q. Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires Management to make estimates and assumptions that can affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses as well as amounts reported in the notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Management has made judgements in the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies. Additionally, at the balance sheet date Management made the following key assumptions concerning the future and has identified other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the balance sheet date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year:
a) Pension plans: The valuation of the various pension plans is based on the methodology used applying some parameters, including the expected discount rate, rate of compensation and pension increase and return on plan assets. If the relevant parameter developed materially differently than expected this could have a material impact on the Company's defined benefit obligation and subsequently net periodic pension cost.
b) Impairments: The impairment analysis for goodwill, other intangible assets and tangible assets is principally based upon discounted estimated future cash flows from the use and eventual disposal of the assets. Factors like lower than anticipated sales and resulting decreases of net cash flows and changes in the discount rates used could lead to impairments. Regarding the carrying value of goodwill, other intangible assets and tangible assets see Note F.
c) Employee incentive plans: The Stock Option Plans are measured based on the fair value of the options on the grant date and every subsequent reporting date. The estimated fair value of these options is based on parameters such as volatility, interest rate, share price, duration of the option and expected dividend. Compensation expense and liabilities could materially differ from the estimated amount on the balance sheet date if the parameters used changed.
d) Deferred taxes: In assessing the recoverability of deferred tax assets, Management considers whether it is probable that all the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. If the Company does not generate sufficient taxable income, deferred tax assets on loss carry forwards cannot be used and will have to be provided for.