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Sulzer AG

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FY2023 Annual Report · Sulzer AG
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Annual 
Report

2023

Contents

3 Letter to the shareholders

7 Sulzer at a glance

7 Our company
8 Our key figures

10 Business review

11 Financial review
16 Business review divisions

23 Corporate governance

50 Compensation report

81 Consolidated financial 

statements

187 Financial statements of 

Sulzer Ltd

24 Corporate structure and shareholders
25 Capital structure
26 Board of Directors
39 Executive Committee
43 Shareholder participation rights
44 Takeover and defence measures
45 Auditors
46 Risk management
48 Information policy

51 Letter to the shareholders
53 Compensation governance and principles
57 Compensation architecture for the CEO and 

Executive Committee members

68 Compensation of the Executive Committee for 2023
73 Compensation architecture for the Board of Directors
75 Compensation of the Board of Directors in 2023
78 Auditor’s report

82 Consolidated income statement
83 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
84 Consolidated balance sheet
85 Consolidated statement of changes in equity
87 Consolidated statement of cash flows
90 Notes to the consolidated financial statements

174 Auditor’s report
180 Supplementary information

188 Balance sheet of Sulzer Ltd
189 Income statement of Sulzer Ltd
190 Statement of changes in equity of Sulzer Ltd
191 Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd
197 Proposal of the Board of Directors for the appropriation 

of the available profit

198 Auditor’s report

Sulzer Annual Report 2023  – Letter to the shareholders

3

Sulzer Executive Committee (at its
Biopolymer pilot plant in Winterthur)

From left: Tim Schulten, Division President Services; Thomas Zickler, Chief Financial 

Officer; Suzanne Thoma, Executive Chair; Jan Lüder, Division President Flow 

Equipment; Haining Auperin, Chief Human Resources Officer; Uwe Boltersdorf, 

Division President Chemtech

As I reflect on the business landscape throughout 2023, I am reminded of the challenges that confront 

societies worldwide. However, I am heartened to see how well we have withstood these challenges. 

As we prepare to fully embrace the numerous opportunities ahead, I am pleased to present both our 

annual results for 2023 and our outlook for 2024.

Global trends and circularity

Like recent past years, there has been much disruption in 2023 – with events triggering or 

underscoring the energy security challenge, geopolitical unrest, inflation and climate change. At the 

same time, people increasingly agree that our global society can only meet its key challenges if we 

work together. Global business has a significant role to play in this regard by offering products, 

Sulzer Annual Report 2023  – Letter to the shareholders

4

services and technologies that make a difference. It is also a good role model, demonstrating how 

people working together find solutions together. Similarly, global business places emphasis on the 

common ground rather than focusing on differences that can be divisive.

Sulzer is well-positioned for global trends of ever-increasing importance: energy and water security, 

the energy transition, increased use of natural resources, more stringent regulation of materials and 

chemicals, as well as emerging circular technologies. As a Group, we enable and service critical 

infrastructure for our customers, and our technologies help enhance much-needed resilience to 

external challenges. In the USA, for example, we are currently expanding our water business to 

support the government’s 

planned water and wastewater infrastructure development

, ensuring clean 

and affordable water for social and industrial use, including agriculture and hydropower generation. 

Around the world, Sulzer innovation is contributing to circular economies by enabling the 

development of biofuels, purer chemicals and improved utilization and recycling. We are also 

providing valuable services and solutions to traditional end markets through energy efficiency and 

lifespan extension, and we continue to adapt our solutions to deliver ongoing value to our customers.

We are collaborating across our portfolio to push boundaries in 

carbon capture

 and 

renewables

 and 

are partnering to make processes more efficient and cost-effective. Working with Crosstown H2R, a 

Swiss technology company, we recently unveiled a revolutionary 

hydrogen combustion technology

 to 

upgrade gas turbines for hydrogen compatibility. This enables our customers to transition to zero-

carbon operations without the need to replace expensive engines and infrastructure.

In 2023, we also considerably strengthened our polylactic acid 

(PLA) value chain

 in support of the 

increased adoption of circular manufacturing practices and applications. We have commissioned a 

new research and development center in Singapore and most recently launched two new bioplastic 

technologies to help stakeholders leverage their competitive edge in sustainable manufacturing.

Our global markets have demonstrable longevity and, although they will evolve, they will remain 

essential – even as new ones emerge. To learn more about how Sulzer technologies are creating value 

for our stakeholders, we invite you to click 

here

 and read our Focus Stories in the Non-Financial 

Report.

Strong results across all divisions

Sulzer delivered strong order growth throughout 2023 across all our divisions and regions, with order 

intake up organically by 13.9% compared to the same period in 2022. 

Sales continued to increase in 2023, with a rise in operational profitability to a record 11.1% in over 

ten years, up by 110 basis points compared to 2022. Efficient working capital management 

and improvements in operational excellence supported the increase of free cash flow to CHF 301.3 

million, up from CHF 58.3 million in the previous year. 

Sulzer Annual Report 2023  – Letter to the shareholders

5

“

Our three divisions are connected through our value chain, 
technologies and key capabilities, and show attractive prospects 
for development. We have a clear strategy moving forward.”

Suzanne Thoma
Executive Chair

Good Governance

2023 introduced changes to our Board of Directors. The Board extended its members from six to 

seven and welcomed three new independent Board members at the Annual General Meeting of April 

19, 2023. Dr. Prisca Havranek Kosicek (CFO of Jenoptik), Mr. Per Utnegaard (former CEO of Bilfinger 

and Swissport) and Dr. Hariolf Kottmann (former CEO and Chairman of Clariant) replaced Peter 

Bichsel and Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg Sørensen, who did not stand for re-election after long and 

distinguished tenures at Sulzer. To support corporate governance, the Board created the new function 

of Lead Independent Director, to which it appointed Markus Kammüller, who is also the Head of the 

newly created Governance Committee.

Strategy 2028

Together with our new Board of Directors, we have completed our Sulzer 2028 corporate strategy 

review to ensure we continue to meet customer needs and expectations as we maximize our long-

term growth potential. Sulzer operates in essential, growing and evolving markets that are gaining 

significance thanks to increasing global needs. These markets are fueled by must-haves such as 

affordable short- and long-term energy security, efficient use of resources and the lifespan extension 

of our infrastructure. The need for clean water in sufficient supply drives the market for wastewater 

treatment, while the need for cleaner, purer and more sustainable chemicals and materials is 

becoming ever more pronounced.

Sulzer’s products, solutions and services are uniquely positioned to meet evolving global needs and 

pave the way for both prosperity and sustainability for a growing world population. Our innovation and 

engineering capabilities are critical to enabling new and evolved offerings of products and services in 

many demanding markets, focusing on efficiency improvements, higher purity requirements and the 

reduction of emissions and waste. Together with our customers we will lead the transformation to a 

less carbon-intensive economy and drive sustainable, profitable growth.

We will strengthen our integrated offerings in critical applications at Sulzer, such as the retrofitting of 

energy infrastructure installations, integrated wastewater treatment plants, small carbon capture units, 

biopolymer production technology and clean fuel solutions. We will invest in research and 

development (R&D) for particularly demanding energy/high-pressure applications, recycling 

technologies, bio-based technologies and carbon capture and storage (CCS) solutions. Our three 

divisions have the potential to increasingly connect through our value chain, technologies, key 

capabilities and customers seeking more integrated solutions. In this manner, we will create objective 

and durable value for our shareholders, employees and global communities alike.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023  – Letter to the shareholders

6

To maximize the value we add, our Sulzer 2028 strategy has two key pillars aimed at growing the 

company profitably, while making it more resilient, more efficient and more agile: focused profitable 

organic growth and operational excellence. Sulzer’s experienced leadership will empower our teams 

to drive performance improvements through a step-change in operational excellence, encompassing 

the entire value-creating process from innovation and sales to supply chain, delivery and service. This 

will enable us to optimize efficiency, strengthen our customer focus and grow more profitably.

Outlook for 2024

Despite a global environment characterized by uncertainty, Sulzer has delivered strong financial 

results across all its divisions and is well-positioned for growth in the coming year and beyond. For 

2024, Sulzer expects year-on-year organic order intake growth of 2 to 5%. The first half of the year is 

expected to see a slow development of order intake compared to the very strong first half of 2023, 

with performance picking up in the second half of the year – this expectation reflects the nature of the 

project business in Sulzer’s markets. Further, Sulzer expects organic sales growth of 6 to 9% and 

operational profitability to continue its upwards trajectory to around 12% of sales.

As a reflection of our confidence in Sulzer’s future performance, we are pleased to propose an 

ordinary dividend of CHF 3.75 per share for 2023 at the Annual General Meeting.

Once again, I would like to extend great appreciation and thanks to you, our shareholders, for all of 

your support, and to our employees, customers and partners, without whom none of our 

achievements would be possible.

Yours sincerely,

Suzanne Thoma

Executive Chair

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Sulzer at a glance – Our company

7

Serving essential markets

Sulzer serves essential markets, supporting prosperous economies and a 
sustainable society. Important global trends make our products, services and 
technologies more relevant than ever.

As the world population grows, there is a greater need for products and services, particularly in 

emerging industrial markets. In turn, this leads to greater demand for access to energy, more and 

cleaner water, and consumer goods like electronic devices. This increasing demand underscores the 

need to balance a prosperous future with a resilient and sustainable global society.

Sulzer is well-positioned to offer products, services and technologies to essential markets like energy, 

natural resources and process industries to increasingly enable both prosperity and sustainability. Our 

three divisions - Flow Equipment, Services and Chemtech - serve the same important growing 

markets that are ensuring the security and quality of critical goods and services, as well as the 

transition to a more sustainable future. Connected through large, global industry customers, our 

divisions enhance their products and technologies, enabling efficiency improvements and circular 

economies.

Sulzer is committed to becoming a top industrial company, creating ever more value for shareholders, 

customers, employees and society, as an integral contributor to global prosperity and sustainability.

Flow Equipment

Services

Chemtech

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Sulzer at a glance – Our key figures

8

Our key figures

Order intake by division

Order intake by region

2023

2023

41%

 Flow Equipment

35%

 Services

24%

 Chemtech

Key figures

millions of CHF

Order intake

Order intake gross margin

Order backlog as of December 31

Sales

EBIT 3)

Operational profit

Operational profitability

Operational ROCEA

Core net income

Net income

Basic earnings per share (in CHF)

Free cash flow (FCF)

Net debt as of December 31

36%

 Europe, the Middle East and Africa

38%

 Americas

26%

 Asia-Pacific

2023  

2022  

Change in 

+/–%  

+/–% 
adjusted 1)  

+/–% 
organic 2)

3’580.3  

3’425.4  

4.5  

12.6  

13.9

33.9%  

33.5%  

1’946.8  

1’844.7  

3’281.7  

3’179.9  

5.5  

3.2  

329.7  

111.4  

> 100  

11.0  

13.2

365.6  

317.6  

15.1  

24.4  

25.3

11.1%  

10.0%  

28.4%  

23.7%  

257.9  

213.1  

21.0  

230.5  

28.0  

> 100  

6.76  

0.85  

> 100  

301.3  

58.3  

> 100  

172.3  

234.6  

–26.6  

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

13’130  

12’868  

2.0  

1) Adjusted for currency effects.
2) Adjusted for acquisition, divestiture/deconsolidation and currency effects.
3) 2022 was impacted by write-offs related to Russia and Poland.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Sulzer at a glance – Our key figures

9

Stock market information

Registered share price (in CHF)

– high

– low

– year-end

Market capitalization as of December 31

– number of shares outstanding

– in millions of CHF

– in percentage of equity

P/E ratio as of December 31

Dividend yield as of December 31

Data per share

CHF

2023  

2022  

2021  

2020  

2019

91.70  

93.50  

143.10  

110.50  

113.40

71.10  

56.10  

82.45  

40.12  

75.15

85.90  

72.00  

89.85  

93.10  

108.00

  33’811’296   33’738’515   33’727’637   33’835’903   34’021’446

2’904  

2’429  

3’030  

3’150  

3’674

265%  

237%  

238%  

224%  

232%

12.7x  

85.2x  

2.1x  

37.8x  

4.4%  

4.9%  

3.9%  

4.3%  

2023  

2022  

2021  

2020  

23.9x

3.7%

2019

4.52

27%

Net income attributable to a shareholder of Sulzer Ltd

6.76  

0.85  

41.93  

2.46  

Change from prior year

700%  

–98%  

1’603%  

–46%  

Equity attributable to a shareholder of Sulzer Ltd

32.40  

30.40  

37.80  

41.50  

46.50

Ordinary dividend

Payout ratio

3.75 1)  

3.50  

3.50  

4.00  

55%  

414%  

8%  

163%  

4.00

88%

Average number of shares outstanding

  33’884’651   33’825’814   33’788’006   33’970’141   34’026’442

1) Proposal to the Annual General Meeting.

Shareholder structure as of December 31, 2023

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

4’314  

5’159  

604  

95  

12  

10’184  

0.7%

5.0%

4.7%

7.8%

54.7%

72.8%

 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business 
review

11 Financial review
16 Business review divisions
16 Flow Equipment
19 Services
21 Chemtech

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Business review – Financial review

11

Strong performance on all KPIs

Note: If not otherwise indicated, changes from the previous year are based on organic figures (adjusted for currency effects, acquisitions and divestitures/
deconsolidations).

All divisions demonstrated strong performance, with order intake growing by 
13.9% and sales achieving a year-on-year increase of 13.2%. Operational 
profitability reached 11.1%, showing a significant improvement of 110 basis 
points compared with 2022. Free cash flow amounted to CHF 301.3 million, up 
by CHF 243.0 million from CHF 58.3 million.

Orders and sales growing double-digit in all divisions

Group order intake increased by 13.9% compared with 2022 and reached CHF 3’580.3 million, which 

represents the highest amount of order intake over the last decade. Given the strong appreciation of 

the Swiss franc against most currencies Sulzer operates in, currency translation effects had a negative 

impact on order intake of CHF 276.1 million. The impact from divestitures and deconsolidations was 

1
CHF 46.9 million. The order intake gross margin  increased by 0.4 percentage points to 33.9%.

In the Flow Equipment division, order intake grew by 11.2%, with a significant contribution from large 

orders booked in the beginning of 2023 supporting energy transition and energy security. Positive 

end-market development in the Americas contributed to order intake growth of 19.8% in the Services 

division. Order intake in the Chemtech division increased by 10.5%, driven by large order bookings in 

the first half of the year and strong fundamentals in its products and components business. 

As of December 31, 2023, the order backlog amounted to CHF 1’946.8 million (December 31, 2022: 

CHF 1’844.7 million). Negative currency translation effects on backlog totaled CHF 162.1 million.

1) Order intake gross margin is defined as the expected gross profit of order intake divided by order intake.

Order intake 

millions of CHF

Order intake

Order intake gross margin

Order backlog as of December 31

2023  

3’580.3  

33.9%  

1’946.8  

2022

3’425.4

33.5%

1’844.7

Sales reached CHF 3’281.7 million in 2023, an increase of 13.2% compared with the previous year. 

Negative currency translation effects totaled CHF 247.8 million and the impact from divestitures and 

deconsolidations accounted for CHF 71.1 million.

In the Flow Equipment division, sales increased by 10.9%, with all business units, particularly 

Industry, benefitting from the high order backlog and the general stabilization of the supply chain. 

Sales in Services also grew, leading to an overall increase of 14.5%, with all regions contributing. In 

Chemtech, sales were up by 15.5% thanks to solid execution of the high order backlog.

 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Business review – Financial review

12

“

Our strong performance in 2023 demonstrates the value of our 
solutions and expertise to essential industries. Demand for our 
critical services and products is strong in both our traditional and 
evolving markets.”

Thomas Zickler
Chief Financial Officer

Healthy gross profit margins

Gross profit margin increased from 29.5% in 2022 to 33.0% in 2023, driven by operational excellence 

and a more profitable product mix, while 2022 was impacted by Russia-related write-offs. Along with 

increased sales volumes, margins improved and gross profit reached CHF 1’084.6 million (2022: 

CHF 939.6 million).

Operational profitability up 110 basis points to 11.1%

Higher sales volumes and better margins led to an operational profit increase of 25.3% and amounted 

to CHF 365.6 million (2022: CHF 317.6 million). This translates into record operational profitability for 

the last ten years of 11.1%, up by 110 basis points compared with the previous year (2022: 10.0%). 

All divisions successfully increased operational profitability.

Flow Equipment: 8.0% (2022: 6.6%) on higher sales, better margins and excellence in 

manufacturing

Services: 14.8% (2022: 14.2%) based on ongoing price management and cost discipline

Chemtech: 12.3% (2022: 10.8%) given strong sales growth and a favorable margin mix across 

the portfolio

Bridge from operational profit to EBIT

millions of CHF

Operational profit

Amortization

Impairments on tangible and intangible assets

Restructuring expenses

Non-operational items 1)

EBIT

2023  

365.6  

–36.6  

–0.2  

–3.0  

3.8  

329.7  

2022

317.6

–38.8

–44.5

–0.1

–122.8

111.4

1) Non-operational items include significant acquisition-related expenses, gains and losses from the sale of businesses or real estate and certain non-operational items that are non-

recurring or do not regularly occur in similar magnitude.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Business review – Financial review

13

Return on sales of 10.0%

By December 31, 2023, EBIT amounted to CHF 329.7 million, compared with CHF 111.4 million in 

2022, which included CHF 147.3 million write-offs relating to the exit from Russia and the closure in 

Poland. Return on sales (ROS) was 10.0%, compared with 3.5% by December 31, 2022. In 2023, the 

definitive deconsolidation of Russian business activities was booked and resulted in a minor gain, 

which was recorded as a non-operational item. Restructuring expenses of CHF 3.0 million were also 

incurred, mostly related to the reorganization of the Flow Equipment division.

Calculation of return on sales (ROS) and operational profitability

millions of CHF

EBIT

Sales

Return on sales (ROS)

Operational profit

Sales

Operational profitability

Financial results

2023  

329.7  

3’281.7  

10.0%  

365.6  

3’281.7  

11.1%  

2022

111.4

3’179.9

3.5%

317.6

3’179.9

10.0%

Total net financial expenses amounted to CHF 22.2 million compared with CHF 1.6 million in 2022.

Total net interest expense decreased by CHF 5.7 million as a result of higher interest income on cash 

and cash equivalents. Fair value changes on financial assets and liabilities had a positive impact of 

CHF 5.1 million (CHF 24.0 million in 2022) and currency exchange losses amounted to 

CHF 17.9 million (CHF 6.6 million in 2022). In the previous year, this figure was influenced by a 

positive impact of CHF 21.0 million arising from unhedged intercompany loans to Russian entities, 

prior to their classification as "held for sale." Other financial income amounted to CHF 2.5 million 

(CHF –1.5 million in 2022).

Effective tax rate of 24.2%

Income tax expenses decreased to CHF 73.8 million (2022: CHF 79.0 million) despite higher pre-tax 

income. This could be achieved thanks to an improved utilization of tax losses, obtained R&D tax 

credits and successfully concluded tax audits. The effective tax rate (ETR) decreased from 73.8% 

(excluding Russia and Poland: 30.7%) in 2022 to 24.2% in the financial year 2023. 

Higher net income and core net income

In 2023, net income amounted to CHF 230.5 million. This compares to CHF 28.0 million in the 

previous year when the Russia and Poland related exit costs of CHF 133.7 million affected Sulzer’s 

bottom line. Core net income, excluding the tax-adjusted effects of non-operational items, totaled 

CHF 257.9 million compared with CHF 213.1 million in 2022. Basic earnings per share increased from 

CHF 0.85 in 2022 to CHF 6.76 in 2023.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Business review – Financial review

Bridge from net income to core net income 

millions of CHF

Net income

Amortization

Impairments on tangible and intangible assets

Restructuring expenses

Non-operational items 1)

Tax impact on above items

Core net income

14

2022

28.0

38.8

44.5

0.1

122.8

–21.1

213.1

2023  

230.5  

36.6  

0.2  

3.0  

–3.8  

–8.5  

257.9  

1) Non-operational items include significant acquisition-related expenses, gains and losses from the sale of businesses or real estate and certain non-operational items that are non-

recurring or do not regularly occur in similar magnitude.

Better balance sheet efficiency

Note: If not otherwise indicated, balance sheet movements from the previous year are based on nominal figures.

Total assets as of December 31, 2023, amounted to CHF 4’369.5 million, which is a decrease of 

CHF 250.7 million 

from December 31, 2022. This is mainly attributable to the repayment 

of borrowings, more efficient use of working capital management and increased defined benefit 

assets.

Non-current assets increased by CHF 101.7 million to CHF 1’685.9 million. Negative foreign exchange 

impacts of CHF 38.9 million on goodwill, together with a decrease in other intangible assets of CHF 

37.5 million, were offset by an increase in defined benefit assets of CHF 169.2 million. Current assets 

decreased by CHF 352.4 million, including CHF 30.4 million attributable to the deconsolidation of the 

Russian operations that were previously classified as "held for sale." Cash and cash equivalents 

decreased by CHF 221.7 million and were significantly influenced by a bond repayment. Working 

capital related assets, such as inventories, supplier advances, trade account receivables and contract 

assets, decreased overall by CHF 85.5 million.

Total liabilities decreased by CHF 320.7 million to CHF 3’270.8 million as of December 31, 2023. This 

decrease was mainly supported by a bond repayment of CHF 290.0 million. Trade accounts payable 

also decreased by CHF 73.1 million, whereas an increase was recorded for contract liabilities (CHF 

68.7 million). Liabilities previously classified as "held for sale" (CHF 25.4 million) were derecognized as 

a result of the deconsolidation of the Russian business.

Equity increased by CHF 70.0 million to CHF 1’098.6 million. Increases from net income (CHF 230.5 

million) and the remeasurement of defined benefit plans (CHF 128.8 million) were partly offset by 

negative currency translation effects (CHF 146.0 million), dividend distribution (CHF 119.2 million) and 

the acquisition of non-controlling interests (CHF 22.8 million).

Net debt decreased from CHF 234.6 million in 2022 to CHF 172.3 million in 2023, largely due to 

strong operational cash flow. The net debt to EBITDA ratio improved from 0.87 in 2022 to 0.39 due to 

the increase in EBITDA and the reduction in net debt.

Record free cash flow

At CHF 301.3 million (2022: CHF 58.3 million), free cash flow significantly improved and was in excess 

of CHF 300 million for the first time in over a decade.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Business review – Financial review

15

Thanks to higher net income, efficient working capital management and lower tax payments, cash 

flow from operating activities increased by CHF 243.0 million to CHF 362.2 million (2022: 

CHF 119.2 million).

Bridge from cash flow from operating activities to free cash flow

millions of CHF

Cash flow from operating activities

Purchase of intangible assets

Proceeds from the sale of intangible assets

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment

Free cash flow (FCF)

2023  

362.2  

–6.1  

0.0  

–59.5  

4.6  

301.3  

2022

119.2

–8.7

0.0

–61.2

9.0

58.3

Cash outflow from investing activities amounted to CHF 104.8 million, compared to CHF 87.8 million 

in 2022. At CHF 61.0 million, the net cash outflow for purchases and proceeds from the sale of 

property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets was similar to the previous year (2022: 

CHF 60.9 million). In addition, acquisitions and divestiture/deconsolidation related outflows amounted 

to CHF 45.7 million.

Cash outflow from financing activities totaled CHF 448.6 million, compared with CHF 285.4 million in 

2022. This mainly consisted of the bond repayment of CHF 290.0 million and dividend payments of 

CHF 81.2 million.

Overall, the net change in cash and cash equivalents since January 1, 2023, amounted to CHF -250.3 

million, including exchange losses of CHF 59.0 million.

Outlook for 2024

Despite a global environment characterized by uncertainty, Sulzer has delivered strong financial 

results across all its divisions and is well-positioned for growth in the coming year and beyond. For 

2024, Sulzer expects year-on-year organic order intake growth of 2 to 5%. The first half of the year is 

expected to see a slow development of order intake compared to the very strong first half of 2023, 

with performance picking up in the second half of the year – this expectation reflects the nature of the 

project business in Sulzer’s markets. Further, Sulzer expects organic sales growth of 6 to 9% and 

operational profitability to continue its upwards trajectory to around 12% of sales.

Abbreviations

EBIT: Earnings before interest and taxes
ROS: Return on sales
EBITDA: Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and impairment
FCF: Free cash flow
For the definition of the alternative performance measures, please refer to the “

Supplementary information

” 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Business review – Flow Equipment

16

Continued strong order growth and profitability

Note: If not otherwise indicated, changes from the previous year are based on organic figures (adjusted for currency effects, acquisitions and divestitures/
deconsolidations).

The Flow Equipment division returned a strong performance in 2023. Order 
intake increased by 11.2%, driven by stronger markets and extraordinarily large 
orders booked in the first half of 2023. Profitability rose by 140 basis points year 
on year. Robust sales growth of 10.9% can be attributed to a strong backlog 
combined with improvements in execution and supply chain stabilization. The 
division continues to focus on operational efficiency across its business units to 
meet the growing demand for infrastructure and services in support of the 
energy transition.

Investments in growth, productivity and sustainability

The Flow Equipment division continues to see strong activity in the energy markets, driven by future-

proven solutions that reliably support customers in the green energy transition. Water and Industry 

remain strategic markets, with sales continuing to grow profitably. 

The division has maintained a strategic commitment to advancing research and development efforts, 

with a primary focus on pioneering new transition technologies such as for 

biofuels

 and 

energy 

storage

. In 2023, Sulzer pumps were selected to enable a 100% renewable and carbon-free biofuel 

facility in the ambitious smart city of NEOM, Saudi Arabia, with a capacity projected at some 220’000 

tonnes of carbon-free, 

green hydrogen

 per year. 

The Flow Equipment division is also 

expanding its American water business

, investing in its product 

manufacturing and testing facilities to support planned water and wastewater infrastructure 

development across the country in compliance with the U.S. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. 

Water and sanitation remain pivotal to the division on a global scale. In Bahrain, for example, Sulzer’s 

advanced filtration systems have upgraded a key wastewater treatment plant, enabling it to process 

250,000 m /day of wastewater for local agricultural irrigation. In 2023, the division also expanded its 

3

flow equipment manufacturing plant in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to meet the growing demand for 

infrastructure development in the region.

New organizational structure 

To better serve customers and improve operational excellence, the Flow Equipment division was 

strategically reorganized, effective January 1, 2024. With an emphasis on growth, the new and more 

customer-centric structure consolidates the Water and Industry business units into a single unified 

entity, now called the Water & Industrial business unit. Desalination was integrated with the existing 

Energy business, leading to the establishment of the Energy & Infrastructure business unit. The 

reorganization will support the division in achieving the profitable growth objectives outlined in Sulzer 

2028.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Business review – Flow Equipment

17

Key figures Flow Equipment

millions of CHF

Order intake

Order intake gross margin

Order backlog as of December 31

Sales

EBIT 3)

Operational profit

Operational profitability

2023  

2022   Change in +/–%  

+/–% adjusted 1)  

+/–% organic 2)

1’466.5  

1’419.2  

3.3  

10.6  

11.2

30.2%  

878.3  

30.2%  

850.1  

1’354.4  

1’323.0  

74.1  

108.2  

8.0%  

32.6  

87.4  

6.6%  

3.3  

2.4  

> 100  

23.8  

9.4  

27.5  

10.9

27.8

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

5’465  

5’263  

3.8  

1) Adjusted for currency effects.
2) Adjusted for acquisition, divestiture/deconsolidation and currency effects.
3) 2022 was impacted by write-offs related to Russia and Poland.

Strong order intake 

The Flow Equipment division continued its strong growth trajectory with orders increasing by a 

significant 11.2% in 2023. This was driven by large one-time orders in the first half coupled with 

strong expansion in energy transition and security solutions.

Order intake by market segment

Order intake by region

2023

2023

40%

 Energy

34%

 Water

26%

 Industry

42%

 Europe, the Middle East and Africa

36%

 Americas

22%

 Asia-Pacific

Sustained growth in profitability

The Flow Equipment division experienced strong overall growth in sales (10.9%), with all business 

units contributing. This was primarily driven by enhanced execution, supply chain stabilization and 

productivity investments. Operational profitability increased by 140 basis points from 6.6% to 8.0%, 

mainly driven by an increased focus on price realization against inflation, disciplined control of 

operational expenditures and improved commercial and operational excellence.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Business review – Flow Equipment

18

Safety performance in 2023

The Flow Equipment division achieved the best safety performance result in 2023 that it has achieved 

in over 15 years. The division continued to affect a positive downwards trend in its accident frequency 

rate (AFR), reporting 0.95 cases per million working hours compared to the previous year (2022: 1.1). 

The accident severity rate (ASR) decreased significantly to 16.9 lost days per million working hours, 

down from 33.3 in the previous year.

The division participated in a Group-wide “Stop Work" campaign in 2023 that gave stop-work 

authority to any employee observing a tangible risk of injury. Holding safety paramount, the Flow 

Equipment business units delivered an excellent, sustained safety performance to achieve these good 

results.

Abbreviations

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

Supplementary information

”

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Business review – Services

19

Record growth, rising profitability

Note: If not otherwise indicated, changes from the previous year are based on organic figures (adjusted for currency effects, acquisitions and divestitures/
deconsolidations).

In 2023, the Services division achieved its strongest growth in recent history and 
continues to strengthen its portfolio as the most complete player in the market. 
Driven by ongoing demand for energy and our customers’ efforts to optimize 
their operations, order intake rose by 19.8% compared to 1.6% in 2022. Sales 
also grew by 14.5% in 2023, supporting an overall increase in profitability 
to 14.8%.

Improving sales and operational effectiveness

The Services division continues to strengthen its offering by applying new technologies and investing 

in its service infrastructure. In 2023, a new Service Center was opened in 

Germany

 to better serve 

customers in the Dresden area and wider region. Substantial upgrades were also made in Houston 

and Batton Rouge, both in the USA. These investments support faster, more sustainable and 

differentiated service offerings for our customers.

Robust market momentum in 2023, combined with strong execution by the service teams, helped the 

division reach more customers and achieve exceptional revenue growth. In 

Nigeria

, for example, the 

division delivered a turnkey solution on a compressor, after which a long-time pump customer 

expanded its service support to include turbines and motors. Also in Africa, the division is working 

with water utility companies to deliver planned refurbishments to some dozen pump sets that power 

critical water infrastructure.

While reducing downtime and costs for customers, the division’s retrofit solutions are also providing 

benefits in improved sustainability. For a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel 

being relocated to the North Sea, the division recently delivered an innovative retrofit that reduces the 

power utilization of the water injection pumps. In 

China

, a modular retrofit solution helped a gas 

turbine powerplant reduce its nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, delivering efficiency gains, longevity 

and emissions compliance. In 

Indonesia

, the division’s critical turbine repair at a hydropower plant is 

enabling cleaner energy production and significant cost savings.

Key figures Services

millions of CHF

Order intake

Order intake gross margin

Order backlog as of December 31

Sales

EBIT 3)

Operational profit

Operational profitability

2023  

2022   Change in +/–%  

+/–% adjusted 1)  

+/–% organic 2)

1’271.3  

1’171.3  

8.5  

18.5  

19.8

38.7%  

547.3  

38.9%  

492.9  

1’154.8  

1’117.0  

179.6  

171.3  

14.8%  

54.0  

159.0  

14.2%  

11.0  

3.4  

> 100  

7.8  

12.6  

19.4  

14.5

20.8

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

4’630  

4’559  

1.5  

1) Adjusted for currency effects.
2) Adjusted for acquisition, divestiture/deconsolidation and currency effects.
3) 2022 was impacted by write-offs related to Russia and Poland.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Business review – Services

20

Strong order intake 

All product lines across all regions demonstrated robust growth in 2023. The Americas outperformed 

the others with a growth rate of 27.9%, leading to overall growth for the division of 19.8%. The Asia 

Pacific region grew by 8.7%. Europe, the Middle East and Africa also strengthened its position with a 

growth of 14.3%, strongly supported by traditional markets.

Order intake by market segment

Order intake by region

2023

2023

55%

 Pumps Services

45%

 Other Equipment

49%

 Americas

38%

 Europe, the Middle East and Africa

13%

 Asia-Pacific

Operating margins improving at high levels

Sales grew to CHF 1’154.8 million in 2023 (+14.5%), with all regions contributing to the improved 

margins. Strict cost control and strategic price management further supported the results.

Safety performance in 2023

In 2023, the Services division’s accident frequency rate (AFR) remained at a very low level of 0.9 

cases per million working hours (2022: 1.0). Its accident severity rate (ASR) further decreased to 

19 lost days per million working hours, down from 23.7 the previous year.

A major “Stop Work” safety initiative was launched by Services in 2023, which was rolled out Group-

wide. Developed to reinforce risk awareness of employees, the initiative granted individual employees 

the authority to stop a work activity if they observed a tangible risk of injury. The highly successful 

initiative is credited for safety improvements across the company.

Abbreviations

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

Supplementary information

.”

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Business review – Chemtech

21

Record year with double-digit growth

Note: If not otherwise indicated, changes from the previous year are based on organic figures (adjusted for currency effects, acquisitions and divestitures/
deconsolidations).

The Chemtech division continued its strong growth trajectory in 2023, achieving 
double-digit growth in both order intake and sales. Order intake increased by 
10.5%, driven by select large projects and strong fundamentals in its products 
and components business. Sales grew by 15.5%, with strong profitability across 
all regions. The division continues to pursue its growth strategy in Renewables, 
supporting circular manufacturing practices, the use of sustainable materials 
and efficiency improvements for its customer base.

Expanding biobased technologies and circularity

The Chemtech division continues to invest more than 4% of its revenues in technology and 

innovation. In 2023, it confirmed its leadership in biopolymers by launching its new 

CAPSUL TM

process technology for the manufacturing of polycaprolactone (PCL), a biodegradable polyester, as 

well as a new licensed technology for the production of polylactic acid (PLA), 

SULAC TM

. These two 

new biopolymer technologies will play a significant role in the reduction of plastic waste. Coupled with 

the recent soft launch of its clean technology R&D center in 

Singapore

, the division is poised to 

support rising demand for a more eco-conscious, circular economy of plastic, separation applications 

and the decarbonization of industries as a whole.

The Chemtech division's wide variety of equipment and process technologies, together with its 

extensive system integration know-how, is enabling manufacturers worldwide to maximize cost and 

energy efficiency, secure product quality and reduce emissions. In 2023, the Chemtech division's 

separation technology enabled the production of high-quality 

biomethanol

 in Finland to help industry 

reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. In Austria, the division's mass transfer technologies and 

equipment will enable 

50,000 tons of CO 2

 to be captured each year for use in the food and beverage 

industry, while its separation technology in Belgium is enabling the purification of hard-to-

recycle 

post-consumer plastic for use as chemical feedstock

.

Key figures Chemtech

millions of CHF

Order intake

Order intake gross margin

Order backlog as of December 31

Sales

EBIT 3)

Operational profit

Operational profitability

2023  

842.5  

33.2%  

521.2  

772.5  

84.9  

95.0  

2022   Change in +/–%  

+/–% adjusted 1)  

+/–% organic 2)

834.9  

31.7%  

501.7  

739.9  

38.3  

80.0  

0.9  

3.9  

4.4  

> 100  

18.7  

7.5  

10.5

11.3  

28.2  

15.5

28.5

12.3%  

10.8%  

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

2’849  

2’852  

–0.1  

1) Adjusted for currency effects.
2) Adjusted for acquisition, divestiture/deconsolidation and currency effects.
3) 2022 was impacted by write-offs related to Russia.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Business review – Chemtech

22

Strong order intake

Orders in the Chemtech division continued a strong growth path, rising 10.5% in 2023. The increase 

was driven by large orders in the first half of the year, particularly in bioplastics, biofuels and process 

technologies. 

Order intake by market segment

Order intake by region

2023

2023

47%

 Chemicals

21%

 Gas and Refining

16%

 Renewables

13%

 Services

3%

 Water

54%

 Asia-Pacific

24%

 Americas

22%

 Europe, the Middle East and Africa

Rising sales and profitability

Sales also grew by a significant 15.5%, with all of Chemtech’s business units contributing to this 

substantial growth. The increase was driven by a high backlog, a particularly large order at the 

beginning of 2023 and strong commercial momentum. Profitability rose by 150 basis points to 12.3%, 

driven by strong sales growth, a favorable margin mix across the portfolio and ongoing cost 

discipline. 

Safety performance in 2023 

Chemtech’s accident frequency rate (AFR) decreased from an already low 0.8 cases per million 

working hours in 2022 to just 0.34 in 2023. Driven by a robust safety process, the accident severity 

rate (ASR) also decreased to 3.2 lost days per million working hours, down from a high of 44.0 the 

previous year.

The Chemtech division participated in a Group-wide “Stop Work" campaign in 2023 that gave stop-

work authority to any employee observing a tangible risk of injury.

Abbreviations

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

Supplementary information

.”

Corporate 
governance

24 Corporate structure and shareholders
25 Capital structure
26 Board of Directors
39 Executive Committee
43 Shareholder participation rights
44 Takeover and defense measures
45 Auditors
46 Risk management
48 Information policy

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Corporate governance – Corporate structure and shareholders

24

Corporate structure and shareholders

Sulzer is subject to Swiss corporate and stock exchange laws and applies the 
Swiss Code of Best Practice for Corporate Governance.

Sulzer Ltd (the company) 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 information in the following section is set out in the order defined by the SIX Swiss 

Exchange Directive on Information relating to Corporate Governance (DCG), 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 of the Sulzer Annual Report 2023. Sulzer reports the compensation of the Board of 

Directors and the Executive Committee in the 

compensation report

. Unless otherwise indicated, the 

following information refers to the situation on December 31, 2023. Further information on corporate 

governance is published at 

www.sulzer.com/governance

.

Corporate structure

The company’s business is managed on a divisional basis, and the organizational Group structure 

corresponds to these reporting segments, which consist of the Flow Equipment division, the Services 

division and the Chemtech division. The operational corporate structure is shown under 

note 3

 to the 

consolidated financial statements in the financial reporting section. Sulzer Ltd is the only Sulzer 

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

traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange in Zurich (Securities No. 3838891/ISIN CH0038388911). On 

December 31, 2023, the market capitalization of all outstanding registered shares of Sulzer Ltd was 

CHF 2’943’137’583. 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, 2023. As published on the SIX disclosure platform on May 29, 2018, 

Tiwel Holding AG held 48.82% of Sulzer’s shares. The beneficial owner of these shares is Viktor 

Vekselberg. Furthermore, The Capital Group Companies, Inc., announced a stake of 3.02% as 

published on the SIX disclosure platform on August 12, 2022. The shares are directly held by the 

Capital Research and Management company. 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

. 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 transactions with related parties, see 

note 32

 to the consolidated financial statements.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Corporate governance – Capital structure

25

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 (CO) 

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 and all shares have equal dividend rights. 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 subsidiaries 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 capital band, nor are there any participation or dividend 

certificates. 

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; that there is no agreement on the redemption of the relevant shares; and that they bear the 

economic risk associated with the shares. 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

). On December 31, 2023, nine 

nominees holding a total of 545’761 shares (1.59% of total shares) had entered into agreements 

concerning their status. No exceptions were granted. All of these 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 11

 to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

26

Board of Directors

Members of the Board of Directors are elected individually for a term until the 
end of the next AGM. At the AGM of April 19, 2023, Matthias Bichsel and Hanne 
Birgitte Breinbjerg Sørensen did not stand for re-election. All other members 
were re-elected. Suzanne Thoma was elected as Chair of the Board of Directors. 
In addition, Prisca Havranek-Kosicek, Hariolf Kottmann and Per Utnegaard were 
elected as new members of the Board of Directors. The Board consists of seven 
members. Except for Suzanne Thoma, who was also appointed the company’s 
CEO as of November 1, 2022, and became the Executive Chair, none of the 
members of the Board of Directors has ever held an executive position at Sulzer.

Apart from Executive Chair Suzanne Thoma, all members of the Board of Directors are non-executive. 

None of the non-executive 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 any 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 of office for members of the Board of 

Directors lasts until the next AGM. At the AGM of April 19, 2023, four Board members were re-elected 

to the Board of Directors. Matthias Bichsel and Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg Sørensen did not stand for 

re-election. Prisca Havranek-Kosicek, Hariolf Kottmann and Per Utnegaard were elected as additional 

members of the Board of Directors. The Board consists of seven members: one from Cyprus/Israel, 

one from Norway, one from Austria, one from Germany, one from France/Switzerland 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. Details of 

the former members of the Board of Directors can be found in the Corporate Governance chapter of 

the company’s 

Annual Report 2022

.

According to the Board of Directors and Organization Regulations, no Board member may serve for 

more than twelve consecutive terms of office. In exceptional circumstances, the Board can extend 

this limit.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

27

Internal organization

The Board of Directors constitutes itself, except for the Chair of the Board of Directors who is elected 

by the Shareholders’ Meeting. The Board of Directors appoints from among its members the Vice-

Chair of the Board of Directors, the Lead Independent Director and the members and the chairs of the 

board committees, except for the members of the Remuneration Committee, who are elected by the 

Shareholders’ Meeting. There are currently five standing board committees (for their constitution, see 

below):

The Audit Committee (AC)

The Governance Committee (GC)

The Nomination Committee (NC)

The Remuneration Committee (RC)

The Strategy and Sustainability Committee (SSC)

The 

Board of Directors and Organization Regulations

 and the relevant Committee Regulations, which 

are published under 

corporate governance

 (see "Regulations"), define the division of responsibilities 

between the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. They also define the authorities and 

responsibilities of the Chair of the Board of Directors and of the five standing board committees.

Executive Chair and Lead Independent Director

The Board of Directors appointed its Chair, Suzanne Thoma, as Executive Chair of Sulzer as of 

November 1, 2022. In this role, she assumed operational management of the company and also took 

over the responsibilities of the CEO.

Following the 2023 AGM, Markus Kammüller was appointed as Lead Independent Director. The Lead 

Independent Director ensures, on behalf of the Board of Directors, that the rules of good corporate 

governance are adhered to in the decision-making of the Board. In this context, the Lead Independent 

Director may call for and chair meetings of the non-executive Board members whenever required. He 

also acts as a point of contact for members of the Board to discuss matters regarding the company’s 

corporate governance that they would like to raise in the absence of the Executive Chair.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

28

CVs of members of the Board of Directors

Dr. Suzanne Thoma
Executive Chair

Chair of the Strategy and Sustainability Committee

Member of the Nomination Committee

Educational background

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

Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Bachelor of Business Administration, Graduate School of Business 

Administration (GSBA), Zurich, Switzerland

Other activities and vested interests

Non-executive member of the Board of Directors, Beckers Group, Germany

Non-executive member of the Board of Directors, BayWa r.e., Germany

Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees, Avenir Suisse Foundation, Switzerland

Member of the Executive Board, Swissmem Association, Switzerland

Professional background
Suzanne Thoma (Swiss) was elected as a member of Sulzer’s Board of Directors in 2021 and as Chair in 2022. In 

addition, she was appointed Executive Chair of Sulzer as of November 1, 2022. Before joining Sulzer, Suzanne 

Thoma served as CEO at the International Energy, Engineering and Service company BKW AG in Bern, 

Switzerland, from 2013 to 2022. Prior to her appointment as CEO of BKW, she was a member of the Group 

Executive Committee, responsible for the Networks division. Before that, she was Head of the Automotive division 

for the WICOR Group in Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland, and CEO of Rolic Technologies Ltd., Allschwil, Switzerland. 

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

29

Earlier in her career, Suzanne Thoma held various management roles in a number of countries at Ciba Specialty 

Chemicals Ltd. (now BASF).

Markus Kammüller
Vice-Chair of the Board

1

Lead Independent Director

2

Chair of the Governance Committee

3

Member of the Remuneration Committee

4

Member of the Audit Committee

Educational background

Degree in Business Administration, University of Applied Sciences, Lucerne, 

Switzerland

Professional background
Markus Kammüller (Swiss) was elected as a member of Sulzer’s Board of Directors in 2022 and was appointed 

Lead Independent Director in 2023. Mr. Kammüller has more than 40 years of experience in various industries and 

professional services through which he developed a reputation as a strong leader for organizational and 

technological change across different cultures. He is the Founder and Owner of ExecDelta GmbH, a company 

specializing in transformation and change-management consulting. Prior to establishing his own business in 2019, 

he held the position of Global Head of Transformation at BDO International, Brussels (2016 to 2019). Before that, 

he was a Partner at PwC in the role of EMEA Chief Operating Officer and Global Change Management Leader 

(2006 to 2016). He also held various managerial positions at IBM Switzerland (2002 to 2006) and PwC Consulting 

(1996 to 2002), where he was a Partner and acted as Senior Advisor for large listed international corporations. 

From 1985 to 1996 he held various roles in finance, treasury and risk management at Dow Chemical. From 1978 to 

1982 he worked in the credit department of Swiss Volksbank.

1), 2), 3), 4) Since April 19, 2023

David Metzger
Member of the Board

Member of the Audit Committee

Member of the Strategy and Sustainability Committee 

Educational background

MBA, INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France

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

Other listed company mandates

Non-executive member of the Board of Directors, Swiss Steel Holding AG, 

Switzerland

Non-executive member of the Board of Directors, medmix AG, Switzerland

Professional background
David Metzger (Swiss/French) was elected as a member of Sulzer’s Board of Directors in 2021. He is an 

experienced investment professional serving a range of international companies in the areas of investment, M&A 

and portfolio strategy. David Metzger is currently with Liwet Holding AG. Previously, he was Investment Director at 

the renewable energy fund Good Energies AG (now Bregal Energy, part of COFRA Holding, 2007 to 2011), Senior 

Manager at Bain & Company (2000 to 2007) and has also worked at Novartis and Morgan Stanley. David Metzger 

was also a member of the Board of Directors of publicly listed OC Oerlikon from 2016 to 2021, from Italian tech 

company Octo Telematics SpA from 2014 to (early) 2023, and from Norwegian Solar Energy Company Norsun 

from 2008 to 2009.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

30

Alexey Moskov
Member of the Board

Member of the Remuneration Committee

Educational background

Master's degree in Software Engineering/Developing, Moscow State University 

of Railway Engineering, Russia

Other listed company mandates

Non-executive member of the Board of Directors, OC Oerlikon Corporation AG, 

Switzerland

Professional background
Alexey Moskov (Cypriot/Israeli) was elected as member of Sulzer’s Board of Directors in 2020. Since 2022, he is 

the President of the Board of Directors of Liwet Holding AG. Since 2018, Alexey Moskov has been the Executive 

Chairman of Witel Ltd, Switzerland. Since 2016 he has been a member of the Board of Directors of OC Oerlikon. 

From 2019 to 2020, Alexey Moskov was a member of the Board of Directors of SCHMOLZ+BICKENBACH AG 

(now Swiss Steel Holding AG). From 2004 to 2018, he was Chief Operating Officer of Witel 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).

Dr. Prisca Havranek-Kosicek 1
Member of the Board

Chair of the Audit Committee

Member of the Nomination Committee

Member of the Governance Committee

Educational background

Ph.D. in Business Administration, Vienna University of Economics and 

Business, Austria

Master of Business Administration, Vienna University of Economics and 

Business, Austria

Other listed company mandates
CFO, Jenoptik AG, Germany

Professional background
Prisca Havranek-Kosicek (Austrian) was elected as a member of Sulzer’s Board of Directors in 2023. She has more 

than 20 years of experience in the finance sector, focusing on finance management in large international 

companies. She is the CFO of Jenoptik AG since April 2023. Until June 2023, she was a member of the 

Supervisory Board and member of the Audit Committee for Allianz-Elementar Versicherungs-AG, Austria. In 2021 

she co-founded Arcadia eFuels, a start-up supporting decarbonization of the aviation industry. In 2019, she joined 

the industrial goods manufacturer Nilfisk A/S, which she left in 2021 after completing the restructuring. From 2018 

to 2019, Prisca Havranek-Kosicek was CFO of Novozymes A/S in Denmark, a listed biotech company. There she 

was instrumental in repositioning the company's portfolio towards stronger, performance-driven growth. Between 

2016 and 2018, Prisca Havranek-Kosicek served as CFO at Kuoni Group in Switzerland. From 2011 to 2016, she 

worked at the life science company Royal DSM as CFO for the pharma contract manufacturing division in the U.S., 

as well as the Group Treasurer. She held various positions in leading strategy consulting and M&A assignments, 

Investor Relations and Finance Planning before that.

1) Since April 19, 2023

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

31

Dr. Hariolf Kottmann 1
Member of the Board

Chair of the Remuneration Committee

Member of the Strategy and Sustainability Committee

Member of the Governance Committee

Educational background

Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of Stuttgart, Germany

Other activities and vested interests

Member of the Supervisory Board, Plansee Holding, Austria

Professional background
Hariolf Kottmann (German) was elected as a member of Sulzer’s Board of Directors in 2023, bringing broad 

leadership experience in the roles of CEO and Chairman. As CEO of Clariant International Ltd. (Clariant) from 2008 

through 2018, he led the company through highly demanding restructuring phases. Following that, he served as 

Executive President and later as Chairman of the Board of Directors at Clariant from 2019 until 2021. Before joining 

Clariant, Hariolf Kottmann was a member of the Executive Committee at SGL Carbon AG (Wiesbaden, Germany) 

from 2001 to 2008. At SGL Carbon, he held responsibilities for Asia, Eastern Europe, Technology & Innovation, the 

Graphite Specialties as well as the Carbon Fibers and Composites Businesses. From 1997 to 2001, he ran various 

businesses as a member of the Executive Committee at Celanese Chemicals Ltd at Summit (NJ), Dallas (TX), USA 

and Singapore. After completing his Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Stuttgart, Hariolf Kottmann began his 

career at Hoechst AG, (Frankfurt, Germany) in 1985, where he held several positions of increasing seniority in R&D, 

technology and production, marketing, finance and corporate functions.

1) Since April 19, 2023

Per Utnegaard 1
Member of the Board

Chair of the Nomination Committee

Member of the Strategy and Sustainability Committee

Educational background

Bachelor of Science, Business Administration and Marketing, Northern 

Michigan University, Marquette, USA

Other listed company mandates

Non-executive member of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and 

Risk Management Committee, Saudi Ground Services, Saudi Arabia

Other activities and vested interests

Non-executive Director, Alvest Holding, France

Professional background
Per Utnegaard (Norwegian) was elected as a member of Sulzer’s Board of Directors in 2023. He has over 30 years 

of experience in strategic management consulting and 20 years of experience as a board member of publicly listed 

companies. Per Utnegaard has held several international leadership positions in logistics and transportation. Since 

2016 he has been focusing on board of director roles in companies such as Alvest (Paris) and Saudi Ground 

Services (Jeddah). From 2015 to 2016 he served as CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board for Bilfinger SE. He 

ran Swissport International as CEO and President from 2007 to 2015, where he gained in-depth services 

experience on a global scale. Before that (2002 to 2005), Per Utnegaard was in charge of the Wholesale division of 

the pharma and beauty group Alliance Boots Plc. Additionally, he is an acting senior advisor for several stock-

listed private equity companies.

1) Since April 19, 2023

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

32

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, the Remuneration Committee, the Nomination 

Committee, and the Strategy and Sustainability Committee meet at least twice per year and the 

Governance Committee meets at least once a year. In 2023, the Board held seven meetings, one 

additional meeting for the constitution of the Board after the AGM and one video/conference call 

lasting an average of three and a half hours. For further details, see the table below. The CFO and the 

Group General Counsel or 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). In exceptional cases, external 

consultants (e.g., legal advisors, management consultants or executive compensation experts) are 

also invited for the presentation or discussion of specific agenda items in meetings of the Board of 

Directors or any of its committees.

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 chairs of the committees report to the full Board 

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

Board of Directors

Name

  Nationality

  Position

  Entry

  Elected until

  Board   AC

  NC

  SSC

  RC

  GC

    Attending meetings of the

  April 2021

  2024

  9

  -

  3

  5

 1 1)

  -

Suzanne Thoma

  Switzerland

Markus Kammüller

  Switzerland

Chair of the Board, 
Chair SSC, member 
NC

Vice-Chair of the 
Board, Lead 
Independent 
Director, Chair GC, 
member RC, 
member AC

  April 2022

  2024

  -

  3

  1

David Metzger

Switzerland / 
France

Member AC, 
member SSC

  April 2021

  2024

Alexey Moskov

  Cyprus / Israel

  Member RC

  April 2020

  2024

Prisca Havranek-
Kosicek

  Austria

Per Utnegaard

  Norway

Hariolf Kottmann

  Germany

Chair AC, member 
NC, member GC

Chair NC, member 
SSC

Chair RC, member 
SSC, member GC

  April 2023

  2024

  April 2023

  2024

  April 2023

  2024

  9

  9

  8

  8

  8

  8

  5

  5

  -

  4

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  5

  -

  2

  -

  2

  4

  -

  4

  -

  -

  -

  -

  1

  -

  -

  4

  3

  1

AC = Audit Committee; NC = Nomination Committee; SSC = Strategy and Sustainability Committee; RC = Remuneration Committee; GC = Governance Committee
1) Attendance of RC meeting in January 2023, when Suzanne Thoma was still a member of the RC prior to the AGM 2023.

 
   
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

33

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

According to Sulzer’s 

Articles of Association

, the maximum number of additional mandates held by 

members of the Board of Directors outside the Sulzer Group is ten (of which a maximum of four 

mandates may be with listed companies) (§ 33). Exceptions (e.g., for mandates held at the request of 

Sulzer or mandates in associations) are defined in the Articles of Association (§ 33, paragraphs a, b 

and c). All members of the Board of Directors are within the limits of external mandates prescribed by 

the company’s Articles of Association.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee (members listed above) assesses the midyear and annual consolidated financial 

statements and activities of the internal and statutory auditor, including effectiveness and 

independence, 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 Audit Committee is also charged with discussing the report on 

non-financial matters, or any other similar report that the Board or the company's management 

chooses to establish. The CFO, the Group General Counsel, 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. The Executive Chair may attend the meeting unless advised otherwise by the Head 

of Internal Audit. In 2023, the Audit Committee held five regular meetings: one in February, two in July, 

one in September and one in December. The meetings lasted, on average, two hours. The statutory 

auditor attended all of these meetings. Internal experts, such as the Group General Counsel and the 

Heads of Group Internal Audit, Group Corporate Finance, Group Accounting, Group IT, Group 

Compliance and Risk Management, and Group Tax, gave presentations to the Audit Committee in 

2023.

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

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

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

results of the risk management process – a process to systematically identify and evaluate significant 

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

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

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

regulations of the Audit Committee can be viewed at 

www.sulzer.com/ac-regulations
.

Nomination Committee

The Nomination 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. The Executive Chair and the Chief Human Resources Officer attend 

the meetings of the Nomination Committee. In 2023, three regular meetings were held in January, 

July and September, lasting an average of one hour. The regulations of the Nomination Committee are 

available at 

www.sulzer.com/nc-regulations
.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

34

Remuneration Committee

The Remuneration Committee (members listed above) 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 broad-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 Remuneration 

Committee are elected by the Shareholders’ Meeting. In 2023, four regular meetings were held in 

January, July, September and December, lasting an average of fifty-five minutes. The regulations of 

the Remuneration Committee can be viewed at 

www.sulzer.com/rc-regulations

.

Strategy and Sustainability Committee

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. In 2023, four regular meetings and one 

extraordinary meeting took place in January, April, July, September and November, lasting an average 

of two hours. The regulations of the Strategy and Sustainability Committee can be viewed at 

www.sulzer.com/ssc-regulations

.

Governance Committee

The Governance Committee (members listed above) advises the Board of Directors with respect to 

check and balances in the executive chair model, oversees the compliance with the Swiss Code of 

Best Practice for Corporate Governance as well as legal and regulatory requirements and periodically 

reviews the principles of corporate governance. In 2023, one meeting took place in December, lasting 

one hour. The regulations of the Governance Committee can be viewed at 

www.sulzer.com/gc-

regulations

.

Division of powers between the Board of Directors and the 
Executive Committee

The Board of Directors has largely delegated executive management powers to the Executive 

Committee. However, it is still responsible for matters that cannot be delegated in accordance with 

art. 716a CO. 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 annual report and the 

compensation report. Pursuant to art. 964a et seqq. CO, the Board of Directors is also responsible for 

the report of non-financial matters. Furthermore, the Board of Directors remains responsible for 

acquisition and divestiture decisions involving a transaction value exceeding CHF 30 million; 

investments in fixed assets exceeding CHF 15 million; major corporate restructurings; approval of 

dispute settlements with an impact on operating income of more than CHF 20 million; approval of 

research and development projects exceeding CHF 10 million, as well as other matters relevant to the 

company; and decisions that must be made by the Board of Directors by law. The competency 

regulations and the nature of the collaboration between the Board of Directors and the Executive 

Committee can be viewed in the Board of Directors and Organization Regulations at 

www.sulzer.com/

BoD-organizational-regulations

.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

35

Information and control instruments

Each member of the Board of Directors receives financial information in advance of the Board 

meetings, in addition to the midyear and annual financial statements. These updates 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 Executive Chair and the 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. In addition, the Board of Directors receives a status update on investor relations on a regular 

basis.

Group Internal Audit

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

administratively to the CFO. Meetings between 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 53 audit 

assignments (including audit follow-up reviews and internal controls testing) in the year under review. 

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

36

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 Executive Chair, the members of the Audit Committee, 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. 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-tolerance compliance approach. The Board of Directors and the Executive Committee 

firmly believe 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 transmitted throughout 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 is not 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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

37

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 80 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. 

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. For example:

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. A total of 23 face-to-face sessions were  conducted by local Compliance 

Officers covering 1’865 employees; 13 compliance webinars were conducted by Group 

Compliance covering 2’864 employees; and 26 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 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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Corporate governance – Board of Directors

38

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 2023, Sulzer employees completed 17’932 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 five external health and 

safety compliance audits. 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. 

Any significant issues identified during these audits are included in Group Internal Audit’s reporting 

package to the Audit Committee. Risks relating to environment, safety and health (ESH) form part of 

the annual ESH audit plan, which 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 2023 and at least nine 

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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Corporate governance – Executive Committee

39

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee consists of the Executive Chair, the Chief Financial 
Officer (CFO), the Chief Human Resources Officer, the Division President 
Services, the Division President Flow Equipment and the Division President 
Chemtech. Effective January 1, 2023, Armand Sohet was succeeded by Haining 
Auperin as Chief Human Resources Officer. Also in January 2023, Torsten 
Wintergerste was succeeded by Uwe Boltersdorf as Division President 
Chemtech and Jan Lüder was appointed Division President Flow Equipment.

The Board of Directors delegates executive management powers to the Executive Chair. The 

Executive Chair 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 Executive Chair and the EC. 

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. As mentioned above, Armand Sohet (former Chief Human 

Resources Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer) and Torsten Wintergerste (former Division 

President Chemtech) stepped down as members of the Executive Committee as of January 1, 2023, 

and January 6, 2023, respectively. Details on the former members of the Executive Committee can be 

found in the Corporate Governance chapter of the company’s 

Annual Report 2022

. 

CVs of Executive Committee members

Dr. Suzanne Thoma
Executive Chair

Chair of the Strategy and Sustainability Committee 

Member of the Nomination Committee

Educational background

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

Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Bachelor of Business Administration, Graduate School of Business 

Administration (GSBA), Zurich, Switzerland

Other activities and vested interests

Non-executive member of the Board of Directors, Beckers Group, Germany

Non-executive member of the Board of Directors, BayWa r.e., Germany

Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees, Avenir Suisse Foundation, Switzerland

Member of the Executive Board, Swissmem Association, Switzerland

Professional background
Suzanne Thoma (Swiss) was elected as a member of Sulzer’s Board of Directors in 2021 and as Chair in 2022. In 

addition, she was appointed Executive Chair of Sulzer as of November 1, 2022. Before joining Sulzer, Suzanne 

Thoma served as CEO at the International Energy, Engineering and Service company BKW AG in Bern, 

Switzerland, from 2013 to 2022. Prior to her appointment as CEO of BKW, she was a member of the Group 

Executive Committee, responsible for the Networks division. Before that, she was Head of the Automotive division 

for the WICOR Group in Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland, and CEO of Rolic Technologies Ltd., Allschwil, Switzerland. 

Earlier in her career, Suzanne Thoma held various management roles in a number of countries at Ciba Specialty 

Chemicals Ltd. (now BASF).

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Corporate governance – Executive Committee

40

Thomas Zickler
Chief Financial Officer

Educational background

Studies in Economics (1988-1994), Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, 

Faculty of Economic Science, Frankfurt on Main, Frankfurt, Germany

Professional background
Thomas Zickler (German/Swiss) was appointed Chief Financial Officer and member of the Executive Committee on 

May 1, 2022. He joined Sulzer as Head of Group Treasury in 2015 and most recently served as Head of Group 

Corporate Finance & Shared Services. Since 2016, Thomas Zickler has been a Member of the Board of Trustees 

for the company's pension plans, the Sulzer Vorsorgeeinrichtung (SVE) and Johann Jakob Sulzer-Stiftung (JJS). 

Before joining Sulzer, he worked as Country Treasurer for ABB Switzerland in Baden (2010-2015). From 2006 until 

2009, he was Vice President and Head of the External Financial Reporting & Technical Accounting Policies 

department for ABB Group in Zurich. Prior to that, from 1996 until 2006, he held various positions within Finance 

(controlling, accounting, treasury, IT consulting) at DaimlerChrysler in Stuttgart and Berlin. Thomas Zickler began 

his career in 1995 within the controlling department at Sherwood Medical and Metallgesellschaft in Frankfurt on 

Main. During his studies, he worked for Siemens AG in the Central Finance Department and Siemens Capital 

Corporation, in Munich and New York City. He was also an analyst at Georg Hauck & Son Bankiers in the equity 

research department in Frankfurt on Main.

Haining Auperin 1
Chief Human Resources Officer

Educational background

Master in Management and Company Policy, Human Resources, Social 

Development and Employment, Sciences-Po, Paris, France

Master in Business Management, Capital University of Economics and 

Business, Beijing, China

Professional background
Haining Auperin (French) was appointed Chief Human Resources Officer and member of the Executive Committee 

on January 1, 2023. She joined Sulzer in 2016 as Division Head of HR for Flow Equipment and most recently 

served as Head of Group Human Resources Operations. Before joining Sulzer, Haining Auperin was the Senior 

Vice President Human Resources Boiler Business for GE Power from 2014 to 2016. Prior to that, she held various 

senior HR leader positions in different areas within GE, AREVA and Ansaldo.

1) Appointed on January 1, 2023

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Corporate governance – Executive Committee

41

Uwe Boltersdorf 1
Division President Chemtech

Educational background

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT, Oberhausen 

Germany

Dip.- Ing. in Chemical Engineering, University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany

Professional background
Uwe Boltersdorf (German) was appointed Division President Chemtech and member of the Executive Committee 

on January 1, 2023. He had joined Sulzer in 2021 as Global Head of Technologies and Operational Excellence for 

Chemtech. From 2014 to 2021, Uwe Boltersdorf held various management roles at thyssenkrupp Industrial 

Solutions in the EPC, plant engineering and licensing business, including the Chief Sales Officer role for its 

chemical plant engineering business (former “Uhde”). Before thyssenkrupp, he served as Head of Group Function 

Corporate Development for the Lanxess Group (2009-2014), a specialized German chemicals company then active 

in chemicals, polyamides, rubbers, additives and custom manufacturing for pharma and agrochemicals. Uwe 

Boltersdorf gained his international experience by assignments at Lanxess and Bayer (2001 to 2014) in process 

engineering, production and site management as well as in strategy functions and M&A processes.

1) Appointed on January 1, 2023

Jan Lueder 1
Division President Flow Equipment

Educational background

Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Berlin, 

Germany

Professional background
Jan Lueder (German) joined the Sulzer Executive Committee as Division President Flow Equipment on January 1, 

2023. Before joining Sulzer, Jan served since 2019 as CEO of the Mining Technologies business unit for 

thyssenkrupp, which has been acquired by FLSmidth in August 2022. Prior to this assignment, he held the position 

of CEO of thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions South East Asia in Singapore. In parallel, he held the position of CEO 

of thyssenkrupp South East Asia (since 2018). Previously, Jan worked for almost 20 years, from 1995 to 2015, for 

Siemens in the Power Plant and Industrial Solutions business in several long-term assignments in Asia, including 

Malaysia, from 1997 to 2000, and China, from 2011 to 2015, and within Europe (Finland from 2002 to 2004 and 

Austria from 2008 to 2011).

1) Appointed on January 1, 2023

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Corporate governance – Executive Committee

42

Tim Schulten
Division President Services

Educational background

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of 

Technology (ETH), Zurich, Switzerland

Master of Business Administration, Harvard Business School, Boston, USA

Other activities and vested interests

Non-executive Director, JCB Group Holdings Sàrl, Switzerland

Professional background
Tim Schulten (Swiss) joined the Sulzer Executive Committee as Division President Services in 2022. Prior to that he 

was the Group Head for Marketing, Strategy and Digital. Before joining Sulzer, Tim Schulten was the General 

Manager and responsible for global Product Support & Marketing for Caterpillar’s Electric Power Business. From 

2012 to 2015 he was General Manager for Sales & Distribution for Caterpillar’s global gas engine business, 

responsible for building and leading the organization during the post-acquisition integration of MWM. From 2007 to 

2012, he was a Division Manager responsible for Caterpillar’s Electric Power Retail business in Europe, Africa and 

the Middle East. Prior to that he held various positions in sales, marketing and product support with Caterpillar and 

he spent several years in California working in technology start-ups. 

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). Exceptions (e.g., for mandates held at 

the request of Sulzer or mandates in associations) are defined in the Articles of Association (§ 33, 

paragraphs a, b and c). All members of the Executive Committee are within the limits for external 

mandates prescribed by the company’s Articles of Association.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Corporate governance – Shareholder participation rights

43

Shareholder participation rights

Restrictions and representation of voting rights

Only nominees are subject to restrictions (see “

Capital structure

” section 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 a legal representative, through a written power of attorney to any other 

proxy, who does not need to be a shareholder 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 a 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 0.5% 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 19, 2023, 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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Corporate governance – Takeover and defense measures

44

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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Corporate governance – Auditors

45

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 “Audit Committeeˮ section 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 2023, the statutory auditor was present at all five Audit Committee meetings. The Audit Committee 

or its Chair 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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Corporate governance – Risk management

46

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.

48.82% of Sulzer’s shares are beneficially owned by Viktor F. 
Vekselberg, who is listed as a Specially Designated National by 
the US Office of Foreign Assets Control and subject to 
sanctions in other jurisdictions including the Ukraine, Japan, the 
UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Poland. These 
sanctions and possible future sanctions in further countries 
could result in negative media coverage, damage to Sulzer’s 
reputation and impair existing business relationships with 
customers, suppliers, banks or other business partners as well 
as Sulzer’s ability to win future business.

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.

Strategic

Innovation

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.

Environmental

Environmental damage could lead to harm to people and 
nature, reputational damage, fines as well as liability claims and 
could have a serious economic impact.

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Continuous monitoring and assessment of market 
developments
Systematic midrange planning based on market 
developments and expectations

Monitoring of exposure in critical countries
Monitoring of debt situation of countries and banks
Continuous monitoring of raw material prices and inflation 
indicators
Sulzer’s global presence mitigates the effect of geopolitical 
shocks

Continuous monitoring of international sanctions 
environment and seeking of advice by reputable sanctions 
law firms

Maintaining and enhancing a robust sanctions compliance 
program

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

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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Corporate governance – Risk management

47

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

Financial

Financial markets

Credit

Liquidity

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.

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

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

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

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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
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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Corporate governance – Information policy

48

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 42 of the Swiss Code of Best Practice for Corporate Governance.

The official means of publication of the company is the Swiss Official Journal of Commerce. In 

accordance with § 38 of the 

Articles of Association

, the Board of Directors is at any time authorized to 

designate further publication organs. Notices by the company to the shareholders may, at the election 

of the Board of Directors, be validly published in the Swiss Official Journal of Commerce or in a form 

that can be evidenced by text. The address of the company’s main registered office is 

Neuwiesenstrasse 15, 8401 Winterthur.

Key dates in 2024

February 22: Annual results 2023

April 15: Order intake Q1 2024

April 16: AGM 2024

July 25: Midyear results 2024

October 15: Order intake nine months 2024

These dates and any changes can be viewed at 

www.sulzer.com/events

. Media releases (sent via 

email) 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

 – Thomas Zickler, Chief Financial Officer, +41 52 262 33 15.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Corporate governance – Information policy

49

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 that have access to inside information, (c) members of Group Finance, Group 

Mergers and Acquisitions, Group Legal, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations and any 

relevant staff with access to inside information, including members of the Sulzer Management Group, 

and (d) any external advisors having access to inside information in connection with Sulzer Ltd’s 

financial reporting or the preparation of an offering memorandum 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). 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 or concerned Board 

member, 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 or Board member’s file. No such exceptions 

were granted in 2023.

Compensation 
report

51 Letter to the shareholders
53 Compensation governance and principles
57 Compensation architecture for the CEO and 

Executive Committee members

68 Compensation of the Executive Committee for 

2023

73 Compensation architecture for the Board of 

Directors

75 Compensation of the Board of Directors for 2023
78 Auditor’s report

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Letter to the shareholders

51

Paying for sustainable performance

Winterthur, February 22, 2024

Dear Shareholder,

On behalf of the Board of Directors and of the Remuneration Committee (RC), I am pleased to present 

the 2023 Compensation Report. 

2023 has been a successful year for Sulzer. Against the backdrop of a challenging global economic 

and political development, Sulzer has met and exceeded its ambitious financial objectives. In July 

2023, Sulzer even significantly increased its guidance to the financial markets. Also, these even more 

ambitious targets were met in the upper range of the target bands. In 2023, Sulzer conducted an in-

depth analysis of markets, economic and technology trends. Sulzer mapped these trends with its 

portfolio of products, services, and competencies. As a result, Sulzer has decided to adjust its 

strategy for the entire Group. This evolved strategy is comprised of two main pillars:

Organic growth in current and adjacent markets with a focused portfolio of products and 

services

Operational excellence across the entire Sulzer value chain

Our Executive Committee has come together in the current set-up relatively recently and mainly 

through internal promotions. The total compensation for 2023 was entirely within the maximum 

compensation approved by the AGM 2022. Given our excellent performance in 2023, coupled 

with our ambition for Growth and Excellence through our “Sulzer 2028” strategy, we must ensure that 

our Executive Committee is compensated in a way that both rewards and stimulates growth and value 

creation for our shareholders. This entails reflecting on growing roles and responsibilities as well as 

evolving market trends, consistent with company performance.

The AGM 2023 elected three new members to the Board of Directors and increased the total number 

of members on the Board of Directors to seven. The Board of Directors work focused on 

accompanying and guiding the strategy work as well as assuring the correct oversight and 

governance. Sulzer established a Governance Committee chaired by Markus Kammüller, who also 

serves as Lead Independent Director (LID). The Remuneration Committee is chaired by myself.

The compensation paid to the Board of Directors in 2023 was well below the amounts previously 

approved by the AGM for the period in question. Going forward, the Board of Directors compensation 

should also stay aligned with the ambitious long-term growth and value creation for shareholders.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Letter to the shareholders

52

Following an excellent 2023 and based on a clear and compelling strategy that points Sulzer toward a 

prosperous future, I thank you on behalf of Sulzer, the Board of Directors and the Remuneration 

Committee for your continued trust in our company.

Sincerely,

Dr. Hariolf Kottmann

Chairman

Remuneration Committee

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Compensation governance and principles

53

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 Articles 732 et seqq. of 
the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO), 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.

Remuneration Committee

The 

Articles of Association

, the 

Board of Directors and Organization Regulations

, and the 

Remuneration Committee Regulations

 define the functions of the Remuneration Committee (RC). The 

RC supports the Board of Directors in establishing and reviewing the compensation strategy and 

principles, and in preparing the proposals for the Shareholders’ Meeting regarding the compensation 

of the members of the Board of Directors and of the Executive Committee. 

The RC is responsible for the following activities and submits all proposals concerning these activities 

to the Board of Directors, which has the final decision‑making authority:

Periodic assessment of the compensation policy and programs

Determination of performance targets for the CEO and the other Executive Committee positions 

for the purpose of the incentive plans

Preparation of the 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 other Executive Committee 

positions

Preparation of the compensation report

The table below describes the levels of authority:

Compensation policy and programs

  proposes

  approves

  CEO

  RC

  Board

Aggregate maximum compensation amounts for the Executive 
Committee and for the Board of Directors to be submitted to vote 
at the AGM

Remuneration system and Board member fees

Compensation of the CEO

Individual compensation of the other members of the Executive 
Committee

  proposes

Performance objectives and assessment of the CEO

  proposes

  reviews

  proposes

  approves

  reviews

  approves

  reviews

  reviews

  approves

  approves

Shareholders’ 
Meeting

approves (binding 
vote)

Performance objectives and assessment of the other members of 
the Executive Committee

  proposes

  reviews

  approves

Compensation report

  proposes

  approves

consultative 
(advisory vote)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Compensation governance and principles

54

As per the Remuneration Committee Regulations of Sulzer Ltd, the RC consists of at least three 

members who are elected individually and annually by the Shareholders’ Meeting for the period of 

office until the following ordinary AGM. The majority of its members are non-executive and 

independent. At the AGM 2023, Alexey Moskov was re-elected as a member of the RC and Markus 

Kammüller was elected as a member for the first time. The new Chair of the RC is Dr. Hariolf 

Kottmann, who was also elected for the first time at the AGM 2023. Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg 

Sørensen (former Chairwoman) and Suzanne Thoma (former member) did not stand for re-election.

In addition to Markus Kammüller being appointed as Lead Independent Director, there were several 

other new Board appointments at the AGM held on April 19, 2023. Dr. Prisca Havranek-Kosicek was 

elected as a member of Sulzer’s Board of Directors, serving as the Chair of the Audit Committee. Per 

Utnegaard was elected as a member of Sulzer’s Board of Directors and serves as the Chair of the 

Nomination Committee.

In 2023, Haining Auperin was appointed Chief Human Resources Officer and member of the Executive 

Committee, Jan Lüder joined as Division President Flow Equipment and Uwe Boltersdorf as Division 

President Chemtech.

The RC meets as often as the business requires, but at least twice a year. In 2023, the RC held four 

regular meetings that were attended by all members. This year’s agenda topics included a review of 

the Executive Committee’s compensation system, a review of the short-term incentive (STI) and 

performance share plan (PSP) performance targets and payouts, an analysis of the benchmark used 

for the Executive Committee and a continuation of the gender pay transparency study.

The CEO, the Chief Human Resources Officer and the Secretary of the Board of Directors, who also 

acts as the Secretary of the RC, generally attend the meetings. The Chair of the Committee may invite 

other executives to join the meeting in an advisory capacity, when appropriate. That said, neither the 

CEO nor any other executive participates in the meetings, or parts thereof, when their own 

remuneration and/or performance is discussed.

The Chair of the RC reports to the next meeting of the full Board of Directors on the activities of the 

RC and the matters discussed. The Chair, as far as necessary, submits the respective proposals for 

approval by the Board of Directors. The minutes of the RC meetings are available to all members of 

the Board of Directors.

The RC engaged third party advisor HCM International for the analysis of the benchmarks used for the 

Executive Committee and retained hkp///group for advisory services on the compensation report.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Compensation governance and principles

55

Shareholders’ role and engagement

The company is keen to receive shareholders’ feedback on the compensation policy and programs, 

and it already began the practice of holding an advisory vote on the compensation report in 2011. 

Additionally, the company regularly meets with shareholders and shareholder representatives to 

understand their perspectives. At the AGM 2023, along with changes to the governance structure, 

shareholders approved the maximum aggregate compensation amounts for the Board of Directors for 

the 2023/24 term and for the Executive Committee for the 2024 financial year.

Furthermore, the 

Articles of Association

, which are also subject to shareholders’ approval, govern the 

principles of compensation. Minor changes were made to the Articles of Association at the AGM 

2023, as on June 19, 2020, the Swiss Parliament adopted a revision of the corporate law, which 

entered into force on January 1, 2023 (subject to certain transitional provisions). Swiss corporations 

are obliged to revise their corporate documents to comply with the new law by the end of 2024. Thus, 

Articles 30 and 32 of the Articles of Association were slightly amended:

Article 30 does not foresee an authorization anymore to increase already approved 

compensation (supplemental amount) for internal promotions within the Executive Committee.

Article 32 now caps the maximum non-compete compensation in connection with post-

contractual non-compete agreements with members of the Executive Committee (max. average 

total annual compensation over the last three financial years).

The Articles of Association in the current version include the following provisions related to 

compensation:

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 Sulzer group (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 compensation (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 

compensation by the Shareholders’ Meeting (Article 30): if the maximum aggregate amount of 

compensation as approved by the Shareholders’ Meeting is insufficient, up to 40% of the 

maximum aggregate amount of compensation approved for the Executive Committee shall be 

available, without further approval, for the compensation of the members of the Executive 

Committee who were appointed after the AGM.

Agreements with members of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee (Article 32): 

Employment agreements for a fixed term may have a maximum duration of one year. Renewal is 

possible. Employment agreements for an indefinite term may have a termination notice period 

not exceeding twelve months. Non-compete agreements for the time after termination of an 

employment agreement are permissible and shall not exceed one year. Their consideration shall 

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Compensation governance and principles

56

not exceed the last total annual target compensation such member was entitled to prior to 

termination and shall in no event exceed the average of the compensation of the last three 

financial years.

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 or the Executive Committee.

Activities in other organizations

Based on Article 734e of the Swiss Code of Obligations, the compensation report must specify the 

functions of the members of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee in other enterprises 

with an economic purpose within the meaning of Article 626 para. 2 no. 1 of the Swiss Code of 

Obligations (external mandates). For this, the following table includes the name of the entity and the 

function exercised.

Member

  Name of company

  Function

Dr. Suzanne Thoma

  Beckers Group, Germany

  Non-executive member of the Board of 
Directors

  BayWa r.e., Germany

  Non-executive member of the Board of 

Directors

Markus Kammüller

  ExecDelta GmbH, Switzerland

  Sole Partner

  Gonset Holding SA, Switzerland

  Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors

  Gonset Immeubles d’Entreprises SA, 

  Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors

Switzerland

David Metzger

  Swiss Steel Holding AG, Switzerland

  Non-executive member of the Board of 

Directors

  medmix AG, Switzerland

  Non-executive member of the Board of 

Directors

  Mealda Capital GmbH, Switzerland

  Sole Partner

  Sopeli Capital GmbH, Switzerland

  Sole Partner

Alexey Moskov

  OC Oerlikon Corporation AG, Switzerland

  Non-executive member of the Board of 

Directors

  Witel AG, Switzerland

  Executive Chairman

  Liwet Holding AG, Switzerland

  President of the Board of Directors

  A2-Link AG, Switzerland

  Sole Board Member

Dr. Prisca Havranek-Kosicek

  Jenoptik AG, Germany

  Chief Financial Officer

  Jenoptik North America Inc., United States 

  Director

of America

Dr. Hariolf Kottmann

  Plansee Holding, Austria

  Member of the Supervisory Board

Per Utnegaard

  Saudi Ground Services, Saudi Arabia

  Non-executive member of the Board of 

  HK1 AG, Switzerland

  Sole member of the Board of Directors

Directors

  Alvest Holding, France

  Non-executive Director

  Per Utneegard & Partners GmbH, 

  Sole Partner

Switzerland

Tim Schulten

  JCB Group Holdings Sàrl, Switzerland

  Director

In each individual case, the number of mandates does not exceed the maximum number of external 

mandates specified in Article 33 of the Articles of Association.  

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the CEO and Executive Committee members

57

Compensation architecture for the CEO and 
members of the Executive Committee

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 fair and competitive compensation 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 members 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.

The RC regularly reviews the composition of the peer group, which is applied for benchmarking 

purposes. In 2021, the RC decided to revise the composition of the peer group from 2022 onward. 

Twelve industrial companies of comparable size and complexity from the Swiss market form the peer 

group, which is used to derive the compensation levels for the Board of Directors and for the 

Executive Committee. The revised benchmarking peer group maintained its comparability 

requirements and was utilized again in 2023.

 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the CEO and Executive Committee members

58

Compensation benchmark

The comparison group reflects Sulzer’s ambitious business strategy:

ALSO

Bucher Industries

Clariant

dormakaba

Forbo

Galenica

Geberit

Georg Fischer

Landis + Gyr

OC Oerlikon

Schindler

Sonova

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

compensation is not granted based on benchmark results alone. The role, responsibility, experience 

and, in particular, the difference between a new entrant to a role and someone with experience who 

has already demonstrated his or her impact in a similar role, are also criteria in determining 

compensation. A globally applied job-grading methodology fosters internal equity.

The compensation of the Executive Committee is governed by internal regulations such as the bonus 

plan, the performance share plan and the benefits plans. The compensation of the Executive 

Committee is reviewed by the RC annually and, if necessary, is adjusted and approved by decision of 

the Board of Directors based on a proposal of the RC. The compensation of the Executive Committee 

is summarized as follows:

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the CEO and Executive Committee members

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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 2023)

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

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. 
Malus and clawback 
provisions 
implemented.

Amount

  Fixed

  Fixed

Grant/vesting/payment 
date

  Monthly

  Monthly and/or annually  

March of the following 
year

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

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 (PSUs) settled in 
shares

Variable. Grant value is 
defined based on the 
Global Grade and 
corresponds to CHF 
1’000’000 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 
2’500’000 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, 2023 
Vesting: December 31, 
2025 Share delivery: 
March 2026

Performance period

  –

  –

1 year (January 1, 
2023–December 31, 
2023)

3 years (January 1, 
2023–December 31, 
2025)

  Level of role

Share price 
performance

  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, to align the interests of the Executive Committee 

and shareholders, to ensure pay-for-performance and implement the company’s strategy in the 

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

elements: 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the CEO and Executive Committee members

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In line with the pay-for-performance principle, a significant portion of the compensation of the CEO 

(64%) and the other members of the Executive Committee (55%) 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 and is paid out in 

cash. 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 152’868 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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the CEO and Executive Committee members

61

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%  

Financial performance

  70%

Sales

  Measure of growth (top line)

Operational operating 
net cash flow 
(operational ONCF)

  Measure of cash generated

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

10%  

10%

Growth initiatives

Faster and better

Individual performance

  30%

Sustainable Sulzer

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 the three major 
priorities of Sulzer’s sustainability 
plan, namely minimizing our carbon 
footprint, enabling a low carbon 
society and engaging our employees 
and communities

Individual

5%  

5%

Individual

5%  

5%

Individual

  Total

10%  

100%  

10%

100%

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%. 

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

linearly.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the CEO and Executive Committee members

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In order to measure individual performance, each Executive Committee member is given different 

personal objectives for each of the four individual performance categories (“Cost-effectiveness,ˮ

“Growth initiatives,ˮ “Faster and betterˮ and “Sustainable Sulzerˮ) at the beginning of the financial 

year. The CEO reviews the individual performance based on the personal objectives of each Executive 

Committee member, which in turn is reviewed by the RC. The CEO’s individual performance is 

assessed by the RC.

“Cost‑effectivenessˮ, for example, includes objectives like cost-saving (travel spend reduction, real 

estate cost reduction, etc.), whereas objectives for the category “Faster and better” consider, among 

others, on-time delivery percentage improvement. “Growth initiatives” include, for example, 

successful completion of M&A project or sales growth in specific countries.

The “Sustainable Sulzerˮ criteria used to assess the performance of the Executive Committee are 

structured around the three major priorities of Sulzer’s sustainability plan, namely minimizing our 

carbon footprint, enabling a low‑carbon society and engaging our employees and communities. The 

following topics are examples that could be considered for the Executive Committee:

Minimizing carbon footprint

  Enabling a low-carbon society

  Engaging employees and communities

—

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

—

Energy consumption, and the supply of 
decarbonized energy to our production sites

—

Reduction of waste and the recycling of our 
waste

—

—

—

Increase in the energy efficiency of our 
products

—

Employee engagement

Solutions to treat wastewater and provide 
access to water for populations that are 
deprived of it

—

Employee accident rate

Low-carbon or decarbonized solutions such 
as the conversion of waste into eco-fuel or the 
capture of CO2

—

Number of employees enrolled in the health 
and wellbeing program, Sulzer in Motion

—

Circular economy

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 

would reveal 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 2023”).

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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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63

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.

Strategic link of bonus plan

Bonus plan

Operational profit

Sales

Operational ONCF

Cost-effectiveness

Growth initiatives

Faster and better

Sustainable Sulzer

Growth

Profitability

Long-term shareholder 
value creation

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 at 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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the CEO and Executive Committee members

64

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 kCHF 1’000 for the CEO, Suzanne Thoma, and to between kCHF 

330 and kCHF 400 (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 (units prorated as per entry date into 

employment).

The key performance criteria measured over the three-year performance period of PSUs are:

Operational profit growth before restructuring, amortization, impairments and non-operational 

items, weighted at 25%

Average operational return on capital employed (operational ROCEA), weighted at 25%

Relative total shareholder return (TSR) weighted at 50% and measured based on the 

performance against international peers, measured as a percentile ranking

Peer group for relative TSR performance of PSP 2023

International peers

Andritz

Burckhardt Compression

Ebara

Flowserve

ITT

OC Oerlikon

Pentair

Wood Group

Xylem

Georg Fischer

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.

The threshold, target and maximum for the relative TSR in the international peer group remained 

unchanged.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the CEO and Executive Committee members

65

For each performance condition of the PSP, a threshold, target and cap performance level are 

determined, which in turn determine 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 could reveal sensitive insights into Sulzer’s strategy. To ensure transparency while avoiding 

competitive risk, Sulzer provides a general performance assessment for each performance criterion at 

the end of the performance cycle based on the following metric (see chapter “

Compensation of the 

Executive Committee for 2023

”).

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the CEO and Executive Committee members

66

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.

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 total value delivered 

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 the event of termination of employment, the following provisions apply:

Type of termination

  Provision

By the employer for cause

  Unvested PSUs are forfeited.

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, PSUs 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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the CEO and Executive Committee members

67

Malus and clawback

The Board of Directors may determine that variable compensation is forfeited in full or in part (malus) 

or that a vested award will be recovered in full or in part (clawback) in situations of material 

misstatement of the financial results, an error in assessing a performance condition or in the 

information or assumptions on which the award was granted or vested, serious reputational damage 

to the company, gross negligence, or willful misconduct on the part of the participant. Sulzer may 

recover in full or in part any variable 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.

Contracts of employment

The employment contracts of the Executive Committee are of undetermined duration and have a 

notice period of a maximum of 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 

maximum total compensation not to exceed the last total annual target compensation such member 

was entitled to prior to termination and in no event to exceed the average of the compensation of the 

last three financial years.

Shareholding requirements

Shareholding requirements for members of the Executive Committee were introduced with effect from 

2020. According to these share ownership guidelines (SOGs), 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 members of the 
Executive Committee

  Shareholding requirement in % of base salary

  200%

  100%

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Executive Committee for 2023

68

Compensation of the Executive Committee for 2023

Compensation of the Executive Committee: overview

In 2023, the Executive Committee received a total compensation  in the amount of kCHF 13’808 

1

(previous year: kCHF 11’536). Of this total, kCHF 8’599 was in base salary and bonus (previous year: 

kCHF 6’947); kCHF 3’231 was in PSUs (previous year: kCHF 2’822); kCHF 1’892 was in pension and 

social security contributions (previous year: kCHF 1’649), and kCHF 86 was in other payments 

(previous year: kCHF 118).

Regarding the combined role of the Chair of the Board of Directors and the CEO, there are no 

changes for 2023. The remuneration of both roles remains separate in accordance with market 

practice, except that Suzanne Thoma participates in the Performance Share Plan as CEO only and is 

not granted any RSUs as Chair of the Board of Directors.

1) Including compensation granted to former members of the Executive Committee.

Compensation of the Executive Committee

Cash compensation

thousands of CHF

Base salary  

Bonus 2)  

Other 3)  

Pension and 
social security 
contributions 4)  

Total cash-
based 

compensation  

2023

Deferred compensation 
based on future performance

Estimated 
value of 
share-based 
grant under 
the 
performance 
share plan 
(PSP) 5)  

Total (incl. 
conditional 
share-based 
grant)

Highest single compensation, 
Suzanne Thoma, CEO

Total Executive Committee 1)

950  

4’201  

1’314  

4’398  

-  

86  

395  

2’659  

1’892  

10’577  

1’129  

3’231  

3’788

13’808

1) Out of the total sum, kCHF 1’827 was paid to one former member of the Executive Committee, Frédéric Lalanne, former CEO. In 2023, no other payments to former members of the 

Executive Committee were made.

2) Expected bonus for the performance years 2023, to be paid out in the following year (accrual principle).
3) Other consists of schooling allowances, tax services and child allowances.
4)
5) Represents the full fair value of the PSUs granted under the PSP in 2023. PSUs granted in 2023 had a fair value of CHF 88.38 at grant date, based on a third-party fair value 

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 2023 (PSP).

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 
78.26 per PSU for April 2023 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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Executive Committee for 2023

69

Cash compensation

thousands of CHF

Base salary  

Bonus 2)  

Other 3)  

Pension and 
social security 
contributions 4)  

Total cash-
based 

compensation  

2022

Deferred compensation 
based on future performance

Estimated 
value of 
share-based 
grant under 
the 
performance 
share plan 
(PSP) 5)  

Total (incl. 
conditional 
share-based 
grant)

Highest single compensation, 
Frédéric Lalanne, CEO from 
February 18 2022 to October 31 
2022

Suzanne Thoma, CEO since 
November 1st 2022

Total Executive Committee 1)

760  

736  

158  

3’767  

142  

3’180  

8  

-  

349  

1’853  

1’074  

2’927

118  

1’649  

61  

361  

8’714  

179  

540

2’822  

11’536

1) The total Executive Committee compensation for 2022 includes the compensation of Frederic Lalanne, Division President Flow Equipment since January 2019 until February 2022, 
CEO since February 2022 until October 2022; Suzanne Thoma, CEO since November 2022; Thomas Zickler, CFO since May 2022; Tim Schulten, Division President Services since 
January 2022; Torsten Wintergerste, Division President Chemtech since June 2016; Armand Sohet, Chief Human Resources Officer since March 2016 until December 2022; Greg 
Poux-Guillaume, CEO since December 2015 until February 2022; Jill Lee, CFO since April 2018 until April 2022; and Daniel Bischofberger, Division President Services since September 
2016 until February 2022.

2) Expected bonus for the performance year 2022, to be paid out in the following year (accrual principle).
3) Other consists of 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 2022 (PSP).
5) Represents the full fair value of the PSUs granted under the PSP in 2022, respectively. PSUs granted in 2022 had a fair value of CHF 84.69 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 
78.84 per PSU for April 2022 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. Suzanne Thoma received a pro-rata grant of PSU in November 2022.

No severance payments were issued to members of the Executive Committee in either the current 

reporting year or the prior year. No compensation was granted to any related parties of the members 

of the Executive Committee in the current reporting year or the prior year.

As of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, there were no outstanding loans or credits 

granted to the members of the Executive Committee, former members of the Executive Committee or 

related parties.

The total compensation  of kCHF 13’808 awarded to the members of the Executive Committee for the 

1

2023 financial year is within the maximum aggregate compensation amount of kCHF 17’500 that was 

approved by the shareholders at the AGM 2022.

1)  Including compensation granted to former members of the Executive Committee.

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 2023 can be found in the financial report. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Executive Committee for 2023

70

a) Total compensation and pay for performance ratio

In 2023, the Executive Committee received total compensation in the amount of kCHF 13’808 

(previous year: kCHF 11’536). This was an overall increase of 19.7% from the previous year, resulting 

in part from changes in the Executive Committee members but mainly driven by the increase in 

financial and individual performance. This is especially highlighted by the increase of the average 

overall bonus payout from 109.7% in 2022 to 143.1% in 2023.

For the entire active Executive Committee, the variable component amounted to between 116.4% and 

181.7% of the fixed component (base salary, other, pension and social security contributions). This 

pay-for-performance relation reflects Sulzer’s high-performance orientation. Further, it represents the 

company’s strong emphasis on aligning the interests of the Executive Committee and the 

shareholders to create long-term shareholder value and profitable growth. Regarding cash bonus 

payments and LTI amounts, see the following paragraphs.

b) Short-term incentive (cash bonus payouts)

In 2022, the RC made adjustments to the bonus due to the closure of sites in Poland from sanctions 

and the abandonment of operations in Russia. As of September 2, 2023, our two entities in Poland 

have been removed from the Polish sanctions list, allowing us to resume our direct business activities. 

Therefore, no adjustments to the bonuses were made in 2023.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Executive Committee for 2023

71

The financial component of the bonus for 2023 ranged from 128.2% to 160.4% of targeted payout (on 

average 153.8%), thanks also to a high level of achievement of individual objectives. The financial 

performance at the group level was as follows:

KPI

Sales

Operational profitability

Operational ONCF

Total

Weighting

Payout factor

25%

25%

20%

70%

119%

156%

200%

155%

The individual performance ranged from 90% to 150%.

In aggregate, the financial and individual performance translated into an overall bonus payout factor 

ranging from 122.7% to 153.7% (on average 143.1%) for the members of the Executive Committee.

c) Long-term incentive (PSP)

We are convinced that the conditional awards to receive Sulzer shares, subject to operational return 

on average capital employed adjusted (operational ROCEA), operating income before restructuring, 

amortization, impairments and non-operational items (operational profit) growth and relative total 

shareholder return (TSR) performance, as well as ongoing employment through the three-year vesting 

period:

constitutes a fair and 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 2023 compared to previous years. The relevant key 

performance indicators (KPIs) were operating income before restructuring, amortization, impairments 

and non-operational items (operational profit), operational return on average capital employed 

adjusted (operational ROCEA) and relative total shareholder return (TSR) over the three-year 

measurement period from 2021 to 2023.

Over this three-year period, Sulzer grew its operational profit, demonstrating strong resilience by 

overcoming the COVID related challenges during these years, the exit from the Russian market and 

the supply chain disruptions in 2022, but also by leveraging the market momentum in 2023. This 

performance resulted in an achievement factor of 250%, compared to the original PSP target set by 

the Board of Directors.

Operational ROCEA also reported an achievement factor of 250%, improved to a continued high 

average over the three-year period, on the back of the improved profitability and the well managed 

capital employed.

Together with a relative TSR achievement factor of 220%, which compared Sulzer’s share price 

development against international peers over the PSP 2021 measurement period, the resultant total 

payout factor is 235% for the PSP 2021.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Executive Committee for 2023

72

The payout factor results and respective weighting are as follows:

KPI

Operational profit growth

Operational ROCEA

Relative TSR

Total

Weighting

Payout factor

25%

25%

50%

100%

250%

250%

220%

235%

Overall, the PSP vesting levels fairly reflected the operational performance, also against direct peers, 

over their respective three-year performance cycles, especially considering the exceptional external 

influences which have been successfully mitigated. Therefore, Sulzer fully achieved the desired strong 

link between sustainable company performance and competitive long-term incentive payouts.

Shareholdings of the members of the Executive Committee

As of the end of 2022 and 2023, the members of the Executive Committee held the following shares, 

share-based instruments or options in the company:

Shareholdings at December 31, 2023

Sulzer shares

Share units under vesting in equity plan

Sulzer shares 1)

Performance share 

Performance share 

units (PSU) 2021  

units (PSU) 2022  

Performance share 
units (PSU) 2023

2023

Executive Committee

Suzanne Thoma, CEO

Thomas Zickler, CFO

Haining Auperin, CHRO

Tim Schulten, Division President Services

Jan Lüder, Division President Flow Equipment

Uwe Boltersdorf, Division President Chemtech

11’114  

2’559  

3’402  

5’153  

-  

-  

-  

4’264  

-  

1’212  

1’364  

1’212  

-  

476  

14’362  

2’120  

5’074  

1’142  

5’074  

-  

952  

1) Total shares in all individual accounts, collected through the Corporate Governance Questionnaire. No related parties own any shares.

Shareholdings at December 31, 2022

36’548

12’778

5’112

4’217

5’112

5’112

4’217

2022

Executive Committee

Suzanne Thoma

Thomas Zickler

Armand Sohet

Tim Schulten

Torsten Wintergerste

Sulzer shares

Share units under vesting in equity plan

Sulzer shares  

units (PSU) 2020  

units (PSU) 2021  

Performance share 

Performance share 

Performance share 
units (PSU) 2022

32’723  

16’827  

12’412  

20’640

744  

1’513  

6’791  

-  

23’675  

-  

1’273  

7’777  

-  

7’777  

-  

1’212  

4’994  

1’212  

4’994  

2’120

5’074

4’186

5’074

4’186

No member of the Executive Committee held any options.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the Board of Directors

73

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 Remuneration Committee (RC) annually and, if necessary, adjusted by a decision of the full Board 

of Directors based on a proposal by the RC.

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 non-executive Board members are not entitled to pension benefits. 

The amount of compensation for the Chairwoman and for the other members of the Board of 

Directors is determined based on the relevant compensation benchmarks. The list of companies is the 

same peer group as listed under the Compensation benchmark of the members of the Executive 

Committee. 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

Base fee for Board Chairperson 2)

Base fee for Board Vice Chairperson

Base fee for Board members

Additional committee fees:

Audit Committee / Strategy and Sustainability 
Committee Chairperson

Audit Committee / Strategy and Sustainability 
Committee members

Governance Committee Chair

Nomination / Remuneration Committee Chairperson

Nomination / Remuneration / Governance Committee 
members

Cash component (net 
of social security 
contributions)  

Grant value of RSUs 
(net of social security 

contributions)   Lump-sum expenses

155’000  

125’000  

10’000

5’000

5’000

420’000  

100’000  

70’000  

60’000  

35’000  

35’000  

20’000  

20’000  

1) Compensation for the period of service (from AGM to AGM).
2) The Chairperson of the Board of Directors does not receive additional remuneration for committee activities.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Compensation architecture for the Board of Directors

74

The members of the Board of Directors are compensated for their service during their term of office 

(from AGM to AGM). The cash compensation is paid in quarterly installments for Board members and 

monthly installments for the Chairperson; 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 is 

the date of the AGM when they are elected. One-third of the RSUs vest on March 25 of each year 

following the grant date. If this date falls on a weekend, they vest on the immediately following 

weekday.

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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Board of Directors for 2023

75

Compensation of the Board of Directors for 2023

Compensation of the Board of Directors: overview

In 2023, the Board of Directors received total compensation in the amount of kCHF 2’283 (previous 

year: kCHF 2’340). Of this total, kCHF 1’231 was in the form of cash fees (previous year: kCHF 1’152); 

kCHF 780 was in RSUs (previous year: kCHF 905) and kCHF 272 was in the form of social security 

contributions (previous year: kCHF 283).

The total Board compensation paid in 2023 was 2.4% lower than in 2022. This is mainly driven by the 

Chairwomen not receiving RSUs due to her dual role. The aggregate Board compensation was below 

the maximum aggregate compensation for the Board, which was approved at the AGM 2023.

The portion of compensation delivered in RSUs ranged between 89% and 139% of the cash 

compensation of the 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

Restricted 
share unit 
(RSUs) plan 4)  

Social security 
contributions 5)  

Cash fees 3)  

1’231  

780  

272  

2023

Total

2’283

Suzanne Thoma, Chair of the Board of Directors, Chair of the Strategy & Sustainability 
Committee and Member of the Nomination Committee

420  

-  

55  

475

Markus Kammüller, Lead Independent Director, Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors, 
Chair of the Governance Committee, Member of the Remuneration Committee and 
Member of the Audit Committee

Alexey Moskov, Member of the Remuneration Committee

David Metzger, Member of the Audit Committee and Member of the Strategy & 
Sustainability Committee

Per Utnegaard, Chair of Nomination Committee and Member of Strategy & 
Sustainability Committee 1)

Hariolf Kottmann, Chair of the Remuneration Committee, Member of Strategy & 
Sustainability Committee and Member of the Governance Committee 1)

Prisca Havranek-Kosicek, Chair of the Audit Committee, Member of Nomination 
Committee and Member of the Governance Committee 1)

Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg Sørensen 2)

Matthias Bichsel 2)

174  

90  

155  

125  

140  

125  

94  

125  

109  

125  

128  

42  

34  

125  

-  

-  

44  

30  

37  

30  

32  

34  

6  

4  

373

245

302

249

266

287

48

38

1) Member of the Board of Directors since AGM 2023.
2) Member of the Board of Directors until AGM 2023.
3) Disclosed gross.
4) RSU awards granted in 2023 had a fair value of CHF 77.0509 at grant date. The amount represents the full fair value of grants made in 2023. Suzanne Thoma will not receive RSUs 

while participating in the PSP as CEO.

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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Board of Directors for 2023

76

thousands of CHF

Board of Directors

Suzanne Thoma, Chair

Matthias Bichsel, Vice-Chair

Alexey Moskov

David Metzger

Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg Sørensen

Markus Kammüller 1)

Peter Löscher, former Chair 2)

Gerhard Roiss 2)

Mikhail Lifshitz 2)

Restricted 
share unit 
(RSUs) plan 4)  

905  

250  

155  

125  

125  

125  

125  

-  

-  

-  

Cash fees 3)  

1’152  

358  

134  

94  

131  

169  

94  

105  

41  

26  

Social security 
contributions 5)  

283  

84  

33  

32  

37  

42  

31  

15  

5  

4  

2022

Total

2’340

692

322

251

293

336

250

120

46

30

1) Member of the Board of Directors since AGM 2022.
2) Member of the Board of Directors until AGM 2022.
3) Disclosed gross.
4) RSU awards granted in 2022 had a fair value of CHF 77.8203 at grant date. The amount represents the full fair value of grants made in 2022.
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.

At the 2022 and 2023 AGMs respectively, shareholders approved a maximum aggregate 

compensation amount of kCHF 2’984 for the Board of Directors. 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, 2023 to 

Jan 1, 2024 to 

2023 AGM to 

2023  

2023 AGM  

2024 AGM  

2024 AGM  

2023 AGM  

2023 AGM

2’283  

307  

363  

2’339  

2’984  

78.4%

Jan 1, 2022 to 

Jan 1, 2023 to 

2022 AGM to 

2022  

2022 AGM  

2023 AGM  

2023 AGM  

2022 AGM  

2022 AGM

2’340  

388  

307  

2’259  

2’984  

75.7%

thousands of CHF

AGM 2023–AGM 2024

Board (total)

AGM 2022–AGM 2023

Board (total)

As of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, 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 2023 and 2022, respectively, no compensation was granted to former members of the Board of 

Directors or related parties.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Compensation of the Board of Directors for 2023

77

Shareholdings of the members of the Board of Directors

As of the end of 2023 and 2022, the members of the Board of Directors held the following shares, 

share-based instruments or options in the company:

Shareholdings at December 31, 2023

Board of Directors

Suzanne Thoma

Markus Kammüller

Alexey Moskov 2)

David Metzger

Per Utnegaard

Hariolf Kottmann

Prisca Havranek-Kosicek

Sulzer shares 1)  

9’320  

2’559  

536  

2’114  

1’736  

1’375  

1’000  

-  

Restricted share units 

(RSU)  

17’430  

2’886  

3’085  

3’295  

3’295  

1’623  

1’623  

1’623  

2023

Total share awards and 
shares

26’750

5’445

3’621

5’409

5’031

2’998

2’623

1’623

1) Total shares in all individual accounts, collected through the Corporate Governance Questionnaire.
2)

In addition, as collected through the Corporate Governance Questionnaire, Mr. Moskov’s related parties own 2’217 Sulzer shares.

Shareholdings at December 31, 2022

Board of Directors

Suzanne Thoma

Matthias Bichsel

Alexey Moskov

David Metzger

Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg Sørensen

Markus Kammüller

Sulzer shares  

23’434  

744  

12’600  

2’217  

600  

7’273  

-  

Restricted share units 

(RSU)  

21’095  

4’701  

4’406  

3’786  

2’808  

3’786  

1’608  

2022

Total share awards and 
shares

44’529

5’445

17’006

6’003

3’408

11’059

1’608

No member of the Board of Directors held any options.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Auditor’s report

78

Report on the Audit of the Compensation Report

Opinion

We have audited the Compensation Report of Sulzer Ltd (the Company) for the year ended December 

31, 2023. The audit was limited to the information pursuant to Art. 734a-734f of the Swiss Code of 

Obligations (CO) contained in the sections "

Activities in other organizations Compensation of the 

", “

Executive Committee: overview Shareholdings of the members of the Executive Committee

”, "

", 

“

Compensation of the Board of Directors: overview

” and "

Shareholdings of the members of the Board 

of Directors

" of the Compensation Report.

In our opinion, the information pursuant to Art. 734a-734f CO in the enclosed Compensation Report 

complies with Swiss law and the Company’s articles of incorporation.

Basis for Opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with Swiss law and Swiss Standards on Auditing (SA-CH). Our 

responsibilities under those provisions and standards are further described in the “Auditor’s 

Responsibilities for the Audit of the Compensation Report” section of our report. We are independent 

of the Company 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.

Other Information

The Board of Directors is responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the 

information included in the annual report, but does not include the sections “Activities in other 

organizations”, “Compensation of the Executive Committee: overview”, “Shareholdings of the 

members of the Executive Committee”, “Compensation of the Board of Directors: overview” and 

“Shareholdings of the members of the Board of Directors” in the Compensation Report, the 

consolidated financial statements, the stand-alone financial statements and our auditor’s reports 

thereon.

Our opinion on the Compensation Report does not cover the other information and we do not express 

any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the Compensation Report, our responsibility is to read the other 

information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the 

audited financial information in the Compensation Report or our knowledge obtained in the audit or 

otherwise appears to be materially misstated.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Auditor’s report

79

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.

Board of Directors’ Responsibilities for the Compensation Report

The Board of Directors is responsible for the preparation of a Compensation Report 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 a 

Compensation Report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. The 

Board of Directors is also responsible for designing the compensation system and defining individual 

compensation packages.

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Compensation Report

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the information pursuant to Art. 

734a-734f CO is 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 SA-CH 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 this Compensation Report.

As part of an audit in accordance with Swiss law and SA-CH, we exercise professional judgement and 

maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement in the Compensation Report, whether due 

to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit 

evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not 

detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, 

as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override 

of internal control.

Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit 

procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an 

opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control.

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting 

estimates and related disclosures made.

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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Compensation report – Auditor’s report

80

We also provide the Board of Directors or its relevant committee with a statement that we have 

complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them 

all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and 

where applicable, actions taken to eliminate threats or safeguards applied.

KPMG AG

Rolf Hauenstein

Licensed Audit Expert

Auditor in Charge

Zurich, February 21, 2024

Miriam von Gunten

Licensed Audit Expert

KPMG AG, Badenerstrasse 172, CH-8036 Zurich
© 2024 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.

Financial 
reporting

82 Consolidated financial statements
82 Consolidated income statement
83 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
84 Consolidated balance sheet
85 Consolidated statement of changes in equity
87 Consolidated statement of cash flows
89 Notes to the consolidated financial statements

174 Auditor’s report
180 Supplementary information

188 Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd
188 Balance sheet of Sulzer Ltd
189 Income statement of Sulzer Ltd
190 Statement of changes in equity of Sulzer Ltd
191 Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd
198 Auditor’s report

 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Consolidated income statement

82

Consolidated income statement

January 1 – December 31

millions of CHF

Sales

Cost of goods sold

Gross profit

Selling and distribution expenses

General and administrative expenses

Research and development expenses

Net impairment release / (loss) on contract assets and trade 
accounts receivable

Other operating income / (expenses), net

Operating income (EBIT)

Interest and securities income

Interest expenses

Other financial income / (expenses), net

Share of profit / (loss) of associates and joint ventures

Income before income tax expenses

Income tax expenses

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

Notes  

3, 20  

10  

11  

12  

12  

12  

17  

13  

25  

25  

2023  

3’281.7  

–2’197.1  

1’084.6  

–323.7  

–370.6  

–70.8  

0.9  

9.2  

329.7  

18.3  

–30.3  

–10.3  

–3.2  

304.3  

–73.8  

230.5  

229.1  

1.3  

6.76  

6.67  

2022

3’179.9

–2’240.3

939.6

–317.0

–363.0

–66.4

–39.9

–42.1

111.4

9.7

–27.3

16.0

–2.7

107.0

–79.0

28.0

28.6

–0.6

0.85

0.83

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

83

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, net of 
tax

Total of items that will not be reclassified to the income 
statement

Total other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the period

- thereof attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

- thereof attributable to non-controlling interests

Notes  

29  

9  

18  

2023  

230.5  

8.3  

–146.0  

–137.7  

128.8  

0.6  

129.3  

–8.3  

222.1  

221.6  

0.6  

2022

28.0

–7.5

–60.3

–67.8

–75.5

–11.0

–86.5

–154.3

–126.2

–125.5

–0.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Consolidated balance sheet

84

Consolidated balance sheet

December 31

millions of CHF

Non-current assets

Goodwill

Other intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Lease assets

Associates and joint ventures

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 without disposal group

Assets of disposal group held for sale

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 without disposal group

Liabilities of disposal group held for sale

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  

2023  

637.9  
196.8  
348.2  
93.2  
54.7  
38.4  
170.5  
1.2  
144.9  
1’685.9  

495.1  
30.4  
86.8  
430.1  
540.8  
123.4  
2.3  
974.7  
2’683.5  

–  
2’683.5  

4’369.5  

0.3  
1’095.0  
1’095.4  

3.2  
1’098.6  

795.2  
69.0  
83.2  
2.7  
127.3  
46.7  
1.2  
1’125.3  

261.1  
23.9  
44.1  
145.3  
451.0  
367.7  
852.4  
2’145.6  

–  
2’145.6  

3’270.8  

4’369.5  

2022  

676.9  
234.3  
360.5  
90.1  
41.8  
28.5  
1.3  
1.0  
149.9  
1’584.2  

522.4  
28.3  
64.4  
466.1  
585.5  
128.7  
14.0  
1’196.3  
3’005.6  

30.4  
3’036.0  

4’620.2  

0.3  
1’023.9  
1’024.3  

4.4  
1’028.6  

1’043.9  
67.2  
53.0  
2.7  
122.2  
58.2  
1.3  
1’348.6  

311.4  
22.4  
30.0  
155.9  
382.3  
440.8  
874.7  
2’217.5  

25.4  
2’242.9  

3’591.5  

4’620.2  

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Consolidated statement of changes in equity

85

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, 2023

0.3  

1’777.7  

–42.9  

–4.1  

–706.7  

1’024.3  

4.4  

1’028.6

Attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

Comprehensive income for the period:

Net income

- Cash flow hedges, net of tax

- Remeasurements of defined benefit 
plans, net of tax

- Equity investments at FVOCI – net 
change in fair value, net of tax

- 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 in control

Transactions with non-controlling interests  

Contribution from medmix

Allocation of treasury shares to share plan 
participants

Purchase of treasury shares

Share-based payments

Dividends

Equity as of December 31, 2023

29  

9  

18  

4  

24  

24  

24  

31  

24  

24  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

229.1  

–  

–  

–  

128.8  

–  

–  

–  

0.6  

–  

129.3  

–  

358.5  

–22.4  

–  

0.3  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–27.2  

27.2  

–  

–20.9  

11.6  

–118.9  

–  

–  

229.1  

1.3  

230.5

8.3  

–  

8.3  

–  

8.3

–  

–  

–  

–  

128.8  

–  

128.8

–  

0.6  

–  

0.6

–145.3  

–145.3  

–0.7  

–146.0

8.3  

–145.3  

–7.6  

–0.7  

–8.3

8.3  

–145.3  

221.6  

0.6  

222.1

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

0.0  

–22.4  

–0.4  

–22.8

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–1.1  

0.3  

–  

–20.9  

11.6  

–1.1

0.3

–

–20.9

11.6

–118.9  

–0.3  

–119.2

0.3  

1’979.5  

–36.7  

4.2  

–852.0  

1’095.4  

3.2  

1’098.6

 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Consolidated statement of changes in equity

86

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, 2022

0.3  

1’967.7  

–51.0  

3.3  

–646.5  

1’273.8  

5.5  

1’279.3

Attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

Comprehensive income for the period:

Net income

- Cash flow hedges, net of tax

- Remeasurements of defined benefit 
plans, net of tax

- Equity investments at FVOCI – net 
change in fair value, net of tax

- Currency translation differences

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the 
period

Transactions with owners of the company:

Disposal of non-controlling interests 
without a change of control

Capital increase non-controlling interests

Contribution from medmix

Transaction costs

Allocation of treasury shares to share plan 
participants

Purchase of treasury shares

Share-based payments

Dividends

Equity as of December 31, 2022

29  

9  

18  

24  

24  

24  

31  

24  

24  

28.6  

–  

–  

–  

–75.5  

–  

–  

–  

–11.0  

–  

–86.5  

–  

–57.9  

–0.4  

–  

0.4  

–0.7  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–27.6  

27.6  

–  

–19.5  

14.9  

–118.7  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

28.6  

–0.6  

–7.5  

–  

–7.5  

–  

28.0

–7.5

–  

–  

–  

–  

–75.5  

–  

–75.5

–  

–11.0  

–  

–11.0

–60.2  

–60.2  

–0.2  

–60.3

–7.5  

–60.2  

–154.1  

–0.2  

–154.3

–7.5  

–60.2  

–125.5  

–0.7  

–126.2

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–0.0  

–0.4  

–  

0.4  

–0.7  

–  

–19.5  

14.9  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

0.8  

0.5  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

0.4

0.5

0.4

–0.7

–

–19.5

14.9

0.3  

1’777.7  

–42.9  

–4.1  

–706.7  

1’024.3  

4.4  

1’028.6

–118.7  

–1.6  

–120.3

 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Consolidated statement of cash flows

87

Consolidated statement of cash flows

January 1 – December 31

millions of CHF

Notes  

Cash and cash equivalents as of January 1, as per balance 
sheet

Cash and cash equivalents classified as held for sale

Cash and cash equivalents as of January 1

Net income

Interest and securities income

Interest expenses

Income tax expenses

Depreciation, amortization and impairments

Income from disposals of tangible and intangible assets , net

12  

12  

13  

14, 15, 16  

11  

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

Purchase of intangible assets

Proceeds from the sale of intangible assets

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment

Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

Divestitures and deconsolidation of subsidiaries, net of cash 
derecognized

Acquisitions of associates and joint ventures

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

14  

14  

15  

15  

4  

5  

17  

17  

18  

18  

18  

18  

2023  

1’196.3  

28.6  

1’224.9  

230.5  

–18.3  

30.3  

73.8  

108.2  

–0.5  

–17.0  

–19.6  

–11.4  

15.8  

100.9  

–46.1  

–4.1  

–4.7  

–22.7  

20.4  

18.3  

–25.9  

–65.6  

362.2  

–6.1  

–  

–59.5  

4.6  

–1.3  

–26.6  

–17.8  

0.2  

–0.6  

0.1  

–0.7  

2.8  

–104.8  

2022

1’505.4

–

1’505.4

28.0

–9.7

27.3

79.0

159.3

–5.5

–59.8

–0.4

–60.3

–82.4

86.9

34.4

–7.6

–14.0

45.4

0.2

9.3

–24.6

–86.5

119.2

–8.7

0.0

–61.2

9.0

–4.2

3.2

–20.9

0.1

–6.7

3.2

–2.9

1.2

–87.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – 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

Divestiture (Acquisition) of non-controlling interests

Capital increase 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

Exchange gains / (losses) on cash and cash equivalents

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

24  

24  

16  

4  

26  

26  

26  

26  

Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31

23  

Cash and cash equivalents classified as held for sale

Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31 as per 
balance sheet

88

–80.6

–1.6

–19.5

–32.1

0.4

0.5

169.6

–0.0

1’054.0

–1’376.1

–285.4

–26.4

–280.5

1’224.9

–28.6

1’196.3

–80.9  

–0.3  

–20.9  

–28.3  

–19.4  

–  

–  

–  

26.0  

–324.9  

–448.6  

–59.0  

–250.3  

974.7  

–  

974.7  

For the calculation of free cash flow (FCF), reference is made to the section “

Financial review

”.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements

90

91

92

98

99

101

104

113

114

120

121

122

123

127

129

131

133

134

135

136

137

139

140

141

143

144

146

148

149

150

151

154

155

156

170

171

01 

General information

02

 Significant events and transactions during the reporting period

03 

Segment information

04 

05 

06 

07 

Acquisitions of subsidiaries and transactions with non-controlling interests

Disposals, loss of control and disposal group held for sale

Critical accounting estimates and judgments

Financial risk management

08 

Personnel expenses

09 

Employee benefit plans

10 

11 

12 

Research and development expenses

Other operating income and expenses

Financial income and expenses

13 

Income taxes

14 

15 

Goodwill and other intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

16 

Leases

17 

Associates and joint ventures

18 

Other financial assets

19 

Inventories

20 

21 

22 

23 

Assets and liabilities related to contracts with customers

Trade accounts receivable

Other current receivables and prepaid expenses

Cash and cash equivalents

24 

Equity

25 

Earnings per share

26 

Borrowings

27 

Provisions

28 

29 

Other current and accrued liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

30 

Contingent liabilities

31 

32 

Share participation plans

Transactions with members of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and related parties

33 

Auditor remuneration

34 

35 

Key accounting policies and valuation methods

Subsequent events after the balance sheet date

36

 Major subsidiaries

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

90

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, 2023, 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 energy-efficient pumping, agitation, mixing, 

separation, purification, crystallization and polymerization technologies for fluids of all types. Sulzer 

was founded in 1834 in Winterthur, Switzerland, and employs 13'130 people. The company serves 

clients in 160 production and service sites around the world. Sulzer Ltd is listed on SIX Swiss 

Exchange in Zurich, Switzerland (symbol: SUN).

Sulzer is a global leader in fluid engineering and chemical processing applications, developing 

innovative products and services that drive sustainable progress.

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 21, 

2024.

Details of the group’s accounting policies are included in 

note 34
.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

91

2

Significant events and transactions during the reporting period

The financial position and performance of the group was not affected by any significant event during 

the period. As disclosed in the Annual Report 2022, Sulzer entered into a sales agreement for its 

business in Russia on February 3, 2023, and successfully sold the business in the second half of 

2023. Further details are provided in 

note 5

.

For a detailed discussion about the group’s performance and financial position, please refer to the 

section “

Financial review

”.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

92

3

Segment information

Segment information by divisions

millions of CHF

Order intake (unaudited) 1)

Nominal growth (unaudited)

Currency-adjusted growth (unaudited)
Organic growth (unaudited) 2)

Flow Equipment

Services

2023  
1’466.5  

3.3%  
10.6%  
11.2%  

2022  
1’419.2  

7.1%  
9.4%  
8.9%  

2023  
1’271.3  

8.5%  
18.5%  
19.8%  

2022  
1’171.3  

0.7%  
1.8%  
1.6%  

Chemtech
2023  
842.5  

0.9%  
7.5%  
10.5%  

2022

834.9

22.9%

21.7%

22.5%

Order backlog as of December 31 (unaudited)

878.3  

850.1  

547.3  

492.9  

521.2  

501.7

Sales recognized at a point in time

Sales recognized over time
Sales 3)

Nominal growth

Currency-adjusted growth (unaudited)
Organic growth (unaudited) 2)

Operational profit (unaudited)

Operational profitability (unaudited)

Restructuring expenses

Amortization

Impairments on tangible and intangible assets
Non-operational items (unaudited) 4)

EBIT

Depreciation

Operating assets

Unallocated assets

Total assets as of December 31

Operating liabilities

Unallocated liabilities

Total liabilities as of December 31

Operating net assets

Unallocated net assets

Total net assets as of December 31

893.2  
461.1  
1’354.4  

2.4%  
9.4%  
10.9%  

108.2  

8.0%  

–2.1  
–25.4  
–0.1  
–6.5  
74.1  

843.4  
479.5  
1’323.0  

–4.8%  
–3.1%  
–3.4%  

87.4  

6.6%  

0.3  
–26.7  
–8.0  
–20.4  
32.6  

870.2  
284.6  
1’154.8  

3.4%  
12.6%  
14.5%  

171.3  

14.8%  

–0.7  
–3.7  
–0.0  
12.7  
179.6  

825.9  
291.1  
1’117.0  

–0.1%  
0.8%  
0.7%  

159.0  

14.2%  

–1.3  
–4.4  
–24.2  
–75.1  
54.0  

373.2  
399.4  
772.5  

4.4%  
11.3%  
15.5%  

95.0  

12.3%  

–0.3  
–6.8  
–0.1  
–2.9  
84.9  

357.5

382.4

739.9

14.1%

12.9%

14.8%

80.0

10.8%

0.8

–6.9

–12.3

–23.4

38.3

–28.8  

–30.4  

–27.3  

–29.0  

–12.8  

–13.4

1’427.7  
–  
1’427.7  

1’554.1  
–  
1’554.1  

718.6  
–  
718.6  

709.1  
–  
709.1  

730.9  
–  
730.9  

823.2  
–  
823.2  

944.4  
–  
944.4  

411.2  
–  
411.2  

533.2  
–  
533.2  

980.0  
–  
980.0  

456.4  
–  
456.4  

523.7  
–  
523.7  

533.2  
–  
533.2  

409.1  
–  
409.1  

124.1  
–  
124.1  

579.7

–

579.7

439.8

–

439.8

139.9

–

139.9

Capital expenditure (incl. lease assets)

–37.7  

–37.9  

–33.4  

–42.0  

–27.8  

–16.8

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

5’465  

5’263  

4’630  

4’559  

2’849  

2’852

1) Order intake from external customers.
2) Adjusted for acquisition, divestiture/deconsolidation and currency effects.
3) Sales from external customers.
4) Mainly consists of a gain on deconsolidation relating to the Russian business of CHF 8.0 million, including the reclassification of the accumulated currency translation adjustments 

being allocated to the divisions.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

93

Segment information by divisions

millions of CHF

Order intake (unaudited) 3)

Nominal growth (unaudited)

Currency-adjusted growth (unaudited)
Organic growth (unaudited) 4)

Total divisions

2023  
3’580.3  

4.5%  
12.6%  
13.9%  

2022  
3’425.4  

8.1%  
9.2%  
9.1%  

Order backlog as of December 31 (unaudited)

1’946.8  

1’844.7  

Others 1)

2023  
–  

–  
–  
–  

-  

–  
–  
–  

–  
–  
–  

–8.9  

n/a  

0.1  
–0.7  
–  
0.5  
–9.0  

2022 2)

–  

–  
–  
–  

–  

–  
–  
–  

–  
–  
–  

–8.8  

n/a  

0.0  
–0.8  
–  
–3.8  
–13.5  

Total Sulzer

2023  
3’580.3  

4.5%  
12.6%  
13.9%  

2022 2)

3’425.4

8.1%

9.2%

9.1%

1’946.8  

1’844.7

2’136.6  
1’145.1  
3’281.7  

3.2%  
11.0%  
13.2%  

365.6  

11.1%  

–3.0  
–36.6  
–0.2  
3.8  
329.7  

2’026.8

1’153.1

3’179.9

0.8%

1.6%

1.8%

317.6

10.0%

–0.1

–38.8

–44.5

–122.8

111.4

2’136.6  
1’145.1  
3’281.7  

3.2%  
11.0%  
13.2%  

374.5  

11.4%  

–3.1  
–35.9  
–0.2  
3.3  
338.6  

2’026.8  
1’153.1  
3’179.9  

0.8%  
1.6%  
1.8%  

326.4  

10.3%  

–0.1  
–38.0  
–44.5  
–119.0  
124.8  

–68.9  

–72.8  

–2.6  

–3.2  

–71.4  

–76.0

2’905.3  
–  
2’905.3  

1’538.9  
–  
1’538.9  

1’366.4  
–  
1’366.4  

3’113.8  
–  
3’113.8  

1’627.0  
–  
1’627.0  

1’486.8  
–  
1’486.8  

213.6  
1’250.5  
1’464.2  

261.3  
1’470.6  
1’731.9  

–47.7  
–220.1  
–267.8  

42.6  
1’463.7  
1’506.4  

98.1  
1’866.4  
1’964.5  

–55.5  
–402.7  
–458.2  

3’118.9  
1’250.5  
4’369.5  

1’800.2  
1’470.6  
3’270.8  

1’318.7  
–220.1  
1’098.6  

3’156.4

1’463.7

4’620.2

1’725.1

1’866.4

3’591.5

1’431.4

–402.7

1’028.6

Sales recognized at a point in time

Sales recognized over time
Sales 5)

Nominal growth

Currency-adjusted growth (unaudited)
Organic growth (unaudited) 4)

Operational profit (unaudited)

Operational profitability (unaudited)

Restructuring expenses

Amortization

Impairments on tangible and intangible assets
Non-operational items (unaudited) 6)

EBIT

Depreciation

Operating assets 7)
Unallocated assets 7)

Total assets as of December 31

Operating liabilities 8)
Unallocated liabilities 8)

Total liabilities as of December 31

Operating net assets

Unallocated net assets

Total net assets as of December 31

Capital expenditure (incl. lease assets)

–98.9  

–96.7  

–4.1  

–3.3  

–103.1  

–100.0

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

12’944  

12’674  

186  

194  

13’130  

12’868

1) The most significant activities under “Others” relate to Corporate Center.
2) Amounts in 2022 were restated, please refer to 7) and 8) below.
3) Order intake from external customers.
4) Adjusted for acquisition, divestiture/deconsolidation and currency effects.
5) Sales from external customers.
6) Mainly consists of a gain on deconsolidation relating to the Russia business of CHF 8.0 million, including the reclassification of the accumulated currency translation adjustments being 

7)

8)

allocated to the divisions.
In 2022, within “Others”, operating assets were adjusted by CHF 90.1 million from CHF -47.5 million to CHF 42.6 million, the unallocated assets were adjusted by CHF -90.1 million 
from CHF 1’553.8 million to CHF 1’463.7 million. In “Total Sulzer”, operating assets were adjusted by CHF 90.1 million from CHF 3’066.3 million to CHF 3,156.4 million, the unallocated 
assets were adjusted by CHF -90.1 million from CHF 1’553.8 million to CHF 1’463.7 million.
In 2022, within “Others”, operating liabilities were adjusted by CHF 90.1 million from CHF 8.0 million to CHF 98.1 million, the unallocated liabilities were adjusted by CHF -90.1 million 
from CHF 1’956.5 million to CHF 1’866.4 million. In “Total Sulzer”, operating liabilities were adjusted by CHF 90.1 million from CHF 1’635.0 million to CHF 1’725.1 million, the 
unallocated liabilities were adjusted by CHF -90.1 million from CHF 1’956.5 million to CHF 1’866.4 million.

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

”.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

94

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 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 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 and sustainable 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 

assessed 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 the measurement 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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

95

Segment information by region

The allocation of assets is based on their geographical location. Non-current assets exclude deferred 

income tax assets, non-current receivables, defined benefit assets and other non-current financial 

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 Switzerland

– thereof United Kingdom

– thereof Sweden

– thereof Finland

– thereof the Netherlands

Americas

– thereof USA

Asia-Pacific

– thereof China

Total

2023  

831.5  

227.0  

175.5  

112.4  

111.3  

79.7  

375.8  

335.5  

123.6  

47.1  

2022

853.5

220.5

180.1

125.7

114.6

84.6

413.4

376.6

136.7

52.4

1’330.9  

1’403.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

96

Sales by region

millions of CHF

Flow 

Equipment  

Services  

Chemtech  

2023

Total 
Sulzer

Europe, the Middle East and Africa

607.7  

446.5  

191.8  

1’246.0

– thereof United Kingdom

– thereof Saudi Arabia

– thereof Germany

– thereof France

– thereof Spain

Americas

– thereof USA

Asia-Pacific

– thereof China

Total

millions of CHF

36.7  

91.1  

60.6  

34.7  

43.1  

123.0  

32.4  

46.1  

36.4  

5.9  

15.7  

30.7  

39.3  

8.2  

5.4  

175.5

154.2

145.9

79.3

54.5

452.8  

561.2  

185.8  

1’199.8

261.7  

435.3  

130.7  

827.7

293.9  

147.2  

177.7  

24.7  

394.9  

266.7  

836.0

469.1

1’354.4  

1’154.8  

772.5  

3’281.7

Flow 

Equipment  

Services  

Chemtech  

2022

Total 
Sulzer

Europe, the Middle East and Africa

602.0  

439.9  

166.0  

1’207.9

– thereof United Kingdom

– thereof Germany

– thereof Saudi Arabia

– thereof France

– thereof Russia

Americas

– thereof USA

Asia-Pacific

– thereof China

Total

36.3  

87.8  

66.3  

32.3  

31.2  

112.9  

43.1  

23.7  

31.3  

23.2  

15.7  

17.0  

20.3  

8.6  

14.0  

164.9

147.9

110.3

72.2

68.4

420.9  

525.5  

196.4  

1’142.8

223.6  

397.1  

141.3  

761.9

300.1  

151.6  

202.2  

28.3  

377.5  

254.6  

829.2

485.1

1’323.0  

1’117.0  

739.9  

3’179.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

97

Segment information by market segment

The following table shows the allocation of sales from external customers by market segment. 

Sales by market segment – Flow Equipment

millions of CHF

Water

Energy

Industry

Total Flow Equipment

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

Renewables

Services

Water

Total Chemtech

2023  

497.7  

453.0  

403.7  

2022

489.8

453.4

379.7

1’354.4  

1’323.0

2023  

629.3  

525.5  

1’154.8  

2023  

357.8  

174.8  

115.8  

94.0  

30.1  

772.5  

2022

593.7

523.4

1’117.0

2022

398.4

130.4

73.9

108.5

28.6

739.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

98

4

Acquisitions of subsidiaries and transactions with non-
controlling interests 

Contingent consideration for former acquisitions

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Payment of contingent consideration

Release to other operating income

Currency translation differences

Total contingent consideration as of December 31

– thereof non-current

– thereof current

2023  

1.9  

–1.3  

–0.5  

–0.1  

–  

–  

–  

2022

5.9

–4.2

–

0.2

1.9

–

1.9

The group paid a contingent consideration in the amount of CHF 1.3 million and recorded a release to 

other operating income amounting to CHF 0.5 million, both related to an acquisition in 2021. The 

payment of CHF 1.3 million is presented in the cash flow statement in "Acquisitions of subsidiaries, 

net of cash acquired". No businesses were acquired in 2023.

Transactions with non-controlling interests

millions of CHF

Carrying amount of non-controlling interests acquired (disposed)

Consideration received (paid) in cash

Non-cash consideration

Consideration payable

Decrease in equity attributable to owners of Sulzer Ltd

2023  

0.4  

–19.4  

–2.8  

–0.6  

–22.4  

2022

–0.8

0.4

–

–

–0.4

In January 2023, the group acquired the remaining 25% ownership in Sulzer Saudi Pump Company 

Limited for a total consideration of CHF 22.8 million, of which CHF 19.4 million were paid in cash. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

99

5

Disposals, loss of control and disposal group held for sale

Disposals and loss of control in 2023

In February 2023, the group entered into an agreement with a third party for the sale of four legal 

entities in Russia (AO Sulzer Pumps, Sulzer Pumps Rus LLC, Sulzer Turbo Services Rus LLC and 

Sulzer Chemtech LLC). From the date of the sales agreement, the group lost power over the relevant 

activities of these entities due to the contractual requirements and legal environment. Consequently, 

these four entities were deconsolidated in 2023, resulting in the derecognition of the assets and 

liabilities previously classified as held for sale. The deconsolidation resulted in a gain on 

deconsolidation amounting to CHF 8.0 million, of which CHF 11.2 million resulted from the 

reclassification of accumulated currency translation differences and CHF 0.6 million from the 

reclassification of cash flow hedge reserves, net of tax. The gain on deconsolidation is recorded in 

other operating income / (expenses), net. A loan with one of the former subsidiaries was measured at 

a fair value and recognized as a current financial asset at the time control was lost. The payment 

received on the financial asset exceeded the estimated fair value, the income from the impairment 

release was recorded in other financial income (see 

note 12

).

Including other minor disposals in 2023, a net gain on disposal (pre-tax) of CHF 7.2 million was 

recorded in other operating income / (expenses), net, of which CHF 10.9 million pertains to the 

reclassification of accumulated currency translation differences and CHF 0.6 million to the 

reclassification of cash flow hedge reserves, net of tax (see 

note 11

).

The aggregated assets and liabilities derecognized in the year 2023 as part of the disposals are 

presented in the below table. 

millions of CHF

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred income tax assets

Inventories and advance payments to suppliers

Trade accounts receivable

Cash and cash equivalents

Non-current liabilities

Trade accounts payable

Contract liabilities

Current lease liabilities

Current provisions

Other current and accrued liabilities

Net assets derecognized

2023 1)

0.2

0.6

0.1

0.4

32.6

–0.3

–0.6

–13.3

–0.2

–0.4

–10.7

8.5

1) Assets and liabilities classified as assets and liabilities of disposal groups held for sale prior to the disposal are presented as per their initial classification 

prior to the classification as held for sale.

Cash flow from divestments

millions of CHF

Cash consideration received

Cash disposed of

Cash consideration received for divestments in prior years

Total cash flow from divestitures, net of cash derecognized

2023  

5.8  

–32.6  

0.3  

–26.6  

2022

7.8

–4.6

–

3.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

100

Disposals and loss of control in 2022

In the first half year of 2022, the group sold its 100% shareholding in the Brazilian subsidiary Sulzer 

Services Brasil, Triunfo. The disposal resulted in a loss of CHF 0.6 million, including a loss of 

CHF 1.0 million from the reclassification of currency translation differences into the income statement. 

The deconsolidation of two Polish subsidiaries resulted in a loss of CHF 6.2 million, including a loss of 

CHF 1.2 million from the reclassification of currency translation differences into the income statement. 

The investment retained was valued at zero. The losses are recorded in other operating expenses (see 

note 11

).

The assets and liabilities derecognized in the year 2022 as part of the disposals are presented in the 

below table.

millions of CHF

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred income tax assets

Inventories and advance payments to suppliers

Trade accounts receivable

Contract assets

Other current receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Non-current provisions

Trade accounts payable

Contract liabilities

Other current and accrued liabilities

Net assets derecognized

2022

2.5

0.2

2.0

9.0

0.6

1.9

4.7

–0.3

–2.6

–0.7

–4.8

12.5

Disposal group held for sale in 2022

In the June 2022, the four legal entities in Russia were classified as 'held for sale,' and as a result, 

impairments of CHF 88.9 million were recorded, of which CHF 32.2 million in other operating 

expenses, CHF 38.8 million in cost of goods sold, CHF 15.7 million in general and administrative 

expenses, and CHF 2.2 million in the income tax expenses line. The write-downs included mainly 

impairments of goodwill, other intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, lease assets, 

inventory and advance payments from customers. The total net impairment loss recorded on contract 

assets and receivables amounted to CHF 37.4 million as of December 31, 2022.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

101

6

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 measurement 

of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are set out below.

Employee benefit plans

Assets, liabilities and costs for defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment plans 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., market yields of high-quality corporate bonds denominated in the 

corresponding currency and asset management studies. In case a defined benefit plan results in a 

surplus, the group needs to calculate the asset ceiling and the present value of the economic benefits 

available in the form of refunds or reductions in future contributions to the plan. For the calculation of 

the economic benefits, the future benefits are discounted with the applicable discount rate, adjusted 

for estimated future salary increases. These estimates might significantly impact the balance 

sheet. Further details on the defined benefit plans are provided in 

note 9

 and 

note 34

.

Income taxes

The group is subject to 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 business. The group recognizes liabilities for 

anticipated tax audit issues based on estimates of whether additional taxes will be due. Where the 

final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such 

differences will impact the income tax and deferred tax provisions in the period in which such 

determination is made. Management believes that the estimates are reasonable, and that the 

recognized liabilities for income tax-related uncertainties are adequate. Further details are disclosed in 

note 13

.

Goodwill and other intangible assets

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
.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

102

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. 

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

 are met. The most critical estimate in determining whether 

sales should be recorded over time or at a point in time, is the existence of a right to payment. The 

group estimates if an enforceable right to payment (including reasonable profit margin) for 

performance 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 in determining 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
.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

103

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

. 

Financial assets

The fair value needs to be measured for the financial assets measured at fair value through P&L. If 

there is no observable fair value, valuation approaches relying on unobservable inputs are used. 

These inputs inherently require a higher level of judgement. Assumptions and estimates of 

unobservable market inputs in the fair valuation of financial assets require significant judgment and 

could affect amounts recognized in the statement of income.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

104

7

Financial risk management

7.1 Financial risk factors

The group’s activities expose it to market, credit and liquidity risks. The group’s overall risk 

management program focuses on the mitigation of such risks to minimize potential adverse effects on 

the group’s financial performance. The group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge certain 

risk exposures.

Financial risk management is carried out by a central treasury department (Group Treasury). 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 exposure originates mainly 

from group companies with the functional currencies CHF, USD, EUR, CNY and INR. 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 hedge 90% to 100% of the contractual FX exposures.

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.

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 2023 and 2022 

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 2023, the 

currency pair with the most significant exposure and inherent risk was the EUR versus the BRL. If, on 

December 31, 2023, the EUR had increased by 12.0% against the BRL with all other variables held 

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

105

constant, profit after tax for the year would have been CHF 0.6 million lower due to foreign exchange 

losses on EUR-denominated financial assets. A decrease of the rate would have caused a profit of the 

same amount.

Hypothetical impact of foreign exchange risk on income statement

millions of CHF

Currency pair

Exposure

Volatility

Effect on profit after tax (rate increase)

Effect on profit after tax (rate decrease)

millions of CHF

Currency pair

Exposure

Volatility

Effect on profit after tax (rate increase)

Effect on profit after tax (rate decrease)

2023

EUR/BRL   EUR/CNY  

EUR/INR   USD/MXN

–6.7  

6.5  

–5.8  

3.3

12.0%  

6.7%  

7.2%  

11.4%

–0.6  

0.6  

0.3  

–0.3  

–0.3  

0.3  

0.3

–0.3

2022

  EUR/RUB   USD/BRL  

EUR/BRL   USD/BHD

5.9  

7.8  

–6.0  

7.8

54.5%  

18.9%  

19.1%  

10.0%

2.3  

–2.3  

1.1  

–1.1  

–0.8  

0.8  

0.6

–0.6

The following tables show the hypothetical influence on equity for 2023 and 2022 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 cash flow hedges.

Hypothetical impact of foreign exchange risk on equity

millions of CHF

2023

Currency pair

  GBP/USD   USD/MXN  

EUR/USD  

CHF/EUR  

USD/INR  

EUR/BRL   USD/CAD

Exposure

Volatility

116.1  

–57.2  

52.5  

–60.9  

–59.9  

15.7  

8.3%  

11.4%  

7.6%  

5.1%  

3.2%  

12.0%  

–26.4

6.1%

Effect on equity, net of taxes 
(rate increase)

Effect on equity, net of taxes 
(rate decrease)

7.3  

–4.9  

3.0  

–2.4  

–1.5  

1.4  

–1.2

–7.3  

4.9  

–3.0  

2.4  

1.5  

–1.4  

1.2

millions of CHF

2022

Currency pair

  GBP/USD  

EUR/USD   USD/MXN  

EUR/CHF  

USD/INR   GBP/EUR   USD/CHF

Exposure

Volatility

156.3  

47.6  

–42.7  

–57.9  

–46.9  

–28.7  

12.5%  

10.1%  

10.4%  

7.6%  

5.2%  

7.7%  

–22.9

9.4%

Effect on equity, net of taxes 
(rate increase)

Effect on equity, net of taxes 
(rate decrease)

14.3  

3.5  

–3.2  

–3.2  

–1.8  

–1.6  

–1.6

–14.3  

–3.5  

3.2  

3.2  

1.8  

1.6  

1.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

106

(II) Price risk
As of December 31, 2023, and 2022, the group was not exposed to significant price risk related to 

investments in equity securities.

(III) Interest rate risk
The group’s interest rate risk arises from interest-bearing assets and liabilities. Financial 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 of bonds with a fixed interest rate.

The following table shows the hypothetical influence on the income statement for variable interest-

bearing assets net of liabilities at variable interest rates, assuming market interest rate levels would 

have increased/decreased by 100 basis points. For the most significant currencies, CHF, USD, EUR, 

CNY and INR, increasing interest rates would have had a positive impact on the income statement, 

since the value of variable interest-bearing assets (comprising mainly cash and cash equivalents) 

exceed the value of variable interest-bearing liabilities.

Hypothetical impact of interest rate risk on income statement

millions of CHF

2023

Variable interest-bearing assets (net)

Amount

Sensitivity in 
basis points

Impact on post-tax profit

rate increase  

rate decrease

CHF

USD

EUR

CNY

INR

millions of CHF

Variable interest-bearing assets (net)

CHF

USD

EUR

CNY

INR

282.2  

180.1  

172.1  

144.1  

39.2  

100  

100  

100  

100  

100  

2.1  

1.4  

1.3  

1.1  

0.3  

–2.1

–1.4

–1.3

–1.1

–0.3

2022

Amount

Sensitivity in 
basis points

Impact on post-tax profit

rate increase  

rate decrease

417.2  

264.4  

181.3  

174.0  

29.8  

100  

100  

100  

100  

100  

3.0  

1.9  

1.3  

1.3  

0.2  

–3.0

–1.9

–1.3

–1.3

–0.2

On December 31, 2023, 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 2.1 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, 2022, 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 3.0 million 

higher, as a result of higher interest income on CHF-denominated assets.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

107

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 trade receivables, and 

contract assets. The maximum exposure to credit risk per class of financial asset is disclosed by 

carrying amounts in the fair value table. Equity instruments are not exposed to credit risks. 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
.

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 committed and uncommitted credit lines.

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. As of December 2023, Sulzer 

had access to a syndicated credit facility of CHF 500 million maturing on 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). In 2022 and 2023, the group exercised the options, 

extending the term of the credit facility in the amount of CHF 415 million to December 2028.

The following table analyzes the group’s financial liabilities in relevant maturity groupings based on 

the remaining period from the reporting to the contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed in the 

table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows translated at year-end closing rates, if not 

denominated in CHF. Borrowings include the notional amount and interest payments.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

108

Trade accounts payable

367.7  

367.7  

–  

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  

2023

Total

1’056.3  

279.3  

816.8  

0.6  

1’096.7

93.0  

24.7  

53.4  

24.6  

405.5  

404.3  

1.2  

3.2  

3.2  

279.3  

276.1  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

102.7

367.7

405.5

3.2

279.3

276.1

2022

Total

96.7

440.8

Carrying 
amount  

<1 year  

1–5 years  

>5 years  

1’355.3  

330.0  

1’080.6  

–  

1’410.6

89.6  

22.8  

48.2  

25.7  

Trade accounts payable

440.8  

440.8  

–  

–  

Other current and non-current liabilities (excluding 
derivative liabilities)

Derivative liabilities

– thereof outflow

– thereof inflow

7.2 Capital risk management

432.5  

431.2  

7.0  

7.0  

–  

–  

604.7  

597.7  

0.1  

0.0  

9.9  

9.9  

1.2  

432.5

–  

–  

–  

7.0

614.6

607.6

The group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the group’s ability to continue as a 

going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to 

maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of capital. In this respect, the group aims at 

maintaining an investment-grade credit rating, either as a perceived rating or an external rating issued 

by a credit rating agency.

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the group may adjust the amount of dividends paid 

to shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

109

The following table shows the net debt/EBITDA ratio as of December 31, 2023, and 2022.

Net debt/EBITDA ratio

millions of CHF

2023  

2022

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)

Depreciation

Impairments on tangible and intangible assets 1)

Amortization

EBITDA

Net debt

EBITDA

Net debt/EBITDA ratio

–974.7  

–2.3  

795.2  

69.0  

261.1  

23.9  

172.3  

329.7  

71.4  

0.2  

36.6  

437.9  

172.3  

437.9  

0.39  

–1’196.3

–14.0

1’043.9

67.2

311.4

22.4

234.6

111.4

76.0

44.5

38.8

270.7

234.6

270.7

0.87

1)

Impairments on tangible and intangible assets in 2022 include CHF 32.4 million impairments recorded in connection with the Russian business classified as 
held for sale, see Note 11.

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.

As of December 31, 2023, and 2022, 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)

2023  

795.2  

69.0  

261.1  

23.9  

1’149.2  

1’095.4  

1.05  

2022

1’043.9

67.2

311.4

22.4

1’444.9

1’024.3

1.41

For the definition of net debt, EBITDA and gearing ratio, please refer to the section “

Supplementary 

information

”.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

110

7.3 Fair value estimation

The following tables present the carrying amounts and fair values of financial assets and liabilities as 

of December 31, 2023, and 2022, 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 determined using unobservable inputs are categorized within level 3 of the fair value 

hierarchy. Level 3 instruments consist of non-current financial assets at fair value through profit or 

loss. Non-current financial assets at fair value through profit or loss consist of unquoted equity or debt 

instruments including private equity or fund investments. Fair values are mainly determined based on 

external valuations. Unrealized fair value gains are recorded in other financial income / (expenses), 

net. For the partial release of a contingent consideration, an income of CHF 0.5 million (2022: 

CHF 0.0 million) was recorded in other operating income. For more information, please refer to 

note 4
.

Level 3 financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Additions

Reclassification

Unrealized fair value gain, net

Total level 3 financial assets at fair value through profit or loss as of 
December 31

2023  

22.6  

0.6  

–3.0  

1.9  

22.0  

2022

8.6

6.4

–

7.6

22.6

In 2022, additional assets were measured at fair value and categorized within level 3 due to the 

classification as held for sale. The fair value of these assets was determined to be zero and losses in 

the amount of CHF 32.4 million were recorded. These assets were part of the Russian business that 

was deconsolidated in 2023, see 

note 5

 and 

note 11

. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

111

Fair value table

millions of CHF

  Notes  

Financial assets measured at 
fair value

Other non-current financial 
assets (at fair value)

Derivative assets – current

Current financial assets (at fair 
value)

Total financial assets 
measured at fair value

18  
22,29  

18  

Financial assets not 
measured at fair value

Other non-current financial 
assets (at amortized cost)

Non-current receivables 
(excluding non-current 
derivative assets)

Trade accounts receivable

Other current receivables 
(excluding current derivative 
assets and other taxes)

Current financial assets (at 
amortized cost)

Cash and cash equivalents

Total financial assets not 
measured at fair value

18  

21  

22  

18  
23  

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, 2023

Fair value

Other 
financial 
liabilities  

Total 
carrying 
amount   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3  

Total fair 
value

22.2  

9.5  

13.9  

31.7  
13.9  

9.7  
–  

–  
13.9  

22.0  
–  

31.7

13.9

1.6  

1.6  

1.6  

–  

–  

1.6

13.9  

23.8  

9.5  

–  

–  

47.2  

11.3  

13.9  

22.0  

47.2

6.7  

6.7  

1.2  
540.8  

22.6  

0.7  
974.7  

1.2  
540.8  

22.6  

0.7  
974.7  

–  

–  

–  

1’546.7  

–  

1’546.7  

Financial liabilities measured 
at fair value

Derivative liabilities – current

28,29  

Total financial liabilities 
measured at fair value

3.2  

3.2  

–  

–  

–  

–  

3.2  

3.2  

–  

–  

3.2  

3.2  

–  

–  

3.2

3.2

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 and other taxes)

Total financial liabilities not 
measured at fair value

26  
26  

26  

26  

28  

786.2  

–  

–  

786.2

250.0  

–  

–  

250.0

794.3  
0.9  

794.3  
0.9  

1.2  
250.0  

11.1  
367.7  

1.2  
250.0  

11.1  
367.7  

404.3  

404.3  

–  

–  

–  

–  

1’829.5  

1’829.5  

 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

112

Fair value table

millions of CHF

  Notes  

Fair value 
hedging 
instruments  

Fair value 
through 
profit or 
loss  

Carrying amount

Financial 
assets at fair 
value through 
other 
comprehensive 
income – 
equity 
instruments  

Financial 
assets at 
amortized 
cost  

December 31, 2022

Fair value

Other 
financial 
liabilities  

Total 
carrying 
amount   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3  

Total fair 
value

Financial assets measured at 
fair value

Other non-current financial 
assets (at fair value)

Derivative assets – non-current

Derivative assets – current

Current financial assets (at fair 
value)

Total financial assets 
measured at fair value

Financial assets not 
measured at fair value

Other non-current financial 
assets (at amortized cost)

Non-current receivables 
(excluding non-current 
derivative assets)

Trade accounts receivable

Other current receivables 
(excluding current derivative 
assets and other taxes)

Current financial assets (at 
amortized cost)

Cash and cash equivalents

Total financial assets not 
measured at fair value

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 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

18  
29  
22,29  

18  

22.8  

–  

0.1  
13.2  

1.5  

13.2  

24.4  

8.8  

8.8  

22.8  
0.1  
13.2  

0.2  
–  
–  

–  
0.1  
13.2  

22.6  
–  
–  

22.8

0.1

13.2

10.3  

10.3  

–  

–  

10.3

–  

–  

46.4  

10.5  

13.2  

22.6  

46.4

18  

21  

22  

18  
23  

5.6  

5.6  

0.9  
585.5  

23.4  

3.6  
1’196.3  

0.9  
585.5  

23.4  

3.6  
1’196.3  

–  

–  

–  

1’815.5  

–  

1’815.5  

29  
28,29  
4  

0.0  
7.0  

7.0  

1.9  

1.9  

0.0  
7.0  
1.9  

8.9  

–  
–  
–  

–  

0.0  
7.0  
–  

–  
–  
1.9  

7.0  

1.9  

0.0

7.0

1.9

8.9

–  

–  

–  

26  

26  

26  

28  

1’043.9  

1’043.9   1’003.7  

–  

–  

1’003.7

288.5  

–  

–  

288.5

1.3  
289.9  

21.5  
440.8  

1.3  
289.9  

21.5  
440.8  

396.3  

396.3  

–  

–  

–  

–  

2’193.6  

2’193.6  

 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

113

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

2023  

822.6  

29.9  

14.4  

12.6  

119.5  

31.7  

2022

793.2

29.6

15.7

15.4

112.3

36.2

1’030.8  

1’002.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

114

9

Employee benefit plans

The present value of the defined benefit obligations and costs of the defined benefits are calculated 

using the projected unit credit method. For active members the calculation considers future salary 

increases, future pension increases as well as the probability of departures, and for retirees, current 

and future pension benefits considering future pension increases.

Reconciliation of the amount recognized in the balance sheet as of December 31

millions of CHF

Present value of funded defined benefit 
obligation

Fair value of plan assets (funded plans)

Overfunding / (underfunding)

Present value of unfunded defined benefit 
obligation

Adjustment to asset ceiling

Net asset / (liability) recognized in the 
balance sheet

Funded 
plans 

Switzerland  

Funded 
plans 
United 
Kingdom  

Funded 
plans USA  

Funded 
plans 
others  

Unfunded 

plans  

Total

2023

–731.2  

–346.1  

–48.6  

–83.1  

899.9  

168.8  

268.5  

–77.6  

38.6  

56.2  

–10.0  

–27.0  

–  

–  

–  

–1’209.0

1’263.2

54.2

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–10.9  

–10.9

–  

–

168.8  

–77.6  

–10.0  

–27.0  

–10.9  

43.2

– thereof defined benefit obligations

–  

–77.6  

–10.0  

–28.7  

–10.9  

–127.3

– thereof defined benefit assets

168.8  

–  

–  

1.7  

–  

170.5

millions of CHF

Present value of funded defined benefit 
obligation

Fair value of plan assets (funded plans)

Overfunding / (underfunding)

Present value of unfunded defined benefit 
obligation

Adjustment to asset ceiling

Net asset / (liability) recognized in the 
balance sheet

– thereof defined benefit obligations

– thereof defined benefit assets

Funded 
plans 

Switzerland  

Funded 
plans 
United 
Kingdom  

Funded 
plans USA  

Funded 
plans 
others  

Unfunded 

plans  

Total

2022

–716.8  

–355.3  

–53.7  

–78.3  

914.7  

197.9  

277.2  

–78.0  

43.5  

57.1  

–10.2  

–21.2  

–  

–  

–  

–1’204.0

1’292.5

88.5

–  

–197.9  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–11.5  

–11.5

–0.0  

–  

–197.9

–  

–  

–  

–78.0  

–10.2  

–21.2  

–11.5  

–121.0

–78.0  

–10.2  

–22.5  

–11.5  

–122.2

–  

–  

1.3  

–  

1.3

The group operates major funded defined benefit pension plans in Switzerland, the UK and the USA. 

The main unfunded defined benefit plan is a German pension benefit plan. 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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

115

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 

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 discount 

rate in 2023 decreased compared to 2022 (from 2.2% to 1.5% for active employees and from 2.3% to 

1.5% for pensioners). In 2023, a gain from the change in effect of asset ceiling amounting to 

CHF 202.3 million (2022: loss of CHF 197.9 million) was recorded in other comprehensive income 

(OCI) related to the Swiss pension plans. The net pension asset increased from CHF 0.0 million to 

CHF 168.8 million. The total expenses recognized in the income statement in 2023 amounted to 

CHF 11.3 million (2022: CHF 13.7 million) and includes past service costs amounting to 

CHF 1.3 million. The past service costs were recorded for a plan amendment to one of the pension 

plans, enabling employees to extend the retirement saving process. 

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 nine trustees forming the Board. The 

plan is a multiemployer scheme with Sulzer (UK) Holding being the principal sponsor. The discount 

rate decreased in 2023 by 0.2 percentage points to 4.7% (2022: 4.9%). The net pension liability 

decreased from CHF 78.0 million in 2022 to CHF 77.6 million in 2023, with a loss recognized in OCI 

amounting to CHF 6.6 million (2022: gain of CHF 15.3 million). In 2023, the total expenses recognized 

in the income statement amounted

 to CHF 3.8 milli

on (2022: CHF 2.8 million).

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 are closed to new entrants. The discount rate 

decreased in 2023 to 4.7% (2022: 4.8%). The net pension liability decreased from CHF 10.2 million in 

2022 to CHF 10.0 million in 2023 with a loss recognized in OCI amounting to CHF 0.4 million (2022: 

gain of CHF 8.9 million). The total expenses recognized in 2023 amounted to CHF 1.1 million (2022: 

CHF 1.1 million).

In Germany, the group operates a range of different defined benefit pension plans, with one unfunded 

plan and two funded plans. 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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

116

Employee benefit plans

millions of CHF

Reconciliation of effect of asset ceiling

Adjustment to asset ceiling at January 1

Interest (expenses) / income on effect of asset ceiling

Change in effect of asset ceiling excl. interest (expenses) / income

Currency translation differences

Adjustment to asset ceiling at December 31

Reconciliation of net asset / (liability) recognized in the balance sheet

Net asset / (liability) recognized at January 1

Defined benefit income / (expenses) recognized in the income statement

Defined benefit income / (expenses) recognized in OCI

Employer contributions

Divestitures of subsidiaries

Reclassification 1)

Currency translation differences

Net asset / (liability) recognized at December 31

Components of defined benefit income / (expenses) in the income 
statement

Current service costs (employer)

Past service costs

Gains and (losses) on settlement

Interest expenses

Interest income on plan assets

Interest expenses / (income) on effect of asset ceiling

Other administrative costs

Income / (expenses) recognized in the income statement

– thereof charged to personnel expenses

– thereof charged to interest income / expenses, net

Components of defined benefit gains / (losses) in OCI

Actuarial gains / (losses) on defined benefit obligation

Returns on plan assets excl. interest income

Changes in effect of asset ceiling excl. interest expenses / (income)

Returns on reimbursement right excl. interest income / (expenses)

Defined benefit gains / (losses) recognized in OCI 2)

1) Defined benefit plans reclassified from provisions to defined benefit obligation, see note 27.
2) The tax effect on defined benefit cost recognized in OCI amounted to CHF -31.5 million (2022: CHF 15.4 million).

2023  

–197.9  

–4.4  

202.3  

–0.0  

–  

–121.0  

–20.1  

160.3  

24.1  

–  

–6.0  

5.9  

43.2  

–12.1  

–1.5  

0.1  

–38.5  

37.2  

–4.4  

–0.9  

–20.1  

–14.4  

–5.7  

–64.6  

22.4  

202.3  

0.2  

160.3  

2022

–

–

–197.9

–0.0

–197.9

–45.7

–18.7

–90.8

24.8

0.2

–

9.2

–121.0

–16.4

0.9

1.3

–17.3

14.5

–

–1.5

–18.7

–15.7

–2.9

366.3

–259.4

–197.9

0.2

–90.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

117

Employee benefit plans

millions of CHF

2023  

2022

Reconciliation of defined benefit obligation (funded and unfunded plans)

Defined benefit obligation as of January 1

–1’215.6  

–1’692.3

Interest expenses

Current service costs (employer)

Past service costs

Contributions by plan participants

Benefits paid / (deposited)

Gains and (losses) on settlement

Other administrative costs

Actuarial gains / (losses)

Divestitures of subsidiaries

Reclassification 1)

Currency translation differences

–38.5  

–12.1  

–1.5  

–8.1  

105.1  

0.1  

–0.9  

–64.6  

–  

–6.0  

22.1  

–17.3

–16.4

0.9

–7.5

104.4

1.3

–1.5

366.3

0.2

–

46.4

Defined benefit obligation as of December 31

–1’220.0  

–1’215.6

Reconciliation of the fair value of plan assets

Fair value of plan assets as of January 1

1’292.5  

1’646.6

Interest income on plan assets

Employer contributions

Contributions by plan participants

Benefits (paid) / deposited

Returns on plan assets excl. interest income

Currency translation differences

Fair value of plan assets as of December 31

Total plan assets at fair value – quoted market price

Cash and cash equivalents

Equity instruments

Debt instruments

Real estate funds

Investment funds

Others

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

37.2  

24.1  

8.1  

–104.9  

22.4  

–16.3  

1’263.2  

52.3  

242.4  

272.5  

29.4  

5.0  

72.5  

674.1  

271.3  

317.7  

589.0  

14.5

24.8

7.5

–104.4

–259.4

–37.1

1’292.5

44.5

237.8

292.7

33.0

4.9

80.6

693.5

270.0

329.1

599.0

Best estimate of contributions for upcoming financial year

Contributions by the employer

25.3  

23.9

1) Defined benefit plans reclassified from provisions to defined benefit obligation, see note 27.

 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

118

Employee benefit plans

millions of CHF

Components of defined benefit obligation, split

Defined benefit obligation for active members

Defined benefit obligation for pensioners

Defined benefit obligation for deferred members

2023  

–238.5  

–777.4  

–204.1  

2022

–211.4

–801.4

–202.7

Total defined benefit obligation as of December 31

–1’220.0  

–1’215.6

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

–55.3  

12.8  

–22.1  

–64.6  

384.1

4.0

–21.8

366.3

Maturity profile of defined benefit obligation

Weighted average duration of defined benefit obligation in years

10.8  

10.4

The defined benefit obligations for the Swiss and UK pension plans represent 88% (2022: 88%) of the 

group. The following significant actuarial assumptions were used for 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

2023  

2022

Funded plans 

Switzerland  

Funded plans 
United Kingdom  

Funded plans 

Switzerland  

Funded plans 
United Kingdom

1.5%  

1.5%  

2.3%  

0.0%  

n/a  

4.7%  

n/a  

2.7%  

2.2%  

2.3%  

1.5%  

0.0%  

n/a

4.9%

n/a

2.7%

Life expectancy at retirement age (male / female) in 
years

22/23  

21/24  

22/24  

22/24

 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

119

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)

2023  

–32.1  

30.4  

2.1  

–2.0  

66.6  

–64.9  

2022 1)

–30.8

29.3

1.9

–1.9

63.7

–61.7

1) The sensitivity impacts of the comparison period 2022 were restated to correct a prior year misstatement. The adjustments are outlined in the table below.

Negative amounts in the above table indicate an increase in defined benefit obligations, positive 

amounts indicate a decrease in defined benefit obligations. The sensitivity analysis is based on 

reasonably possible changes of the significant actuarial assumptions as of year end. The sensitivities 

provided are based on the change in one assumption while holding the other assumptions 

unchanged, interdependencies were not considered. 

Restatement of the sensitivity analysis on defined benefit obligations

millions of CHF

2022 reported  

Adjustment  

2022 restated

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)

–33.7  

26.5  

0.6  

–6.5  

15.2  

–15.1  

2.9  

2.8  

1.3  

4.6  

48.4  

–46.5  

–30.8

29.3

1.9

–1.9

63.7

–61.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

120

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

2023  

38.6  

1.6  

30.7  

70.8  

2022

36.7

1.8

27.8

66.4

 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

121

11 Other operating income and expenses

millions of CHF

Income from release of contingent consideration

Gain from sale of property, plant and equipment

Gain from deconsolidation of subsidiaries

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

Loss from deconsolidation of subsidiaries

Operating currency exchange losses, net

Total other operating expenses

Total other operating income / (expenses), net

2023  

0.5  

0.6  

8.3  

8.3  

17.7  

–3.0  

–0.2  

–1.8  

–0.1  

–1.1  

–2.3  

–8.4  

9.2  

2022

–

5.5

–

19.2

24.7

–0.1

–44.5

–1.5

–0.0

–6.7

–13.9

–66.7

–42.1

Other operating income includes recharges to third parties not qualifying as sales to customers, 

government grants and incentives, and sundry other tax refunds. In 2023, other operating income 

included income from charges to the discontinued operation Applicator Systems division (later 

renamed medmix) for corporate support functions and centrally procured indirect spend utilized by 

medmix of CHF 1.6 million (2022: CHF 9.8 million).

In 2023, the total gain from deconsolidation primarily included a gain of CHF 8.0 million from the 

deconsolidation of four Russian legal entities. The total gain and loss from deconsolidation includes a 

net gain from the reclassification of currency translation adjustments of CHF 10.9 million and a gain of 

CHF 0.6 million from the reclassification of cash flow hedge reserves (

see note 5

).

In 2022, the loss from deconsolidation of subsidiaries includes a loss of CHF 6.2 million resulting from 

the deconsolidation of two subsidiaries in Poland and a loss of CHF 0.6 million from the disposal of a 

subsidiary in Brazil (see 

note 5

).

In 2023, the group recognized net impairment losses on tangible and intangible assets amounting to 

CHF 0.2 million (2022: impairment losses of CHF 44.5 million), consisting of impairment losses of CHF 

1.0 million, partially offset with the reversal of impairment losses amounting to CHF 0.8 million. In 

2022, impairment losses amounting to CHF 12.1 million were recorded based on performed 

impairment tests on production machines and facilities as well as lease assets. Impairments of 

CHF 32.4 million on goodwill, other intangible assets, property, plant and equipment and lease assets 

were recorded in connection with the classification of the business in Russia as held for sale and the 

write-down to fair value less costs to sell (see 

note 5)
.

In 2023, the group recognized restructuring costs of CHF 5.2 million (2022: CHF 1.8 million), partially 

offset with the release of restructuring provisions of CHF 2.2 million (2022: CHF 1.7 million). 

Restructuring costs mainly relate to the reorganization in the Flow Equipment division.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

122

12

Financial income and expenses

millions of CHF

Interest and securities income

Interest income on employee benefit plans

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 income (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 or 
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, net

2023  

18.3  

0.1  

18.3  

–24.5  

–5.7  

–30.3  

–11.9  

5.1  

2.5  

–17.9  

–10.3  

–22.2  

5.1  

18.3  

2.5  

–17.9  

–22.1  

–2.5  

–5.7  

2022

9.3

0.4

9.7

–24.1

–3.2

–27.3

–17.6

24.0

–1.5

–6.6

16.0

–1.6

24.0

9.3

–1.5

–6.6

–22.1

–2.0

–2.9

In 2023, the total financial expenses, net amounted to CHF 22.2 million, compared with CHF 1.6 

million in 2022.

The total interest and securities income amounted to CHF 18.3 million (2022: CHF 9.3 million). The 

increase compared to the prior year is mainly due to higher variable interest rates on deposits.

The line “Fair value changesˮ includes gains from fair value changes of investments in financial 

instruments classified at fair value through profit or loss amounting to CHF 2.7 million (2022: CHF 8.7 

million), with the remainder relating to fair value changes of derivative financial instruments used as 

hedging instruments to hedge foreign exchange risks.

Currency exchange gains/losses are mainly related to foreign currency differences of non-operating 

assets and liabilities recorded at the prevailing rate at the time of acquisition (or preceding year-end 

closing rate) as against the current balance sheet rate. The net currency exchange loss in 

2022 includes a positive foreign exchange effect of CHF 21.0 million arising on unhedged 

intercompany loans to Russian entities prior to their classification as held for sale.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

123

13

Income taxes

millions of CHF

Current income tax expenses

Deferred income tax (expenses) income

Total income tax expenses

2023  

–79.1  

5.4  

–73.8  

2022

–76.3

–2.7

–79.0

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 may vary from year to year according to variations in 

income per country and changes in applicable tax rates.

Reconciliation of income tax expenses

millions of CHF

Income before income tax expenses 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

2023  

304.3  

23.7%  

–72.1  

–12.3  

0.9  

–11.4  

0.0  

21.2  

–73.8  

24.2%  

2022

107.0

23.7%

–25.4

3.4

–2.7

–5.2

–2.2

–47.0

–79.0

73.8%

The effective income tax rate for 2023 was 24.2% (2022: 73.8%). The effective income tax rate was 

impacted by income taxed at different tax rates in the amount of CHF 12.3 million due to participation 

exemptions on dividend income and withholding taxes on dividends, trademark royalties and 

interests.

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes in the amount of CHF 11.4 million mainly relate to 

disallowances of group charges for services, financing and other expenses in India, Mexico, the UK 

and the USA.

Prior year items and others include current tax refunds and receivables from R&D tax credits in Brazil 

and the USA. Additionally, a deferred income tax asset of CHF 4.0 million was recognized on a step-

up in relation to the Swiss Corporate Tax Reform (TRAF) enacted in prior periods. The deconsolidation 

of the Russian business positively impacted the reconciliation by CHF 2.3 million.

The effective income tax rate for 2022 was 73.8%. The effective income tax rate was significantly 

impacted by recognized impairments on the Russian business upon the classification of the four 

Russian entities as held for sale and the wind down of the Polish business. The total tax impact 

amounted to CHF 37.4 million, with CHF 32.3 million presented in prior year items and others. 

Furthermore, the effect of tax loss carryforwards and allowances for deferred income tax assets in the 

amount of –2.7 million was impacted by a reversal of Russian deferred tax assets in the amount of 

CHF 5.1 million. The effect of changes in tax rates and legislation mainly related to the announced tax 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

124

rate change in France and UK causing the revaluation of a deferred tax position in the amount of 

CHF –2.2 million. Expenses not deductible for tax purposes in the amount of CHF –5.2 million mainly 

related to disallowances of group charges and interest. 

Income tax liabilities

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Additions

Released as no longer required

Utilized

Currency translation differences

Total income tax liabilities as of December 31

– thereof non-current

– thereof current

2023  

32.8  

78.9  

–13.1  

–48.8  

–2.9  

46.8  

2.7  

44.1  

2022

42.4

76.1

–16.6

–67.4

–1.8

32.8

2.7

30.0

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  

15.0  

5.2  

16.6  

27.4  

23.7  

21.8  

9.6  

23.9  

44.4  

23.1  

1.0  

–52.4  

–13.6  

–1.1  

–2.2  

–0.1  

–0.1  

–1.5  

–23.0  

–  

–  

–55.9  

–32.1  

2023  

Net  

–37.4  

–8.4  

15.6  

25.1  

21.7  

9.5  

22.4  

21.3  

23.1  

1.0  

61.8  

Assets  

Liabilities  

11.8  

3.6  

21.3  

32.3  

18.9  

20.7  

9.1  

29.2  

53.6  

23.5  

1.1  

–57.9  

–17.4  

–1.6  

–2.1  

–30.7  

–  

–1.0  

–1.0  

–16.8  

–  

–  

225.2  

–128.3  

2022

Net

–46.1

–13.7

19.7

30.3

–11.7

20.7

8.0

28.2

36.9

23.5

1.1

96.9

Tax assets / liabilities

211.7  

–149.9  

Offset of assets and liabilities

–66.8  

66.8  

–  

–75.3  

75.3  

–

Net recorded deferred income tax assets and 
liabilities

144.9  

–83.2  

61.8  

149.9  

–53.0  

96.9

Cumulative deferred income taxes recorded in equity as of December 31, 2023, amounted to CHF –

12.5 million (2022: CHF 21.8 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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

125

Movement 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

Total

millions of CHF

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Other financial assets

Inventories

Other assets

Defined benefit obligations

Non-current provisions

Current provisions

Other liabilities

Tax loss carryforwards

Elimination of intercompany profits

Total

Balance as 
of January 1  

Recognized in 

profit or loss  

Recognized in 
other 
comprehensive 
income  

Divestment of 

subsidiaries  

Currency 
translation 
differences  

Balance as 
of December 
31

2023

–46.1  

–13.7  

19.7  

30.3  

–11.7  

20.7  

8.0  

28.2  

36.9  

23.5  

1.1  

96.9  

5.7  

4.5  

–2.5  

–3.9  

17.0  

–0.5  

2.2  

–4.5  

–13.8  

1.2  

–0.1  

5.4  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–36.7  

2.3  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–34.4  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–0.6  

–  

–0.6  

3.0  

0.8  

–1.7  

–1.2  

–0.7  

–0.8  

–0.7  

–1.3  

–1.7  

–1.1  

–  

–5.5  

–37.4

–8.4

15.6

25.1

–32.1

21.7

9.5

22.4

21.3

23.1

1.0

61.8

2022

Balance as of 

Recognized in 

January 1  

profit or loss  

Recognized in 
other 
comprehensive 
income  

Currency 
translation 
differences  

Balance as 
of December 
31

–54.6  

–13.6  

16.6  

28.2  

–32.2  

33.0  

13.4  

26.5  

33.4  

28.9  

0.5  

80.1  

4.6  

–0.7  

3.1  

1.5  

15.4  

–25.2  

–5.2  

2.2  

4.7  

–3.8  

0.6  

–2.7  

–  

–  

–  

–  

5.4  

15.4  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

20.7  

3.9  

0.6  

0.0  

0.6  

–0.3  

–2.5  

–0.2  

–0.5  

–1.3  

–1.6  

–  

–1.2  

–46.1

–13.7

19.7

30.3

–11.7

20.7

8.0

28.2

36.9

23.5

1.1

96.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

126

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  

Unrecognized 

TLCF

2023

2.5  

3.9  

207.6  

213.9  

0.1  

1.0  

37.4  

38.5  

–0.0  

–0.0  

–15.4  

–15.4  

0.0  

1.0  

22.0  

23.1  

–

0.4

90.5

90.9

2022

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  

Unrecognized 

TLCF

0.1  

6.0  

219.4  

225.5  

0.0  

1.1  

39.4  

40.5  

–  

–0.0  

–17.0  

–17.0  

0.0  

1.1  

22.4  

23.5  

–

0.4

97.2

97.6

Deferred income tax assets are recognized for tax loss carryforwards to the extent that the realization 

of the related tax benefit through future taxable profits is probable. No deferred income tax assets 

have been recognized on tax loss carryforwards in the amount of CHF 90.9 million (2022: CHF 97.6 

million) or on some step-ups in relation with the Swiss corporate tax reform (TRAF), which entered into 

effect on January 1, 2020.

Global Minimum top-up tax

The group operates in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the 

Netherlands, Norway, Romania, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, which 

has enacted new national legislation to implement the global minimum top-up tax. The group might be 

subject to the top-up tax in relation to its legal entities in Bahrain, Ireland, Qatar, and United Arab 

Emirates. As the new top-up tax legislation enacted in Switzerland implements only Qualified 

Domestic Top-up Tax (“QDMTT”) from January 1, 2024, the implementation of the QDMTTs in each 

individual country needs to be analyzed.

Furthermore, the Group has applied the temporary mandatory relief from deferred tax accounting for 

the impacts of the top-up tax. The Group recognizes the top-up tax as a current tax when it incurs.

If the QDMTTs had applied in 2023, then the profits relating to the subsidiaries in Bahrain, Ireland, 

Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates for the year ended December 31, 2023, would not be subject to 

material top-up tax. The effective tax rate would not significantly increase.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

127

14 Goodwill and other intangible assets

millions of CHF

Acquisition cost

Balance as of January 1

Additions

Disposals

Reclassifications

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Accumulated amortization and impairment losses  

Balance as of January 1
Additions 1)

Disposals

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Net book value

As of January 1

As of December 31

Goodwill

Trademarks 
and licenses  

Research and 
development  

Computer 

software  

Customer 
relationship  

1’016.9  
–  
–  
–  
–38.9  
977.9  

340.0  
–  
–  
–  
340.0  

676.9  
637.9  

92.5  
–  
–  
–  
–4.6  
88.0  

45.8  
7.9  
–  
–2.4  
51.3  

46.7  
36.6  

16.1  
0.0  
–  
2.6  
–0.1  
18.6  

9.3  
1.3  
–  
–0.0  
10.6  

6.7  
8.0  

50.7  
5.1  
–0.7  
0.0  
–1.7  
53.4  

30.7  
2.8  
–0.7  
–1.2  
31.5  

20.0  
21.8  

399.5  
0.9  
–3.3  
0.5  
–19.2  
378.5  

238.6  
24.6  
–3.3  
–11.9  
248.1  

160.8  
130.4  

2023

Total

1’575.6

6.1

–4.0

3.1

–64.5

1’516.3

664.5

36.6

–4.0

–15.5

681.5

911.2

834.8

1)

In the statement of income, the amortization expense for trademark and licenses is recognized in “Research and development expense” and in “Selling and distribution expense”, the 
amortization expense for Customer relationship is primarily recognized in “Selling and distribution expense”.

Goodwill

Trademarks 
and licenses  

Research and 
development  

Computer 

software  

Customer 
relationship  

millions of CHF

Acquisition cost

Balance as of January 1

Divestitures of subsidiaries
Classification as held for sale 2)

Additions

Disposals

Reclassifications

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Accumulated amortization and impairment losses  

Balance as of January 1

Divestitures of subsidiaries
Classification as held for sale 2)

Additions

Disposals

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Net book value

As of January 1

As of December 31

1’067.3  
–  
–8.6  
–  
–  
–  
–41.8  
1’016.9  

340.0  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
340.0  

727.3  
676.9  

93.8  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–  
–1.3  
92.5  

38.1  
–  
–  
8.4  
–  
–0.7  
45.8  

55.7  
46.7  

9.8  
–  
–  
2.2  
–  
4.1  
–0.0  
16.1  

8.2  
–  
–  
1.1  
–  
–0.0  
9.3  

1.6  
6.7  

47.2  
–0.3  
–0.8  
6.4  
–4.1  
1.8  
0.5  
50.7  

33.3  
–0.3  
–0.3  
2.3  
–4.1  
–0.2  
30.7  

14.0  
20.0  

2022

Total

1’667.6

–1.7

–22.0

8.7

–12.6

6.0

–70.3

1’575.6

663.8

–1.7

–6.7

38.8

–12.6

–17.1

664.5

449.5  
–1.4  
–12.6  
0.1  
–8.6  
0.2  
–27.7  
399.5  

244.2  
–1.4  
–6.4  
27.0  
–8.6  
–16.2  
238.6  

205.3  
160.8  

1’003.8

911.2

1)

In 2022, Goodwill in the amount of CHF 8.6 million and other intangible assets with a net book value of 6.7 million were allocated to the Russian disposal group and fully impaired. The 
impairments of CHF 15.3 million were recorded in other operating expenses (see note 11).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

128

Goodwill impairment test

millions of CHF

Flow Equipment

Services

Chemtech

Total as of December 31

millions of CHF

Flow Equipment

Services

Chemtech

Total as of December 31

Goodwill  

Headroom  

Growth rate 
residual value  

Pretax discount 
rate

2023

362.3  

193.8  

81.8  

637.9  

628.5  

1’620.3  

830.0  

3’078.8  

2.0%  

2.0%  

2.0%  

9.9%

10.8%

10.9%

2022

Goodwill  

Headroom  

Growth rate 
residual value  

Pretax discount 
rate

384.9  

205.0  

87.0  

676.9  

605.7  

1’275.5  

717.6  

2’598.8  

2.0%  

2.0%  

2.0%  

8.9%

10.2%

10.5%

Goodwill is allocated to the smallest cash-generating unit (CGU) at which goodwill is monitored for 

internal management purposes (i.e., division). The recoverable amount has been determined based on 

a value-in-use calculation. The three-year strategic plan approved by the Board of Directors in the first 

quarter of the year forms the basis for the projected cash flows, with two additional periods based on 

a management calculation. The budget and the three-year strategic plan were approved by the Board 

of Directors in February 2023. Cash flows beyond the planning period are extrapolated using a 

terminal value including a growth rate as stated above. 

As of December 31, 2023, there is no indication of goodwill impairment. Updating the impairment test 

would not have resulted in any 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).

Sensitivity analyses were performed with regards to key assumptions, that would not change the 

conclusions of the impairment test. An increase of the discount rate by 5.0 percentage points or a 

decrease of the terminal growth rate by 5.0 percentage points would still lead to a recoverable 

amount exceeding the carrying amount for all CGU's. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

129

15 Property, plant and equipment

millions of CHF

Acquisition cost

Balance as of January 1

Divestitures of subsidiaries

Additions

Disposals

Reclassifications

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Accumulated depreciation

Balance as of January 1

Divestitures of subsidiaries

Additions

Disposals

Impairments (Reversal)

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

Divestitures of subsidiaries
Classification as held for sale 1)

Additions

Disposals

Reclassifications

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Accumulated depreciation

Balance as of January 1

Divestitures of subsidiaries
Classification as held for sale 1)

Additions

Disposals

Impairments

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

Net book value

As of January 1

As of December 31

Land and 
buildings  

Machinery and 
technical 
equipment  

Other non-
current assets  

Assets under 
construction  

326.8  
–0.3  
3.0  
–1.6  
9.6  
–22.9  
314.6  

152.9  
–0.2  
9.7  
–1.0  
-  
–11.1  
150.4  

477.5  
0.0  
13.8  
–14.4  
13.8  
–31.4  
459.4  

350.1  
–0.1  
24.5  
–11.3  
–0.1  
–24.4  
338.7  

172.8  
–0.1  
7.4  
–9.4  
6.0  
–11.1  
165.6  

147.1  
–0.1  
9.6  
–9.0  
–0.1  
–7.8  
139.7  

173.9  
164.2  

127.4  
120.6  

25.7  
25.9  

36.1  
–0.0  
35.3  
–  
–29.1  
–2.3  
39.9  

2.6  
-  
-  
-  
-  
–0.1  
2.4  

33.5  
37.5  

Land and 
buildings  

Machinery and 
technical 
equipment  

Other non-
current assets  

Assets under 
construction  

332.8  
–0.6  
–9.1  
4.6  
–3.1  
10.5  
–8.4  
326.8  

150.7  
–0.2  
–1.5  
10.1  
–1.6  
-  
–4.6  
152.9  

503.8  
–5.4  
–15.8  
14.8  
–24.5  
20.5  
–15.9  
477.5  

363.9  
–3.6  
–9.4  
25.9  
–22.7  
7.8  
–11.9  
350.1  

179.4  
–0.6  
–4.1  
7.8  
–6.7  
2.5  
–5.5  
172.8  

151.1  
–0.5  
–2.7  
11.0  
–6.3  
0.0  
–5.5  
147.1  

182.2  
173.9  

139.8  
127.4  

28.4  
25.7  

43.6  
–0.1  
–0.7  
34.0  
–  
–39.5  
–1.2  
36.1  

-  
-  
-  
-  
-  
2.7  
–0.1  
2.6  

43.6  
33.5  

2023

Total

1’013.2

–0.4

59.5

–25.4

0.3

–67.7

979.5

652.6

–0.3

43.9

–21.3

–0.2

–43.4

631.3

360.5

348.2

2022

Total

1’059.6

–6.7

–29.7

61.2

–34.3

–6.0

–31.0

1’013.2

665.7

–4.3

–13.5

47.0

–30.6

10.5

–22.1

652.6

394.0

360.5

1)

In 2022, property, plant and equipment with a net book value of CHF 16.2 million was included in the Russian disposal group classified as held for sale and fully impaired; reference is 
made to note 5. The impairments of CHF 16.2 million are recorded in other operating expenses (see note 11).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

130

The group performed impairment tests on production machines and facilities, resulting in impairments 

amounting to CHF 0.6 million and reversal of impairments amounting to CHF 0.8 million as of 

December 31, 2023 (December 31, 2022: impairment of CHF 10.5 million), all of which were charged 

or credited to operating expenses. 

In 2023, the group sold property, plant and equipment with a book value of CHF 4.1 million for 

CHF 4.6 million resulting in a net gain of CHF 0.5 million (2022: property, plant and equipment with a 

book value of CHF 3.6 million was sold for CHF 9.0 million, resulting in a net gain of CHF 5.5 million).

The contractual commitments to acquire property, plant and equipment as of December 31, 2023, 

amounted to CHF 5.1 million (December 31, 2022: CHF 5.0 million).

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

131

16

Leases

Lease assets

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Additions

Depreciation

Impairments

Remeasurements and contract modifications

Currency translation differences

Total lease assets as of December 31

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Classification as held for sale 1)

Additions

Disposals

Depreciation

Impairments

Remeasurements and contract modifications

Currency translation differences

Total lease assets as of December 31

Land and 

Machinery and 
technical 

Other non-current 

buildings, leased  

equipment, leased  

assets, leased  

73.0  

24.4  

–19.1  

–0.4  

0.5  

–4.3  

74.1  

4.5  

3.8  

–2.1  

–  

–0.1  

–0.4  

5.7  

12.6  

9.3  

–6.3  

–  

–1.3  

–0.9  

13.4  

Land and 

Machinery and 
technical 

Other non-current 

buildings, leased  

equipment, leased  

assets, leased  

71.7  

–0.7  

33.6  

–5.8  

–20.2  

–1.6  

–0.5  

–3.4  

73.0  

5.7  

–  

1.4  

–0.1  

–2.5  

–  

–  

–0.0  

4.5  

11.7  

–0.0  

8.4  

–0.6  

–6.3  

–0.0  

0.1  

–0.7  

12.6  

2023

Total

90.1

37.5

–27.5

–0.4

–0.8

–5.6

93.2

2022

Total

89.2

–0.7

43.3

–6.5

–29.0

–1.7

–0.4

–4.1

90.1

1)

In 2022, lease assets with a book value of CHF 0.7 million were included in the Russian disposal group classified as held for sale and fully impaired, reference is made to Note 5. The 
impairments of CHF 0.7m are recorded in other operating expenses (see note 11).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

132

Lease liabilities

Balance as of January 1

Classification as held for sale

Additions

Interest expenses

Cash flow for repayments – principal portion

Cash flow for repayments – interest portion

Remeasurements and contract modifications

Currency translation differences

Total lease liabilities as of December 31

- thereof non-current lease liabilities

- thereof current lease liabilities

2023  

89.6  

–  

37.5  

2.5  

–28.3  

–2.5  

–0.4  

–5.4  

93.0  

69.0  

23.9  

2022

88.8

–0.5

43.3

2.0

–32.1

–2.0

–6.0

–4.0

89.6

67.2

22.4

The group leases land and buildings used for production, storage or office space. The terms are 

typically fixed for a period of three to five years. Various lease contracts for buildings contain 

extension options, providing the group with operational flexibility and planning security. Extension 

options are included in the measurement of the lease liability and the lease assets only if Management 

assesses these extension options as reasonably certain to be exercised.

Other leasing disclosures

millions of CHF

Recognized in the income statement

Expenses relating to short-term leases

Expenses relating to low-value asset leases, excluding short-term leases of 
low-value assets

Expenses relating to variable lease payments not included in the lease liability  

Income from subleasing right-of-use assets

Interest expenses on lease liabilities

Total recognized in the income statement

Recognized in the statement of cash flows

Cash flow for short-term, low-value asset 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

2023  

–15.8  

–1.5  

–2.7  

0.3  

–2.5  

–22.3  

–20.1  

0.3  

–2.5  

–28.3  

–50.5  

2022

–13.8

–1.0

–2.7

0.5

–2.0

–19.0

–17.6

0.5

–2.0

–32.1

–51.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

133

17 Associates and joint ventures

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Additions

Reclassifications

Share of profit / (loss) of associates and joint ventures

Dividend payments received

Currency translation differences

Total investments in associates and joint ventures as of December 31

- thereof investments in associates:

- thereof investments in joint ventures:

2023  

41.8  

17.8  

1.8  

–3.2  

–0.2  

–3.2  

54.7  

54.5  

0.2  

2022

25.5

20.9

–

–2.7

–0.1

–1.8

41.8

41.8

–

In February 2023, the group acquired a strategic stake in Fuenix Ecogy Holding B.V., a circular 

technology company, for CHF 10.1 million and classified the investment as an investment in 

associates. In September 2023, the group acquired an additional ownership in Cellicon Holding B.V. 

for CHF 6.5 million, in addition to an existing ownership of CHF 3.0 million and the total investment 

was classified as an investment in associate.  

On September 22, 2022, the group increased its investment in the associate Worn Again by 

CHF 20.9 million. Worn Again is developing a unique polymer recycling process leveraging the 

group’s technology to enable the recycling of textiles and polyester packaging. Sulzer is accounting 

for its investment in Worn Again using the equity method of accounting. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

134

18 Other financial assets

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Recognized through deconsolidation

Additions

Repayments 1)

Changes in fair value

Other non-cash items

Reclassifications

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

– thereof non-current

– thereof current

Financial assets at 
fair value through 

profit or loss  

Financial assets at 
fair value through 
other 
comprehensive 

Financial assets at 

income  

amortized costs  

24.4  

–  

1.0  

–  

3.3  

–  

–3.0  

–1.7  

23.8  

22.2  

1.6  

8.8  

–  

–  

–  

0.7  

–  

–  

–  

9.5  

9.5  

–  

9.3  

3.1  

0.3  

–7.8  

–  

2.6  

–  

–0.2  

7.4  

6.7  

0.7  

1) Repayments in the amount of CHF 4.9 million are presented in the statement of cash flows in “Divestitures and deconsolidation of subsidiaries, net of cash”.

2023

Total

42.5

3.1

1.3

–7.8

4.0

2.6

–3.0

–2.0

40.7

38.4

2.3

2022

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

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 or loss  

Financial assets at 
fair value through 
other 
comprehensive 

Financial assets at 

income  

amortized costs  

Total

10.9  

6.7  

–  

8.0  

–1.1  

24.4  

22.8  

1.5  

22.5  

–  

–  

–13.7  

–  

8.8  

–  

8.8  

11.3  

2.9  

–4.4  

–  

–0.6  

9.3  

5.6  

3.6  

44.7

9.6

–4.4

–5.8

–1.7

42.5

28.5

14.0

Financial assets that belong to the category “financial assets at fair value through profit or lossˮ

include investments in equity securities.

The financial assets in the category “financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive 

incomeˮ are comprised of medmix shares amounting to CHF 9.5 million (2022: CHF 8.8 million), which 

were received as part of the Applicator Systems spin-off in 2021. The financial investment in medmix 

Ltd is recognized at its fair value based on the share price of medmix Ltd (a level 1 hierarchy 

valuation). Management has designated this investment at fair value through other comprehensive 

income at initial recognition. In 2023, fair value changes amounting to CHF 0.7 million 

(2022: CHF –13.7 million) were recorded in other comprehensive income, with an associated deferred 

tax effect of CHF –0.1 million (2022: CHF 2.7 million). The dividend received amounted to CHF 

0.2 million (2022: CHF 0.2 million).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

135

19

Inventories

millions of CHF

Raw materials, supplies and consumables

Work in progress

Finished products and trade merchandise

Total inventories as of December 31

2023  

166.9  

255.4  

72.8  

495.1  

2022

192.3

250.3

79.9

522.4

In 2023, the group recognized write-downs of CHF 16.6 million in the income statement. In 2022, the 

total write downs amounted to CHF 49.8 million, of which CHF 

31.4 million

 were recorded in 

connection with the Russian business that was classified as 'held for sale' in that year. The 

accumulated write-downs on inventories amounted to CHF 72.7 million as of December 31, 2023 

(2022: CHF 79.9 million). Material expenses in 2023 amounted to CHF 1’239.4 million (2022: CHF 

1’192.1 million).

 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

136

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

Contract assets from sales recognized over time relating to ongoing 
performance obligations

Expected loss rate

Allowance for expected losses

Reversal of write-offs / (write-offs) on contract assets in the disposal group 
classified as held for sale (see note 5)

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

2023  
625.2  
519.9  
1’145.1  

2’136.6  
3’281.7  

382.3  

–0.0  

1’048.4  
0.1%  
–1.3  

2.0  
–619.0  
430.1  

145.4  
203.7  
720.8  
–619.0  
451.0  

1’946.8  
1’810.9  
135.9  

2022

641.5

511.6

1’153.1

2’026.8

3’179.9

324.5

0.1

1’087.4

0.2%

–2.4

–26.8

–592.1

466.1

119.2

172.9

682.3

–592.1

382.3

1’844.7

1’650.5

194.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

137

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  

2023  

2022

Net book 
value

Not past due

0.1%  

393.1  

–0.4  

392.7  

0.9%  

439.0  

–3.7  

435.2

Past due

1–30 days

31–60 days

61–120 days

>120 days

Total trade 
accounts 
receivable as of 
December 31

0.7%  

2.6%  

6.4%  

53.7%  

61.7  

29.3  

24.9  

75.7  

–0.5  

–0.8  

–1.6  

61.2  

28.6  

23.3  

0.9%  

1.5%  

8.4%  

–40.6  

35.0  

52.2%  

61.6  

31.7  

20.7  

81.6  

–0.6  

–0.5  

–1.7  

–42.6  

61.1

31.2

19.0

39.0

584.7  

–43.8  

540.8  

634.6  

–49.1  

585.5

Allowance for doubtful trade accounts receivable

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Reclassification as held for sale

Additions

Released as no longer required

Utilized

Currency translation differences

Balance as of December 31

2023  

49.1  

–  

9.0  

–7.4  

–3.8  

–3.1  

43.8  

2022

56.5

–8.6

19.3

–10.1

–7.6

–0.3

49.1

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 by country and by division. 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).

 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

138

Accounts receivable by geographical region

millions of CHF

Europe, the Middle East and Africa

– thereof United Kingdom

– thereof Saudi Arabia

– thereof France

– thereof Spain

– thereof Germany

Americas

– thereof USA

Asia-Pacific

– thereof China

Total as of December 31

2023  

250.0  

52.1  

32.8  

24.9  

20.7  

18.4  

131.0  

79.7  

159.8  

102.8  

540.8  

2022

265.9

48.0

38.6

23.4

21.7

22.8

124.8

75.3

194.8

127.5

585.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

139

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

2023  

61.3  

13.9  

22.6  

97.8  

25.6  

25.6  

2022

55.8

13.2

23.4

92.4

36.3

36.3

Total other current receivables and prepaid expenses as of December 31  

123.4  

128.7

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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

140

23 Cash and cash equivalents

millions of CHF

Cash

Cash equivalents

Total cash and cash equivalents as of December 31

2023  

780.8  

193.9  

974.7  

2022

939.6

256.8

1’196.3

As of December 31, 2023, the group held restricted cash and cash equivalents of CHF 13.5 million 

(2022: CHF 15.7 million).

 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

141

24 Equity

Share capital

thousands of CHF

2023  

2022

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. On December 31, 

2023, conditional share capital amounted to CHF 17’000 (2022: CHF 17’000), consisting of 1’700’000 

shares with a par value of CHF 0.01.

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://www.sulzer.com/en/shared/about-us/

corporate-governance

).

Shareholders holding more than 3%

Viktor Vekselberg (direct shareholder: Tiwel Holding AG)

16’728’414  

48.82  

16’728’414  

The Capital Group Companies, Inc.

1’034’950  

3.02  

1’034’950  

Number of 

shares  

in %  

Number of 

shares  

in %

48.82

3.02

Dec 31, 2023  

Dec 31, 2022

Retained earnings

The retained earnings include prior years’ undistributed income of consolidated companies and all 

remeasurements of the net defined benefit assets and liabilities and other transactions recorded 

directly in retained earnings.

Treasury shares

During 2023, the group acquired 260’000 treasury shares for CHF 20.9 million (2022: 281’349 shares 

for CHF 19.5 million). The total number of shares held by the group as of December 31, 2023, 

amounted to 451’074 treasury shares (December 31, 2022: 523'855 shares).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

142

The treasury shares are mainly held for the purpose of issuing shares under the management share-

based payment programs.

Cash flow hedge reserve

The hedging reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of 

cash flow hedging instruments where the hedged transaction has not yet occurred. Amounts are 

reclassified to profit or loss when the associated hedged transaction affects the income statement.

Currency translation reserve

The currency translation reserve comprises all foreign exchange differences arising on the translation 

of the financial statements of controlled entities, whose functional currency differs from the reporting 

currency of the group. The cumulative amount is reclassified to profit or loss when the net investment 

is derecognized.

Acquisition of non-controlling interests without a change of control

Reference is made to 

note 4

.

Transactions with non-controlling interests

An agreement entered with non-controlling shareholders of a subsidiary, agreeing on a fixed profit 

distribution for that subsidiary, resulted in the recognition of liability and a reduction in non-controlling 

interests. 

Contribution from medmix

The contribution relates to vested shares under Sulzer share plans for medmix employees.

Dividends

On April 19, 2023, the Annual General Meeting approved an ordinary dividend of CHF 3.50 (2022: 

ordinary dividend of CHF 3.50) per share to be paid out of reserves. The dividend was paid to 

shareholders on April 25, 2023. The total amount of the dividend to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd was 

CHF 118.9 million (2022: CHF 118.7 million), thereof paid dividends of CHF 80.9 million (2022: 

CHF 80.6 million), and unpaid dividends of CHF 38.1 million (2022: CHF 38.1 million). 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 2024 a dividend for the 

year 2023 of CHF 3.75 per share (2022: CHF 3.50).

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

143

25 Earnings per share

Net income attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd (millions of CHF)

Issued number of shares

Adjustment for average treasury shares held

Average number of shares outstanding as of December 31

2023  

229.1  

34’262’370  

–377’719  

33’884’651  

2022

28.6

34’262’370

–436’556

33’825’814

Adjustment for share participation plans

490’686  

697’151

Average number of shares for calculating diluted earnings per share as of 
December 31

34’375’337  

34’522’965

Earnings per share, attributable to a shareholder of Sulzer Ltd (in CHF) as of 
December 31

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

6.76  

6.67  

0.85

0.83

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

144

26 Borrowings

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Cash flow from proceeds

Cash flow for repayments

Changes in amortized costs

Other non-cash increase

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

IDR

USD

AED

EUR

Other

Non-current 
borrowings  

1’043.9  

–  

–0.0  

0.3  

0.9  

–249.9  

–0.1  

795.2  

Current borrowings  

311.4  

26.0  

–324.9  

0.1  

0.1  

249.9  

–1.5  

261.1  

Non-current 
borrowings  

Current borrowings  

1’164.6  

169.6  

–0.0  

0.3  

–289.9  

–0.8  

1’043.9  

345.5  

1’054.0  

–1’376.1  

0.0  

289.9  

–1.8  

311.4  

2023

Total

1’355.3

26.0

–325.0

0.4

1.0

0.0

–1.6

1’056.3

2022

Total

1’510.1

1’223.6

–1’376.1

0.3

–

–2.6

1’355.3

2023  

2022

millions of 

millions of 

CHF  

in %   Interest rate  

CHF  

in %   Interest rate

1’044.2  

98.9  

1.4%  

1’333.8  

98.4  

4.7  

3.3  

1.5  

0.9  

0.5  

1.2  

0.4  

0.3  

0.1  

0.1  

0.0  

0.1  

5.6%  

8.7%  

3.8%  

2.8%  

–  

–  

–  

8.3  

6.3  

5.0  

–  

–  

0.6  

0.5  

0.4  

–  

–  

1.9  

0.1  

1’355.3  

100.0  

1.4%

4.4%

7.1%

3.8%

–

–

–

–

Total as of December 31

1’056.3  

100.0  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

145

As of December 2023, Sulzer had access to a syndicated credit facility of CHF 500 million maturing 

on 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). In 2022 and 2023, the 

group exercised the options, extending the term of the credit facility in the amount of CHF 415 million 

to December 2028. 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, 2023, and 

2022, the syndicated facility was not used.

Outstanding bonds

millions of CHF

0.875% 07/2016–07/2026

1.300% 07/2018–07/2023

1.600% 10/2018–10/2024

0.800% 09/2020–09/2025

0.875% 11/2020–11/2027

3.350% 12/2022–11/2026

Total as of December 31

– thereof non-current

– thereof current

  Amortized costs  
124.9  
-  
250.0  
299.8  
199.8  
169.7  
1’044.1  

794.2  
250.0  

2023  

Nominal   Amortized costs  
125.0  
289.9  
249.9  
299.6  
199.7  
169.6  
1’333.8  

125.0  
-  
250.0  
300.0  
200.0  
170.0  
1’045.0  

795.0  
250.0  

1’043.9  
289.9  

2022

Nominal

125.0

290.0

250.0

300.0

200.0

170.0

1’335.0

1’045.0

290.0

On July 6, 2023, Sulzer repaid CHF 290.0 million for the second and last tranche of a bond issued in 

2018. This second tranche had a term of 5 years and carried a coupon of 1.300%.  

On December 16, 2022, Sulzer issued a CHF 170 million single tranche bond. The bond has a term of 

three years and 11 months and carries a coupon of 3.350% at a price of 100.055%.

All the outstanding bonds are traded on SIX Swiss Exchange.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

146

27 Provisions

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Additions

Released as no longer required

Utilized

Reclassification 1)

Currency translation differences

Total provisions as of December 31

– thereof non-current

– thereof current

Other 
employee 

benefits  

Warranties / 

liabilities   Restructuring   Environmental

44.5  

8.0  

–4.2  

–7.1  

–6.0  

–1.9  

33.2  

22.0  

11.2  

92.3  

41.6  

–9.6  

–19.4  

–  

–6.0  

98.8  

2.8  

96.0  

8.1  

5.2  

–2.2  

–4.7  

–  

–1.3  

5.0  

0.5  

4.6  

11.4  

1.2  

–  

–0.1  

–  

–0.2  

12.4  

12.3  

0.0  

1)

Includes a reclassification of CHF 6.0 million to the defined benefit obligation, see note 9.

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Classified as held for sale

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

53.9  

–  

11.0  

–7.0  

–10.6  

–2.8  

44.5  

31.0  

13.5  

93.8  

–2.5  

26.9  

–10.0  

–16.1  

0.1  

92.3  

3.2  

89.1  

21.0  

–  

1.8  

–1.7  

–12.7  

–0.3  

8.1  

1.2  

6.9  

11.8  

–  

0.1  

–  

–0.0  

–0.5  

11.4  

11.4  

0.0  

2023

Total

214.1

91.9

–32.6

–63.9

–6.0

–11.4

192.0

46.7

145.3

2022

Total

235.8

–2.5

107.8

–22.3

–97.9

–6.7

214.1

58.2

155.9

Other  

57.8  

35.9  

–16.5  

–32.5  

–  

–2.0  

42.6  

9.1  

33.4  

Other  

55.4  

–  

68.0  

–3.6  

–58.7  

–3.3  

57.8  

11.5  

46.3  

The category “Other employee benefitsˮ includes provisions for jubilee gifts 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. Warranties that provide 

customers with assurance that the product complies with the agreed specifications, are accounted for 

as provisions over the agreed warranty period.

In 2023, the group utilized CHF 4.7 million (2022: CHF 12.7 million) of restructuring provisions mainly 

relating to resizing measures of sites in Europe and the USA initiated in 2020 and 2021 and resizing 

measures in Indonesia initiated in 2022. The group recorded restructuring provisions of CHF 5.2 

million (2022: CHF 1.8 million), partly offset by released restructuring provisions of CHF 2.2 million 

(2022: CHF 1.7 million). Restructuring costs mainly relate to reorganization in the Flow equipment 

division. The remaining restructuring provision as of December 31, 2023, is CHF 5.0 million, of which 

CHF 4.6 million is expected to be utilized within one year.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

147

“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 to divestitures. In 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 2024, by their nature, the amounts and timing of any cash outflows are 

difficult to predict.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

148

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

2023  

88.1  

277.2  

31.4  

3.2  

–  

–  

38.9  

438.9  

121.3  

121.9  

23.0  

147.3  

413.5  

852.4  

2022

92.9

239.2

33.0

7.0

20.6

1.9

43.6

438.2

137.8

108.9

22.4

167.3

436.5

874.7

The outstanding dividend payments of CHF 277.2 million (2022: CHF 239.2 million) are explained in 

note 24.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

149

29 Derivative financial instruments

2023  

2022

Derivative assets

Derivative liabilities

Derivative assets

Derivative liabilities

Notional 

Notional 

Notional 

value  

Fair value  

value  

Fair value  

value  

Fair value  

Notional 

value  

Fair value

817.6  

13.9  

276.1  

3.2  

575.4  

13.2  

607.6  

817.6  

13.9  

276.1  

3.2  

575.4  

13.2  

607.6  

817.6  

13.9  

276.1  

3.2  

571.5  

13.2  

597.7  

–  

–  

–  

–  

3.9  

0.1  

9.9  

7.0

7.0

7.0

0.0

millions of CHF

Forward exchange 
rate contracts

Total as of 
December 31

– thereof due in <1 
year

– thereof due in 1–5 
years

In 2023, the notional value and the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities consists of current 

derivative financial instruments. Some of these derivative assets and liabilities are dedicated as 

hedging instruments for cash flow hedges. The cash flow hedges of expected future sales were 

assessed as highly effective. In 2023, the net unrealized gains for cash flow hedges recorded in the 

cash flow hedge reserves in other comprehensive income amount to CHF 8.3 million (2022: losses of 

CHF 7.5 million), net of a deferred tax impact of CHF 2.7 million (2022: CHF 2.6 million). As of 

December 31, 2023, the accumulated cash flow hedge reserve amounts to CHF 5.3 million (2022: 

CHF –5.7 million) with the recognition of net deferred tax liabilities of CHF 1.0 million (2022: deferred 

tax assets of CHF 1.6 million) relating to these cash flow hedges included in the cash flow hedge 

reserves. In 2023, gains of CHF 2.6 million (2022: gains of CHF 0.1 million) were reclassified from the 

cash flow hedge reserves to the income statement. 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 in equity on forward foreign exchange contracts as of December 31, 2023, 

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, 2023, the amount subject to such netting 

arrangements was CHF 2.1 million (2022: CHF 2.7 million). Considering the effect of these 

agreements, the amount of derivative assets would reduce from CHF 13.9 million to CHF 11.8 million 

(2022: from CHF 13.2 million to CHF 10.5 million), and the amount of derivative liabilities would reduce 

from CHF 3.2 million to CHF 1.1 million (2022: from CHF 7.0 million to CHF 4.3 million).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

150

30 Contingent liabilities

millions of CHF

Guarantees in favor of third parties

Total contingent liabilities as of December 31

2023  

9.9  

9.9  

2022

9.1

9.1

As of December 31, 2023, guarantees provided to third parties amounted to CHF 9.9 million (2022: 

CHF 9.1 million) and relate to disposed businesses. 

 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

151

31 Share participation plans

Share-based payments charged to personnel expenses

millions of CHF

Restricted share unit plan

Performance share plan

Total charged to personnel expenses

2023  

0.9  

11.7  

12.6  

2022

1.6

13.8

15.4

The compensation charged to personnel expenses for the services received during the period 

amounts to CHF 12.6 million including CHF 11.6 million relating to equity-settled plans credited in the 

retained earnings. The remaining CHF 1.0 million corresponds to cash-settled plans.

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 members. 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 in 2021, 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

2023  

2022  

2021  

2020  

2019  

Total

Outstanding as of January 1, 2022

Granted

Exercised

–  

–  

–  

–  

16’632  

14’164  

4’078  

34’874

11’637  

–  

–  

–  

11’637

–  

–10’344  

–10’994  

–4’078  

–25’416

Outstanding as of December 31, 2022

11’637  

6’288  

3’170  

–  

21’095

Outstanding as of January 1, 2023

–  

11’637  

6’288  

3’170  

Granted

Exercised

10’128  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–6’279  

–4’344  

–3’170  

Outstanding as of December 31, 2023

10’128  

5’358  

1’944  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

21’095

10’128

–13’793

17’430

Average fair value at grant date in CHF

77.05  

77.82  

106.32  

65.22  

97.76  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

152

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) in the last year of 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 

last three months prior to 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 group neutralized the consequences of the spin-off of the Applicator Systems division in 

2021. 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 and operational ROCEA) of PSP 2019, 

PSP 2020 and PSP 2021, the performance curve depicting the gradient formed from the threshold 

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

2023  

2022  

2021  

2020  

2019

88.38  

84.69  

124.95  

78.18  

115.95

77.45  

76.35  

101.12  

76.05  

92.46

28.76%  

35.59%  

34.68%  

37.45%  

29.64%

1.96%  

0.39%  

–0.58%  

–0.64%  

–0.57%

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.

 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

153

Performance share units – terms of awards

Grant year

2023  

2022  

2021  

2020  

2019

Number of awards granted

99’244  

97’930  

90’527  

151’422  

112’857

Grant date

Performance period for cumulative operational profit

Performance period for TSR

Fair value at grant date in CHF

April 1, 

2023  

01/23–
12/25  

01/23–
12/25  

April 1, 

2022  

01/22–
12/24  

01/22–
12/24  

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

01/19–
12/21

01/19–
12/21

88.38  

84.69  

124.95  

78.18  

115.95

Performance share units

Grant year

Initially granted

APS division spin-off restatement

Outstanding as of January 1, 2022

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding as of December 31, 2022

2023  

2022  

2021  

2020  

2019  

Total

99’244  

97’930  

90’527  

151’422  

112’857  

551’980

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

44’801  

74’680  

53’141  

172’622

–  

127’491  

210’194  

151’809  

489’494

97’930  

–  

–  

–  

97’930

–998  

–3’788  

–6’202  

–151’809  

–162’797

–2’746  

–6’634  

–4’828  

94’186  

117’069  

199’164  

Outstanding as of January 1, 2023

–  

94’186  

117’069  

199’164  

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

Outstanding as of December 31, 2023

94’282  

76’933  

108’732  

99’244  

–  

–  

–  

–1’576  

–6’666  

–6’470  

–199’164  

–3’386  

–10’587  

–1’867  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–14’208

410’419

410’419

99’244

–213’876

–15’840

279’947

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

154

32

Transactions with members of the Board of Directors, 
Executive Committee and related parties

Key management compensation

Short-term 

benefits  

Equity-based 
compensation  

Pension and 
social 
security 

contributions  

Total

Short-term 

benefits  

Equity-based 
compensation  

Pension and 
social 
security 

contributions  

2023  

1’231  

8’681  

780  

272  

2’283  

3’231  

1’892  

13’804  

1’152  

7’065  

905  

283  

2’822  

1’649  

11’536

2022

Total

2’340

thousands of CHF

Board of Directors

Executive Committee

As of December 31, 2023, 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.

Transactions and balances with associates and joint ventures

In 2023, the group recorded transactions and balances with associates. Sales with associates 

amounted to CHF 0.5 million (2022: CHF 0.0 million), the operating expenses amounted to 

CHF 1.5 million (2022: CHF 2.5 million). As of December 31, 2023, loan receivables amount to 

CHF 2.0 million (2022: CHF 0.0 million), payables amount to CHF 0.1 million (2022: CHF 0.4 million). 

See 

note 17

 for details on the investments in associates.

Transactions and balances with other related parties

In 2023, sale or other operating income with other related parties amounted to zero (2022: CHF 0.0 

million), and operating expenses in relation to goods and services purchased amount to zero (2022: 

CHF 0.0 million). Open payables with related parties amounted to CHF 365.4 million (2022: 

CHF 332.0 million), of which CHF 88.1 million (2022: CHF 92.9 million) related to the purchase of 

treasury shares (see 

note 28

) and CHF 277.2 million (2022: CHF 239.2 million) related to outstanding 

dividend payments (see 

note 24

 and 

note 28

). 

All related party transactions are priced on an arm’s-length basis.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

155

33 Auditor remuneration

Fees for the audit services by KPMG as the appointed group auditor amounted to CHF 3.7 million 

(2022: CHF 4.1 million). Additional services provided by the group auditor amounted to a total of 

CHF 0.6 million (2022: CHF 1.9 million). This amount includes CHF 0.2 million (2022: CHF 0.2 million) 

for tax services and CHF 0.4 million (2022: CHF 1.7 million) for other services.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

156

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 or 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 

34.18 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 6

. 

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 2023

Starting from January 1, 2023, the group applied changes in standards, amendments and 

interpretations that became effective January 1, 2023. None of these changes had a material effect on 

the financial statements of the group. 

The group has adopted the amendments to IAS 12 International Tax Reform – Pillar Two Model Rules 

upon their release in May 2023. The amendments are effective immediately and provide a mandatory 

temporary exception from deferred tax accounting for the top-up tax and introduce new disclosures 

on the Pillar Two impact. The mandatory exception from deferred tax accounting applies 

retrospectively. No new tax legislation implementing top-up tax was enacted or substantively enacted 

on December 31, 2022, in any of the jurisdiction in which the group is operating and no related 

deferred tax assets or liabilities were recognized at that date. The retrospective application has no 

impact on the group's financial statements. 

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

157

b) Standards, amendments and interpretations issued but not yet effective, which the group 
decided not to adopt early in 2023

The following amended standards will become effective from January 1, 2024. The group does not 

expect these to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements: 

Amendments to IAS 1 – Classification of liabilities as current or non-current and non-current 

liabilities with covenants. The amendments provide clarification when an entity should classify 

liabilities as current or non-current and introduce new disclosure requirements for non-current 

liabilities that are subject to future covenants. 

Amendments to IFRS 16 Leases – Lease liability in a sale and leaseback. The amendments 

provide further clarification how the lease liability should be measured by a seller-lessee.  

Amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS 7 – Disclosure of supplier finance arrangements. The 

amendments introduce new disclosure requirements for supplier finance arrangements that 

should allow users to assess the impact of such agreements on an entity's liabilities, cash flows 

and liquidity risk. 

The following amended standards will become effective from January 1, 2025. The group is in the 

process of assessing the below amendments and does currently not expect these to have a material 

impact on the consolidated financial statements:

Amendments to IAS 21 – Lack of exchangeability

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 

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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

158

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.

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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

159

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 2023 and 

2022:

CHF

EUR 1

GBP 1

USD 1

CNY 100

INR 100

2023  
Average rate   Year-end rate  
0.93  
1.08  
0.84  
11.89  
1.01  

0.97  
1.12  
0.90  
12.68  
1.09  

2022
Average rate   Year-end rate
0.98

1.00  
1.18  
0.95  
14.19  
1.21  

1.11

0.92

13.29

1.12

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 subsidiaries 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 

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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

160

34.6 Intangible assets

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 associate or joint venture is included in the book 

value of the investment. 

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) Computer software

Acquired computer software licenses in control of the group are capitalized on the basis of the cost 

incurred to acquire the specific software and bring to use. These costs are amortized over their 

estimated useful lives (three to max. five years).

d) 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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

161

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 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 on the balance sheet.

The group recognizes lease assets and lease liabilities at the lease commencement date. The lease 

asset is initially measured at cost and subsequently at cost less any accumulated depreciation and 

impairment losses and adjusted for certain remeasurements. The lease liability is initially measured at 

the present value of the lease payments that are not paid on commencement date, discounted using 

the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the group’s 

incremental borrowing rate. Generally, the group uses currency and duration specific incremental 

borrowing rates for the discounting. 

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

162

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 measured at amortized cost

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL)

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI)

Debt instruments

Financial assets measured at amortized cost
Initially, financial assets are recognized at fair value. Assets that are held for collection of contractual 

cash flows where those cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest are measured 

subsequently at amortized cost. Interest income from these financial assets is included in finance 

income using the effective interest rate method. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition is 

recognized directly in the income statement and presented in other financial income / (expenses), net 

together with foreign exchange gains and losses. Impairment losses are presented as separate line 

items in the income statement.

Equity instruments

The group measures all equity investments at fair value. Where the group is holding equity 

instruments not for trading and group’s management has elected to present fair value gains and 

losses on equity investments in other comprehensive income (OCI), there is no subsequent 

reclassification of fair value gains and losses to the income statement following the derecognition of 

the investment. Dividends from such investments continue to be recognized in the income statement 

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 the income statement 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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

163

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 hedgesˮ, 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 reserveˮ. 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.

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.

34.12 Inventories

Raw materials, supplies and consumables are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. 

Finished products and work in progress are stated at the lower of production cost or net realizable 

value. Production cost includes the costs of materials, direct and indirect manufacturing costs, and 

contract-related costs of construction. Inventories are valued by reference to weighted average costs. 

Provisions are made for slow-moving and excess inventories and are recognized in the income 

statement in Costs of goods sold. 

34.13 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. The group 

applies the simplified approach, measuring the loss amount based on lifetime 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.

34.14 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise bills, postal giros and bank accounts, together with other short-

term highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition. 

Bank overdrafts are reported within borrowings in the current liabilities.

34.15 Trade payables

Trade payables and other payables are stated at face value. The respective value corresponds 

approximately to the amortized cost.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

164

34.16 Borrowings

Financial debt is stated at fair value when initially recognized, after recognition of transaction costs. In 

subsequent periods, it is valued at amortized cost. Any difference between the amount borrowed 

(after deduction of transaction costs) and the repayment amount is reported in the income statement 

over the duration of the loan using the effective interest method. Borrowings are classified as current 

liabilities unless the group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 

months after the balance sheet date.

34.17 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 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 the income statement 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, associates and joint venture 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.

34.18 Employee benefits

a) Defined benefit plans

The group’s net obligation in respect of defined benefit plans is calculated separately for each 

plan. The calculation of defined benefit assets / obligations is performed annually by a qualified 

actuary using the projected unit credit method. The net obligation is estimated based on the 

discounted future benefit that employees have earned in the current and prior periods, deducting the 

fair value of any plan assets. The discount rate is determined with reference to the interest rates on 

high-quality corporate bonds denominated in the currency of the expected cash flows and aligned 

with the estimated term.

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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

165

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. 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 jubilee gifts to their employees. 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 provisionsˮ.

34.19 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 the members of the Sulzer Management Group. 

A restricted share plan (RSP) covers the members of the Board of Directors.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

166

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., target profit 

levels). 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.

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.

34.20 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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

167

34.21 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.

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 group and the group has an enforceable right to 

payment (including reasonable profit margin) for performance completed to date if the customer 

terminates the contract for convenience.

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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

168

The income statement contains a share of sales, including an estimated share of profit. The balance 

sheet includes the corresponding contract assets if the assets exceed the advance payments from 

the customer of the project. When it appears probable that the total costs of an order will exceed the 

expected income, the total amount of expected loss is recognized immediately in the income 

statement.

Point in time method (PIT)

A performance obligation is satisfied at a point in time if none of the criteria for satisfying a 

performance obligation over time is met. Sales are recognized when (or as) the customer obtains 

control of that asset (depending on international commercial terms). 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 of control most 

appropriately.

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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

169

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.

If the group fails to meet the delivery date and a purchase order expressly provides liquidated 

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 estimated liquidated damages are 

recorded as a reduction in revenue.

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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

170

35 Subsequent events after the balance sheet date

The Board of Directors authorized these consolidated financial statements for issue on February 21, 

2024. They are subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting, which will be held on April 16, 

2024. 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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

171

36 Major subsidiaries

December 31, 2023

  Subsidiary

Europe

Switzerland   Sulzer Chemtech AG, Winterthur
Sulzer Markets and Technology 
AG, Winterthur

Sulzer Management AG, 
Winterthur

  Tefag AG, Winterthur

Sulzer International AG, 
Winterthur

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater 
Belgium N.V.,Anderlecht

Ensival Moret Belgium SA, 
Thimister-Clermont

Sulzer Pumpen (Deutschland) 
GmbH, Bruchsal

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater 
Germany GmbH, Bonn

  Sulzer Chemtech GmbH, Krefeld  
  Nordic Water GmbH, Neuss
Sulzer Pumps Denmark A/S, 
Farum

  Sulzer Pumps Finland Oy, Kotka
Sulzer Pompes France SASU, 
Buchelay

Sulzer Ensival Moret France 
SASU, Saint-Quentin

  Sulzer Pumps (UK) Ltd., Leeds
Sulzer Chemtech (UK) Ltd., 
Stockton on Tees

Sulzer Services (UK) Ltd., 
Birmingham

  Sulzer (UK) Holdings Ltd., Leeds
  Alba Power Ltd., Aberdeen

Sulzer Pump Solutions Ireland 
Ltd., Wexford

Sulzer Finance (Ireland) Limited, 
Wexford

Sulzer Italy S.r.l., Casalecchio di 
Reno

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater 
Norway A/S, Sandvika

Belgium

Germany

Denmark

Finland

France

UK

Ireland

Italy

Norway

Sulzer Pumps Norway A/S, Klepp 
Stasjon

Nordic Water Products A/S, 
Straume

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater 
Netherlands B.V., Maastricht-
Airport

The 
Netherlands  

Sulzer Chemtech Nederland B.V., 
Breda

Sulzer Turbo Services Venlo B.V., 
Lomm

Sulzer Netherlands Holding B.V., 
Lomm

  Sulzer Capital B.V., Lomm

Sulzer Austria GmbH, Wiener 
Neudorf

Sulzer GTC Technology Romania 
S.R.L., Bucharest

Sulzer Pumps Sweden AB, 
Vadstena

Nordic Water Products AB, 
Mölndal

  Sulzer Pumps Spain S.A., Madrid  
Sulzer Pumps Wastewater Spain 
S.A.U., Rivas Vaciamadrid

Austria

Romania

Sweden

Spain

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

100%   CHF 10’000’000  

100%  

CHF 4’000’000  

100%  
100%  

CHF 500’000  
CHF 500’000  

100%  

CHF 100’000  

100%  

EUR 123’947  

100%  

EUR 7’400’000  

100%  

EUR 3’000’000  

100%  
100%  
100%  

EUR 300’000  
EUR 300’000  
EUR 25’565  

100%  
100%  

DKK 501’000  
EUR 16’000’000  

100%  

EUR 6’600’000  

100%  
100%  

EUR 10’000’000  
GBP 9’610’000  

100%  

GBP 100’000  

100%  
100%  
100%  

GBP 48’756  
GBP 6’100’000  
GBP 1  

100%  

EUR 2’222’500  

100%  

EUR 100  

100%  

EUR 600’000  

100%  

NOK 502’000  

100%  

NOK 500’000  

100%  

NOK 150’000  

100%  

EUR 45’378  

100%  

EUR 1’134’451  

100%  

EUR 443’940  

100%  
100%  

EUR 10’010’260  
EUR 50’000  

100%  

EUR 350’000  

100%  

RON 1’345’070  

100%  

SEK 3’000’000  

100%  
100%  

SEK 200’000  
EUR 1’750’497  

100%  

EUR 2’000’000  

•

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Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

172

North 
America

Canada

USA

Mexico

Central and 
South 
America

Sulzer Pumps (Canada) Inc., 
Burnaby

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

Sulzer Turbo Services Houston 
Inc., La Porte, Texas

Sulzer Turbo Services New 
Orleans Inc., Belle Chasse, 
Louisiana

Sulzer Electro-Mechanical 
Services (US) Inc., Pasadena, 
Texas

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

Argentina

Sulzer Turbo Services Argentina 
S.A., Buenos Aires

Brazil

  Sulzer Brasil S.A., Jundiaí

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater Brasil 
Ltda., Jundiaí

Sulzer Bombas Chile Ltda., 
Vitacura

Sulzer Pumps Colombia S.A.S., 
Cota

Chile

Colombia

Africa

South Africa  

Sulzer Pumps (South Africa) (Pty) 
Ltd., Elandsfontein

Sulzer (South Africa) Holdings 
(Pty) Ltd., Elandsfontein

Sulzer Maroc S.A.R.L. A.U., 
Nouaceur

Sulzer Pumps (Nigeria) Ltd., 
Lagos

  Sulzer Zambia Ltd., Chingola

Morocco

Nigeria

Zambia

Middle East    

United Arab 
Emirates

Sulzer Pumps Middle East FZCO, 
Dubai

Saudi Arabia  

Sulzer Saudi Pump Company 
Limited, Riyadh

Sulzer Chemtech Middle East 
W.L.L., Al Seef

Bahrain

Asia

India

Sulzer Pumps India Pvt. Ltd., Navi 
Mumbai

  Sulzer India Pvt. Ltd., Pune

Sulzer Tech India Pvt. Ltd., Navi 
Mumbai

Indonesia

Japan

  PT. Sulzer Indonesia, Purwakarta  
  Sulzer Daiichi K.K., Tokyo
  Sulzer Japan Ltd., Tokyo

•

•

•

•

•

100%  

CAD 2’771’588  

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  

100%   USD 18’840’000  

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  

100%  
100%  

ARS 9’730’091  
BRL 81’789’432  

100%  

BRL 37’966’785  

100%   CLP 46’400’000  
COP 
7’142’000’000  

100%  

75%   ZAR 100’450’000  

100%  

ZAR 16’476  

100%   MAD 3’380’000  

100%  
NGN 5’000’000  
100%   ZMK 15’000’000  

100%  

AED 500’000  

100%  

SAR 44’617’000  

100%  

BHD 50’000  

100%  
100%  

INR 24’893’500  
INR 34’500’000  

100%  

95%  
60%  
100%  

INR 100’000  
IDR 
28’234’800’000  
JPY 30’000’000  
JPY 30’000’000  

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the consolidated financial statements

173

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater 
Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Selangor 
Darul Ehsan

Sulzer Singapore Pte. Ltd., 
Singapore

Malaysia

Singapore

South Korea   Sulzer Korea Ltd., Seoul

Thailand

People’s 
Republic of 
China

Sulzer GTC Technology Korea Co. 
Ltd., Seoul

Sulzer (Thailand) Co., Ltd., 
Rayong

Sulzer Dalian Pumps & 
Compressors Ltd., Dalian

Sulzer Pumps Suzhou Ltd., 
Suzhou

Sulzer Pump Solutions (Kunshan) 
Co., Ltd., Kunshan

Sulzer Shanghai Eng. & Mach. 
Works Ltd., Shanghai

Sulzer Pumps Wastewater 
Shanghai Co. Ltd., Shanghai

Sulzer GTC (Beijing) Technology 
Inc., Beijing

Nordic Water Products (Beijing) 
Co., Ltd., Beijing

Australia

  Sulzer Australia Pty Ltd., Brisbane  
Sulzer Australia Holding Pty Ltd., 
Brendale

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

100%   MYR 1’000’000  

100%  
SGD 1’000’000  
100%   KRW 222’440’000  
KRW 
4’870’000’000  

100%  

100%  

THB 25’000’000  

100%   CHF 21’290’000  

100%   CNY 282’069’324  

100%  

USD 5’760’000  

100%   CNY 54’267’608  

100%  

USD 1’550’000  

100%  

USD 150’000  

100%  

USD 800’000  

100%  

AUD 5’308’890  

100%   AUD 34’820’100  

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Auditor’s report

174

Report on the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements

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, 2023, 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 material accounting policy information.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the consolidated 

financial position of the Group as at December 31, 2023, and of 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 (ISA) and 

Swiss Standards on Auditing (SA-CH). 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, together with the requirements of the Swiss audit profession, as well as those 

of 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

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Auditor’s report

175

Customer contracts – existence and accuracy of revenue, valuation of contract assets, work in 
progress (WIP), and accuracy of contract liabilities

Key Audit Matter
As per December 31, 2023, revenue from customer 

Our response
Our procedures included, among others, obtaining an 

contracts amounts to CHF 3’281.7 million, contract 

understanding of the project execution processes and 

assets amount to CHF 430.1 million, contract liabilities to 

relevant controls relating to the accounting for customer 

CHF 451.0 million and the balance of work in progress 

contracts.

(WIP) amounts to CHF 255.4 million.

Under IFRS 15 revenue is recognized when a 

evaluated selected key controls, including results reviews 

performance obligation is satisfied by transferring control 

by management, and performed procedures to gain 

over a promised good or service.

sufficient audit evidence on the accuracy of the 

accounting for customer contracts and related financial 

For the revenue recognized throughout the year, we 

Revenue and related costs from long-term customer 

statement captions.

orders (construction and service contracts) are 

recognized over time (OT), provided they fulfill the criteria 

These procedures included reading significant new 

of International Financial Reporting Standards, specifically 

contracts to understand the terms and conditions and 

having the right to payment in case of termination for 

their impact on revenue recognition. We performed 

convenience. The OT method allows recognizing 

inquiries with management to understand their project 

revenues by reference to the stage of completion of the 

risk assessments and inspected meeting minutes from 

contract. The application of the OT method is complex 

project reviews performed by management to identify 

and requires judgments by management when estimating 

relevant changes in their assessments and estimates. We 

the stage of completion, total project costs and the costs 

challenged these assessments and estimates for OT 

to complete the work. Incorrect assumptions and 

projects including comparing estimated project financials 

estimates can lead to revenue being recognized in the 

between reporting periods and assessed the historical 

wrong reporting period or in amounts inadequate to the 

accuracy of these estimates.

actual stage of completion, and therefore to an incorrect 

result for the period.

On a sample basis, we reconciled revenue to the 

supporting documentation, validated estimates of costs 

During order fulfillment, contractual obligations may need 

to complete, tested the mathematical accuracy of 

to be reassessed. In addition, change orders or 

calculations and the adequacy of project accounting. We 

cancelations have to be considered. As a result, total 

also examined costs included within contract assets on a 

estimated project costs may exceed total contract 

sample basis by verifying the amounts back to source 

revenues and therefore require write-offs of contract 

documentation and tested their recoverability through 

assets, receivables and the immediate recognition of the 

comparing the net realizable values as per the 

expected loss as a provision.

agreements with estimated cost to complete.

Regarding the projects recognized at a point in time (PIT), 

We further performed testing for PIT projects on a sample 

the risks include inappropriate revenue recognition from 

basis to confirm the appropriate application of revenue 

revenue being recorded in the wrong accounting period 

recognition policies and to verify valuation of WIP 

as well as overstated WIP that requires impairment 

balances. This included reconciling accounting entries to 

adjustments.

supporting documentation. When doing this, we 

specifically put emphasis on those transactions occurring 

close before or after the balance sheet date to obtain 

sufficient evidence over the accuracy of cut-off.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Auditor’s report

176

For further information on Customer contracts – existence and accuracy of revenue, valuation of 

contract assets, work in progress (WIP) and accuracy of contract liabilities refer to the following:

Note 19

 to the consolidated financial statements

Note 20

 to the consolidated financial statements

Accounting for warranties and other costs to fulfil contract obligations

Key Audit Matter
As per December 31, 2023, provisions in the amount of 

Our response
Based on our knowledge gained through contract and 

CHF 98.8 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.

Additional expected costs to fulfil contract obligations 

from onerous contracts are recorded as other provisions.

We further challenged management’s contract risk 

Sulzer is exposed to claims from customers for not 

and review of correspondence with customers where 

assessments by inquiries, inspection of meeting minutes 

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 provisions by recalculating the amounts, obtaining 

assumptions with a higher risk of material misjudgment.

written management statements and evidence from 

supporting documents such as correspondence with 

clients or legal assessments of external counsels where 

available.

We also evaluated 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 inquiry procedures with the 

office of Sulzer’s General Counsel and reviewed relevant 

documents.

For further information on accounting for warranties and other cost to fulfil contract obligations refer 

to the following:

Note 27

 to the consolidated financial statements

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Auditor’s report

177

Other Information in the Annual Report

The Board of Directors is responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the 

information included in the annual report, but does not include the consolidated financial statements, 

the standalone financial statements of the company, the compensation report and our auditor’s 

reports thereon.

Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover the other information 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 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.

Board of Directors’ Responsibilities 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, ISA and SA-CH 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, ISA and SA-CH, 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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Auditor’s report

178

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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Auditor’s report

179

Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements

In accordance with Art. 728a para. 1 item 3 CO and PS-CH 890, we confirm that an internal control 

system exists, which has been designed for the preparation of the 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 21, 2024

Miriam von Gunten

Licensed Audit Expert

KPMG AG, Badenerstrasse 172, CH-8036 Zurich
© 2024 KPMG AG, a Swiss corporation, is a subsidiary of KPMG Holding AG, which is a member of the KPMG global organization of independent member 
firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Supplementary information

180

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 

Order intake includes all registered orders 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

The order intake gross margin is defined as the expected gross profit of order intake divided by order 

intake.

Order backlog 

Order backlog represents the undiscounted value of sales the group expects to generate from orders 

on hand at the end of the reporting period.

Return on sales (ROS) 

ROS measures the profitability relative to sales. ROS is calculated by dividing EBIT by sales.

Operational profit 

Operational profit is used to determine the profitability of the business, without considering 

impairments, restructuring expenses and other non-operational items and before interest, taxes and 

amortization. Non-operational items include significant acquisition-related expenses, gains and losses 

from sale of businesses or real estate, and certain non-operational items that are non-recurring or do 

not occur in similar magnitude.

Operational profitability 

Operational profitability measures how the group turns sales into operating profits. Operational 

profitability is calculated by dividing operational profit by sales.

Operational ROCEA (operational return on capital employed)

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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Supplementary information

181

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, amortization and impairment.

Core net income

Core net income is used to determine the dividend proposal. Sulzer’s long-term target is to maintain a 

dividend payout ratio of approximately 40% to 70% of core net income with due consideration to 

liquidity and funding requirements as well as continuity. Core net income is defined as net income 

before tax-adjusted effects on restructuring, amortization, impairments and non-operational items.

Free cash flow (FCF) 

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.

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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Supplementary information

182

Organic growth

Organic growth measures changes with the same period in the previous year after adjusting for 

effects arising from acquisitions, divestitures/deconsolidations 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 7

 and for operational ROCEA to the table below.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Supplementary information

183

Operational ROCEA reconciliation statement

millions of CHF

Total assets

./. Other intangible assets

./. Cash and cash equivalents

./. Current financial assets

./. Total current and non-current income and deferred tax assets and liabilities

./. Total non-current liabilities

./. Total current liabilities

Non-current borrowings

Current borrowings

Liability related to the purchase of treasury shares

Outstanding dividend payments

Adjustment for average calculation and currency translation differences

Average capital employed

Operational profit

Average capital employed

Operational ROCEA

2023  

4’369.5  

–196.8  

–974.7  

–2.3  

–45.3  

–1’125.3  

–2’145.6  

795.2  

261.1  

88.1  

277.2  

–12.6  

1’288.6  

365.6  

1’288.6  

28.4%  

2022

4’620.2

–234.3

–1’196.3

–14.0

–92.4

–1’348.6

–2’217.5

1’043.9

311.4

92.9

239.2

135.8

1’340.2

317.6

1’340.2

23.7%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Five-year summaries

184

Five-year summaries of key financial data

Key figures from consolidated income statement and statement of cash flows 1)

millions of CHF

Order intake

2023  

2022  

2021  

2020 2)

2019 2)

3’580.3  

3’425.4  

3’167.6  

3’049.2  

3’322.1

Currency-adjusted growth order intake

12.6%  

9.2%  

3.6%  

–1.1%  

Order intake gross margin

33.9%  

33.5%  

33.1%  

32.6%  

Order backlog

Sales

Operating income (EBIT)

Operational profit

Operational profitability

1’946.8  

1’844.7  

1’724.1  

1’676.8  

3’281.7  

3’179.9  

3’155.3  

2’967.8  

329.7  

365.6  

111.4  

317.6  

11.1%  

10.0%  

221.8  

293.3  

9.3%  

Net income attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

229.1  

28.6  

1’416.7  

– in percentage of equity attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd 
(ROE)

20.9%  

2.8%  

111.2%  

Basic earnings per share (in CHF)

Depreciation

Amortization

Impairments of tangible and intangible assets

Research and development expenses

6.76  

–71.4  

–36.6  

–0.2  

–70.8  

0.85  

–76.0  

–38.8  

–44.5  

–66.4  

41.93  

–81.0  

–50.2  

–4.2  

–64.4  

Personnel expenses

–1’030.8  

–1’002.4  

–1’018.1  

–1’014.4  

–1’078.7

Capital expenditure (incl. lease assets)

–103.1  

–100.0  

–119.4  

Free cash flow (FCF)

FCF conversion (free cash flow/net income)

301.3  

1.31  

58.3  

2.08  

210.5  

1.50  

–88.0  

262.6  

3.67  

–100.8

156.8

1.18

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

13’130  

12’868  

13’816  

13’197  

14’685

1) The comparatives are based on the foreign currency exchange rates of the respective year and are not adjusted for changes in currency exchange rates.
2) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations in 2021.

n/a

32.0%

1’731.8

3’307.9

202.8

283.1

8.6%

154.0

9.7%

4.52

–79.7

–45.5

–3.1

–62.7

132.5  

255.0  

8.6%  

83.6  

6.0%  

2.46  

–78.3  

–46.7  

–9.4  

–63.8  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Five-year summaries

185

Key figures from consolidated balance sheet 1)

millions of CHF

Non-current assets

2023  

2022  

2021  

2020 2)

2019

1’685.9  

1’584.2  

1’834.2  

2’279.9  

2’172.0

– thereof property, plant and equipment

348.2  

360.5  

394.0  

545.3  

Current assets

2’683.5  

3’036.0  

3’176.2  

3’087.1  

– thereof cash and cash equivalents

974.7  

1’196.3  

1’505.4  

1’123.2  

Total assets

4’369.5  

4’620.2  

5’010.4  

5’367.0  

Equity attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd

1’095.4  

1’024.3  

1’273.8  

1’404.3  

544.4

2’937.5

1’035.5

5’109.5

1’580.7

1’644.1

1’199.2

82.3

1’125.3  

1’348.6  

1’568.8  

1’976.0  

795.2  

1’043.9  

1’164.6  

1’491.3  

69.0  

67.2  

64.5  

90.2  

2’145.6  

2’242.9  

2’162.3  

1’973.8  

1’871.5

261.1  

23.9  

172.3  

0.39  

311.4  

22.4  

234.6  

0.87  

345.5  

24.3  

66.8  

0.15  

231.8  

29.5  

414.5  

1.26  

131.0

27.4

346.9

0.84

25.1%  

22.2%  

25.4%  

26.1%  

30.9%

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 3)

1) The comparatives are based on the foreign currency exchange rates of the respective year and are not adjusted for changes in currency exchange rates.
2) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations in 2021. 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. Defined benefit assets are presented as non-current assets and comparative 
information is re-presented.

3) Equity attributable to shareholders of Sulzer Ltd in relation to total assets.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Five-year summaries

186

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 1)

Sales 1)

2023  

2022  

2021  

2020 2)

2019 2)

2023  

2022  

2021  

2020 2)

2019 2)

1’466.5  

1’419.2  

1’324.7  

1’297.6  

1’458.9  

1’354.4  

1’323.0  

1’389.0  

1’296.3  

1’477.0

1’271.3  

1’171.3  

1’163.4  

1’130.8  

1’193.2  

1’154.8  

1’117.0  

1’117.7  

1’078.3  

1’167.0

842.5  

834.9  

679.5  

620.8  

670.0  

772.5  

739.9  

648.5  

593.1  

664.0

3’580.3  

3’425.4  

3’167.6  

3’049.2  

3’322.1  

3’281.7  

3’179.9  

3’155.3  

2’967.8  

3’307.9

Order backlog 1)

Employees 3)

2023  

2022  

2021  

2020 2)

2019 2)

2023  

2022  

2021  

2020 2)

2019 2)

878.3  

850.1  

811.5  

845.0  

924.3  

5’465  

5’263  

5’325  

5’362  

5’759

547.3  

492.9  

479.5  

435.0  

422.2  

4’630  

4’559  

4’571  

4’449  

4’900

521.2  

501.7  

433.2  

396.9  

385.3  

2’849  

2’852  

3’734  

3’221  

3’803

1’946.8  

1’844.7  

1’724.1  

1’676.8  

1’731.8  

12’944  

12’674  

13’631  

13’032  

14’463

1’946.8  

1’844.7  

1’724.1  

1’676.8  

1’731.8  

13’130  

12’868  

13’816  

13’197  

14’685

186  

194  

185  

165  

222

Operational profit 1)

Operational profitability

2023  

2022  

2021  

2020 2)

2019 2)

2023  

2022  

2021  

2020 2)

2019 2)

108.2  

87.4  

81.4  

55.2  

59.7  

8.0%  

6.6%  

5.9%  

4.3%  

4.0%

171.3  

159.0  

158.7  

150.3  

164.5  

14.8%  

14.2%  

14.2%  

13.9%  

14.1%

95.0  

80.0  

64.8  

56.9  

63.8  

12.3%  

10.8%  

10.0%  

9.6%  

9.6%

374.5  

326.4  

304.9  

262.4  

288.0  

11.4%  

10.3%  

9.7%  

8.8%  

8.7%

–8.9  

–8.8  

–11.6  

–7.4  

–4.9  

n/a  

n/a  

n/a  

n/a  

n/a

365.6  

317.6  

293.3  

255.0  

283.0  

11.1%  

10.0%  

9.3%  

8.6%  

8.6%

1) The comparatives are based on the foreign currency exchange rates of the respective year and are not adjusted for changes in currency exchange rates.
2) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations in 2021.
3) Number of full-time equivalents as of December 31.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Americas

Asia-Pacific

Total

Americas

Asia-Pacific

Total

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Consolidated financial statements – Five-year summaries

187

Five-year summaries by region

Order intake by region 1)

millions of CHF

2023  

2022  

2021  

2020 2)

2019 2)

Europe, the Middle East and Africa

1’278.3  

1’322.9  

1’281.2  

1’211.6  

1’353.8  

1’193.2  

1’051.8  

1’009.5  

948.2  

909.3  

834.6  

828.2  

3’580.3  

3’425.4  

3’167.6  

3’049.2  

3’322.1

1) The comparatives are based on the foreign currency exchange rates of the respective year and are not adjusted for changes in currency exchange rates.
2) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations in 2021.

Sales by region 1)

millions of CHF

2023  

2022  

2021  

2020 2)

2019 2)

Europe, the Middle East and Africa

1’246.0  

1’207.9  

1’297.5  

1’198.1  

1’199.8  

1’142.8  

836.0  

829.2  

978.1  

879.7  

1’027.1  

742.6  

3’281.7  

3’179.9  

3’155.3  

2’967.8  

3’307.9

1) The comparatives are based on the foreign currency exchange rates of the respective year and are not adjusted for changes in currency exchange rates.
2) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations in 2021.

Employees 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.
2) Comparative information has been re-presented due to discontinued operations in 2021.

2023  

5’445  

3’642  

4’043  

2022  

5’602  

3’422  

3’845  

2021  

5’795  

4’207  

3’815  

2020 2)

2019 2)

5’709  

3’960  

3’528  

6’246

4’429

4’010

13’130  

12’868  

13’816  

13’197  

14’685

1’375.8

1’134.6

811.7

1’306.9

1’165.3

835.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Balance sheet of Sulzer Ltd

188

Balance sheet of Sulzer Ltd

December 31

millions of CHF

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

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

Notes  

3  

4  

6  

6  

5  
5  

5  

5  

2023  

275.7  
–  
207.3  
6.3  
489.3  

621.2  
23.7  
1’545.2  
22.0  
2’212.1  

2’701.4  

250.0  
6.5  
365.7  
8.4  
4.7  
635.3  

794.3  
33.1  
827.4  

1’462.7  

0.3  
155.5  
200.7  

791.5  
31.7  
95.7  
–36.7  
1’238.7  

2’701.4  

2022

388.0

8.8

324.2

3.1

724.1

743.9

12.3

1’486.6

5.4

2’248.2

2’972.3

289.9

0.2

332.3

11.9

5.2

639.5

1’043.9

33.2

1’077.1

1’716.6

0.3

155.5

200.7

891.5

48.8

1.8

–42.9

1’255.7

2’972.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Income statement of Sulzer Ltd

189

Income statement of Sulzer Ltd

January 1 – December 31

millions of CHF

Income

Investment income

Financial income

Other income

Total income

Expenses

Administrative expenses

Financial expenses

Investment and loan expenses

Other expenses

Direct taxes

Total expenses

Net profit for the year

Notes  

9  

11  

10  

8  

11  

9  

2023  

200.6  

41.9  

44.2  

286.7  

100.9  

66.7  

14.1  

8.2  

1.1  

191.0  

95.7  

2022

160.0

44.0

42.3

246.3

70.1

45.7

118.5

9.3

0.9

244.5

1.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Statement of changes in equity of Sulzer Ltd

190

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, 2022

0.3  

155.5  

200.7  

891.5  

46.2  

121.3  

–51.0  

1’364.5

Dividend

Allocation of net income

Net profit for the year

Change in treasury shares

–118.7  

–118.7

2.6  

–2.6  

1.8  

–

1.8

8.1

8.1  

Equity as of December 31, 2022

0.3  

155.5  

200.7  

891.5  

48.8  

1.8  

–42.9  

1’255.7

Dividend

Allocation of net income

Net profit for the year

Change in treasury shares

–118.9  

–118.9

–100.0  

–17.1  

117.1  

95.7  

6.2  

–

95.7

6.2

Equity as of December 31, 2023

0.3  

155.5  

200.7  

791.5  

31.7  

95.7  

–36.7  

1’238.7

 
 
 
   
 
 
 
     
   
   
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

191

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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

192

3

Cash and cash equivalents

As of December 2023, Sulzer had access to a syndicated credit facility of CHF 500 million maturing 

on 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). In 2022 and 2023, the 

group exercised the options, extending the term of the credit facility in the amount of CHF 415 million 

to December 2028. 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, 2023, and 

2022, 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.

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  

The Capital Group Companies, Inc.

1’034’950  

3.02  

1’034’950  

Number of 

shares  

in %  

Number of 

shares  

in %

48.82

3.02

Dec 31, 2023  

Dec 31, 2022

Treasury shares held by Sulzer Ltd

millions of CHF

Balance as of January 1

Purchase

Share-based remuneration

Balance as of December 31

2023  

Total 
transaction 

amount  

42.9  

20.9  

Number of 

shares  

523’855  

260’000  

Number of 

shares  

534’733  

281’349  

–332’781  

–27.1  

–292’227  

451’074  

36.7  

523’855  

2022

Total 
transaction 
amount

51.0

19.5

–27.6

42.9

The total number of treasury shares held by Sulzer Ltd as of December 31, 2023, amounted to 

451'074 (December 31, 2022: 523'855 shares), which are mainly held for the purpose of issuing 

shares under the management share-based payment programs.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

193

6

Interest-bearing liabilities

125.0

290.0

250.0

300.0

200.0

170.0

1’335.0

1’045.0

290.0

2022

937.3

258.2

455.7

9.0

millions of CHF

0.875% 07/2016–07/2026

1.300% 07/2018–07/2023

1.600% 10/2018–10/2024

0.800% 09/2020–09/2025

0.875% 11/2020–11/2027

3.350% 12/2022–12/2026

Total as of December 31

– thereof non-current

– thereof current

2023  

2022

Book value  

Nominal  

Book value  

Nominal

125.0  

125.0  

–  

250.0  

299.8  

199.8  

169.7  

–  

250.0  

300.0  

200.0  

170.0  

125.0  

289.9  

249.9  

299.6  

199.7  

169.7  

1’044.3  

1’045.0  

1’333.8  

794.3  

250.0  

795.0  

250.0  

1’043.9  

289.9  

All the outstanding bonds are traded on SIX Swiss Exchange.

7

Contingent liabilities

millions of CHF

Guarantees, sureties and comfort letters for subsidiaries

– to banks and insurance companies

– to customers

– to others

Guarantees for third parties

2023  

845.5  

216.3  

399.3  

9.3  

Total contingent liabilities as of December 31

1’470.4  

1’660.2

As of December 31, 2023, CHF 406.3 million (2022: CHF 410.8 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

2023  

2.6  

98.3  

100.9  

2022

1.8

68.3

70.1

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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

194

9

Investment income and investment and loan expenses

In 2023, the investment income contains ordinary and extraordinary dividend payments from 

subsidiaries amounting to CHF 182.3 million (2022: CHF 142.9 million). The release of allowances on 

investments amounts to CHF 17.6 million (2022: CHF 0.0 million). The income from the sale of 

subsidiaries amounts to CHF 0.4 million (2022: CHF 7.0 million), net.

The investment and loan expenses contain allowances on investments amounting to CHF 10.5 

million (2022: CHF 44.6 million) and waivers on loans and receivables amounting to CHF 0.8 million 

(2022: CHF 71.3 million). The share of loss from associates amounts to CHF 2.9 million (2022: 

CHF 2.5 million).

10 Other income

The income from trademark license amounts to CHF 44.2 million (2022: CHF 42.3 million).

11

Financial income and expenses

The financial income contains interests on loans with subsidiaries amounting to CHF 35.1 million 

(2022: CHF 42.1 million) and CHF 2.5 million (2022: CHF 0.5 million) with banks. The realized and 

unrealized gain on marketable securities amounts to CHF 4.3 million (2022: loss of CHF 18.5 million). 

The financial expenses contain mainly interest expenses on interest-bearing liabilities of 

CHF 17.5 million (2022: CHF 15.8 million). The foreign currency revaluation on intercompany loans 

resulted in a loss of CHF 48.8 million (2022: loss of CHF 11.4 million).

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

195

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.

Board of Directors

Suzanne Thoma

Markus Kammüller

Alexey Moskov

David Metzger

Per Utnegaard

Hariolf Kottmann

Prisca Havranek-Kosicek

Executive Committee

Suzanne Thoma

Thomas Zickler

Haining Auperin

Tim Schulten

Jan Lüder

Uwe Boltersdorf

  Sulzer shares  

Restricted 
share units 
(RSU) 1)  

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2021 2)  

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2022 3)  

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2023 4)

2023

9’320  

2’559  

536  

2’114  

1’736  

1’375  

1’000  

–  

11’114  

2’559  

3’402  

5’153  

–  

–  

–  

17’430  

2’886  

3’085  

3’295  

3’295  

1’623  

1’623  

1’623  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

4’264  

14’362  

–  

1’212  

1’364  

1’212  

–  

476  

2’120  

5’074  

1’142  

5’074  

–  

952  

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

36’548

12’778

5’112

4’217

5’112

5’112

4’217

1) Restricted share units assigned by Sulzer.
2) The average fair value of one performance share unit 2021 at grant date amounted to CHF 124.95.
3) The average fair value of one performance share unit 2022 at grant date amounted to CHF 84.69.
4) The average fair value of one performance share unit 2023 at grant date amounted to CHF 88.38.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

196

2022

Board of Directors

Suzanne Thoma

Matthias Bichsel

Alexey Moskov

David Metzger

Hanne Birgitte Breinbjerg Sørensen

Markus Kammüller

Executive Committee

Suzanne Thoma

Thomas Zickler

Armand Sohet

Tim Schulten

Torsten Wintergerste

  Sulzer shares  

Restricted 
share units 
(RSU) 1)  

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2020 2)  

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2021 3)  

Performance 
share units 
(PSU) 2022 4)

23’434  

21’095  

744  

12’600  

2’217  

600  

7’273  

–  

32’723  

744  

1’513  

6’791  

–  

23’675  

4’701  

4’406  

3’786  

2’808  

3’786  

1’608  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–  

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

16’827  

12’412  

20’640

–  

1’273  

7’777  

–  

7’777  

–  

1’212  

4’994  

1’212  

4’994  

2’120

5’074

4’186

5’074

4’186

1) Restricted share units assigned by Sulzer.
2) The average fair value of one performance share unit 2020 at grant date amounted to CHF 78.18.
3) The average fair value of one performance share unit 2021 at grant date amounted to CHF 124.95.
4) The average fair value of one performance share unit 2022 at grant date amounted to CHF 84.69.

Granted Sulzer shares to members of the Board of Directors

2023  

2022

Quantity  

Value in CHF  

Quantity  

Value in CHF

Allocated to members of the Board of Directors

10’128  

780’000  

11’637  

905’000

13 Subsequent events after the balance sheet date

At the time when these financial statements were authorized for issue, the Board of Directors was not 

aware of any events that would materially affect these financial statements.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Notes to the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd

197

Proposal of the Board of Directors for the 
appropriation of the available profit

in CHF

Net profit for the year

Unallocated profit carried forward from previous year

Total available profit

Appropriation from free reserves

Ordinary dividend

Balance carried forward

Dividend distribution per share CHF 0.01

Gross dividend

Withholding tax (35%)

Net dividend

2023  

95’734’000  

31’684’494  

127’418’494  

2022

1’802’000

48’819’259

50’621’259

100’000’000

–126’792’360  

–118’936’766

626’134  

31’684’494

3.75  

–1.31  

2.44  

3.50

–1.23

2.27

The Board of Directors proposes the payment of a dividend of CHF 3.75 per share to the Annual 

General Meeting on April 16, 2024. The company will not pay a dividend on treasury shares held by 

Sulzer Ltd or one of its subsidiaries.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Auditor’s report

198

Report on the Audit of the Financial Statements

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Sulzer Ltd (the Company), which comprise the “

Balance 

sheet of Sulzer Ltd

” as at December 31, 2023, the “

Income statement of Sulzer Ltd

” and the “

Statement of changes in equity of Sulzer Ltd

” for the year then ended, and “

Notes to the financial 

statements of Sulzer Ltd

”, including a summary of significant accounting policies.

In our opinion, the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023, 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 Standards on Auditing (SA-CH). 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 Company in accordance with the provisions of Swiss law, together with 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.

Key Audit Matters 

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.

Board of Directors’ Responsibilities 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 

Company’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 Company or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Auditor’s report

199

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 SA-CH 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 SA-CH, 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 the Company’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 Company’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 Company 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, 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 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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Financial reporting – Financial statements of Sulzer Ltd – Auditor’s report

200

Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements

In accordance with article 728a para. 1 item 3 CO and PS-CH 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 21, 2024

Miriam von Gunten

Licensed Audit Expert

KPMG AG, Badenerstrasse 172, CH-8036 Zurich
© 2024 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.

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Investor contact

201

Investor contact

Thomas Zickler

Chief Financial Officer

Sulzer Ltd

Neuwiesenstrasse 15 

8401 Winterthur 

Switzerland

Phone +41 52 262 33 15

Contact form Route

 | 

 
Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Imprint

202

Imprint

Published by:

Sulzer Ltd, Winterthur, Switzerland

© 2024

Layout/graphics:

Office for spatial identity, Zurich, Switzerland

Sergeant, Zurich, Switzerland

Publishing system:

ns.wow by mms solutions AG, Zurich, Switzerland

Photographs:

Sulzer Management Ltd, Winterthur, Switzerland

Geri Krischker, Zurich, Switzerland (management portrait, Suzanne Thoma)

Fabian Hugo, Bern, Switzerland (management portrait, Thomas Zickler)

Max Schwank, Basel-Landschaft, Switzerland (Executive Committee photo)

Sulzer Annual Report 2023 – Disclaimer

203

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 2023 have been translated into German. Please note that the 

English-language version of the Sulzer Annual Report is the binding version.