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Vilkyskiu Pienine

Annual Report Apr 6, 2018

2260_10-k-afs_2018-04-06_08d7b283-1863-47c4-9661-65a367126518.pdf

Annual Report

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Consolidated and the parent company's separate financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017

VILKYŠKIŲ PIENINĖ AB

Consolidated and separate financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017

Translation note:

This version of the accompanying documents is a translation from the original, which was prepared in Lithuanian. All possible care has been taken to ensure that the translation is an accurate representation of the original. However, in all matters of interpretation of information, views or opinions, the original language version of the accompanying documents takes precedence over this translation.

Contents

Company
details
1
Management's statement on the consolidated and the parent
company's separate
annual fnancial statements
2
Independent auditor's report 3
Consolidated and separate
statements of financial position
11
Consolidated and separate
statements of profit or loss
12
Consolidated and separate
statements of comprehensive income
13
Separate
statement of changes in equity
14
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 15
Consolidated and separate
statements of cash flows
17
Notes to the consolidated and separate
financial statements
19
Report of VILKYŠKIŲ PIENINĖ AB group for 2017 75
Social responsibility report of the year 2017 100

Company details

VILKYŠKIŲ PIENINĖ AB

Telephone: +370 441 55330
Telefax number: +370 441 55242
Company code: 277160980
Registered office address: P. Lukošaičio g. 14, Vilkyškiai, LT-99254 Pagėgiai municipality,
Lithuania

Board

Gintaras Bertašius (Chairman) Sigitas Trijonis Rimantas Jancevičius Vilija Milaševičiutė Andrej Cyba Linas Strėlis

Management

Gintaras Bertašius, General Manager Vaidotas Juškys, Executive Director Sigitas Trijonis, Technical Director Rimantas Jancevičius, Director for Purchasing Raw Materials Arvydas Zaranka, Production Director Vilija Milaševičiutė, Director for Economic and Financial Affairs Rita Juodikienė, Director for Corporate Governance and Quality

Auditor

PricewaterhouseCoopers UAB

Banks

SEB Bankas AB Swedbank AB Luminor Bank AB Šiaulių Bankas AB

Overall Company materiality Overall Company materiality: EUR 900 thousand
Overall Group materiality Overall Group materiality: EUR 900 thousand
How we determined it 0.8% of the Group's and 0.7% of the Company's total revenue
Rationale for the materiality
benchmark applied
Significant fluctuations in the Group's and the Company's
profit depend on the prevailing trends in global dairy
markets. We have, therefore, chosen revenue as a benchmark
Key audit matter
GROUP
31 December
Thousand EUR COMPANY
31 December
Note
2017 2016 Assets 2017 2016
54,447 49,065 Property, plant and equipment 11 22,230 20,656
6,961 7,020 Intangible assets 12 41 93
$\overline{\phantom{a}}$ Investment in subsidiaries 13 10,713 10,713
254 342 Long term receivables 14 269 361
61,662 56,427 Non-current assets 33,253 31,823
9,656 10,373 Inventories 15 5,861 8,253
8,491 6,968 Trade and other receivables 16 14,453 14,148
1,005 365 Prepayments 17 959 335
317 229 Cash and cash equivalents 18 231 27
19,469 17,935 Current assets 21,504 22,763
81,131 74,362 Total assets 54,757 54,586
Equity
3,463 3,463 Share capital 3,463 3,463
3,301 3,301 Share premium 3,301 3,301
5,105 5,129 Reserves 5,010 5,027
22,367 16,977 Retained earnings 21,727 16,822
Total equity attributable to the shareholders of
34,236 28,870 the Group 19
51 45 Non-controlling interest
34,287 28,915 Total equity 19 33,501 28,613
Liabilities
20,123 21,611 Interest-bearing loans and finance lease liabilities 20 3,989 6,836
154 Derivative financial instruments 24 154
5,686 2,942 Government grants 21 1,667 1,861
1,528 820 Deferred tax liabilities 22 1,528 820
27,337 25,527 Non-current liabilities 7,184 9,671
7,974
121
8,697
71
Interest-bearing loans and finance lease liabilities
Current tax liabilities
20 4,659 7,059
118 83 Derivative financial instruments 101 70
11,294 11,069 Trade and other payables 24
23
118
9,194
83
9,090
19,507 19,920 Current liabilities
46,844 Total liabilities 14,072 16,302
45,447 21,256 25,973
81,131 74,362 Total equity and liabilities 54,757 54,586
GROUP COMPANY
2017 2016 Thousand EUR Pastaba 2017 2016
113,939 90,490 Revenue 1 130,325 102,260
$-97,451$ $-77,881$ Cost of sales $\overline{2}$ $-117,237$ $-91,306$
16,488 12,609 Gross profit 13,088 10,954
390 282 Other operating income 3 1,002 644
$-4,087$ $-4,115$ Distribution expenses 5 $-4,433$ $-4,514$
$-4,434$ $-2,926$ Administrative expenses 6 $-3,632$ $-2,396$
$-244$ $-167$ Other operating costs $\overline{4}$ $-753$ $-451$
8,113 5,683 Result from operating activities 5,272 4,237
27 15 Finance income 2,307 3,945
$-580$ $-728$ Finance costs $-535$ $-689$
$-553$ $-713$ Net finance expense 8 1,772 3,256
7,560 4,970 Profit before tax 7,044 7,493
$-874$ $-515$ Income tax expense 9 $-842$ $-502$
6,686 4,455 Profit for the year 6,202 6,991
Attributable to:
6,680 4,458 Shareholders of the Company
6 $-3$ Non-controlling interest
6,686 4,455 Profit for the year 6,202 6,991
0.56 0.37 Basic and diluted earnings per share (EUR) 10 0.52 0.59

Consolidated and separate statements of comprehensive income

For the year ended 31 December

GROUP COMPANY
2017 2016 EUR '000 2017 2016
6,686 4,455 Profit for the year 6,202 6,991
Other comprehensive income
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Items that are or may be subsequently reclassified
to profit or loss
119 127 Change in fair value of hedging instruments 119 127
Other comprehensive income for the year, net of
119 127 income tax 119 127
6,805 4,582 Total comprehensive income for the year 6,321 7,118
Attributable to:
6,799 4,585 Shareholders of the Company
6 -3 Non-controlling interest
6,805 4,582 Total comprehensive income for the year 6,321 7,118

Separate statement of changes in equity

EUR '000 Reserve for
acquisition
Note Share
capital
Share
premium
Hedging
reserve
of own
shares
Revaluation
reserve
Legal
reserve
Retained
earnings
Total
Balance at 1 January 2016 3,463 3,301 -364 2,508 2,560 346 9,681 21,495
Profit for the year - - - - - - 6,991 6,991
Other comprehensive income
Depreciation, write-off of
revalued assets
Change in fair value of hedging
- - - - -150 - 150
instruments - - 127 - - - - 127
Total other comprehensive
income
- - 127 - -150 - 150 127
Total comprehensive
income for the year
127 -150 7,141 7,118
Transactions with owners
recognised directly in equity
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total transactions with owners - - - - - - - -
Balance at 31 December 2016 3,463 3,301 -237 2,508 2,410 346 16,822 28,613
Balance at 1 January 2017 3,463 3,301 -237 2,508 2,410 346 16,822 28,613
Profit for the year - - - - - - 6,202 6,202
Other comprehensive income
Depreciation, write-off of
revalued assets
Change in fair value of hedging
instruments
-
-
-
-
-
119
-
-
-136
-
-
-
136
-
-
119
Total other comprehensive
income
- - 119 - -136 - 136 119
Total comprehensive
income for the year
- 119 - -136 - 6,338 6,321
Transactions with owners
recognised directly in equity
Dividends - -
-
-
- -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-1,433
-
-1,433
Total transactions with owners - - - - - - -1,433 -1,433
Balance at 31 December 2017 19 3,463 3,301 -118 2,508 2,274 346 21,727 33,501
Equity attributable to owners of the Company
EUR '000 Note Share
capital
Share
premium
Revalua
tion
reserve
Hedging
reserve
Reserve
for
acquisition
of own
shares
Legal
reserve
Retained
earnings
(deficit)
Total Non
controlling
interest
Total
equity
At 1 January 2017 3,463 3,301 2,512 -237 2,508 346 16,977 28,870 45 28,915
Comprehensive income
for the year
Profit for the year
- - - - - - 6,680 6,680 6 6,686
Other comprehensive
income
Depreciation, write-off of
revalued assets
- - -143 - - - 143 - - -
Change in fair value of
hedging instruments - - - 119 - - - 119 - 119
Total other
comprehensive income
- - -143 119 - - 143 119 - 119
Total comprehensive
income for the year
- - -143 119 - - 6,823 6,799 6 6,805
Contributions by and
distributions to owners:
Dividends
Total contributions by and
- - - - - - -1,433 -1,433 - -1,433
distributions to owners
Changes in the Group
not resulting in a loss
of control
Change (decrease) in
minority interest
Total transactions with
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-1,433
-
-1,433
-
-
-
-1,433
-
shareholders - - - - - - - - - -
At 31 December 2017 19 3,463 3,301 2,369 -118 2,508 346 22,367 34,236 51 34,287

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

Consolidated statement of changes in equity (continued)

Equity attributable to owners of the Company
EUR '000 Note Share
capital
Share
premium
Revalua
tion
reserve
Hedging
reserve
Reserve for
acquisition
of own
shares
Legal
reserve
Retained
earnings
(deficit)
Total Non
controlling
interest
Total
equity
At 1 January 2016 3,463 3,301 2.667 -364 2,508 346 12,366 24,287 46 24,333
Comprehensive income
for the year
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive
income
- - - - - - 4,458 4,458 -3 4,455
Depreciation, write-off
of revalued assets
Change in fair value of
- - -155 - - - 155 -
-
- -
hedging instruments - - - 127 - - - 127 - 127
Total other
comprehensive income
- - -155 127 - - 155 127 - 127
Total comprehensive
income for the year
- - -155 127 - - 4,613 4,585 -3 4,582
Contributions by and
distributions to owners:
Total contributions by
and distributions to
owners
- - - - - - - - - -
Changes in the Group
not resulting in a loss
of control
Change (decrease) in
- - - - - - -2 -2 2 -
minority interest
Total transactions with
shareholders
At 31 December 2016
19 -
-
3,463
-
-
3,301
-
-
2,512
-
-
-237
-
-
2,508
-
-
346
-2
-
16,977
-2
-
28,870
2
-
45
-
-
28,915

Consolidated and separate statements of cash flows

For the year ended 31 December

GROUP COMPANY
2017 2016 EUR '000 2017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities
6,686 4,455 Profit for the year 6,202 6,991
Adjustments for:
3,118
3,047 Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 2,016 2,026
81 81 Amortisation of intangible assets 74 72
-430 -398 Amortisation and write-off of grants -238 -224
-34 Loss (gain) from disposal and write-off of property, plant and
5 equipment -33 6
874 515 Income tax expenses 842 502
553 713 Finance costs, net -1,772 -3,256
10,848 8,418 7,091 6,117
718 1,667 Change in inventories 2,392 -449
88 63 Change in non-current amounts receivable 92 67
Change in trade and other receivables and prepayments
-2,163 -908 -4,728 -5,588
-177 39 Change in trade and other payables -287 4,364
9,314 9,279 4,560 4,511
-786 -756 Interest paid -390 -470
-13 -20 Income tax paid - -
-54 -141 Other finance costs - -
8,461 8,362 Net cash flows generated from operating activities 4,170 4,041
Cash flows from investing activities
-7,004 -16,443 Payments for acquisition of property, plant and equipment -2,553 -2,392
-22 -53 Payments for acquisition of intangible assets -21 -54
100 6 Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 97 4
- -3 Acquisition of shares of the subsidiary - -3
3,174 206 Government grants received 44 182
- - Dividends received 2,285 -
- - Repayments of loans 5 5
-3,752 Net cash flows used in investing activities
-16,287 -143 -2,258

for the year ended 31 December 2017

Consolidated and separate statements of cash flows (continued)

For the year ended 31 December

GROUP Note COMPANY
2017 2016 EUR '000 2017 2016
Cash flows from financing activities
5,345 24,708 Proceeds from borrowings 20 2,339 1,071
-8,533 -16,651 Repayments of borrowings and finance lease 20 -4,729 -2,861
-1,433 -57 Dividends paid -1,433 -57
-4,621 8,000 Net cash flows generated from (used in)
financing activities
-3,823 -1,847
88 75 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents
204 -64
229 154 Cash and cash equivalents as at 1 January 27 91
317 229 Cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December 18 231 27

The Group's and the Company's capitalised interest of EUR 349 thousand (2016: EUR 268 thousand) were included in the category of machinery and equipment. Interest rate used for the capitalisation was 2.27% (2016: 2.27%).

General information

The Group consists of the following companies (hereinafter "the Group"):

  • VILKYŠKIŲ PIENINĖ AB, a parent company (hereinafter "the Parent Company" or "the Company");
  • Modest AB, a subsidiary (hereinafter "subsidiary Modest AB");
  • Kelmės Pieninė AB, a subsidiary (hereinafter "subsidiary Kelmės Pieninė AB").
  • Pieno Logistika AB, a subsidiary (hereinafter "subsidiary Pieno Logistika AB").

VILKYŠKIŲ PIENINĖ AB was established in 1993. The Parent Company has no branches or representative offices.

VILKYŠKIŲ PIENINĖ AB is a Lithuanian company listed on Nasdaq OMX Vilnius AB stock exchange. As at 31 December 2017, the Company's shareholder structure was as follows:

Shareholder Shares Nominal value,
in EUR
Total value,
in EUR
Gintaras Bertašius 6,067,206 0.29 1,759,490
Multi Asset Selection Fund 1,765,459 0.29 511,983
Other minority shareholders 4,110,335 0.29 1,191,997
Total capital 11,943,000 0.29 3,463,470

The Company's ultimate controlling party is Mr Gintaras Bertašius and persons related to him.

The Parent Company's core line of business is production and sale of different types of cheese. The Company also produces and sells whey products, raw milk and cream.

Business activities are carried out in the main production buildings located in Vilkyškiai, Pagėgiai region municipality. The Parent Company also has a milk distribution centre located in Eržvilkas, Jurbarkas region municipality.

The Parent Company controls subsidiary Modest AB, which is engaged in milk processing and production of milk products. The Company owns 99.7% of voting rights of subsidiary Modest AB. Modest AB produces fermented 'Mozzarella' cheese, blue-veined cheese, other cheese products and processes whey.

The Parent Company also controls subsidiary Kelmės Pieninė AB, which is engaged in milk processing and production of milk products. The Company owns 100% of voting rights of subsidiary Kelmės Pieninė AB. Kelmės Pieninė AB produces fresh milk products. The production of test batches of dried whey milk products was started at the end of 2017.

Subsidiary Pieno Logistika AB became part of the Group in 2013. The authorised share capital of the mentioned company amounts to EUR 107.7 thousand and its main activity is lease of buildings. The Company owns 58.9% of voting rights of subsidiary Pieno Logistika AB.

As at 31 December 2017, the Group had 930 (31 December 2016: 957) employees.

As at 31 December 2017, the Company had 530 (31 December 2016: 552) employees.

Basis of preparation

Statement of compliance

The Group's consolidated and the Company's separate financial statements (hereinafter "the financial statements or "the consolidated and separate financial statements) have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union (hereinafter "the EU").

Pursuant to the Law on Companies of the Republic of Lithuania, the annual financial statements prepared by management have to be approved by the General Meeting of Shareholders. The shareholders of the Company have a statutory right to approve these financial statements or not to approve and to require preparation of a new set of the annual financial statements.

These financial statements include the consolidated financial statements of the Group and the separate financial statements of the Company.

Measurement basis

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for:

  • derivative financial instruments which are measured at fair value;
  • buildings, that are part of property, plant and equipment, are measured at fair value, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

Functional and presentation currency

All amounts in these financial statements are presented in the euros and they have been rounded to the nearest thousand.

Foreign currency transactions

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the euros using the exchange rate prevailing at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated in the euros using the exchange rate prevailing at the date of the preparation of the statement of financial position. All foreign currency transactions have been translated in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Accounting using the exchange rate of the euro against the foreign currency prevailing at the date of the transaction.

Foreign exchange differences arising from the settlement of such transactions are recognised in the statement of profit or loss. Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured at historical cost in a foreign currency are translated into the euros using the official exchange rate prevailing at the date of the transaction.

Consolidation

Subsidiaries are all entities (including structured entities) over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity when the Group 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. The financial statements of the subsidiaries are included in the Group's consolidated financial statements from the date on which the Group obtains control, and continue to be included until the date that such control ceases

All intra-group transactions, balances are eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.

Summary of significant accounting policies

The accounting policies set out below have been consistently applied by the Group and the Company to all the periods presented in these financial statements, except for those which have changed due to the IFRS amendments and the new IFRS, as presented in the section below 'Effect on financial statements of application of new standards and amendments and new interpretations to standards'.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment, including assets acquired under finance leases, but excluding buildings, is stated at acquisition cost, less subsequent accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Costs related to the acquisition of the assets are included in the acquisition cost. The cost of assets produced internally by the Parent Company and the subsidiaries comprises the cost of materials, direct labour costs and indirect labour costs allocated on a proportionate basis.

When parts of the items of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items of property, plant and equipment.

The net book value of the item of property, plant and equipment of the Group and the Company includes the cost of the replaced parts of such asset, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the Company and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. Other expenses related to property, plant and equipment are recognised in the statement of profit or loss during the reporting period in which they are incurred.

Buildings are recorded at revalued amounts, being their fair value at the date of the revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and impairment. Revaluations are carried out at regular intervals, i.e. at least every five years, to ensure that the carrying amount of buildings does not materially differ from their fair value at the date of the preparation of the statement of financial position. The fair value of buildings is determined by certified independent property valuers. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of assets. The revaluation reserve for buildings is transferred to retained earnings in proportion to the depreciation of revalued buildings.

In case of revaluation, when the estimated fair value of an asset is lower than its net book value, the net book value of this asset is immediately reduced to the fair value and such impairment is recognised as expenses. However, such impairment is deducted from the previous revaluation increase of this asset accounted for in the revaluation reserve, to the extent it does not exceed the amount of such increase.

In case of revaluation, when the estimated fair value of an asset is higher than its net book value, the net book value of this asset is increased to the fair value and such increase is recorded in the revaluation reserve of property, plant and equipment under the shareholder's equity in the statement of other comprehensive income. Depreciation is calculated on the amount which is equal to the acquisition cost, net of the asset's residual value.

Depreciation is recognised in the statement of profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of each part of an item of property, plant and equipment, since this most closely reflects the expected pattern of consumption of the future economic benefits embodied in the asset.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Property, plant and equipment (continued)

The estimated useful lives are as follows (in years):

Buildings 10-40
Machinery and equipment 5-15
Other assets 3-7

The useful lives, residual values and depreciation methods are reviewed regularly to ensure that the deprecation period and other estimates are consistent with the expected pattern of economic benefits from property, plant and equipment.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets with a finite useful life that are acquired by the Parent Company and its subsidiaries are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Amortisation is recorded in the statement of profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the useful life of 3 years.

The Group and the Company do not have any intangible assets (excluding goodwill) with indefinite useful life.

Goodwill

Goodwill is an asset representing the future economic benefits arising from other assets that are not individually identified and separately recognized.

Goodwill arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries is recognised as intangible assets.

Following initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses (tested on an annual basis). For the purposes of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the Group's cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the acquired entity are assigned to those units:

EUR '000 At 31 Dec 2017 At 31 Dec 2016
Kelmės Pieninė AB 6,616 6,616
Modest AB 299 299
6,915 6,915

Where goodwill forms part of a cash-generating unit and part of the operation within that unit is disposed of, the goodwill associated with the operation disposed of is included in the carrying amount of the operation when determining the gain or loss on disposal of the operation. Goodwill disposed of in this circumstance is measured based on the relative values of the operation disposed of and the portion of the cash-generating unit retained.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Non-controlling interest

Non-controlling interest is the equity in a subsidiary not attributable directly or indirectly to the Parent Company. Acquisitions of non-controlling interests are accounted for as transactions with owners in their capacity as owners and therefore no goodwill is recognised as a result of such transactions. Adjustments to non-controlling interest not resulting in a loss of control are based on a proportionate amount of the controlled net assets of the subsidiary.

Investments in subsidiaries

Investments in the subsidiaries in the separate financial statements are stated at acquisition cost, less impairment losses.

Inventories

Inventories comprise finished products, work in progress, and goods and materials.

Inventories are initially measured at acquisition or production cost. The production cost includes direct labour costs, costs of materials and conversion costs incurred during the production period. Production costs also include a systematic allocation of fixed and variable production overheads.

At the end of the reporting period inventories are measured at the lower of cost or net realisable value, less any write-downs. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price, less the estimated costs of completion and selling expenses. Write-downs of inventories to net realisable value are included in the cost of sales.

The utilisation of inventories is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.

Non-derivative financial assets and liabilities

Non-derivative financial assets are classified as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (no such assets are held), held-to-maturity investments (no such assets are held), loans and receivables, and available-for-sale financial assets (no such assets are held). All purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised on the trade date.

Financial liabilities are classified as measured at fair value through profit or loss, other liabilities and derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments when entering into hedges.

The Group and the Company determine the classification of financial assets and liabilities at initial recognition. Non-derivative financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value plus all directly attributable transaction costs for all financial instruments not carried at fair value through profit or loss.

Financial assets or financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

Financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are recorded at fair value in the statement of financial position. Gains or losses on reassessment are recognised directly in profit or loss. Interest income and expense and dividends on such investments are recognised as interest income and dividend income or interest expenses, respectively.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Non-derivative financial assets and liabilities (continued)

Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market. Such assets are carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Gains and losses are recognised in profit or loss when loans and receivables are derecognised or impaired.

Fair value measurement

The fair value of investments traded in an active market is based on quoted market prices at the reporting date. If the market for a financial asset is not active (and for unlisted securities), the Group and the Parent Company establish fair value by using valuation techniques. These include the use of recent arm's length transactions, reference to other instruments that are substantially the same, discounted cash flow analysis or other valuation models.

In determining the fair value of assets or liabilities the Group and the Company use as much as possible inputs that are observable in the market. A fair value hierarchy categorises into three levels the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value:

quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1).

inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices) (Level 2).

inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs) (Level 3).

The inputs used to measure the fair value of an asset or a liability might be categorised within different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In those cases, the fair value measurement is categorised in its entirety in the same level of the fair value hierarchy as the lowest level input that is significant to the entire measurement.

The Group and the Company recognise the amounts transferred within the fair value hierarchy levels at the end of the reporting period in which the change occurred.

Fair values measured for the purposes of assessment and (or) disclosure are calculated using the below presented methods. When applicable, further information on assumptions used in determining fair values is disclosed in the note related to specific assets or liabilities.

Interest-bearing borrowings

Interest-bearing borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, plus expenses related to the transaction. Subsequently, interest-bearing borrowings are recognised at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Borrowing costs

Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment form a part of the acquisition cost of that asset and are added to the acquisition cost until such time as the asset is ready for use.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Non-derivative financial assets and liabilities (continued)

Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables are initially recognised at fair value, plus any directly attributable transaction costs and subsequently are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derivative financial instruments

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value, costs attributable to the transaction are recognised in profit or loss when incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition derivatives are measured at fair value, and related changes are accounted for as described below.

Cash flow hedge

Changes in fair value of this derivative financial instrument which is designated as a cash flow hedge are recognised directly in equity to the extent that the hedge is effective. If the hedge is not effective, changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss.

The amount accumulated in equity is reclassified to profit or loss in the same period during which the hedged item affects profit or loss. The hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively, if the hedging instrument no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, expires or is sold, terminated or exercised. If the forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, then the amount accumulated in equity is reclassified to profit or loss.

Other derivatives not held for trading

If a derivative financial instrument is not a hedging instrument, all changes in its fair value are recognised in profit or loss.

Derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities

Financial assets

A financial asset (or a part of a financial asset or part of a group of similar financial assets) is derecognised when:

  • the rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired; or
  • the Group and the Company have retained the right to receive cash inflows from the asset, but have assumed an obligation to pay them in full without material delay to a third party under a "pass through" arrangement; or
  • the Group and the Company have transferred their rights to receive cash flows from the asset and/or (a) have transferred all the risks and rewards of the asset, or (b) have neither transferred nor retained all the risks and rewards of the asset, but have transferred control of the asset.

Where the Group and the Company have transferred their rights to receive cash flows from the asset and have neither transferred nor retained all the risks and rewards of the asset nor transferred control of the asset, the asset is recognised to the extent of the Parent Company's/subsidiary's continuing involvement in the asset.

Financial liabilities

A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the liability is settled, cancelled or expires.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and cash at bank. Cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with original maturities of three months or less and that are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

For the purpose of the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand, demand deposits in bank accounts, other short-term liquid investments. Bank overdrafts are recognised in the statement of financial position as current borrowings and are not attributed to cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows as usually their balance is negative. Interest and dividends received are attributed to cash flows of investing activities, interest paid are attributed to cash flows from operating activities, whereas dividends paid – to cash flows from financing activities.

Impairment

Financial assets

Financial assets not carried at fair value through profit or loss are reviewed for impairment at each reporting date. A financial asset is impaired if there is objective that a loss event has occurred after the initial recognition of the asset, and that the loss event had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset that can be reliably estimated.

When it is probable that the Group and the Company will not be able to collect all loans granted and amounts receivable according to the agreed terms of settlement, impairment loss of financial assets carried at amortised cost or loss from the amount irrecoverable is recognised in the statement of profit or loss.

An impairment loss on trade and other amounts receivable is recognised when there is objective evidence (such as a probable insolvency or significant financial difficulties experienced by the debtor) that the Group and the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of invoices. Impaired debts are derecognised when they are assessed as uncollectible.

Estimation of the recoverable amount

The recoverable amount of the Parent Company's or subsidiaries' receivables carried at amortised cost is calculated as the present value of future cash flows discounted using the original interest rate, i.e. the effective interest rate estimated at the initial recognition of these receivables. Current receivables are not discounted.

Reversal of impairment

An impairment loss on amounts receivable carried at amortised cost is reversed, if, in a subsequent period, the increase in the recoverable amount can be related to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised.

The impairment loss is reversed to the extent that the carrying value of the asset does not exceed its value that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised.

Non-financial assets

Non-financial assets, except for inventories and deferred tax assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that the asset may be impaired. If such an indication exists, the asset's recoverable amount is estimated.

The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is the higher of its value in use and its fair value, less costs to sell. The asset's value in use is calculated by discounting future cash flows to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate reflecting current market assumptions regarding time value of money and risk specific to the asset concerned.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Impairment (continued)

For the purpose of impairment testing, assets that cannot be tested individually are grouped into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows through the asset's continuous use and is independent from cash flows generated by other assets or the groups of assets ("the cash generating unit" or "CGU").

Whenever the net book value of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, an impairment loss is recognised in the statement of profit or loss. Impairment losses recognised in respect of CGUs are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of goodwill allocated to the unit and then to reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the unit (group of units) on a pro rata basis.

Reversal of impairment losses recognised in prior years is recorded when there is an indication that the impairment losses recognised for the asset no longer exist or have decreased. Reversal is accounted for in the statement of profit or loss under the same caption as impairment loss. An impairment loss allocated to goodwill is not reversed.

Provisions

Provisions for liabilities are recognised in the statement of financial position when there are commitments as a result of past events and it is probable that additional funds will be required to settle these obligations. If the impact is material, provisions are estimated by discounting future cash flows to the their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability.

Leases

The Group and the Company classify leases as either operating leases or finance leases at the inception of the lease.

Finance lease -– where the Group and the Company are the lessees

The Group and the Company recognise finance leases as assets and liabilities in statements of financial position at the lower of the fair value of property leased and the present value of the minimum lease payments, each determined at the inception of the lease. The discount rate to be used in calculating the present value of the minimum lease payments is the interest rate implicit in the lease, if this is practicable to determine; if not, the Group's/Company's incremental borrowing rate is used. Any initial direct costs are added to the value of asset. Minimum lease payments are apportioned between the finance charge and the reduction of the outstanding liability. The finance charge is allocated to each period during the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the finance lease liability.

Depreciation is charged on property acquired under finance leases, and the related finance costs are incurred in each reporting period that are reported in the Group's and the Company's statements of profit or loss. The procedure of calculation of depreciation for property acquired under finance leases is the same as that applied to freehold property, however, such property cannot be depreciated over the period longer than the lease period, unless the ownership is transferred to the Company and the Group upon expiry of the finance lease contract term.

Operating lease -– where the Group and the Company are the lessees

Operating lease payments are recognised as expenses in profit or loss using the straight-line method over the lease term.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Acquisition of own shares

When own shares are acquired, the amount paid, including directly attributable costs, is recognised as a change in equity. Own shares acquired are shown under a separate line item in equity as a negative amount.

Dividends

Dividends are recorded as liabilities or the amount receivable in the period in which they are declared.

Government grants

Grants received as a compensation for the costs incurred are recognised in profit or loss over the period in which the costs are incurred.

Government and the European Union grants and third party compensations received in the form of non-current assets or intended for the purchase of non-current assets are considered as asset-related grants. Grants are initially recorded at the fair value of the asset received and subsequently amortised. Amortisation costs of grants are included in the cost of production or administrative expenses as well as in the depreciation charge of property, plant and equipment for which the grant was received.

Revenue

Revenue from sales of goods is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of returns and related expenses, trade and volume discounts. Sales revenue is recognised in the statement of profit or loss when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer, it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the entity, the associated costs and possible return of goods can be measured reliably, and management does not retain control over the goods. The transfer of risks and rewards vary depending on the individual terms of the contract of sale.

Cost of sales

Cost of sales comprises direct and indirect costs, including depreciation and remuneration expenses incurred in order to achieve the turnover set for a respective year.

Expenses are recognised on an accrual basis and matching principle.

Distribution and administrative expenses

Distribution and administrative expenses comprise expenses related to transportation, administrative staff, coordination activities, office supplies, etc. and also comprise depreciation and amortisation expenses.

Operating expenses are recognised on an accrual basis.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Other operating income and expenses

Other operating income and expenses comprise gain or loss from the disposal of non-current assets as well as other income and expenses not directly related to the principal activities of the Group and the Company.

Finance income and costs

Income and expenses of financing activities include interest receivable and payable, realised and unrealised foreign exchange gain and loss related to borrowings and financial liabilities denominated in foreign currencies.

Interest income is recognised in profit or loss using the effective interest method. The interest element of the finance lease payment is recognised in profit or loss using the effective interest method.

Employee benefits

Short-term employee benefits are recognised as current expenses of the period in which the services have been rendered. Such employee benefits include wages and salaries, social security contributions, bonuses, paid vacation and other benefits. There are no long-term employee benefits.

The Group and the Company pay social security contributions to the state Social Security Fund (the Fund) on behalf of its employees based on the defined contribution plan in accordance with the local legal requirements. A defined contribution is a plan under which the Group and the Company pay fixed contributions into the Fund and will have no legal or constructive obligations to pay further contributions if the Fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior period. Social security contributions are recognised as expenses on an accrual basis and included in payroll expenses.

Income tax

Income tax comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognised in the statement of profit or loss, except to the extent that it relates to line items recognised directly in equity or through other comprehensive income, in which case the tax is recognised in equity through other comprehensive income.

Current income tax is calculated on the annual taxable result using the tax rates enacted and applied as at the reporting date, plus any adjustments to the tax payable in respect of previous years.

A standard income tax rate of 15% is applied to companies registered in the Republic of Lithuania. Tax losses, except for those arising on disposal of securities and/or derivative financial instruments, can be carried forward for unlimited period, provided the entity continues the operations, which generated these tax losses. The amended provisions of Article 30(4) of the Law on Corporate Income Tax stipulate that when calculating income tax for 2014 and subsequent periods, deductible tax losses available for carry forward can be used to reduce taxable income of the current tax year by maximum 70% calculated by deducting non-taxable income, allowable deductions and limited allowable deductions from income, except for losses of the previous tax periods.

The procedure of carrying forward losses arising on disposal of securities and/or derivative financial instruments has not changed, therefore, these losses can be carried forward for the period of 5 years and can only be used to reduce taxable income earned from transactions of the similar nature.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Income tax (continued)

Deferred income tax is calculated on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts reported in the financial statements. Deferred income tax is not calculated on temporary differences arising on initial recognition of an asset or liability, which at the time of the transaction affect neither accounting nor taxable profit. Deferred income tax is determined using the tax rates that are expected to apply when the related temporary differences are expected to reverse and that are known at the date of the preparation of the statement of financial position.

Deferred income tax assets are recognised only when the Company and the Group expect that future taxable profit will be available against which tax assets can be utilised. Deferred income tax is reviewed at each date of the statement of financial position and reduced by the amount of tax assets that will not be utilised.

Earnings per share

The Group and the Company disclose information on basic and diluted earnings per share. Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing profit or loss attributable to the shareholders of the the Parent Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares during the period. Diluted earnings per share are calculated by adjusting profit or loss attributable to the shareholders, and the weighted average number of ordinary shares during the year, for the effects of all potential ordinary shares. During the reporting periods the Group and the Company did not issue potential ordinary shares.

Segment reporting

Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. The chief operating decision-maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the Board that makes strategic decisions and the General Manager.

An operating segment is a component of the Group that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, including revenues and expenses that relate to transactions conducted with other segments. The Group has three reportable segments established on the basis of different groups of products (cheese and cheese products, fresh milk products and other products).

Effect on financial statements of application of new standards and amendments and new interpretations to standards

Except for the changes indicated below, accounting policies applied are consistent with the accounting policies applied in the previous financial year. The accounting policies set out below have been consistently applied by the Group and the Company to all the periods presented in these consolidated financial statements.

The Group and the Company have adopted the following new and amended standards, including respective amendments to other standards with effect from 1 January 2017:

Amendments to IAS 7 (effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017; effective prospectively; earlier application is permitted).

The amended IAS 7 will require disclosure of a reconciliation of movements in liabilities arising from financing activities. The Group's and the Company's disclosure is presented in Note 20.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Effect on financial statements of application of new standards and amendments and new interpretations to standards (continued)

Recognition of deferred tax assets for unrealised losses – Amendments to IAS 12 (effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017; effective prospectively; earlier application is permitted).

The amendments have clarified the requirements on recognition of deferred tax assets for unrealised losses on debt instruments. The entity will have to recognise deferred tax assets for unrealised losses that arise as a result of discounting cash flows of debt instruments at market interest rates, even if it expects to hold the instrument to maturity and no tax will be payable upon collecting the principal amount. The economic benefit embodied in the deferred tax asset arises from the ability of the holder of the debt instrument to achieve future gains (unwinding of the effects of discounting) without paying taxes on those gains. These amendments had no significant impact on the Group and the Company.

Standards, interpretations and amendments to published standards that are not yet effective

Several amendments to new standards and interpretations are effective for annual periods beginning after 1 January 2018 and have not been adopted in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements. Standards, interpretations and amendments that may be relevant to the Group and the Company are presented below. The Group and the Company do not intend to early adopt these standards.

IFRS 9, Financial instruments (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018).

The main features of the new standard are as follows:

  • Financial assets are required to be classified into three measurement categories: those to be measured subsequently at amortised cost, those to be measured subsequently at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) and those to be measured subsequently at fair value through profit or loss (FVPL).
  • Classification for debt instruments is driven by the entity's business model for managing the financial assets and whether the contractual cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest (SPPI). If a debt instrument is held to collect, it may be carried at amortised cost if it also meets the SPPI requirement. Debt instruments that meet the SPPI requirement that are held in a portfolio where an entity both holds to collect assets' cash flows and sells assets may be classified as FVOCI. Financial assets that do not contain cash flows that are SPPI must be measured at FVPL (for example, derivatives). Embedded derivatives are no longer separated from financial assets but will be included in assessing the SPPI condition.
  • Investments in equity instruments are always measured at fair value. However, management can make an irrevocable election to present changes in fair value in other comprehensive income, provided the instrument is not held for trading. If the equity instrument is held for trading, changes in fair value are presented in profit or loss.
  • Most of the requirements in IAS 39 for classification and measurement of financial liabilities were carried forward unchanged to IFRS 9. The key change is that an entity will be required to present the effects of changes in own credit risk of financial liabilities designated at fair value through profit or loss in other comprehensive income.
  • IFRS 9 introduces a new model for the recognition of impairment losses the expected credit losses (ECL) model. There is a 'three stage' approach which is based on the change in credit quality of financial assets since initial recognition. In practice, the new rules mean that entities will have to record an immediate loss equal to the 12-month ECL on initial recognition of financial assets that are not credit impaired (or lifetime ECL for trade receivables). Where there has been a significant increase in credit risk, impairment is measured using lifetime ECL rather than 12-month ECL. The model includes operational simplifications for lease and trade receivables.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Effect on financial statements of application of new standards and amendments and new interpretations to standards (continued)

• Hedge accounting requirements were amended to align accounting more closely with risk management. The standard provides entities with an accounting policy choice between applying the hedge accounting requirements of IFRS 9 and continuing to apply IAS 39 to all hedges because the standard currently does not address accounting for macro hedging.

Based on the Group's and the Company's estimations IFRS 9 will have no significant impact on the financial statements. Due to the nature of the Group's and the Company's activities and the categories of financial instruments held the classification and measurement of the Group's and the Company's financial instruments will not change under IFRS 9, i.e. loans and amounts receivable will be classified as financial assets measured at fair value, whereas financial liabilities will continue to be classified as measured at amortised cost. The credit quality of the Group's and the Company's amounts receivable is high, the amounts of impairment losses are small in the recent years, therefore impairment losses of amounts receivable calculated under the expected credit losses (ECL) model for the recognition of impairment losses will not significantly differ from currently calculated impairment losses. There is no impact on retained earnings of transition to IFRS 9.

IFRS 15, Revenue from contracts with customers (effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018; earlier application is permitted).

The new standard introduces the core principle that revenue must be recognised when the goods or services are transferred to the customer, at the transaction price. Any bundled goods or services that are distinct must be separately recognised, and any discounts or rebates on the contract price must generally be allocated to the separate elements. When the consideration varies for any reason, minimum amounts must be recognised if they are not at significant risk of reversal. Costs incurred to secure contracts with customers have to be capitalised and amortised over the period when the benefits of the contract are consumed.

Amendments to IFRS 15, Revenue from contracts with customers (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018).

The amendments do not change the underlying principles of the standard but clarify how those principles should be applied. The amendments clarify how to identify a performance obligation (the commitment to transfer a good or a service to a customer) in a contract; how to determine whether a company is a principal (the provider of a good or service) or an agent (responsible for arranging for the good or service to be provided); and how to determine whether the revenue from granting a licence should be recognised at a point in time or over time. In addition to the clarifications, the amendments include two additional reliefs to reduce cost and complexity for a company when it first applies the new standard.

The Group and the Company reviewed the terms of the major agreements and based on the nature of their business activities and the category of revenue received they did not determine that IFRS 15 will affect the timing of the Group's and the Company's revenue recognition and its measurement. The Group and the Company do not incur expenses related to the conclusion of contracts.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Effect on financial statements of application of new standards and amendments and new interpretations to standards (continued)

IFRS 16, Leases (effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019; earlier application is permitted, if an entity applies IFRS 15 as well).

The new standard sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases. All leases result in the lessee obtaining the right to use an asset at the start of the lease and, if lease payments are made over time, also obtaining financing. Accordingly, IFRS 16 eliminates the classification of leases as either operating leases or finance leases as is required by IAS 17 and, instead, introduces a single lessee accounting model. Lessees will be required to recognise: (a) assets and liabilities for all leases with a term of more than 12 months, unless the underlying asset is of low value; and (b) depreciation of lease assets separately from interest on lease liabilities in the income statement. IFRS 16 substantially carries forward the lessor accounting requirements in IAS 17. Accordingly, a lessor continues to classify its leases as operating leases or finance leases, and to account for those two types of leases differently.

The Group and the Company are currently assessing the impact of this new standard on their financial statements. However, the impact will not be material as the Group and the Company have no significant lease contracts.

IFRIC 22, Foreign currency transactions and advance consideration (effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018; not yet adopted by the EU).

The interpretation applies where an entity either pays or receives consideration in advance for foreign currency-denominated contracts. The interpretation clarifies that the date of transaction, i.e the date when the exchange rate is determined, is the date on which the entity initially recognises the non-monetary asset or liability from advance consideration. However, the entity needs to apply judgement in determining whether the prepayment is monetary or non-monetary asset or liability based on guidance in IAS 21, IAS 32 and the Conceptual Framework. The Group and the Company are currently assessing the impact of these amendments on their financial statements.

Annual improvements to IFRSs 2014–2016 cycle (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017 (changes to IFRS 12) or 2018 (changes to IFRS 1 and IAS 28)); not yet adopted by the EU).

The improvements impact three standards. The amendments clarify that the disclosure requirements in IFRS 12, other than those in paragraphs B10–B16, apply to an entity's interests in other entities that are classified as held for sale or discontinued operations in accordance with IFRS 5. IFRS 1 was amended to delete some of the short-term exemptions from IFRSs after those shortterm exemptions have served their intended purpose. The amendments to IAS 28 clarify that venture capital organisations or similar entities have an investment-by- investment choice for measuring investees at fair value. Additionally, the amendment clarifies that if an investor that is not an investment entity has an associate or joint venture that is an investment entity, the investor can choose on an investment-by-investment basis to retain or reverse the fair value measurements used by that investment entity associate or joint venture when applying the equity method. The Group and the Company are currently assessing the impact of these amendments on their financial statements.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Effect on financial statements of application of new standards and amendments and new interpretations to standards (continued)

Annual improvements to the IFRSs 2015-2017 cycle (effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019; not yet adopted by the EU).

The narrow scope amendments impact four standards. IFRS 3 was clarified that an acquirer should remeasure its previously held interest in a joint operation when it obtains control of the business. Conversely, IFRS 11 now explicitly explains that the investor should not remeasure its previously held interest when it obtains joint control of a joint operation, similarly to the existing requirements when an associate becomes a joint venture and vice versa. The amended IAS 12 explains that an entity recognises all income tax consequences of dividends where it has recognised the transactions or events that generated the related distributable profits, e.g. in profit or loss or in other comprehensive income. It is now clear that this requirement applies in all circumstances as long as payments on financial instruments classified as equity are distributions of profits, and not only in cases when the tax consequences are a result of different tax rates for distributed and undistributed profits. The revised IAS 23 now includes explicit guidance that the borrowings obtained specifically for funding a specified asset are excluded from the pool of general borrowings costs eligible for capitalisation only until the specific asset is substantially complete. The Group and the Company are currently assessing the impact of these amendments on their financial statements

Contingencies

Contingent liabilities are not recognised in the financial statements. They are disclosed unless the possibility of an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits is remote.

Contingent assets are not recognised in the financial statements but disclosed when an inflow of economic benefits is probable.

Events after the end of the reporting period

Events after the reporting period that provide additional information about the Group's and the Company's position at the reporting date (adjusting events) are reflected in the financial statements. Events after the reporting period that are not adjusting events are disclosed in the notes to the financial statements when material.

Inter-company offsetting

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the balance sheet when there is a legally enforceable right to offset the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. The legally enforceable right must not be contingent on future events and must be enforceable in the normal course of business and in the event of default, insolvency or bankruptcy of the company or the counterparty.

Accounting estimates and assumptions

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with IFRS as adopted by the European Union requires the use of accounting estimates and assumption by management that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The accounting estimates and the related assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgements about the net book amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The actual results may ultimately differ from those estimates.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Accounting estimates and assumptions (continued)

The accounting estimates and underlying assumptions are regularly reviewed and are based on historical experience, other factors reflecting a current situation and reasonably possible future events.

The Group and the Company make estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant effect on the amounts of assets and liabilities and can cause a significant adjustment to these amounts within the next financial year are addressed below.

Fair value of derivatives

The fair value of interest rate swaps is based on broker quotes, the reasonableness of which is verified by discounting estimated future cash flows using market interest rates for similar financial instruments at the measurement date and in view of specific conditions and payment deadlines established for each interest rate swap contract. The fair value represents the credit risk of a hedging instrument and its possible changes for the Group and the Company and the counterparty.

Assessment of hedge effectiveness

On initial designation of the derivative as a hedging instrument, the Group and the Company formally document the relationship between the hedging instrument and hedged item, including the risk management objectives and strategy in undertaking the hedging instrument and its risk, together with the methods that will be used to assess the hedge effectiveness. Both at the inception of the hedge relationship and during the entire validity period of the hedge, the Group and the Company assess whether the hedging instruments are and will be effective in future and whether the hedge effectiveness ranges from 80 to 125 per cent by performing the analysis of changes in the fair value of cash flows of the respective hedged item attributable to the hedged risk.

Impairment losses on goodwill and property, plant and equipment

At each statement of financial position date, the Group and the Company review the net book values of property, plant and equipment to determine whether there are any indications that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If such an indication exists, the asset's recoverable amount is estimated. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually by calculating the recoverable amount of the asset concerned. For the purpose of impairment testing, assets are grouped into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows through the asset's continuous use that are largely independent of cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets (the cash generating units).

The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's net realisable value and the value in use. The asset's value in use is calculated by discounting future cash flows to their present value using a pretax discount rate reflecting actual market assumptions regarding the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset concerned. The recoverable amount of the asset that does not generate cash flows independently is determined with reference to the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which that asset belongs.

The Company and the Group did not identify impairment indicators in respect of property, plant and equipment as at 31 December 2017 and 2016, therefore impairment testing was not performed.

Assumptions and results of an impairment test performed by the Group in respect of goodwill as at 31 December 2017 and 2016 are disclosed in Note 12 'Intangible assets'.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Accounting estimates and assumptions (continued)

Impairment losses of amounts receivable

The Group and the Company review amounts receivable to assess impairment at least on a quarterly basis. In determining whether an impairment loss should be recorded in profit or loss, the Group and the Company make judgements as to whether there is any observable data indicating that there is a measurable decrease in the estimated future net cash flows from a portfolio of receivables before the decrease can be identified with an individual receivable in that portfolio. This evidence may include observable data indicating that there has been an adverse change in the payment status of debtors, national or local economic conditions that influence the Group's and the Company's receivables.

Management evaluates probable cash flows from the debtors based on historical loss experience related to credit risk of amounts receivable or similar risk. Methodology and assumptions used for estimating both the amount and timing of future cash flows are reviewed regularly to reduce any differences between loss estimates and actual loss experience. For more information refer to Note 16 'Trade and other amounts receivable' and Note 27 'Financial instruments and risk management'.

Measurement of inventories

The Group and the Company review the movement in the inventory account, assess carrying amount on a quarterly basis. The carrying amount of inventories should not exceed future economic benefits expected to be received from the disposal or use of inventories.

Loss of inventory write-down to net realisable value is recognised in the statement of profit or loss during the period in which the inventory measurement, write-down were performed. Inventory writedown is assessed taking into account historical data and actual sales of inventories below cost. If the recognised write-down allowance for inventories was 10% higher/lower, the Group's and the Company's profit before income tax for 2017 would be EUR 135 thousand and EUR 82 thousand, respectively, lower/higher (2016: EUR 168 thousand and EUR 19 thousand, respectively)

For more information refer to Note 15 'Inventories'.

Useful life of property, plant and equipment

Useful lives of the assets are reviewed annually and revised when there are grounds for believing that the remaining useful lives do not reflect technical conditions, economic utilisation or physical conditions of the assets.

Financial risk management

The use of the financial instruments exposes the Group and the Company to the following risks:

  • credit risk;
  • liquidity risk;
  • market risk.

Information on each type of the above-mentioned risks to which the Group and the Company are exposed, objectives, policies and processes for managing the risk and the methods used to measure the risk is set out in this section.

Note 27 'Financial instruments and risk management' discloses quantitative information on each type of the above-mentioned risks and on the Group's and the Company's capital management.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Risk management framework

The Board is responsible for the development and monitoring of the Group's and the Company's overall risk management programme. The Group's and the Company's risk management policy defines and analyses risks to which the companies are exposed, establishes appropriate risk limits, controls risks and adherence to risk limits. The risk management policy and systems are reviewed on a regular basis to reflect market conditions and the Group's and the Company's operational changes.

The Group and the Company, through training and management standards and procedures, aim to develop a disciplined and constructive control environment in which all employees understand their roles and obligations.

Credit risk

In conducting trading activities the Group and the Company apply deferred payment in respect of sale of products and services, therefore a risk may arise that clients will not pay for products and services provided by the Group and the Company. The Group and the Company aim to minimise credit risk by applying the principles of a credit limit, based on which the amounts of credits granted to clients and the types of collaterals are established as follows:

  • limit;
  • insurance;
  • guarantees;
  • credit insurance.

In 2017, the Group and the Company insured sales to the foreign clients under the credit insurance agreement concluded with the company Eurler Hermes.

For each client, the credit risk is assessed on an individual basis. Trade receivables are monitored by the Financial Department. In the event of overdue accounts receivable, the sales are stopped and the debt recovery procedures are started.

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is a risk that the Group and the Company will not be able to meet their financial liabilities in due time. The Group and the Company manage liquidity risk with the aim to achieve the best possible liquidity of the Group and the Company which enables to settle obligations both in the ordinary course of business and under complicated operating conditions and prevents from incurring unacceptable losses and damaging the Group's and the Company's reputation.

The Group's and the Company's policy is aimed at maintaining sufficient cash and cash equivalents or ensuring funding through an adequate amount of committed credit facilities in order to meet their commitments at a given date in accordance with the strategic plans.

The Group's and the Company's objective is to maintain balance between the continuity and flexibility of funding. The Group and the Company generate a sufficient amount of cash form their activities, therefore management is responsible for ensuring a sufficient level of the Group's and the Company's liquidity.

Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Market risk

Market risk is a risk that changes in market prices, e.g. foreign exchange rates and interest rates, will affect the Group's and the Company's results of operations or the value of financial instruments held. The aim of market risk management is to manage open risk positions in order to optimise rate of return.

The Group and the Company manage foreign exchange risk by minimising the open position in a foreign currency. Further information on hedging against foreign exchange risk is disclosed in Note 27 'Financial instruments and risk management'.

The Group's and the Company's income and operating cash flows are substantially independent of market interest rates. The Group and the Company have no significant interest-bearing assets. The Group and the Company use derivative financial instruments to hedge against the interest rate risk (refer to Note 24).

Notes to the financial statements

1 Segment information

The Group consists of four legal entities: VILKYŠKIŲ PIENINĖ AB (the Parent Company), Kelmės Pieninė AB (the subsidiary), Modest AB (the subsidiary) and Pieno Logistika AB (the subsidiary). The principal activity of each company (segment) is the production of milk products, except for Pieno Logistika AB, which is engaged in the lease of buildings. The companies produce different milk products, therefore, they use different technologies and apply different marketing strategies.

The Group has several operating segments which are as described below.

The segments represent different product groups, which are managed separately because they require different technology and marketing strategies. The Board and the General Manager review internal management reports prepared for each product group on a monthly basis.

The following summary describes the products in each operating segment of the Group:

  • Cheese and cheese products. The segment comprises cheese and cheese products produced by the Company and its subsidiaries.
  • Fresh milk products. The segment comprises fresh milk products produced by the subsidiaries (milk, kephir, yoghurt, curd products);
  • Other milk products. The segment comprises other milk products.

Information on the results of each operating segment is presented below. Performance is assessed based on the gross profit of the segments, which is presented in the internal management reports reviewed by the Board and the General Manager. The segment's gross profit is used to assess performance as management believes that this indicator is the most appropriate for the assessment of the results of operations.

1 Segment information (continued)

GROUP

EUR '000 Cheese and
cheese products
Fresh milk
products
Other products Total
Sales 51,427 19,097 43,415 113,939
Cost of sales -52,404 -18,177 -26,870 -97,451
Gross profit -977 920 16,545 16,488
Other operating income 390
Distribution, administrative and
other operating expenses
-8,765
Results of operating activities 8,113
Finance income 27
Finance costs -580
Finance costs, net -553
Profit before income tax 7,560

Performance indicators of the segments for the year ended 31 December 2016 are as follows:

EUR '000 Cheese and
cheese products
Fresh milk
products
Other products Total
Sales 41,705 20,840 27,945 90,490
Cost of sales -39,685 -19,809 -18,387 -77,881
Gross profit 2,020 1,031 9,558 12,609
Other operating income 282
Distribution, administrative and
other operating expenses
-7,208
Results of operating activities
Finance income
5,683
15
Finance costs -728
Finance costs, net -713
Profit before income tax 4,970

Information on the segments' assets, liabilities, interest income and interest expenses, depreciation, results of operations before tax, income tax and other non-cash line items is not provided to the Board and the General Manager. In management's opinion the allocation of these line items to the operating segments is not reasonable. Sales revenue, cost of sales and gross profit are the same as reported in the financial statements.

1 Segment information (continued)

When presenting information according to a geographical segment, segment income is recognised according to the place of registration of a client. Segment assets are distributed according to the assets' geographical location.

Segment information for 2017 by a geographical segment:

EUR '000 Revenue Assets
Lithuania 24,891 76,969
European Union, except for Lithuania 63,531 3,315
Other countries 25,517 847
113,939 81,131

Segment information for 2016 by a geographical segment:

EUR '000 Revenue Assets
Lithuania 26,934 71,487
European Union, except for Lithuania 50,545 2,045
Other countries 13,011 830
90,490 74,362

Information on major clients. The Group had no clients with sales accounting for more than 10% of total sales.

2 Cost of sales (EUR '000)

GROUP COMPANY
2017 2016 2017 2016
-77,282 -57,270 Raw materials -72,166 -51,515
- - Resale cost of goods produced by the subsidiaries -28,712 -26,893
-7,098 -6,852 Employee expenses, including social security
contributions
-4,207 -4,012
-2,205 -2,186 Depreciation and grants' amortisation -1,499 -1,537
-4,475 -4,345 Milk collection and transportation costs -4,971 -4,786
-2,470 -2,198 Gas, electricity -1,442 -1,346
-3,921 -5,030 Other -4,240 -1,217
______
-97,451
_____
-77,881
______
-117,237
__
-91,306
GROUP COMPANY
2017 2016 2017 2016
Income from provision of services, including lease
197 55 income 601 391
15 17 Income from accounting services 112 98
90 48 Income from sales of materials, non-current assets 243 85
50 84 Income from transportation services rendered to other 14 42
companies
38 78 Other income 32 28
___
390
___
282
_ _
1,002
644

3 Other operating income (EUR '000)

4 Other operating expenses (EUR '000)

GROUP COMPANY
2017 2016 2017 2016
-167 -95 Cost of services rendered -563 -360
-49 -66 Cost of materials sold -185 -87
-1 -1 Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment - -1
-27 -5 Other expenses -5 -3
___
-244
_____
-167
___
-753
____
-451
___ _____ ___ ____

5 Distribution expenses (EUR '000)

GROUP COMPANY
2017 2016 2017 2016
-1,530 -1,821 Logistics and transport services -1,957 -2,331
-1,215 -1,074 Marketing and advertising services -1,204 -1,061
-723 -611 Employee expenses, including social security
contributions
-723 -611
-85 -66 Depreciation expenses -60 -41
-534 -543 Other selling expenses -489 -470
__
-4,087
_
-4,115
____
-4,433
_____
-4,514

6 Administrative expenses (EUR '000)

GROUP COMPANY
2017 2016 2017 2016
-1,650 -1,274 Employee expenses, including social security
contributions and change in vacation reserve
-1,445 -1,173
Depreciation and amortisation, including
-221 -225 amortisation of subsidies -186 -193
-225 -197 Services received -231 -192
-1,008 -87 Taxes, other than income tax -988 -143
-108 -105 Veterinary services -81 -79
-67 -105 Consultation services -52 -85
-268 -102 Write-offs of inventory -100 -
-4,434 -2,926 __
-3,632
__
-2,396
-479
__
-390
___
Other -248 -188
-20 -20 Bank charges -18 -18
-32 -24 Insurance -20 -15
-32 -29 Stock exchange expenses -30 -28
-25 -34 Fee for membership in association -24 -33
-27 -35 Repair expenses -15 -28
-41 -38 Fuel -33 -30
-65 -44 Computer expenses -61 -41
-1 -47 Write-off of bad debt expenses -1 -47
-67 -73 Fines and interest paid on late payments -67 -73
-98 -97 Security -32 -30

Notes to the consolidated and separate financial statements

In 2017, the Group's and the Company's social security contributions payable by the employer amounted to EUR 2,429 thousand and EUR 1,573 thousand, respectively (2016: EUR 2,235 thousand and EUR 1,417 thousand, respectively).

7
Services provided by the audit firm to the Company and the Group in 2017 (EUR '000)
Group Company
Audit of the financial statements under the agreements 33 20
Assurance and other related services - -
Tax consultation services - -
Expenses of other services 1 1
Total 34 21

8 Finance costs, net (EUR '000)

GROUP COMPANY
2017 2016 2017 2016
Finance income
Dividends 2,285 3,931*
5 6 Interest 6 7
22 9 Other 16 7
__
27
__
15
Total finance income ____
2,307
_____
3,945
__ __ Finance costs ____ _____
-435 -492 Interest -402 -471
-68 -127 Factoring charges -68 -127
-27 -38 Foreign exchange loss -27 -38
-50 -71 Other -38 -53
__
-580
__
-728
Total finance costs ____
-535
_____
-689
__
-553
__
-713
____
1,772
_____
3,256
__ __ ____ _____

*In 2016, all dividends receivable from subsidiary Kelmės Pieninė AB were offset against the amounts payable to this company.

GROUP COMPANY
2017 2016 2017 2016
7,560 4,970 Profit for the year 7,044 7,493
1,134 746 Income tax calculated at a rate of 15% 1,057 1,124
(135) (328) Profit of Kelmes Pienine AB not subject to
tax due to the status of a social enterprise
assigned to the company
۳
299 391 Expenses non-deductible for tax purposes 289 52
(175) (149) Income not subject to tax (346) (600)
Charity expenses deductible twice for tax
(9) (4) purposes (9) (4)
(167) (82) Applied income tax relief for the investment
project
(135) (69)
(73) (59) Other expenses deductible for tax purposes (14) (1)
874 515 Income tax expenses/(benefit) 842 502
$\mathbf{0}$ Earnings per share
GROUP COMPANY
2017 2016 2017 20
1,943 Number of issued shares calculated
11,943
based on the weighted average unit
cost method, in thousands
Net profit attributable to holders of
ordinary shares of the Parent
11,943 11,9
6ዩስ $A$ $A$ $5$ $9$
Company in thousands
6.OO 60

11 Property, plant and equipment

GROUP

Construc
EUR '000 Land and Plant and Other tion in
buildings machinery assets progress Total
Cost/revalued amount
Balance at 1 January 2016 10,490 31,656 2,799 7,104 52,049
Additions 2 152 64 16,652 16,870
Disposal -11 -141 -248 - -400
Reclassifications 0 71 24 -109 -14*
Balance at 31 December 2016 10,481 31,738 2,639 23,647 68,505
Balance at 1 January 2017 10,481 31,738 2,639 23,647 68,505
Additions 167 1,052 374 8,691 10,284
Disposal - -564 -95 -1,676 -2,335
Reclassifications 4,099 18,649 1,125 -23,914 -41*
Balance at 31 December 2017 14,747 50,875 4,043 6,748 76,413
Depreciation and impairment losses
Balance at 1 January 2016 898 14,151 1,737 - 16,786
Depreciation charge for the year 448 2,402 197 - 3,047
Disposals -10 -141 -242 - -393
Reclassifications - - - - -
Balance at 31 December 2016 1,336 16,412 1,692 - 19,440
Balance at 1 January 2017 1,336 16,412 1,692 - 19,440
Depreciation charge for the year 442 2,475 201 - 3,118
Disposals
Reclassifications
-
-
-513
-
-79
-
-
-
-592
-
Balance at 31 December 2017 1,778 18,374 1,814 - 21,966
Net book amounts
At 1 January 2016 9,592 17,505 1,062 7,104 35,263
At 31 December 2016 9,145 15,326 947 23,647 49,065
At 31 December 2017 12,969 32,501 2,229 6,748 54,447

for the year ended 31 December 2017

Notes to the consolidated and separate financial statements

11 Property, plant and equipment (continued)

COMPANY

Construc
EUR '000 Land and Plant and Other tion in
buildings machinery assets progress Total
Cost/revalued amount
Balance at 1 January 2016 8,186 22,816 1,557 317 32,876
Additions 2 134 31 2,240 2,407
Disposal - -102 -58 - -160
Reclassifications - 16 24 -54 -14*
Balance at 31 December 2016 8,188 22,864 1,554 2,503 35,109
Balance at 1 January 2017 8,188 22,864 1,554 2,503 35,109
Additions 167 926 47 2,554 3,694
Disposal - -559 -52 - -611
Reclassifications 4,005 381 405 -4,832 -41*
Balance at 31 December 2017 12,360 23,612 1,954 225 38,151
Depreciation and impairment losses
Balance at 1 January 2016 583 10,822 1,176 - 12,581
Depreciation charge for the year 370 1,544 112 - 2,026
Disposals - -102 -52 - -154
Reclassifications - - - - -
Balance at 31 December 2016 953 12,264 1,236 - 14,453
Balance at 1 January 2017 953 12,264 1,236 - 14,453
Depreciation charge for the year 355 1,545 116 - 2,016
Disposals
Reclassifications
- -512 -36 -
-
-548
Balance at 31 December 2017 1,308 13,297 1,316 - 15,921
Net book amounts
At 1 January 2016 7,603 11,994 381 317 20,295
At 31 December 2016 7,235 10,600 318 2,503 20,656
At 31 December 2017 11,052 10,315 638 225 22,230

*The amount of EUR 13 thousand (2016: EUR 14 thousand) is related to a completed intangible asset project, which was directly transferred from construction in progress to intangible assets.

*The amount of EUR 28 thousand was transferred to current repair expenses.

Prepayments for non-current assets are classified as acquisitions of non-current assets.

11 Property, plant and equipment (continued)

Pledges of assets

To secure the repayment of the bank loans, the Group has pledged its property, plant and equipment:

  • buildings with the carrying amount of EUR 8,260 thousand as at 31 December 2017 (31 December 2016: building amounting to EUR 8,577 thousand);

  • plant and machinery, fixtures and equipment with a net book value of EUR 11,834 thousand as at 31 December 2017 (31 December 2016: movable property, fixtures and equipment amounting to EUR 13,237 thousand) (Note 20).

To secure the repayment of the bank loans, the Company has pledged its property, plant and equipment:

  • buildings with the carrying amount of EUR 6,768 thousand as at 31 December 2017 (31 December 2016: building amounting to EUR 7,033 thousand);
  • plant and machinery, fixtures and equipment with a net book value of EUR 6,899 thousand as at 31 December 2017 (31 December 2016: movable property, fixtures and equipment amounting to EUR 7,927 thousand) (Note 20).

The acquisition cost of the Group's property, plant and equipment fully depreciated but still in use amounted to EUR 9,064 thousand as at 31 December 2017 (31 December 2016: EUR 7,344 thousand).

The acquisition cost of the Company's property, plant and equipment fully depreciated but still in use amounted to EUR 7,382 thousand as at 31 December 2017 (31 December 2016: EUR 5,693 thousand).

Motor vehicles acquired under finance lease contracts

The Group and the Company have acquired motor vehicles under finance lease contracts. The net book value of such assets of the Group was EUR 979 thousand as at 31 December 2017 (31 December 2016: EUR 235 thousand). The net book value of such assets of the Company was EUR 940 thousand as at 31 December 2017 (31 December 2016: EUR 235 thousand).

Depreciation

Depreciation was included in the following line items:

GROUP COMPANY
2017 2016 EUR '000 2017 2016
2,893 2,836 Cost of goods produced 1,726 1,761
225 211 Distribution and administrative
expenses
173 161
Other operating expenses 117 104
_____
3,118
_____
3,047
__
2,016
___
2,026

Valuation of buildings

The Group and the Company record buildings at revalued amount, less subsequent accumulated depreciation and impairment.

On 31 December 2014, the Group and the Company revalued their buildings and accounted for the revaluation results in the financial statements.

Valuation of buildings

Increase in value of EUR 1,152 thousand (net of deferred income tax liability) for the Company was recognised in equity. The total revaluation surplus for the Group amounted to EUR 1,175 thousand and was recognised within additions in property, plant and equipment for 2014.

The fair value of the buildings is attributed to Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The valuation method used by an independent property valuer – the comparable and cost methods and their combination.

As at 31 December 2017, the net value of the Group's revaluation reserve amounted to EUR 2,369 thousand (31 December 2016: EUR 2,512 thousand).

As at 31 December 2017, the net value of the Company's revaluation reserve amounted to EUR 2,274 thousand (31 December 2016: EUR 2,410 thousand).

Had the Group's buildings been stated at cost, their net book value and revalued amount would be equal to EUR 5,548 thousand and EUR 8,057 thousand, respectively, as at 31 December 2017 (31 December 2016: EUR 5,563 thousand, EUR 8,341 thousand, respectively).

Had the Company's buildings been stated at cost, their net book value and revalued amount would be equal to EUR 4,104 thousand and EUR 6,564 thousand, respectively, as at 31 December 2017 (31 December 2016: EUR 4,067 thousand, EUR 6,792 thousand, respectively).

Based on the estimates of the Group and the Company, the value of the buildings carried at revalued amount as at 31 December 2017 and 2016 did not significantly differ from their carrying amounts, therefore no revaluation was performed.

Notes to the consolidated and separate financial statements

EUR '000 Goodwill Computer
software
Other intangible
assets
Total
Cost
Balance at 1 January 2016 6,915 663 - 7,578
Additions - 40 - 40
Disposals - -2 - -2
Reclassifications* - 14 - 14*
Balance at 31 December 2016 6,915 715 7,630
Balance at 1 January 2017 6,915 715 7,630
Additions
Disposals
- 2 7 9
Reclassifications* 8 5 13*
Balance at 31 December 2017 6,915 725 12 7,652
Amortisation and impairment
Balance at 1 January 2016 - 531 - 531
Amortisation charge for the year - 81 - 81
Disposals - -2 - -2
Balance at 31 December 2016 - 610 610
Balance at 1 January 2017 - 610 - 610
Amortisation charge for the year - 80 1 81
Disposals - - - -
Balance at 31 December 2017 - 690 1 691
Net book amounts
At 1 January 2016 6,915 132 -- 7,047
At 31 December 2016 6,915 105 - 7,020
At 31 December 2017 6,915 35 11 6,961

Amortisation expenses for the year are included in administrative expenses.

for the year ended 31 December 2017

Notes to the consolidated and separate financial statements

12 Intangible assets (continued)

COMPANY

EUR '000 Goodwill Computer
software
Other intangible
assets
Total
Cost
Balance at 1 January 2016 -
588
- 588
Additions -
40
- 40
Disposals -
-
- -
Reclassifications* 14 - 14*
Balance at 31 December 2016 -
642
- 642
Balance at 1 January 2017 -
642
- 642
Additions -
2
7 9
Disposals -
-
- -
Reclassifications* -
8
5 13*
Balance at 31 December 2017 652 12 664
Amortisation and impairment
Balance at 1 January 2016 -
477
- 477
Amortisation charge for the year -
72
- 72
Disposals -
-
- -
Balance at 31 December 2016 -
549
- 549
Balance at 1 January 2017 -
549
- 549
Amortisation charge for the year -
73
1 74
Disposals -
-
- -
Balance at 31 December 2017 -
622
1 623
Net book amounts
At 1 January 2016 111 -- 111
At 31 December 2016 93 - 93
At 31 December 2017 30 11 41

*The amount of EUR 13 thousand (2016: EUR 14 thousand) is related to a completed intangible asset project, which was directly transferred from unfinished construction, real estate, equipment and equipment groups.

12 Intangible assets (continued)

Recoverable amount of cash generating units to which goodwill is attributed

Goodwill is attributable to the following cash generating units of the Group:

EUR '000 At 31 December
2017
At 31 December
2016
Kelmės Pieninė AB 6,616 6,616
Modest AB 299 299
6,915 6,915

Goodwill arising on business combination is attributable mainly to synergy, which has resulted from the integration of the Companies into the existing activity of the Group, i.e. the production of milk products.

These cash generating units were tested for impairment by calculating the value in use. For the assessment of the value in use, the estimated future cash flows were discounted to their present value using the industry's weighted average cost of capital (WACC) of 7% (2016: 7.42%). The main assumptions used for the calculation of the value in use are as follows:

  • Future cash flows were calculated based on historical experience and the approved five-year business plan; Cash flows in the long term were calculated by extrapolating the cash flow of the fifth year at a projected growth rate of 1% (2016: growth rate of 5%).
  • Aiming to increase revenue and improve results of the Company's operations, the Vilkyškių Pieninė AB group has set the main objective for 2018, which is the commencement of the production of dried whey milk products at a full capacity and a successful introduction of these products to the new markets. Sales of not only usual types of cheese, but also of a new product, i.e. grated cheese, are expected to be increased. Efforts will also be focused on the increase of production and sales of blue-veined cheese and search for target markets for these products. Attention will be directed towards increasing operational efficiency of the logistics warehouse.
  • The Group's management expects that the prices of raw milk will not differ significantly from the prices that prevailed in the second half of 2017.
  • The Group projects that the future annual cash flows of Kelmės Pieninė AB will amount to not less than EUR 2,700 thousand.

The recoverable amount of goodwill estimated based on these assumptions was higher than the carrying amount, therefore, no impairment was recognised in the financial statements. The analysis of sensitivity to significant assumptions is not presented as a probable change in these assumptions will have no material impact on the calculated value of goodwill.

13 Investments in subsidiaries

At 31
December
2017
At 31
December
2016
1,991
8,656
66 66
10,713 10,713
1,991
8,656

The Company acquired control over Modest AB in 2006. The ownership interest held by the Company was 99.7% as at 31 December 2017 (31 December 2016: 99.7%).

On 30 April 2008, the Company acquired shares of Kelmės Pieninė AB under the share purchase and sale agreement. The ownership interest held was 100% as at 31 December 2017 (31 December 2016: 100%).

In 2017, the Company owned 58.9% (31 December 2016: 58.7%) of shares of subsidiary Pieno Logistika AB granting voting rights.

No impairment indicators were established in respect of the investment in Modest AB as at 31 December 2017.

The recoverable amount of the investment in Modest AB as a cash-generating unit as at 31 December 2017 was tested by calculating value in use. For the assessment of the value in use, the estimated future cash flows were discounted to their present value using the industry's weighted average cost of capital (WACC) of 7% (2016: 7.42%). The main assumptions used for the calculation of the value in use are as follows:

  • Future cash flows have been calculated based on historical experience and the five-year business plan; cash flows expected to be received over the remaining useful life of property, plant and equipment were calculated by extrapolating the cash flow of the fifth year at a projected growth rate of 5%. At least 80% of production capacities are planned to be used during the entire course of the year;
  • Attention will be directed towards achieving a stable growth of production and sales volumes of 'Mozzarella' cheese containing vegetable oils;
  • Trade with South Korea and Arab countries is expected to be renewed aiming to deliver large quantities of 'Mozzarella' cheese containing vegetable oils;
  • Workload of the production employees will be reviewed and more services are planned to be provided to the Group companies;
  • The Group's management plans to strengthen marketing activities across the Group.

In view of the above-mentioned measures, revenue and EBITDA set in the 2018 budget of the Company prepared by management are estimated at about EUR 13,500 thousand and about EUR 2,500 thousand, respectively.

The estimated recoverable amount of the investment in Modest AB showed that the investment was not impaired as at 31 December 2017, therefore no impairment was recognised.

13 Investments in subsidiaries (continued)

The recoverable amount of the investment in Kelmės Pieninė AB as at 31 December 2017 and 2016 was estimated by assessing impairment of goodwill (Note 12). The estimated recoverable amount of the investment in Kelmės Pieninė AB showed that the investment was not impaired as at 31 December 2017 and 2016, therefore no impairment was recognised.

Key financial data of Pieno Logistika AB as at 31 December 2017 are given below.

At 31
December
2017
At 31 December
2016
Total assets 189 193
Shareholders' equity 106 105
Net profit (loss) 1 -1

14 Long-term amounts receivable (EUR '000)

GROUP
At 31
December
2017
At 31
December
2016
Note At 31
December
2017
At 31
December
2016
Financial instruments
63 102 26 Loans granted to related parties (b) 78 122
62
______
52
______
Non-current amounts receivable from farmers (c) 62 52
125 154 __
140
__
174
______ ____ Non-financial assets __ __
127 185 26 Prepayments to related parties (a) 127 185
2 3 Other non-current amounts receivable 2 2
______
254
____
342
__
269
__
361

(a) A prepayment amounting to EUR 127 thousand was made to a related company Šilgaliai ŪKB. The prepayment must be fully settled until 31 December 2019. The outstanding balance of the prepayment is subject to an administration fee.

(b) A loan amounting to EUR 63 thousand was granted to a related company Šilgaliai ŪKB to be repaid on 31 December 2019. The outstanding balance of the loan bears a fixed interest rate.

(c) Non-current amounts receivable from farmers comprise advance amounts paid to milk suppliers for milk. These advance amounts are subject to an administration fee.

The Group's and the Company's exposure to credit and foreign exchange risks, impairment losses related to trade and other amounts receivable are disclosed in Note 27.

COMPANY

15 Inventories (EUR '000)

GROUP COMPANY
At 31 At 31 At 31 At 31
December 2017 December 2016 December 2017 December 2016
7,671 8,193 Finished products 5,207 7,470
___ ___ _____ ______
7,671 8,193 5,207 7,470
___ ___ Raw materials _____ ______
62 62 18 51
1,672 1,891 Consumables 636 732
251 227 Work in progress - -
___ ___ _____ ______
9,656 10,373 5,861 8,253

Raw materials include milk and other materials used in the production.

As at 31 December 2017, the write-down of the Group's inventories (finished products) to net realisable value amounted to EUR 1,123 thousand (2016: EUR 1,554 thousand).

As at 31 December 2017, the write-down of the Company's inventories (finished products) to net realisable value amounted to EUR 718 thousand (2016: EUR 194 thousand).

As at 31 December 2017, the write-down of the Group's inventories (tare, i.e. auxiliary materials) to net realisable value amounted to EUR 223 thousand (31 December 2016: EUR 123 thousand).

As at 31 December 2017, the write-down of the Company's inventories (tare, i.e. auxiliary materials) to net realisable value amounted to EUR 100 thousand (31 December 2016: EUR 0 thousand).

The write-down of inventories (finished products) to net realisable value and the reversal of the write-down are accounted for in the cost of sales.

The write-down of inventories (tare, packaging) and reversal of the write-down are included in administrative expenses.

As at 31 December 2017, the Group's inventories with the net book value of up to EUR 4,048 thousand (2016: up to EUR 4,048 thousand) have been pledged to financial institutions (Note 20).

As at 31 December 2017, the Company's inventories with the net book value of up to EUR 4,048 thousand (2016: up to EUR 4,048 thousand) have been pledged to financial institutions (Note 20).

16 Trade and other amounts receivable (EUR '000)

GROUP At 31 December
2017
At 31 December
2016
Trade receivables Note 4,984 5,039
Impairment losses j
-97
-97
Loans granted to related parties, including interest
charged and administration fee 26 101 101
Financial assets 4,988 5,043
Other amounts receivable 65 73
Taxes receivable (other than income tax) 3,438 1,852
Total trade and other receivables 8,491 6,968
COMPANY At 31 December
2017
At 31 December
2016
Trade receivables Note 4,897 5,006
Impairment losses j
-97
-97
Trade receivables from related parties 26 6,417 7,264
Loans granted to related parties, including interest
charged and administration fee 26 101 101
Financial assets 11,318 12,274
Taxes receivable (other than income tax) 3,115 1,852
Other amounts receivable 20 22
Total trade and other receivables 14,453 14,148

The Group's and the Company's exposure to credit and foreign exchange risks, impairment losses related to trade and other amounts receivable are disclosed in Note 27.

Taxes receivable mainly comprise VAT receivable.

Trade and other receivables are non-interest bearing and are settled with the term of 30 days.

The amount receivable of EUR 101 thousand is due from a related company Šilgaliai ŪKB. The amount includes interest receivable on the loan and an administration fee charged for the advance amounts made.

Trade receivables with the carrying amount of not less than EUR 81 thousand have been pledged to Luminor Bank AB. As at 31 December 2017, the amount receivable pledged was equal to EUR 155 thousand (31 December 2016: EUR 156 thousand).

17 Prepayments to suppliers (EUR '000)

GROUP COMPANY
At 31
December
2017
At 31
December
2016
Note Note At 31
December
2017
At 31
December
2016
782 181 a) Prepayments 736 151
223 184 26 Prepayments to related parties 26 223 184
__
1,005
__
365
___
959
___
335

a) Prepayments comprise prepayments made to the companies for goods and services and to farmers for milk.

18 Cash and cash equivalents (EuR '000)

GROUP COMPANY
At 31
December 2017
At 31
December 2016
At 31
December 2017
At 31
December 2016
148 209 Cash balances in bank accounts 65 11
169 20 Cash on hand 166 16
__
317
_______
229
__
231
_______
27

As at 31 December 2017, all cash balances held in bank accounts have been pledged to secure the repayment of the bank loans (Note 20). In addition, cash inflows into bank accounts have been pledged to secure the repayment of the bank loans (Note 20).

The Group's and the Company's exposure to the interest rate risk arising from cash and cash equivalents is disclosed in Note 27.

19 Capital and reserves

As at 31 December 2017 and 2016, the Parent Company's authorised share capital was divided into 11,943,000 ordinary shares with the nominal value of EUR 0.29 each. All the shares are fully paid.

Ordinary shares are stated at their nominal value. Consideration received for the shares sold in excess over their nominal value is shown as share premium. Incremental external costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are accounted for as a deduction from share premium.

Pursuant to the Law on Companies, the holders of ordinary shares have one vote per share at the Company's shareholders' meeting, the right to receive dividends, and the right to receive payments in the event of liquidation of the company.

Legal reserve

Pursuant to the Law on Companies of the Republic of Lithuania, annual transfers of 5% of profit for appropriation are required until the legal reserve reaches 10% of the authorised share capital. Pursuant to the mentioned law the legal reserve may be used to cover accumulated losses only. As at 31 December 2017, the Company's and the Group's legal reserve amounted to EUR 346 thousand (31 December 2016: EUR 346 thousand).

Share premium

Share premium is the difference between the nominal value of shares and their issue price.

Revaluation reserve

Revaluation reserve is related to the revaluation of the buildings and is stated net of deferred income tax liability. The reserve is reduced in proportion to the depreciation and disposal of the revalued assets.

Transfers from the revaluation reserve to retained earnings are performed when the revalued buildings are being depreciated. The amount transferred is determined as a difference between depreciation calculated from the revalued amount and depreciation calculated from the initial cost of the buildings.

Revaluation reserve can be used to increase the authorised share capital.

Hedging reserve

As at 31 December 2017, the hedging reserve comprises the effective part of the fair value of the derivative financial instrument relating to hedging against interest rate risk. The hedging reserve amounts to EUR 118 thousand (31 December 2016: EUR 237 thousand).

Reserve for acquisition of own shares

The Ordinary Meeting of Shareholders held on 28 April 2017 decided that the Company can acquire up to 10% of its own shares.

At the end of 2017, the reserve for the acquisition of own shares amounted to EUR 2,508 thousand (2016: EUR 2,508 thousand).

According to the Lithuanian legislation, this reserve will be accounted for as long as the Group and the Company continue the acquisition of own shares.

During 2016 and 2017, the Group and the Company did not acquire own shares.

Dividends

Dividends of EUR 0.12 per share were paid to the shareholders in 2017. No dividends were paid in 2016.

The Board proposes that dividends of EUR 0.14 per share (in total dividends of 1,672 tEur) are paid to the shareholders for the year 2017. The amount of dividends to be paid should be approved by the shareholders during the annual meeting of shareholders. This amount is not reported in these financial statements as a liability.

GROUP COMPANY
At 31 At 31 At 31 At 31
December December December December
2017 2016 2017 2016
19,620 21,579 Non-current borrowings 3,510 6,804
503 32 Finance lease liabilities 479 32
20,123 21,611 Non-current 3,989 6,836
___
7,767
__
8,610
Current bank and other borrowings ____
4,464
___
6,972
207 87 Finance lease liabilities 195 87
7,974 8,697 Current 4,659 7,059
___
28,097
__
30,308
Total borrowings ____
8,648
____
13,895

20 Borrowings and financial lease liabilities

As at 31 December 2017, according to the agreements signed with banks the Company's and the Group's balance of short-term credit limits not withdrawn amounted to EUR 1,339 thousand (2016: EUR 76 thousand) and of long-term credit limits not withdrawn amounted to EUR 819 thousand (2016: EUR 6,695 thousand). According to the agreements signed with banks, the Company's and the Group's borrowings and credit lines are subject to interest rates: 3 month EURIBOR + a margin and 6 month EURIBOR + a margin; interest rates set for the overdraft: 3 month EURIBOR + a margin, 2 month EURIBOR + a margin and 1week EONIA + a margin.

According to the loan agreements signed with banks, the Company and the Group have committed to comply with certain covenants, such as debt to EBITDA ratio, debt service coverage ratio, equity ratio and other financial ratios. The mentioned ratios were calculated according to the data reported in the consolidated financial statements.

As at 31 December 2017, the Company and the Group complied with the covenants established in the loan agreements signed with banks.

GROUP COMPANY
At 31 At 31 At 31 At 31
December December December December
2017 2016 2017 2016
7,767 8,610 Within 1 year 4,464 6,972
19,620 21,579 Later than 1 year and no later than 5 years 3,510 6,804
0
__
0
__
Later than 5 years 0 0
27,387 30,189 ___
7,974
___
13,776

Schedules of repayment of borrowings, except for finance lease liabilities (EUR '000)

for the year ended 31 December 2017

Notes to the consolidated and separate financial statements

In 2017, the Group's borrowings and finance lease liabilities were subject to an annual estimated effective interest rate of 2.97% (2016: 1.8%).

In 2017 the Company's borrowings and finance lease liabilities were subject to an annual estimated effective interest rate of 4.58% (2016: 3.39%).

Financial lease liabilities

GROUP COMPANY
At 31
December
2017
At 31
December
2016
At 31
December
2017
At 31
December
2016
207 87 No later than 1 year 195 87
503 32 Later than 1 year and no later than 5 years 479 32
___
710
_____
__
119
____
_
674
_
__
119
__

The Company's and the Group's financial lease agreements do not contain any contingent lease payments.

The Company's and the Group's interest rate applicable to finance leases consists of a 6 or 12-month EURIBOR + a margin.

Cash flows from financing activities

Liabilities arising from financing activities
COMPANY Current
portion of
finance lease
liabilities
Non
current
portion of
finance
lease
liabilities
Current portion of
non-current
borrowings,
current borrowings
Credit
lines and
overdrafts
Non
current
portion of
non
current
borrowings
Total
At 1 January 2017 87 32 3,276 3,696 6,804 13,895
Cash flows - proceeds from
borrowings
- - 160 - 2,179 2,339
Cash flows - repayments of
borrowings
- - (561) (2,107) (1,685) (4,353)
Acquisitions - finance lease 484 447 - - - 931
Returns - finance lease (376) - - - - (376)
Other non-cash changes
(off-set of the repayment of
a borrowing against
amounts receivable)
- - - - (3,788) (3,788)
At 31 December 2017 195 479 2,875 1,589 3,510 8,648

Notes to the consolidated and separate financial statements

Liabilities arising from financing activities
Non Credit Non
GROUP Current current Current portion of lines and current Total
portion of portion of non-current overdrafts portion of
finance lease finance borrowings, non
liabilities lease current borrowings current
liabilities borrowings
At 1 January 2017 87 32 3,917 4,693 21,579 30,308
Cash flows - proceeds from
borrowings
- - 2,419 - 2,926 5,345
Cash flows - repayments of
borrowings - - (1,100) (2,162) (4,885) (8,147)
Acquisitions - finance lease 506 471 - - - 977
Returns - finance lease (386) - - - - (386)
At 31 December 2017 207 503 5,236 2,531 19,620 28,097
GROUP COMPANY
Minimum
finance lease
payments
Present
value of
minimum
finance lease
payments
Financial lease liabilities
at 31 December 2017
Minimum
finance
lease
payments
Present
value of
minimum
finance
lease
payments
218
516
207
503
Finance lease payments within the first year
Finance lease payments within the second – fifth
years
206
491
195
479
__
734
(24)
__
710
Minimum finance lease payments
Future finance charges
___
697
(23)
___
674
__
710
__
710
Present value of minimum finance lease
payments
___
674
___
674

21 Government grants (EUR '000)

GROUP COMPANY
At 31
December
2016
At 31
December
At 31
December
2016
3,134 Opening net book amount 1,861 1,903
206 Grants received 44 182
-398 and write-off of grants (business plan) -238 -224
2,942 Closing net book amount 1,667 __
1,861
__
_____ Amortisation recognised in profit or loss
_____
2017
_
_

In the period from 2007 to 2014, the Group and the Company received the support of the EU funds under the Lithuanian Rural Development Programmes from the National Paying Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture. The support was received for the acquisition of non-current assets. The mentioned support is amortised in proportion to the depreciation of the assets concerned.

Under the 2014-2020 programme financed from the EU funds the Group received support of EUR 3,079 thousand in 2017 for the acquisition of the technological lines intended for the production of dried whey milk products. A second part of the support for investments (EUR 921 thousand) will be received by June 2018.

22 Deferred income tax liabilities

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities, that were calculated using a 15% tax rate in 2017 (2016: 15%), are allocated to the following line items:

Assets Liabilities Net amount
At 31 At 31 At 31 At 31 At 31 At 31
December December December December December December
EUR '000 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Property, plant and
equipment 1,937 1,856 1,937 1,856
Vacation reserve -92 -69 - - -92 -69
Inventories - -29 - - - -29
Government grants -211 -207 - - -211 -207
Tax loss carry forward -106 -731 - - -106 -731
Deferred income tax
(assets)/liabilities -409 -1,036 1,937 1,856 1,528 820

Tax losses can be carried forward for indefinite period, except for losses incurred as a result of disposal of securities and/or derivative financial instruments. Such carrying forward is disrupted if the Company terminates the activities that caused these losses, except when the Company discontinues its activities due to the reasons that are beyond the Company's control. Article 30(4) of the Law on Corporate Income Tax stipulates that when calculating income tax for 2014 and subsequent tax periods, the Company could offset income of a tax period against the amount of accumulated losses by maximum 70%.

The increase in the deferred income tax liability of EUR 708 thousand was recognised in the statement of profit or loss.

The movements in temporary differences during the year are as follows:

EUR '000 At 1 January
2017
Recognised
in profit or loss
Recognised
in equity
At 31
December
2017
Property, plant and equipment 1,856 81 - 1,937
Vacation reserve -69 -23 - -92
Inventories -29 29 - 0
Government grants -207 -4 - -211
Tax loss carry forward -731 625 - -106
Deferred income tax (assets)/liabilities 820 708 - 1,528
EUR '000 At 1 January
2016
Recognised
in profit or loss
Recognised
in equity
At 31 December
2016
Property, plant and equipment 1,694 162 - 1,856
Vacation reserve -59 -10 - -69
Inventories - -29 - -29
Government grants -190 -17 - -207
Tax loss carry forward -1,057 326 - -731
Deferred income tax (assets)/liabilities 388 432 - 820

Notes to the consolidated and separate financial statements

Difference between the tax base and the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment in the financial statements has occurred mainly due to the revaluation of the buildings.

GROUP
At 31
December
At 31
December
EUR '000 COMPANY
At 31
December
At 31
December
2017
221/ (81)
2016
420/ (162)
Deferred income tax assets/(liability)
Deferred income tax assets/(liability) to be
realised within 12 months
2017
221 /(81)
2016
420/ (162)
188 / (1,856) 616 / (1,694) Deferred income tax assets/(liability) to be
realised after 12 months
188 /(1,856) 616 /(1,694)
(1,528) (820) Net deferred income tax liability (1,528) (820)

The Group and the Company do not recognise deferred income tax assets on income tax relief for investment projects. The amount of such unused reliefs was equal to EUR 19,737 thousand and EUR 1,498 thousand, respectively.

23 Trade and other amounts payable

GROUP COMPANY
At 31 At 31 EUR '000 At 31 At 31
December December December December
2017 2016 2017 2016
Financial instruments
8,100 7,846 Trade payables 6,749 6,532
7
______
4
______
Trade payables to related parties 26 7 4
8,107
______
7,850
______
____
6,756
_____
6,536
Non-financial instruments ____ _____
1,788 1,453 Employment-related liabilities 1,180 957
361 1,556 Prepayments received 361 1,556
74 74 Dividends payable - -
882 20 Accrued expenses and provisions 871 10
82 116 Other amounts payable 26 31
__
3,187
____
___
3,219
_____
____
2,438
_____
2,554
11,294 11,069 ____
9,194
_____
9,090

Notes to the consolidated and separate financial statements

The Group's and the Company's exposure to foreign currency and liquidity risks associated with trade and other amounts payable is discussed in Note 27.

24 Derivative financial instruments (EUR '000)

GROUP COMPANY
At 31
December
2017
At 31
December
2016
At 31
December
2017
At 31
December
2016
- 154 Interest rate swap contract – cash flow
hedge (non-current portion)
Interest rate swap contract – cash flow
- 154
118 83 hedge (current portion) 118 83
_ ______
118
237 ____
118
___
237
_ ______ ____ ___

Derivative financial instruments are measured at fair value as at 31 December 2017. The Group and the Company have concluded one interest rate swap contract with the bank relating to borrowings, which initially amounted to EUR 3,900 thousand. The borrowing is subject to a variable interest rate linked with 6 month EURIBOR + a margin. The Group and the Company are exposed to the risk of changes in cash flows arising from changes in forecast interest payments linked with 3 and 6 month EURIBOR (reference interest rate). Due to this reason, the Group and the Company have entered into interest rate swap contracts with the bank whereby fixed interest rates have been set for the mentioned borrowings as follows:

  • EUR 3,900 thousand. The Group and the Company make fixed-rate payments and receive variable-rate payments linked with 6 month EURIBOR.

The mentioned cash flow hedges were assessed as being effective.

The Company's exposure to liquidity risk associated with derivative financial instruments is disclosed in Note 27.

25 Contingent liabilities

Material contractual liabilities as at 31 December 2017 were as follows:

GROUP COMPANY
2017 2016 EUR '000 2017 2016
772 4,591 Purchase of property, plant and
equipment
350 1,554
3,709 4,127 Purchase of raw materials 3,709 2,949
__
4,481
___
8,718
__
4,059
___
4,503

As at 31 December 2017, the Group's and the Company's assets pledged to secure the repayment bank borrowings were as follows (Note 20):

  • Current and future cash inflows of the Group and the Company in the accounts at different banks;
  • Immovable property of the Group with the carrying amount of EUR 8,260 thousand; immovable property of the Company with the carrying amount of EUR 6,768 thousand;
  • Movable property of the Group with the carrying amount of EUR 11,834 thousand; movable property of the Company with the carrying amount of EUR 6,899 thousand;

  • Inventories of the Group with the carrying amount up to EUR 4,048 thousand; inventories of the Company with the carrying amount of up to EUR 4,048 thousand;

  • Trade receivables of the Group and the Company from one retail chain;
  • State land lease rights of the Group and the Company;
  • Trade marks owned by the Group and the Company with the net book value of EUR 2.9 thousand;
  • 50.00% shareholding in Kelmės Pieninė AB;
  • Surety for Vilkyškių Pieninė AB issued by Kelmės Pieninė AB and Modest AB in respect of loans and overdraft granted by SEB Bankas;
  • Surety for Kelmės Pieninė AB issued by Modest AB and Vilkyškių Pieninė AB in respect of loans and overdraft granted by OP Corporate Bank;
  • Surety for Modest AB issued by Kelmės Pieninė AB and Vilkyškių Pieninė AB in respect of loans granted by Luminor Bank;
  • Surety for Vilkyškių Pieninė AB issued by Modest AB in respect of a loan granted by Luminor Bank;
  • Surety of EUR 1 million issued by Kelmės Pieninė AB for the overdraft received by the agricultural cooperative entity.

The Group's and the Company's management is aware that pursuant to the effective laws, the State Tax Inspectorate may at any time inspect the books and accounting records of the Group and the Group companies for 5 years preceding the reporting tax period and may assess additional taxes or fines. The Group's and the Company's management is not aware of any circumstances that might result in a potential material tax liability in this respect.

26 Transactions with related parties and the Company's management personnel

The parties are related when one party has a power to exercise control over the other party or make significant influence on its financial and operation decisions. The related parties of the Group and the Company and the transactions conducted with related parties during 2017 and 2016 were as follows (expressed in EUR thousands):

Kelmės Pieninė AB (the subsidiary); Modest AB (the subsidiary); Pieno Logistika AB (the subsidiary); Šilgaliai ŪKB (the Company's major shareholder is the holder of member shares of Šilgaliai ŪKB).

GROUP

EUR '000 Note 2017 2016
Amounts payable
Trade payables
Šilgaliai ŪKB
7 4
7 4
Prepayments
Šilgaliai ŪKB (non-current assets) 14 127 185
Šilgaliai ŪKB (current assets) 16 223 184
350 369

Notes to the consolidated and separate financial statements

Loans granted, including interest charged and
administration fee
Šilgaliai ŪKB (non-current and current portions)
164 203
164 203
514 572
Interest income
Šilgaliai ŪKB
5 5
5 5
Interest expenses
Management - 6
- 6
Sales of raw materials, products and services
Šilgaliai ŪKB 9 9
9 9
Purchase of raw materials, products and services
Šilgaliai ŪKB 861 650
861 650

Šilgaliai ŪKB is a supplier of milk. The main shareholder and persons related to him own part of member shares of Šilgaliai ŪKB.

Employee expenses amounting to EUR 667 thousand (including social security contributions) include payments to the Group management (2016: EUR 538 thousand).

COMPANY

Employee expenses amounting to EUR 471 thousand (including social security contributions) include payments to the Company management (2016: EUR 411 thousand).

EUR '000 2017 2016
Amounts payable
Loans
Loan payable to Kelmės Pieninė AB
Loan payable to the main shareholder of the
- 1,610
Company - -
- 1,610
Trade payables
Kelmės Pieninė AB - -
Modest AB - -
Šilgaliai ŪKB 7 4

Notes to the consolidated and separate financial statements

7 4
7 1,614
Amounts receivable
Prepayments
Šilgaliai ŪKB (non-current amounts receivable) 14 127 185
Šilgaliai ŪKB (current amounts receivable) 16 223 184
350 369
Trade receivables
Kelmės Pieninė AB 4,504 5,202
Modest AB 1,913 2,061
Pieno Logistika AB - 1
6,417 7,264
Loans granted, including interest charged and
administration fee
Šilgaliai ŪKB (non-current and current portions) 164 203
Pieno Logistika AB 15 20
179 223
6,946 7,856
6 Interest income
Šilgaliai ŪKB 5 5
Pieno Logistika AB 1 2
6 7
Interest expenses
Kelmės Pieninė AB 57 44
Main shareholder of the Company - 6
57 50
Sales of raw materials, products and services
Kelmės Pieninė AB
Modest AB 9,672
9,507
8,553
5,723
Pieno Logistika AB 1 1
Šilgaliai ŪKB 9 9
19,189 14,286

Notes to the consolidated and separate financial statements

Purchase of raw materials, products and

services from:
Kelmės Pieninė AB 18,033 19,422
Modest AB 13,485 9,920
Pieno Logistika AB - -
Šilgaliai ŪKB 861 650
32,379 29,992

Šilgaliai ŪKB is a supplier of milk.

27 Financial instruments and risk management

Credit risk

The maximum exposure to credit risk is the carrying amount of financial assets (all financial assets are classified within the category of loans and receivables). The maximum exposure to credit risk as at the reporting date was as follows:

GROUP

EUR'000 Carrying amount
Note At 31 At 31
December 2017 December 2016
Non-current amounts receivable 14 125 154
Trade and other amounts receivable, net of tax 16 4,988 5,043
Cash and cash equivalents 18 317 229
5,430 5,426

The table below analyses the maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date attributable to trade receivables according to geographical regions.

Carrying amount
At 31 At 31
December 2017 December 2016
Lithuania 826 2,168
Estonia 953 308
Latvia 691 472
Poland 668 594
Portugal 502 172
Albania 279 105
Kazakhstan 213 223
Israel 204 262
Czech Republic 154 -
Taiwan 130 -
Denmark 127 -
Italy 84 -
Ireland - 367
Saudi Arabia - 142
Jordan - 2
Other 157 228
4,988 5,043

27 Financial instruments and risk management (continued)

As at 31 December 2017, a significant credit risk concentration is related to four customers, the receivables from which accounted for 39% of all trade receivables (31 December 2016: 30%).

COMPANY

EUR '000 Carrying amount
Note At 31
December
2017
At 31
December
2016
Non-current amounts receivable 14 140 174
Trade and other amounts receivable 16 11,318 12,274
Cash and cash equivalents 18 231 27
11,689 12,475

The table below analyses the maximum exposure to credit risk at the date of the statement of financial position attributable to trade receivables and loans according to geographical regions.

Carrying amount
EUR '000 At 31 December
2017
At 31 December
2016
Lithuania 7,156 9,399
Estonia 953 308
Latvia 691 472
Poland 668 594
Portugal 502 172
Albania 279 105
Kazakhstan 213 223
Israel 204 262
Czech Republic 154 -
Taiwan 130 -
Denmark 127 -
Italy 84 -
Ireland - 367
Saudi Arabia - 142
Jordan - 2
Other 157 228
11,318 12,274

As at 31 December 2017, a significant credit risk concentration is related to four customers, the receivables from which accounted for 39 % of all trade receivables (31 December 2016: 30%).

27 Financial instruments and risk management (continued)

Impairment losses

The Group and the Company establish the provision for impairment losses which represents the estimate of incurred losses in respect of trade and other receivables. Such a provision includes only specific losses associated with individual significant trade and other receivables. The ageing analysis of trade and other receivables and non-current amounts receivable as at the reporting date is as follows:

GROUP Total Impairment
Total
At 31
Impairment
At 31 December December At 31 December At 31 December
EUR '000 2017 2017 2016 2016
Related parties:
Not past due 417 - 473 -
Past due 0-30 days - - 1 -
Past due 31-60 days - - 1 -
More than 60 days 97 - 97 -
514 - 572 -
Not past due 3,451 - 3,865 -
Past due 0-30 days 1,018 - 664 -
Past due 31-60 days 59 - 70 -
More than 60 days 168 -97 123 -97
4,696 -97 4,722 -97
5,210 -97 5,294 -97

Impairment losses related to trade and other amounts receivable amounted to EUR 97 thousand as at 31 December 2017 (2016: EUR 97 thousand).

COMPANY

Total Impairment Total Impairment
At 31 At 31 At 31 At 31
December December December December
EUR '000 2017 2017 2016 2016
Related parties:
Not past due 6,849 - 6,524 -
Past due 0-30 days - - 1,234 -
Past due 31-60 days - - 1 -
More than 60 days 97 - 97 --
6,946 - 7,856 -
Other parties:
Not past due 3,364 - 3,836 -
Past due 0-30 days 1,018 - 662 -
Past due 31-60 days 59 - 70 -
More than 60 days 168 -97 121 -97
4,609 -97 4,689 -97
11,555 -97 12,545 -97

27 Financial instruments and risk management (continued)

Credit risk arising from the Company's and the Group's amounts receivable not past due is high.

Movements in the provision for impairment of trade and other receivables during the year are set out below:

GROUP

EUR '000 Carrying amount
2017
-97
Balance at 1 January
Impairment losses recognised - -114
-47
Write-off of bad debts - 2
Impairment losses reversed - 62
Balance at 31 December -97 -97

COMPANY

EUR '000 Carrying amount
2017 2016
Balance at 1 January -97 -114
Impairment losses recognised - -47
Write-off of bad debts - 2
Impairment losses reversed - 62
Balance at 31 December -97 -97

Based on historical payment statistics and detailed analysis of customer solvency, the Company's management consider that the amounts which are past due more than 30 days and not impaired are still recoverable. During three recent years the Company recognised amounts receivable of EUR 97 thousand as bad debts.

Liquidity risk

The table below analyses financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings, including estimated interest, based on their contractual maturities.

GROUP

At 31 December 2017 Contrac
EUR '000 Carrying
amount
tual cash
flows
Less than
6 months
6-12
months
1-2
years
2-5
years
Financial liabilities
Borrowings from banks 27,072 (28,333) (5,184) (2,726) (5,854) (14,569)
Finance lease liabilities 710 (734) (115) (103) (507) (9)
Factoring 315 (317) (317) - - -
Derivative financial instruments 118 (118) (29) (29) (60)
Trade payables 8,107 (8,107) (8,107) - - -
36,322 (37,609) (13,752) (2,858) (6,421) (14,578)

Notes to the consolidated and separate financial statements

At 31 December 2016 Contrac
Carrying tual cash Less than 6-12 1-2 2-5
EUR '000 amount flows 6 months months years years
Financial liabilities
Borrowings from banks 30,034 (31,713) (6,455) (2,478) (6,514) (16,266)
Finance lease liabilities 119 (122) (50) (39) (31) (2)
Factoring 155 (156) (156) - - -
Derivative financial instruments 237 (237) (59) (59) (119) -
Trade payables 7,850 (7,850) (7,850) - - -
38,395 (40,078) (14,570) (2,576) (6,664) (16,268)

27 Financial instruments and risk management (continued)

COMPANY

At 31 December 2017 Contrac
EUR '000 Carrying
amount
tual cash
flows
Less than
6 months
6-12
months
1-2
years
2-5
years
Financial liabilities
Borrowings from banks 7,659 (7,797) (2,857) (1,381) (3,559) -
Finance lease liabilities 674 (697) (109) (97) (491) -
Factoring 315 (317) (317) - - -
Derivative financial instruments 118 (118) (29) (29) (60)
Trade payables 6,756 (6,756) (6,756)
15,522 (15,685) (10,068) (1,507) (4,110)

At 31 December 2016

Contrac
Carrying tual cash Less than 6-12 1-2 2-5
EUR '000 amount flows 6 months months years years
Financial liabilities
Borrowings from banks 12,011 (12,911) (4,991) (2,153) (1,470) (4,297)
Loan of Kelmės Pieninė AB 1,610 (1,848) (27) (27) (393) (1,401)
Finance lease liabilities 119 (123) (51) (39) (31) (2)
Factoring 155 (158) (158) - - -
Derivative financial instruments 237 (237) (59) (59) (119) -
Trade payables 6,536 (6,536) (6,536) - - -
20,668 (21,813) (11,822) (2,278) (2,013) (5,700)

Derivative financial instruments are classified as financial liabilities stated at fair value. All other financial liabilities are attributed to other financial liabilities measured at amortised cost.

Notes to the consolidated and separate financial statements

27 Financial instruments and risk management (continued)

Estimated cash flows were discounted using the following interest rates:

2017 2016
Borrowings and financial lease liabilities 1.7% - 2.3% 1.8% - 2.3%

Foreign exchange risk

Exposure to foreign currency risk (expressed in EUR thousands), using currency exchange rates effective as at 31 December 2017, was as follows:

GROUP (COMPANY) (EUR '000) USD PLN
Trade and other amounts receivable, net of tax - 296
Cash and cash equivalents - 13
Trade payables (15) (9)
Net exposure (15) 300

Exposure to foreign currency risk (expressed in EUR thousands), using currency exchange rates effective as at 31 December 2016, was as follows:

USD PLN
Trade and other amounts receivable, net of tax 145 232
Cash and cash equivalents - 2
Trade payables - (3)
Net exposure 145 231

During the year the exchange rates against the euro were as follows:

Average
2017
8
2016
8
USD 1,1293 1,1072
PLN 4,2569 4,3619

The exchange rates applied against the euro as at 31 December were as follows:

2017
8
2016
1,0541
4,177 4,4103
1,1993

27 Financial instruments and risk management (continued)

Analysis of sensitivity to changes in the exchange rates

The Company's functional currency is the euro (EUR). The Company's foreign currency risk arises from purchases and sales denominated in currencies other than the euro. In 2017, the major portion of the Company's transactions were conducted in the euros, therefore the Company was not exposed a significant foreign currency risk.

Interest rate risk

The Group's and the Company's borrowings bear variable interest rates linked with EURIBOR + a margin.

The Group and the Company have entered into one interest rate swap contract with the bank, under which they partially hedge against significant fluctuations in interest rates. The fair value of the interest rate swap contracts amounting to EUR 118 thousand (2016: EUR 237 thousand) was included in the line item 'Derivative financial instruments'.

Foreign exchange risk

Interest rates applied to the Group's and the Company's financial instruments as at 31 December 2017 were as follows:

GROUP COMPANY
Carrying amount EUR '000 Carrying amount
At 31 At 31 At 31 At 31
December December December December
2017 2016 2017 2016
======== ========= ======= =========
Financial instruments bearing fixed interest
rate
- - Loan of Kelmės Pieninė AB - (1,610)
- - Pieno Logistika AB 15 20
63
========
102
=========
Non-current portion of loans granted 63
=========
102
=========
63 102 78 (1,488)
GRUPĖ COMPANY
Carrying amount EUR '000 Carrying amount
At 31 At 31 At 31 At 31
December December December December
2017
========
2016
=========
2017
=========
2016
=========
Financial instruments bearing variable interest
rates
(27,072) (30,034) Borrowings from banks (7,659) (12,011)
(315) (155) Factoring (315) (155)
(710)
========
(119)
=========
Financial lease liabilities (674) (119)
(28,097) (30,308) =========
(8,648)
=========
(12,285)
========
(28,034)
=========
(30,206)
=========
(8,570)
=========
(13,773)

Notes to the consolidated and separate financial statements

27 Financial instruments and risk management (continued)

Analysis of sensitivity of cash flows to instruments bearing variable interest rates

Increasing/decreasing interest rates by +/- 100 basis points (bps) would increase/decrease equity and profit/(loss) by the amounts set out in the table below. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular exchange rates, are held constant. The analysis for 2016 was performed using the same basis.

GROUP COMPANY
Profit (loss) Effect in EUR thousands Profit (loss)
100 bp 100 bp 100 bp 100 bp
increase decrease increase decrease
At 31 December 2017
(280) (280) Financial instruments bearing variable interest
rates
(86) (86)
At 31 December 2016
(302) 302 Financial instruments bearing variable interest
rates
(138) 138

Fair value of financial instruments / Fair value hierarchy

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction in the main (or most advantageous) market between market participants at the measurement date, regardless of whether the price is directly observed or determined using a valuation methodology.

The table below analyses financial instruments carried at fair value, by valuation method. Directly observable market data reflect market information collected from independent sources; unobservable inputs reflect the Group's and the Company's management assessments regarding the situation in the market. These two types of inputs determine the following fair value hierarchy:

  • Level 1 quoted prices (unadjusted) in an observable active market for assets and liabilities identical to than of the Group and the Company. This level of valuation is used for listed equity securities and debt securities quoted on stock exchanges (e.g. the stock exchanges of Vilnius, London, Frankfurt).
  • Level 2 inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable either directly or indirectly (derived from prices).
  • Level 3 inputs that are not based on observable market data. The Group and the Company measure their assets and liabilities using fair value estimation techniques of Level 3 to determine expected discounted net cash flows. A discount rate applied is determined on the basis of financing costs incurred in relation to investments in these companies.

The following methods and assumptions are used by the Group and the Company to estimate the fair value of these financial instruments:

Financial instruments that are not measured at fair value

The main financial instruments of the Group and the Company that are not measured at fair value are trade and other amounts receivable, term deposits, trade and other amounts payable, non-current and current borrowings. The Group's and the Company's management is of the opinion that the carrying amounts of these financial instruments approximate their fair values because borrowing costs are linked to an interbank lending rate EURIBOR, and other financial assets and liabilities are of shortterm nature; therefore, their fair value variation is not significant.

Notes to the consolidated and separate financial statements

27 Financial instruments and risk management (continued)

Financial instruments measured at fair value

Financial instruments measured at fair value as at 31 December 2017 comprise derivative financial instruments.

GROUP

At 31 December 2017

EUR '000

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Non-current amounts receivable - - 125 125
Trade and other amounts receivable - - 4,988 4,988
Cash and cash equivalents 317 - - 317
Borrowings and financial lease liabilities - - (28,097) (28,097)
Derivative financial instruments - (118) - (118)
Trade and other payables - - (8,107) (8,107)
317 (118) (31,091) (30,892)

At 31 December 2016

EUR '000

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Non-current amounts receivable - - 154 154
Trade and other amounts receivable - - 5,043 5,043
Cash and cash equivalents 229 - - 229
Borrowings and financial lease liabilities - - (30,308) (30,308)
Derivative financial instruments (237) - (237)
Trade and other payables - - (7,850) (7,850)
229 (237) (32,961) (32,969)

COMPANY

At 31 December 2017

EUR '000
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Non-current amounts receivable - - 140 140
Trade and other amounts receivable - - 11,318 11,318
Cash and cash equivalents 231 - - 231
Borrowings and financial lease liabilities - - (8,648) (8,648)
Derivative financial instruments - (118) - (118)
Trade and other payables - - (6,756) (6,756)
231 (118) (3,946) (3,833)

Notes to the consolidated and separate financial statements

At 31 December 2016

EUR '000
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Non-current amounts receivable - - 174 174
Trade and other amounts receivable - - 12,274 12,274
Cash and cash equivalents 27 - - 27
Borrowings and financial lease liabilities - - (13,895) (13,895)
Derivative financial instruments - (237) - (237)
Trade and other payables - - (6,536) (6,536)
27 (237) (7,983) (8,193)

Price risk

Prices of milk and milk products vary depending on the situation in the market. The Group and the Company seek to minimise the impact of such price fluctuations by diversifying production and aiming to realise economies of scale.

Capital management

The Board's policy is aimed at maintaining a significant portion of equity compared to borrowed funds in order to avoid damaging trust of investors, creditors and the market and ensuring the development of operations in the future and compliance with externally imposed capital requirements. Capital is defined as equity attributable to equity holders

The Board also aims to maintain balance between a higher rate of return, which could be achieved by obtaining more borrowed funds, and security, which is ensured by a larger amount of equity.

The Board's policy is aimed at maintaining a significant portion of equity compared to borrowed funds in order to avoid damaging trust of investors, creditors and the market and ensuring the development of operations in the future and compliance with externally imposed capital requirements. Capital is defined as equity attributable to equity holders

The Group and the Company manage the capital structure and make adjustments to it in the light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of their activities. To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group and the Company may adjust the dividend payment to shareholders, return capital to the shareholders or issue new shares. There were no changes in the objectives, policies or processes during the financial years ended 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2016.

The Law on Companies of the Republic of Lithuania require that the Group and the Company keep equity at no less than 50% of the share capital.

The Group is obligated to meet external capital requirements set by the banks. Based on the requirements of the banks (equity - revaluation reserve) / (total assets) ratio should not be less than 30%. Management monitors the compliance with the requirements set for the Group.

28 Events after the end of the reporting period

There were no significant events subsequent to the reporting date that could have a material impact on the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017.

I.ISSUER OVERVIEW

1. Reporting Period for this Report

This consolidated Report is for 2017

2. Issuer Information and Contact Details

Name of Issuer Vilkyškių pieninė
AB (hereinafter –
Company or Issuer)
Legal Form Public limited company (Lith. Akcinė bendrovė)
Date and place of registration 18 May 1993, Tauragė
Division of VĮ Registrų centras
Date and place of re-registration 30 December 2005, Tauragė
Division of VĮ Registrų centras
Head office address P.Lukošaičio str. 14, Vilkyškiai, LT-99254, Pagėgių savivaldybė
Registration No. 060018
Company Register Code 277160980
Telephone +370
441 55330
Fax +370
441 55242
E-mail [email protected]
Website http://www.vilkyskiu.lt

3. Information on Subsidiaries and Contact Details:

Modest AB

Modest
AB (hereinafter –
Modest
AB)
Public limited company
25 March 1992
31 December 2009, Tauragė Division of VĮ Registrų centras
017745
121313693
Gaurės str. 23, LT-72340 Tauragė
+370
446 72693
+370
446 72734
[email protected]
http://www.vilkyskiu.lt

Kelmės pieninė AB

Name of subsidiary Kelmės pieninė
AB (hereinafter –
Kelmės pieninė
AB)
Legal form Public limited company
Date of registration 3 August 1993, Šiauliai Division of VĮ Registrų centras
Date of re-registration 4 July 2007 (issue of new registration certificate)
Head office Raseinių str. 2, LT-86160 Kelmė
Registration No. 110109
Company register code 162403450
Telephone +370
427 61246
Fax +370
427 61235
E-mail [email protected]
Website http://www.vilkyskiu.lt

Pieno logistika AB

Name of subsidiary Pieno logistika
AB (hereinafter –
Pieno logistika
AB)
Legal form Public limited company
Data and place of registration 10 December 2013, Šiauliai Division of VĮ Registrų centras
Head office Pagojo str. 1, Pagojo km., Kelmės raj.
Company register code 303203457
Telephone +370
427 61246
Fax +370
427 61235
E-mail [email protected]
Website http://www.vilkyskiu.lt

4. Main Types of Activity

The main business activity of Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group is production and sale of dairy products.

Dairy operation and cheese production (EVRK 10.51).

The main business activity of Vilkyškių pieninė AB is production and sale of fermented cheese, cream and whey products.

Subsidiary company Modest AB makes mozzarella cheese, mould cheese, melt cheese and other cheese products.

Subsidiary company Kelmės pieninė AB makes fresh dairy products: milk, kefir, yogurts, cottage cheese, butter and dried milk whey products.

Subsidiary company Pieno logistika AB mainly engages in the lease of buildings.

5. Agreements with Brokerages for Public Issue

Vilkyškių pieninė AB has an underwriting agreement with UAB FMĮ Orion Securities brokerage (address A. Tumėno str. 4, B korp., LT-01109, Vilnius) on the accounting of Vilkyškių pieninė AB, Kelmės pieninė AB and Modest AB shareholders and services associated with the accounting of the Company's securities. AB FMĮ Finasta brokerage manages shareholder accounts for Pieno logistika AB.

6. Trading in the Issuer's Securities on Regulated Exchanges

The name of securities: Vilkyškių pieninė AB common registered shares. The number of securities issued: 11,943,000 units. Share face value: EUR 0.29 per share.

The Company's issue is included in the Official List of AB NASDAQ OMX Vilnius. The ISIN code of the securities: LT0000127508, Ticker symbol: VLP1L.

The Company's shares have been listed since 17 May 2006.

The securities of the subsidiary companies are not publicly traded.

II. OVERVIEW OF OPERATIONS

Vilkyškių pieninė AB produces a wide range of delicious dairy products made to original recipes, many of them winning accolades at various international trade fairs. We are proudly continuing the long-standing traditions of cheese production that originated in the picturesque valleys of western Lithuania. The lush flood-meadows of the Nemunas River inspires us to create and share what nature has so generously bestowed on us.

Our mission is to make gourmet dairy products for people to enjoy.

Our Values:

Quality – we make high-quality dairy products and keep to the highest standards.

Innovation – we constantly strive to surprise our customers with new products by introducing original tastes and flavours. We keep investing in new technologies and are expanding our range of products. We find joy in the creative process and in sharing what we create — that is how new traditions are born.

Competence – in the hands of our dairy masters, ordinary dairy products turn into exceptional and original ones, setting the standard for the rest.

Honesty – we are open and trustworthy. We cherish the confidence and respect of our customers. Timetested relationships with our partners and the professionalism of our people make the foundation of our business.

7. Issuer's Jurisdiction

In its operations, Vilkyškių pieninė AB follows the Lithuanian law, government resolutions and legal acts on companies, in particular the Lithuanian law on the securities market, as well as the Company's own Articles of Association.

8. Brief History of Issuer

Vilkyškių pieninė AB legacy was revived in 1993, when a limited liability company called Vilkyškių pieninė was founded in the premises of an old dairy bearing the same name, built in 1934. The old dairy had stopped production in 1985, and all equipment had been dismantled. The new owners of the dairy privatised the buildings and brought new production equipment from Eastern Germany.

Initially, there was no other owners' equity apart from the privatized buildings, and bank loans were taken to provide the much needed turnover capital.

Key Events in Issuer's History

1993 – 1995: the dairy's water tower, boiler house and milk separation unit were renovated, and milk separation was launched. The cheese production department started making of low-fat fermented cheese Peptatas. A butter production unit was also launched.

After these initial investments, the Company's growth gathered momentum. In early 1997, the cheese production department started making the Tilsit-type cheese, also launching production of Gouda-type fermented cheese a year later.

1997-1998: EUR 0.8m was invested in the company, approximately EUR 0.1m of which was used for renovation works. A power substation was renovated, the Company was fully computerized, a boiler house by the Danish company BWE was built and a Dutch-made cold store with a capacity for 400 tonnes of products was installed. Almost EUR 0.4m was invested in vehicles, buildings, milk refrigerators, production equipment, a new cheese production unit and other major facilities.

1999- 2000: EUR 1.1m was invested in the construction of new production departments, vehicles and a major overhaul. EUR 2.5m was invested into the new TetraPakTebel cheese production facility. As a result, new fully computerised and automated cheese production line was installed, enabling the company to make EU-compliant products.

In the same year, the Company was issued with a license to export its products to the European Union.

2001: The Company acquired the Tauragė dairy facility of the Mažeikiai branch of Pieno žvaigždės AB. It was built in 1965 as a cheese production facility and was fully operational as such. Since 2007, it houses the head office of Modest AB, a subsidiary of Vilkyškių pieninė AB.

2003-2005: The Company adopted the Navision accounting and business solution. An EU-compliant wastewater treatment facility, made by the Dutch company NewWaterTechnology, was installed, and investments were made into cheese packaging equipment in the same year. Additional investments were made into milk processing infrastructure, expanding the network of milk collection points and upgrading the fleet of milk tank trucks.

As of 17 May 2006, a total of 9,353,000 common registered shares of Vilkyškių pieninė AB were listed on the Current List of the NASDAQ OMX Vilnius exchange. As of 1 January 2008, the shares are listed in the Official list of NASDAQ OMX Vilnius exchange.

In January 2006, the Issuer acquired an 80.25 percent stake in Modest AB. Vilkyškių pieninė AB holds 99.7 percent of the Modest AB stock. In 2009, the share capital of Modest AB was increased from EUR 37,190 up to EUR 178,730 through the issue of 488,710 new common registered shares. Meanwhile, the share capital of AVilkyškių pieninė AB was raised from EUR 178,730 to EUR 1,626,830 by a contribution in cash in 2010.

In 2006, the Company's main dairy production facility was expanded significantly, adding two new cheese evaporators, three new cheese press machines and a buffer tank, as well as a new wash station for the cheese production line. In addition, the cheese brining shop and cheese loading processes were fully automated. Maximum production capacities of the Company increased from 10,000 to 14,000 tonnes per year. The Company used the support from the EU funds.

In 2007, a new modern whey processing facility was launched. The total value of the whey processing facility was more than EUR 2.3m. The investment increased the Company's productivity, improved quality controls and reduced waste considerably. The Company had no whey processing until then. The Company used the support from the EU funds.

2007: Modest AB, controlled by Vilkyškių pieninė AB, was allocated EUR 0.6m in support from EU structural funds. Modest AB used the funds to upgrade its fleet of refrigerated vans for product transportation and to modernise its production processes. It installed new milk processing technologies and a packaging line for its main product, Mozzarella cheese.

2008: Vilkyškių pieninė AB took over Kelmės pieninė AB by acquiring 99.09 percent of the company's stock. At present Vilkyškių pieninė AB controls 100 percent of the Kelmės pieninė AB stock. As a result of the acquisition, the Vilkyškių pieninė AB entered the market of fresh dairy products.

2009: EUR 9.5m in EU support was under an agreement with the Lithuanian National Paying Agency/ The support was awarded under the Lithuanian Rural Development Programme for 2007-2013, measure "Adding Value to Agricultural and Forestry Products", activity "Processing and Marketing of Agricultural Products".

2011: EUR 0.5m was invested into new cold store equipment, and another EUR 0.2m was invested to expand the existing wastewater treatment and equipment washing capacities. Also investments were mainly made into refrigeration equipment, a cheese cutting and packaging line. The installation of the Equinox warehouse management system was also started.

2012: a new cheese production line was assembled (EUR 4.6m in value), increasing output by 30 percent, in addition to the launch of a EUR 2.7m packaging and plastic-coating line. This enabled manufacturing the Prussia brand of plastic-coated cheese Prussia using the latest technologies

2013: the trademark of Vilkyškiai was elected as the most successful Trademark of the year 2013.

2013: investments were made in auxiliary facilities: a tank truck washer, a garage, a utility room, a mechanical workshop with utility premises, administrative offices, utility services, landings and a truck entry point. Another EUR 1.5m was invested to expand the whey processing unit's daily capacity to 600 tonnes. By the end of the year, the whey ultrafiltration project was also completed — it is a new technology that breaks whey proteins into their basic components, which results in new profitable products.

In 2013 Kelmės pieninė AB installed a new TetraTop packaging line for liquid dairy products. This innovative environment, after Modest AB completed the modernisation of its blue cheese production facility, its output has increased by 30 percent.

2014: Vilkyškių pieninė AB launched a new cheese-slicing line, allowing to cut the cheese in slices, and acquired new storage tanks for milk products. The project was financed from the EU funds.

In 2014, Kelmės pieninė AB renovated its compressor station.

In 2015, Modest AB rebuilt its boiler house and launched a whey denaturation facility.

In 2015, Vilkyškių pieninė AB signed a contract on connection to a gas distribution system with Lietuvos dujos AB.

In 2015, Vilkyškių pieninė AB completed modernization of the waste water treatment facilities in order to improve the waste water treatment efficiency.

In 2015 the trademark of Vilkyškiai was elected as the most successful Trademark of the year 2015.

In 2015 Kelmės pieninė AB started the Project of whey processing plant. For the implementation of it, Kelmės pieninė AB signed a support agreement with the National Paying Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania for 4 million Eur support.

On April 21 of 2017, Vilkyškių pieninė AB has been declared as the Lithuanian investor of the year 2016. The title has been gained for investing to the whey processing plant in Taurage, allocating 28 million eur to investments and creating new work places in region.

In the end of 2017 production of test batches was started in the new whey factory in Tauragė. Over the past two years the company invested about 28 million euro to this project. The project was funded by EU funds also (according to the Lithuanian Rural Development Program 2014-2020). 3 million euro have already been received at the end of the year. The new whey factory is currently the most modern one in the region, with a fully automated manufacturing process and a packaging line. The factory will produce dry whey-dairy products for customers of the EU and Asia. Most of them are used in the food industry.

9. Main Investments Of AB Vilkyškių pieninė Group During Reporting Period

Supportive investments in the Group during the financial year amounted to 585 thousand EUR.

10.Patents & Licenses

On 8 May 2000, the Company received a license to export its products to the European Union member states. The Company operates a quality management system.

The Group is wholly committed to the quality of its products, customer satisfaction and compliance with food safety regulations. Vilkyškių pieninė AB has obtained certification of its Quality Management and Food Safety systems under the international standard ISO 22000:2005. These standards set a number of rules that ensure stable and safe production processes. The system covers every process from raw material supplies to customer satisfaction surveys, all performed in line with the organisation's policies.

Until 2013, Kelmės pieninė AB worked in accordance with ISO 22000:2005 / FSSC 22000 standards, buti n 2015 it extended the scope of certification and now covers the processing of all products.

In 2015, the production of Modest AB was also certified according to ISO 22000:2005 / FSSC 22000 for production and distribution of dairy products (pasteurized cream, mozzarella and mildew cheese, soft cheeses, melting, melting-smoked cheeses and smoked cheeses.

In order to facilitate the assessment of buyers in Islamic countries, Vilkyškių pieninė AB and Modest AB have been certified according to Halal rules. From 2015 Modest certification for Halal products continues every year. Halal products are associated with product safety, health, quality, ecology. These products are used by people of other religions as well.

The quality management and food safety systems are subject to continuous monitoring, review and improvements with a view to maintaining the high quality of the Company's products. The continual search for improvements and adherence to the top food safety standards has enabled AB Vilkyškių pieninė to start preparation in 2016 for certification under ISO 22000:2005/FSSC 22000, a stricter version of the same standard. This certification scheme is part of the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and is equivalent to such internationally recognised standards as BRC and IFS.

In 2017, drying department of dry milk products of Kelmės pieninė AB Taurage division was registered and started to operating. He received the veterinary approval number LT 77-07 P EC, which granted the right to export production to all EU and other third countries. The factory has established a physico-chemical research laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art ultra-reliable equipment for ensuring the quality control of products. The laboratory carries out research using analyzers operating on the basis of infra-red analyzers and using reference (classical) methods of investigation.

2017 April 26-28 Vilkyškių pieninė AB has successfully completed a second supervisory audit on the support of ISO 22000: 2005 + FSSC 22000. A very favorable assessment was received.

11.Human Resources

Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group human resources policy is focused on an effective cooperation of all employees to reach the organisational goals. Aiming to retain the professional advancement and loyalty of employees, great attention is being paid to improvement of qualifications, training, safety and healthcare of the employees. In order to attract new qualified workforce, the Group intensively cooperates with institutions of higher education and constantly improves the selection process. Presentations of professional information and career planning, excursions to factories are organized for this purpose.

In order to promote the team spirit, the Group has adopted a number of traditions. Each working day starts with a general discussion of staff at the cup of coffee. Employees are congratulated on their birthdays, each year the staff celebrates the company's birthday, Christmas, organizes education trips. Various achievements and smaller events are announced in the intranet.

In early 2010, using EU financial support, Vilkyškių pieninė AB set up a day care service, which was completely free of charge for the parents. After public funding ended in 2013, Vilkyškių pieninė AB took over the financial burden and retains the free day care service for its employees. While the employees are occupied at work, their children are engaged in pre-school training. It is planned to organize contests of Vilkyškių pieninė AB logo pictures and/or poems about the dairy and its products. Many employees travel to work from neighbouring towns and districts (Pagėgiai, Jurbarkas, Tauragė), the Company offers them free transport to work and back home.

Occupational safety and health is another key priority for the Group. Every year, employees are offered free health checkups and flu vaccination. It is planned to introduce common health and envigorating exercises to be performed at the working place.

One of Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group companies - Kelmės pieninė AB has the status of a social enterprise. The aim of the company is social influence by involving employees of specific groups for supply of goods to a market in an ordinary an innovative manner. Approximately 40 percent of its staff are people with disabilities. The company creates all conditions to maximise their vocational potential. Lectures, excursions, festivals, etc. are organized for the employees.

We seek to be an active member of the community, to contribute to more active social life in our county and to strengthen mutual relationship and communication. There is a shortage of cultural and educational events in regions; therefore, we do our best to promote the dissemination of culture in our region, and first of all we take care of people living close to us.

12. Environmental Protection

Based on the European Parliament and Council IPPC Directive 2008/1/EC, Vilkyškių pieninė AB is attributable to the Annex I installations and is required to have an IPPC permit. The Company obtained its first IPPC permit from the Klaipėda Regional Environmental Protection Department on 10 August 2004, which was renewed on 28 December 2012.

The first IPPC permit was issued to Kelmės pieninė AB on 28 December 2005 by the Šiauliai Regional Environmental Protection Department. The permit has been extended seven times, with the last extension on 5 August 2008. The Company has implemented the best available techniques (BAT), and its running costs and emissions are in line with the prescribed EU levels.

Modest AB IPPC permit was revoked in 2012 according to the criteria 1 and 2 of the Order of the Minister of the Environment of the Republic of Lithuania D1-330 "On the Rules for Updating and Eliminating the Issues of Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Authorization" and the Klaipėda Regional Environmental Protection Department letter No. (4) -LV-1610. The activities performed by the company do not meet the criteria specified in the annexes to the order, therefore the IPPC permit is not required.

Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group has an environmental protection policy aimed at reducing the environmental impact of its operations, ensuring integrated pollution prevention measures, minimising the use of resources and waste generation, so that its operations do not affect air, water and soil. Vilkyškių pieninė AB performs regular environmental impact assessments.

Based on the existing legal requirements, programmes have been put in place at Vilkyškių pieninė AB to monitor the impact of water source and fuel storage on underground waters and to monitor air emissions and wastewaters.

In 2015 Vilkyškių pieninė AB finished modernisation of its wastewater treatment plant in order to boost treatment efficacy. This is being done in line with the main national strategies and legal acts on wastewater treatment: the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Strategy, the Lithuanian Law on Water Bodies, the National Long-Term Development Strategy and the National Sustainable Development Strategy.

Production wastewater is treated at the Company's own combined biomechanical treatment facility. In 2017, Vilkyškių pieninė AB treated 464.820 m3 of wastewaters. The resulting sludge is given to local waste managers and is used as fertiliser in agriculture. Wastewater treatment efficacy has been estimated to be till 99 percent range.

Production wastewater generated by Kelmės pieninė AB is discharged into Kelmės vandenys AB water treatment plants. In 2017 Kelmės pieninė AB treated 126.156 m3 of wastewaters.

Modest AB has implemented the best available techniques (BAT), and its running costs and emissions are in line with the prescribed EU levels. Wastewater of Modest AB is discharged into the urban wastewater system operated by Tauragės Vandenys UAB. Before discharging into the city's drainage system, the wastewater is flowing through a grease and heavy particle settler. Monitoring is carried out by Tauragės vandenys UAB. In 2017, wastewater meter was installed in order to account wastewater more accurately. At the beginning of 2018, the meter will be put into operation.

13. Company Results of Operations

Taking into account the goals and strategy of Vilkyškių Pieninė AB Group, we use the selected long-term values that are the most important indicators for assessing the Company's and our Group's activities. We devide the indicators into financial and relative.

Key financial consolidated indicators of the COMPANY:

In 2017 sales revenue of the Company amounted to 130.3 million EUR and comparing to the sales revenue of 2016 which was 102.3 million EUR increased by 28 percent.

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Revenue (EUR tho) 118,536 126,297 97,404 102,260 130,325
EBITDA (EUR tho) 4,380 1,702 -1,777 6,111 7,124
EBITDA margin, pct 3.7 1.3 -1.8 6.0 5.5
Operating profit (EUR tho) 2,730 -68 -3,660 4,237 5,272
Operating profit margin, pct 2.3 -0.05 -3.8 4.1 4.0
Profit before tax (EUR tho) 6,451 1,839 -717 7,493 7,044
Profit before tax margin, pct 5.4 1.5 -0.7 7.3 5.4
Net profit 6,104 1,886 -83 6,991 6,202
Profit margin, pct 5.1 1.5 -0.09 6.8 4.8
Earnings per share (EUR) 0.51 0.16 -0.01 0.59 0.52
Number of shares (units, tho) 11,943 11,943 11,943 11,943 11,943

EBITDA – proft before interest, taxes and depreciation is a measure of the company's earnings before the company's financing policy, as well as the assessment of the effect on profit on profit tax. In 2017 EBITDA of the Company was 7.1 million EUR and in 2016 it was 6.1 million EUR. In the reporting financial year EBITDA margin was 5.5 percent and in 2016 it amounted to 6 percent. The EBITDA margin is the ratio of EBITDA and revenue.

Operating profit (EBIT) - Profit before interest and taxes. It shows the company's profit earned during the activity and investment cycles, but before the assessment of the impact of the company's financing policy on profit and the deduction of corporate income tax. This indicator is reflected in the profit and loss statement in the operating profit line. Operating profit (EBIT) in 2017 was 5.3 million EUR, operating profit margin was 4 percent. 2016 operating profit (EBIT) was 4.2 million EUR, operating profit margin was 4.1 percent.

Net profit (loss) is the amount shown in the line of the income statement summarizing all items of income and expense recognized during the period and showing the increase (decrease) in economic benefits. In 2017 net profit was 6.2 million EUR and comparing to 2016, when net profit was 7 million EUR decreased by 11 percent.

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Return on equity (ROE), pct 29.9 8.5 -0.4 24.4 18.5
Return on assets (ROA), pct 12.9 3.9 -0.2 12.8 11.3
Debt ratio 0.57 0.54 0.56 0.48 0.39
Deb/equity ratio 1.31 1.18 1.25 0.91 0.63
Quick liquidity ratio 0.95 0.95 1.03 1.40 1.53
Asset turnover ratio 2.51 2.60 2.02 1.87 2.38
Capital-to-assets ratio 0.43 0.46 0.44 0.52 0.61

Key financial ratios of the COMPANY:

Calculating Relative Indicators:

  1. Return on equity (ROE) is the ratio of net profit to equity.

  2. Return on assets (ROA) - the ratio of net profit to assets.

  3. Debt ratio is the ratio of all company liabilities and assets.

  4. Debt and equity ratio is the ratio of all liabilities and equity of the company.

  5. Liquidity ratio is the ratio of current assets and current liabilities.

  6. Asset turnover - the ratio of sales and assets.

  7. Capital-to asset ratio-Equity / equity ratio

In 2017, assets totaled EUR 54.8 m, 200 thousand more than in 2016. The carrying amount of nun-current assets rised bt 4 percent comparing to 2016 and amounted to 33.3 million EUR. In 2017, equity was EUR 33.5m, up by 17 percent from the previous year 2016 (EUR 28.6m)

14.Group Results of Operations

Key financial consolidated indicators of the GROUP:

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Revenue (EUR tho) 105,547 109,660 84,445 90,490 113,939
EBITDA (EUR tho) 6,978 6,218 3,876 8,413 10,882
EBITDA margin, pct 6.6 5.7 4.6 9.3 9.5
Operating profit (EUR tho) 4,723 3,766 1,137 5,683 8,113
Operating profit margin, pct 4.5 3.4 1.3 6.3 7.1
Profit before tax (EUR tho) 4,115 3,176 545 4,970 7,560
Profit before tax margin, pct 3.9 2.9 0.6 5.5 6.6
Net profit 3,768 3,212 1,168 4,455 6,686
Profit margin, pct 3.6 2.9 1.4 5.0 5.9
Earnings per share (EUR) 0.31 0.27 0.10 0.37 0.56
Number of shares (units, tho) 11.943 11.943 11.943 11.943 11.943

In 2017, sales amounted to EUR 113.9m, up by 26 percent from EUR 90.5m in 2016. Revenue growth was driven by higher sales volumes and an increase in export prices in 2017.

EBITDA – proft before interest, taxes and depreciation is a measure of the company's earnings before the company's financing policy, as well as the assessment of the effect on profit on profit tax. In 2017 EBITDA of the Group was 10.9 million EUR and in 2016 it was 8.4 million EUR. In the reporting financial year EBITDA margin was 9.5 percent and in 2016 it amounted to 9.3 percent. The EBITDA margin is the ratio of EBITDA and revenue.

Operating profit (EBIT) - Profit before interest and taxes. It shows the company's profit earned during the activity and investment cycles, but before the assessment of the impact of the company's financing policy on profit and the deduction of corporate income tax. This indicator is reflected in the profit and loss statement in the operating profit line. Operating profit (EBIT) in 2017 was 8.1million EUR, operating profit margin was 7.1 percent. 2016 operating profit (EBIT) was 5.7 million EUR, operating profit margin was 6.3 percent. Operating profit increased by 42.1 percent.

Net profit (loss) is the amount shown in the line of the income statement summarizing all items of income and expense recognized during the period and showing the increase (decrease) in economic benefits. In 2017 net profit was 6.7 million EUR and in 2016 net proft was 4.5 million EUR (increased by 50 percent). The increase was affected by an increase in the price level of the export markets and an increase in sales volumes.

Key financial ratios of the GROUP:

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Return on equity (ROE), pct 18.3 13.5 4.8 15.4 19.5
Return on assets (ROA), pct 7.2 5.7 1.9 6.0 8.2
Debt ratio 0.61 0.58 0.60 0.61 0.58
Deb/equity ratio 1.55 1.36 1.52 1.57 1.37
Quick liquidity ratio 0.88 0.86 0.88 0.90 1.00
Asset turnover ratio 2.01 1.95 1.38 1.22 1.40
Capital-to-assets ratio 0.39 0.42 0.40 0.39 0.42

Calculating Relative Indicators:

  1. Return on equity (ROE) is the ratio of net profit to equity.

  2. Return on assets (ROA) - the ratio of net profit to assets.

  3. Debt ratio is the ratio of all company liabilities and assets.

  4. Debt and equity ratio is the ratio of all liabilities and equity of the company.

  5. Liquidity ratio is the ratio of current assets and current liabilities.

  6. Asset turnover - the ratio of sales and assets.

  7. Capital-to asset ratio-Equity / equity ratio

In 2017, assets totaled EUR 81.1 m, 9 percent more than in 2016. In 2017, property, plant and equipment grew by 9 percent due to acquisition of property, plant and equipment and totaled EUR 61.7m EUR. In 2017, equity was EUR 34m, up by 17 percent from the previous year 2016 (EUR 29 m). As at 31 December 2017, the total value of loans was EUR 28.1m, decrease by 8 percent comparing to 31 December of 2016.

Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group production output, tonnes:

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Fermented cheese 13,796 17,436 16,875 16,958 18.372
Cream 12,514 15,384 13,454 15,123 16.349
Whey products 45,446 43,713 47,391 50,879 77.341
Cream 3,928 3,090 2,766 2,110 1.344
Yogurt products 5,416 5,565 4,979 4,764 3.997
Cottage cheese products 4,360 4,009 3,741 3,629 3,114

A total of 18.372 tonnes of fermented cheese were produced during 2017 (8 percent more than in 2016). Cream production amounted to 16.349 tonnes and went up by 8 percent against the previous year.

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Raw milk, tonnes 208,380 253,947 237,065 243,633 249,992
Cost of raw milk, EUR tho 59,876 63,254 44,883 45,683 65,713
Raw milk price, EUR/t 287,3 249,0 189,3 187,5 262,9

Raw milk purchases by Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group:

In 2017, a total of 250 tho tonnes of milk was purchased, an increase by 3 percent as compared with 2016. Meanwhile, the price of raw milk in 2017 rised by 40 percent from the year 2016.

15. Sales and Marketing

Core product sales, EUR thousand:

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Fermented cheese 49,809 52,262 40,244 41,705 51,427
Cream 22,956 21,099 16,944 22,558 38,255
Whey products 5,481 6,563 3,666 5,306 5,105
Cream 5,233 4,230 3,528 2,662 1,999
Yogurt products 5,300 5,409 4,786 4,461 4,036
Cottage cheese products 10,551 10,737 9,506 8,411 8,168
Other sales 6,217 9,360 5,771 5,387 4,949
Total revenue 105,547 109,660 84,445 90,490 113,939

In 2017, income from sales increased by 26% year-on-year. Income from sales in the domestic market contracted by 9%, and exports went up by 40%.

In 2017 the diversification of markets was continued. Although new markets bought only 2 percent, this part is very important for continuation in 2018, as many of countries where we want to sell our production have strict requierements for the import of dairy products and therefore the preparation for the new project takes about 3-6 months. It was starts in such inetersting and potentional markets as Taiwan, Angola, China, South Africa, Singapore, Denmark etc. Another reason of the growth is strengthened positions in the loyal markets that we have been working for many years.

The export in 2017 accounted for 78% of the total sales of Vilkyškių pieninė AB, up by 8 percentage points from 2016.

Sales in the European Union states were the largest. The volumes grew in Poland, Netherlands, Finland, Croatia, Belgium, Germany.

Similarly to the previous years, the exports were dominated by cream, whey product and cheese sales.

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
European Union 32,870 40,932 38,593 50,545 63,531
Lithuania 31,118 34,574 31,391 26,934 24,891
Russia 36,514 27,350 0 0 0
Other countries 5,045 6,804 14,461 13,011 25,517
Total revenue 105,547 109,660 84,445 90,490 113,939

Sales revenue by geographical segments, EUR thousand:

The marketing department within the Group is responsible for development of new products and implementation of branding and marketing strategies.

Vilkyškių pieninė AB strategy to invest in innovative exclusive products has enabled the Company to deliver on its brand promise and continue surprising consumers with wider choices, new products, new taste sensations and new ways to enjoy dairy products, at the same time contributing to the brand's positions on the market .

The Company is targeting with its Vilvi trademark. Branded and originally packaged products with great value propositions have strong potential on export markets

16. Exhibitions and Awards

Since 2011, the Company takes part in one of the largest exhibitions "Anuga"in Germany, SIAL in France and Gulfood in United Arab Emirated.

2012: Vilkyškių pieninė AB was named among global innovation leaders at the SIAL international exhibition in Paris, with the Vilkyškių gooseberry yogurt and chocolate-glazed cottage cheese bars winning the SIAL Innovation award.

2014: Vilkyškių pieninė AB named as Exporter of the Year 2014 in the Lithuanian Business Leaders 2014 contest.

In 2015, Vilkyškių Pieninė introduced a unique new dairy additive, viz. crispy roasted buckwheat, and was recognised by World Dairy Innovation Awards, which took place in Amsterdam as part of the ninth Global Dairy Congress, as one the best in the category "Best dairy ingredient", i.e. it became one of the three finalists. The judging panel considered as many as 220 entries from 30 countries in 18 categories. In each category the winner and three finalists have been announced.

In October 2015, Vilkyškių pieninė AB took part in one of Europe's leading international food fairs, ANUGA, in Cologne, Germany. The spacious stand featured presentations of fresh products, cheese and ingredients (concentrate of whey proteins) used in the food industry.

In November 2015, the trade fair Food Ingredients Beijing 2015 took place in China. Our participation in this trade fair coincided with an important event of Lithuania and China signing a protocol that permits the export of dairy products. With account of the needs of this market, appropriate ingredients (concentrate of whey proteins) were presented at the fair.

In December 2015, with a view to finding new contacts for the whey products (concentrate and permeate of proteins) made by Vilkyškių pieninė AB, the company took part in the fair Food Ingredients Paris 2015 that brings together many representatives of food industry producers and wholesalers.

In May 2016, Vilkyškių Pieninė AB participated in the exhibition SIAL China 2016 in Shanghai, China. It is the largest exhibition of food innovations held in Asia. The Company introduced cheese products, the whey protein concentrate (WPC 80) and the permeate. The Company established valuable contacts with potential clients not only from China, but also from Western Europe and Malaysia; and held meetings with existing customers.

In June 2016, Vilkyškių pieninė AB participated in the exhibition Summer Fancy Food Show 2016 in New York, where presented its cheese products. The main purpose of participation in this project was to analyse the US retail market and to establish new business contacts.

In October 2016, Vilkyškių Pieninė AB traditionally took part in the International exhibition of food industry SIAL 2016, held in Paris. It is the largest and most important exhibition of food innovations in the world. In 2016, the exhibition attracted more than 7000 participants from 104 countries. In the International exhibition of food industry SIAL 2016 Vilkyškių Pieninė AB ranked among among the most innovative representatives of food industry in the world. Lithuania products under the brand "Vilve", dedicated for foreign markets, were marked even in several dairy product categories. The yogurt drink Yoga with lemon and aloe, new flavours of coated cheeses Murr – mascarpone and pistachio won recognition for advanced recipes. Cheeses of Vilkyškių Pieninė AB won a reward for packaging – for its informative and educational nature.

In February of 2017, the company traditionally participated in the international exhibition in Dubai, Gulfood 2017, in the United Arab Emirates. At the exhibition hosted meetings with current and future customers, several new contracts were signed.

On April 6-9 of 2017, "GymON" products were presented at the international sports exhibitionin Germany, Frankfurt - FIBO.

On May 17 – 19 of 2017, Vilkyškių pieninė AB participated in the largest Asian food exhibition in Shanghai "SIAL China 2017".

On June 25-27 of 2017, New York Summer Fancy Food Show, the largest food industry exhibition in North America, was held in New York. During the exhibition, Vilkyškių pieninė AB introduced cheeses for the American market, had meetings with new possible customers.

In October of 2017, the company participated in the largest international food products exhibition "Anuga 2017" in Cologne, Germany.

In December of 2017, Vilkyškių pieninė AB presented whey powder products in exhibition "Food ingredients" which was held in Frankfurt, Germany.

17. Risk Factors Associated with Issuer's Business

Key risks in the business of Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group:

The Group operates in the business of dairy processing (production of fermented cheese). The main factors that may pose business risks for the Company are possible changes on the raw material and product markets, competition, as well as changes in the legal, political, technological and social environment. These may affect – whether directly or indirectly – the Group's cash flows and results.

The Company specialises in cheese production, with most of its revenue coming from the sale of matured cheese and cheese products. Consequently, the Company's sales, profit and overall financial standing may be affected by negative changes in the cheese market demand or pricing (market risks). Meanwhile, price pressure may originate from competition on the international and local cheese markets.

The production of matured cheese is a lengthy process that may last between one and three months. As a result, the Company may be unable to respond quickly to market changes, which may tell upon its cash flows and bottom line.

The Group's credit risks are associated with accounts receivable. The risk of breach of contract by business partners is subject to certain control procedures. In 2017, for 2 year, the Company obtained credit insurance for its overseas customers with the insurer Euler Hermes. The risk of each client is assessed individually.

Credit risk associated with cash in banks is limited, as the Company works only with Lithuania's largest banks (mainly AB SEB Bankas). On 31 December 2017, the Company's debt-to-assets ratio was 0.59. The balance of outstanding loans on 31 December 2017 was EUR 28.097. Repayment is performed under the established schedule, without any delays. The interest on all largest loans is linked to the EUR LIBOR rate, the interest rate exchange agreement was made. As at 31 December 2017, it is amounting to EUR 3.900 tho. The repayment deadline is 9 November 2018.

18. Competition

Vilkyškių pieninė AB estimates that it has a 15-percent share of the Lithuanian market for cheese, i.e. it is in fourth place behind competitors Rokiškio sūris AB, Pieno žvaigždės AB and Žemaitijos pienas AB.

On foreign markets, Vilkyškių pieninė AB has to compete against local manufacturers, who have the advantage of lower transportation costs. However, Vilkyškių pieninė AB is trying to compensate for this disadvantage by offering a range of higher value-added cheese products

19. Key Events After Fiscal Year-End

There have been no significant events after 31 December 2017.

20. Business Plans and Forecasts

In 2018, the main task of Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group is to start producing dry whey-dairy products with full capacity and to introduce them into new markets sucessfully. The Group continuosly make effort to search new markets. The group of companies continuosly will make effort for searching of new markets and increasing sales to fresh dairy products and cheeses, and at the same time maximizing production efficiency, reviewing production processes and further automating and robotizing them. The big focus of the group of companies will be strengthening brands, developing innovative products, personnel management, wage policy, and ensuring safe and healthy working conditions.

III. OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT ISSUER

21. Structure of Issuer's Share Capital

Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group Share Capital:

Type of share Number of share Share face
value, EUR
Total face value,
EUR
Type of share
Vilkyškių pieninė AB Common registered
shares
11,943,000 0.29 3,463,470
Kelmės pieninė AB Common registered
shares
2,457,070 0.29 712,550
Modest AB Common registered
shares
5,617,118 0.29 1,628,964
Pieno logistika AB Common registered
shares
371,333 0.29 107,687

22. Information on Treasury Stock

The Company does not hold its own shares.

23. Rights of Shareholders

Shareholders have these non-proprietary rights:

  • to attend and vote in general meetings of shareholders;

  • to receive information about the Company as set out in Article 18 (1) of the Law on Public Companies;

  • to lodge a claim in a court of law for compensation of damages caused to the Company through inaction or inappropriate actions of the Company's director, also in other cases set out by the law;

  • other non-proprietary rights stipulated by legal acts.

Shareholders have the following proprietary rights:

  • to receive a share of the Company's profit (dividend);

  • to receive a share of the assets of the Company in liquidation;

  • to be granted shares free of charge where the Company's share capital is increased from its own capital, save exceptions set out by the Law on Public Companies;

  • to have priority to buy new shares and share options in the Company, except for cases where a general meeting of shareholder has legitimately voted to revoke this right for all;

  • to transfer all or part of their shares to other persons, using a procedure set out in the Law on Public Companies;

  • other proprietary rights granted by the law.

None of the Company's shareholders has any special control rights. The rights of all shareholders are equal. One common registered share grants one vote in a general meeting of shareholders.

24.Restrictions on Transfer of Securities

There are no restrictions on the transfer of securities.

25. Information About Shareholders

The total number of shareholders of Vilkyškių pieninė AB on 31 December 2017 was 879. The following are the major shareholders, who own more than 5 percent of the Issuer's stock:

Shareholder Number of
shares held,
units
Percent
of share
capital,
pct
Share of votes at
shareholder meetings, pct
Gintaras Bertašius 6,067,206 51% 51%
Multi Asset Selection Fund 1,765,459 15% 15%
Minority shareholders 4,110,335 34% 34%
Total stock 11,943,000 100% 100%

Kelmės pieninė AB shareholders

The total number of shareholders of Kelmės pieninė AB on 31 December 2017 was 1. The major shareholder, who owns more than 5 percent of the Issuer's stock was 1:

Shareholder Number of
shares held,
units
Percent
of share
capital,
pct
Share of votes at
shareholder meetings, pct
Vilkyškių pieninė AB 2,457,070 100% 100%
Total stock 2,457,070 100% 100%

Modest AB shareholders

The total number of shareholders of Modest AB on 31 December 2017 was 85. The major shareholder, who owns more than 5 percent of the Issuer's stock was 1:

Shareholder Number of
shares held,
units
Percent
of share
capital,
pct
Share of votes at
shareholder meetings, pct
Vilkyškių pieninė AB 5,601,277 99.7% 99.7%
Minority shareholders 15,841 0.3% 0.3%
Total stock 5,617,118 100% 100%

Pieno logistika AB shareholders

The total number of shareholders of Pieno logistika AB on 31 December 2017 was 168. The major shareholder, who owns more than 5 percent of the Issuer's stock was 1:

Shareholder Number of
shares held,
units
Percent
of share
capital,
pct
Share of votes at
shareholder meetings, pct
Vilkyškių pieninė AB 218,781 58.9% 58.9%
Minority shareholders 152,552 41.1% 41.1%
Total stock 371,333 100% 100%

26. Agreements Between Shareholders, Known to Issuer, Which May Lead to Restrictions on Securities Transfers or Voting Rights

The Company is not aware of any direct agreements between shareholders that might result in restrictions on the transfer of securities and/or on voting rights.

27. Trading in Issuer's Securities on Regulated Markets

The change of price of Vilkyškių pieninė AB shares and trade volume in 2017

Comparison of Vilkyškių pieninė AB share price and Nasdaq OMX Vilnius Index, 2017

Security trading history of Vilkyškių pieninė AB during 2014-2017:

Price 2014 2015 2016 2017
Open 1,59 2,00 1,76 2,34
High 2,29 2,05 2,43 3,94
Low 1,59 1,65 1,35 2,25
Fast 2,00 1,75 2,35 3,75
Traded volume 1.585.404 604.550 828.726 1.045.396
Turnover, million 3,13 1,13 1,43 3,26
Capitalisation, million 23,89 20,9 28,07 44,79

28.Dividend

Vilkyškių pieninė AB approved a dividend policy in 2012. The following is an extract from that dividend policy:

Dividends and the size of them

  1. The Law on Public Companies of the Republic of Lithuania stipulates that the dividend constitutes a share of profit payable to a shareholder in proportion to the face value of the stock held by the shareholder.

  2. The Company's shareholders cannot vote to pay a dividend at a general meeting of shareholders, if 1) the Company is insolvent 2) the distributed result for the fiscal year ended is negative 3) the Company's equity is smaller than the sum of its authorised capital and reserves, or in cases where it would become smaller following a dividend payout.

  3. The Company's board shall submit to the General Meeting of Shareholders an amount of dividend based on the audited net profit result for the fiscal year ended.

  4. If the Company has been profitable, the Company's board shall allocate a certain part of revenue for dividend as set out in Clause 2.6, reinvesting the rest of the revenue so as to increase the Company's capitalisation.

  5. The Company shall pay dividend in cash.

  6. The Company's board should establish the amount of dividend after taking into account the consolidated net profit of the Company for the year ended. The dividend amount must be not less than 25 percent of the consolidated net profit of the Company for the year ended, but not larger than the Company's annual consolidated net profit

  7. The Company reserves the right to diverge from the criteria for the amount of dividend, provided it gives reasons for such divergence.

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Dividends (for 2012) (for 2013) (for 2014) (for 2015) (for 2016)
Dividend (EUR) 726,376 1,037,680 836.010 - 1,433,000
Dividend per share (EUR) 0.06 0.09 0.07 - 0.12
Number of shares 11,943,000 11,943,000 11,943,000 11,943,000 11,943,000

Vilkyškių pieninė AB dividend payments in the past 5 years:

Kelmės pieninė AB dividend payments in the past 5 years:

Dividends 2013
(for 2012)
2014
(for 2013)
2015
(for 2014)
2016
(for 2015)
2017
(for 2016)
Dividend (EUR) 4,269,700 2,419,497 3,489,039 3,931,312 2,285,075
Dividend per share (EUR) 1.74 0.98 1.42 1.60 0.93
Number of shares 2,457,070 2,457,070 2,457,070 2,457,070 2,457,070

Modest AB and Pieno logistika AB did not pay any dividend in the last five years.

29. Employees

On 31 December 2017, there were 930 employees working at Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group.

Number of Average
Employee category employees higher vocational secondary secondary
incomplete
monthly
salary (EUR)
Managers 11 8 3 - - 3,448
Specialists 326 140 90 92 4 901
Workers 593 19 175 347 52 596
930 167 268 439 56 727

On 31 December 2016, there were 953 employees working at Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group.

Employee category Number of Average
employees higher vocational secondary secondary
incomplete
monthly
salary (EUR)
Managers 11 8 3 - - 3,019
Specialists 296 120 70 102 4 845
Workers 646 33 163 401 49 560
953 161 236 503 53 654

Employees work on the basis of labour contracts, while their rights and duties are set out in their job descriptions. Employees do not have any special rights or duties, and all work is organised in compliance with the Labour Code of the Republic of Lithuania.

30. Authorisations to Issuer's Governing Bodies to Issue or Repurchase the Issuer's Stock

The general meeting of shareholders has authorised the Company's Board to conduct acquisition of the Company's own shares. The Board was authorised to purchase up to 10 percent of own stock, organise the purchasing process, establish the procedure, timing, numbers and prices for the purchase and sale of own shares, and to conduct all the necessary actions in compliance with the Law on Public Companies

31. Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group Governing Bodies

According to the Articles of Association of Vilkyškių pieninė AB, the Company's governing bodies are the General Meeting of Shareholders, the Board and the Chief Executive Officer. No supervisory council is set up. The Board of the Company represents the shareholders and performs oversight and control functions. The decisions taken by the General Meeting of Shareholders, where they concern issues falling within the remit of the General Meeting of Shareholders as specified in the Articles of Association, are binding to all shareholders, the Board, the CEO and other employees of the Company.

Board members are elected for a term of four years. The Chairman of the Board is elected for a tenure of four years by the Board from among its own members. Members of the Board are elected by a General Meeting of Shareholders in accordance with the Law on Public Companies.

The Board sets up two committees – Audit Committee and Salaries Committee – each consisting of three members.

The Board elects and dismisses the Chief Executive Officer. The CEO is the head of the Company. The head of the Company is a single governing body in charge of organising the current business operations of the Company.

Under the Articles of association of Kelmės pieninė AB and Modest AB, both companies are governed by a general meeting of shareholders, the Board and CEO

32. Procedure of Amendments to Company Articles

Amendments to the group's Articles of Association can be adopted at a General Meeting of Shareholders. Decisions on changes to the Articles are considered adopted, if approved by two-thirds of shareholder votes.

33. Activities of the Board

In the course of 2017, a total of 9 Board meetings were held, with the required quorum present at each of them. The Board approved the 12-month financial accounts for 2016, the 2016 three-month, six-month and nine-month interim financial statements, the 2015 annual financial statements and annual report; it also called an ordinary meeting of shareholders, offered the distribution of the 2016 profit for an ordinary meeting of shareholders, and proposed the procedure of treasury stock purchase.

Kelmės pieninė AB and Modest AB hold their board meetings regularly to discuss issues within the remit of the board of directors.

34. Board & Administration Members

Vilkyškių pieninė AB Board Members

Gintaras Bertašius (born1964) – a Board Chairman since 30 January 2006, re-elected for a four-year term on 25 April 2014, CEO of Vilkyškių pieninė AB. Has a higher education diploma in mechanical engineering. Membership in other companies' governing bodies: a shareholder of ŪKB Šilgaliai, board chairman of Modest AB, board chairman of Kelmės pieninė AB. On 31 December 2017, he held 6,067,206 shares of Vilkyškių pieninė AB, 50.8 percent of the stock and voting rights.

Sigitas Trijonis (born1964) – a Board Member since 30 January 2006, re-elected for a four-year term on 25 April 2014, Chief Technology Officer of Vilkyškių pieninė AB. Has a higher education degree in mechanical engineering. As of 31 December 2017, he held 425,607 shares of Vilkyškių pieninė AB, 3.6 percent of the stock and voting rights. Has no seats in other companies' governing bodies.

Rimantas Jancevičius (born 1962) – a Board Member since 30 January 2006, re-elected for a four-year term on 25 April 2014. Has a college diploma as livestock engineer. Chief Purchasing Officer at Vilkyškių pieninė AB. As of 31 December 2017, he held 286,563 shares of Vilkyškių pieninė AB, 2.4 percent of the stock and voting rights. Has no seats in other companies' governing bodies.

Vilija Milaševičiutė (born 1965) – a Board Member since 30 April 2009, re-elected for a four-year term on 25 April 2014. Has higher education in finance and credit. Chief Economics and Financial Officer of Vilkyškių pieninė AB. Membership in other companies' governing bodies: A board member of Modest AB and Kelmės pieninė AB. As of 31 December 2017, she held 7,813 shares of Vilkyškių pieninė AB, 0.07 percent of the stock and voting rights. Has no seats in other companies' governing bodies.

Linas Strėlis (born 1968) – a Board Member since 7 March 2008, re-elected for a four-year term on 25 April 2014. Has higher education. Director of LS Capital UAB and Biglis UAB, council chairman of Association of Social Enterprises (Socialinių imonių asociacija), board member of "Auga Group" AB, "Umega" AB and "East West Agro" AB. Also the member of the supervisory board in SIA "Preses nams". As of 31 December 2017, did not have any shares in Vilkyškių pieninė AB.

Andrej Cyba (born 1983) a Board Member since 7 March 2008, re-elected for a four-year term on 25 April 2014. Has a higher degree in business administration and management. CEO of GPI UAB, GP2 UAB and Piola UAB. Business Develompent Manager of INVL Asset Management UAB; chairman of the Board in FMĮ INVL Finasta UAB and Mundus Asset Management UAB; chairman of the supervisory Board at IPAS "INVL Asset Management" (Latvia) and AS "Pirmais atklātais pensiju fonds". As of 31 December 2017, did not have any shares in Vilkyškių pieninė AB.

Vilkyškių pieninė AB Members of Administration

Gintaras Bertašius (born1964) – CEO and Chairman of the Board. Works at the Company since 1993. Has a higher education diploma as mechanical engineer. Membership in other companies' governing bodies: a shareholder of ŪKB Šilgaliai, board chairman of Modest AB, board chairman of Kelmės pieninė AB. On 31 December 2017, he held 6,067,206 shares of Vilkyškių pieninė AB, 50.8 percent of the stock and voting rights.

Vilija Milaševičiutė (born 1965) – Chief Financial Officer, a Board Member, working at the Company since 2000. Has higher education in finance and credit. A board member of Modest AB and Kelmės pieninė AB. As of 31 December 2017, she held 7,813 shares of Vilkyškių pieninė AB, 0.07 percent of the stock and voting rights. Has no seats in other companies' governing bodies.

Vaidotas Juškys (born 1969) – Executive Officer, working at the Company since 2010. Has a higher education in IT. As of 31 December 2017, he held 250 shares of Vilkyškių pieninė AB, 0.002 percent of the stock and voting rights. Has no seats in other companies' governing bodies.

Sigitas Trijonis (born1964) – Chief Technology Officer, a Board Member, working at the Company since 1993. Has higher education as mechanical engineer. As of 31 December 2017, held 425,607 shares of Vilkyškių pieninė AB, 3.6 percent of the stock and voting rights. Has no seats in other companies' governing bodies.

Rimantas Jancevičius (born 1962) – Chief Purchasing Officer and a Board Member, working at the Company since 1996. Has a college diploma as livestock engineer. As of 31 December 2017, held 286,563 shares of Vilkyškių pieninė AB, 2.4 percent of the stock and voting rights. Has no seats in other companies' governing bodies.

Arvydas Zaranka (born 1966) – Chief Production Officer, working at the Company since 1995. Has a college degree in dairy technology. Membership in other companies' governing bodies: a board member of Modest AB. As of 31 December 2017, held 1,933 shares of Vilkyškių pieninė AB, 0.016 percent of the stock and voting rights. Has no seats in other companies' governing bodies.

Rita Juodikienė (born 1975) – Management and quality director. Woking at the company since 2002 Has a master degree in buisiness management. A board member of Kelmės pieninė AB as of 20 June 2017. Has no seats in other companies' governing bodies.

A total of EUR 254,000 were paid out to Vilkyškių pieninė AB board members in 2017 (salaries), on average EUR 42,300 per member. The bonuses to the CEO and CFO totaled EUR 117,200, or EUR 58,600 per person on average.

In 2017, the Company did not issue any loans, guarantees or letters of credit to members of its governing bodies. In 2017, the Company did not pay its board members or employees any salaries, bonuses or other payments from the profits of the Company's subsidiaries.

Members of Kelmės pieninė AB board and administration

Gintaras Bertašius (born 1964) – Chairman of the Board, last re-elected for a four-year term on 28 April 2016. Participation in the governing bodies of other companies: board chairman and CEO of Vilkyškių pieninė AB, shareholder of ŪKB Šilgaliai (1 share), board chairman at AB Modest. Holds a higher education degree in mechanical engineering. As of 31 December 2017, had 6,067,206 shares in Vilkyškių pieninė AB, 50.8 percent of the stock and voting rights.

Vilija Milaševičiutė (born 1965) – a member of the board, elected for a four-year term on 20 June 2017. Participation in the governing bodies of other companies: Chief Financial Officer of and board member Vilkyškių pieninė AB, a member of Modest AB board. Holds a higher degree in finance and credit. As of 31 December 2017, held 7,813 shares in Vilkyškių pieninė AB, i.e. 0.07 percent of the stock and voting rights. Has no seats in other companies' governing bodies.

Rita Juodikienė (born 1975) – a member of the board, elected for a four-year term on 20 June 2017. Participation in the governing bodies of other companies: Quality and management director of Vilkyškių pieninė AB. Holds a master degree in business management. Working at the Company since 2002. Has no seats in other companies' governing bodies.

In 2017, Kelmės pieninė AB did not allocate any bonuses, loans, guarantees or letters of credit to members of its governing bodies.

Members of Modest AB board and administration

Gintaras Bertašius (born 1964) – Chairman of the Board, last re-elected for a four-year term on 5 April 2017. Participation in the governing bodies of other companies: board chairman and CEO of AB Vilkyškių pieninė, shareholder of ŪKB Šilgaliai (1 share), board chairman at Modest AB. Holds a higher education degree in mechanical engineering. As of 31 December 2017, had 6,067,206 shares in Vilkyškių pieninė AB, 50.8 percent of the stock and voting rights

Arvydas Zaranka (born 1966) – a member of the board, re-elected for a four-year term on 5 April 2017. Participation in the governing bodies of other companies: Chief Production Officer of AB Vilkyškių pieninė. Has a college degree in dairy technology. As of 31 December 2017, held 1,933 shares in Vilkyškių pieninė AB, i.e. 0.016 percent of share capital and voting rights.

Vilija Milaševičiutė (born 1965) – a member of the board, re-elected for a four-year term on 5 April 2017. Participation in the governing bodies of other companies: Chief Financial Officer of and board member in Vilkyškių pieninė AB, a member of Kelmės pieninė AB board. Holds a university degree in finance and credit. As of 31 December 2017, held 7,813 shares in AB Vilkyškių pieninė, i.e. 0.07 percent of the stock and voting rights.

Kęstutis Keršys (born 1957) – CEO of Modest AB, working at the company since 2010. Holds a higher education degree in economics, has no shares or seats in other companies.

In 2017, AB Modest did not allocate any bonuses, loans, guarantees or letters of credit to members of its governing bodies.

34. Committees

Members of the Audit Committee: Aušra Labinienė (The Head of Internal Audit of Tauragė Credit Union), Vilma Morkaitienė (senior accountant of Bonus Modus UAB) and Milana Buivydienė (Vilkyškių pieninė AB employee). None of the Committee members hold senior positions in the Company's administration or have shares in the Company.

During 2017, 4 meetings of the Audit Committee were held. They discussed and approved the following: the Company's 2016 financial statements, the draft 2016 annual report, the draft 2016 profit distribution report, the 2017 internal audit plan and the 2017 budget, reviewed the salaries of the company's employees and discussed the preparation for a public description of salary policy. Each meeting was attended by all members of the Committee.

No committees are formed in subsidiary companies.

35.Agreements Enacted by Change of Control, Where Issuer is a Party

There are no agreements, to which the Issuer is a party, that would take effect if control of the Issuer changed.

36. Information about Agreements Between the Issuer and its Governing Members or Employees on Compensation Payouts in Case of Their Resignation, Unfair Dismissal or Discharge Upon Change in the Control of the Issuer

The Board Rules of Procedure do not provide for any compensation or payouts if a member of the Board resigns before the Board's term has expired. All employees are employed and dismissed in conformity with the provisions of the Lithuanian Labour Code.

37. Information About the Company's Transactions With Related Parties

Information about transactions with parties that are related to the Company has been included in the Vilkyškių pieninė AB financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017, in Chapter 26.

38. Information About Detrimental Acts Concluded by the Issuer that Could Affect Issuer's Operations

The Issuer has not concluded any detrimental transactions that had or could in the future have any negative impact on the Issuer's operations or results. Nor has the Issuer concluded any transactions involving conflict of interest on behalf of the Issuer's top management, major shareholders or other related parties.

ABOUT THE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT 2017

The report is designed to show how the responsible business approach and the principles of group management are reflected in our daily activities and future plans, even with the constantly growing challenges of the milk processing sector.

The Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group provides a report of social responsibility for the first time on year 2017, it is based on the recommendations of the European Commission Communique "Guidelines for nonfinancial reporting" (2017 / C 2015/01) and the recommendations of the project DESUR of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), according to which companies and organizations can to assess and to disclose their economic, environmental and social activities.

We are presenting the activities of AB Vilkyškių pieninė in the area of social responsibility that is in the relations with customers, employees and society, market participants as well as environmental activities in our social accountability report of year 2017.

The report describes the strategic directions, actions and achievements in the Company's social responsibility. The report is available in Lithuanian and English. Please read this report together with consolidated and separate annual report of Vilkyškių pieninė AB, 2017. The reporting period covers 1 January – 31 December 2017.

Accountability to the public

The report is published on the Company's website www.vilkyskiu.lt , stock exchanges "NASDAQ OMX Vilnius" website www.nasdaqbaltic.com. An independent audit of this report has not been carried out.

THE PRINCIPLES AND PRIORITIES OF RESPONSIBLE BUSSNES

The Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group seeks to contribute to the development of a sustainable society promotes to get interested in to advanced tools and technologies as it is responsible for carrying out its activities.

The basics of responsible activities of the Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group are – to increase the efficiency of production, to promote society and business to preserve energy resources and to change consumption patterns. The key to a mutually responsible partnership between business and society is the sustainable, safe and clean environment that we will leave for future generations.

The Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group works in socially responsible way with interested groups in other areas too first of all it is the behaviour based on ethical and equitable partnership with employees, attention to their work environment and safety. The employees of the Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group shift such a practice into external relations with customers, society and the environment. The Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group encourages other companies to integrate into the development of responsible, sustainable development activities. Cooperation and the sharing of good practice lead the country and society to social and economic well-being.

The Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group follows the following principles of sustainable developmentin its activities :

Ensuring maintainance of the environmen while producing dairy products, cheeses and whey products;

Efficient use of natural resources for ongoing activities;

Intelligent and efficient use of energy and reduction of environmental impact during the production process;

suppliers, buyers and the public.

Responsible and sustainable development in the Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group means the ensuring the reliability of production, which contributes to economic and social development, without prejudice to the balance of the environment. Timely and well-grounded development of innovative technologies, the harmonized satisfaction of the needs of employees, clients and society, minimize the environmental impact.

Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group follows the principles of business ethics and social responsibility in its activities, which are implemented in these areas:

  • •Economic responsibility;
  • •Social responsibility;
  • •Environmental protection.

Economic responsibility

  • •Created value for shareholders;
  • •The assurance of the correct remuneration for the employees;
  • •Strengthening trade mark;
  • •Customer needs are met;
  • •Production efficiency;
  • •Development of innovative products.

Social responsibility

  • •Respect for human rights;
  • •Safe and healthy working conditions are ensured;
  • •Collaboration with all interested parties, communities;
  • •Pre-primary education at the kindergarten is supported for the children of group employees;
  • •Ensured transparent internal and external communication.

Environmental protection

  • •Effective reduction and reuse of production waste;
  • •Preservation of natural resources;
  • •Systematic environmental monitoring;
  • •Compliance with environmental requirements.

Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group seeks to preserve the status of a reliable social partner by contributing nationally and solving the actual social problems of our society.

The priorities of the Group's responsible activities:

  • taking care of the health, safety, wellbeing and motivation of their employees, and developing the professional competence of employees;

  • maintaining open relations with local communities, as well as openness to other interested parties and the public;

  • the development of various social initiatives and projects for local communities and nationally;

Social responsibility and support measures are important in order to maintain good partnerships with local communities and society at national level.

ABOUT THE VILKYŠKIŲ PIENINĖ AB GROUP Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group consists of:

"Pieno
Vilkyškių pieninė AB
"Modest" AB
Kelmės pieninė AB
logistika" AB
•Subsidiary. Established in
•Subsidiary.
•Subsidiary.
•Parent company.
1993
Established in 1992
Established
Established in 1993
in 2013
•Joined the Group on 2008
•Joined the Group on
•Manufacture of
2006
•The renting
•Manufacture of fresh
fermented cheese,
of the
cream; whey
dairy products
•Manufacture of
buildings
processing
mozzarella, blue
•Manufacture of dry
cheese, melted
Products from 2018 :
Whey and Milk Powder
cheese
(Factory in Taurage)
cheese, smoked

Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group produces a lot of delicious dairy products of original recipes and taste characteristics for many of them have been high qualified in international exhibitions. We are proud that our company continues the long and honest traditions of cheese making history, created in a particularly beautiful region of Lithuania, surrounded by beautiful natural surroundings. The richness of the Nemunas meadows inspires us to create and to share the generosity of nature.

The mission Provide
gourmet
satisfaction
to
people
with
dairy
products.
The Vision Reliable
dairy
producer,
creating
added
value
through
the
sustainable
development.
The Values Quality,
Innovation,
Competence,
Honesty,
Transparency,
Social
Responsibility.

Quality – We produce high-quality dairy products and adhere to the highest standards.

Innovations – we are constantly enjoying our customers with new products, giving them the opportunity to experience new taste sensations. We are constantly investing in new technologies and increasing the range of products. It is interesting for us to create and share what we create.

Competence – The dairy products turn into exclusive and original high quality products In the hands of competent craftsmen

Honesty – We are open and reliable. The trust and respect of our users is of paramount importance to us. The basis of our business is the time to check relationships with business partners and the professionalism of our employees.

Transparency – Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group strives to comply with the principles of the Corporate Governance Code of the NASDAQ OMX Vilnius listed on the stock exchange and to provide the investors and the general public with timely and relevant information about the company's activities in a comprehensive and timely manner.

Social Responsibility– In carrying out its activities, the Company follows the principles of sustainable business development, which include social responsibility and environmental initiatives. The company invests in additional activities that increase not only the economic returns to investors, but also focus on environment-friendly technologies, it supports a wide range of social projects as they are pre-school childcare of employees' children at kindergarten, ensuring the health of workers and a fair remuneration system.

GROUP MANAGEMENT Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group strategy is based on ensuring the functions identified in the group's mission for safe, reliable and efficient production of dairy products. Increasing the value of the group is aimed at improving internal processes, improving the organizational structure and developing competences. Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group defines its responsibility and follows the following policies in its activities:occupational safety and health policy;wage policy;quality policy. According to the valid statutes, Vilkyškių pieninė AB management bodies are: General shareholders meetings Collegiate governing body is the board The sole governing body is the general director According to the valid statutes, the management bodies of Kelmės pieninė AB and Modest AB are: General shareholders meetings Collegiate governing body is the board The sole governing body is the general director According to the valid statutes, the management bodies of Pieno logistika AB are: General shareholders The sole governing body

General shareholders meetings. During the reporting period, the Company's shareholders had equal rights (property and non-property), provided by laws, other legal acts and the Company's Articles of Association. No shareholder had any special control rights, all shareholder rights are equal. The company's management bodies provided the right conditions for the exercise of shareholders' rights during the reporting period.

The Board. The Board of Vilkyškių pieninė AB consists of six members, the board of Kelmės pieninė AB and Modest AB - three members of the Board. The members of the Board are elected by the General Meeting of Shareholders, pursuant to the Law on Companies of the Republic of Lithuania, they are elected for a four-year term. The Board elects its chairman from among its members. I.e. the section "Group management bodies of Vilkyškių pieninė AB" of consolidated and parent company's Vilkyškių pieninė AB 2017 audited annual report. The Board forms two committees: Audit and Remuneration. Each committee consists of three members. I.e. The section "Committees" of consolidated and parent company's Vilkyškių pieninė AB 2017 audited annual report.

Director General. The competence of the Director General, the procedure for collecting and revoking of him is established by laws, other legal acts and the Articles of Association of the Company. The General Director is elected and revoked and dismissed by the Board of the Company. The Director General organizes the activities of the Company, directs it, operates on behalf of the Company and concludes transactions on an arbitrary basis, except in cases provided for in the Articles of Association and legal acts of the Company.

Vilkyškių pieninė AB Board of Directors
General director Administrator
I Raw material
purchase
department
II Production
department
III Sale
department
IV Technical unit V Economic and
financial
department
VI Management
and quality
department
VII Kelme's
department
I level leaders I level leaders I level leaders I level leaders I level leaders I level leaders
II level leaders II level leaders II level leaders II level leaders II level leaders II level leaders II level leaders
III level leaders,
specialists
III level leaders,
specialists
IV level leaders,
III level leaders,
specialists
IV level leaders,
III level leaders,
specialists
IV level leaders,
III level leaders,
specialists
IV level leaders,
III level leaders,
specialists
IV level leaders,
III level leaders,
specialists
IV level leaders,
specialists specialists specialists specialists specialists specialists
V level specialists V level specialists V level specialists V level
specialists
V level specialists V level specialists
VI level
employees
VI level
employees
VI level
employees
VI level
employees
Kelmės pieninė AB Board of Directors
I Production unit II Technical unit Director III
Management
and quality
IV Logistics
department
V Taurage's department
II level leaders II level leaders II level leaders
III level leaders, III level leaders, III level leaders, specialists III level leaders,
specialists
IV level leaders,
specialists
IV level leaders,
IV level leaders, specialists
IV level leaders,
specialists specialists IV level leaders, specialists specialists specialists
V level specialists V level specialists V level specialists V level specialists
VI level employees VI level employees VI level employees VI level employees
Modest AB Board of Directors
I Production unit II Technical unit Director III Management and
quality department
IV Logistics
department
V Kelme's
department
II level leaders II level leaders
III level leaders,
specialists
III level leaders,
specialists
III level leaders, specialists III level leaders,
specialists
IV level leaders,
specialists
IV level leaders,
specialists
IV level leaders, specialists IV level leaders,
specialists
IV level leaders,
specialists
V level specialists V level specialists V level specialists
VI level employees VI level employees VI level
employees
VI level
employees

THE STRUCTURE OF THE GROUP MANAGEMENT

The sole management body of Pieno logistika AB is the director

THE STRUCTURE OF SHAREHOLDERS

The shares of Vilkyškių pieninė AB are listed on the Official List of the NASDAQ OMX Vilnius in 17 May 2006. The Company's shares are traded on the NASDAQ OMX Vilnius Stock Exchange only. ISIN code LT0000127508. Securities shorthand VLP1L.

GROUP ACTIVITIES

The purposeful development and broadening of Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group and chosen marketing strategy and effective management allowed the group to become a competitive dairy company in Lithuanian and foreign markets. Today Vilkyškių pieninė AB occupies 15% of the country's cheese market and is the fourth one after Pieno žvaigždės AB, Rokiškio sūris AB and Žemaitijos pienas AB.

The main group activity:

  • •Manufacture of cheese, cheese products and other dairy products;
  • •Manufacture of cream and whey products by trying to rationalize the use of the intermediate products and raw materials that have been released during the production process of the main products.

The company's products have gained international recognition, were awarded silver, gold medals and other awards at the international food industry exhibitions. The cheeses of Vilkyškių pieninė AB won the prize for packaging - as they were informative and had the desire to expand knowledge of consumer about cheese.

The company has been focusing on Western markets from all the beginning as well as finding new markets on the Asian continent and in Africa.

Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group sells its products in 46 countries:

Most of the sales of Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group include exports to EU countries (2016 and 2017 - 56%), the sales in Lithuania accounted for 22% in 2017 and 30% in 2016, exports to other countries accounted for 22% in 2017 and 14% in 2016.

Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group invests in innovative exclusive products that enable the company to continue its promise of the brand and constantly rejoice consumers of local market for their choice by offering the new products and shaping new taste sensations and new traditions of dairy consumption; as well as strengthening their brand position.

The company is active in developing the export trademark "Vilvi" in foreign markets, where products with added value and original packaging have great potential. A part of Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group's production is marketed as industrial products.

ACTIVITY INDICATORS

Sales revenue of consolidated Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group was 113.9 million of EUR on 2017 and it increased by 26 percent compared to the income of 2016, which was 90.5 million of EUR.

Net profit of consolidated Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group was 6.7 million of EUR on 2017, the income of 2016 was 4.5 million of EUR (it increased by 49 percent)

It was bought up 250 thousand tons of milk in 2017 and this is 3% more than in 2016.

The amount for which the milk was bought up in 2017 amounted to 65.713 thousand EUR.

The price of bought up milk amounted to 262.9 EUR / t in 2017.

The price of bought up milk increased by 40% in 2017 compared with 2016.

The amount paid to the state of consolidated Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group amounted to 5.3 million EUR in 2017 and this is 13% less than it was paid in 2016.

The produced quantities of Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group, in tonnes:

There were produced 18.372 tons of fermented cheeses in 2017. The production increased by 8% compared with 2016. There was produced 16.349 tons of cream and it was of 8% than in 2016.

The income from basic products, thousand EUR:

Other sales
Cottage cheese products
4.949 EUR
8.168 EUR
Yogurt products 4.036 EUR
Sore cream 1.999 EUR
Whey product 5.105 EUR
Cream 38.255 EUR
Fermented cheese 51.427 EUR

Sales income of consolidated Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group increased by 26 % on 2017 compared with 2016. Sales income decreased by 9% in the Lithuanian market and exports increased by 40%.

INTERESTED PARTIES

The group has a wide range of interested parties in the internal and external environment. Interested parties are natural and legal persons and organizations that may be positively or negatively affected by the activities of Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group and those who are interested in it and wish to express their opinion.

The group of
interested parties
The most important interested
party
Interests
Customers, service
providers and
contractors
Existing and potential Partnership, rational price of products and
services, reliable delivery of products, accessible
and accurate relevant information, promptness of
work, quality of products and services
Suppliers of
basic raw
materials
Existing and potential Partnership, rational price of products and
services, reliable delivery and submission of
products
Fuel and electricity companies
Water supply companies
Suppliers Local waste management companies Daily cooperation
Other natural and legal persons providing
services and products

Continuation of the table

The group of The most important interested Interests
interested parties party
Environmental Protection Agency
Safety control and monitoring of activity
State Labour Inspection under the
Ministry of Social Security and Labour
Safety and health of employees, occupational risk
management
Public company (VĮ) The Lithuanian
Agency for Agricultural and Food
Products Market Regulation
Export development, milk market supervision
National Competition Council of the Republic of
Lithuania
Maintaining effective competition for consumer
welfare
Regulatory
Authorities
National Paying Agency under the
Ministry of Agriculture
Publicity and provision of EU support and
administration of the support
Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic
of Lithuania
Assurance of rural development, food safety and
quality
State Food and Veterinary Service Assurance of national food and veterinary control
State Enterprise Agricultural Information
and Rural Business Center
Assurance of the efficient operations of registries
and information systems in the field of regulation
of the Ministry
Interested parties Direction Long-term value creation of the group,
perspective for product development
inside the Group Employees Wages, guarantees, employment and social
integration, perspective for improvement
Other interested
parties
Shareholders Implementation of financial objectives, increase
of efficiency of activities, increase of company
value
State institutions Evaluation of financial statements, environmental
statements, audit reports
The public Organizations, associations Cooperation
Schools and universities Excursions and practice
Readers of newspapers and magazines
Listeners to radio stations Realization of production, transparency, social
The general public TV viewers responsibility, reduction of environmental impact
Readers of Internet sites
Research centers, Laboratories Evaluation of quantitative and qualitative
indicators
consultants Training centers, consulting companies,
natural persons
Training, counselling

RISK EVALUATION

Risk management is an integral part of the activities of Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group. In the Company, risks are identified, analyzed and evaluated in the context of the Company's objectives, activities and external environment. The meeting of directors is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the joint risk management program. The Group's risk management policy is designed to identify and analyze the risks faced by companies, to identify adequate risk limits, to control the risks and adhere to the limits set for them.

PERSONNEL AND EMPLOYEES

Risk management policies and systems are systematically reviewed as they are hoped to reflect changes in market conditions and group activities. Through its teaching and management standards and procedures, the Group seeks to create a disciplined and constructive control environment where each employee has a clear role and responsibility.

Risk management is designed to maintain a sufficient level of control over operational processes, minimize the probability of occurrence of risk-causing events and potential negative consequences, and ensure that the group's objectives are achieved. There is disclosed more about each risk in the Audited Annual Report 2017 of Consolidated and parent Vilkyškių pieninė AB

The employees are the biggest asset of Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group in order to achieve its goals.

We focus on continuous development of employees and the formation of a common culture of the entire group of companies.

The main "driver" of organizational culture is the leaders: their active engagement, the demonstration of values and desirable work principles by their behaviour and decisions, and their promotion in teamwork.

Traditions are an important part of fostering culture. The strongest families are those who have traditions and hold them. Therefore, each working day begins with a joint staff discussion of 10 minutes at the cup of coffee. Workers are also welcomed on the occasion of the birthday, wedding, childbirth.

There are holidays being organized for employees to be able to chat in the informal environment: the company's birthday, Christmas celebration, orienteering biking, educational excursions are organized.

It is rejoiced in the company's internal page (intranet) with various achievements and smaller calendar events.

The one of Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group – Kelmės pieninė AB – is a social enterprise.

The aim of this company is to promote the return of people from target groups who have lost their professional and general ability to work, unable to compete on an equal footing, economically inactive, returning to the labour market. The company employs for about 40% of disabled workers. They are given the opportunity to work according to their potential makings.

Employees are given of the opportunities to attend meetings, lectures, trips, celebrations and other events organized in the field of informing, educating and motivating employees.

One of the strategic goals of Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group is to become an Employer No. 1 in Tauragė District. To achieve the goal, the staff policy focuses on the formation and improvement of an image of the employer, involvement of employees and cooperation. The most important steps on the formation of the image of the employer are: attraction of employees, selection, introduction, education, maintenance, dismissal.

ATTRACTION AND SELECTION OF EMPLOYEES

In order to attract employees there is a close cooperation with regional, vocational and higher education institutions. A lot of attention is paid to the selection process.

For the search of new employees is used:

  • the internal resources of the company (this way encourages the company's employees to improve , take up the career ladder within the company);

  • recommendations of existing employees in accordance with the approved recommendations procedure"Bring a Friend" (employees know the company's culture, policy, job functions, and therefore can recommend a suitable candidate);

- ads on internet portals, labor exchange, databases;

The initial selection of the CVs of potential employees is carried out by the staff manager according to the criteria specified for the particular job described in the job descriptions. Selected candidates are invited to the first selection interview, in which: the candidate presents himself, the company is presented, the duties are described widely and the expectations of both parties are elaborated. Non-selected candidates are sent a note with gratitude for participation in the selection and invitation to participate in future selections. The selected employee is invited to a second interview, which details the start date, salary and recruitment procedure.

INTRODUCTION OF EMPLOYEES

The adaptation of new employees in Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group becomes one of the most important factors in order to prepare a new employee for the proper performance of functions and adaptation to the culture of the company, currently a new employee introduction system is being developed.

The goal is that the consistent introduction of the new employee will increase the integration of the employee, its efficiency of learning and will motivate for working in this organization and the costs for the search for new employees will be reduced.

EDUCATION OF EMPLOYEES

The education of employee is a process during which time it is tried to motivate and educate both individuals individually and the whole team together.

The Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group devotes much attention to the development of employee competences. The company has a library, where employees can find professional, motivational and fiction literature.

Every year, staff development plans are drawn up, taking into account the group's goals and compliance of staff competence.

Particular attention is paid to the training of the main professions, which ensures efficient and high-quality work, customer service and work safety.

General trainings are organized both by sending individual employees to seminars and conferences organized by external suppliers, and within the Group.

Training

of year 2017 230 employees participated in the training of general competences

60 hours of training was devoted to professionals

80 hours of training was devoted for leaders

In 2017, an internal training program was signed to promote mutual cooperation, improve internal communication and manage stress and changes, leadership development and self-knowledge. The leaders had the opportunity to improve leadership skills, project management and change management skills.

RETENTION OF EMPLOYEES

The retention of employees is closely linked to organizational culture.

We cherish organizational culture so that the employee would like to come to work, by developing a sense of family life, positiveness, and ensure the safety and comfort of the workplace.

The employee turnover is continuously monitored and research on motivation and engagement of employee is conducted at the Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group. In order to build a stable team, the good relationships are maintained internally what provide opportunities for improvement, growth, new responsibilities and participation in decision-making.

DISSMISS OF THE EMPLOYEES

Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group pays attention to the employee not only on the moment of hiring, but also on dismissal. The staff manager or manager communicates with the outgoing employee, strives to find out the reasons for the exit. It is important not to prevent the employee from returning to the company in the future.

HEALTH AND WORK SAFETY OF EMPLOYEE

An important task of Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group's employee policy is to assure health of employees and to improve their working conditions.

Every year, employees have the opportunity to check their health, vision, and get a free flu vaccine. The Occupational Safety Specialist and the Medical Specialist are constantly monitoring and ensuring that the places of work meet safety and health requirements in accordance with legislation and norms.

Civil safety functional exercises were organized on year 2017, during which the personnel and civil protection actions were simulated in case of fire in the Company's object.

725 employees participated in compulsory vocational training in 2017, where the special work permitting certificates were issued.

Employees were trained in the following training programs:

  • Work with hazardous explosives;
  • Mandatory first aid training;
  • An informal training program at workplaces where the amount of noise exposure to the worker may exceed 85 dB per day;
  • Manual lifting of loads;
  • Other training programs.

HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION

Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group does not tolerate human rights violations; it advocates a fair and transparent wage policy.

The group complies with overtime and working time laws, respects the right of employees to rest, and does not tolerate harassment or violence of any kind, advocates against any discrimination and compulsory (or child) labour. There was no discrimination or other incidents related to human rights violations in the Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group in year 2017.

All employees can voice their comments, opinions, complaints about unsatisfactory working conditions or relationships with colleagues, etc. during weekly individual meetings with executives or referring to the staffing unit.

DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The majority of employees of Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group were women – 628 in year 2017.

REMUNERATION SYSTEM

The provisions of the remuneration system have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Labour Code of the Republic of Lithuania (Law No. XII-2603) and its implementing legislation, as well as the Rules of Procedure of the Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group, other legal acts regulating the payment of employees' remuneration, as well as the right to remuneration for work and gender equality and non-discrimination on other grounds

The system is harmonized with other local laws of the Company and applies to the calculation and payment of remuneration for employees working under employment contracts. The remuneration system includes the categories of employees and the positions assigned to these categories. The provisions for work remuneration stipulated in the system and its annexes are applied in a way that avoids any discrimination based on sex and other grounds. Men and women receive equal remuneration for the same or equivalent work.

The content of the work performed by the employee, its description, qualification requirements for employees (if applicable for a separate post), compulsory and voluntary qualification improvement procedures are set out in the employees' employment regulations and / or employment contracts. Upon obtaining a higher professional qualification, a higher remuneration may be paid or a higher wage rate may be applied to such an employee upon the decision of the manager. In the case of vacant jobs with higher requirements, such jobs are primarily offered to employees of the company who meet the requirements for the position and have a higher level of qualifications. In this case, the employee will be covered by a higher remuneration system. Employees may be awarded additionally for qualification acquired and / or bonus for additional work or additional duties or tasks. Accessories for employees may also be awarded for a job well done, in order to encourage the employee for the work or performance of his or a company's subdivision or group of employees, etc. A bonus may be awarded to an employee on the initiative of the Company.

ASSURANCE OF CORRECT REMUNERATION

Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group participates in the Hay Group Remuneration Market Survey, which provides clarity in the remuneration system; this allows the transparent and efficient management of remuneration. By using unique Hay Group databases, we can compare the remuneration system of the Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group with the local market; this allows us to find out how competitive the remuneration offers are.

There is still a high wage inequality within companies and in the Lithuanian labour market. Remunerations vary on average of 60% for the same or very similar work.

The discrepancy between business possibilities of the business and expectations of employees threatens to increase the migration of important and good employees - they will increase their remuneration by changing workplaces because they cannot do it internally in the company.

There are no clearly defined positions 'structure in the companies, so they do not see how much of value create each positions in a common context.

It's important for people to know if their results correspond to the remuneration they receive, so if they do not hear logical arguments, they feel dissatisfied. In order to avoid this and to accurately determine the salaries prevailing on the market and to compare them with group remuneration, Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group uses the services of the world's leading provider of accurate remuneration information and analyzes – Hay Group.

PUBLIC

POSIBILITIES FOR PRACTICE, EDUCATION – EXCURSIONS

The company actively collaborates with educational institutions, enabling higher and vocational school students to apply theoretical knowledge and acquire practical skills during their practice.

Presentations of professional information and career planning as well as sightseeing tours to factories are organized. Pupils and graduates are encouraged to practice so that they have the opportunity to become more familiar with the work of the manufacturing company and may be able to secure jobs after graduation.

PROMOTING THE COMMUNITY, PROVIDING THE SUPPORT

Vilkyškių pieninė AB is a socially responsible company. At the beginning of the year 2010, having received financial supports from the European Union funds, it founded a child care room, and it was called kindergarten by people of Vilkyškiai. Parents did not have to pay for a kindergarten completely.

This kindergarten is partially funded by Vilkyškių pieninė AB upon completion of project funds from 2013.

So while employees work in a dairy, their children are involved in pre-school education. The competitions of the drawings of the logo of Vilkyškių pieninė AB and / or poems about the company and production are organized.

Vilkyškių pieninė AB is turning back to Lithuanian traditions - basketball fostering – it supports "Žalgiris" basketball team since 2009. The company contributes to the organization of tournaments and employees support the "Žalgiris" team in every match.

In order to be an active member of the community, Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group promotes and develops community spirit supports and participates in cultural, educational events, entertainment, educational activities for adults and children. We contribute to a more active social life in the district, strengthening mutual relations and cooperation in this way.

We support in close cooperation not only the community of Vilkyškiai but the communities of cities Pagėgiai, Tauragė, Kelmė too. Pagėgiai School, Pagėgiai Regional Festival, Vilkyškiai and Pagėgiai Town Festivals, International Organ Music Festival and Tytuvėnai Sports Festival "Tytuvela" are supported by us as well. There is an international organ music festival organized in Vilkyškiai town every year where we participate as sponsors and as listeners.

ENVIROMENTAL PROTECTION

Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group in its activities aims to preserve the environment, to use natural resources economically, to introduce modern, effective and environmentally sound technologies in production activities. The Group follows the requirements of environmental legislation and norms, professionally applies preventive measures that reduce the negative impact on the environment.

The main environmental issues raised are:

  • safe exploitation of the equipment;
  • safe use of environmentally hazardous substances;
  • management of waste generated and reduction of them.

Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group seeks to continuously reduce the negative impact on the environment in the production of dairy products, implement pollution prevention measures. The Group fulfils all the environmental requirements for it and cares for the construction of new facilities and the renovation of old equipment so that the group activities will have even less impact on the environment on its own initiative. The Group promotes the regard on the use of electronic devices and paper.

According to Directive 2008/1 / EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC), Vilkyškių pieninė AB and Kelmės pieninė AB are included in the Annex I installations for which IPPC permit has been granted.

The Group has installed the best available techniques (BAT), resource consumption and emission levels consistent with those achieved in the European Union.

Environmental policy of Vilkyškių pienine AB Group

to seek to reduce environmental impact;

to implement pollution prevention measures;

to assure minimum resource consumption and waste generation, so that the activities carried out do not cause undesirable effects on the air, water, land.

Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group periodically performs an environmental impact analysis and assessment.

In accordance with the established procedure, the monitoring program of the water supply site for groundwater and monitoring are carried out, as well as the potential impact of the service station on groundwater is controlled by the monitoring program and the monitoring of emissions into the air pollutant, pollution sources with wastewater discharges is carried out.

Name of the
source or
installation of
pollution
Pollutant name Pollutant
release
medium
Tax rate
standard N,
tons
Total
emissions
in 2017, t
Total
emissions
in 2016, t
≤ N
MONITORING OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT INDICATORS
Biological Fat Water bodies 3.2850 2.2485 2.5014
wastewater B. phosphorus Water bodies 0.6570 0.2275 0.3973
treatment
plants
Ammonium nitrogen Water bodies 2.1120 0.0770 0.1794
BDS Water bodies 0.2436 0.0310 0.0249
Surface SM Water bodies 0.2100 0.0260 0.0287
wastewater Oil Water bodies 0.0029 0.0010 0.0003
Boiler room I Carbon monoxide (A)
CO
Atmosphere 3.4641 3.4641 3.4641
Nitrogen oxides (A)
NOx
Atmosphere 1.2533 1.2533 1.2533

Vilkyškių pieninė AB (2011), Kelmės pieninė AB (2016) and Modest AB (2014) are equipped with modern, fully automatic refrigeration compressors, which use an environmentally friendly refrigerant for ammonia.

Vilkyškių pieninė AB has a regenerative thermal energy exchange system, which enables the collection and use of both heat and refrigeration energy.

Industrial and domestic waste water is purified by the purification plant situated in the factory up to the required environmental standards and discharged into open water bodies.

Milk and whey dryers are installed at Kelmės pienine AB Tauragė branch. Energy saving, energy recovery systems are installed there, which significantly save heat, reduce gas consumption, and emit less heat into the environment. The natural gas is used to produce heat in the dryers -whose combustion products are less polluting the environment.

It is planned to install a natural gas boiler house at Kelmės pieninė AB Department for the replacement of the current, using diesel fuel.

The fuel the Vilkyškių pienine AB Group uses are- gas what is more environmentally friendly than fuel oil or wood shavings.

FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION AND BRIBERY

Transparent, honest and open business activity is one of the most important elements of impeccable business reputation. Business companies that implement anti-corruption measures in their activities gain a competitive advantage over other market participants in the long run protection and improve their reputation, they manage to attract more investment and establish long-term relationships with reliable business partners.

Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group does not tolerate any manifestations of corruption, including bribery and grafting and advocates fair business policy and transparent communication with state institutions and other interested parties, seeks to work with socially responsible organizations.

Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group pays transparently all taxes, conducts fair accounting, all cash flows of the Group are documented with necessary documents, the Group follows a transparent wage policy – does not tolerate the practice of paying employees a part of the salary in the "envelopes".

The Group ensures the transparency of its procurements and requires potential and existing suppliers to operate transparently and fairly. The Group trades its products in accordance with the principle of transparency, does not participate in any transactions where any bribes are requested or is offered to behave in an opaque manner. The Group evaluates the visions and proposals of the responsible institutions and their transparency.

The Group is politically neutral and does not provide any financial support for political parties, groups or politicians.

The Group has clearly defined rules for giving and receiving gifts. There are circumstances indicated under which you can give or receive gifts, participate in activities organized by third parties.

Long-term sponsored groups are posted publicly on the website.

Vilkyškių pieninė AB

Address: Prano Lukošaičio Str. 14, Vilkyškiai, Pagėgiai Ward, LT-99254 Tel.: +370 441 55330 Fax: +370 441 55242 E-mail.: [email protected] Enterprise code 277160980 VAT payer's code LT771609811

IV. INFORMATION ABOUT COMPLIANCE TO MANAGEMENT CODE

The Company has prepared a Disclosure on Compliance with the Management Code Principles, which is attached as an Annex to this Consolidated Report.

V.INFORMATION ON DISCLOSURES

On the 10th day of each month, sales figures for the preceding months are published. A report has been published on an ordinary meeting of shareholders, as well as reports on the annual and interim results.

Annex

Announcement of Vilkyškių pieninė AB Group concerning disclosure of compliance with the Governance Code of the companies whose securities were traded on a regulated market in 2017

The public company Vilkyskiu Pienine AB following Article 21 paragraph 3 of the Law on Securities of the Republic of Lithuania and item 20.5 of the Trading Rules of the NASDAQ OMX Vilnius Stock Exchange, discloses its compliance with the Governance Code, approved by the VSE for the companies listed on the regulated market, and its specific provisions.

PRINCIPLES/ RECOMMENDATIONS YES/NO /NOT
APPLICABLE
COMMENTARY
Principle I: Basic Provisions
over time shareholder value. The overriding objective of a company should be to operate in common interests of all the shareholders by optimizing
1.1. A company should adopt and make public the
company's development strategy and objectives by
clearly declaring how the company intends to meet
the interests of its shareholders and optimize
shareholder value.
Yes The Company constantly presents information related with the
development strategy and with the optimization of shareholder
value via the information system of the Stock Exchange, on its
website (www.vilkyskiu.lt/investuotojams/).
1.2. All management bodies of a company should act
in furtherance of the declared strategic objectives in
view of the need to optimize shareholder value.
Yes All management bodies of the company act in furtherance of the
declared strategic objectives.
1.3. A company's supervisory and management
bodies should act in close co-operation in order to
attain maximum benefit for the company and its
shareholders.
Yes The company has set up the Management Board (with the
exception of Pieno logistika AB) which acts for the interests of
the company's shareholders, is responsible for the strategic
management of the company, supervises the activity of the chief
executive officer of the company, organizes meetings of the
Management Board and cooperates with the management bodies
of the company. Nomination, remuneration and audit committees
have been set up in the Vilkyskiu pienine AB.
1.4. A company's supervisory and management
bodies should ensure that the rights and interests of
persons other than the company's shareholders (e.g.
employees,
creditors,
suppliers,
clients,
local
community), participating in or connected with the
company's operation, are duly respected.
Yes The company acts in compliance with the provisions that are set
in this clause.

Principle II: The corporate governance framework

The corporate governance framework should ensure the strategic guidance of the company, the effective oversight of the company's management bodies, an appropriate balance and distribution of functions between the company's bodies, protection of the shareholders' interests.

2.1. Besides obligatory bodies provided for in the
Law on Companies of the Republic of Lithuania – a
No The bodies of the company are general shareholders' meeting,
general
shareholders'
meeting
and
the
chief
Management Board and chief executive officer
executive officer, it is recommended that a company AB Pieno logistika's governing bodies are a General Meeting
should set up both a collegial supervisory body and a and the head of company. No Management Board is set up in this
collegial management body. The setting up of Company.
collegial bodies for supervision and management
facilitates clear separation of management and The company does not set up a supervisory board as a collegial
supervisory functions in the company, accountability management body. The Management Board is responsible for the
and control on the part of the chief executive officer, supervision of company's activity and management (except for
which, in its turn, facilitate a more efficient and AB Pieno logistika).
transparent management process.
2.2. A collegial management body is responsible for
the strategic management of the company and Yes The functions that are indicated in this recommendation are
implemented by the Management Board. (except AB Pieno
performs
other
key
functions
of
corporate
logistika)
governance.
A
collegial
supervisory
body
is
responsible for the effective supervision of the
company's management bodies.
2.3. Where a company chooses to form only one
The company does not follow this recommendation, where a
collegial body, it is recommended that it should be a No company chooses to form only one collegial body, as
supervisory body, i.e. the supervisory board. In such Management Board is the one collegial body.
a case, the supervisory board is responsible for the The company does not follow the Recommendation 2.3 of the
effective monitoring of the functions performed by Governance Code – at present the only collegial body of the
the company's chief executive officer. company is a management body, not a supervisory one. The
management body of the company implements the supervisory
functions as well.
2.4. The collegial supervisory body to be elected by Yes Management board collects and cancells the Head of the
the general shareholders' meeting should be set up Company. Establishes its salary, other work conditions, approves
and should act in the manner defined in Principles III the position regulations, encourages him and imposes penalties.
and IV. Where a company should decide not to set up
a collegial supervisory body but rather a collegial
management body, i.e. the board, Principles III and
IV should apply to the board as long as that does not
contradict the essence and purpose of this body.1
2.5. Company's management and supervisory bodies At present, in accordance with the Articles of Association, the
should comprise such number of board (executive Yes Management Board of AB Vilkyškių Pieninė is composed of 6
directors) and supervisory (non-executive directors) members who are appointed for the period of four years.
board members that no individual or small group of The Management Board of AB Modest
is composed of 3
individuals can dominate decision-making on the members.
part of these bodies.2 The Management Board of AB Kelmės Pieninė is composed of
3 members.
No Management Board is set up at AB Pieno logistika.
The number of members of the collegial body is sufficient to
dominate decision-making.

1 Provisions of Principles III and IV are more applicable to those instances when the general shareholders' meeting elects the supervisory board, i.e. a body that is essentially formed to ensure oversight of the company's board and the chief executive officer and to represent the company's shareholders. However, in case the company does not form the supervisory board but rather the board, most of the recommendations set out in Principles III and IV become important and applicable to the board as well. Furthermore, it should be noted that certain recommendations, which are in their essence and nature applicable exclusively to the supervisory board (e.g. formation of committees), should not be applied to the board, as the competence and functions of these bodies according to the Law on Companies of the Republic of Lithuania (Official Gazette, 2003, No 123-5574) are different. For instance, item 3.1 of the Code concerning oversight of the management bodies applies to the extent it concerns the oversight of the chief executive officer of the company, but not of the board itself; item 4.1 of the Code concerning recommendations to the management bodies applies to the extent it relates to the provision of recommendations to the company's chief executive officer; item 4.4 of the Code concerning independence of the collegial body elected by the general meeting from the company's management bodies is applied to the extent it concerns independence from the chief executive officer.

2 Definitions 'executive director' and 'non-executive director' are used in cases when a company has only one collegial body.

2.6. Non-executive directors or members of the
supervisory board should be appointed for specified
terms subject to individual re-election, at maximum
intervals provided for in the Lithuanian legislation
with a view to ensuring necessary development of
professional experience and sufficiently frequent
reconfirmation of their status. A possibility to
remove them should also be stipulated however this
procedure should not be easier than the removal
procedure for an executive director or a member of
the management board.
Yes In accordance with the Articles of Association, the members of
the Management Board are appointed for the period of four years
without limiting the number of their terms of office.
The Articles of Association provides the company with the
possibility to withdraw the whole Management Board or any of
its members. The withdrawal of a member of the Management
Board should be based on the legislation.
2.7. Chairman of the collegial body elected by the
general shareholders' meeting may be a person
whose current or past office constitutes no obstacle to
conduct independent and impartial supervision.
Where a company should decide not to set up a
supervisory board but rather the board, it is
recommended that the chairman of the board and
chief executive officer of the company should be a
different person. Former company's chief executive
officer should not be immediately nominated as the
No
Yes
AB Vilkyškių Pieninė does not follow the Recommendation 2.7
because the chairman of the Management Board is Director
General of the Company. The independence of supervision is
guaranteed by other five members of the Management Board.
AB Modest and AB Kelmės Pieninė follow the recommendation.
chairman of the collegial body elected by the general
shareholders' meeting. When a company chooses to
departure from these recommendations, it should
furnish information on the measures it has taken to
ensure impartiality of the supervision.

Principle III: The order of the formation of a collegial body to be elected by a general shareholders' meeting

The order of the formation a collegial body to be elected by a general shareholders' meeting should ensure representation of minority shareholders, accountability of this body to the shareholders and objective monitoring of the company's operation and its management bodies.3

3.1. The mechanism of the formation of a collegial
body to be elected by a general shareholders'
meeting (hereinafter in this Principle referred to as
the 'collegial body') should ensure objective and fair
monitoring of the company's management bodies as
well as representation of minority shareholders.
The company follows all provisions that are
indicated in this recommendation, moreover, the
company could additionally mention the document
(such as the operating regulation of that body), if
any, which determines the specific order of data
exchange among the member of that collegial body.
Yes While electing the collegial body of the company, the
shareholders may take the cognizance of comprehensive
information about the candidates early enough before the meeting
of the shareholders and during it as well.
3.2. Names and surnames of the candidates to
become members of a collegial body, information
about their education, qualification, professional
background, positions taken and potential conflicts of
interest should be disclosed early enough before the
general
shareholders'
meeting
so
that
the
shareholders would have sufficient time to make an
informed voting decision. All factors affecting the
candidate's independence, the sample list of which is
set out in Recommendation 3.7, should be also
disclosed. The collegial body should also be
Yes The company accumulates and discloses the entire information
about the members of collegial body, their professional
education, qualification and conflicts of interest, following the
order set out in these recommendations.

3 Attention should be drawn to the fact that in the situation where the collegial body elected by the general shareholders' meeting is the board, it is natural that being a management body it should ensure oversight not of all management bodies of the company, but only of the single-person body of management, i.e. the company's chief executive officer. This note shall apply in respect of item 3.1 as well.

informed on any subsequent changes in the provided
information. The collegial body should, on yearly
basis, collect data provided in this item on its
members and disclose this in the company's annual
report.
The company could comprehensively comment the
implemented practice (for instance, prior to the
announcement of company's annual report to the
shareholders,
each member of collegial body
informs the collegial body about the in-service
trainings, relevant to their service on the collegial
body, which she/he has attended within the last
accounting year).
3.3. Should a person be nominated for members of a
collegial body, such nomination should be followed
by the disclosure of information on candidate's
particular competences relevant to his/her service on
the collegial body. In order shareholders and
investors are able to ascertain whether member's
competence is further relevant, the collegial body
should, in its annual report, disclose the information
on its composition and particular competences of
individual members which are relevant to their
service on the collegial body.
Yes During the meetings of the shareholders, curriculum vitae of
candidates to become members of the Management Board are
presented, which include such information as their education,
professional background, etc. Information about the composition
of the Management Board is set out in the reports of the
company.
3.4. In order to maintain a proper balance in terms of
the current qualifications possessed by its members,
the collegial body should determine its desired
composition with regard to the company's structure
and activities, and have this periodically evaluated.
The collegial body should ensure that it is composed
of members who, as a whole, have the required
diversity of knowledge, judgment and experience to
complete their tasks properly. The members of the
audit committee, collectively, should have a recent
knowledge and relevant experience in the fields of
finance, accounting and/or audit for the stock
exchange listed companies. At least one of the
members of the remuneration committee should have
knowledge of and experience in the field of
remuneration policy.
Yes The company follows the recommendations set out in this clause.
The members of the Management Board of the company have
required diversity of knowledge, judgment and experience to
complete their tasks properly.
The members of Audit Committee of AB Vilkyškių Pieninė have
relevant experience and a recent knowledge in the fields of
accounting and audit.
No audit committee has been formed AB Modest and AB
Kelmės Pieninė. and AB ,,Pieno logistika"
3.5. All new members of the collegial body should be
offered a tailored program focused on introducing a
member with his/her duties, corporate organization
and activities. The collegial body should conduct an
annual review to identify fields where its members
need to update their skills and knowledge.
Yes Members of the Management Board and the members of Audit
Committee of AB Vilkyškių Pieninė constantly take part in
various refresher courses and seminars where they are provided
with the information about the essential changes in legislation
that regulates the activity of the company. Moreover, in case of
necessity, the members of the Management Board either
individually or during the meetings of the Management Board
are also informed about the other changes, which have an impact
on the activity of the company.
3.6. In order to ensure that all material conflicts of
interest related with a member of the collegial body
are resolved properly, the collegial body should
comprise a sufficient4
number of independent5
members.
No The company does not follow the Recommendation 3.6 of the
Governance Code as the company neither has defined the
independence criteria of a member of the Management Board nor
has
discussed
the
content
of
"sufficiency"
concept
of
independent members.

129 4 The Code does not provide for a concrete number of independent members to comprise a collegial body. Many codes in foreign countries fix a concrete number of independent members (e.g. at least 1/3 or 1/2 of the members of the collegial body) to comprise the collegial body. However, having regard to the novelty of the institution of independent members in Lithuania and potential problems in finding and electing a concrete number of independent members, the Code provides for a more flexible wording and

3.7. A member of the collegial body should be The Company has not defined independence criteria for
considered to be independent only if he is free of any Ne Management Board members. However, Vilkyškių pieninė AB
business, family or other relationship with the has two Board members who meet the independence criteria
company,
its
controlling
shareholder
or
the
specified herein.
management of either, that creates a conflict of
interest such as to impair his judgment. Since all
cases when member of the collegial body is likely to
become dependent are impossible to list, moreover,
relationships and circumstances associated with the
determination of independence may vary amongst
companies and the best practices of solving this
problem are yet to evolve in the course of time,
assessment of independence of a member of the
collegial body should be based on the contents of the
relationship and circumstances rather than their form.
The key criteria for identifying whether a member of
the
collegial
body
can
be
considered
to
be
independent are the following:
1) He/she is not an executive director or
member of the board (if a collegial body
elected
by
the
general
shareholders'
meeting is the supervisory board) of the
company or any associated company and
has not been such during the last five
years;
2) He/she is not an employee of the company or
some any company and has not been such
during the last three years, except for cases
when a member of the collegial body does
not belong to the senior management and
was elected to the collegial body as a
representative of the employees;
3) He/she is not receiving or has been not
receiving
significant
additional
remuneration
from
the
company
or
associated
company
other
than
remuneration for the office in the collegial
body.
Such
additional
remuneration
includes participation in share options or
some
other
performance
based
pay
systems; it does not include compensation
payments for the previous office in the
company (provided that such payment is
no way related with later position) as per
pension
plans
(inclusive
of
deferred
compensations);
4) He/she is not a controlling shareholder or
representative of such shareholder (control
as
defined
in
the
Council
Directive
83/349/EEC Article 1 Part 1);
5) He/she does not have and did not have any
material
business
relations
with
the
company or associated company within the
past
year
directly
or
as
a
partner,
shareholder, director or superior employee
of the subject having such relationship. A
subject is considered to have business
relations when it is a major supplier or
service provider (inclusive of financial,
legal, counselling and consulting services),
major client or organization receiving
significant payments from the company or
its group;

allows the companies themselves to decide what number of independent members is sufficient. Of course, a larger number of independent members in a collegial body is encouraged and will constitute an example of more suitable corporate governance. 5 It is notable that in some companies all members of the collegial body may, due to a very small number of minority shareholders, be elected by the votes of the majority shareholder or a few major shareholders. But even a member of the collegial body elected by the majority shareholders may be considered independent if he/she meets the independence criteria set out in the Code.

6) He/she is not and has not been, during the
last three years, partner or employee of the
current or former external audit company
of the company or associated company;
7) He/she is not an executive director or
member of the board in some other
company where executive director of the
company or member of the board (if a
collegial body elected by the general
shareholders' meeting is the supervisory
board) is non-executive director or member
of the supervisory board, he/she may not
also have any other material relationships
with executive directors of the company
that arise from their participation in
activities of other companies or bodies;
8) He/she has not been in the position of a
member of the collegial body for over than
12 years;
9) He/she is not a close relative to an executive
director or member of the board (if a
collegial body elected by the general
shareholders' meeting is the supervisory
board) or to any person listed in above
items 1 to 8. Close relative is considered to
be
a
spouse
(common-law
spouse),
children and parents.
3.8.
The
determination
of
what
constitutes
independence is fundamentally an issue for the
collegial body itself to determine. The collegial body
may decide that, despite a particular member meets
all the criteria of independence laid down in this
Code, he cannot be considered independent due to
special personal or company-related circumstances.
3.9. Necessary information on conclusions the
collegial body has come to in its determination of
whether a particular member of the body should be
considered to be independent should be disclosed.
When a person is nominated to become a member of
the collegial body, the company should disclose
whether it considers the person to be independent.
When a particular member of the collegial body does
not meet one or more criteria of independence set out
in this Code, the company should disclose its reasons
for nevertheless considering the member to be
independent. In addition, the company should
annually disclose which members of the collegial
body it considers to be independent.
No The company has not implemented the practice of evaluation and
disclosure of independence criteria of a member of the
Management Board.
3.10. When one or more criteria of independence set
out in this Code has not been met throughout the
year, the company should disclose its reasons for
considering a particular member of the collegial body
to be independent. To ensure accuracy of the
information
disclosed
in
relation
with
the
independence of the members of the collegial body,
the company should require independent members to
have their independence periodically re-confirmed.
No The company has not implemented the practice of evaluation and
disclosure of independence criteria of a member of the
Management Board.
3.11. In order to remunerate members of a collegial
body for their work and participation in the meetings
Yes Vilkyškių Pienine AB, Modest AB and Kelmes Pienine AB
members may be paid tantrums for their work in the Board,
of the collegial body, they may be remunerated from
the company's funds.6
. The general shareholders'
meeting
should
approve
the
amount
of
such
remuneration.
however, in 2017, Tantemess Board members have not been
paid.

Principle IV: The duties and liabilities of a collegial body elected by the general shareholders' meeting

The corporate governance framework should ensure proper and effective functioning of the collegial body elected by the general shareholders' meeting, and the powers granted to the collegial body should ensure effective monitoring7 of the company's management bodies and protection of interests of all the company's shareholders.

4.1. The collegial body elected by the general
shareholders' meeting (hereinafter in this Principle
referred to as the 'collegial body') should ensure
integrity and transparency of the company's financial
statements and the control system. The collegial
body
should
issue
recommendations
to
the
company's management bodies and monitor and
control the company's management performance.8
Yes The Management Board ensures the integrity and transparency
of the company's financial statements and the control system,
evaluates the project of company's annual financial statements
and the project of profit (loss) distribution and submits them to
the general shareholders' meeting.
The Board also submits recommendations and suggestions to the
head of administration.
4.2. Members of the collegial body should act in
good faith, with care and responsibility for the
benefit and in the interests of the company and its
shareholders with due regard to the interests of
employees and public welfare. Independent members
of
the
collegial
body
should
(a)
under
all
circumstances
maintain
independence
of
their
analysis, decision-making and actions (b) do not seek
and accept any unjustified privileges that might
compromise their independence, and (c) clearly
express their objections should a member consider
that decision of the collegial body is against the
interests of the company. Should a collegial body
have passed decisions independent member has
serious doubts about, the member should make
adequate
conclusions.
Should
an
independent
member resign from his office, he should explain the
reasons in a letter addressed to the collegial body or
audit
committee
and,
if
necessary,
respective
company-not-pertaining body (institution).
Yes Based on the company's data, the members of the Management
Board act in good will with regard to the company, follow the
interests of the company, not the interests of their own or of the
third parties, act in conformity with the principles of fairness and
prudence, under an obligation of confidentiality and with due
responsibility, thus they aim at maintaining the independence of
decision-making.
4.3. Each member should devote sufficient time and
attention to perform his duties as a member of the
collegial body. Each member of the collegial body
should limit other professional obligations of his (in
particular any directorships held in other companies)
in such a manner they do not interfere with proper
performance of duties of a member of the collegial
Yes In the year 2017, the members of the Management Board held
the meetings of the Management Board (each meeting had the
proper quorum) and each member devoted sufficient time to
perform her/his duties as a member of the Management Board

6It is notable that currently it is not yet completely clear, in what form members of the supervisory board or the board may be remunerated for their work in these bodies. The Law on Companies of the Republic of Lithuania (Official Gazette, 2003, No 123- 5574) provides that members of the supervisory board or the board may be remunerated for their work in the supervisory board or the board by payment of annual bonuses (tantiems) in the manner prescribed by Article 59 of this Law, i.e. from the company's profit. The current wording, contrary to the wording effective before 1 January 2004, eliminates the exclusive requirement that annual bonuses (tantiems) should be the only form of the company's compensation to members of the supervisory board or the board. So it seems that the Law contains no prohibition to remunerate members of the supervisory board or the board for their work in other forms, besides bonuses, although this possibility is not expressly stated either.

7 See Footnote 3.

8 See Footnote 3. In the event the collegial body elected by the general shareholders' meeting is the board, it should provide recommendations to the company's single-person body of management, i.e. the company's chief executive officer.

body. In the event a member of the collegial body
should be present in less than a half9 of the meetings
of the collegial body throughout the financial year of
the company, shareholders of the company should be
notified.
4.4. Where decisions of a collegial body may have a
different effect on the company's shareholders, the
collegial
body
should
treat
all
shareholders
impartially
and
fairly.
It
should
ensure
that
shareholders are properly informed on the company's
affairs, strategies, risk management and resolution of
conflicts of interest. The company should have a
clearly established role of members of the collegial
body when communicating with and committing to
shareholders.
Yes The management bodies of the company, prior to making
material decisions, discuss their impact on shareholders and
seeking to ensure that all shareholders are properly informed on
the company's affairs, strategies, risk management, announce the
main information about the company's activity in the periodical
reports.
4.5. It is recommended that transactions (except
insignificant ones due to their low value or concluded
when carrying out routine operations in the company
under usual conditions), concluded between the
company and its shareholders, members of the
supervisory or managing bodies or other natural or
legal persons that exert or may exert influence on the
company's
management
should
be
subject
to
approval of the collegial body. The decision
concerning approval of such transactions should be
deemed adopted only provided the majority of the
independent members of the collegial body voted for
such a decision.
Yes The management bodies of the company enter into transactions
following the legislation and approved Articles of Association,
for the attainment of benefit and welfare to the company.
4.6. The collegial body should be independent in
passing decisions that are significant for the
company's operations and strategy. Taken separately,
the collegial body should be independent of the
company's management bodies10. Members of the
collegial body should act and pass decisions without
an outside influence from the persons who have
elected it. Companies should ensure that the collegial
body and its committees are provided with sufficient
administrative and financial resources to discharge
their duties, including the right to obtain, in
particular from employees of the company, all the
necessary information or to seek independent legal,
accounting or any other advice on issues pertaining
to the competence of the collegial body and its
committees. When using the services of a consultant
with a view to obtaining information on market
standards for remuneration systems, the remuneration
committee
should
ensure
that
the
consultant
concerned does not at the same time advice the
human resources department, executive directors or
collegial
management
organs
of
the
company
concerned.
Yes In all senses the Management Board makes decisions on the
interest of the company. The Management Board of the company
and its committees (if formed) are provided with entire resources
that are necessary to exercise their functions. Under the
necessity, the employees of the company take part in the
meetings of the Management Board and committees and present
all the necessary information that is relevant to the issues under
discussion. Remuneration committee of AB Vilkyškių Pieninė
ensures
that
consultants
and
specialists,
who
provides
information on market standards for remuneration systems, do
not at the same time advise the human resources departments of
the company, members of executive and management bodies on
the issues related with company.
4.7. Activities of the collegial body should be
organised in a manner that independent members of
the collegial body could have major influence in
Yes Vilkyskiu pienine
AB has 2 committees: Nomination and
Remuneration Committee and Audit Committee.
relevant areas where chances of occurrence of
conflicts of interest are very high. Such areas to be
considered
as
highly
relevant
are
issues
of
The
Management
Board
forms
the
Nomination
and
Remuneration Committee.

9 It is notable that companies can make this requirement more stringent and provide that shareholders should be informed about failure to participate at the meetings of the collegial body if, for instance, a member of the collegial body participated at less than 2/3 or 3/4 of the meetings. Such measures, which ensure active participation in the meetings of the collegial body, are encouraged and will constitute an example of more suitable corporate governance.

10 In the event the collegial body elected by the general shareholders' meeting is the board, the recommendation concerning its independence from the company's management bodies applies to the extent it relates to the independence from the company's chief executive officer.

nomination of company's directors, determination of
directors' remuneration and control and assessment
of company's audit. Therefore when the mentioned
issues are attributable to the competence of the
collegial body, it is recommended that the collegial
body should establish nomination, remuneration, and
audit committees11. Companies should ensure that
the
functions
attributable
to
the
nomination,
remuneration, and audit committees are carried out.
However they may decide to merge these functions
and set up less than three committees. In such case a
company should explain in detail reasons behind the
selection of alternative approach and how the
selected approach complies with the objectives set
forth for the three different committees. Should the
collegial body of the company comprise small
number of members, the functions assigned to the
three committees may be performed by the collegial
body itself, provided that it meets composition
requirements advocated for the committees and that
adequate information is provided in this respect. In
such case provisions of this Code relating to the
committees of the collegial body (in particular with
respect to their role, operation, and transparency)
should apply, where relevant, to the collegial body as
a whole.
General Meeting of Shareholders approves the members and the
regulations of activity of the Audit committee.
The committees are not formed in AB Modest, AB Kelmės
Pieninė. and AB ,,Pieno logistika"
4.8. The key objective of the committees is to
increase efficiency of the activities of the collegial
body by ensuring that decisions are based on due
consideration, and to help organize its work with a
view to ensuring that the decisions it takes are free of
material conflicts of interest. Committees should
exercise independent judgement and integrity when
exercising its functions as well as present the
collegial body with recommendations concerning the
decisions of the collegial body. Nevertheless the final
decision shall be adopted by the collegial body. The
recommendation on creation of committees is not
intended, in principle, to constrict the competence of
the collegial body or to remove the matters
considered from the purview of the collegial body
itself, which remains fully responsible for the
decisions taken in its field of competence.
Yes The key objective of the Nomination and Remuneration
Committee of AB Vilkyškių Pieninė is to provide the bodies of
the company and persons, who nominate or elect members of the
management bodies and executive officers of the company, with
recommendations and to ensure the transparent policy, principles
and order of the settlement of remuneration to members of the
management bodies and executive officers. The Committee
provides the Management Board with help while supervising (i)
election and nomination of the chief executive office and other
executive officers, (ii) the settlement of remuneration to the
members of the Management Board, to the chief executive office
and to other executive officers.
Audit Committee of AB Vilkyškių Pieninė exercises independent
judgement and integrity when exercising its functions. Its key
objective is to observe the preparation process of financial
statements, to supervise performance of audit of financial
accountability of the company, to supervise how Audit Company
keeps to the principles of independency and objectivity, and to
supervise the effectiveness of internal control and risk
management systems. The Committee provides the Management
Board of the company with help while supervising (i) disclosure
quality and consistency of financial,
accounting and other
relevant documents, (ii) the qualification of an independent
auditor, his/her independency and proper performance of his/her
office, (iii) the implementation of internal control.
4.9. Committees established by the collegial body
should normally be composed of at least three
members. In companies with small number of
members
of
the
collegial
body,
they
could
exceptionally
be
composed
of
two
members.
Majority of the members of each committee should
be constituted from independent members of the
collegial body. In cases when the company chooses
not to set up a supervisory board, remuneration and
audit committees should be entirely comprised of
non-executive directors.
Yes Each committee of AB Vilkyškių Pieninė is composed of 3
members.

11 The Law of the Republic of Lithuania on Audit (Official Gazette, 2008, No 82-53233) determines that an Audit Committee shall be formed in each public interest entity (including, but not limited to public companies whose securities are traded in the regulated market of the Republic of Lithuania and/or any other member state).

Chairmanship and membership of the committees
should be decided with due regard to the need to
ensure that committee membership is refreshed and
that undue reliance is not placed on particular
individuals.
4.10. Authority of each of the committees should be
determined by the collegial body. Committees should
perform their duties in line with authority delegated
to them and inform the collegial body on their
activities
and
performance
on
regular
basis.
Authority of every committee stipulating the role and
rights and duties of the committee should be made
public at least once a year (as part of the information
disclosed by the company annually on its corporate
governance structures and practices). Companies
should also make public annually a statement by
existing committees on their composition, number of
meetings and attendance over the year, and their
main activities. Audit committee should confirm that
it is satisfied with the independence of the audit
process and describe briefly the actions it has taken
to reach this conclusion.
Yes The activity of Nomination and Remuneration Committee of AB
Vilkyškių Pieninė is regulated by Regulations Statute Rules
approved by the Management Board.
The Regulations of Activity of Audit Committee
of AB
Vilkyškių Pieninė are approved by the General Meeting of
Shareholders.
Both committees on a regular basis inform the collegial body on
their activities and performance.
4.11.
In
order
to
ensure
independence
and
impartiality of the committees, members of the
collegial body that are not members of the committee
should commonly have a right to participate in the
meetings of the committee only if invited by the
committee. A committee may invite or demand
participation in the meeting of particular officers or
experts. Chairman of each of the committees should
have a possibility to maintain direct communication
with the shareholders. Events when such are to be
performed should be specified in the regulations for
committee activities.
Yes If necessary, the employees of the company, who are responsible
for the spheres of activity that are discussed by the committee,
participate in the meetings of the committees and provide the
committees with entire required information.
4.12. Nomination Committee.
4.12.1. Key functions of the nomination committee
should be the following:
Yes The functions of Nomination committee of AB Vilkyškių
Pieninė, which are set out in this recommendation, basically are
carried out by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee of
1)
Identify and recommend, for the approval
of the collegial body, candidates to fill
board
vacancies.
The
nomination
committee should evaluate the balance of
skills, knowledge and experience on the
management body, prepare a description of
the roles and capabilities required to
assume a particular office, and assess the
time commitment expected. Nomination
committee can also consider candidates to
members of the collegial body delegated by
the shareholders of the company;
2)
Assess on regular basis the structure, size,
composition
and
performance
of
the
supervisory and management bodies, and
make recommendations to the collegial
body regarding the means of achieving
necessary changes;
3)
Assess
on
regular
basis
the
skills,
knowledge and experience of individual
directors and report on this to the collegial
body;
4)
Properly
consider
issues
related
to
succession planning;
5)
Review the policy of the management
the company.
bodies for selection and appointment of
senior management.
4.12.2.
Nomination
committee
should
consider
proposals by other parties, including management
and shareholders. When dealing with issues related to
executive directors or members of the board (if a
collegial body elected by the general shareholders'
meeting is the supervisory board) and senior
management, chief executive officer of the company
should be consulted by, and entitled to submit
proposals to the Nomination committee.
4.13. Remuneration Committee.
4.13.1. Key functions of the remuneration committee
should be the following:
1) Make proposals, for the approval of the collegial
body, on the remuneration policy for members of
management bodies and executive directors. Such
policy should address all forms of compensation,
including the fixed remuneration, performance-based
remuneration schemes, pension arrangements, and
termination
payments.
Proposals
considering
performance-based remuneration schemes should be
accompanied with recommendations on the related
objectives and evaluation criteria, with a view to
properly aligning the pay of executive director and
members of the management bodies with the long
term interests of the shareholders and the objectives
set by the collegial body;
2) Make proposals to the collegial body on the
individual remuneration for executive directors and
member of management bodies in order their
remunerations
are
consistent
with
company's
remuneration policy and the evaluation of the
performance of these persons concerned. In doing so,
the committee should be properly informed on the
total compensation obtained by executive directors
and members of the management bodies from the
affiliated companies;
3) Ensure that remuneration of individual executive
directors or members of management body is
proportionate to the remuneration of other executive
directors or members of management body and other
staff members of the company.
4) Periodically review the remuneration policy for
executive directors or members of management
body, including the policy regarding share-based
remuneration, and its implementation.
5) Make proposals to the collegial body on suitable
forms of contracts for executive directors and
members of the management bodies;
6) Assist the collegial body in overseeing how the
company
complies
with
applicable
provisions
regarding
the
remuneration-related
information
disclosure (in particular the remuneration policy
applied and individual remuneration of directors);
7) Make general recommendations to the executive
directors and members of the management bodies on
the level and structure of remuneration for senior
Yes The functions of Remuneration committee of AB Vilkyškių
Pieninė, which are set out in this recommendation, basically are
carried out by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee of
the company.
management (as defined by the collegial body) with
regard to the respective information provided by the
executive directors and members of the management
bodies.
4.13.2. With respect to stock options and other share
based incentives which may be granted to directors
or other employees, the committee should:
1) Consider general policy regarding the granting of
the above mentioned schemes, in particular stock
options, and make any related proposals to the
collegial body;
2) Examine the related information that is given in
the company's annual report and documents intended
for the use during the shareholders meeting;
3) Make proposals to the collegial body regarding the
choice between granting options to subscribe shares
or granting options to purchase shares, specifying the
reasons for its choice as well as the consequences
that this choice has.
4.13.3. Upon resolution of the issues attributable to
the competence of the remuneration committee, the
committee should at least address the chairman of the
collegial body and/or chief executive officer of the
company for their opinion on the remuneration of
other
executive
directors
or
members
of
the
management bodies.
4.13.4. The remuneration committee should report on
the exercise of its functions to the shareholders and
be present at the annual general meeting for this
purpose.
4.14. Audit Committee.
4.14.1. Key functions of the audit committee should
be the following:
1) Observe the integrity of the financial information
provided by the company, in particular by reviewing
the relevance and consistency of the accounting
methods used by the company and its group
(including the criteria for the consolidation of the
accounts of companies in the group);
2) At least once a year review the systems of internal
control and risk management to ensure that the key
risks (inclusive of the risks in relation with
compliance with existing laws and regulations) are
properly identified, managed and reflected in the
information provided;
3) Ensure the efficiency of the internal audit
function,
among
other
things,
by
making
recommendations on the selection, appointment,
reappointment and removal of the head of the
internal audit department and on the budget of the
department, and by monitoring the responsiveness of
the
management
to
its
findings
and
recommendations. Should there be no internal audit
authority in the company, the need for one should be
reviewed at least annually;
4) Make recommendations to the collegial body
related with selection, appointment, reappointment
and removal of the external auditor (to be done by
the general shareholders' meeting) and with the
terms and conditions of his engagement. The
committee should investigate situations that lead to a
resignation of the audit company or auditor and make
recommendations
on
required
actions
in
such
situations;
5) Monitor independence and impartiality of the
external auditor, in particular by reviewing the audit
company's compliance with applicable guidance
relating to the rotation of audit partners, the level of
fees paid by the company, and similar issues. In
order to prevent occurrence of material conflicts of
interest, the committee, based on the auditor's
disclosed inter alia data on all remunerations paid by
the company to the auditor and network, should at all
times monitor nature and extent of the non-audit
services. Having regard to the principals and
guidelines
established
in
the
16
May
2002
Commission Recommendation
Yes AB Vilkyškių Pieninė substantially follows the provisions of
these recommendations. Audit Committee exercises independent
judgement and integrity when exercising its functions. Its key
objective is to observe the preparation process of financial
statements, to supervise performance of audit of financial
accountability of the company, to supervise how Audit Company
keeps to the principles of independency and objectivity, and to
supervise the effectiveness of internal control and risk
management systems. The Committee provides the Management
Board with help while observing (i) the quality and consistency
of financial, accounting and other relevant documents, (ii) the
qualification of the independent auditor, his/her independency
and
proper
performance
of
his/her
office,
(iii)
the
implementation of internal control. The Audit Committee
ensures effectiveness of internal audit function as well.
2002/590/EC, the committee should determine and
apply a formal policy establishing types of non-audit
services that are (a) excluded, (b) permissible only
after review by the committee, and (c) permissible
without referral to the committee;
6) Review efficiency of the external audit process
and
responsiveness
of
management
to
recommendations made in the external auditor's
management letter.
4.14.2. All members of the committee should be
furnished with complete information on particulars of
accounting, financial and other operations of the
company. Company's management should inform
the audit committee of the methods used to account
for significant and unusual transactions where the
accounting treatment may be open to different
approaches. In such case a special consideration
should be given to company's operations in offshore
centers and/or activities carried out through special
purpose vehicles (organizations) and justification of
such operations.
4.14.3. The audit committee should decide whether
participation of the chairman of the collegial body,
chief executive officer of the company, chief
financial officer (or superior employees in charge of
finances, treasury and accounting), or internal and
external auditors in the meetings of the committee is
required (if required, when). The committee should
be entitled, when needed, to meet with any relevant
person without executive directors and members of
the management bodies present.
4.14.4. Internal and external auditors should be
secured with not only effective working relationship
with management, but also with free access to the
collegial body. For this purpose the audit committee
should act
as the principal contact person for the internal and
external auditors.
4.14.5. The audit committee should be informed of
the internal auditor's work program, and should be
furnished with internal audit's reports or periodic
summaries. The audit committee should also be
informed of the work program of the external auditor
and should be furnished with report disclosing all
relationships between the independent auditor and
the company and its group. The committee should be
timely furnished information on all issues arising
from the audit.
4.14.6. The audit committee should examine whether
the company is following applicable provisions
regarding the possibility for employees to report
alleged significant irregularities in the company, by
way
of
complaints
or
through
anonymous
submissions (normally to an independent member of
the collegial body), and should ensure that there is a
procedure
established
for
proportionate
and
independent investigation of these issues and for
appropriate follow-up action.
4.14.7. The audit committee should report on its
activities to the collegial body at least once in every
six months, at the time the yearly and half-yearly
statements are approved.
4.15. Every year the collegial body should conduct No
the assessment of its activities. The assessment The company has no practice of assessment of activities of the
should
include
evaluation
of
collegial
body's
Management Board and disclosure of information on its activity.
structure, work organization and ability to act as a
group, evaluation of each of the collegial body
member's and committee's competence and work
efficiency and assessment whether the collegial body
has achieved its objectives. The collegial body
should, at least once a year, make public (as part of
the information the company annually discloses on
its management structures and practices) respective
information on its internal organization and working
procedures, and specify what material changes were
made as a result of the assessment of the collegial
body of its own activities.

Principle V: The working procedure of the company's collegial bodies

The working procedure of supervisory and management bodies established in the company should ensure efficient operation of these bodies and decision-making and encourage active co-operation between the company's bodies.

5.1. The company's supervisory and management
bodies (hereinafter in this Principle the concept
'collegial bodies' covers both the collegial bodies of
supervision and the collegial bodies of management)
should be chaired by chairpersons of these bodies.
The chairperson of a collegial body is responsible for
proper convocation of the collegial body meetings.
The chairperson should ensure that information about
the meeting being convened and its agenda are
communicated to all members of the body. The
chairperson of a collegial body should ensure
appropriate conducting of the meetings of the
collegial body. The chairperson should ensure order
and working atmosphere during the meeting.
Yes The chairperson of the Management Board heads up the
meetings of the Management Board.
5.2. It is recommended that meetings of the
company's collegial bodies should be carried out
according to the schedule approved in advance at
certain intervals of time. Each company is free to
decide how often to convene meetings of the
collegial bodies, but it is recommended that these
meetings should be convened at such intervals,
which would guarantee an interrupted resolution of
the essential corporate governance issues. Meetings
of the company's supervisory board should be
convened at least once in a quarter, and the
company's board should meet at least once a
month12
Yes Meetings of the Board are organised once a month.
5.3. Members of a collegial body should be notified
about the meeting being convened in advance in
order to allow sufficient time for proper preparation
for the issues on the agenda of the meeting and to
ensure fruitful discussion and adoption of appropriate
decisions. Alongside with the notice about the
meeting being convened, all the documents relevant
to the issues on the agenda of the meeting should be
submitted to the members of the collegial body. The
agenda of the meeting should not be changed or
supplemented
during
the
meeting,
unless
all
members of the collegial body are present or certain
issues of great importance to the company require
Yes Issues under discussion (thesis of reports, draft resolutions, etc.)
are presented in advance alongside with the notice about the
meeting being convened. Usually the announced agenda of the
meeting is not changed unless it is decided otherwise during the
meeting, when all members of the Management Board are
present, and if the material for the supplemented issue is
sufficient in order to make the decision on the issue that has not
been announced on the agenda. Issues of agenda of the meetings
and draft resolutions are prepared and presented by the chief
executive office of the company, by the members of the
Management Board, or by special groups, which are formed on
the decision of the Management Board and which may include

12 The frequency of meetings of the collegial body provided for in the recommendation must be applied in those cases when both additional collegial bodies are formed at the company, the board and the supervisory board. In the event only one additional collegial body is formed in the company, the frequency of its meetings may be as established for the supervisory board, i.e. at least once in a quarter.

immediate resolution. specialists who are not the employees of the company
5.4. In order to co-ordinate operation of the
company's collegial bodies and ensure effective
decision-making
process,
chairpersons
of
the
company's collegial bodies of supervision and
management should closely co-operate by co
coordinating dates of the meetings, their agendas and
resolving other issues of corporate governance.
Members of the company's board should be free to
attend meetings of the company's supervisory board,
especially where issues concerning removal of the
board members, their liability or remuneration are
discussed.
Not
applicable
The company cannot follow Recommendation 5.4 because the
company does not establish any collegial supervisory bodies.

Principle VI: The equitable treatment of shareholders and shareholder rights

The corporate governance framework should ensure the equitable treatment of all shareholders, including minority and foreign shareholders. The corporate governance framework should protect the rights of the shareholders.

6.1. It is recommended that the company's capital
should consist only of the shares that grant the same
rights to voting, ownership, dividend and other rights
to all their holders.
Yes The capital of the company consists of ordinary shares that grant
the same personal property and not-property right.
6.2. It is recommended that investors should have
access to the information concerning the rights
attached to the shares of the new issue or those issued
earlier in advance, i.e. before they purchase shares.
Yes The Articles of Association, which defines the rights attached to
the shares for the investors, are publicly announced on the
website of the company.
6.3. Transactions that are important to the company
and its shareholders, such as transfer, investment, and
pledge of the company's assets or any other type of
encumbrance should be subject to approval of the
general shareholders' meeting.13
All shareholders
should be furnished with equal opportunity to
familiarize with and participate in the decision
making process when significant corporate issues,
including approval of transactions referred to above,
are discussed.
Yes Important transactions are approved following the order set in
the Articles of Association.
6.4. Procedures of convening and conducting a
general shareholders' meeting should ensure equal
opportunities for the shareholders to effectively
participate at the meetings and should not prejudice
the rights and interests of the shareholders. The
venue, date, and time of the shareholders' meeting
should
not
hinder
wide
attendance
of
the
shareholders.
Yes The Articles of Association provide that all persons, who are
shareholders of the company on the day of the General
Shareholders' Meeting, shall have the right to attend and vote at
the General Shareholders' Meeting or may authorise other
persons to vote for them as proxies or may transfer their right to
vote to other persons with whom an agreement on the transfer of
the voting right has been concluded.
Members of the
Management Board, chief executive officer of the company and
the auditor who prepared the auditor's opinion and audit report
may attend and speak at the General Meeting. A shareholder,

13 The Law on Companies of the Republic of Lithuania (Official Gazette, 2003, No 123-5574) no longer assigns resolutions concerning the investment, transfer, lease, mortgage or acquisition of the long-terms assets accounting for more than 1/20 of the company's authorised capital to the competence of the general shareholders' meeting. However, transactions that are important and material for the company's activity should be considered and approved by the general shareholders' meeting. The Law on Companies contains no prohibition to this effect either. Yet, in order not to encumber the company's activity and escape an unreasonably frequent consideration of transactions at the meetings, companies are free to establish their own criteria of material transactions, which are subject to the approval of the meeting. While establishing these criteria of material transactions, companies may follow the criteria set out in items 3, 4, 5 and 6 of paragraph 4 of Article 34 of the Law on Companies or derogate from them in view of the specific nature of their operation and their attempt to ensure uninterrupted, efficient functioning of the company.

who has the right to vote and who is familiar with the agenda,
may give written notice to the General Shareholders' Meeting of
her/his will "for" or "against" on every single decision. These
notices are included into the quorum of the meeting and into the
voting results.
6.5. If is possible, in order to ensure shareholders
living abroad the right to access to the information, it
is recommended that documents on the course of the
general shareholders' meeting should be placed on
the publicly accessible website of the company not
only in Lithuanian language, but in English and /or
other
foreign
languages
in
advance.
It
is
recommended that the minutes of the general
shareholders' meeting after signing them and/or
adopted resolutions should be also placed on the
publicly accessible website of the company. Seeking
to ensure the right of foreigners to familiarize with
the
information,
whenever
feasible,
documents
referred to in this recommendation should be
published in Lithuanian, English and/or other foreign
languages.
Documents
referred
to
in
this
recommendation may be published on the publicly
accessible website of the company to the extent that
publishing of these documents is not detrimental to
the company or the company's commercial secrets
are not revealed.
Yes Shareholders are provided with an opportunity to familiarize
with documentation of the Company related to the agenda of the
meeting, including draft decisions and application submitted to
the Management Board by the initiator of the General
Shareholders' Meeting.
If the shareholder wishes in writing, the Head of the Company
shall, within 3 days from the receipt of the written request,
submit all draft decisions of the meeting to the shareholder by
signing and send by registered mail. The draft decisions must
indicate who they are involved in on the initiative. If the
originator of the draft decision has provided explanations for the
draft decision, they are annexed to the draft decision.
No later than 21 day before the Meeting the following
documents are placed on the website of the company and
NASDAQ Vilnius in Lithuanian and English languages:
1. Draft decisions concerning each issue of the agenda of the
General Shareholders' Meeting
2. Audited annual financial statements and auditor's report
3. Annual Report
6.6. Shareholders should be furnished with the
opportunity to vote in the general shareholders'
meeting in person and in absentia. Shareholders
should not be prevented from voting in writing in
advance by completing the general voting ballot.
Yes A shareholder, who has the right to vote and who is familiar with
the
agenda,
may
give
written
notice
to
the
General
Shareholders' Meeting of her/his will "for" or "against" on every
single decision.
6.7. With a view to increasing the shareholders'
opportunities
to
participate
effectively
at
shareholders'
meetings,
the
companies
are
recommended to expand use of modern technologies
by allowing the shareholders to participate and vote
in
general
meetings
via
electronic
means
of
communication. In such cases security of transmitted
information and a possibility to identify the identity
of the participating and voting person should be
guaranteed. Moreover, companies could furnish its
shareholders, especially shareholders living abroad,
with the opportunity to watch shareholder meetings
by means of modern technologies.
No Company has not applied the means of modern technologies.

Principle VII: The avoidance of conflicts of interest and their disclosure

The corporate governance framework should encourage members of the corporate bodies to avoid conflicts of interest and assure transparent and effective mechanism of disclosure of conflicts of interest regarding members of the corporate bodies.

7.1. Any member of the company's supervisory and
management body should avoid a situation, in which
his/her personal interests are in conflict or may be in
conflict with the company's interests. In case such a
situation did occur, a member of the company's
supervisory and management body should, within
Yes The members of the Management Board avoid situations of a
conflict of personal and company's interests.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
reasonable time, inform other members of the same
collegial body or the company's body that has
elected him/her, or to the company's shareholders
about a situation of a conflict of interest, indicate the
nature of the conflict and value, where possible.
7.2. Any member of the company's supervisory and
management body may not mix the company's
assets, the use of which has not been mutually agreed
upon, with his/her personal assets or use them or the
information which he/she learns by virtue of his/her
position as a member of a corporate body for his/her
personal benefit or for the benefit of any third person
without
a
prior
agreement
of
the
general
shareholders' meeting or any other corporate body
authorised by the meeting.
Yes The members of the Management Board do not mix the
company's assets with his/her personal assets.
7.3. Any member of the company's supervisory and
management body may conclude a transaction with
the company, a member of a corporate body of which
he/she is. Such a transaction (except insignificant
ones due to their low value or concluded when
carrying out routine operations in the company under
usual conditions) must be immediately reported in
writing or orally, by recording this in the minutes of
the meeting, to other members of the same corporate
body or to the corporate body that has elected
him/her
or
to
the
company's
shareholders.
Transactions specified in this recommendation are
also subject to recommendation 4.5.
Yes Any member of the Management Board may conclude a
transaction with the company. Such a transaction (except
insignificant ones due to their low value or concluded when
carrying out routine operations in the company under usual
conditions) must be immediately reported in writing or orally, by
recording this in the minutes of the meeting, to other members of
the same corporate body or to the corporate body that has elected
him/her or to the company's shareholders.
7.4. Any member of the company's supervisory and
management body should abstain from voting when
decisions concerning transactions or other issues of
personal or business interest are voted on.
Yes The members of the Management Board abstain from voting
when decisions concerning transactions or other issues of
personal or business interest are voted on.

Principle VIII: Company's remuneration policy

Remuneration policy and procedure for approval, revision and disclosure of directors' remuneration established in the company should prevent potential conflicts of interest and abuse in determining remuneration of directors, in addition it should ensure publicity and transparency both of company's remuneration policy and remuneration of directors.

8.1. A company should make a public statement of
the company's remuneration policy (hereinafter the
remuneration statement) which should be clear and
easily understandable. This remuneration statement
should be published as a part of the company's
annual statement as well as posted on the company's
website.
No The company does not follow the recommendations due to
public statement of the company's remuneration policy. The
company follows the approved policy in accordance with which
the system of remuneration and premiums as well as other
payments, which are related with labour relations, is not publicly
announced, and the company attributes such information to
information of commercially confidential nature.
8.2. Remuneration statement should mainly focus on
directors' remuneration policy for the following year
and, if appropriate, the subsequent years. The
statement
should
contain
a
summary
of
the
implementation of the remuneration policy in the
previous financial year. Special attention should be
given to any significant changes in company's
No The company does not follow the recommendations due to
public statement of the company's remuneration policy. The
company follows the approved policy in accordance with which
the system of remuneration and premiums as well as other
payments, which are related with labour relations, is not publicly
announced, and the company attributes such information to
remuneration policy as compared to the previous information of commercially confidential nature.
financial year.
8.3.
Remuneration
statement
should
leastwise
include the following information:
1) Explanation of the relative importance of the
variable and non-variable components of directors'
remuneration;
2) Sufficient information on performance criteria that
entitles directors to share options, shares or variable
components of remuneration;
3) An explanation how the choice of performance
criteria contributes to the long-term interests of the
company;
4) An explanation of the methods, applied in order to
determine whether performance criteria have been
fulfilled;
5) Sufficient information on deferment periods with
regard to variable components of remuneration;
6) Sufficient information on the linkage between the
remuneration and performance;
7) The main parameters and rationale for any annual
bonus scheme and any other non-cash benefits;
8) Sufficient information on the policy regarding
termination payments;
9) Sufficient information with regard to vesting
periods for share-based remuneration, as referred to
in point 8.13 of this Code;
10) Sufficient information on the policy regarding
retention of shares after vesting, as referred to in
point 8.15 of this Code;
11) Sufficient information on the composition of peer
groups of companies the remuneration policy of
which has been examined in relation to the
establishment of the remuneration policy of the
company concerned;
12) A description of the main characteristics of
supplementary pension or early retirement schemes
No The company does not follow the recommendations due to
public statement of the company's remuneration policy. The
company follows the approved policy in accordance with which
the system of remuneration and premiums as well as other
payments, which are related with labour relations, is not publicly
announced, and the company attributes such information to
information of commercially confidential nature.
for directors;
13) Remuneration statement should not include
commercially sensitive information.
8.4. Remuneration statement should also summarize
and explain company's policy regarding the terms of
the contracts executed with executive directors and
members of the management bodies. It should
include, inter alia, information on the duration of
contracts with executive directors and members of
the management bodies, the applicable notice periods
and details of provisions for termination payments
linked to early termination under contracts for
executive directors and members of the management
bodies.
No
8.5. Remuneration statement should also contain
detailed information on the entire amount of
remuneration, inclusive of other benefits, that was
paid to individual directors over the relevant
financial year. This document should list at least the
information set out in items 8.5.1 to 8.5.4 for each
person who has served as a director of the company
at any time during the relevant financial year.
8.5.1.
The
following
remuneration
and/or
emoluments-related information should be disclosed:
1) The total amount of remuneration paid or due to
the director for services performed during the
No
relevant financial year, inclusive of, where relevant,
attendance
fees
fixed
by
the
annual
general
shareholders meeting;
2) The remuneration and advantages received from
any undertaking belonging to the same group;
3) The remuneration paid in the form of profit
sharing and/or bonus payments and the reasons why
such bonus payments and/or profit sharing were
granted;
4) If permissible by the law, any significant
additional remuneration paid to directors for special
services outside the scope of the usual functions of a
director;
5) Compensation receivable or paid to each former
executive director or member of the management
body as a result of his resignation from the office
during the previous financial year;
6) Total estimated value of non-cash benefits
considered as remuneration, other than the items
covered in the above points.
8.5.2. As regards shares and/or rights to acquire share
options and/or all other share-incentive schemes, the
following information should be disclosed:
1) The number of share options offered or shares
granted by the company during the relevant financial
year and their conditions of application;
2) The number of shares options exercised during the
relevant financial year and, for each of them, the
number of shares involved and the exercise price or
the value of the interest in the share incentive scheme
at the end of the financial year;
3) The number of share options unexercised at the
end of the financial year; their exercise price, the
exercise date and the main conditions for the exercise
of the rights;
4) All changes in the terms and conditions of existing
share options occurring during the financial year.
8.5.3.
The
following
supplementary
pension
schemes-related information should be disclosed:
1) When the pension scheme is a defined-benefit
scheme, changes in the directors' accrued benefits
under that scheme during the relevant financial year;
2) When the pension scheme is defined-contribution
scheme, detailed information on contributions paid or
payable by the company in respect of that director
during the relevant financial year.
8.5.4. The statement should also state amounts that
the company or any subsidiary company or entity
included in the consolidated annual financial report
of the company has paid to each person who has
served as a director in the company at any time
during the relevant financial year in the form of
loans, advance payments or guarantees, including the
amount outstanding and the interest rate.
8.6. Where the remuneration policy includes variable
components of remuneration, companies should set
limits on the variable component(s). The non
variable component of remuneration should be
sufficient to allow the company to withhold variable
components of remuneration when performance
criteria are not met.
Not
applicable
8.7. Award of variable components of remuneration
should be subject to predetermined and measurable
performance criteria.
Not
applicable
8.8. Where a variable component of remuneration is
awarded, a major part of the variable component
should be deferred for a minimum period of time.
The part of the variable component subject to
deferment should be determined in relation to the
relative weight of the variable component compared
to the non-variable component of remuneration.
Not
applicable
8.9. Contractual arrangements with executive or
managing directors should include provisions that
permit the company to reclaim variable components
of remuneration that were awarded on the basis of
data which subsequently proved to be manifestly
misstated.
Not
applicable
8.10. Termination payments should not exceed a
fixed amount or fixed number of years of annual
remuneration, which should, in general, not be higher
than two years of the non-variable component of
remuneration or the equivalent thereof.
Yes
8.11. Termination payments should not be paid if the
termination is due to inadequate performance.
Yes
8.12. The information on preparatory and decision
making
processes,
during
which
a
policy
of
remuneration of directors is being established, should
also be disclosed. Information should include data, if
applicable, on authorities and composition of the
remuneration committee, names and surnames of
external consultants whose services have been used
in determination of the remuneration policy as well
as the role of shareholders' annual general meeting.
No The company does not follow the recommendations due to
public statement of the company's remuneration policy. The
company follows the approved policy in accordance with which
the system of remuneration and premiums as well as other
payments, which are related with labour relations, is not publicly
announced, and the company attributes such information to
information of commercially confidential nature.
8.13. Shares should not vest for at least three years
after their award.
Not
applicable
The company does not follow schemes according to which chief
executive officers are remunerated with shares, transactions of
share choice and other rights to
acquire shares or to be
remunerated basing on the changes in share price.
8.14. Share options or any other right to acquire
shares or to be remunerated on the basis of share
price movements should not be exercisable for at
least three years after their award. Vesting of shares
and the right to exercise share options or any other
right to acquire shares or to be remunerated on the
basis of share price movements, should be subject to
predetermined and measurable performance criteria.
Not
applicable
8.15. After vesting, directors should retain a number
of shares, until the end of their mandate, subject to
the need to finance any costs related to acquisition of
the shares. The number of shares to be retained
should be fixed, for example, twice the value of total
annual remuneration (the non-variable plus the
variable components).
Not
applicable
8.16. Remuneration of non-executive or supervisory
directors should not include share options.
Not
applicable
8.17.
Shareholders,
in
particular
institutional
shareholders, should be encouraged to attend general
meetings where appropriate and make considered use
of their votes regarding directors' remuneration.
Not
applicable
According to the Company's Articles of Association, the salaries
of management fixed by the Management Board (except for AB
Pieno logistika, where the salary for the company head is fixed
by the General Meeting.
8.18. Without prejudice to the role and organization
of the relevant bodies responsible for setting
directors' remunerations, the remuneration policy or
any other significant change in remuneration policy
should
be
included
into
the
agenda
of
the
shareholders' annual general meeting. Remuneration
statement should be put for voting in shareholders'
annual general meeting. The vote may be either
mandatory or advisory.
Not
applicable
8.19. Schemes anticipating remuneration of directors
in shares, share options or any other right to purchase
shares or be remunerated on the basis of share price
movements should be subject to the prior approval of
shareholders' annual general meeting by way of a
resolution prior to their adoption. The approval of
scheme should be related with the scheme itself and
not to the grant of such share-based benefits under
that scheme to individual directors. All significant
changes in scheme provisions should also be subject
to shareholders' approval prior to their adoption; the
approval decision should be made in shareholders'
annual general meeting. In such case shareholders
should be notified on all terms of suggested changes
and get an explanation on the impact of the suggested
changes.
Not
applicable
The company does not follow schemes according to which chief
executive officers are remunerated with shares, transactions of
share choice and other rights to
acquire shares or to be
remunerated basing on the changes in share price.
8.20. The following issues should be subject to
approval
by
the
shareholders'
annual
general
meeting:
1) Grant of share-based schemes, including share
options, to directors;
2) Determination of maximum number of shares and
main conditions of share granting;
3) The term within which options can be exercised;
4) The conditions for any subsequent change in the
exercise of the options, if permissible by law;
5) All other long-term incentive schemes for which
directors are eligible and which are not available to
other employees of the company under similar terms.
Annual general meeting should also set the deadline
within which the body responsible for remuneration
of directors may award compensations listed in this
article to individual directors.
Not
applicable
8.21. Should national law or company's Articles of
Association
allow,
any
discounted
option
arrangement under which any rights are granted to
subscribe to shares at a price lower than the market
value of the share prevailing on the day of the price
determination, or the average of the market values
over a number of days preceding the date when the
exercise price is determined, should also be subject
to the shareholders' approval.
Not
applicable
8.22. Provisions of Articles 8.19 and 8.20 should not
be applicable to schemes allowing for participation
under similar conditions to company's employees or
employees
of
any
subsidiary
company
whose
employees are eligible to participate in the scheme
and which has been approved in the shareholders'
annual general meeting.
Not
applicable
8.23. Prior to the annual general meeting that is
intended to consider decision stipulated in Article Not
8.19,
the
shareholders
must
be
provided
an
applicable
opportunity to familiarize with draft resolution and
project-related notice (the documents should be
posted on the company's website). The notice should
contain the full text of the share-based remuneration
schemes or a description of their key terms, as well
as full names of the participants in the schemes.
Notice should also specify the relationship of the
schemes and the overall remuneration policy of the
directors. Draft resolution must have a clear
reference to the scheme itself or to the summary of
its key terms. Shareholders must also be presented
with information on how the company intends to
provide for the shares required to meet its obligations
under incentive schemes. It should be clearly stated
whether the company intends to buy shares in the
market, hold the shares in reserve or issue new ones.
There should also be a summary on scheme-related
expenses the company will
suffer due to the
anticipated
application
of
the
scheme.
All
information given in this article must be posted on
the company's website.

Principle IX: The role of stakeholders in corporate governance

The corporate governance framework should recognize the rights of stakeholders as established by law and encourage active co-operation between companies and stakeholders in creating the company value, jobs and financial sustainability. For the purposes of this Principle, the concept "stakeholders" includes investors, employees, creditors, suppliers, clients, local community and other persons having certain interest in the company concerned.

9.1. The corporate governance framework should
assure that the rights of stakeholders that are
protected by law are respected.
Yes The company has established conditions under which each
stakeholder may participate in the management of the company
and they have access to relevant information.
9.2. The corporate governance framework should
create conditions for the stakeholders to participate in
corporate governance in the manner prescribed by
law.
Examples
of
mechanisms
of
stakeholder
participation
in
corporate
governance
include:
employee participation in adoption of certain key
decisions for the company; consulting the employees
on corporate governance and other important issues;
employee participation in the company's share
capital; creditor involvement in governance in the
context of the company's insolvency, etc.
Yes The company has established conditions under which each
stakeholder may participate in the management of the company.
Stakeholders, who participate in the corporate governance
9.3. Where stakeholders participate in the corporate
governance process, they should have access to
relevant information.
Yes process, have access to relevant information.
Principle X: Information disclosure and transparency

The corporate governance framework should ensure that timely and accurate disclosure is made on all material information regarding the company, including the financial situation, performance and governance of the company.

Yes,
except
salary
Information on company's financial situation, its activity and the
10.1. The company should disclose information on: management of the company is disclosed in the reports to press,
in the reports on material events of the company, in the annual
1) The financial and operating results of the
company;
information
set
out
in
and interim reports of the company as well as on the website of
the company.
2)
3)
Company objectives;
Persons holding by the right of ownership or in
control of a block of shares in the company;
point 4 Information regarding the professional background, labour
experience, position held of the members of the management
bodies of the company, as well as the information regarding their
4) Members of the company's supervisory and
management bodies, chief executive officer of
the company and their remuneration;
participation in the activity of other companies and company's
shares that are held by them, is publicly disclosed in the
periodical reports and on the website of the company
5) Material foreseeable risk factors;
6)
7)
Transactions
between
the
company
and
connected persons, as well as transactions
concluded outside the course of the company's
regular operations;
Material issues regarding employees and other
stakeholders;
When
disclosing
the
information
set
in
item
1
of
Recommendation 10.1, a company, which is the parent of other
companies, discloses the information regarding the consolidated
results of the whole group to which the company belongs.
8) Governance structures and strategy
This list
should
be
deemed
as
a
minimum
recommendation,
while
the
companies
are
encouraged not to limit themselves to disclosure of
the information specified in this list.
Except for salary information.
10.2. It is recommended to the company, which is the
parent of other companies, that consolidated results
of the whole group to which the company belongs
should be disclosed when information specified in
item 1 of Recommendation 10.1 is under disclosure.
Yes
10.3. When disclosing information specified in item
4 of Recommendation 10.1 about the members of the
company's supervisory and management bodies is
under disclosure. It is also recommended that
information about the amount of remuneration
received from the company and other income should
be disclosed with regard to members of the
company's supervisory and management bodies and
chief executive officer as per Principle VIII.
Yes, except 4
point
10.4. It is recommended that information about the
links between the company and its stakeholders,
including employees,
creditors, suppliers, local
community, as well as the company's policy with
regard to human resources, employee participation
schemes in the company's share capital, etc. should
be disclosed when information specified in item 7 of
Recommendation 10.1 is under disclosure.
Not
applicable
that
access
that
10.5. Information should be disclosed in such a way
neither
shareholders
nor
investors
are
discriminated with regard to the manner or scope of
to
information.
Information
should
be
disclosed to all simultaneously. It is recommended
notices
about
material
events
should
be
announced before or after a trading session on the
Vilnius Stock Exchange, so that all the company's
shareholders and investors should have equal access
to the information and make informed investing
decisions.
Yes The company presents the information via the information
disclosure
system
applied
by
NASDAQ
OMX
Vilnius
simultaneously in Lithuanian and English languages insofar as it
is possible so that the Stock Exchange would announce the
received information on its website and in the trading system,
thus ensuring the simultaneous access to information for
everybody.
The
company
endeavours
to
announce
the
information before or after a trading session on NASDAQ OMX
Vilnius and to present the information to all stock exchanges on
which the securities of the company are traded. The company
keeps the confidentiality with regard to information that may
have an impact on the price of its issued stocks and does not
disclose such information neither in commentaries, nor during
interviews, nor otherwise as long as such information is publicly
announced via the information system of the stock exchange.
10.6. Channels for disseminating information should
provide for fair, timely and cost-efficient,
and in
cases stipulated by law, is not remunerated, access to
Yes The company publicly announces all the essential information
(in Lithuanian and English languages) on the website of the
company, thus ensuring fair, timely and cost-efficient access to
relevant information by users. It is recommended that
information technologies should be employed for
wider dissemination of information, for instance, by
placing the information on the company's website. It
is
recommended
that
information
should
be
published and placed on the company's website not
only in Lithuanian, but also in English, and,
whenever possible and necessary, in other languages
as well.
relevant information.
10.7. It is recommended that the company's annual
reports and other periodical accounts prepared by the
company should be placed on the company's
website. It is recommended that the company should
announce information about material events and
changes in the price of the company's shares on the
Stock Exchange on the company's website too.
Yes The company follows this recommendation and places all the
essential information on the company's website.

Principle XI: The selection of the company's auditor

The mechanism of the selection of the company's auditor should ensure independence of the firm of auditor's conclusion and opinion.

11.1. An annual audit of the company's financial
statements and report should be conducted by an
independent firm of auditors in order to provide an
external and objective opinion on the company's
financial statements.
Yes The company follows this recommendation as the audit of
company's annual financial statement is conducted by an
independent firm of auditors.
11.2. It is recommended that the company's
supervisory board and, where it is not set up, the
company's board should propose a candidate firm of
auditors to the general shareholders' meeting.
Yes The Management Board nominates the candidate firm of auditors
to the General Meeting (except for AB ,Pieno logistika, where
the nomination is done by the copmpany head), and the General
Meeting is responsible for appointing the audit firm.
11.3. It is recommended that the company should
disclose to its shareholders the level of fees paid to
the firm of auditors for non-audit services rendered to
the company. This information should be also known
to the company's supervisory board and, where it is
not formed, the company's board upon their
consideration which firm of auditors to propose for
the general shareholders' meeting.
Not
applicable
The firm of auditors has not rendered to the company any not
audit services and it has not received from the company any
remuneration for not-audit services.

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