
conditional 
share-based 
grant)

Pension and 
social security 
contributions 4)  

Highest single compensation, Greg 
Poux-Guillaume, CEO

Total Executive Committee 1)

1’021  

4’071  

1’141  

3’227  

82  

147  

491  

1’965  

2’735  

9’409  

2’601  

5’238  

5’335

14’647

1) The total Executive Committee compensation for 2021 and 2020 includes the compensation of Greg Poux-Guillaume, CEO since December 2015; Jill Lee, CFO since April 2018; Daniel 

Bischofberger, Division President Services since September 2016; Torsten Wintergerste, Division President Chemtech since June 2016; Armand Sohet, Chief Human Resources 
Officer since March 2016; Frederic Lalanne, Division President Flow Equipment since January 2019; Girts Cimermans, Division President Applicator Systems since October 21, 2019 
until September 19, 2021.

2) Expected bonus for the performance years 2021 and 2020 respectively, to be paid out in the following year (accrual principle).
3) Other consists of housing allowances, 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 2021 and 2020, 
respectively (PSP).

5) Represents the full fair value of the PSUs granted under the PSP in 2021 and 2020, respectively. PSUs granted in 2021 had a fair value of CHF 124.95 at grant date, based on a third-
party fair value calculation. While the share price to convert the grant value into a number of granted PSUs is based on the three-month weighted average share price before the grant 
date (CHF 101.12 per PSU for April 2021 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.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Executive Committee for 2021

89

The total compensation of kCHF 14’609 awarded to the members of the Executive Committee for the 

2021 financial year is within the maximum aggregate compensation amount of kCHF 19’500 that was 

approved by the shareholders at the 2020 AGM.

No severance payments to members of the Executive Committee were made during the reporting 

year.

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2021, there were no outstanding loans or credits 

granted to the members of the Executive Committee or former members of the Executive Committee.

In 2020 and 2021, no compensation was granted to former members of the Executive Committee or 

related parties.

Compensation for the Executive Committee: pay-for-
performance assessment

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 2021 can be found in the financial report.

a) Total compensation and pay for performance relation

In 2021, the Executive Committee received total compensation in the amount of kCHF 14’609 

(previous year: kCHF 14’647). This was an overall decrease of 0.3% from the previous year. Following 

the spin-off of medmix, one Executive Committee member left Sulzer to join medmix on 

September 20, 2021. As a result of this, his compensation at Sulzer in 2021 covered only the period 

until September 19, 2021, and not the full year as in 2020.

For the entire Executive Committee, the variable component amounted to between 110.2% and 

209.0% 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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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Executive Committee for 2021

90

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 

(Executive Committee members employed in both 2021 and 2020), the base salaries of the Executive 

Committee members remained unchanged. Regarding cash bonus payments and LTI amounts, see 

the following paragraphs.

b) Short-term incentive (cash bonus payouts)

Excluding the Applicator Systems division, in 2021 Sulzer increased sales strongly by 6.0% in line 

with its market guidance, and this despite headwinds from supply chain disruptions. Operational 

profitability reached a record 9.3%, beating pre-pandemic levels, with all three divisions contributing 

to this outstanding achievement. This year, Sulzer once again generated strong free cash flow, 

reaching CHF 210 million. The strong positive financial performance is an outcome of the significant 

progress achieved by Sulzer on its transformation path. Sulzer took early decisive actions to drive 

cost take-out measures in 2020 in anticipation of softer energy markets, as well as to counter the 

impacts of the pandemic. In parallel, Sulzer also continued to expand its market activities with 

increasing focus on sustainable solutions. In January 2021, Sulzer acquired Nordic Water, a leading 

supplier of water treatment technology. This acquisition has further strengthened its Water business 

— Sulzer has one of the largest complete portfolios of water pumping and treatment solutions, and 

Water now represents the biggest single segment in the Flow Equipment division. In the renewables 

market, Sulzer also advanced further — order intake in Renewables doubled organically from 2020. 

During the nine months until September 20, 2021, when the Applicator Systems division was spun off 

as medmix, the division rebounded strongly on sales, profitability and cashflow. The Applicator 

Systems division made its debut as a standalone listed company, medmix, on the SIX Swiss 

Exchange on September 30, 2021, creating close to CHF 2 billion in shareholder value.

As a result of the solid overall performance and successful strategic transformation, the financial 

component of the bonus ranged from 140.3% to 147.4% of targeted payout (on average 144.9%), 

thanks also 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%

107%

146%

200% 1)

147%

1) Actual operational ONCF overachieved in 2022, therefore the maximum payout factor was capped at 200%.

The individual performance ranged from 90% to 200% to consider the exceptional team performance.

In aggregate, the financial and individual performance translated into an overall bonus payout factor 

ranging from 127% to 163% (on average 150%) for the members of the Executive Committee.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Executive Committee for 2021

91

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 2021 compared to previous years. The relevant key 

performance indicators (KPIs) were growth in 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 

measurement period from 2019 to 2021.

Over this three-year period, operational profit adjusted for foreign exchange and M&A impacts grew 

by 34% even as we had to navigate unexpected and challenging impacts from COVID-19 in 2020 and 

2021. Compared to the PSP target set by the Board, this resulted in an achievement factor of 232%.

Operational ROCEA improved significantly on the back of solid cash flow generation and strong 

profitability for the past three years, thanks to our determined drive for operational excellence, 

rigorous focus on networking capital management, strict management of capital expenditures and 

efforts to optimize our footprint. For the maximum 250% target achievement of operational ROCEA, 

the Board had set a target for Sulzer to improve by 200bps over the course of the PSP 2019 

measurement period. An actual achievement of 223% was realized.

Together with a relative TSR achievement factor of 142%, which compared Sulzer’s share price 

development against international peers as well as against the SMIM over the PSP 2019 

measurement period, the resultant total payout factor is 185% for the PSP 2019.

The payout factor results and respective weighting are as follows:

KPI

Operational profit

Operational ROCEA

Relative TSR

Total

Weighting

Payout factor

25%

25%

50%

100%

232%

223%

142%

185%

Overall, the PSP vesting levels fairly reflected the operational performance, also against direct peers, 

over the respective three-year performance cycles. Therefore, Sulzer fully achieved the desired strong 

link between sustainable company performance and competitive long-term incentive payouts.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Executive Committee for 2021

92

Shareholdings of the Executive Committee

As of the end of 2020 and 2021, the members of the Executive Committee held the following shares in 

the company:

Shareholdings at December 31, 2021

Sulzer 
shares

Share units under vesting in equity plans (RSU and 
PSP)

2021

Sulzer 
shares  

77’941  

43’000  

9’720  

6’797  

5’084  

2’728  

10’612  

Restricted 
share units 

(RSU)  

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2019  

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2020  

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2021

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

81’932  

94’735  

49’936

35’746  

50’900  

21’789

9’932  

9’427  

9’932  

9’427  

9’932  

9’427  

8’195  

7’777  

8’195  

7’777  

6’053

6’053

6’053

4’994

4’994

2020

Sulzer 
shares

Share units under vesting in equity plans (RSU and 
PSP)

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  

66’999

12’820  

23’363  

33’267

2’938  

6’491  

-  

705  

2’938  

6’491  

3’561  

6’491  

2’938  

5’355  

2’938  

5’355  

6’161

5’083

6’161

6’161

5’083

5’083

Executive Committee

Greg Poux-Guillaume

Daniel Bischofberger

Frederic Lalanne

Jill Lee

Armand Sohet

Torsten Wintergerste

Shareholdings at December 31, 2020

Executive Committee

Greg Poux-Guillaume

Daniel Bischofberger

Girts Cimermans

Frederic Lalanne

Jill Lee

Armand Sohet

Torsten Wintergerste

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the Board of Directors

93

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 Directors 1)

in CHF

contributions)  

contributions)   Lump-sum expenses

Cash component (net 
of social security 

Grant value of RSUs 
(net of social security 

Base fee for Board Chairmanship 2)

Base fee for Board Vice Chairmanship

Base fee for Board membership

Additional committee fees:

Committee Chairmanship

Committee membership

420’000  

100’000  

70’000  

60’000  

35’000  

250’000  

155’000  

125’000  

10’000

5’000

5’000

1) Compensation for the period of service (from AGM to AGM).
2) The Chairman of the Board of Directors does not receive additional remuneration for committee activities.

The members of the Board of Directors are remunerated for their service during their term of office 

(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 RSUs 

are granted once a year. The number of RSUs 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 annual results and the AGM. One-third of the RSUs vest 

after the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date respectively.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the Board of Directors

94

Upon vesting, one vested RSU is converted into one share in the company. The vesting period for 

RSUs 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.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Board of Directors for 2021

95

Compensation of the Board of Directors for 2021

Compensation of the Board of Directors: overview

In 2021, the Board of Directors received total compensation in the amount of kCHF 2’862 (previous 

year: kCHF 2’808). Of this total, kCHF 1’444 was in the form of cash fees (previous year: kCHF 1’396); 

kCHF 1’155 was in RSUs (previous year: kCHF 1’155) and kCHF 263 was in the form of social security 

contributions (previous year: kCHF 257).

The total Board compensation paid in 2021 was 1.9% higher than in 2020, which is due to the 

appointment of Suzanne Thoma as Vice Chairwoman of the Board and David Metzger as a new 

member of the Board in 2021. Nevertheless, the aggregated Board compensation was still below the 

maximum aggregate compensation for the Board, which was approved at the AGM 2020. The 

structure and level of the Board compensation remained unchanged compared with the previous year.

The portion of compensation delivered in RSUs amounts to 56% of the cash compensation for the 

Chairman, and to between 71% and 149% for the other active members of the Board of Directors. 

The RSUs are subject to a staged three-year vesting period.

Compensation of the Board of Directors

thousands of CHF

Board of Directors

Peter Löscher, Chairman

Suzanne Thoma, Vice Chairwoman 1)

Matthias Bichsel

Lukas Braunschweiler 2)

Mikhail Lifshitz

David Metzger 1)

Alexey Moskov

Marco Musetti 2)

Gerhard Roiss

Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg Sørensen

thousands of CHF

Board of Directors

Peter Löscher, Chairman

Matthias Bichsel, Vice Chairman

Lukas Braunschweiler

Mikhail Lifshitz

Alexey Moskov

Marco Musetti

Gerhard Roiss

Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg Sørensen

Restricted 
share unit 
(RSUs) plan 4)  

Social security 
contributions 5)  

Cash fees 3)  

1’444  

1’155  

263  

447  

136  

138  

28  

112  

84  

112  

37  

173  

176  

250  

155  

125  

-  

125  

125  

125  

-  

125  

125  

66  

32  

24  

3  

27  

25  

27  

4  

26  

31  

Cash fees 2)  

Restricted 
share unit 
(RSUs) plan  

Social security 
contributions 4)  

1’396  

1’155  

257  

447  

142  

112  

112  

84  

150  

173  

176  

250  

155  

125  

125  

125  

125  

125  

125  

66  

27  

26  

26  

25  

29  

26  

31  

2021

Total

2’862

763

323

286

31

264

234

264

41

324

332

2020

Total

2’808

763

324

264

264

234

304

324

332

1) Member of the Board of Directors since April 14, 2021.
2) Member of the Board of Directors until April 14, 2021
3) Disclosed gross.
4) RSU awards granted in 2021 had a fair value of CHF 106.3229 at grant date. The amount represents the full fair value of grants made in 2021.
5) 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.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Board of Directors for 2021

96

At the 2021 and 2020 AGMs respectively, shareholders approved a maximum aggregate 

compensation amount of kCHF 2’984 for the Board of Directors for the period of office from the 

2020 AGM until the 2021 AGM and of kCHF 2’984 for the period of office from the 2019 AGM until the 

2020 AGM. The table below shows the reconciliation between the compensation that was/will be paid 

out for the two periods of office and the maximum aggregate compensation amounts approved by the 

shareholders.

Reconciliation between the reported Board compensation and the amount 
approved by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting

Compensation 
earned during 
financial year 
as reported 
(A)

Minus 
compensation 
earned from 
Jan to AGM 
of financial 
year (B)

Plus 
compensation 
accrued from 
Jan to AGM 
of year 
following 
financial year 
(C)

Total 
compensation 
earned for the 
period from 
AGM to AGM 
(A-B+C)

Amount 
approved by 
shareholders 
at respective 

AGM  

Ratio 
between 
compensation 
earned for the 
period from 
AGM to AGM 
versus 
amount 
approved by 
shareholders

Jan 1, 2021 to 

Jan 1, 2022 to 

2021 AGM to 

2021  

2021 AGM  

2022 AGM  

2022 AGM  

2021 AGM  

2021 AGM

2’862  

386  

393  

2’869  

2’984  

96.2%

Jan 1, 2020 to 

Jan 1, 2021 to 

2020 AGM to 

2020  

2020 AGM  

2021 AGM  

2021 AGM  

2020 AGM  

2020 AGM

2’808  

355  

391  

2’844  

2’984  

95.3%

thousands of CHF

AGM 2021–AGM 2022

Board (total)

AGM 2020–AGM 2021

Board (total)

As of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2021, 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.

In 2020 and 2021, no compensation was granted to former members of the Board of Directors or 

related parties.

report.sulzer.com/ar21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Board of Directors for 2021

97

Shareholdings of the Board of Directors

As of the end of 2020 and 2021, the members of the Board of Directors held the following shares in 

the company:

Shareholdings at December 31, 2021

Board of Directors

Peter Löscher

Suzanne Thoma

Matthias Bichsel

Mikhail Lifshitz

David Metzger

Alexey Moskov

Gerhard Roiss

Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg Sørensen

Shareholdings at December 31, 2020

Board of Directors

Peter Löscher

Matthias Bichsel

Lukas Braunschweiler

Mikhail Lifshitz

Alexey Moskov

Marco Musetti

Gerhard Roiss

Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg Sørensen

Sulzer shares  

55’307  

22’238  

–  

9’976  

6’182  

–  

639  

14’413  

1’859  

Sulzer shares  

56’020  

19’437  

8’238  

1’097  

4’781  

-  

8’639  

13’012  

816  

Restricted share units 

(RSU)  

34’874  

8’818  

2’232  

5’038  

4’410  

1’800  

3’756  

4’410  

4’410  

Restricted share units 

(RSU)  

27’510  

6’210  

3’853  

3’106  

3’106  

1’917  

3’106  

3’106  

3’106  

2021

Total share awards and 
shares

90’181

31’056

2’232

15’014

10’592

1’800

4’395

18’823

6’269

2020

Total share awards and 
shares

83’530

25’647

12’091

4’203

7’887

1’917

11’745

16’118

3’922

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Compensation report – Auditor’s report

98

We have audited the compensation report of Sulzer Ltd for the year ended December 31, 2021. 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 sections 

“

Compensation of the Executive Committee: overview

” and “

Compensation of the Board of Directors: 

overview

”.

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.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Compensation report – Auditor’s report

99

Opinion

In our opinion, the compensation report for the year ended December 31, 2021 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 17, 2022

Simon Niklaus

Licensed Audit Expert

KPMG AG, Badenerstrasse 172, 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/ar21

Financial 
reporting

100 Consolidated financial statements

101 Consolidated income statement
102 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
103 Consolidated balance sheet
104 Consolidated statement of changes in equity
105 Consolidated statement of cash flows
107 Notes to the consolidated financial statements
190 Auditor’s report
197 Supplementary information

206 Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

205 Balance sheet of Sulzer Ltd
206 Income statement of Sulzer Ltd
207 Statement of changes in equity of Sulzer Ltd
208 Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd
214 Proposal of the Board of Directors for the 
appropriation of the available profit

215 Auditor’s report

 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Consolidated income statement

101

Consolidated income statement

January 1 – December 31

millions of CHF

Continuing operations

Sales

Cost of goods sold

Gross profit from continuing operations

Selling and distribution expenses

General and administrative expenses

Research and development expenses

Other operating income / (expenses), net

Operating income (EBIT) from continuing operations

Interest and securities income

Interest expenses

Other financial income / (expenses), net

Share of gains / (losses) of associates

Income before income tax expenses from continuing 
operations

Income tax expenses

Net income from continuing operations

Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax

Net income

– thereof attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

– thereof attributable to non-controlling interests

Earnings per share (in CHF)

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Earnings per share from continuing operations (in CHF)

Basic earnings per share from continuing operations

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

Notes  

3, 20  

10  

11  

12  

12  

12  

17  

13  

7  

25  

25  

25  

25  

2021  

2020 1)

3’155.3  

–2’208.4  

946.9  

–320.1  

–358.8  

–64.4  

18.1  

221.8  

10.4  

–25.7  

–6.4  

–2.2  

197.9  

–57.2  

140.7  

1’278.3  

1’418.9  

1’416.7  

2.2  

41.93  

41.28  

4.10  

4.03  

2’967.8

–2’095.3

872.4

–305.8

–340.5

–63.8

–29.8

132.5

10.5

–24.0

–6.9

–0.7

111.3

–39.8

71.5

15.6

87.2

83.6

3.6

2.46

2.44

2.00

1.98

1) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations (details are described in note 7).

report.sulzer.com/ar21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

102

Consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income

January 1 – December 31

millions of CHF

Net income

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to the income 
statement

Cash flow hedges, net of tax

Currency translation differences

Total of items that may be reclassified subsequently to the 
income statement

Items that will not be reclassified to the income statement

Remeasurements of defined benefit plans, net of tax

Equity investments at FVOCI – net change in fair value

Total of items that will not be reclassified to the income 
statement

Total other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the period

– thereof attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

– thereof attributable to non-controlling interests

Notes  

2021  

1’418.9  

29  

9  

18  

–2.5  

2.4  

–0.1  

88.7  

0.6  

89.3  

89.2  

1’508.1  

1’505.8  

2.3  

2020

87.2

10.1

–133.5

–123.4

8.0

–

8.0

–115.4

–28.2

–30.5

2.3

report.sulzer.com/ar21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Consolidated balance sheet

103

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

Defined benefit 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

Notes  

14  

14  

15  

16  

17  

18  

9  

13  

19  

20  

21  

22  

18  

23  

24  

26  

16  

13  

13  

9  

27  

26  

16  

13  

27  

20  

28  

2021  

727.3  

276.5  

394.0  

89.2  

25.5  

18.0  

134.3  

5.3  

164.2  

1’834.2  

475.6  

26.7  

64.7  

409.3  

549.2  

118.7  

26.7  

1’505.4  

3’176.2  

5’010.4  

0.3  

1’273.5  

1’273.8  

5.5  

1’279.3  

2020 1) 

946.0  

401.0  

545.3  

121.2  

21.2  

10.6  

75.7  

4.3  

154.5  

2’279.9  

515.1  

33.4  

59.9  

324.9  

599.1  

126.5  

305.1  

1’123.2  

3’087.1  

5’367.0  

0.3  

1’404.0  

1’404.3  

12.9  

1’417.2  

1’164.6  

1’491.3  

64.5  

84.1  

2.2  

180.0  

68.0  

5.4  

90.2  

88.5  

4.8  

227.4  

65.8  

8.0  

1’568.8  

1’976.0  

345.5  

24.3  

40.2  

167.8  

324.5  

431.8  

828.1  

2’162.3  

3’731.1  

5’010.4  

231.8  

29.5  

38.7  

183.5  

300.5  

465.8  

724.1  

1’973.8  

3’949.8  

5’367.0  

1) The balance sheet as of December 31, 2020, has been adjusted following the finalization of the purchase price accounting and measurement period adjustments related to acquisitions 
in 2020. A reconciliation to the previously published balance sheet is provided in note 4. Defined benefit assets are presented as non-current assets and comparative information is re-
presented. Further details are available in note 9.

report.sulzer.com/ar21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Consolidated statement of changes in equity

104

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, 2020

0.3  

2’125.4  

–25.6  

–4.3  

–515.1  

1’580.7  

13.1  

1’593.9

Attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

Comprehensive income for the period:

Net income

83.6  

83.6  

3.6  

– Cash flow hedges, net of tax

– Remeasurements of defined benefit 
plans, 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  

24  

24  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

10.1  

–  

10.1  

8.0  

–  

8.0  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–132.3  

–132.3  

–1.2  

–133.5

10.1  

–132.3  

–114.1  

–1.2  

–115.4

–  

8.0  

87.2

10.1

8.0

–  

–  

–  

91.6  

–  

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

Equity as of January 1, 2021

0.3  

2’083.8  

–38.3  

5.9  

–647.4  

1’404.3  

12.9  

1’417.2

Comprehensive income for the period:

Net income

1’416.7  

1’416.7  

2.2  

1’418.9

29  

9  

18  

4  

7  

24  

24  

31  

24  

24  

– Cash flow hedges, net of tax

– Remeasurements of defined benefit 
plans, net of tax

– Equity investments at FVOCI – net 
change in fair value

– Currency translation differences

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the 
period

Transactions with owners of the company:

Acquisition of non-controlling interests 
without a change of control

Derecognition of non-controlling interests

Spin-off Applicator Systems division

Transaction costs

Allocation of treasury shares to share plan 
participants

Purchase of treasury shares

Share-based payments

Dividends

Equity as of December 31, 2021

report.sulzer.com/ar21

–  

–  

–  

–2.5  

–  

–2.5  

–  

–2.5

–  

88.7  

–  

–  

–  

0.6  

–  

89.3  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–2.5  

–  

88.7  

–  

88.7

–  

2.3  

2.3  

0.6  

2.3  

89.1  

–  

0.1  

0.1  

0.6

2.4

89.2

–  

1’506.0  

–  

–2.5  

2.3  

1’505.8  

2.3  

1’508.1

–  

–  

–10.6  

–  

–  

–1’485.6  

–  

–3.4  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–9.1  

9.1  

–  

–21.8  

21.9  

–135.4  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–1.4  

–11.9  

–5.4  

–17.3

–  

–  

–2.1  

–2.1

–  

–1’485.6  

–1’485.6

–  

–3.4  

–  

–21.8  

21.9  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–3.4

–

–21.8

21.9

0.3  

1’967.7  

–51.0  

3.3  

–646.5  

1’273.8  

5.5  

1’279.3

–135.4  

–2.1  

–137.4

 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Consolidated statement of cash flows

105

2021  

1’123.2  

1’418.9  

–1’255.1  

–5.3  

26.5  

74.4  

173.0  

–2.7  

–20.8  

–9.5  

–74.1  

17.1  

15.5  

–28.0  

–9.7  

–1.4  

89.3  

9.5  

5.2  

–23.3  

–83.7  

315.9  

49.0  

–6.9  

0.2  

–79.2  

8.7  

–123.9  

–1.2  

–85.9  

–6.9  

0.5  

–6.0  

0.3  

–0.2  

732.7  

432.3  

9.7  

2020

1’035.5

87.2

–

–4.1

25.2

34.6

177.5

–3.0

29.7

19.2

4.2

21.3

–33.8

–29.6

–4.8

48.9

39.3

42.5

4.2

–21.0

–68.8

368.7

50.6

–7.5

0.1

–98.0

8.9

–108.2

–

–

–6.7

0.0

–3.3

1.0

–370.4

122.3

–461.8

4.4

Consolidated statement of cash flows

January 1 – December 31

millions of CHF

Cash and cash equivalents as of January 1

Net income

Gain on net assets derecognized

Interest and securities income

Interest expenses

Income tax expenses

Notes  

7  

Depreciation, amortization and impairments

14, 15, 16  

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

Changes in 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

– thereof discontinued operations

Purchase of intangible assets

Sale of intangible assets

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Sale of property, plant and equipment

Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

Divestitures of subsidiaries, net of cash derecognized

Spin-off Applicator Systems division

Acquisitions of associates

Dividends from associates

Purchase of other non-current financial assets

Repayments of other non-current financial assets

Purchase of current financial assets

Repayments of current financial assets

Total cash flow from investing activities

– thereof discontinued operations

report.sulzer.com/ar21

14  

14  

15  

15  

4  

7  

17  

17  

18  

18  

18  

18  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Consolidated statement of cash flows

Dividends paid to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests in subsidiaries

Purchase of treasury shares

Payments of lease liabilities

Acquisition of non-controlling interests

Proceeds from non-current borrowings

Repayments of non-current borrowings

Proceeds from current borrowings

Repayments of current borrowings

Total cash flow from financing activities

– thereof discontinued operations

Exchange gains / (losses) on cash and cash equivalents

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

24  

24  

16  

4  

26  

26  

26  

26  

–91.9  

–2.1  

–21.8  

–41.1  

–17.3  

0.0  

–0.0  

54.8  

–263.1  

–382.5  

9.7  

16.5  

382.2  

106

–92.6

–2.6

–23.1

–39.2

–

498.9

–0.0

72.2

–177.1

236.5

–42.9

–55.7

87.7

Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31

23  

1’505.4  

1’123.2

For the calculation of free cash flow (FCF), reference is made to the section “

Financial review

”.

report.sulzer.com/ar21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements

108
108
110
116
119
121
131
135
136
141
141
142
142
147
149
150
152
153
154
155
156
157
157
158
160
161
163
164
164
165
166
168
169
169
186
187

01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11 
12 
13
14 
15
16
17
18 
19 
20 
21 
22
23 
24 
25
26 
27
28
29 
30
31
32
33 
34
35
36 

 General information
 Significant events and transactions during the reporting period
 Segment information
 Acquisitions of subsidiaries
 Critical accounting estimates and judgments
 Financial risk management
 Discontinued operations
 Personnel expenses
 Employee benefit plan
 Research and development expenses
Other operating income and expenses
Financial income and expenses
 Income taxes
Goodwill and other intangible assets
 Property, plant and equipment
 Leases
 Associates
Other financial assets
Inventories
Assets and liabilities related to contracts with customers
Trade accounts receivable
 Other current receivables and prepaid expenses
Cash and cash equivalents
Equity
 Earnings per share
Borrowings
 Provisions
 Other current and accrued liabilities
Derivative financial instruments
 Contingent liabilities
 Share participation plans
 Transactions with members of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and related parties
Auditor remuneration
 Key accounting policies and valuation methods
 Subsequent events after the balance sheet date
Major subsidiaries

Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

108

Notes to the consolidated financial statements

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, 2021, 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 

purification technologies for fluids of all types. Sulzer was founded in 1834 in Winterthur, Switzerland, 

and employs around 13’800 people. The company serves clients in over 180 production and service 

sites around the world. Sulzer Ltd is listed on SIX Swiss Exchange in Zurich, Switzerland (symbol: 

SUN).

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial 

Reporting Standards (IFRS). They were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on February 17, 

2022.

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 were particularly affected by the following events 

and transactions during the reporting period:

On September 20, 2021, Sulzer Ltd shareholders at their Extraordinary General Meeting 

approved the 100% spin-off of its Applicator Systems (APS) division (later renamed medmix) 

through a 1:1 share split, granting Sulzer shareholders one APS share in addition to each Sulzer 

share held. The spin-off was registered in the commercial registers of the cantons of Zurich and 

Zug on September 20, 2021, simultaneously with the incorporation of the new company, which 

was registered with a share capital of 34’262’370 shares (registered shares with a nominal value 

of CHF 0.01 each). The spin-off became legally effective upon registration in the competent 

commercial registers, whereas the benefits and risks related to the assets and liabilities were 

economically transferred with retroactive effect as of January 1, 2021 (see 

note 7

). The group has 

therefore separated the financial data for 2021 and prior year into “continuing” and 

“discontinued” operations. Discontinued operations include the operational results from the 

Applicator Systems division, certain corporate activities attributable to the Applicator Systems 

division prior to the spin-off on September 20, 2021 and the gain on net assets derecognized as 

of September 20, 2021. The shareholder approval to spin off the Applicator Systems division 

required the recognition of a distribution liability, measured at the fair value of the Applicator 

Systems division, and represented a deduction of retained earnings.

Net income from discontinued operations (net of tax) amounted to CHF 1’278.3 million, 

comprising a net income from discontinued business activities of CHF 23.2 million for the year up 

to the spin-off date and a gain on net assets derecognized of CHF 1’255.1 million. The gain on 

net assets derecognized is mainly the difference between the distribution liability of the 

Applicator Systems division of CHF 1’485.6 million and the division’s net assets of CHF 244.2 

million on the spin-off date. In the balance sheet, the equity is increased by the net income from 

discontinued operations of CHF 1’278.3 million and offset by the derecognition of the spin-off 

related distribution liability of CHF 1’485.6 million. The details pertaining to the income 

report.sulzer.com/ar21

Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

109

statement, segment information and balance sheet of the discontinued operations are presented 

in 

note 7
.

On February 1, 2021, the group acquired a 100% controlling interest in Nordic Water Holding AB 

(Nordic Water) for CHF 129.2 million. The headquarters of Nordic Water is located in Gothenburg, 

Sweden. Nordic Water employs approximately 200 people and is a pioneering innovation leader 

and is known for its broad application suite in primary, secondary and tertiary water treatment 

and its global reach. With the acquisition of Nordic Water, the group will be able to grow its 

wastewater-treatment business with equipment that complements the existing portfolio of 

pumps, grinders, mixers, compressors and other products that Sulzer currently provides for the 

water market. Nordic Water will operate as part of the group’s Flow Equipment division. The 

acquisition resulted in an increase in goodwill of CHF 54.9 million and other intangible assets of 

CHF 72.3 million at the date of acquisition (see 

note 4

).

The group recognized restructuring costs for continuing operations of CHF 11.5 million and for 

discontinued operations of CHF 0.2 million (2020: CHF 54.8 million for continuing operations and 

CHF 3.2 million for discontinued operations), partly offset by released restructuring provisions of 

CHF 2.0 million (2020: CHF 2.2 million). Restructuring costs mainly relate to resizing activities in 

the USA and the United Kingdom. Associated with restructuring initiatives, the group further 

recognized impairments on tangible and intangible assets for continuing operations of CHF 4.2 

million (2020: CHF 9.4 million) and CHF 0.5 million for discontinued operations (2020: CHF 0.5 

million). For more details, refer to 

note 7 note 14 note 15

, 

, 

 and 

note 16

.

For a detailed discussion about the group’s performance and financial position, please refer to the 

section “

Financial review

”.

report.sulzer.com/ar21

Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

110

3

Segment information

Segment information by divisions

millions of CHF

2021  

2020  

2021  

2020  

2021  

2020

Flow Equipment

Services

Chemtech

Order intake from continuing operations 
(unaudited) 1)

Nominal growth (unaudited)

Currency-adjusted growth (unaudited)

Organic growth (unaudited) 2)

1’324.7  

2.1%  

1.8%  

–3.9%  

1’297.6  

–11.1%  

–4.1%  

–2.9%  

1’163.4  

2.9%  

2.8%  

2.0%  

1’130.8  

–5.2%  

2.5%  

0.6%  

679.5  

9.5%  

8.8%  

8.8%  

620.8

–7.3%

–1.1%

–6.9%

Order backlog as of December 31 (unaudited)

811.5  

845.0  

479.5  

435.0  

433.2  

396.9

Sales recognized at a point in time

Sales recognized over time

Sales from continuing operations 3)

Nominal growth

Currency-adjusted growth (unaudited)

Organic growth (unaudited) 2)

Operational profit from continuing operations 
(unaudited)

Operational profitability from continuing 
operations (unaudited)

Restructuring expenses

Amortization

Impairments on tangible and intangible assets

Non-operational items (unaudited)

EBIT from continuing operations

Depreciation

Operating assets

Unallocated assets

993.5  

395.5  

1’389.0  

7.1%  

6.9%  

2.0%  

839.5  

456.9  

1’296.3  

–12.2%  

–5.7%  

–4.5%  

898.8  

219.0  

887.3  

191.1  

1’117.7  

1’078.3  

3.7%  

3.5%  

2.7%  

–7.6%  

0.1%  

–1.1%  

377.0  

271.6  

648.5  

9.4%  

8.4%  

8.4%  

372.6

220.5

593.1

–10.7%

–4.8%

–9.7%

81.4  

55.2  

158.7  

150.3  

64.8  

56.9

5.9%  

4.3%  

14.2%  

13.9%  

10.0%  

9.6%

–7.5  

–38.1  

–0.9  

0.1  

35.1  

–34.1  

–29.6  

–2.1  

–5.6  

–16.1  

–0.6  

–4.9  

–2.8  

–2.3  

–11.3  

–9.2  

–1.5  

–1.9  

148.2  

126.3  

–1.3  

–6.7  

–0.5  

–2.7  

53.6  

–5.7

–6.8

–5.3

–3.2

35.9

–33.4  

–34.6  

–31.5  

–28.5  

–12.8  

–12.2

1’573.9  

1’456.4  

939.5  

893.6  

552.8  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

Total assets as of December 31

1’573.9  

1’456.4  

939.5  

893.6  

552.8  

Operating liabilities

Unallocated liabilities

745.0  

725.1  

403.3  

354.9  

404.0  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

Total liabilities as of December 31

745.0  

725.1  

403.3  

354.9  

404.0  

Operating net assets

Unallocated net assets

829.0  

731.3  

536.2  

538.7  

148.7  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

Total net assets as of December 31

829.0  

731.3  

536.2  

538.7  

148.7  

507.0

–

507.0

323.6

–

323.6

183.5

–

183.5

Capital expenditure (incl. lease assets)

–33.9  

–34.7  

–57.1  

–40.9  

–20.7  

–11.1

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.

5’325  

5’362  

4’571  

4’449  

3’734  

3’221

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

111

Segment information by divisions

millions of CHF

2021  

2020 4)  

2021  

2020 4)  

2021  

2020 4)

Total divisions

Others 5)

Total Sulzer

Order intake from continuing operations 
(unaudited) 1)

Nominal growth (unaudited)

Currency-adjusted growth (unaudited)

Organic growth (unaudited) 2)

3’167.6  

3’049.2  

3.9%  

3.6%  

0.9%  

–8.2%  

–1.1%  

–2.5%  

Order backlog as of December 31 (unaudited)

1’724.1  

1’676.8  

Sales recognized at a point in time

2’269.3  

2’099.3  

886.0  

3’155.3  

6.3%  

6.0%  

3.5%  

868.4  

2’967.8  

–10.3%  

–3.5%  

–4.3%  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

3’167.6  

3’049.2

3.9%  

3.6%  

0.9%  

–8.2%

–1.1%

–2.5%

1’724.1  

1’676.8

2’269.3  

886.0  

3’155.3  

6.3%  

6.0%  

3.5%  

2’099.3

868.4

2’967.8

–10.3%

–3.5%

–4.3%

Sales recognized over time

Sales from continuing operations 3)

Nominal growth

Currency-adjusted growth (unaudited)

Organic growth (unaudited) 2)

Operational profit from continuing operations 
(unaudited)

Operational profitability from continuing 
operations (unaudited)

Restructuring expenses

Amortization

Impairments on tangible and intangible assets

Non-operational items (unaudited)

EBIT from continuing operations

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

304.9  

262.4  

–11.6  

–7.4  

293.3  

255.0

9.7%  

8.8%  

n/a  

n/a  

9.3%  

8.6%

–9.4  

–49.6  

–4.2  

–4.8  

236.9  

–51.2  

–45.6  

–8.9  

–10.7  

146.1  

–0.0  

–0.6  

–  

–2.9  

–15.0  

–1.4  

–1.1  

–0.5  

–3.2  

–13.6  

–9.5  

–50.2  

–4.2  

–7.7  

221.8  

–52.6

–46.7

–9.4

–13.8

132.5

–77.7  

–75.4  

–3.3  

–3.0  

–81.0  

–78.3

3’066.2  

2’857.0  

–  

–  

3’066.2  

2’857.0  

1’552.3  

1’403.5  

–  

–  

1’552.3  

1’403.5  

1’513.9  

1’453.4  

–  

–  

180.3  

1’763.9  

1’944.3  

196.8  

1’982.0  

2’178.8  

–16.4  

–218.1  

–234.6  

804.4  

1’705.6  

2’510.1  

267.6  

2’278.7  

2’546.3  

536.9  

–573.1  

–36.2  

3’246.5  

1’763.9  

5’010.4  

1’749.1  

1’982.0  

3’731.1  

1’497.5  

–218.1  

1’279.3  

3’661.4

1’705.6

5’367.0

1’671.1

2’278.7

3’949.8

1’990.3

–573.1

1’417.2

Total net assets as of December 31

1’513.9  

1’453.4  

Capital expenditure (incl. lease assets)

–111.7  

–86.7  

–7.7  

–1.3  

–119.4  

–88.0

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

13’631  

13’032  

185  

165  

13’816  

13’197

1) Order intake from external customers.
2) Adjusted for currency and acquisition effects.
3) Sales from external customers.
4) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations (details are described in note 7).
5) The most significant activities under “Others” relate to Corporate Center. Total assets and total liabilities under “Others” include the former Applicator Systems (APS) division for the 

period 2020.

For the definition of operational profit, operational profitability, currency-adjusted growth and organic 

growth, reference is made to the section “

Supplementary information

” and for the reconciliation 

statements to the section “

Financial review

”.

The segment information for the discontinued operations (Applicator Systems division) is disclosed in 

note 7

.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

112

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:

Flow Equipment

The Flow Equipment division (renamed in 2021 from Pumps Equipment) 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.

Services

The Services division (renamed in 2021 from Rotating Equipment Services) provides cutting-edge 

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

generators, through a network of over 100 service sites around the world. 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 

bio-based chemicals, polymers and fuels, recycling technologies for textiles and plastic as well as 

carbon capture and utilization/storage, contributing to a circular economy. The division’s product 

offering ranges from process components to complete process plants and technology licensing.

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.

Operating assets and liabilities are assets or liabilities related to the operating activities of an entity 

and contributing to the EBIT.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

113

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 defined 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, the Middle East and Africa

– thereof United Kingdom

– thereof Switzerland

– thereof Sweden

– thereof Finland

– thereof the Netherlands

Americas

– thereof USA

Asia-Pacific

– thereof China

Total

2021  

941.9  

203.0  

201.5  

162.2  

109.0  

100.8  

425.9  

390.3  

144.6  

53.6  

2020 1)

1’440.2

209.9

274.8

187.4

106.8

116.8

452.8

417.1

141.8

54.6

1’512.4  

2’034.7

1) The balance sheet as of December 31, 2020, has been adjusted following the finalization of the purchase price accounting and measurement period 

adjustments related to acquisitions in 2020. A reconciliation to the previously published balance sheet is provided in note 4.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

114

Sales by region

millions of CHF

Flow 

Equipment  

Services  

Chemtech  

2021

Total 
Sulzer

Europe, the Middle East and Africa

671.8  

485.6  

140.0  

1’297.5

– thereof Saudi Arabia

– thereof Germany

– thereof United Kingdom

– thereof Russia

– thereof France

Americas

– thereof USA

Asia-Pacific

– thereof China

Total

millions of CHF

118.7  

65.6  

25.4  

55.7  

25.7  

112.1  

34.2  

27.3  

35.6  

30.8  

15.2  

26.7  

5.3  

15.9  

9.1  

159.3

148.0

143.1

85.6

67.2

386.0  

473.5  

118.6  

978.1

236.0  

368.3  

63.0  

667.4

331.1  

158.6  

390.0  

879.7

227.3  

30.7  

265.8  

523.7

1’389.0  

1’117.7  

648.5  

3’155.3

Flow 

Equipment  

Services  

Chemtech  

2020

Total 
Sulzer 1)

Europe, the Middle East and Africa

555.7  

469.6  

172.7  

1’198.1

– thereof Saudi Arabia

– thereof Germany

– thereof United Kingdom

– thereof Russia

– thereof France

Americas

– thereof USA

Asia-Pacific

– thereof China

Total

89.0  

58.2  

26.9  

49.2  

25.7  

107.4  

31.5  

26.8  

50.9  

30.9  

31.2  

26.3  

7.9  

11.7  

7.3  

147.0

133.7

140.9

94.1

65.0

452.7  

446.2  

128.2  

1’027.1

297.8  

358.8  

81.9  

738.5

288.0  

162.5  

292.2  

742.6

206.5  

24.0  

188.2  

418.7

1’296.3  

1’078.3  

593.1  

2’967.8

1) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations (details are described in note 7).

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

115

Segment information by market segment

The following table shows the allocation of sales from external customers by market segment. The 

group changed the market segment definition in 2021 and prior-year numbers have been reclassified 

accordingly.

Sales by market segment — Flow Equipment

millions of CHF

Energy

Water

Industry

2021  

507.9  

497.0  

384.1  

2020

532.0

403.8

360.6

Total Flow Equipment

1’389.0  

1’296.3

Sales by market segment — Services

millions of CHF

Pumps Services

Other Equipment

Total Services

Sales by market segment — Chemtech

millions of CHF

Chemicals

Gas and Refining

Services

Renewables

Water

Total Chemtech

2021  

601.0  

516.7  

1’117.7  

2021  

366.4  

128.1  

96.7  

38.3  

19.1  

648.5  

2020

592.1

486.2

1’078.3

2020

317.2

141.2

84.5

32.0

18.1

593.1

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

116

4

Acquisitions of subsidiaries

Acquisitions in 2021

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

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

Nordic Water

Nordic Water  

Others  

72.3  

1.2  

2.9  

0.1  

14.1  

7.3  

19.9  

–2.9  

–1.9  

–18.7  

–20.1  

74.3  

54.9  

129.2  

129.2  

–  

129.2  

7.4  

1.4  

1.5  

–  

0.9  

0.1  

1.3  

–1.4  

–0.2  

–1.0  

–0.4  

9.4  

1.7  

11.1  

9.2  

1.9  

11.1  

Total

79.7

2.5

4.4

0.1

15.0

7.4

21.2

–4.4

–2.1

–19.7

–20.5

83.6

56.6

140.2

138.4

1.9

140.2

On February 1, 2021, the group acquired a 100% controlling interest in Nordic Water Holding AB 

(Nordic Water) for CHF 129.2 million. The headquarters of Nordic Water is located in Gothenburg, 

Sweden. Nordic Water employs approximately 200 people and is a pioneering innovation leader and 

is known for its broad application suite in primary, secondary and tertiary water treatment and its 

global reach. With the acquisition of Nordic Water, the group will be able to grow its wastewater-

treatment business with equipment that complements the existing portfolio of pumps, grinders, 

mixers, compressors and other products that the group currently provides for the water market. 

Nordic Water will operate as part of Sulzer’s Flow Equipment division. The goodwill is attributable to 

synergies by leveraging the scale of the combined businesses. None of the goodwill is expected to be 

deductible for tax purposes. Transaction costs recognized in the income statement amount to CHF –

1.0 million. Since the acquisition date, Nordic Water contributed order intake of CHF 73.6 million, 

sales of CHF 63.6 million and net income of CHF –1.2 million to the group.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

117

Acquired receivables
The fair value of acquired trade accounts receivable is CHF 7.3 million. The gross contractual amount 

for trade account receivables due is CHF 7.8 million, of which CHF 0.5 million are expected to be 

uncollectible at the date of acquisition.

Acquisitions of non-controlling interests in 2021

On March 22, 2021, the group acquired an additional 49.5% interest in Sulzer Wood Ltd. for CHF 17.3 

million, increasing its ownership from 50.5% to 100%. The carrying amount of Sulzer Wood’s net 

assets in the group’s consolidated financial statements on the acquisition date was CHF 5.4 million. 

The group recognized a decrease of non-controlling interests of CHF 5.4 million and a decrease in 

equity attributable to owners of Sulzer Ltd of CHF 11.9 million.

The following table summarizes the effect of changes in the group’s ownership interest in Sulzer 

Wood Ltd.

millions of CHF

Carrying amount of non-controlling interests acquired

Consideration paid to non-controlling interests in cash

Decrease in equity attributable to owners of Sulzer Ltd

Pro forma sales and profit contribution

2021

5.4

17.3

11.9

Had all above acquisitions occurred on January 1, 2021, management estimates that total net sales of 

the group would amount to CHF 3’159.5 million, and the consolidated net income would be 

CHF 1’418.7 million.

Cash flow from acquisitions of subsidiaries

millions of CHF

Cash consideration paid

Contingent consideration paid

Cash acquired

Payments for acquisitions in prior years

2021  

–138.4  

–0.5  

15.0  

–  

2020

–106.5

–

3.7

–5.4

Total cash flow from acquisitions, net of cash acquired

–123.9  

–108.2

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

118

Contingent consideration

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Assumed in a business combination

Derecognized as discontinued operations

Payment of contingent consideration

Currency translation differences

Total contingent consideration as of December 31

– thereof non-current

– thereof current

2021  

6.6  

1.9  

–2.2  

–0.5  

0.1  

5.9  

1.9  

4.0  

2020 1)

3.5

2.7

–

–

0.3

6.6

–

6.6

1) The balance sheet as of December 31, 2020, has been adjusted following the finalization of the purchase price accounting and measurement period 
adjustments related to acquisitions in 2020. A reconciliation to the previously published balance sheet is provided further below within this note.

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.

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 tax liabilities

Other liabilities

Net identifiable assets

Goodwill recognized in balance sheet 1)

Total consideration 1)

Purchase price paid in cash

Contingent consideration 1)

Total consideration 1)

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  

48.8  

107.6  

105.0  

2.7  

107.6  

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

48.8

109.1

106.5

2.7

109.1

1) Numbers are adjusted to reflect the reassessment of the contingent considerations (measurement period adjustment).

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

119

Measurement period adjustment as of December 31, 2020

The group reassessed the accounting treatment of the contingent consideration of the Haselmeier 

acquisition based on facts and circumstances already existing at the acquisition date on October 1, 

2020. The contingent consideration is mainly dependent on technology-related proof-of-concept, 

project development and customer orders and following the reassessment the earn-out amount was 

adjusted from CHF 13.9 million to CHF 2.2 million retrospectively. Consequently, the group adjusted 

goodwill and other liabilities by CHF 11.7 million as of December 31, 2020.

millions of CHF

Goodwill

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Other non-current liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Other current and accrued liabilities

Total current liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

As reported 2020  

Measurement period 
adjustment  

Adjusted 2020

957.7  

2’291.6  

5’378.7  

21.9  

1’989.9  

721.9  

1’971.7  

5’378.7  

–11.7  

–11.7  

–11.7  

–13.9  

–13.9  

2.2  

2.2  

–11.7  

946.0

2’279.9

5’367.0

8.0

1’976.0

724.1

1’973.8

5’367.0

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 assets/obligations 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 assets/obligations include the discount rate, future salary and 

pension increases, and mortality rates. The assumptions are reviewed and reassessed at the end of 

each year based on observable market data, i.e., interest rate of high-quality corporate bonds 

denominated in the corresponding currency and asset management studies. Further details are 

provided in 

note 9

 and 

note 34
.

Income taxes

The group is obliged to pay income taxes in numerous jurisdictions. Assumptions are required in order 

to determine income tax provisions. There are transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax 

determination is uncertain during the ordinary course of the business. The group recognizes liabilities 

for anticipated tax audit issues based on estimates of whether additional taxes will be due. Where the 

final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such 

differences will impact the income tax and deferred tax provisions in the period in which such 

determination is made. Management believes that the estimates are reasonable, and that the 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

120

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. 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 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 recognizes 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 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

121

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, 

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 and 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:

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122

Contractual FX exposure

90% to 100% of the exposure

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 2021 and 2020 

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 2021, the 

currency pair with the most significant exposure and inherent risk was the USD versus the BRL. If, on 

December 31, 2021, the USD had increased by 16.8% against the BRL with all other variables held 

constant, profit after tax for the year would have been CHF 0.9 million higher due to foreign exchange 

gains on USD-denominated financial assets. A decrease of the rate would have caused a loss of the 

same amount.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

123

Hypothetical impact of foreign exchange risk on income statement

millions of CHF

Currency pair

Exposure

Volatility

Effect on profit after tax (rate increase)

Effect on profit after tax (rate decrease)

millions of CHF

Currency pair

Exposure

Volatility

Effect on profit after tax (rate increase)

Effect on profit after tax (rate decrease)

2021

  USD/BRL   USD/KRW  

EUR/INR  

USD/INR

7.2  

5.3  

–5.4  

–5.7

16.8%  

6.4%  

5.8%  

4.8%

0.9  

0.4  

–0.9  

–0.4  

–0.4  

0.4  

–0.4

0.4

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%

0.6  

0.4  

–0.6  

–0.4  

–0.4  

0.4  

–0.4

0.4

The following tables show the hypothetical influence on equity for 2021 and 2020 related to foreign 

exchange risk of financial instruments for the most important currency pairs as of 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.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

124

Hypothetical impact of foreign exchange risk on equity

millions of CHF

2021

Currency pair

USD/BRL   GBP/USD  

EUR/USD   USD/CHF   USD/MXN  

USD/INR  

EUR/CHF

Exposure

Volatility

Effect on equity, net of taxes 
(rate increase)

Effect on equity, net of taxes 
(rate decrease)

–35.3  

89.2  

52.6  

–40.7  

–23.8  

–40.1  

16.8%  

6.6%  

5.7%  

6.5%  

11.1%  

4.8%  

–45.2

3.9%

–4.2  

4.2  

2.1  

–1.9  

–1.9  

–1.4  

–1.3

4.2  

–4.2  

–2.1  

1.9  

1.9  

1.4  

1.3

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)

–41.5  

52.0  

–63.5  

49.0  

–15.2  

–12.5  

18.9%  

11.1%  

7.4%  

7.6%  

21.0%  

21.3%  

–22.1

5.4%

–5.6  

4.1  

–3.4  

2.7  

–2.3  

–1.9  

–0.9

5.6  

–4.1  

3.4  

–2.7  

2.3  

1.9  

0.9

(II) Price risk
As of December 31, 2021, and 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. 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 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, CNY, 

EUR 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 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

125

Hypothetical impact of interest rate risk on income statement

millions of CHF

2021

Variable interest-bearing assets (net)

Amount

Sensitivity in 
basis points

Impact on post-tax profit

rate increase  

rate decrease

CHF

USD

CNY

EUR

GBP

millions of CHF

Variable interest-bearing assets (net)

CHF

USD

EUR

CNY

GBP

559.4  

319.3  

201.2  

175.1  

42.2  

100  

100  

100  

100  

100  

4.0  

2.3  

1.4  

1.3  

0.3  

–4.0

–2.3

–1.4

–1.3

–0.3

2020

Amount

Sensitivity in 
basis points

Impact on post-tax profit

rate increase  

rate decrease

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

On December 31, 2021, 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 4.0 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, 2020, 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 3.6 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, deposits with 

financial institutions and credit exposures to customers, including outstanding receivables, contract 

assets and committed transactions. The maximum exposure to credit risk per class of financial asset 

is disclosed by carrying amounts in the fair value table. Not exposed to credit risks are equity 

securities. The carrying amounts of financial assets and contract assets represent the maximum credit 

risk exposure.

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 of contract assets, please refer to 

note 20

, and on the credit risk of trade accounts 

receivable, please refer to 

note 21
.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

126

c) Liquidity risk

Prudent liquidity risk management includes the maintenance of sufficient cash and marketable 

securities, the availability of funding from an adequate number of committed credit facilities, and the 

ability to close out market positions. Due to the dynamic nature of the underlying businesses, Group 

Treasury maintains flexibility in funding through a committed credit line.

Management anticipates the future development of the group’s liquidity reserve on the basis of 

expected cash flows by performing regular group-wide cash forecasts. In 2021, the existing 

syndicated credit facility of CHF 500 million was renewed for a duration of five years until 

December 31, 2026. The facility includes two one-year extension options and a further option to 

increase the credit facility by CHF 250 million (subject to lenders’ approval).

The following table analyzes the group’s financial liabilities in 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 and interest payments.

Trade accounts payable

431.8  

431.8  

–  

Carrying 
amount  

<1 year  

1–5 years  

>5 years  

Total

1’510.1  

359.6  

992.3  

201.7  

1’553.6

2021

88.8  

24.8  

53.6  

20.7  

393.8  

389.2  

7.5  

6.7  

394.6  

387.9  

4.6  

0.0  

0.7  

0.7  

–  

–  

0.8  

0.8  

–  

Maturity profile of financial liabilities

millions of CHF

Borrowings

Lease liabilities

Other current and non-current liabilities (excluding 
derivative liabilities)

Derivative liabilities

– thereof outflow

– thereof inflow

millions of CHF

Borrowings

Lease liabilities

Carrying 
amount  

<1 year  

1–5 years  

>5 years  

Total

1’723.1  

246.7  

1’207.4  

329.6  

1’783.7

119.7  

30.0  

67.1  

31.7  

Trade accounts payable

465.8  

465.8  

–  

–  

Other current and non-current liabilities (excluding 
derivative liabilities)

Derivative liabilities

– thereof outflow

– thereof inflow

6.2 Capital risk management

368.2  

347.5  

23.0  

8.1  

6.9  

730.1  

723.2  

–  

–  

–  

0.0  

1.2  

6.1  

4.9  

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 

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99.1

431.8

393.8

7.5

396.1

388.6

2020

128.8

465.8

370.6

8.1

736.2

728.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

127

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 of December 31, 2021, and 2020.

Net debt/EBITDA ratio

millions of CHF

2021  

2020

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

Operating income (EBIT) from continuing operations

Operating income (EBIT) from discontinued operations

Depreciation from continuing operations

Depreciation from discontinued operations

Impairments on tangible and intangible assets from continuing operations

Impairments on tangible and intangible assets from discontinued operations

Amortization from continuing operations

Amortization from discontinued operations

EBITDA

Net debt

EBITDA

Net debt/EBITDA ratio

–1’505.4  

–26.7  

1’164.6  

–1’123.2

–305.1

1’491.3

64.5  

345.5  

24.3  

66.8  

221.8  

46.2  

81.0  

20.5  

4.2  

0.5  

50.2  

16.6  

441.0  

66.8  

441.0  

0.15  

90.2

231.8

29.5

414.5

132.5

18.1

78.3

23.4

9.4

0.5

46.7

19.2

328.1

414.5

328.1

1.26

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.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

128

As of December 31, 2021, and 2020, 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)

2021  

1’164.6  

64.5  

345.5  

24.3  

1’598.9  

1’273.8  

1.26  

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 the section “

Supplementary 

information

”.

6.3 Fair value estimation

The following tables present the carrying amounts and fair values of financial assets and liabilities as 

of December 31, 2021, and 2020, 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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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

129

Fair value table

millions of CHF

  Notes  

Financial assets measured at 
fair value

Other non-current financial 
assets (at fair value)

Derivative assets – non-current

18  

29  

Derivative assets – current

22, 29  

Current financial assets (at fair 
value)

18  

Carrying amount

Financial 
assets at fair 
value through 
other 
comprehensive 
income - 
equity 
instruments  

Financial 
assets at 
amortized 
cost  

Fair value 
hedging 
instruments  

Fair value 
through 
profit or 
loss  

December 31, 2021

Fair value

Other 
financial 
liabilities  

Total 
carrying 
amount   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3  

Total fair 
value

8.9  

–  

0.7  

7.0  

8.9  

0.7  

7.0  

0.3  

–  

–  

–  

0.7  

7.0  

2.0  

22.5  

24.5  

24.5  

–  

8.6  

–  

–  

–  

8.9

0.7

7.0

24.5

7.7  

10.9  

22.5  

–  

–  

41.1  

24.8  

7.7  

8.6  

41.1

Total financial assets 
measured at fair value

Financial assets not 
measured at fair value

Other non-current financial 
assets (at amortized cost)

Non-current receivables 
(excluding non-current 
derivative assets)

Trade accounts receivable

Other current receivables 
(excluding current derivative 
assets and other taxes)

Current financial assets (at 
amortized cost)

Cash and cash equivalents

Total financial assets not 
measured at fair value

Financial liabilities measured 
at fair value

Derivative liabilities – non-
current

Derivative liabilities – current

Contingent considerations

Total financial liabilities 
measured at fair value

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

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18  

21  

22  

18  

23  

9.1  

9.1  

4.6  

549.2  

4.6  

549.2  

18.3  

18.3  

2.2  

1’505.4  

2.2  

1’505.4  

–  

–  

–  

2’088.8  

–  

2’088.8  

29  

28, 29  

4  

0.8  

6.7  

5.9  

0.8  

6.7  

5.9  

7.5  

5.9  

–  

–  

–  

13.4  

–  

–  

–  

–  

0.8  

6.7  

–  

–  

–  

5.9  

0.8

6.7

5.9

7.5  

5.9  

13.4

26  

26  

26  

26  

28  

1’163.8  

1’163.8   1’189.5  

–  

–  

1’189.5

0.8  

0.8  

4.6  

4.6  

325.0  

325.0  

325.9  

–  

–  

325.9

20.5  

20.5  

431.8  

431.8  

350.9  

350.9  

–  

–  

–  

–  

2’297.3  

2’297.3  

 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

130

Fair value table

Carrying amount

Financial 
assets at fair 
value through 
other 
comprehensive 
income - 
equity 
instruments  

Financial 
assets at 
amortized 
cost  

Fair value 
hedging 
instruments  

Fair value 
through 
profit or 
loss  

8.7  

–  

1.0  

12.1  

millions of CHF

  Notes  

Financial assets measured at 
fair value

Other non-current financial 
assets (at fair value)

Derivative assets – non-current

18  

29  

Derivative assets – current

22, 29  

18  

1.7  

December 31, 2020 1)

Fair value

Other 
financial 
liabilities  

Total 
carrying 
amount   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3  

Total fair 
value

8.7  

1.0  

12.1  

0.2  

–  

–  

–  

1.0  

12.1  

1.7  

1.7  

–  

8.4  

–  

–  

–  

8.7

1.0

12.1

1.7

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

Financial liabilities measured 
at fair value

Derivative liabilities – non-
current

Derivative liabilities – current

Contingent considerations

Total financial liabilities 
measured at fair value

Financial liabilities not 
measured at fair value

Outstanding 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

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  

29  

28, 29  

4  

1.2  

6.9  

6.6  

1.2  

6.9  

6.6  

8.1  

6.6  

–  

–  

–  

14.7  

–  

–  

–  

–  

1.2  

6.9  

–  

–  

–  

6.6  

1.2

6.9

6.6

8.1  

6.6  

14.7

26  

26  

26  

26  

28  

1’488.5  

1’488.5   1’527.5  

–  

–  

1’527.5

2.7  

2.7  

6.8  

6.8  

209.9  

209.9  

211.3  

–  

–  

211.3

21.9  

21.9  

465.8  

465.8  

307.6  

307.6  

–  

–  

–  

–  

2’503.2  

2’503.2  

1) The balance sheet as of December 31, 2020, has been adjusted following the finalization of the purchase price accounting and measurement period adjustments related to acquisitions 

in 2020. A reconciliation to the previously published balance sheet is provided in note 4.

report.sulzer.com/ar21

 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

131

7

Discontinued operations

On September 20, 2021, Sulzer Ltd shareholders at their Extraordinary General Meeting approved the 

100% spin-off of the Applicator Systems (APS) division (later renamed medmix) through a 1:1 share 

split, granting Sulzer shareholders one APS share in addition to each Sulzer share held.

The group has therefore separated the financial data for 2021 and prior years into “continuing” and 

“discontinued” operations. Discontinued operations include the operational results from the Applicator 

Systems division, certain corporate activities attributable to the Applicator Systems division prior to 

the spin-off on September 20, 2021 and the gain on net assets derecognized as of September 20, 

2021.

The Applicator Systems division develops and delivers innovative products and services for liquid 

application and mixing solutions within the healthcare, adhesives and beauty markets through its well-

known brands (Mixpac, Transcodent, Cox, medmix, Haselmeier and Geka).

Income statement of discontinued operations

millions of CHF

Sales

Cost of goods sold

Gross profit from discontinued operations

Selling and distribution expenses

General and administrative expenses

Research and development expenses

Other operating income / (expenses), net

Operating income (EBIT) from discontinued operations

Interest and securities income

Interest expenses

Other financial income / (expenses), net

Income before income tax expenses from discontinued operations

Income tax income / (expenses)

Net income from discontinued operations before gain on net assets 
derecognized

Gain on net assets derecognized

Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax

2021 1)  

337.9  

–201.5  

136.5  

–28.4  

–30.9  

–18.9  

–12.0  

46.2  

0.1  

–5.9  

–0.0  

40.3  

–17.1  

23.2  

1’255.1  

1’278.3  

2020  

351.2  

–230.1  

121.2  

–33.4  

–37.5  

–20.3  

–11.8  

18.1  

0.2  

–7.7  

–0.1  

10.5  

5.2  

15.6  

–  

15.6  

1) The consolidated income statement amounts reflect the period from January 1, 2021, to the completion of the spin-off on September 20, 2021.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

132

Segment information of discontinued operations

millions of CHF

Order intake (unaudited) 2)

Nominal growth (unaudited)

Currency-adjusted growth (unaudited)

Organic growth (unaudited) 3)

Order backlog as of September 20 / December 31 (unaudited)

Sales recognized at a point in time

Sales recognized over time

Sales 4)

Nominal growth

Currency-adjusted growth (unaudited)

Organic growth (unaudited) 3)

Operational profit (unaudited)

Operational profitability (unaudited)

Restructuring expenses

Amortization

Impairments on tangible and intangible assets

Non-operational items (unaudited)

Operating income (EBIT)

Depreciation

Operating assets

Unallocated assets

Total assets as of September 20

Operating liabilities

Unallocated liabilities

Total liabilities as of September 20

Operating net assets

Unallocated net assets

Total net assets as of September 20

2021 1)  

401.6  

10.1%  

n/a  

n/a  

133.6  

335.8  

2.2  

337.9  

–3.8%  

n/a  

n/a  

64.8  

19.2%  

–0.2  

–16.6  

–0.5  

–1.3  

46.2  

–20.5  

756.1  

86.2  

842.3  

135.8  

462.3  

598.1  

620.2  

–376.1  

244.2  

2020

364.8

–14.2%

–11.0%

–14.2%

82.0

349.8

1.4

351.2

–16.5%

–13.4%

–15.2%

42.6

12.1%

–3.2

–19.2

–0.5

–1.6

18.1

–23.4

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Capital expenditure (incl. lease assets)

–32.4  

–70.0

Employees (number of full-time equivalents) as of September 20 / December 
31

1’972  

1’857

1) The consolidated income statement amounts reflect the period from January 1, 2021, to the completion of the spin-off on September 20, 2021.
2) Order intake from external customers.
3) Adjusted for currency and acquisition effects.
4) Sales from external customers.

report.sulzer.com/ar21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

133

Re-presented consolidated income statement 2020

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 / (expenses), net

Operating income (EBIT)

Interest and securities income

Interest expenses

Other financial income / (expenses), net

Share of gains / (losses) of associates

Income before income tax expenses

Income tax expenses

Net income from continuing operations

Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax

Net income

- thereof attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

- thereof attributable to non-controlling interests

2020 as originally 

presented  

Adjustments  

2020 adjusted

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  

–  

87.2  

83.6  

3.6  

–351.2  

230.1  

–121.2  

33.4  

37.5  

20.3  

11.8  

–18.1  

6.3  

1.2  

0.1  

–  

–10.5  

–5.2  

–15.6  

15.6  

–  

–  

–  

2’967.8

–2’095.3

872.4

–305.8

–340.5

–63.8

–29.8

132.5

10.5

–24.0

–6.9

–0.7

111.3

–39.8

71.5

15.6

87.2

83.6

3.6

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

134

Net assets derecognized

The following table presents the Applicator Systems division net assets at the date of spin-off on 

September 20, 2021.

millions of CHF

Goodwill

Other intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Lease assets

Deferred income tax assets

Other non-current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Inventories

Trade accounts receivable

Other current assets

Borrowings

Lease liabilities

Provisions

Non-current income tax liabilities

Deferred income tax liabilities

Other liabilities

Net assets derecognized

Gain on net assets derecognized

millions of CHF

Net assets derecognized

Derecognition of distribution liability

Difference between net assets and distribution liability

Recognition of medmix Ltd shares

Currency translation differences recycled into the income statement

Cash flow hedges, net of tax recycled into the income statement

Gain on net assets derecognized

September 20, 2021

265.4

143.9

165.0

51.6

6.6

0.1

85.9

71.8

40.7

11.3

–439.8

–51.1

–13.7

–1.9

–24.1

–67.3

244.2

September 20, 2021

–244.2

1’485.6

1’241.4

21.9

–7.2

–1.1

1’255.1

Following the approval of the Sulzer Ltd shareholders to spin-off the Applicator Systems division 

through a 1:1 share split, the group recognized a distribution liability at fair value amounting to 

CHF 1’485.6 million. The distribution liability is recognized as a deduction to retained earnings and 

exceeded the carrying value of the Applicator Systems division of CHF 244.2 million by CHF 1’241.4 

million.

At the time of the spin-off on September 20, 2021, the group held 498’736 treasury shares. Through 

the spin-off the group received 498’736 medmix Ltd shares which were recognized at fair value based 

on the closing price at the first trading date on September 30, 2021. At initial recognition, the fair value 

of CHF 21.9 million was reported as a financial asset. Management has designated this investment at 

fair value through other comprehensive income (see 

note 18

).

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

135

The total non-taxable, non-cash gain recognized at the distribution date of the spin-off of the 

Applicator Systems division amounted to CHF 1’255.1 million.

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 continuing operations

Personnel expenses discontinued operations

Total personnel expenses

1) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations (details are described in note 7).

2021  

792.9  

32.3  

16.9  

20.8  

117.4  

37.9  

1’018.1  

91.4  

1’109.5  

2020 1)

783.2

26.8

16.4

13.7

117.5

56.7

1’014.4

109.0

1’123.4

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

136

9 

Employee benefit plans

The defined benefit obligations 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 assets/obligations for 

the retirees are the present value of the current and future pension benefits considering future pension 

increases.

Reconciliation of the amount recognized in the balance sheet as of December 31

Funded 
plans 

Switzerland  

Funded 
plans 
United 
Kingdom  

Funded 
plans USA  

Funded 
plans 
others  

Unfunded 

plans  

Total

2021

millions of CHF

Present value of funded defined benefit 
obligation

Fair value of plan assets (funded plans)

1’025.8  

504.0  

50.6  

66.1  

Overfunding / (underfunding)

134.2  

–109.2  

–17.8  

–38.8  

–891.6  

–613.2  

–68.4  

–104.9  

–  

–  

–  

–1’678.1

1’646.6

–31.5

Present value of unfunded defined benefit 
obligation

Asset / (liability) recognized in the 
balance sheet

–  

–  

–  

–  

–14.1  

–14.1

134.2  

–109.2  

–17.8  

–38.8  

–14.1  

–45.7

– thereof defined benefit obligations

–  

–109.2  

–17.8  

–38.9  

–14.1  

–180.0

– thereof defined benefit assets

134.2  

–  

–  

0.1  

–  

134.3

Funded 
plans 

Switzerland  

Funded 
plans 
United 
Kingdom  

Funded 
plans USA  

Funded 
plans 
others  

Unfunded 

plans  

Total

2020

millions of CHF

Present value of funded defined benefit 
obligation

Fair value of plan assets

1’108.4  

469.9  

45.1  

66.1  

Overfunding / (underfunding)

73.7  

–139.9  

–23.7  

–44.6  

–1’034.7  

–609.9  

–68.8  

–110.7  

–  

–  

–  

–1’824.1

1’689.5

–134.6

Present value of unfunded defined benefit 
obligation

Asset / (liability) recognized in the 
balance sheet

–  

–  

–  

–  

–17.1  

–17.1

73.7  

–139.9  

–23.7  

–44.6  

–17.1  

–151.7

– thereof defined benefit obligations

–1.8  

–139.9  

–23.7  

–44.7  

–17.1  

–227.4

– thereof defined benefit assets 1)

75.5  

–  

–  

0.1  

–  

75.7

1) Defined benefit assets are presented as non-current assets and comparative information is re-presented. In 2020, defined benefit assets were presented as 

“other current receivables and prepaid expenses” under current assets.

The group operates major funded defined benefit pension plans in Switzerland, the 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 and interest rate risk, and the funded plans 

additionally to market (investment) risk.

In Switzerland, the group 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 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

137

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 group companies and also unrelated companies. In case of a material underfunding 

of the pension plans, the regulations include predefined steps, such as higher contributions 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 group. The Board of Trustees for 

the base plan comprises 10 employee representatives and 10 employer representatives. The average 

discount rate increased in 2021 compared to 2020 (from 0.2% to 0.4% for active employees and from 

0.1% to 0.3% for pensioners). The plan assets decreased compared to 2020 due to the spin-off of the 

Applicator Systems division. The total expenses recognized in the income statement in 2021 were 

CHF 16.6 million (2020: CHF 19.0 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 multiemployer scheme with Sulzer (UK) Holding being the principal sponsor. The discount 

rate increased in 2021 by 0.5 percentage points to 2.0% (2020: 1.5%). The net pension liabilities 

decreased from CHF 139.9 million in 2020 to CHF 109.2 million due to the higher discount rate and 

changes in the demographic assumptions. The total expenses recognized in the income statement in 

2021 were CHF 3.0 million, compared to CHF 3.3 million in 2020.

In the USA, the group 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 2021, an 

expense of CHF 1.1 million was recognized in the income statement (2020: CHF 1.3 million). The 

discount rate increased in 2021 to 2.5% (2020: 2.2%). The amount recognized in other 

comprehensive income (OCI) in 2021 was CHF –1.0 million (2020: CHF –4.2 million).

In Germany, the group 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 

become due. All defined benefit plans are closed for new entrants 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 also became eligible for 

the new defined contribution pensions. However, benefits received under the defined contribution 

plan are offset against the benefits under the defined benefit plans. The different defined benefit plans 

offer retirement pension, disability pension and survivor’s pension benefits.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

138

Employee benefit plans

millions of CHF

Reconciliation of effect of asset ceiling

Reconciliation of asset / (liability) recognized in the balance sheet

Asset / (liability) recognized at January 1

Defined benefit income / (expenses) recognized in the income statement

Defined benefit income / (expenses) recognized in OCI

Employer contributions

Derecognized as discontinued operations

Currency translation differences

Asset / (liability) recognized at December 31

Components of defined benefit income / (expenses) in the income 
statement

Current service costs (employer)

Interest expenses

Interest income on plan assets

Past service costs

Effects of curtailments and settlements

Other administrative costs

Income / (expenses) recognized in the income statement

– thereof charged to personnel expenses

– thereof charged to financial expenses

– thereof charged to net income from discontinued operations

Components of defined benefit gains / (losses) in OCI

Actuarial gains / (losses) on defined benefit obligation

Returns on plan assets excl. interest income

Returns on reimbursement right excl. interest income / (expenses)

Defined benefit gains / (losses) recognized in OCI 1)

1) The tax effect on defined benefit cost recognized in OCI amounted to CHF -13.4 million (2020: CHF -0.8 million).

2021  

2020

–151.7  

–24.1  

102.2  

29.0  

1.4  

–2.5  

–45.7  

–19.1  

–12.9  

9.7  

–0.1  

–  

–1.7  

–24.1  

–16.9  

–3.2  

–4.0  

16.6  

84.9  

0.7  

102.2  

–168.6

–25.2

8.8

25.3

–

8.1

–151.7

–22.2

–16.3

12.9

–

2.3

–1.8

–25.2

–16.4

–3.5

–5.3

–73.6

82.2

0.2

8.8

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

139

Employee benefit plans

millions of CHF

Reconciliation of defined benefit obligation

2021  

2020

Defined benefit obligation as of January 1

–1’841.2  

–1’884.0

Interest expenses

Current service costs (employer)

Contributions by plan participants

Past service costs

Benefits paid / (deposited)

Effects of curtailments and settlement

Other administrative costs

Actuarial gains / (losses)

Derecognized as discontinued operations

Currency translation differences

Defined benefit obligation as of December 31 1)

Reconciliation of the fair value of plan assets

–12.9  

–19.1  

–9.2  

–0.1  

99.3  

–  

–1.7  

16.6  

89.6  

–13.6  

–1’692.3  

–16.3

–22.2

–8.7

–

126.5

2.3

–1.8

–73.6

–

36.7

–1’841.2

Fair value of plan assets as of January 1

1’689.5  

1’715.4

Interest income on plan assets

Employer contributions

Contributions by plan participants

Benefits (paid) / deposited

Effects of curtailments and settlement

Returns on plan assets excl. interest income

Derecognized as discontinued operations

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

Total assets at fair value – quoted market price as of December 31

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

9.7  

29.0  

9.2  

–99.3  

–  

84.9  

–88.2  

11.8  

1’646.6  

82.1  

569.9  

392.3  

33.2  

4.6  

126.3  

1’208.5  

264.7  

173.4  

438.1  

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

1’224.1

287.7

177.7

465.5

Best estimate of contributions for upcoming financial year

Contributions by the employer

23.3  

28.7

1) The defined benefit obligation includes the funded part and the unfunded part.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

140

Employee benefit plans

millions of CHF

2021  

2020

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 as of December 31

Components of actuarial gains / (losses) on obligations

Actuarial gains / (losses) arising from changes in financial assumptions

Actuarial gains / (losses) arising from changes in demographic assumptions

Actuarial gains / (losses) arising from experience adjustments

Total actuarial gains / (losses) on defined benefit obligation

–275.3  

–1’024.9  

–392.0  

–1’692.3  

22.0  

1.7  

–7.1  

16.6  

–345.4

–1’109.9

–385.9

–1’841.2

–75.6

11.4

–9.5

–73.6

Maturity profile of defined benefit obligation

Weighted average duration of defined benefit obligation in years

13.2  

13.5

Since the defined benefit obligations for the Swiss and UK pension plans represents 89% (2020: 89%) 

of the group, the following significant actuarial assumptions apply exclusively to these two countries:

Principal actuarial assumptions as of December 31

Discount rate for active employees

Discount rate for pensioners

Future salary increases

Future pension increases

2021  

2020

Funded plans 

Switzerland  

Funded plans 
United Kingdom  

Funded plans 

Switzerland  

Funded plans 
United Kingdom

0.4%  

0.3%  

1.0%  

0.0%  

2.0%  

2.0%  

0.0%  

3.2%  

0.2%  

0.1%  

1.0%  

0.0%  

1.5%

1.5%

0.0%

2.8%

Life expectancy at retirement age (male / female) in 
years

22/24  

22/24  

22/24  

22/24

Sensitivity analysis of defined benefit obligations

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)

2021  

–53.5  

59.1  

7.9  

–0.5  

104.5  

–95.8  

2020

–59.2

64.0

7.6

–0.5

110.1

–103.5

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

141

10 Research and development expenses

A breakdown of the research and development expenses per division is shown in the table below:

millions of CHF

Flow Equipment

Services

Chemtech

Total

1) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations (details are described in note 7).

11  Other operating income and expenses

millions of CHF

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

Total other operating expenses

Total other operating income / (expenses), net

2021  

39.6  

1.3  

23.4  

64.4  

2021  

1.7  

5.1  

27.8  

34.6  

–9.5  

–4.2  

–2.7  

–0.2  

–16.5  

18.1  

2020 1)

39.1

1.9

22.9

63.8

2020 1)

3.0

0.2

30.2

33.4

–52.6

–9.4

–1.2

–0.1

–63.2

–29.8

1) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations (details are described in note 7).

Other operating income includes income from charges to medmix for corporate support functions and 

centrally procured indirect spend utilized by medmix of CHF 11.5 million (2020: CHF 10.3 

million). Further, 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 recognized restructuring costs for continuing operations of CHF 11.5 million and for 

discontinued operations of CHF 0.2 million (2020: CHF 54.8 million for continuing operations and 

CHF 3.2 million for discontinued operations), partly offset by released restructuring provisions of 

CHF 2.0 million (2020: CHF 2.2 million). Restructuring costs mainly relate to resizing activities in the 

USA and the United Kingdom. Associated with restructuring initiatives, the group further recognized 

impairments on tangible and intangible assets for continuing operations of CHF 4.2 million (2020: 

CHF 9.4 million) and CHF 0.5 million for discontinued operations (2020: CHF 0.5 million). For more 

details refer to 

note 7 note 14 note 15

, 

, 

 and 

note 16

.

The functional allocation of the total restructuring expenses and impairments is as follows: cost of 

goods sold CHF –6.6 million (2020: CHF –37.5 million), selling and distribution expenses CHF –0.4 

million (2020: CHF –5.5 million), general and administrative expenses CHF –6.6 million (2020: CHF –

18.7 million) and research and development expenses CHF 0.0 million (2020: CHF –0.3 million).

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

142

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 / (expenses), net

Fair value changes

Other financial expenses

Currency exchange gains / (losses), net

Total other financial income / (expenses), net

Total financial income / (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

2021  

10.4  

10.4  

–22.5  

–3.2  

–25.7  

–15.3  

1.3  

–1.6  

–6.0  

–6.4  

–21.7  

1.3  

10.4  

–1.6  

–6.0  

–20.4  

–2.1  

–3.2  

1) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations (details are described in note 7).

Total financial expenses, net amounted to CHF 21.7 million, compared with CHF 20.5 million in 2020.

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

2021  

–86.4  

29.1  

–57.2  

1) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations (details are described in note 7).

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.

2020 1)

10.5

10.5

–20.6

–3.5

–24.0

–13.6

6.1

–3.6

–9.5

–6.9

–20.5

6.1

10.5

–3.6

–9.5

–18.3

–2.3

–3.5

2020 1)

–56.8

16.9

–39.8

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

143

Reconciliation of income tax expenses

millions of CHF

Income before income tax expenses from continuing operations

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

2021  

197.9  

23.7%  

–46.9  

1.0  

–4.7  

–5.3  

3.6  

–4.9  

–57.2  

28.9%  

2020 1)

111.3

23.2%

–25.9

2.5

–3.5

–5.6

–0.1

–7.3

–39.8

35.8%

1) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations (details are described in note 7).

The effective income tax rate for 2021 was 28.9% (2020: 35.8%). The effect of tax loss carryforwards 

and allowances of deferred tax assets in the amount of CHF –4.7 million consist of restructuring 

expenses related to closed facilities and divestments of businesses with no corresponding tax effects. 

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes in the amount of CHF –5.3 million mainly relate to the 

disallowance of group charges and interests. Prior year items and others include additional provision 

for uncertain tax positions in the amount of CHF 1.1 million, tax base adjustments in Russia and 

Mexico, and negative tax audit assessments.

The effective income tax rate for 2020 was 35.8%. The effect of tax loss carryforwards and 

allowances of deferred tax assets in the amount of CHF –3.5 million consist of restructuring expenses 

related to closed facilities with no corresponding tax effects. Expenses not deductible for tax 

purposes in the amount of CHF –5.6 million mainly relate to the disallowance of group charges and 

interests. Prior year items and others include additional provision for uncertain tax positions in the 

amount of CHF 4.2 million.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

144

2020

35.9

2.3

–

68.3

–5.8

–55.8

–1.3

43.5

4.8

38.7

2020

Net

–66.1

–11.5

3.2

24.7

–15.2

36.4

10.8

15.4

25.1

42.7

0.6

66.0

Income tax liabilities

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Acquired through business combination

Derecognized as discontinued operations

Additions

Released as no longer required

Utilized

Currency translation differences

Total income tax liabilities as of December 31

– thereof non-current

– thereof current

2021  

43.5  

0.7  

–10.0  

77.0  

–6.9  

–62.6  

0.7  

42.4  

2.2  

40.2  

Summary of deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the balance sheet

millions of CHF

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Other financial assets

Inventories

Other assets

Defined benefit obligations

Non-current provisions

Current provisions

Other liabilities

Tax loss carryforwards

Elimination of intercompany profits

Assets  

Liabilities  

11.9  

3.2  

17.1  

29.4  

18.7  

33.0  

13.4  

29.2  

48.0  

28.9  

0.5  

–66.5  

–16.8  

–0.5  

–1.2  

–  

–0.0  

–2.7  

–14.6  

–  

–  

–50.9  

–32.2  

2021  

Net  

–54.6  

–13.6  

16.6  

28.2  

33.0  

13.4  

26.5  

33.4  

28.9  

0.5  

80.1  

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  

–31.2  

–1.4  

–2.0  

–0.6  

–11.7  

–  

–  

215.8  

–149.8  

Tax assets / liabilities

233.2  

–153.2  

Offset of assets and liabilities

–69.1  

69.1  

–  

–61.3  

61.3  

–

Net recorded deferred income tax assets and 
liabilities

164.2  

–84.1  

80.1  

154.5  

–88.5  

66.0

Cumulative deferred income taxes recorded in equity as of December 31, 2021, amounted to CHF 0.5 

million (2020: CHF 13.3 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.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

145

Movement of deferred income tax assets and liabilities in the balance sheet

millions of CHF

Balance as of 

January 1  

Recognized 
in profit or 
loss 
continuing 
operations  

Recognized 
in profit or 
loss 
discontinued 

operations  

Recognized 
in other 

comprehensive 
income  

Acquisition of 

Derecognized 
as 
discontinued 

subsidiaries  

operations  

Currency 
translation 
differences  

Balance as 
of 
December 
31

2021

Intangible assets

–66.1  

5.6  

–19.7  

21.4  

0.5  

–54.6

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

–11.5  

3.2  

24.7  

–2.4  

13.2  

2.3  

3.8  

0.8  

–  

1.2  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–15.2  

–13.9  

–6.3  

0.8  

36.4  

7.2  

2.1  

–13.4  

10.8  

15.4  

25.1  

2.9  

10.7  

6.5  

–  

0.2  

1.3  

42.7  

–2.8  

–8.4  

0.6  

66.0  

–0.1  

29.1  

–  

–5.3  

–12.6  

–19.6  

millions of CHF

Balance as of 

January 1  

Recognized 
in profit or 
loss 
continuing 
operations  

Recognized 
in profit or 
loss 
discontinued 

operations  

Recognized 
in other 

comprehensive 
income  

Acquisition of 

Derecognized 
as 
discontinued 

subsidiaries  

operations  

Intangible assets

–72.5  

5.7  

5.2  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

0.1  

–  

–  

–  

–5.6  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

0.3  

–  

–  

–  

–0.1  

–0.4  

–13.6

–  

–  

–0.2  

0.2  

–  

2.6  

–0.7  

1.5  

–0.2  

–  

–0.8  

–  

–  

1.3  

–1.9  

–0.7  

–  

17.5  

–  

5.0  

16.6

28.2

–32.2

33.0

13.4

26.5

33.4

28.9

0.5

80.1

2020

Currency 
translation 
differences  

Balance as 
of 
December 
31

1.2  

–66.1

0.7  

–0.5  

–0.8  

–0.9  

–1.8  

–1.0  

–1.5  

–1.2  

–1.5  

–  

–7.3  

–11.5

3.2

24.7

–15.2

36.4

10.8

15.4

25.1

42.7

0.6

66.0

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–2.4  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

27.9  

11.0  

0.2  

–0.8  

–8.5  

4.6  

17.6  

–2.3  

–2.6  

–1.0  

8.1  

–14.8  

–1.1  

–  

–0.2  

5.2  

14.8  

17.5  

22.6  

–3.0  

0.4  

2.7  

32.6  

10.6  

0.8  

55.0  

–0.2  

16.9  

–  

–1.3  

1.0  

1.1  

–  

9.9  

–3.2  

–5.3  

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 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

146

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

Potential tax 

Amount  

assets  

Valuation 
allowance  

Carrying 
amount  

0.0  

17.0  

232.4  

249.4  

0.0  

3.6  

45.7  

49.3  

–  

–3.1  

–17.3  

–20.4  

0.0  

0.5  

28.4  

28.9  

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

Potential tax 

Amount  

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  

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 119.3 million (2020: CHF 126.6 

million).

2021

Unrecognized 

TLCF

–

14.5

104.8

119.3

2020

Unrecognized 

TLCF

0.3

14.6

111.7

126.6

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

147

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

Derecognized as discontinued operations

Additions

Disposals

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Accumulated amortization and impairment losses  

Balance as of January 1

Derecognized as discontinued operations

Additions

Disposals

Impairments

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Net book value

As of January 1

As of December 31

millions of CHF

Acquisition cost

Balance as of January 1

Acquired through business combination

Additions

Disposals

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

1’286.0  

56.6  

–265.4  

–  

–  

–9.9  

1’067.3  

340.0  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

340.0  

946.0  

727.3  

221.6  

11.0  

–78.8  

–  

–61.2  

1.2  

93.8  

148.7  

–66.2  

16.9  

–61.2  

–  

–0.1  

38.1  

73.0  

55.7  

15.3  

–  

–5.8  

0.3  

–0.0  

–0.0  

9.8  

11.4  

–4.4  

1.3  

–0.0  

–  

–0.0  

8.2  

4.0  

1.6  

58.3  

–  

–16.7  

6.7  

–2.4  

1.4  

47.2  

46.5  

–13.9  

2.8  

–2.3  

–  

0.2  

33.3  

1’260.8  

220.9  

14.6  

48.8  

–  

–  

–23.7  

1’286.0  

9.2  

0.0  

–5.9  

–2.5  

–  

0.6  

–  

0.0  

221.6  

15.3  

340.0  

138.4  

–  

–  

–  

–  

15.4  

–5.9  

–  

0.8  

340.0  

148.7  

920.8  

946.0  

82.5  

73.0  

9.8  

1.6  

–  

0.0  

–0.0  

11.4  

4.9  

4.0  

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  

2021

Total

2’209.6

136.3

–606.6

6.9

–64.4

–14.4

628.4  

68.7  

–239.8  

0.0  

–0.7  

–7.1  

449.5  

1’667.6

316.1  

–112.7  

45.9  

–0.7  

0.2  

–4.6  

244.2  

862.6

–197.2

66.8

–64.2

0.2

–4.5

663.8

2020

Total

2’159.0

90.3

7.5

–7.5

–39.7

2’209.6

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

1’347.0

11.8  

14.0  

312.3  

205.3  

1’347.0

1’003.8

Goodwill 1)  

Trademarks 
and licenses  

Research and 
development  

Computer 

software  

Customer 
relationship  

1) The balance sheet as of December 31, 2020, has been adjusted following the finalization of the purchase price accounting and measurement period adjustments related to acquisitions 

in 2020. A reconciliation to the previously published balance sheet is provided in note 4.

report.sulzer.com/ar21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

148

Goodwill impairment test

millions of CHF

Flow Equipment

Services

Chemtech

Discontinued operations

Total goodwill as of December 31

727.3  

2’437.4  

Goodwill  

Headroom  

Growth rate 
residual value  

Pretax discount 
rate

2021

416.3  

222.0  

88.9  

–  

545.0  

1’208.2  

684.2  

–  

2.0%  

2.0%  

2.0%  

n/a  

8.3%

10.5%

9.5%

n/a

2020

millions of CHF

Flow Equipment

Services

Chemtech

Discontinued operations

Total goodwill as of December 31

Goodwill 1)  

Headroom  

Growth rate 
residual value  

Pretax discount 
rate

373.6  

217.2  

89.8  

265.4  

946.0  

235.3  

1’021.0  

594.8  

1’762.3  

3’613.5  

2.0%  

2.0%  

1.5%  

2.0%  

8.8%

10.2%

10.3%

5.8%

1) The balance sheet as of December 31, 2020, has been adjusted following the finalization of the purchase price accounting and measurement period 

adjustments related to acquisitions in 2020. A reconciliation to the previously published balance sheet is provided in note 4.

Goodwill is allocated to the smallest cash-generating unit at which goodwill is monitored for internal 

management purposes (i.e., division or business unit). The recoverable amount of these units is 

determined over a five-year cash flow projection period.

The calculation is based on the budget for the first period (2021), the three-year strategic plan for the 

subsequent two periods (2022–2023), and a management calculation for the next two periods (2024–

2025). The budget and the three-year strategic plan were approved by the Board of Directors in 

February 2021. Cash flows beyond the planning period are extrapolated using a terminal value 

including the growth rates as stated above.

As of December 31, 2021, 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 above shows the amount by which the 

estimated recoverable amount of the CGU exceeds its carrying amount (headroom).

Management identified that for the CGU Flow Equipment a reasonably possible decrease in the 

terminal growth rate by 5 percentage points could cause the carrying amount to exceed the 

recoverable amount (2020: decrease by 2.3 percentage points).

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

149

Management determined there are no other reasonably possible changes in key assumptions that 

would result in a goodwill impairment.

15 Property, plant and equipment

Land and 
buildings  

Machinery and 
technical 
equipment  

Other non-
current assets  

Assets under 
construction  

366.8  

0.5  

–46.6  

5.3  

–9.1  

10.4  

5.5  

332.8  

169.5  

–26.6  

11.9  

–5.9  

0.0  

1.7  

150.7  

710.2  

2.0  

–229.2  

14.5  

–24.4  

24.4  

6.3  

503.8  

489.8  

–146.4  

41.1  

–21.0  

1.4  

–0.9  

363.9  

186.3  

0.0  

–16.6  

6.9  

–7.5  

10.3  

–0.1  

179.4  

148.0  

–7.4  

12.1  

–6.9  

0.1  

5.2  

151.1  

197.3  

182.2  

220.4  

139.8  

38.3  

28.4  

89.3  

0.1  

–53.6  

52.4  

–  

–45.1  

0.6  

43.6  

–  

–0.6  

–  

–  

0.6  

–  

–  

89.3  

43.6  

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  

2021

Total

1’352.6

2.5

–346.0

79.2

–41.0

–

12.4

1’059.6

807.3

–181.0

65.0

–33.9

2.1

6.1

665.7

545.3

394.0

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

Acquisition cost

Balance as of January 1

Acquired through business combination

Derecognized as discontinued operations

Additions

Disposals

Reclassifications

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Accumulated depreciation

Balance as of January 1

Derecognized as discontinued operations

Additions

Disposals

Impairments

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Net book value

As of January 1

As of December 31

millions of CHF

Acquisition cost

Balance as of January 1

Acquired through business combination

Additions

Disposals

Reclassifications

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Accumulated 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

report.sulzer.com/ar21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

150

The group performed impairment tests on production machines and facilities, resulting in impairments 

of CHF 2.1 million as of December 31, 2021 (December 31, 2020: CHF 5.7 million), all of which were 

charged to other operating expenses.

In 2021, the group sold property, plant and equipment with a book value of CHF 7.1 million for 

CHF 8.7 million resulting in a net gain of CHF 1.5 million (2020: property, plant and equipment sold for 

CHF 8.9 million with a book value of CHF 5.9 million, resulting in a net gain of CHF 3.0 million).

The contractual commitments to acquire property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2021, 

amounted to CHF 11.8 million (December 31, 2020: CHF 7.0 million).

16

Leases

Lease assets

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Acquired through business combination

Derecognized as discontinued operations

Additions

Disposals

Depreciation

Impairments

Remeasurements and contract modifications

Currency translation differences

Total lease assets as of December 31

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/ar21

Land and 
buildings, 

leased  

Machinery and 
technical 
equipment, 

Other non-
current assets, 

leased  

leased  

99.7  

3.7  

–45.1  

52.6  

–1.0  

–27.0  

–2.4  

–8.9  

–0.0  

71.7  

8.2  

0.1  

–5.3  

5.4  

–0.0  

–2.6  

–  

–  

0.1  

5.7  

13.4  

0.6  

–1.2  

7.7  

–1.5  

–6.9  

–  

–0.1  

–0.2  

11.7  

Land and 
buildings, 

leased  

Machinery and 
technical 
equipment, 

Other non-
current assets, 

leased  

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  

2021

Total

121.2

4.4

–51.6

65.7

–2.5

–36.5

–2.4

–9.0

–0.1

89.2

2020

Total

112.6

2.4

52.5

–3.0

–35.8

–3.3

0.9

–5.1

121.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

151

Lease liabilities

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Acquired through business combination

Derecognized as discontinued operations

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

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

Non-current lease 

liabilities   Current lease liabilities  

90.2  

3.2  

–43.5  

55.8  

1.6  

–9.3  

–1.6  

–5.8  

–25.7  

–0.4  

64.5  

29.5  

1.2  

–7.6  

9.9  

0.5  

–31.8  

–0.5  

–2.6  

25.7  

–0.0  

24.3  

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  

2021

Total

119.7

4.4

–51.1

65.7

2.1

–41.1

–2.1

–8.4

–

–0.4

88.8

2020

Total

109.7

2.4

52.5

2.8

–39.2

–2.8

–0.8

–

–4.9

119.7

report.sulzer.com/ar21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

152

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 continuing operations

Recognized in the income statement discontinued operations

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 interest 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

1) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations (details are described in note 7).

17 Associates

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Additions

Reclassifications

Share of gains / (losses) of associates

Dividend payments received

Currency translation differences

Total investments in associates as of December 31

2021  

–15.2  

–1.5  

–2.6  

0.8  

–2.1  

–20.6  

–2.4  

–23.0  

–19.3  

0.8  

–2.1  

–41.1  

–61.7  

2021  

21.2  

6.9  

–  

–2.2  

–0.5  

0.2  

25.5  

2020 1)

–17.5

–1.9

–2.4

0.5

–2.3

–23.6

–0.5

–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

On March 31, 2021, the group increased its investment in Tamturbo Plc by CHF 5.4 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 May 4, 2021, the group increased its investment in Worn Again by CHF 1.5 million. Worn Again is 

developing a unique polymer recycling process leveraging the group’s technology to enable the 

recycling of textiles and polyester packaging.

report.sulzer.com/ar21

 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

153

18 Other financial assets

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Derecognized as discontinued operations

Recognized through Applicator Systems division spin-off

Additions

Repayments

Changes in fair value

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

– thereof non-current

– thereof current

Financial assets 
at fair value 
through profit 

Financial assets 
at fair value 
through other 
comprehensive 

and loss  

income  

10.4  

–0.0  

–  

0.9  

–  

0.3  

–0.7  

10.9  

8.9  

2.0  

–  

–  

21.9  

–  

–  

0.6  

–  

22.5  

–  

22.5  

2021

Total

315.7

–0.4

456.2

6.2

Financial assets 
at amortized 

costs  

305.3  

–0.4  

434.2  

5.3  

–733.0  

–733.0

–  

–0.1  

11.3  

9.1  

2.2  

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

Financial assets 
at fair value 
through profit 

Financial assets 
at fair value 
through other 
comprehensive 

Financial assets 
at amortized 

and loss  

income  

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 that belong to the category “financial assets at fair value through profit and lossˮ

include investments in equity securities.

Financial assets that belong to the category “financial assets at fair value through other 

comprehensive income” include CHF 22.5 million (2020: CHF 0.0 million) investments in medmix 

shares. Through the Applicator Systems spin-off, the group received one medmix Ltd share for one 

treasury share held, in total 498’736 shares. The financial investment in medmix Ltd was recognized 

at its fair value based on the share price of medmix Ltd on September 30, 2021 (a Level 1 hierarchy 

valuation). Management has designated this investment at fair value through other comprehensive 

income.

Financial assets at amortized costs increased by CHF 434.2 million through the Applicator Systems 

division spin-off. Prior to the spin-off, these were intercompany borrowings between the group and 

report.sulzer.com/ar21

0.9

–0.8

44.7

18.0

26.7

2020

Total

70.1

0.1

373.8

–123.3

–4.4

0.1

–0.7

315.7

10.6

305.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

154

Applicator Systems entities, which following the spin-off were classified as financial assets at 

amortized costs.

Financial assets at amortized costs include CHF 0.0 million (2020: CHF 302.4 million) investments in 

fixed-term deposits with maturities between 4 and 12 months at the date of acquisition.

19

Inventories

millions of CHF

Raw materials, supplies and consumables

Work in progress

Finished products and trade merchandise

Total inventories as of December 31

2021  

186.0  

218.3  

71.3  

475.6  

2020

197.6

216.4

101.1

515.1

In 2021, the group recognized write-downs of CHF 16.5 million (2020: CHF 26.5 million) in the income 

statement. Total accumulated write-downs on inventories amounted to CHF 85.4 million as of 

December 31, 2021 (2020: CHF 94.2 million). Material expenses in 2021 amounted to CHF 1’110.1 

million (2020: CHF 1’225.0 million).

report.sulzer.com/ar21

 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

155

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

2021  

525.5  

360.6  

886.0  

2’269.3  

3’155.3  

300.5  

0.6  

–391.8  

–255.5  

–647.3  

–1’561.1  

–2’208.4  

133.7  

105.0  

238.7  

708.2  

946.9  

912.5  

0.1%  

–0.6  

–502.6  

409.3  

86.3  

173.3  

567.5  

–502.6  

324.5  

1’724.1  

1’515.8  

208.3  

2020 1)

474.5

393.9

868.4

2’099.3

2’967.8

344.8

0.1

–363.5

–289.8

–653.3

–1’442.1

–2’095.3

111.0

104.2

215.2

657.2

872.4

749.3

0.1%

–0.6

–423.9

324.9

46.9

200.8

476.8

–423.9

300.5

1’768.7

1’571.4

197.3

1) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations (details are described in note 7).

Total sales recognized over time increased from CHF 868.4 million in 2020 to CHF 886.0 million in 

2021. As a result, contract assets increased by CHF 84.4 million and contract liabilities by CHF 24.0 

million.

report.sulzer.com/ar21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

156

21

Trade accounts receivable

Aging structure of trade accounts receivable

millions of CHF

Expected 
loss rate  

Gross 

amount   Allowance  

Net book 

value  

Expected 
loss rate  

Gross 

amount   Allowance  

2021  

2020

Net book 
value

Not past due

0.2%  

411.0  

–0.9  

410.2  

0.1%  

419.7  

–0.6  

419.1

Past due

1–30 days

31–60 days

61–120 days

0.5%  

3.7%  

3.5%  

54.6  

24.1  

21.2  

–0.3  

–0.9  

–0.7  

54.3  

0.8%  

23.2  

6.2%  

20.5  

4.2%  

83.4  

27.3  

31.8  

–0.7  

–1.7  

–1.3  

>120 days

56.7%  

94.7  

–53.7  

41.0  

54.6%  

90.5  

–49.4  

82.7

25.6

30.5

41.1

Total trade 
accounts 
receivable as of 
December 31

605.7  

–56.5  

549.2  

652.7  

–53.7  

599.1

Allowance for doubtful trade accounts receivable

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Derecognized as discontinued operations

Additions

Released as no longer required

Utilized

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

2021  

53.7  

–2.0  

19.5  

–8.5  

–6.7  

0.6  

56.5  

2020

47.1

–

22.9

–10.1

–4.5

–1.8

53.7

Approximately 32% (2020: 36%) of the gross amount of trade accounts receivable was past due, and 

an allowance of CHF 56.5 million (2020: CHF 53.7 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. 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.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

157

Accounts receivable by geographical region

millions of CHF

Europe, the Middle East and Africa

– thereof United Kingdom

– thereof Saudi Arabia

– thereof Germany

– thereof Spain

– thereof Sweden

Americas

– thereof USA

Asia-Pacific

– thereof China

Total as of December 31

2021  

236.1  

55.3  

32.5  

15.8  

20.4  

14.0  

111.0  

70.5  

202.0  

137.7  

549.2  

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 expenses

Total prepaid expenses as of December 31

2021  

62.0  

7.0  

18.3  

87.3  

31.4  

31.4  

2020

284.7

62.7

27.2

37.4

18.4

7.1

137.2

88.4

177.1

112.2

599.1

2020 1)

63.9

12.1

19.2

95.2

31.3

31.3

Total other current receivables and prepaid expenses as of December 31  

118.7  

126.5

1) Defined benefit assets are presented as non-current assets and comparative information is re-presented. In 2020, defined benefit assets were presented as 

“other current receivables and prepaid expenses” under current assets.

For further details on derivative financial instruments, refer to 

note 29

. 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

2021  

858.4  

647.0  

1’505.4  

2020

915.8

207.4

1’123.2

As of December 31, 2021, the group held restricted cash and cash equivalents of CHF 36.3 million 

(2020: CHF 17.3 million).

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

158

24 Equity

Share capital

thousands of CHF

2021  

2020

Number of 

Number of 

shares  

Share capital  

shares  

Share capital

Balance as of December 31 (par value CHF 0.01)

34’262’370  

342.6  

34’262’370  

342.6

The share capital amounts to CHF 342’623.70, made up of 34’262’370 shares with dividend 

entitlement and a par value of CHF 0.01. All shares are fully paid in and registered.

Share ownership

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

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

account. Nominees will 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 

https://sulzer.com/governance

).

Shareholders holding more than 3%

Viktor Vekselberg (direct shareholder: Tiwel Holding AG)

16’728’414  

48.82  

16’728’414  

FIL Limited

1’114’854  

3.25  

-  

Number of 

shares  

in %  

Number of 

shares  

in %

48.82

-

Dec 31, 2021  

Dec 31, 2020

Retained earnings

The retained earnings include prior years’ undistributed income of consolidated companies and all 

remeasurements of the net liability for defined benefit plans and other transactions recorded directly 

in retained earnings.

Treasury shares

During 2021, the group acquired 207’690 treasury shares for CHF 21.8 million (2020: 285’460 shares 

for CHF 23.1 million). The total number of shares held by the group as of December 31, 2021, 

amounted to 534’073 treasury shares (December 31, 2020: 426’467 shares).

The treasury shares are mainly held for the purpose of issuing shares under the management share-

based payment programs.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

159

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 derecognized.

Acquisition of non-controlling interests without a change of control

Reference is made to 

note 4

.

Spin-off Applicator Systems division

Reference is made to 

note 7

.

Transaction costs

Directly attributable transaction costs relating to the spin-off of the Applicator Systems division 

amounting to CHF 3.4 million have been recognized directly in retained earnings in equity.

Dividends

On April 14, 2021, the Annual General Meeting approved an ordinary dividend of CHF 4.00 (2020: 

ordinary dividend of CHF 4.00) per share to be paid out of reserves. The dividend was paid to 

shareholders on April 20, 2021. The total amount of the dividend to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd is 

CHF 135.4 million (2020: CHF 136.1 million), thereof paid dividends of CHF 91.9 million (2020: 

CHF 92.6 million) and unpaid dividends of CHF 43.5 million (2020: CHF 43.5 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 2022 a dividend for the 

year 2021 of CHF 3.50 per share (2020: CHF 4.00).

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

160

25 Earnings per share

Net income attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd – continuing operations

Net income attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd – discontinued operations

Net income attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd (millions of CHF)

2021  

138.5  

1’278.3  

1’416.7  

2020

68.0

15.6

83.6

Issued number of shares

Adjustment for the average treasury shares held

34’262’370  

34’262’370

–474’364  

–292’229

Average number of shares outstanding as of December 31

33’788’006  

33’970’141

Adjustment for share participation plans

534’195  

343’482

Average number of shares for calculating diluted earnings per share as of 
December 31

34’322’201  

34’313’623

Earnings per share, attributable to a shareholder of Sulzer Ltd (in CHF) as of 
December 31

Basic earnings per share

– thereof basic earnings per share continuing operations

– thereof basic earnings per share discontinued operations

Diluted earnings per share

– thereof diluted earnings per share continuing operations

– thereof diluted earnings per share discontinued operations

41.93  

4.10  

37.83  

41.28  

4.03  

37.24  

2.46

2.00

0.46

2.44

1.98

0.46

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

161

26 Borrowings

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Acquired through business combination

Derecognized as discontinued operations

Cash flow from proceeds

Cash flow for repayments

Changes in amortized costs

Reclassifications

Currency translation differences

Total borrowings as of December 31

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

Borrowings by currency

CHF

INR

USD

EUR

SEK

Other

Non-current 
borrowings  

1’491.3  

0.8  

–  

0.0  

–0.0  

0.3  

–327.7  

–0.0  

1’164.6  

Current borrowings  

231.8  

–  

–5.5  

54.8  

2021

Total

1’723.1

0.8

–5.5

54.8

–263.1  

–263.1

0.1  

327.7  

–0.4  

345.5  

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  

0.4

–

–0.4

1’510.1

2020

Total

1’330.2

571.1

–177.1

0.4

–

–1.5

1’723.1

0.9%

5.0%

1.8%

1.1%

–

–

–

2021  

2020

millions of 

millions of 

CHF  

in %   Interest rate  

CHF  

in %   Interest rate

1’488.8  

98.6  

0.8%  

1’700.2  

98.7  

6.0  

7.8  

1.3  

2.4  

3.7  

0.4  

0.5  

0.1  

0.2  

0.2  

4.7%  

0.9%  

0.3%  

–  

–  

–  

6.0  

5.1  

10.1  

–  

1.7  

0.3  

0.3  

0.6  

–  

0.1  

1’723.1  

100.0  

Total as of December 31

1’510.1  

100.0  

The group arranged the renewal of the CHF 500 million syndicated credit facility with a maturity date 

of December 31, 2026. The facility includes two one-year extension options and a further option to 

increase the credit facility by CHF 250 million (subject to lenders’ approval). 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, 2021, and 2020, the syndicated facility was not used.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

162

Outstanding bonds

millions of CHF

0.375% 07/2016–07/2022

0.875% 07/2016–07/2026

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  

Nominal

2021  

2020

325.0  

125.0  

289.8  

–  

249.9  

299.5  

199.7  

1’488.8  

1’163.8  

325.0  

325.0  

125.0  

290.0  

–  

250.0  

300.0  

200.0  

1’490.0  

1’165.0  

325.0  

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

All the outstanding bonds are traded on SIX Swiss Exchange.

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–56.7  

–115.2

2021

Total

249.3

2.1

–13.7

130.7

–16.9

–0.5

235.8

68.0

167.8

2020

Total

208.7

3.5

179.9

–15.5

56.3  

0.9  

–7.2  

69.7  

–6.1  

–1.4  

55.4  

10.8  

44.6  

51.9  

3.5  

65.6  

–5.6  

Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

163

27 Provisions

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Acquired through business combination

Derecognized as discontinued operations

Additions

Released as no longer required

Utilized

Currency translation differences

Total provisions as of December 31

– thereof non-current

– thereof current

Other 
employee 

benefits  

Warranties / 

liabilities   Restructuring   Environmental

Other  

53.5  

0.6  

–4.0  

12.2  

–1.9  

–7.0  

0.4  

53.9  

38.9  

15.0  

85.3  

0.6  

–2.0  

37.1  

–6.9  

41.5  

–  

–0.5  

11.7  

–2.0  

–20.7  

–29.8  

0.3  

93.8  

4.0  

89.7  

0.1  

21.0  

2.5  

18.5  

12.8  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–1.1  

0.1  

11.8  

11.8  

0.0  

Warranties / 

liabilities   Restructuring   Environmental

Other  

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  

–  

67.6  

0.0  

44.2  

–7.5  

20.0  

–  

58.0  

–2.2  

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  

14.7  

–  

–  

–0.2  

–1.4  

–0.3  

12.8  

12.7  

0.0  

–54.9  

–114.8

–4.2  

56.3  

9.7  

46.6  

–12.5

249.3

65.8

183.5

The category “Other employee benefitsˮ includes provisions for jubilee gifts, early retirement of senior 

managers and other obligations to employees.

The category “Warranties/liabilitiesˮ includes provisions for warranties, customer claims, penalties, 

litigation and legal cases relating to goods delivered or services rendered.

The group recognized restructuring costs for continuing operations of CHF 11.5 million and for 

discontinued operations of CHF 0.2 million (2020: CHF 54.8 million for continuing operations and 

CHF 3.2 million for discontinued operations), partly offset by released restructuring provisions of 

CHF 2.0 million (2020: CHF 2.2 million). Restructuring costs mainly relate to resizing activities in the 

USA and the United Kingdom. The remaining restructuring provision as of December 31, 2021, is 

CHF 21.0 million, of which CHF 18.5 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 onerous contracts and indemnities, in particular related from divestitures. In 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

164

addition, provisions for ongoing asbestos lawsuits and other legal claims are included. Based on the 

currently known facts, the group is of the opinion that the resolution of the open cases will not have 

material effects on its liquidity or financial condition. Although the group expects a large part of the 

category “Otherˮ to be realized in 2022, 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

2021  

98.1  

201.1  

34.3  

6.7  

26.7  

4.0  

25.1  

395.9  

168.3  

116.8  

24.0  

123.1  

432.3  

828.1  

2020 1)

103.4

157.6

35.6

6.9

17.0

6.6

29.6

356.6

116.3

114.0

20.8

116.3

367.5

724.1

1) The balance sheet as of December 31, 2020, has been adjusted following the finalization of the purchase price accounting and measurement period 

adjustments related to acquisitions in 2020. A reconciliation to the previously published balance sheet is provided in note 4.

The outstanding dividend payments of CHF 201.1 million (2020: CHF 157.6 million) are explained in 

note 24

.

29 Derivative financial instruments

Derivative assets

Derivative liabilities

Derivative assets

Derivative liabilities

2021  

2020

millions of CHF

value  

Fair value  

value  

Fair value  

value  

Fair value  

value  

Fair value

Notional 

Notional 

Notional 

Notional 

Forward exchange 
rate contracts

750.5  

Interest rate swaps  

–  

7.0  

0.7  

388.6  

–  

6.7  

0.8  

672.7  

12.1  

723.2  

4.9  

1.0  

4.9  

Total as of 
December 31

– thereof due in <1 
year

– thereof due in 1–
5 years

– thereof due in >5 
years

750.5  

7.7  

388.6  

7.5  

677.6  

13.2  

728.0  

750.5  

7.0  

387.9  

6.7  

672.7  

12.1  

723.2  

–  

–  

0.7  

0.7  

0.0  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

0.8  

4.9  

1.0  

4.9  

6.9

1.2

8.1

6.9

–

1.2

The notional value and the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities include current and non-current 

derivative financial instruments. The cash flow hedges of the expected future sales were assessed as 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

165

highly effective. As of December 31, 2021, net cumulative unrealized gains of CHF 4.3 million (2020: 

gains of CHF 7.4 million) with deferred tax liabilities of CHF 1.0 million (2020: tax liabilities of CHF 1.5 

million) relating to these cash flow hedges were included in the cash flow hedge reserves. In 2021, 

gains of CHF 0.7 million (2020: losses of CHF 6.3 million) were reclassified from cash flow hedge 

reserves to profit and loss (thereof gains of CHF 1.8 million to continuing operations and a losses of 

CHF 1.1 million to discontinued operations, 2020: losses of 6.3 million to continuing operations and 

CHF 0.0 million to discontinued operations). There was no ineffectiveness that arose from cash flow 

hedges in 2021 (2020: 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 currencies are mostly 

expected to occur at various dates during the next 12 months. Gains and losses recognized in the 

cash flow hedge reserve (cash flow hedges) in equity on forward foreign exchange contracts as of 

December 31, 2021, are recognized either in sales, cost of goods sold or 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 (5 to 10 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 of December 31, 2021, the amount subject to such netting 

arrangements was CHF 3.4 million (2020: CHF 5.0 million). Considering the effect of these agreements, 

the amount of derivative assets would reduce from CHF 7.7 million to CHF 4.3 million (2020: from 

CHF 13.2 million to CHF 8.2 million), and the amount of derivative liabilities would reduce from 

CHF 7.5 million to CHF 4.1 million (2020: from CHF 8.1 million to CHF 3.1 million).

30 Contingent liabilities

millions of CHF

Guarantees in favor of third parties

Total contingent liabilities as of December 31

2021  

43.0  

43.0  

2020

11.0

11.0

As of December 31, 2021, guarantees provided to third parties amounted to CHF 43.0 million (2020: 

CHF 11.0 million), whereof CHF 42.0 million were related to disposed businesses (2020: CHF 10.0 

million) and CHF 1.0 million to general business activities (2020: CHF 1.0 million). All guarantees will 

expire in 2022.

Related to the spin-off of medmix, the group may be held liable by creditors of medmix Ltd who may 

be able to enforce certain claims existing at the time of the spin-off or having their basis prior to the 

spin-off against Sulzer Ltd.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

166

31 Share participation plans

Share-based payments charged to personnel expenses

millions of CHF

Restricted share unit plan

Performance share plan continuing operations

Performance share plan discontinued operations

Total charged to personnel expenses

2021  

1.3  

19.5  

1.1  

21.9  

2020 1)

1.2

12.5

0.5

14.2

1) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations (details are described in note 7).

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. 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.

Given the spin-off of the Applicator Systems division, the group neutralized the consequences from 

the demerger for the restricted share plans. The number of originally granted RSU was recalculated to 

neutralize the effect of the spin-off on the share price, resulting in the same fair value before and after 

the spin-off and did not impact the share-based payments expense.

Restricted share units

Grant year

2021  

2020  

2019  

2018  

2017  

Total

Outstanding as of January 1, 2020

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding as of December 31, 2020

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

10’551  

5’522  

2’476  

18’549

17’715  

–  

–  

–  

17’715

–3’517  

–2’761  

–2’476  

–8’754

–  

–  

–  

–  

17’715  

7’034  

2’761  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–

27’510

27’510

10’866

12’091

–15’593

–

34’874

Outstanding as of January 1, 2021

–  

17’715  

7’034  

2’761  

Granted

10’866  

–  

–  

APS division spin-off

5’766  

4’910  

1’415  

–  

–  

Exercised

Forfeited

–  

–  

–8’461  

–4’371  

–2’761  

–  

–  

Outstanding as of December 31, 2021

16’632  

14’164  

4’078  

–  

–  

Average fair value at grant date in CHF

106.32  

65.22  

97.76  

118.20  

98.00  

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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 PSUs 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 Sulzer’s total return to 

shareholders (TSR), compared to a selected group of peer companies (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 PSUs is zero.

Given the spin-off of the Applicator Systems division, the group neutralized the consequences from 

the demerger for the PSP. The number of originally granted PSUs was recalculated to neutralize the 

effect of the spin-off on share price, resulting in the same fair value before and after the spin-off. The 

target values of the Applicator Systems business for the PSP 2019, PSP 2020 and PSP 2021, as 

derived from their respective three-year financial plans, are deducted for the Sulzer group. As a result, 

the target values for the group comprise only what remain as continuing businesses within the group. 

Furthermore, for each non-market performance condition (i.e., operational profit growth and 

operational ROCEA) of PSP 2019, PSP 2020 and PSP 2021, the performance curve depicting the 

gradient formed from the threshold, target and cap performance level remains unchanged.

The following inputs were used to determine the fair value of the PSUs 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

2021  

2020  

2019  

2018  

2017

124.95  

78.18  

115.95  

143.62  

116.02

101.12  

76.05  

92.46  

120.60  

104.80

34.68%  

37.45%  

29.64%  

29.12%  

25.10%

–0.58%  

–0.64%  

–0.57%  

–0.42%  

–0.56%

The expected volatility of the Sulzer share and the peer group companies 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 and the peer companies. For the TSR calculation, all dividends paid 

during the vesting period are added to the closing share price.

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Performance share units — terms of awards

Grant year

2021  

2020  

2019  

2018  

2017

Number of awards granted

90’527  

151’422  

112’857  

74’467  

76’818

Grant date

Performance period for cumulative operational profit

Performance period for TSR

April 1, 

2021  

01/21–
12/23  

01/21–
12/23  

June 1, 

2020  

01/20–
12/22  

01/20–
12/22  

April 1, 

2019   July 1, 2018  

01/19–

12/21  

01/19–

12/21  

01/18–
12/20  

01/18–
12/20  

April 1, 
2017

01/17–
12/19

01/17–
12/19

Fair value at grant date in CHF

124.95  

78.18  

115.95  

143.62  

116.02

Performance share units

Grant year

2021  

2020  

2019  

2018  

2017  

Total

Outstanding as of January 1, 2020

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding as of December 31, 2020

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

110’639  

70’163  

66’837  

247’639

151’422  

–  

–  

–  

151’422

–999  

–3’831  

–4’748  

–66’837  

–76’415

–3’564  

–5’044  

–2’158  

146’859  

101’764  

63’257  

Outstanding as of January 1, 2021

–  

146’859  

101’764  

63’257  

Granted

90’527  

–  

–  

APS division spin-off

44’801  

74’680  

53’141  

–  

–  

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding as of December 31, 2021

127’491  

210’194  

151’809  

–553  

–3’829  

–2’088  

–63’257  

–7’284  

–7’516  

–1’008  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–10’766

311’880

311’880

90’527

172’622

–69’727

–15’808

489’494

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  

1’444  

8’186  

1’155  

4’486  

263  

2’862  

1’938  

14’609  

1’396  

7’445  

1’155  

5’238  

2021  

Pension and 
social 
security 

contributions  

257  

2020

Total

2’808

1’965  

14’648

As of December 31, 2021, there are no outstanding loans with members of the Board of Directors or 

the Executive Committee. 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, 2021, open payables with related parties amounted to CHF 299.4 million (2020: 

CHF 261.0 million), thereof CHF 98.1 million related to the purchase of treasury shares, CHF 201.1 

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million outstanding dividend payments (see 

note 24

 and 

note 28

) and CHF 0.2 million related to other 

payables. Sales with related parties amounted to CHF 0.1 million (2020: CHF 0.0 million). The other 

operating income in 2021 amounted to CHF 3.1 million (2020: CHF 0.0 million) and the operating 

expenses to CHF 1.3 million (2020: CHF 0.8 million). As of December 31, 2021, open trade and other 

receivables amounted to CHF 1.9 million (2020: CHF 0.0 million). The interest income in 2021 

amounted to CHF 0.1 million (2020: CHF 0.0 million) with open other financial assets as of 

December 31, 2021, of CHF 3.4 million (2020: 0.0 million) originating from the medmix spin-off. 

Transactions with related parties are mainly with medmix since the spin-off at September 20, 2021. 

These transactions comprise primarily charges for corporate support functions, centrally procured 

indirect spend utilized by medmix, as well as interest income.

Sales with associates in 2021 amounted to CHF 4.8 million (2020: CHF 1.1 million) with open 

receivables of CHF 1.6 million (2020: CHF 0.5 million). The operating expenses amounted to CHF 0.7 

million (2020: CHF 0.2 million) with open payables of CHF 0.4 million (2020: CHF 0.0 million, see 

note 

17

 for details on the investments in associates). 

All related party transactions are priced on an arm’s-length basis.

33 Auditor remuneration

Fees for the audit services by KPMG as the appointed group auditor amounted to CHF 3.8 million 

(2020: CHF 3.6 million). Additional services provided by the group auditor amounted to a total of 

CHF 1.5 million (2020: CHF 1.8 million). This amount includes CHF 0.2 million (2020: CHF 0.5 million) 

for tax services and CHF 1.3 million (2020: CHF 1.3 million) for other services.

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:

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 obligations (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
.

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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, while a zero (0.0) indicates that the relevant figure has been 

rounded to zero.

34.2 Change in accounting policies

a) Standards, amendments and interpretations which were effective for 2021

A number of amended standards became applicable for the current reporting period. The group did 

not have to change its accounting policies or make retrospective adjustments as a result of adopting 

these amended standards.

Software as a service (SaaS) arrangements
The group previously capitalized costs incurred in configuring or customizing software as a service 

(SaaS) arrangements as intangible assets, as the group considered that it would benefit from these 

implementation costs over the contract term of the SaaS arrangements. Following the IFRS 

Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) agenda decision on configuration or customization costs in a cloud 

computing arrangement, which was published in April 2021, the group has reconsidered its 

accounting treatment and adopted the treatment set out in this IFRIC agenda decision. The revised 

accounting policy capitalizes these costs as intangible assets only if the implementation activities 

create an intangible asset that the entity controls and the intangible asset meets the recognition 

criteria. Costs that do not meet these criteria are expensed as incurred, unless they are paid to the 

suppliers of the SaaS arrangement to significantly customize the cloud-based software for the group, 

in which case they are recognized as a prepayment for services and amortized over the expected 

period of use of the SaaS arrangement.

As a result of this change in accounting policy, the group completed a review of the existing intangible 

assets portfolio and there was no material impact to software intangible assets because of the change 

in accounting policy.

b) Standards, amendments and interpretations issued but not yet effective, which the group 
decided not to adopt early in 2021

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. 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. Any gain on a bargain 

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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 precombination 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 and income and expenses of the 

subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements. The share of non-controlling 

interests in the net assets and results is presented separately as non-controlling interests in the 

consolidated balance sheet and income statement, respectively.

c) Non-controlling interests

The group recognizes any non-controlling interest in the acquiree on an acquisition-by-acquisition 

basis, at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the recognized amounts of the 

acquiree’s identifiable net assets. Transactions with non-controlling interests that do not result in loss 

of control are accounted for as equity transactions.

When the group loses control over a subsidiary, it derecognizes the assets and liabilities of the 

subsidiary, and any related non-controlling interest and other components of equity. Any resulting 

gain or loss is recognized in the income statement. Any interest retained in the former subsidiary is 

measured at fair value when control is lost.

d) Associates and joint ventures

Associates are those entities in which the group has significant influence, but no control, over the 

financial and operating policies. Significant influence is presumed to exist when the group holds, 

directly or indirectly, between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Joint ventures are those entities over 

whose activities the group has joint control, established by contractual 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.

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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 2021 and 

2020:

CHF

EUR 1

GBP 1

USD 1

CNY 100

INR 100

Average rate   Year-end rate  

Average rate   Year-end rate

2021  

2020

1.08  

1.26  

0.91  

14.17  

1.24  

1.03  

1.23  

0.91  

14.35  

1.23  

1.07  

1.20  

0.94  

13.60  

1.27  

1.08

1.20

0.88

13.49

1.21

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.

Income and expenses for each income statement are translated at average exchange rates.

Translation differences resulting from consolidation are taken to other comprehensive income. In the 

event of a sale or liquidation of foreign subsidiaries, exchange differences that were recorded in other 

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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 10 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 in control of the group 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 pretax, 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 

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incremental borrowing rate. In most cases, the group uses its incremental borrowing rate as the 

discount rate.

The lease liability is subsequently increased by the interest cost on the lease liability and decreased 

by lease payments made. It is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments arising 

from a change in an index rate, a change in the estimate of the amount expected to be payable under 

a residual value guarantee, changes in the assessment of whether a purchase or extension option is 

reasonably certain to be exercised, or a termination option is reasonably certain not to be exercised.

34.10 Financial assets

Financial assets are classified into the following three categories:

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL)

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI)

Financial assets measured at amortized cost

For debt instruments, 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 other comprehensive income. The group reclassifies debt 

investments when and only when its business model for managing those assets changes. 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).

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 other comprehensive income, 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 other comprehensive income 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 items 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 

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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 

items 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 other 

comprehensive income, there is no subsequent reclassification of fair value gains and losses to profit 

or loss following the derecognition of the investment. Dividends from such investments continue to be 

recognized in profit or loss as other income when the group’s right to receive payments is established. 

A gain or loss on an equity investment that is subsequently measured at FVTPL is recognized in profit 

or loss and presented within other operating income and expenses or other financial income and 

expenses, depending on the nature of the investment, in the period in which it arises.

34.11 Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities

The group uses derivative financial instruments, such as forward currency contracts and other forward 

contracts, 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 that 

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 that 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 and 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.

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34.12 Offsetting financial assets and liabilities

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the balance sheet when there 

is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognized amounts, and there is an intention to settle on a 

net basis or realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

34.13 Inventories

Raw materials, supplies and consumables are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. 

Finished products and work in progress are stated at the lower of production cost or net realizable 

value. Production cost includes the costs of materials, direct and indirect manufacturing costs, and 

contract-related costs of construction. Inventories are valued by reference to weighted average costs. 

Provisions are made for slow-moving and excess inventories.

34.14 Trade receivables

Trade and other accounts receivable are recognized initially at fair value and subsequently measured 

at amortized cost, less allowances for doubtful trade accounts receivable.

The allowance for doubtful trade accounts receivable is based on expected credit losses. These are 

based on historical observed default rates over the expected life of the trade receivables and are 

adjusted for forward-looking information such as development of gross domestic product (GDP) and 

oil price development.

34.15 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise bills, postal giros and bank accounts, together with other short-

term highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition. 

Bank overdrafts are reported within borrowings in the current liabilities.

34.16 Share capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Costs directly attributable to the issue of ordinary shares and 

share options are recognized as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effects. When share capital is 

repurchased, the amount of the consideration paid, which includes directly attributable cost, is net of 

any tax effects and is recognized as a deduction from equity. Repurchased shares are classified as 

treasury shares and are presented as a deduction from total equity. When treasury shares are sold or 

reissued subsequently, the amount received is recognized as an increase in equity and the resulting 

surplus or deficit on the transaction is transferred to/from retained earnings.

34.17 Trade payables

Trade payables and other payables are stated at face value. The respective value corresponds 

approximately to the amortized cost.

34.18 Borrowings

Financial debt is stated at fair value when initially recognized, after recognition of transaction costs. In 

subsequent periods, it is valued at amortized cost. Any difference between the amount borrowed 

(after deduction of transaction costs) and the repayment amount is reported in the income statement 

over the duration of the loan using the effective interest method. Borrowings are classified as current 

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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.

Income tax is recognized in profit or 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 assets/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 other comprehensive income. 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. 

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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 as 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 such as early retirement benefits or jubilee gifts to 

their employees. Early retirement benefits are defined as termination benefits for employees accepting 

voluntary redundancy in exchange for those benefits. Jubilee gifts are other long-term benefits. For 

example, in Switzerland, the group makes provisions for jubilee benefits based on a Swiss local 

directive. The provisions are reported in the category “Other employee benefitsˮ.

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

The group 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 (PSU) 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 PSUs granted is 

measured by external valuation specialists based on a Monte Carlo simulation.

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180

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 (RSU) 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 RSUs is consequently reduced by the present value of dividends expected to be 

paid during the vesting period.

The group accrues for the expected cost of social charges in connection with the allotment of shares 

under the RSP. The dilutive effect of the share-based awards is considered when calculating diluted 

earnings per share.

34.22 Provisions

Provisions are recognized when the group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of 

past events, it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and the 

amount can be reliably estimated. Restructuring provisions comprise lease termination penalties and 

employee termination payments. Provisions are not recognized for future operating losses. Where 

there are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood that an outflow will be required is determined 

by considering the class of obligation as a whole. A provision is recognized even if the likelihood of an 

outflow with respect to a single item included in the class of obligations may be small.

Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the 

obligation using a pretax 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) and 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 (i.e., an asset) to a customer. An asset is transferred when (or as) the 

customer obtains control of that asset.

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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 (i.e., upon making a prepayment for a specified product).

There are two methods to recognize sales:

Over time method (OT): s

ales, costs and profit margin recognition in line with the progress of the 

project

Point in time method (PIT): s

ales 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:

The customer simultaneously receives/consumes as the group performs.

The group creates/enhances an asset and the customer controls it during this process.

The 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.

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.

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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 are met, sales are recognized at a point in time.

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.

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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

Flow Equipment

Standard business

  — New pumps

  — Spare parts

  — Standard products made to stock

Configured business

Engineered business

Services

Repair

Parts

Services

Chemtech

  n/a

  OT

  — Preconfigured products

— Assembled and packaged on 
customer order

  — Highly customized products

— Engineered to order according to 
customer’s specifications

  OT

  — Turbo

  — Electromechanical

  — Pumps

  — Gas turbine components

  — Coils

  — Pump spares

  — Retrofits

  OT

— Off-the-shelf articles or 
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 or OT for field services (asset that 
the customer controls)

Rush orders

  — Articles purchased for sale

  n/a

  PIT

— Standard configured to customer’s 
requirements

— Tailor-made to customer’s 
requirements

  — Replacement of components

  — Standard mechanical engineering

  — Supervision

  — Installation workforce

Components

— Combined order for Separation 
Technology (ST) and Tower Field 
Services (TFS)

  OT

  PIT

  — Studies

  — Engineering

  — Site project management

  — Supervision

  — Key equipment

  — Installation

Services / engineered solutions

— Procurement of equipment, spare 
parts

  OT

  PIT or

  OT for certain service contracts

where the customer simultaneously 
receives the service

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184

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 biweekly 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 will 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 

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185

damages for such failure, the purchaser is entitled to demand that the group pay liquidated damages 

at the rate stated in the purchase order.

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 must be expected to be completed within one year. A non-current asset or a group 

of assets classified as “held for saleˮ will 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.

34.26 Discontinued operations

A discontinued operation is a component of the group’s business, which can be clearly distinguished 

from the rest of the group and which:

represents a separate major line of business or geographic area of operations;

is part of a single co-ordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of business or geographic 

area of operations; or

is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale.

Classification as a discontinued operation occurs at the earlier of disposal or when the operation 

meets the criteria to be classified as held-for-sale.

When an operation is classified as a discontinued operation, the comparative statement of profit or 

loss is re-presented as if the operation had been discontinued from the start of the comparative year.

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186

35 Subsequent events after the balance sheet date

The Board of Directors authorized these consolidated financial statements for issue on February 17, 

2022. They are subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting, which will be held on April 6, 2022. 

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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187

36 Major subsidiaries

December 31, 2021

  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 Markets and Technology AG, 
Winterthur

  Sulzer Management AG, Winterthur

  Tefag AG, Winterthur

  Sulzer International AG, Winterthur

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater Belgium 
N.V./S.A., St. Stevens-Woluwe

Ensival Moret Belgium SA, Thimister-
Clermont

Belgium

Czech Republic

Sulzer Chemtech Czech Republic 
s.r.o., Brno

Sulzer Pumpen (Deutschland) GmbH, 
Bruchsal

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater Germany 
GmbH, Bonn

  Sulzer Chemtech GmbH, Krefeld

Nordic Water GmbH, Neuss 1)

  Sulzer Pumps Denmark A/S, Farum

Germany

Denmark

Finland

France

100%  

CHF 4’000’000  

100%  

100%  

100%  

CHF 500’000  

CHF 500’000  

CHF 100’000  

100%  

EUR 123’947  

100%  

EUR 7’400’000  

100%   CZK 28’053’000  

100%  

EUR 3’000’000  

100%  

100%  

100%  

100%  

EUR 300’000  

EUR 300’000  

EUR 25’565  

DKK 501’000  

  Sulzer Pumps Finland Oy, Kotka

100%  

EUR 16’000’000  

Sulzer Pompes France SASU, 
Buchelay

Sulzer Ensival Moret France SASU, 
Saint-Quentin

100%  

EUR 6’600’000  

100%  

EUR 10’000’000  

UK

  Sulzer Pumps (UK) Ltd., Leeds

100%  

GBP 9’610’000  

Sulzer Chemtech (UK) Ltd., Stockton 
on Tees

Sulzer Electro Mechanical Services 
(UK) Ltd., Birmingham

100%  

GBP 100’000  

100%  

GBP 48’756  

  Sulzer (UK) Holdings Ltd., Leeds

100%  

GBP 6’100’000  

  Alba Power Ltd., Aberdeen

100%  

GBP 1  

Ireland

Sulzer Pump Solutions Ireland Ltd., 
Wexford

Sulzer Finance (Ireland) Limited, 
Wexford

Italy

  Sulzer Italy S.r.l., Casalecchio di Reno  

Norway

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater Norway A/
S, Sandvika

Sulzer Pumps Norway A/S, Klepp 
Stasjon

Nordic Water Products A/S, Straume 1)  

The Netherlands  

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater 
Netherlands B.V., Maastricht-Airport

Sulzer Chemtech Nederland B.V., 
Breda

Sulzer Turbo Services Venlo B.V., 
Lomm

Sulzer Netherlands Holding B.V., 
Lomm

  Sulzer Capital B.V., Lomm

Austria

  Sulzer Austria GmbH, Wiener Neudorf

Sulzer Turbo Services Poland Sp. z 
o.o., Lublin

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater Poland Sp. 
z o.o., Warsaw

Sulzer GTC Technology Romania 
S.R.L., Bucharest

Poland

Romania

Russia

100%  

EUR 2’222’500  

100%  

100%  

EUR 100  

EUR 600’000  

100%  

NOK 502’000  

100%  

100%  

NOK 500’000  

NOK 150’000  

100%  

EUR 15’882  

100%  

EUR 1’134’451  

100%  

EUR 443’940  

100%  

EUR 10’010’260  

100%  

100%  

EUR 50’000  

EUR 350’000  

100%  

PLN 2’427’000  

100%  

PLN 800’000  

100%  

RON 1’345’070  

  AO Sulzer Pumps, St. Petersburg

100%   RUB 24’000’000  

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188

•

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•

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  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  

Sweden

  Sulzer Pumps Sweden AB, Vadstena

100%  

SEK 3’000’000  

Nordic Water Products AB, Mölndal 1)

100%  

SEK 200’000  

Spain

  Sulzer Pumps Spain S.A., Madrid

100%  

EUR 1’750’497  

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater Spain S.A., 
Rivas Vaciamadrid

100%  

EUR 2’000’000  

North America

Canada

  Sulzer Pumps (Canada) Inc., Burnaby  

100%  

CAD 2’771’588  

USA

Sulzer Chemtech Canada Inc., 
Edmonton

Sulzer Rotating Equipment Services 
(Canada) Ltd., Edmonton

JWC Environmental Canada ULC, 
Burnaby

Sulzer Pumps (US) Inc., Houston, 
Texas

Sulzer Pumps Solutions Inc., Easley, 
South Carolina

Sulzer Pump Services (US) Inc., 
Houston, Texas

Sulzer Chemtech USA, Inc., Tulsa, 
Oklahoma

100%  

CAD 1’000’000  

100%  

CAD 7’000’000  

100%  

CAD 1’832’816  

100%   USD 40’381’108  

100%   USD 25’589’260  

100%  

USD 1’000  

100%   USD 47’895’000  

Sulzer Turbo Services Houston Inc., La 
Porte, Texas

100%   USD 18’840’000  

Sulzer Turbo Services New Orleans 
Inc., Belle Chasse, Louisiana

Sulzer Electro-Mechanical Services 
(US) Inc., Pasadena, Texas

Sulzer US Holding Inc., Houston, 
Texas

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 4’006’122  

100%   USD 12’461’286  

100%   USD 310’335’340  

•

100%   USD 220’818’520  

100%  

USD 1  

100%   MXN 4’887’413  

100%   MXN 231’345’500  

Mexico

Central and 
South America

Argentina

Brazil

Sulzer Turbo Services Argentina S.A., 
Buenos Aires

100%  

ARS 9’730’091  

  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  

Chile

  Sulzer Bombas Chile Ltda., Vitacura

100%   CLP 46’400’000  

Colombia

  Sulzer Pumps Colombia S.A.S., Cota

100%  

COP 
7’142’000’000  

Africa

South Africa

Sulzer Pumps (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd., 
Elandsfontein

Sulzer (South Africa) Holdings (Pty) 
Ltd., Elandsfontein

75%   ZAR 100’450’000  

100%  

ZAR 16’476  

Morocco

  Sulzer Maroc S.A.R.L. A.U., Nouaceur

100%   MAD 3’380’000  

Nigeria

Zambia

Middle East

United Arab 
Emirates

Saudi Arabia

Bahrain

  Sulzer Pumps (Nigeria) Ltd., Lagos

100%  

NGN 5’000’000  

  Sulzer Zambia Ltd., Chingola

100%   ZMK 15’000’000  

Sulzer Pumps Middle East FZCO, 
Dubai

  Sulzer Rotating Equipment FZE, Dubai  

Sulzer Saudi Pump Company Limited, 
Riyadh

Sulzer Chemtech Middle East W.L.L., 
Al Seef

100%  

100%  

AED 500’000  

USD 272’000  

75%  

SAR 44’617’000  

100%  

BHD 50’000  

report.sulzer.com/ar21

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

189

Asia

India

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  

Malaysia

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater Malaysia 
Sdn. Bhd., Selangor Darul Ehsan

100%   MYR 1’000’000  

Singapore

  Sulzer Singapore Pte. Ltd., Singapore  

100%  

SGD 1’000’000  

South Korea

  Sulzer Korea Ltd., Seoul

Sulzer GTC Technology Korea Co. 
Ltd., Seoul

100%   KRW 222’440’000  

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

100%   CHF 21’290’000  

  Sulzer Pumps Suzhou Ltd., Suzhou

100%   CNY 282’069’324  

Sulzer Pump Solutions (Kunshan) Co., 
Ltd., Kunshan

Sulzer Shanghai Eng. & Mach. Works 
Ltd., Shanghai

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater Shanghai 
Co. Ltd., Shanghai

Sulzer GTC (Beijing) Technology Inc., 
Beijing

Nordic Water Products (Beijing) Co., 
Ltd., Beijing 1)

100%  

USD 5’760’000  

100%   CNY 54’267’608  

100%  

USD 1’550’000  

100%  

USD 150’000  

100%  

USD 800’000  

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1) Acquired in 2021.

  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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report.sulzer.com/ar21

   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Auditor’s report

190

Report on the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statmentes

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, 2021 and the “

Consolidated 

income statement Consolidated statement of comprehensive income Consolidated statement of 

”, “

”, “

changes in equity

” and “

Consolidated statement of cash flows

” for the year then ended, and “

Notes 

to the consolidated financial statements

”, including a summary of significant accounting policies.

In our opinion the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the consolidated 

financial position of the Group as at 31 December 2021, 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

report.sulzer.com/ar21

Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Auditor’s report

191

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
As per December 31, 2021, revenue from customer 

Our response
Our procedures included, among others, obtaining an 

contracts amounts to CHF 3’155.3 million, contract 

understanding of the project execution processes and 

assets amount to CHF 409.3 million, contract liabilities to 

relevant controls relating to the accounting for customer 

CHF 324.5 million, the balance of work in progress (WIP) 

contracts.

amounts to CHF 218.3 million and trade accounts 

receivable amount to CHF 549.2 million.

For the revenue recognized throughout the year, we 

Under IFRS 15 revenue is recognised when a 

management, for their operating effectiveness and 

performance obligation is satisfied by transferring control 

performed procedures to gain sufficient audit evidence on 

over a promised good or service.

the accuracy of the accounting for customer contracts 

tested selected key controls, including results reviews by 

and related financial statement captions.

Revenue and related costs from long-term customer 

orders (construction and service contracts) are 

These procedures included reading significant new 

recognized over time (OT), provided they fulfill the criteria 

contracts to understand the terms and conditions and 

of International Financial Reporting Standards, specifically 

their impact on revenue recognition. We performed 

having the right to payment in case of termination for 

enquiries with management to understand their project 

convenience. The OT method allows recognizing 

risk assessments and inspected meeting minutes from 

revenues by reference to the stage of completion of the 

project reviews performed by management to identify 

contract. The application of the OT method is complex 

relevant changes in their assessments and estimates. We 

and requires judgments by management when estimating 

challenged these assessments and estimates for OT 

the stage of completion, total project costs and the costs 

projects including comparing estimated project financials 

to complete the work. Incorrect assumptions and 

between reporting periods and assessed the historical 

estimates can lead to revenue being recognized in the 

accuracy of these estimates.

wrong reporting period or in amounts inadequate to the 

actual stage of completion, and therefore to an incorrect 

On a sample basis, we reconciled revenue to the 

result for the period.

supporting documentation, validated estimates of costs 

to complete, tested the mathematical accuracy of 

During order fulfillment, contractual obligations may need 

calculations and the adequacy of project accounting. We 

to be reassessed. In addition, change orders or 

also examined costs included within contract assets on a 

cancelations have to be considered. As a result, total 

sample basis by verifying the amounts back to source 

estimated project costs may exceed total contract 

documentation and tested their recoverability through 

revenues and therefore require write-offs of contract 

comparing the net realizable values as per the 

assets, receivables and the immediate recognition of the 

agreements with estimated cost to complete.

expected loss as a provision.

We further performed testing for PIT projects on a sample 

Regarding the projects recognized at a point in time (PIT), 

basis to confirm the appropriate application of revenue 

the risks include inappropriate revenue recognition from 

recognition policies and to verify valuation of WIP 

revenue being recorded in the wrong accounting period 

balances. This included reconciling accounting entries to 

or at amounts not justified as well as overstated WIP that 

supporting documentation. When doing this, we 

requires impairment adjustments.

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.

report.sulzer.com/ar21

Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Auditor’s report

192

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

Accounting for warranties and other costs to fulfill contract 
obligations

Key Audit Matter
As per December 31, 2021, provisions in the amount of 

Our response
Based on our knowledge gained through contract and 

CHF 93.8 million are held on the balance sheet to cover 

project reviews, we assessed the need for and the 

expected costs arising from product warranties. 

accuracy of provisions and deductions in revenue for 

Additional expected costs to fulfil contract obligations 

variable consideration for expected liquidated damages.

and for onerous contracts are recorded as other 

provisions.

We further challenged management’s contract risk 

assessments by enquiries, inspection of meeting minutes 

Sulzer is exposed to claims from customers for not 

and review of correspondence with customers where 

meeting contractual obligations. Remedying measures, 

available.

addressing technical shortcomings or settlement 

negotiations with clients may take several months and 

Where milestones or contract specifications were not 

cause additional costs. The assessment of these costs to 

met, we challenged the recognition and appropriateness 

satisfy order related obligations contains management 

of variable consideration and provisions by recalculating 

assumptions with a higher risk of material misjudgment.

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

report.sulzer.com/ar21

Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Auditor’s report

193

Valuation of goodwill

Key Audit Matter
As at December 31, 2021, Sulzer’s balance sheet 

Our response
As a first step, we assessed the appropriateness of the 

included goodwill amounting to CHF 727.3 million.

CGUs identified. Our audit procedures then included, 

amongst others, evaluating the methodical and 

Goodwill has to be assessed for impairment on a yearly 

mathematical accuracy of the model used for the 

basis by management using a discounted cash flow 

impairment testing, the appropriateness of the 

model to individually determine the value in use of 

assumptions, and the methodology used by management 

goodwill balances. This requires the use of a number of 

to prepare its cash flow forecasts. We involved our own 

key assumptions and judgments, including the estimated 

valuation specialists to support our procedures.

future cash flows, long-term growth rates, profitability 

levels and discount rates applied as well as the 

We thereby focused on those CGUs with the most 

determination of the cash generating units (CGUs) for the 

significant goodwill balances or where reasonably 

goodwill impairment testing.

possible changes of key assumptions would lead to an 

impairment and performed the following procedures 

The goodwill balance is significant compared to total 

amongst others:

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 2021.

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

report.sulzer.com/ar21

Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Auditor’s report

194

Other Information in the Annual Report

The Board of Directors is responsible for the other information in the annual report. The other 

information comprises all information included in the annual report, but does not include the 

consolidated financial statements, the standalone financial statements of the company, the 

remuneration 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.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Auditor’s report

195

Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit 

procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an 

opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control.

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting 

estimates and related disclosures made.

Conclude on the appropriateness of the Board of Directors’ use of the going concern basis of 

accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists 

related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue 

as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw 

attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the consolidated financial statements 

or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the 

audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or 

conditions may cause the Group to cease to continue as a going concern.

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.sulzer.com/ar21

Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Auditor’s report

196

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 17, 2022

Simon Niklaus

Licensed Audit Expert

KPMG AG, Badenerstrasse 172, 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/ar21

Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Supplementary information

197

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 reporting period and comparative periods.

Definition of alternative performance measures (APM)

Order intake from continuing operations

Order intake from continuing operations includes all registered orders from continuing operations of 

the period that will be recorded or have already been recorded as sales. The reported value of an 

order corresponds to the undiscounted value of sales 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 from continuing operations

The order intake gross margin from continuing operations is defined as the expected gross profit of 

order intake from continuing operations divided by order intake from continuing operations.

Order backlog from continuing operations

Order backlog from continuing operations represents the undiscounted value of sales the group 

expects to generate from orders from continuing operations on hand at the end of the reporting 

period.

Return on sales (ROS) from continuing operations

ROS from continuing operations measures the profitability from continuing operations relative to 

sales. ROS from continuing operations is calculated by dividing EBIT from continuing operations by 

sales.

Operational profit from continuing operations

Operational profit from continuing operations 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 from continuing operations

Operational profitability from continuing operations measures how the group turns sales from 

continuing operations into operating profits. Operational profitability is calculated by dividing 

operational profit from continuing operations by sales from continuing operations.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Supplementary information

198

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.

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 from continuing operations

Core net income from continuing operations is used to determine the dividend proposal. Sulzer’s 

long-term target is to maintain a dividend payout ratio of approximately 40% to 70% of core net 

income from continuing operations with due consideration to liquidity and funding requirements as 

well as continuity. Core net income from continuing operations is defined as net income from 

continuing operations before tax-adjusted effects on restructuring, amortization, impairments and 

non-operational items.

Free cash flow (FCF)

FCF 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. FCF 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’s 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.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Supplementary information

199

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 prior-year acquisitions, by deducting the currency-adjusted amount generated over the 

months during which the acquired entities were not consolidated in the previous year

For current-year disposals, by adding the currency-adjusted amount generated by the divested 

entities in the previous year over the months during which those entities were no longer 

consolidated in the current year

For the prior-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 section “

Financial review

”, for EBITDA, net debt and gearing ratio to 

note 6

 and for operational ROCEA to the table below.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Supplementary information

200

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 from continuing operations

Operational profit from continuing operations

Average capital employed

Operational ROCEA

2021  

5’010.4  

–276.5  

–1’505.4  

–26.7  

–64.3  

–1’568.8  

–2’162.3  

1’164.6  

345.5  

98.1  

201.1  

74.4  

1’290.1  

293.3  

1’290.1  

22.7%  

2020 1)

5’367.0

–401.0

–1’123.2

–305.1

–56.0

–1’976.0

–1’973.8

1’491.3

231.8

103.4

157.6

–321.3

1’194.6

255.0

1’194.6

21.3%

1) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations (details are described in note 7 to the consolidated financial statements).

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Five-year summaries

201

Five-year summaries of key financial data

Key figures from consolidated income statement and statement of cash flows

millions of CHF

2021  

2020 1)  

2019 1)  

2018 1)  

2017 1)

Order intake from continuing operations

3’167.6  

3’049.2  

3’322.1  

3’081.9  

2’729.4

Currency-adjusted growth order intake from continuing operations

3.6%  

–1.1%  

n/a  

n/a  

n/a

Order intake gross margin from continuing operations

33.1%  

32.6%  

32.0%  

31.4%  

32.9%

Order backlog from continuing operations

1’724.1  

1’676.8  

1’731.8  

1’721.9  

1’526.7

Sales from continuing operations

3’155.3  

2’967.8  

3’307.9  

2’911.0  

2’627.5

Operating income (EBIT) from continuing operations

Operational profit from continuing operations

Operational profitability from continuing operations

Net income attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

– in percentage of equity attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd 
(ROE)

Basic earnings per share (in CHF)

Depreciation from continuing operations

Amortization from continuing operations

Impairments of tangible and intangible assets from continuing 
operations

Research and development expenses from continuing operations

221.8  

293.3  

9.3%  

1’416.7  

111.2%  

41.93  

–81.0  

–50.2  

–4.2  

–64.4  

132.5  

255.0  

8.6%  

83.6  

6.0%  

2.46  

–78.3  

–46.7  

–9.4  

–63.8  

202.8  

283.1  

8.6%  

154.0  

9.7%  

4.52  

–79.7  

–45.5  

–3.1  

–62.7  

120.9  

226.8  

7.8%  

113.7  

7.0%  

3.56  

–52.2  

–49.4  

–0.7  

–63.9  

Personnel expenses from continuing operations

–1’018.1  

–1’014.4  

–1’078.7  

–1’241.9  

Capital expenditure (incl. lease assets) from continuing operations

–119.4  

–88.0  

–100.8  

Free cash flow (FCF) from continuing operations

210.5  

262.6  

156.8  

–64.7  

115.5  

FCF conversion (free cash flow/net income) from continuing 
operations

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

1.50  

3.67  

1.18  

1.80  

13’816  

13’197  

14’685  

13’708  

13’016

73.3

168.6

6.4%

83.2

5.0%

2.44

–50.9

–36.8

–15.4

–57.2

n/a

–52.3

n/a

n/a

1) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations (details are described in note 7).

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Five-year summaries

202

Key figures from consolidated balance sheet

millions of CHF

Non-current assets

2021  

2020 1)  

2019  

2018  

2017

1’834.2  

2’279.9  

2’172.0  

2’057.7  

1’990.5

– thereof property, plant and equipment

394.0  

545.3  

544.4  

527.0  

531.6

Current assets

3’176.2  

3’087.1  

2’937.5  

2’840.6  

2’126.8

– thereof cash and cash equivalents

1’505.4  

1’123.2  

1’035.5  

1’095.2  

488.8

Total assets

5’010.4  

5’367.0  

5’109.5  

4’898.3  

4’117.3

Equity attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

1’273.8  

1’404.3  

1’580.7  

1’629.9  

1’680.1

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

Equity ratio 2)

1’568.8  

1’976.0  

1’644.1  

1’646.8  

1’164.6  

1’491.3  

1’199.2  

1’316.3  

64.5  

90.2  

82.3  

–  

900.1

458.7

–

2’162.3  

1’973.8  

1’871.5  

1’610.4  

1’514.8

345.5  

231.8  

131.0  

18.0  

255.1

24.3  

29.5  

27.4  

–  

–

66.8  

0.15  

414.5  

346.9  

239.0  

1.26  

0.84  

0.73  

225.0

0.81

25.4%  

26.1%  

30.9%  

33.3%  

40.8%

1) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations (details are described in note 7). The balance sheet as of December 31, 2020, has been adjusted 

following the finalization of the purchase price accounting and measurement period adjustments related to acquisitions in 2020. A reconciliation to the previously published balance 
sheet is provided in note 4. Defined benefit assets are presented as non-current assets and comparative information is re-presented. Further details are available in note 9.

2) Equity attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd in relation to total assets.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Five-year summaries

203

Five-year summaries by division

millions of CHF

Flow Equipment

Services

Chemtech

Total

millions of CHF

Flow Equipment

Services

Chemtech

Divisions

Others

Total

millions of CHF

Flow Equipment

Services

Chemtech

Divisions

Others

Total

Order intake from continuing operations

Sales from continuing operations

2021  

2020 1)  

2019 1)  

2018 1)  

2017 1)  

2021  

2020 1)  

2019 1)  

2018 1)  

2017 1)

1’324.7  

1’297.6  

1’458.9  

1’372.1  

1’180.2  

1’389.0  

1’296.3  

1’477.0  

1’284.2  

1’120.0

1’163.4  

1’130.8  

1’193.2  

1’109.7  

1’047.7  

1’117.7  

1’078.3  

1’167.0  

1’063.7  

1’029.5

679.5  

620.8  

670.0  

600.1  

501.5  

648.5  

593.1  

664.0  

563.2  

478.0

3’167.6  

3’049.2  

3’322.1  

3’081.9  

2’729.4  

3’155.3  

2’967.8  

3’307.9  

2’911.0  

2’627.5

Order backlog from continuing operations

Employees from continuing operations 2)

2021  

2020 1)  

2019 1)  

2018 1)  

2017 1)  

2021  

2020 1)  

2019 1)  

2018 1)  

2017 1)

811.5  

845.0  

924.3  

982.9  

847.0  

5’325  

5’362  

5’759  

5’713  

5’453

479.5  

435.0  

422.2  

393.1  

364.4  

4’571  

4’449  

4’900  

4’721  

4’485

433.2  

396.9  

385.3  

345.9  

315.3  

3’734  

3’221  

3’803  

3’063  

2’878

1’724.1  

1’676.8  

1’731.8  

1’721.9  

1’526.7  

13’631  

13’032  

14’463  

13’497  

12’816

0.0  

0.0  

–0.0  

–  

185  

165  

222  

211  

200

1’724.1  

1’676.8  

1’731.8  

1’721.9  

1’526.7  

13’816  

13’197  

14’685  

13’708  

13’016

Operational profit from continuing operations

Operational profitability from continuing operations

2021  

2020 1)  

2019 1)  

2018 1)  

2017 1)  

2021  

2020 1)  

2019 1)  

2018 1)  

2017 1)

81.4  

55.2  

59.7  

41.4  

–3.7  

5.9%  

4.3%  

4.0%  

3.2%  

–0.3%

158.7  

150.3  

164.5  

146.1  

144.0  

14.2%  

13.9%  

14.1%  

13.7%  

13.9%

64.8  

56.9  

63.8  

50.0  

25.0  

10.0%  

9.6%  

9.6%  

8.9%  

5.2%

304.9  

262.4  

288.0  

237.5  

165.3  

9.7%  

8.8%  

8.7%  

8.2%  

6.3%

–11.6  

–7.4  

–4.9  

–10.7  

3.3  

n/a  

n/a  

n/a  

n/a  

n/a

293.3  

255.0  

283.0  

226.8  

168.6  

9.3%  

8.6%  

8.6%  

7.8%  

6.4%

1) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations (details are described in note 7).
2) Number of full-time equivalents as of December 31.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Five-year summaries

204

Five-year summaries by region

Order intake from continuing operations by region

millions of CHF

2021  

2020 1)  

2019 1)  

2018 1)  

2017 1)

Europe, the Middle East and Africa

1’281.2  

1’211.6  

1’375.8  

1’275.9  

1’176.8

Americas

Asia-Pacific

Total

1’051.8  

1’009.5  

1’134.6  

1’144.8  

834.6  

828.2  

811.7  

661.2  

902.3

650.2

3’167.6  

3’049.2  

3’322.1  

3’081.9  

2’729.4

1) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations (details are described in note 7).

Sales from continuing operations by region

millions of CHF

2021  

2020 1)  

2019 1)  

2018 1)  

2017 1)

Europe, the Middle East and Africa

1’297.5  

1’198.1  

1’306.9  

1’203.5  

1’172.8

Americas

Asia-Pacific

Total

978.1  

1’027.1  

1’165.3  

879.7  

742.6  

835.8  

964.4  

743.1  

865.9

588.7

3’155.3  

2’967.8  

3’307.9  

2’911.0  

2’627.5

1) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations (details are described in note 7).

Employees from continuing operations by company location 1)

millions of CHF

Europe, the Middle East and Africa

Americas

Asia-Pacific

Total

1) Number of full-time equivalents as of December 31.

2021  

5’795  

4’207  

3’815  

2020  

5’709  

3’960  

3’528  

2019  

6’246  

4’429  

4’010  

2018  

5’943  

4’211  

3’555  

2017

5’899

3’748

3’369

13’816  

13’197  

14’685  

13’708  

13’016

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Balance sheet of Sulzer Ltd

205

Notes  

3  

4  

6  

6  

5  

5  

5  

5  

2021  

603.1  

–  

22.5  

215.8  

6.2  

847.6  

854.1  

8.7  

1’531.9  

7.9  

2’402.6  

3’250.2  

325.1  

46.7  

299.5  

12.2  

5.2  

688.7  

1’163.8  

33.2  

1’197.0  

1’885.7  

0.3  

155.5  

200.7  

891.5  

46.2  

121.3  

–51.0  

1’364.5  

3’250.2  

2020

454.7

80.0

–

289.6

2.0

826.3

667.8

8.4

2’254.6

4.6

2’935.4

3’761.7

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

3’761.7

Balance sheet of Sulzer Ltd

December 31

millions of CHF

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Fixed-term deposits

Marketable securities

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 liabilities with subsidiaries

Current liabilities with shareholders

Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities

Current provisions

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Non-current interest-bearing liabilities

Non-current provisions

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Equity

Registered share capital

Legal capital reserves

Reserves from capital contribution

Voluntary retained earnings

– Free reserves

– Retained earnings

– Net profit for the year

Treasury shares

Total equity

Total equity and liabilities

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Income statement of Sulzer Ltd

206

Income statement of Sulzer Ltd

January 1 – December 31

Notes  

9  

11  

10  

8  

11  

9  

2021  

183.8  

67.2  

43.6  

294.6  

90.0  

17.7  

53.3  

11.7  

0.6  

173.3  

121.3  

2020

189.0

35.6

43.2

267.8

61.7

65.6

2.7

5.4

1.4

136.8

131.0

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

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Statement of changes in equity of Sulzer Ltd

207

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 

Treasury 

income  

shares  

Total

Equity as of January 1, 2020

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

medmix spin-off according to demerger plan

–50.0  

–0.3  

–294.0  

Dividend

Allocation of net income

Net profit for the year

Change in treasury shares

–  

–135.4  

–4.4  

4.4  

121.3  

–344.3

–135.4

–

121.3

–12.7  

–12.7

Equity as of December 31, 2021

0.3  

155.5  

200.7  

891.5  

46.2  

121.3  

–51.0  

1’364.5

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

208

Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

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 and a cash flow statement in accordance with the law.

3

Cash and cash equivalents

In 2021, the existing syndicated credit facility of CHF 500 million was renewed for a duration of five 

years until December 31, 2026. The facility includes two one-year extension options and a further 

option to increase the credit line by CHF 250 million (subject to lenders’ approval). The facility is 

subject to financial covenants based on net financial indebtedness and EBITDA of the Sulzer group, 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

209

which were adhered to throughout the reporting period. As of December 31, 2021, and 2020, 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

 to the 

consolidated financial statements.

On September 20, 2021, Sulzer Ltd shareholders at their Extraordinary General Meeting approved the 

proposed 100% spin-off of its Applicator Systems (APS) division (later renamed medmix) through a 

1:1 share split, granting Sulzer shareholders one APS share in addition to each Sulzer share held. The 

spin-off was registered in the commercial registers of the cantons of Zurich and Zug on 

September 20, 2021, simultaneously with the incorporation of the new company, which was 

registered with a share capital 34’262’370 shares (registered shares with a nominal value of CHF 0.01 

each). The spin-off became legally effective upon registration in the competent commercial registers, 

whereas the benefits and risks related to the assets and liabilities were economically transferred with 

retroactive effect as of January 1, 2021.

5

Equity

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  

FIL Limited

1’114’854  

3.25  

-  

Number of 

shares  

in %  

Number of 

shares  

in %

48.82

-

Dec 31, 2021  

Dec 31, 2020

Legal capital reserves and free reserves

As part of the spin-off of medmix from Sulzer Ltd by way of a 1:1 spin-off in accordance with article 

29(b) and article 31(2)(a) Swiss Merger Act, Sulzer transferred total net assets amounting to 

CHF 344.3 million. The amount includes the net assets, as disclosed in the demerger balance sheet 

as of January 1, 2021, of CHF 423.6 million minus the unfulfilled part of an intercompany loan of 

CHF 80.2 million plus acquisition-related payments during 2021 of CHF 0.8 million. The intercompany 

loan represents the repayment and interest payment obligations under the loan agreement, which was 

transferred to medmix as part of the debt split as disclosed in the demerger plan dated May 27, 2021. 

The transferred net assets covered the amount of paid-in share capital of CHF 0.3 million, and the 

remainder was allocated to legal capital reserves (CHF 50.0 million) and free reserves (CHF 294.0 

million).

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

210

Treasury shares held by Sulzer Ltd

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Purchase

Share-based remuneration

Balance as of December 31

2021  

Total 
transaction 

amount  

38.3  

21.8  

–9.1  

51.0  

Number of 

shares  

426’467  

207’690  

–99’424  

534’733  

2020

Total 
transaction 
amount

25.6

23.1

–10.4

38.3

Number of 

shares  

240’924  

285’460  

–99’917  

426’467  

The total number of treasury shares held by Sulzer Ltd as of December 31, 2021, amounted to 

534’733 (December 31, 2020: 426’467 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

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

2021  

2020

Book value  

Nominal  

Book value  

Nominal

325.1  

125.0  

289.7  

–  

249.9  

299.5  

199.7  

325.0  

125.0  

290.0  

–  

250.0  

300.0  

200.0  

325.1  

125.0  

289.6  

209.9  

249.8  

299.3  

199.7  

1’488.9  

1’490.0  

1’698.4  

1’163.8  

1’165.0  

1’488.5  

325.1  

325.0  

209.9  

325.0

125.0

290.0

210.0

250.0

300.0

200.0

1’700.0

1’490.0

210.0

All the outstanding bonds are traded on SIX Swiss Exchange.

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

211

7

Contingent liabilities

millions of CHF

2021  

2020

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

918.5  

198.8  

483.0  

42.9  

1’643.2  

1’205.5

214.6

436.8

11.0

1’867.9

As of December 31, 2021, CHF 402.5 million (2020: CHF 295.5 million) in 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

2021  

3.4  

86.6  

90.0  

2020

2.7

59.0

61.7

Sulzer Ltd does not have any employees. The compensation of 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 2021, the investment income contained ordinary and extraordinary dividend payments from 

subsidiaries amounting to CHF 162.9 million (2020: CHF 159.0 million).

In 2021, Sulzer Ltd released hidden reserves in the amount of CHF 20.0 million (2020: CHF 30.0 

million). 

The investment and loan expenses contain allowances on investments amounting to 

CHF 51.3 million (2020: CHF 2.1 million) and share of loss from associates amounting to CHF 2.0 

million (2020: CHF 0.6 million).

10 Other income

The income from trademark license amounts to CHF 42.3 million (2020: CHF 41.4 million).

11

Financial income and expenses

The financial income contains interests on loans with subsidiaries amounting to CHF 34.1 million 

(2020: CHF 35.2 million) and foreign currency valuation effects on loans amounting to CHF 9.1 million 

(2020: loss of CHF 48.5 million). The valuation on marketable securities from the medmix spin-off 

results in a gain of CHF 21.9 million (2020: CHF 0.0 million). The financial expenses contain mainly 

interest expenses on interest-bearing liabilities of CHF 15.9 million (2020: CHF 12.9 million).

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

212

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 in 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.

  Sulzer shares  

Restricted 
share units 

(RSU) 1)  

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2019 2)  

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2020 3)  

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2021 4)

2021

Board of Directors

55’307  

34’874  

Peter Löscher

Suzanne Thoma

Matthias Bichsel

Mikhail Lifshitz

David Metzger

Alexey Moskov

Gerhard Roiss

Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg Sørensen

Executive Committee

Greg Poux-Guillaume

Daniel Bischofberger

Frederic Lalanne

Jill Lee

Armand Sohet

Torsten Wintergerste

22’238  

–  

9’976  

6’182  

–  

639  

14’413  

1’859  

77’941  

43’000  

9’720  

6’797  

5’084  

2’728  

10’612  

8’818  

2’232  

5’038  

4’410  

1’800  

3’756  

4’410  

4’410  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

1) Restricted share units assigned by Sulzer.
2) The average fair value of one performance share unit 2019 at grant date amounted to CHF 115.95.
3) The average fair value of one performance share unit 2020 at grant date amounted to CHF 78.18.
4) The average fair value of one performance share unit 2021 at grant date amounted to CHF 124.95.

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

81’932  

94’735  

35’746  

50’900  

9’932  

9’932  

9’932  

8’195  

8’195  

9’427  

9’427  

9’427  

7’777  

7’777  

49’936

21’789

6’053

6’053

6’053

4’994

4’994

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

213

2020

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

Frederic Lalanne

Jill Lee

Armand Sohet

Torsten Wintergerste

Girts Cimermans

  Sulzer shares  

Restricted 
share units 

(RSU) 1)  

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2018 2)  

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2019 3)  

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2020 4)

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.

Granted Sulzer shares to members of the Board of Directors

2021  

2020

Quantity  

Value in CHF  

Quantity  

Value in CHF

Allocated to members of the Board of Directors

16’632  

1’155’000  

17’715  

1’155’000

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 2021 – Financial reporting – Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

214

Proposal of the Board of Directors for the 
appropriation of the available profit

in CHF

Net profit for the year

2021  

2020

121’291’000  

131’000’000

Unallocated profit carried forward from previous year

46’229’034  

50’591’802

Total available profit

Ordinary dividend

Balance carried forward

Dividend distribution per share CHF 0.01

Gross dividend

Withholding tax (35%)

Net dividend

167’520’034  

181’591’802

–118’046’730  

–135’362’768

49’473’305  

46’229’034

3.50  

–1.23  

2.27  

4.00

–1.40

2.60

The Board of Directors proposes the payment of a dividend of CHF 3.50 per share to the Annual 

General Meeting on April 6, 2022. 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 2021 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Auditor’s report

215

Report on the Audit of the Financial Statements

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd, which comprise the “

Balance sheet of 

Sulzer Ltd

” as at December 31, 2021, 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, 2021 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 2021 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Auditor’s report

216

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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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Auditor’s report

217

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 17, 2022

Simon Niklaus

Licensed Audit Expert

KPMG AG, Badenerstrasse 172, 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 2021 – Investor contact

218

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 2021 – Imprint

219

Imprint

Published by:

Sulzer Ltd, Winterthur, Switzerland

© 2022

Layout/graphics:

Office for spatial identity, Zurich, Switzerland

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)

Stock images: Getty/Shutterstock 

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Sulzer Annual Report 2021 – Disclaimer

220

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, while a zero (0.0) indicates that the relevant figure has been 

rounded to zero.

Languages

Parts of the Sulzer Annual Report 2021 have been translated into German. Please note that the 

English-language version of the Sulzer Annual Report is the binding version.

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