Accounting principles for the consolidated financial statements

Corporate information

Tecnotree is a global supplier of telecom IT solutions, providing products and services for charging, billing, customer care, and messaging and content services. Tecnotree has subsidiaries and branch offices in 12 countries.

The Group’s parent company is Tecnotree Corporation, which is domiciled in Espoo 23.4.2020, Finland and its registered address is Miestentie 9 C, 02150 Espoo. Tecnotree Corporation is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki (TEM1V). A copy of the consolidated financial statements can be obtained on the Internet at www.tecnotree.com or from the head office of the Group’s parent company at Miestentie 9 C.

The Board of Directors of Tecnotree Corporation has approved the publishing of these financial statements. According to the Finnish Limited Liability Companies Act, shareholders have the right to approve or reject the financial statements in the Annual General Meeting held after the publication of the financial statements. The Annual General Meeting also has the right to make a decision to amend the financial statements.

Basis for preparation for the consolidated financial statements
Tecnotree’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the international financial reporting standards (IFRS) adopted by the EU, applying the IAS and IFRS standards and SIC and IFRIC interpretations in force on 31 December 2019 International Financial Reporting Standards, referred to in the Finnish Accounting Act and in ordinances issued based on the provisions of the Act, refer to the standards and to their interpretations adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The notes to the consolidated financial statements also conform to Finnish accounting and corporate legislation. Starting from 1.1.2019 Tecnotree group has adopted one new IFRS standard - IFRS 16 - lease agreements. More information on the adoptions is presented under sections "Financial assets and liabilities" and "Revenue recognition".

The consolidated financial statements are prepared on the historical cost basis, apart from the exceptions mentioned later in these accounting principles.

The consolidated financial statements are presented in Euros, which is the functional and presentation currency of the parent company. Unless otherwise stated, the financial statement information is presented in thousands of Euro. All figures presented are rounded, so the total of separate figures might differ from the total presented. Key indicators are calculated using exact values. The comparable figures presented in text sections are in brackets.

Going concern basis

The consolidated financial statements of Tecnotree Corporation have been prepared in accordance with the going concern principle.

Uncertainty factors

Tecnotree’s risks and uncertainties in the near future relate to development of net sales, projects, to their timing, to trade receivables and to changes in foreign exchange rates.

The uncertainty factors relating to Tecnotree’s operations are explained in more detail in section “Risks and uncertainty factors” in the Board of Directors’ report. Financial risk management is described in note 23 the consolidated financial statements. Information about the restructuring proceedings is disclosed in note 28.

Accounting principles requiring management judgments

To prepare the consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS standards the Group management has to make estimates and assumptions concerning the future. Actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions. In addition management has to make judgments in the application of the accounting principles. More information on the judgements is presented in section "Accounting principles requiring management judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty".

Subsidiaries

The consolidated financial statements include the parent company Tecnotree Corporation as well as its all directly or indirectly owned subsidiaries (over 50 % of the voting rights) or companies otherwise under its control. Tecnotree is considered to control an entity when Tecnotree is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. Generally, control exists when the Group holds directly or indirectly over half of the voting rights.

Intra-group holdings are eliminated using the purchase method. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that the Group has obtained control and divested subsidiaries until the date that control ceases. Intra-group transactions, dividend distribution, receivables, liabilities and unrealised margins on intra-group transactions are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Net result and total other comprehensive income for the period attributable to the owners of the parent and non-controlling interests is presented in the statement of comprehensive income. Net result attributable to non-controlling interests is presented within equity in the consolidated balance sheet separately from equity attributable to the owners of the parent. Non-controlling interests of accrued losses are recognised in the consolidated financial statements up to the maximum amount of their investment.

There are no joint arrangements or associated companies in the Group.

Foreign currency items

Group companes report their operations in their financial statements using the currency of the economic environment in which the entity primarily operates (functional currency). Transactions in foreign currencies are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the transaction dates or at the rate close to that on the transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are valuated using the rate of exchange on the closing date. Exchange rate gains and losses arising from the translation of foreign currency transactions and of monetary assets and liabilities are recognised in the income statement. Exchange gains and losses relating to business operations are treated as adjustments to net sales or to materials and services. Exchange rate gains and losses related to financing operations are recognised under financial income and expenses.

The Argentinian peso is the functional currency of the company’s subsidiary in Argentina. During 2018, the economic crisis led to the economy of Argentina to be classified as hyperinflationary. Because of this development, adoption of IAS 29 Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies applies that means from the beginning of the relevant reporting period financial statements of the Argentine subsidiary are to be restated into the current purchasing power that reflects a price index current at the end of the reporting period. Hyperinflation adjustment impact on profit was negative 43 thousand euros in the consolidated financial statements 2019.

The consolidated financial statements are presented in euro, which is the functional and presentation currency of the parent company. The income and expenses for income statements and comprehensive income statements as well as items in cash flow statements of those foreign Group companies whose functional currency is not the euro, are translated into euro using the average exchange rate for the period, and balance sheet items, apart from the result for the period, at the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Translation differences arising from eliminating the acquisition cost of foreign subsidiaries in non-euro-area, the translation of the foreign subsidiaries’ accumulated equity subsequent to acquisition, of the income statements and the balance sheets are recognised in other comprehensive income and presented as a change in equity. They are recognised in the income statement as part of the gain or loss on sale on the disposal of all or part of a foreign subsidiary.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are measured at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses.

Certain parts of items of property, plant and equipment are accounted for as separate items. When such a part is replaced, the costs relating to the new part are capitalised. Other subsequent expenses are capitalised only if it is probable that they will increase the economic benefits that will flow to the Group. All other costs, such as normal repair and maintenance costs, are expensed as incurred.

Property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives. Land is not depreciated. The estimated useful lives are as follows:

- Buildings and structures 25 years
- Machinery and equipment and furniture 3–5 years
- Computing hardware and equipment 3–5 years

The residual value of these assets and their useful lives are reassessed annually when the financial statements are prepared, and if necessary are adjusted accordingly to reflect any changes in the expectation of economic benefits expected.

Gains or losses on disposal of property, plant and equipment are recognised in the income statement.

Depreciation on an item of property, plant and equipment ceases when the item is classified as an asset held for sale, in accordance with IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations.

In the first quarter of 2019, Tecnotree sold its premises located in Espoo for 2.4 million and recorded a capital gain of 1.4 million euros. The cash received from the transaction amortized interest-bearing loans, according to debt restructuring payment plan.

Intangible assets

Goodwill

Goodwill arising on a business combination is recognised as the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree and any previously held equity interests in the acquiree, over the Group’s share of the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired.

Goodwill is not amortised but it is tested at least annually for impairment. For this purpose goodwill is allocated to the cash-generating units. Goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.

Other intangible assets

An intangible asset is recognised only if it is probable that the expected future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the Group, and the cost of the asset can be measured reliably. Intangible assets that have finite useful lives are recorded in the balance sheet and amortisation is recognised in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the useful lives. The estimated useful life for intangible rights is 3-10 years.

Research and development costs

Research costs are charged to the income statement as incurred. Development costs for new products are capitalised when they meet the requirements of IAS 38 Intangible assets. They are amortised over the useful lives of the related products. In Tecnotree development costs are monitored on a project-by-project basis and the Group’s management decides on the capitalisation separately for each project. In order to qualify for capitalisation the following criteria are to be met: the results of a project are of use to several customers, the contents, objectives and timetable of a project are documented and a profitability calculation is prepared. Capitalisation of product development costs that fulfil IFRS criteria starts when following requirements are met: a product’s functional requirements and the plans for product industrialisation, testing and project are complete and have been approved as well as future economic benefits are expected from the product. The useful life of capitalised development expenditure is 3-5 years depending on the expected commercial life cycle, and they are amortised on a straight-line basis over this period from the start of commercial use. The consolidated balance sheet of 31 December 2019 included 3.0 million euros capitalized product development costs (31 December 2018 did not include any capitalised product development costs).

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of acquisition cost and net realisable value. The valuation is based on the FIFO principle. The cost of manufactured products and work in progress includes the cost of raw materials, direct labour costs, other direct costs as well as an appropriate share of variable and fixed production overheads based on normal operating capacity. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of completion and selling.

Leases

Starting from 1.1.2019, a new IFRS standard, IFRS 16 - Leases, replaced IAS 17 standard. IFRS 16 standard requires a lessor to recognise future lease payments in its balance sheet assets and liabilities, unless the lease term is 12 months or less or the underlying asset value is less than 5.000 US dollars. Lease contract payments not recognised in the balance sheet are recognised as other operating expenses in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Impairments of tangible and intangible assets

The carrying amounts of the Group’s assets are reviewed at each balance sheet date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. In addition, this is done at any occurence of an indication, that the carrying amount of an asset may be impaired. In practice this determination is done separately for each group of asset. If any such indication exists, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. The recoverable amount is also annually estimated for the following assets, irrespective of whether there is any indication of impairment or not: goodwill and intangible assets not yet available for use.

The recoverable amount is determined as the higher of either present value of the future net cash flows (value in use) or fair value less costs of disposal. Impairment tests of Tecnotree are carried out based on the value in use at the cash-generating unit level.

An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of an asset or a cash-generating unit exceeds the recoverable amount. The impairment loss is recognised in the income statement. When recognising an impairment loss, the useful life of the asset group subject to the impairment is re-evaluated.

An impairment loss is reversed if there are indications that the impairment loss may no longer exist and when conditions have changed and the recoverable amount has changed after the impairment loss was recognised. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined if no impairment loss had been recognised. An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is never reversed.

Employee benefits

Pension benefits

The Group’s pension plans conform to the regulations and practices in force in the countries where the Group operates. Statutory and any voluntary pension plans are managed by pension insurance companies.

Pension plans are classified either as defined benefit and defined contribution plans.

In defined contribution plans the Group pays fixed contributions to a separate entity. The Group has not obligation to pay any additional contributions if the insurer is not able to pay the future employee benefits. Defined contribution plan expenses are recognised in the income statement on an accrual basis.

The obligation for defined benefit pension plans is calculated using the projected unit credit method. The pension costs are recognised as expense during the period of service based on calculations prepared by authorised actuaries. The pension obligation is discounted to determine its present value using interest rates for government bonds that have maturity dates approximating to the terms of the Group’s pension obligation. The present value of the pension obligation is reduced by the fair value of the plan assets as of the end of the reporting period. The net defined pension liability (or asset) is recorded in the balance sheet.

Current service costs and net interest income or expense of the defined net liability is recorded in the income statement and presented as part of the employee benefit expenses. The remeasurement items of the defined net liability (or asset) are recorded in other comprehensive income in the period they occurred.

Past service costs are recorded as expense in the income statement at the earlier of the following dates: when the plan amendment or curtailment occurs, or when the entity recognises related restructuring costs or termination benefits.

Other long-term employee benefits

In addition to defined benefit plans, Tecnotree has other long-term employee benefits. They are presented separately from the defined benefit plans. The related benefits are such that personnel in certain subsidiaries or branch offices are entitled to receive cash compensation when employment ends. The related liability is recognised in the balance sheet.

Provisions and contingent liabilities

A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that the obligation will have to be settled, and the amount of the obligation can be reliably estimated. If it is possible to obtain compensation for some of the obligation from a third party, the compensation is recognised as a separate asset, but only when it is virtually certain that the compensation will be received.

A provision for restructuring is recognised when the Group has drawn up a detailed and formal restructuring plan and the restructuring has either commenced or the plan has been announced publicly. A plan for restructuring shall contain at least the following information: the business concerned, the principal locations affected, the location, function and approximate number of employees who will be compensated for having their services terminated, the type of expenditure that will be incurred, and when the plan will be implemented.

A contingent liability is a possible obligation that arises from past events and whose existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence of uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the entity. Such present obligation that probably does not require settlement of a payment obligation and the amount of which cannot be reliably measured is also considered to be a contingent liability. Contingent liabilities are disclosed in the notes to the financial statements.

Income tax

The income tax expense in the income statement consists of current tax, based on the taxable profit for the period and deferred tax. Current tax is calculated on the taxable profit using the tax rate and based on the tax legislation in force in each country. The resulting tax is adjusted by any tax relating to previous years. Tax effects related to transactions recognised in the income statement or other events are recognised in the income statement. If the taxes are related to items of other comprehensive income or to transactions or other events recognised directly in equity, income taxes are recognised within the respective items.

Deferred tax is calculated using the balance sheet liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is not recognised for the goodwill which is permanently non-deductible or for the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries to the extent it is probable that the difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax is measured using the tax rates enacted by the balance sheet date or substantially enacted tax rates. Deferred tax liabilities are mainly recognised in full, but deferred tax assets are only recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable income will be available against which they can be utilised. The conditions for recognition of any deferred tax asset are evaluated at the end of each reporting period.

Revenue recognition

In accordance with IFRS 15 Tecnotree recognizes revenue depicting the pattern of the transfer of the goods and services to customers in an amount that reflects the amount to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This is done applying the following five-step method:

1. Identify the contract with the customer
2. Identify the performance obligations in the contract
3. Determine the transaction price
4. Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract
5. Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation

Revenue is recognized as a performance obligation is satisfied when a promised good or service is transferred to the customer. This happens as the control is passed to the customer either over time or at a point in time. If a performance obligation is not satisfied over time, it is satisfied at a point in time. In case, the performance obligation is satisfied at a point of time this is determined based on the completion confirmations issued by the customer.

Definition of operating result, adjusted operating result and adjusted profit for the period
IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements does not define the term ‘operating result’. Tecnotree Group has defined it as follows: operating result is the net sum obtained after adding other operating income to net sales and then deducting purchasing costs adjusted by the change in stocks of finished products and work in progress, employee benefit expenses, depreciation, amortisation and any impairment losses, and other operating expenses. Changes in the fair values of derivative financial instruments entered into for hedging purposes are included in the operating result (Tecnotree does not apply hedge accounting). All other income statement items are presented below the operating result. Exchange rate differences are included in operating result if they arise from items related to business operations otherwise they are recognised in finance items.

The Group’s adjusted operating result and the result for the period are one-time items. Events that occur only once or very seldom are recorded as one-time items. These events can be for example business disposals, restructurings, impairment losses or costs for legal proceedings.

Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations

Non-current assets or a disposal group as well as assets and liabilities related to discontinued operations are classified as held for sale if its carrying amount will be recovered mainly through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. Non-current assets held for sale as well as assets classified as held for sale that relate to a discontinued operation are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. Depreciation on these assets ceases on classification as held for sale.

Financial assets and liabilities


Financial assets
In accordance with IFRS 9 Tecnotre's financial assets are classified in the following two categories: financial assets at fair value through profit or loss held for trading as well as financial assets recognised at amortized cost. Financial assets are classified when originally acquired based on their purpose of use. All purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised on the transaction date. Recognition of financial assets takes place when the Group has lost the contractual right to cash flows or when it has substantially transferred the risks and rewards outside the Group.

The financial assets at fair value through profit and loss comprise assets held for trading that in the Tecnotree Group include the positive fair value of the currency derivatives and interest rate swaps.

Trade receivables and other receivables are measured at amortised cost less any impairment. The Group records the impairment of expected credit losses applying a simplified model, in which the estimated amount of credit losses is based on the receivables aging. The Group records realized impairment on trade receivables when there is objective evidence that the receivable will not be fully recoverable. Financial difficulties, probable bankruptcy and default or significant delays in payments of the debtor are evidence of the receivables being impaired. An impairment loss or its possible reversal is recorded in the income statement.

Bank deposits with maturities of more than 3 months are also classified as loans and receivables.

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand and at bank and other short-term bank deposits with maturities less than three months.

Financial liabilities
The Group’s financial liabilities are categorised into financial liabilities at fair value through profit and loss (foreign currency derivatives with negative fair values) and other financial liabilities (financial liabilities at amortised cost). Other financial liabilities comprise for example bank loans and trade payables of the Group. The financial liabilities are classified as current unless the Group has an unconditional right to postpone the payments more than 12 months from the reporting date. A financial liability (or part of the liability) is not derecognised until the liability has ceased to exist, that is, when the obligation identified in a contract has been fulfilled or cancelled or is no longer effective. Bank overdrafts are included within borrowings in current financial liabilities in the balance sheet.

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently at fair value at the end of each reporting period. Other financial liabilities are initially recognised at fair value adjusted by major transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, these liabilities are stated at amortised cost calculated using the effective interest method.

Borrowing costs (mainly interest costs) directly attributable to the acquisition or construction of a qualifying asset are capitalised in the balance sheet as part of the carrying amount of the asset. A qualifying asset is an asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale. Other borrowing costs are recorded as expense in the period in which they incur.

Derivative financial instruments

The derivative contracts entered into by the Tecnotree Group are currency forward contracts and options and interest rate swaps.

The Group does not apply hedge accounting as defined under IFRS 9 although derivatives can be used to hedge trade receivables denominated in foreign currency as well as Group´s loans.

Derivative instruments are classified as financial assets or liabilities held for trading. Derivatives are fair valued. The fair value of the derivative contracts is determined by using market rates of the counterparty for instruments with similar maturity. Gains and losses arising from changes in realised and unrealised fair values are recognised in the income statement in the period they incur.

In the end of 2019, Tecnotree had no derivate contracts in place. 

Accounting principles requiring management judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty

To prepare the consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRSs the Group management has to make estimates and assumptions concerning the future. Actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions. In addition management has to make judgments in the application of the accounting principles.

These estimates mainly relate to revenue recognition and the valuation of trade receivables.

The projects delivered and services rendered by the Group are often large, complicated and financially significant. The Group management has to make judgments concerning the circumstances and conditions related to customer projects that may affect the timing of recognitions of project revenue and profitability of the project in its entirety. Such factors include assignment of sufficient number of skilful employees to each project or for example factors in the functioning of international and especially emerging markets that may partly lie out of control of the Group or the customers. The completion of projects often requires new technical solutions that may cause unpredictable problems, delays and additional costs.

Trade receivables are measured at amortised cost less any impairment. The Group records impairment on trade receivables when there is objective evidence that the receivable will not be fully recoverable. This evaluation is done at the end of each reporting period. The company has its policy for treatment of bad debts according to the IFRS 9 regulation

New and amended standards and interpretations to be applied in future financial periods

New or amended standards and interpretations published by IASB, with effetive date 1.1.2020, have no effect on the consolidated financial statements.