The annual report of the ALK Group and ALK-Abelló A/S for the period January 1 – December 31, 2009, has been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU and additional Danish disclosure requirements for annual reports of listed companies. Additional Danish disclosure requirements for the annual reports are imposed by the Statutory Order on Adoption of IFRS issued under the Danish Financial Statements Act.
The annual report also complies with the International Financial Reporting Standards issued by the IASB.
The annual report is presented in Danish kroner (DKK), which is considered the primary currency of the Group’s activities and the functional currency of the parent company.
The annual report is presented on a historical cost basis, apart from certain financial instruments which are measured at fair value. Otherwise, the accounting policies are as described below.
The accounting policies are unchanged from last year.
Effect of new financial reporting standards
In 2009, the following standards and interpretations came into force and have thus been implemented:
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Amendment of IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements – Comprehensive Income, etc.
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Amendment of IAS 23, Borrowing costs
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Amendment of IAS 27: Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements
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Amendment of IFRS 2: Share-based payment
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Amendment of IFRS 7, Financial Instruments: Presentation
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IFRS 8, Operating segments
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Improvements to IFRS 2008
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IFRIC 13, 15 and 16
The implementation has not resulted in any changes in recognition or measurement. As a result of the amendment to IAS 1, the presentation of comprehensive income for the period is placed immediately after the income statement as opposed to previously when it was part of the equity statement. The implementation of IFRS 8 did not result in any changes, as the ALK Group’s activities remain solely within one operating segment: “Allergy treatment”. The implementation of IAS 23 has not affected the recognition or measurement of self-constructed assets in 2009.
The following new or amended standards and interpretations relevant to the ALK Group had not yet become effective at December 31, 2009, and are therefore not included in this annual report.
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Amendment of IAS 27: Consolidated and separate financial statements.
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Amendment of IFRS 3: Business combinations.
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IFRS 9: Financial instruments.
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Improvements to IFRS 2009.
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IFRIC 17 and 18.
The amendment of IAS 27 and IFRS 3 will result in a change in accounting policies in relation to the treatment of acquisition costs in connection with future business combinations and additional disclosures in the notes to the financial statements 2010. The implementation of other standards and interpretations will result in additional disclosures in the notes to the financial statements.
The consolidated financial statements
The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of ALK-Abelló A/S (the parent company) and companies (subsidiaries) controlled by the parent company. The parent company is considered to control a subsidiary when it holds, directly and indirectly, more than 50% of the voting rights or is otherwise able to exercise or actually exercises a controlling influence.
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements are prepared on the basis of the financial statements of ALK-Abelló A/S and its subsidiaries. The consolidated financial statements are prepared as a consolidation of items of a uniform nature. The financial statements used for consolidation are prepared in accordance with the Group’s accounting policies.
On consolidation, intra-group income and expenses, intra-group balances and dividends, and gains and losses arising on intra-group transactions are eliminated.
The items of the financial statements of subsidiaries are fully consolidated in the Group financial statements. The proportionate share of the results of minority interests is recognized in the consolidated income statement and as a separate item under Group equity.
Business combinations
Newly acquired or newly established companies are recognized in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition or establishment. The date of acquisition is the date when control of the company actually passes to the Group. Companies sold or discontinued are recognized in the consolidated income statement up to the date of disposal. The date of disposal is the date when control of the company actually passes to a third party.
Acquisitions are accounted for using the purchase method, according to which the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of companies acquired are measured at fair value at the date of acquisition. Non-current assets held for sale are, however, measured at fair value less expected costs to sell.
Restructuring costs are only recognized in the take-over balance sheet if they represent a liability to the acquired company. The tax effect of revaluations is taken into account.
The cost of a company is the fair value of the consideration paid plus costs directly attributable to the business combination. If the final determination of the consideration is conditional on one or more future events, these adjustments are only recognized in cost if the event in question is likely to occur and its effect on cost can be reliably measured.
If the fair value of the acquired assets or liabilities subsequently proves different from the values calculated at the acquisition date, cost is adjusted for up to 12 months after the date of acquisition.
Any excess of the cost of an acquired company over the fair value of the acquired assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities (goodwill) is recognized as an asset under intangible assets and tested for impairment at least once a year. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is written down to the lower recoverable amount.
In connection with the transition to IFRS in 2005/06 the ALK Group chose to apply the optional exemption in IFRS 1, under which business combinations effected before September 1, 2004 are not adjusted in accordance with the provisions of IFRS, except that identifiable intangible assets acquired in business combinations are separated from the calculated goodwill and recognized as separate items under intangible assets.
Gains or losses on disposal of subsidiaries
Gains or losses on disposal of subsidiaries are stated as the difference between the disposal amount and the carrying amount of net assets including goodwill at the date of disposal, accumulated foreign exchange adjustments taken directly to equity and anticipated disposal costs. The disposal amount is measured as the fair value of the consideration received.
Foreign currency translation
On initial recognition, transactions denominated in currencies other than the Group’s functional currency are translated at average exchange rates, which are an approximation of the exchange rates at the transaction date. Receivables and debt and other monetary items not settled at the balance sheet date are translated at the closing rate.
Exchange rate differences between the exchange rate at the date of the transaction and the exchange rate at the date of payment or the balance sheet date, respectively, are recognized in the income statement under financial items. Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, inventories and other non-monetary assets acquired in foreign currency and measured based on historical cost are translated at the exchange rates at the transaction date. Non-monetary items revalued at fair value are translated at the exchange rates at the revaluation date.
On recognition in the consolidated financial statements of subsidiaries whose financial statements are presented in a functional currency other than DKK, the income statements are translated at average exchange rates for the respective months, unless these deviate materially from the actual exchange rates at the transaction dates. In that case, the actual exchange rates are used. Balance sheet items are translated at the exchange rates at the balance sheet date. Goodwill is considered to belong to the acquired company in question and is translated at the exchange rate at the balance sheet date.
Exchange rate differences arising on the translation of foreign subsidiaries’ opening balance sheet items to the exchange rates at the balance sheet date and on the translation of the income statements from average exchange rates to exchange rates at the balance sheet date are taken directly to equity. Similarly, exchange rate differences arising as a result of changes made directly in the equity of the foreign subsidiary are also taken directly to equity.
Foreign exchange rate adjustment of receivables or debt to subsidiaries which are considered part of the parent company’s overall investment in the subsidiary in question are also taken directly to equity in the consolidated financial statements.
Derivative financial instruments
Derivative financial instruments are measured at fair value on initial recognition. Subsequently, they are measured at fair value at the balance sheet date.
Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments designated as and qualifying for recognition as fair value hedges of a recognized asset or a recognized liability are recognized in the income statement together with any changes in the value of the hedged asset or hedged liability.
Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments designated as and qualifying for recognition as effective hedges of future transactions are recognized directly in equity. When the hedged transactions are realized, cumulative changes are recognized as part of the cost of the transactions in question.
Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments used to hedge net investments in foreign subsidiaries are recognized directly in equity to the extent that the hedge is effective. On disposal of the foreign subsidiary in question, the cumulative changes are transferred to the income statement.
For derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting, changes in fair value are recognized as financial items in the income statement as they occur.
Share-based incentive plans
Share-based incentive plans (equity-settled share-based payments) which comprise share option plans and employee share plans are measured at the grant date at fair value and recognized in the income statement under the respective functions over the vesting period. The balancing item is recognized in equity.
The fair value of share options is determined using the Black & Scholes-model with the parameters stated in note 6 to the financial statements for 2010.
Share-based incentive plans (cash-settled share-based payments) which comprise employee share-like plans in specific countries are measured at fair value at the grant date and at each subsequent balance sheet date and recognized in the income statement under the respective functions over the vesting period. The balancing item is recognized as liabilities.
Tax
Tax on the profit for the year comprises the year’s current tax and changes in deferred tax. The tax expense relating to the profit/loss for the year is recognized in the income statement, and the tax expenses relating to items recognized directly in equity is recognized in equity. Exchange rate adjustments of deferred tax are recognized as part of the adjustment of deferred tax for the year.
Current tax payable and receivable is recognized in the balance sheet as the expected tax on the taxable income for the year, adjusted for tax paid on account.
The current tax charge for the year is calculated based on the tax rates and rules enacted at the balance sheet date.
Deferred tax is measured using the balance sheet liability method on all temporary differences between the carrying amount and the tax base of assets and liabilities. However, deferred tax is not recognized on temporary differences relating to the initial recognition of goodwill or the initial recognition of a transaction, apart from business combinations, and where the temporary difference existing at the date of initial recognition affects neither profit/loss for the year nor taxable income.
Deferred tax is calculated based on the planned use of each asset and settlement of each liability, respectively.
Deferred tax is measured using the tax rates and tax rules that, based on legislation enacted or in reality enacted at the balance sheet date, are expected to apply in the respective countries when the deferred tax is expected to crystallize as current tax. Changes in deferred tax as a result of changed tax rates or rules are recognized in the income statement or in equity, depending on where the deferred tax was originally recognized.
Deferred tax assets, including the tax value of tax loss carry-forwards, are recognized in the balance sheet at the value at which the asset is expected to be realized, either through a set-off against deferred tax liabilities or as net assets to be offset against future positive taxable income. At each balance sheet date, it is reassessed whether it is likely that there will be sufficient future taxable income for the deferred tax asset to be utilized.
The parent company is taxed jointly with the company’s principal shareholder, LFI a/s and its Danish subsidiaries. The tax charge for the year is allocated among the jointly taxed companies in proportion to the taxable incomes of individual companies, taking into account taxes paid.
Discontinued operations
Discontinued operations are major business areas or geographical areas which have been sold or which are held for sale according to an overall plan.
The results of discontinued operations are presented as a separate item in the income statement, consisting of the activity’s operating profit/loss after tax and any gains or losses on fair value adjustments or sale of the related assets.
Income statement
Revenue
Revenue from the sale of goods for resale and manufactured goods is recognized in the income statement if delivery and the transfer of risk to the purchaser have taken place.
Revenue is measured as the fair value of the consideration received or receivable.
Revenue is measured exclusive of VAT, taxes etc. charged on behalf of third parties and less any commissions and discounts in connection with sales.
Cost of sales
The item comprises cost of sales and production costs incurred in generating the revenue for the year. Costs for raw materials, consumables, goods for resale, production staff and a proportion of production overheads, including maintenance and depreciation, amortization and impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets used in production as well as operation, administration and management of factories are recognized in cost of sales and production costs. In addition, the costs and write-down to net realizable value of obsolete and slow-moving goods are recognized.
Research and development expenses
The item comprises research and development expenses, including expenses incurred for wages and salaries, amortization and other overheads as well as costs relating to research partnerships.
Research expenses are recognized in the income statement when incurred.
Due to the long development periods and significant uncertainties in relation to the development of new products, including risk regarding clinical trials and regulatory approvals, it is the assessment that most of the ALK Group’s development expenses do not meet the capitalization criteria in IAS 38, Intangible Assets. Consequently, development expenses are generally recognized in the income statement when incurred. Development expenses relating to individual minor development projects running for short-term periods and subject to limited risk are capitalized under other intangible assets.
Sales and marketing expenses
The item comprises selling and marketing expenses, including salaries and expenses relating to sales staff, advertising and exhibitions, depreciation, amortization and impairment losses on the property, plant and equipment and intangible assets used in the sales and marketing process as well as other indirect costs.
Administrative expenses
The item comprises expenses incurred for management and administration, including expenses for administrative staff and management, office expenses and depreciation, amortization and impairment losses on the property, plant and equipment and intangible assets used in administration.
Other operating income and expenses
Other operating income and expenses comprise income and expenses of a secondary nature relative to the principal activities of the ALK Group.
The item includes up-front payments, milestone payments and other revenue in connection with research and development partnerships and the sale of intellectual property rights. These revenues are recognized when it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the ALK Group and these benefits can be measured reliably. Non-refundable payments that are not attributable to subsequent research and development activities are recognized when the related right is obtained, whereas payments attributable to subsequent research and development activities are recognized over the term of the activities. When combined contracts are entered into, the elements of the contracts are identified and assessed separately for accounting purposes.
Financial items
Financial items comprise interest receivable and interest payable, the interest element of finance lease payments, realized and unrealized gains and losses on securities, cash and cash equivalents, liabilities and foreign currency transactions, mortgage amortization premium/ allowance etc. and supplements/allowances under the on-account tax scheme.
Interest income and expenses are accrued based on the principal and the effective rate of interest. The effective rate of interest is the discount rate to be used on discounting expected future payments in relation to the financial asset or the financial liability so that their present value corresponds to the carrying amount of the asset or liability, respectively.
Dividends from investments in subsidiaries are recognized in the parent company financial statements when the right to the dividend finally vests, typically at the date of the company’s approval in general meeting of the dividend of the company in question.
Balance sheet
Goodwill
On initial recognition, goodwill is measured and recognized as the excess of the cost of the acquired company over the fair value of the acquired assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities, as described under Business Combinations. In addition, goodwill on acquisition of investments in subsidiaries from minority interests is recognized.
On recognition of goodwill, the goodwill amount is allocated to those of the ALK Group’s activities that generate separate cash flows (cash-generating units). The determination of cash-generating units is based on the ALK Group’s management structure and internal financial management and reporting.
Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment at least once a year, as described below.
Intangible assets
Acquired intellectual property rights in the form of patents, brands, licenses, software, customer base and similar rights are measured at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment.
Interest expenses on loans to finance the manufacture of intangible assets is included in cost if they relate to the production period. Other borrowing costs are taken to the income statement.
The cost of software includes costs of planning work, including direct salaries.
Such acquired intellectual property rights are amortized on a straight-line basis over the contract period, not exceeding 10 years. If the actual useful life is shorter than either the remaining life or the contract period, the asset is amortized over this shorter useful life.
Acquired intellectual property rights are written down to their recoverable amount where this is lower than the carrying amount, as described below.
Individual minor development projects running for short-term periods and subject to limited risk are capitalized under other intangible assets as described under “Research and development costs” and are measured at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment.
Intangible assets with indeterminable useful lives are not amortized, but are tested for impairment at least once a year. To the extent that the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the recoverable amount, the assets are written down to this lower amount, as described below.
Tangible assets
Land and buildings, plant and machinery and other fixtures and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment. Land is not depreciated.
Cost comprises the purchase price and any costs directly attributable to the acquisition and any preparation costs incurred until the date when the asset is available for use.
The cost of assets held under finance leases is determined as the lower of the fair value of the assets and the present value of future minimum lease payments.
Interest expenses on loans to finance the manufacture of property, plant and equipment are included in cost if they relate to the production period. Other borrowing costs are taken to the income statement.
The depreciation base is cost less the estimated residual value at the end of the useful life. The residual value, estimated at the acquisition date and reassessed annually, is determined as the amount the company expects to obtain for the asset less costs of disposal.
The cost of an asset is divided into smaller components that are depreciated separately if such components have different useful lives.
Assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives as follows:
Buildings 25-50 years
Plant and machinery 5-10 years
Other fixtures and equipment 5-10 years
Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reassessed once a year.
Property, plant and equipment are written down to the recoverable amount, if lower, cf. below.
Impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
The carrying amounts of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets with determinable useful lives are reviewed at the balance sheet date to determine whether there are any indications of impairment. If such indications are found, the recoverable amount of the asset is calculated to determine any need for an impairment write-down and, if so, the amount of the write-down. For intangible assets with indeterminable useful lives and goodwill, the recoverable amount is calculated annually, regardless of whether any indications of impairment have been found.
If the asset does not generate any cash flows independently of other assets, the recoverable amount is calculated for the smallest cash-generating unit that includes the asset.
The recoverable amount is calculated as the higher of the fair value less costs to sell and the value in use of the asset or the cash-generating unit, respectively. In determining the value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value, using a discount rate reflecting current market assessments of the time value of money as well as risks that are specific to the asset or the cash-generating unit and which have not been taken into account in the estimated future cash flows.
If the recoverable amount of the asset or the cash-generating unit is lower than the carrying amount, the carrying amount is written down to the recoverable amount. For cash-generating units, the write-down is allocated in such a way that goodwill amounts are written down first, and any remaining need for write-down is allocated to other assets in the unit, although no individual assets are written down to a value lower than their fair value less costs to sell.
Impairment write-downs are recognized in the income statement. If write-downs are subsequently reversed as a result of changes in the assumptions on which the calculation of the recoverable amount is based, the carrying amount of the asset or the cash-generating unit is increased to the adjusted recoverable amount, not, however, exceeding the carrying amount that the asset or cash-generating unit would have had, had the write-down not been made. Impairment of goodwill is not reversed.
Investments in subsidiaries in the financial statements of the parent company
Investments in subsidiaries are measured at cost.
Where the recoverable amount of the investments is lower than cost, the investments are written down to this lower value.
Dividend from subsidiaries is recognized in the income statement. In the event of indications of impairment, an impairment test is performed of investments in subsidiaries.
Other long-term financial assets
Other securities and receivables that are accounted for as long-term financial assets are measured at fair value. Adjustments are recognized directly in equity.
Inventories
Inventories are measured at cost determined under the FIFO method or net realizable value where this is lower.
Cost comprises raw materials, goods for resale, consumables and direct payroll costs as well as fixed and variable production overheads. Variable production overheads comprise indirect materials and payroll costs and are allocated based on predetermined costs of the goods actually produced. Fixed production overheads comprise maintenance of and depreciation on the machines, factory buildings and equipment used in the manufacturing process as well as the cost of factory management and administration. Fixed production overheads are allocated based on the normal capacity of the production plant.
The net realizable value of inventories is calculated as the expected selling price less completion costs and costs incurred in making the sale.
Receivables
On initial recognition, receivables are measured at fair value, and subsequently they are measured at amortized cost. Receivables are written down for anticipated losses.
Prepayments
Prepayments are recognized as an asset and comprise incurred costs relating to subsequent financial years. Prepayments are measured at cost.
Dividend
Dividend is recognized as a liability when adopted by the shareholders at the annual general meeting.
Treasury shares
Acquisition and sales sums arising on the purchase and sale of treasury shares and dividends on treasury shares are recognized directly in retained earnings under equity.
Pension liabilities etc.
The ALK Group has entered into pension agreements and similar agreements with some of the Group’s employees.
In respect of defined contribution plans, the Group pays in fixed contributions to independent pension funds etc. The contributions are recognized in the income statement during the period in which the employee renders the related service. Payments due are recognized as a liability in the balance sheet.
In respect of defined benefit plans, the Group is required to pay an agreed benefit in connection with the retirement of the employees covered by the plan, e.g. in the form of a fixed amount or a percentage of the salary at retirement.
For defined benefit plans, an annual actuarial assessment is made of the net present value of future benefits to which the employees have earned the right through their past service for the Group and which will have to be paid under the plan. The Projected Unit Credit Method is applied to determine value in use.
The net present value is calculated based on assumptions of the future developments of salary, interest, inflation, mortality and disability rates.
The net present value of pension liabilities is recognized in the balance sheet, after deduction of the fair value of any assets attached to the plan, as either plan assets or pension liabilities, depending on whether the net amount is an asset or a liability, as described below.
If the assumptions made with respect to discount factor, inflation, mortality and disability are changed, or if there is a discrepancy between the expected and realized return on plan assets, actuarial gains or losses occur. These gains and losses are only recognized if the accumulated gains and losses at the beginning of a financial year exceed the higher numerical value of 10% of the pension liabilities or 10% of the fair value of plan assets (the corridor method). If this is the case, the excess amount is recognized in the income statement, distributed on the expected remaining average working life of the employees covered by the plan.
If the pension plan represents a net asset, the asset is only recognized to the extent that it does not exceed the sum of unrecognized actuarial losses, unrecognized past service costs and the present value of any refunds from the plan or reductions in future contributions to the plan.
If the benefits relating to the employees’ service in prior periods change, this results in a change to the actuarial net present value which is considered a past service cost. If the employees covered by the plan have already earned the right to the changed benefits, the change is made in the income statement immediately. Otherwise, the change is recognized in the income statement over the period during which the employees earn the right to the benefits.
In connection with the transition to IFRS in 2005/06 the ALK Group chose to apply the optional exemption in IFRS 1, under which actuarial gains and losses according to the corridor method are stated as a net loss at September 1, 2004, which is reduced to nil by increasing the pension provision and adjusting equity accordingly in the opening balance sheet.
Provisions
Provisions are recognized when, as a consequence of a past event during the financial year or previous years, the Group has a legal or constructive obligation, and it is likely that settlement of the obligation will require an outflow of the company’s financial resources.
Provisions are measured as the best estimate of the costs required to settle the obligations at the balance sheet date. Provisions with an expected term of more than a year after the balance sheet date are measured at present value.
In connection with a planned restructuring of the Group, provision is made only for liabilities relating to restructurings that at the balance sheet date have been set out in a specific plan and where those affected have been informed of the overall plan.
Mortgage debt
Mortgage debt is recognized on the raising of a loan at cost, equalling fair value of the proceeds received, net of transaction costs incurred. Subsequently, mortgage debt is measured at amortized cost.
Lease liabilities
Lease liabilities regarding assets held under finance leases are recognized in the balance sheet as liabilities and measured at the inception of the lease at the lower of the fair value of the leased asset and the present value of future lease payments.
On subsequent recognition, lease liabilities are measured at amortized cost. The difference between the present value and the nominal value of lease payments is recognized in the income statement over the term of the lease as a finance charge.
Lease payments regarding operating leases are recognized in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
Other financial liabilities
Other financial liabilities, including bank and financial loans and trade payables, are on initial recognition measured at fair value. The liabilities are subsequently measured at amortized cost.
Deferred income
Deferred income comprises income received relating to subsequent financial years. Deferred income is measured at cost.
Other accounting information
Cash flow statement
The cash flow statement of the Group and the parent company is presented using the indirect method and shows cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities as well as cash and cash equivalents at the beginning and the end of the financial year.
The cash effect of acquisitions and divestments is shown separately under cash flows from investing activities. In the cash flow statement, cash flows concerning acquired companies are recognized from the date of acquisition, while cash flows concerning divested companies are recognized until the date of divestment.
Cash flows from operating activities are stated as operating profit, adjusted for non-cash operating items and changes in working capital, less the income tax paid during the year attributable to operating activities.
Cash flows from investing activities comprise payments in connection with acquisition and divestment of companies and financial assets as well as purchase, development, improvement and sale of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment. Also recognized are cash flows from assets held under finance lease in the form of lease payments made.
Cash flows from financing activities comprise changes to the parent company’s share capital and related costs as well as the raising and repayment of loans, instalments on interest-bearing debt, acquisition of treasury shares and payment of dividends.
Cash flows in currencies other than the functional currency are recognized in the cash flow statement using average exchange rates for the individual months if these are a reasonable approximation of the actual exchange rates at the transaction dates. If this is not the case, the actual exchange rates for the specific days in questions are used.
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash and short-term securities subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value less any overdraft facilities that are an integral part of the Group’s cash management.
Segment reporting
Based on the internal reporting used by the Board of Management to assess the results of operations and allocation of resources, the company has identified one operating segment “Allergy treatment”, which is in accordance with the way the activities are organized and managed.
In addition, the disclosures in the financial statements include a breakdown of revenue by product line and a geographical breakdown of revenue and non-current assets.
Definitions and ratios
The key ratios have been calculated in accordance with “Recommendations and Financial Ratios 2005” issued by the Danish Association of Financial Analysts.
Key ratios and definitions are shown on the covers of the annual report 2010 and page 72, respectively.