ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with and comply with International Financial Reporting Standards. The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of biological assets and certain financial instruments. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

These policies are consistent in all material respects with those applied in the previous year except for the changes as per note 39.
 

Basis of consolidation

The group annual financial statements comprise those of the parent company, its subsidiaries, associates and jointly-controlled entities, presented as a single economic entity.

Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are those companies in which the group, directly or indirectly, has an interest of more than one half of the voting rights or otherwise has power to exercise control over the operations. Control is achieved where the company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an investee entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. On acquisition, the assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of a subsidiary are measured at their fair values at the date of acquisition. Any excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is recognised as goodwill. Any deficiency of the cost of acquisition below the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is credited to profit and loss in the year of acquisition.

Minority interests in the net consolidated subsidiaries are identified separately from the group’s equity therein. Minority interests consist of the amount of those interests at the date of the original business combination and the minority’s share of changes in equity since the date of the combination. Losses applicable to the minority in excess of the minority’s interest in the subsidiary’s equity are allocated against the interests of the group, except to the extent that the minority has a binding obligation and is able to make an additional investment to cover the losses. The interest of minority shareholders is stated at the minority’s proportion of the fair values of the assets and liabilities recognised. Subsequently, any losses applicable to the minority interest in excess of the minority interest are allocated against the interests of the parent. The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated income statement from the effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate. Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with those used by the group. All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation. The company carries its investments in subsidiaries at cost less accumulated impairment losses.
 

Joint ventures

Joint ventures are those partnerships or jointly controlled entities over which there is a contractual agreement whereby the group and another venturer undertake an economic activity which is subject to joint control.

In applying the equity method, account is taken of the group’s share of accumulated retained earnings and movements in reserves from the effective dates on which the companies become joint ventures and up to the effective dates of disposal. The share of joint ventures’ equity reserves is generally determined from their latest audited financial statements but in some instances unaudited interim results are used. The company carries its investments in joint ventures at cost less accumulated impairment losses.
 

Goodwill

Goodwill arising on consolidation represents the excess of the cost of acquisition over the group’s interest in the fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of a subsidiary, associate or jointly controlled entity at the date of acquisition.

Positive goodwill is recognised as an asset and reviewed for impairment at least annually. Negative goodwill is recognised immediately in net profit or loss.

For the purposes of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to each of the group’s cash-generating units expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination. Cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently when there is an indication that the unit may be impaired. If the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is less than the carrying amount of the unit, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit. An impairment loss recognised for goodwill is not reversed in a subsequent year.

On disposal of a subsidiary, associate or jointly controlled entity, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the profit or loss on disposal.
 

Property, plant and equipment

Land and buildings comprise mainly factories and offices. All property, plant and equipment are shown at cost, less subsequent depreciation and impairment, except for land, which is shown at cost less impairment. Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items. Cost may also include transfers from equity of any gains/losses on qualifying cash flow hedges of foreign currency purchases of property, plant and equipment.

Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All repairs and maintenance expenditures are charged to the income statement during the financial period in which they are incurred.

Assets held under finance leases are capitalised and depreciated over their expected useful lives on the same basis as owned assets or where shorter, the term of the relevant lease. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate the cost of each asset to its residual value over its estimated useful life as follows:

Major renovations are depreciated over the remaining useful life of the related asset or to the date of the next major renovation, whichever is sooner. The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each balance sheet date. An asset's carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset's carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount. Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the disposal proceeds with the carrying amount and are included in the income statement.
 

Investment property

Investment property is shown at cost, less subsequent depreciation and impairment. Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items. Cost may also include transfers from equity of any gains/losses on qualifying cash flow hedges of foreign currency purchases of investment property. Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other repairs and maintenance expenditures are charged to the income statement during the financial year in which they are incurred. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate the cost of each asset to its residual value over its estimated useful life of 40 – 50 years.

Major renovations are depreciated over the remaining useful life of the related asset or to the date of the next major renovation, whichever is sooner. The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each balance sheet date. An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount. Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the disposal proceeds with the carrying amount and are included in the income statement.
 

Impairment of tangible and intangible assets

At each balance sheet date, the group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-taxation discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted. If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount.

An impairment loss is recognised as an expense immediately, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised as income immediately.
 

Investments

Investments are initially measured at cost, including transaction costs. Investments are classified as either held for trading or available for sale and are measured at subsequent reporting dates at fair value. Where securities are held for trading purposes, gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are included in net profit or loss for the period. For available-for-sale investments, gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are recognised in equity. When the investment is disposed of or is determined to be impaired, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in equity is included in profit or loss for the period.
 

Inventory

Inventories are reported at the lower of cost and net realisable value. The principal bases of determining cost are the first-in, first-out method and the weighted average method. The cost of finished goods and work in progress includes direct costs and an appropriate allocation of overheads incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. Obsolete, redundant and slow-moving inventories are identified and valued at their estimated net realisable value. Net realisable value is the estimate of the selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of completion, selling and distribution expenses.
 

Biological assets

Biological assets, comprising cattle, are reported at fair values, less estimated point of sale costs. Fair value is determined based on market prices for similar cattle determined in the active market normally utilised by the group. Where there is no active market and little biological transformation has taken place, cattle are measured at fair value on initial recognition plus costs incurred. Thereafter, the fair value is estimated based on the market price for harvested cattle. Gains and losses arising from the change in fair value or from impairment adjustments are charged to the income statement in the year in which they arise.
 

Trade receivables

Trade receivables do not carry any interest unless overdue and are stated at their nominal value as reduced by appropriate allowances for estimated irrecoverable amounts.
 

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are measured at amortised cost. Bank overdrafts are only included where the group has a legal right of setoff due to cash management arrangements.
 

Financial instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised on the group's balance sheet when the group becomes a party to the contractual terms of the instrument. Financial instruments include cash and bank balances, investments, receivables, trade creditors, borrowings, equity and derivative financial instruments.

The group manages short-term foreign currency exposures relating to trade imports and exports in terms of approved policy limits.
 

Equity instruments

Equity instruments issued by the company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.
 

Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting

The group’s activities expose it primarily to the financial risks of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The group uses foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge this exposure. The group does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. The use of financial derivatives is governed by the group’s policies approved by the board of directors, which provide written principles on the use of financial derivatives.

Derivative financial instruments are initially measured at fair value on the contract date, and are remeasured to fair value at subsequent reporting dates. Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that are designated and effective as hedges of future cash flows are recognised directly in equity and the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the income statement. If the cash flow hedge of a firm commitment or forecasted transaction results in the recognition of an asset or a liability, then, at the time the asset or liability is recognised, the associated gains or losses on the derivative that had previously been recognised in equity are included in the initial measurement of the asset or liability.

For hedges that do not result in the recognition of an asset or a liability, amounts deferred in equity are recognised in the income statement in the same year in which the hedged item affects net profit or loss. For an effective hedge of an exposure to changes in the fair value, the hedged item is adjusted for changes in fair value attributable to the risk being hedged with the corresponding entry in profit or loss. Gains or losses from remeasuring the derivative, or for non-derivatives the foreign currency component of its carrying amount, are recognised in profit or loss.

Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognised in the income statement as they arise.

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. At that time, any cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument recognised in equity is retained in equity until the forecasted transaction occurs. If a hedged transaction is no longer expected to occur, the net cumulative gain or loss recognised in equity is transferred to net profit or loss for the period.

Derivatives embedded in other financial instruments or other host contracts are treated as separate derivatives when their risks and characteristics are not closely related to those of host contracts and the host contracts are not carried at fair value with unrealised gains or losses reported in the income statement.
 

Derecognition

Financial assets (or portions thereof) are derecognised when the group realises the rights to the benefits specified in the contract, the rights expire or the group surrenders or otherwise loses control of the contractual rights that comprise the financial asset.

On derecognition, the difference between the carrying amount of the financial asset and proceeds receivable and any prior adjustment to reflect fair value that had been reported in equity are included in the income statement.

Financial liabilities (or portions thereof) are derecognised when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires.

On derecognition, the difference between the carrying amount of the financial liability, including unamortised costs, and the amount paid for it is included in the income statement.
 

Leasing

Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
 

The group as lessor

Amounts due from lessees under finance leases are recorded as receivables at the amount of the group's net investment in the leases. Finance lease income is allocated to accounting years so as to reflect a constant periodic rate of return on the group’s net investment outstanding in respect of the leases.

Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the leased asset and recognised on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Rental income from operating leases is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease.
 

The group as lessee

Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets of the group at their fair value or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments, each determined at the inception of the lease. The corresponding liability to the lessor is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are apportioned between finance charges and reduction of the lease obligation so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are charged directly against income.

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease. Benefits received and receivable as incentives to enter into an operating lease are also spread on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
 

Retirement benefit costs

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due. Payments made to state-managed retirement benefit schemes are dealt with as payments to defined contribution schemes where the group’s obligations under the schemes are equivalent to those arising in a defined contribution retirement benefit scheme. For defined benefit retirement benefit schemes, the cost of providing benefits is determined using the Projected Unit Credit Method, with actuarial valuations being carried out at each balance sheet date. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised immediately in the year in which they arise.

Past service cost is recognised immediately to the extent that the benefits are already vested and otherwise is amortised on a straight-line basis over the average remaining period until the benefits become vested.

The retirement benefit obligation recognised in the balance sheet represents the present value of the defined benefit obligation as adjusted for unrecognised past service cost and as reduced by the fair value of scheme assets. Any asset resulting from this calculation is limited to past service cost, plus the present value of available refunds and reductions in future contributions to the plan.
 

Bank borrowings

Bank and other loans and overdrafts are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs. Finance charges, including premiums payable on settlement or redemption and direct issue costs, are accounted for on an accrual basis to the profit and loss account using the effective interest rate method and are added to the carrying amount of the instrument to the extent that they are not settled in the year in which they arise.
 

Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event which is probable and will result in an outflow of economic benefits that can be reliably measured. Provisions are measured at the directors’ best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the balance sheet date, and are discounted to present value where the effect is material.
 

Warranty costs

Provisions for warranty costs are recognised at the date of sale of the relevant products, at the directors’ best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the group’s liability. The directors estimate the group’s liability on all products still under warranty at the balance sheet date. This provision is calculated based on past service histories.
 

Restructuring costs

Provisions for restructuring costs are recognised when the group has a detailed formal plan for the restructuring that has been communicated to affected parties. Restructuring provisions comprise mainly employee termination payments, and are recognised in the year in which the group formulates a detailed formal plan for the restructuring.
 

Trade payables

Trade payables are not interest-bearing and are stated at their nominal value.
 

Revenue recognition

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for goods in the normal course of business, net of discounts, value added taxation and other sales related taxes.

Revenue on sale of goods is recognised when the risks and rewards of ownership pass.

Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable, which is the rate that exactly discounts the estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to that asset’s net carrying amount.

Dividend income from investments is recognised when the shareholders’ rights to receive payment have been established.

Rental income from investment properties is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease.

Management fees are recognised on an accrual basis.
 

Foreign currencies

Foreign subsidiaries

On consolidation, the assets and liabilities of the group’s foreign operations are translated at exchange rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for the year unless exchange rates fluctuate significantly. Exchange differences arising, if any, are classified as equity and transferred to the group's translation reserve. Such translation differences are recognised as income or as expenses in the year in which the operation is disposed of. The financial statements of foreign subsidiaries and associates and jointly-controlled entities that report in the currency of a hyperinflationary economy are restated in terms of the measuring unit current at the balance sheet date before they are translated into South African Rand.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity and translated at the closing rate.
 

Borrowing costs

All borrowing costs are recognised in profit or loss in the year in which they are incurred.
 

Government grants

Government grants are recognised as income when there is reasonable assurance that the group will comply with the conditions attaching to them and that the grants will be received. Government grants are recognised over the years necessary to match them with the related costs and are deducted in reporting the related expense.
 

Research and development costs

Research and development expenditure is charged to the income statement in the year in which it is incurred.
 

Operating profit/(loss)

Operating profit/(loss) is stated after charging restructuring costs but before investment income, finance costs, the share of results of joint ventures and associates and negative goodwill.
 

Taxation

The taxation expense represents the sum of the taxation currently payable and deferred taxation. The taxation currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The group’s liability for current taxation is calculated using taxation rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

Deferred taxation is the taxation expected to be payable or recoverable on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding taxation bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred taxation liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred taxation assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the accounting profit.

The carrying amount of deferred taxation assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Deferred taxation is calculated at the taxation rates that are expected to apply in the year when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred taxation is charged or credited in the income statement, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred taxation is also dealt with in equity.
 

Share-based payment transactions

Equity-settled share-based payments to employees and others providing similar services are measured at the fair value of the equity instrument at grant date. The fair value is measured using generally accepted valuation techniques, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which instruments are granted.

The fair value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period based on the group's estimate of shares that will eventually vest.

For cash-settled share-based payments, a liability equal to the portion of the goods or services received is recognised at the current fair value determined at each balance sheet date.
 

Segments

Business segments provide products and services that are subject to risks and returns that are different. Segment assets include property, plant and equipment, investments, inventories, receivables and cash and cash equivalents. Segment liabilities include all operating liabilities, short-term borrowings, non-current liabilities and minority interests. Capital expenditure includes additions to property, plant and equipment.
 

Discontinued operations

Discontinued operations are significant distinguishable components of the group’s business which have been abandoned or terminated pursuant to a single formal plan, and which represent a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations. The profit or loss on sale or abandonment of a discontinued operation is determined from the formal discontinuation date.
 

Fair value methods and assumptions

The fair value of financial instruments traded in an organised financial market is measured at the applicable quoted prices, adjusted for any transactional costs necessary to realise the assets or settle the liabilities. The fair value of instruments not traded in an organised financial market is determined using a variety of methods and assumptions that are based on market conditions and risks existing at balance sheet date, including independent appraisals and discounted cash flow methods. The fair value determined is adjusted for any transactional costs necessary to realise the assets or settle the liabilities. The carrying amounts of financial assets and liabilities with a maturity of less than one year are assumed to approximate their fair values due to the short-term trading cycle of these items.
 

Distribution cover

Distribution cover is the number of times the declared distribution is covered by unweighted headline earnings per share.
 

Offset

Where a legally enforceable right of offset exists for recognised financial assets and financial liabilities, and there is an intention to settle the liability and realise the asset simultaneously, or to settle on a net basis, all related financial effects are offset.
 

Details of the freehold land and buildings of the group are recorded in registers which may be inspected by the members or their duly authorised agents, at the various group companies’ registered offices. Certain items of plant and machinery and other assets are encumbered as security for liabilities of the company and the group as set out in notes 14 and 20.

Land and buildings with a book value of R21 million (2005: Rnil) are encumbered by mortgage bonds as set out in note 20.2.

The market value of the land and buildings is R503,9 million based on a valuation performed by independent valuators Rode and Associates CC as at 30 April 2007.
 

Details of investment property of the group are recorded in registers which may be inspected by the members or their duly authorised agents, at the various group companies’ registered offices.

There are no material restrictions on realising the value of investment property. There are no material contractual obligations to acquire or develop investment property.

Rental income of R1,6 million (2005: R1,9 million) was received in respect of investment property.

Direct expenses of R0,4 million (2005: R0,6 million) were incurred in respect of investment property.

The market value of investment property is R5,3 million based on a valuation performed by independent valuators Rode and Associates CC as at 30 April 2007.
 

The goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated, at acquisition, to the cash-generating unit that is expected to benefit from that business. Goodwill is assessed for impairment annually, irrespective of whether there is any indication of impairment or not.

The recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit is determined by a value in use calculation. The key assumptions from the value in use calculation are those regarding the discount rates and growth rates. Management estimates the discount rates using post-taxation rates that reflect current market assessments of the time value of money and the risk specific to the cash-generating unit. The growth rate is based on the industry growth rate.

The group prepared cash flow forecasts derived from the most recent financial budgets approved by management for the next year and extrapolated cash flows for the following years based on the estimated growth rate.

Impairment tests for cash-generating units containing goodwill are based on the following estimates:
 

The company has deferred its right to claim repayments of loans amounting to R52,4 million (2005: R406,9 million) owing to it by subsidiary companies in favour of creditors for as long as the net liabilities of the subsidiaries exceed their net assets.

Nature of business of the joint venture:
¹ Automotive
² Insurance captive

The loans to the joint ventures bear no interest and are repayable on demand.

Rieter Feltex Automotive Manufacturing (Pty) Ltd and Rieter Feltex (Pty) Ltd have a 31 December year-end, and unaudited results have been included in the annual financial statements.

Futuris Feltex (Pty) Ltd has a 30 June year-end and has been in operation for one month only.

Cell Captive Number 22 of Guardrisk Insurance Company Ltd has a 31 March year-end, and unaudited results have been included in the annual financial statements.
 

AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE INVESTMENTS

INTEREST-FREE RECEIVABLES AND LOANS