Annual Report • Mar 30, 2023
Annual Report
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PEOPLE | INNOVATION | PARTNERSHIP
Annual Report 2022
As the innovative and technological market leader for automation and instrumentation solutions in in-vitro diagnostics, we seek to offer our worldwide partners first class solutions and thereby share responsibility towards their customers and patients.
Our success is based on the talents and skills of our employees and their commitment to always perform the extraordinary. Their performance allows for the successful and sustainable development of our company in the interest of all its stakeholders.
Our partnerships are built on mutual trust, continuity and professionalism and with our partners we share a common mission to develop safe, innovative, marketleading products that consistently fulfill customer expectations.
For STRATEC, partnership means responsibility, passion and commitment, to both our customers and our products, that goes well beyond the duration of the product life cycle.
Letter from the Board of Management | 6
Report of the Supervisory Board | 8
THE POWER OF INNOVATION | 18
THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP | 28
Consolidated Financial Statements | 93
Responsibility Statement | 165
Independent Auditors' Report | 166
Independent Assurance Practitioner's Report | 173
| 2022 | 2021 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales (in € thousand) | 274,625 | 287,335 | -4.4% |
| Gross R&D expenses (in € thousand) | 50,873 | 49,113 | +3.6% |
| Gross R&D expenses as % of sales | 18.5 | 17.1 | +140 bps |
| Adjusted EBITDA (in € thousand)1 | 58,582 | 66,606 | -12.0% |
| Adjusted EBITDA as % of sales1 | 21.3 | 23.2 | -190 bps |
| Adjusted EBIT (in € thousand)1 | 45,053 | 54,273 | -17.0% |
| Adjusted EBIT as % of sales1 | 16.4 | 18.9 | -250 bps |
| Adjusted consolidated net income (in € thousand)1 | 34,683 | 45,122 | -23.1% |
| Adjusted basic earnings per share (in €)1 | 2.86 | 3.73 | -23.3% |
| Basic earnings per share IFRS (in €) | 2.41 | 3.30 | -27.0% |
| Dividend per share (in €) | 0.972 | 0.95 | +2.1% |
1 For comparison purposes, adjusted figures for 2022 have been adjusted to exclude amortization resulting from purchase price allocations in the context of acquisitions, a provision stated for expected back payments of tax (including interest payments), and other non-recurring items (including advisory expenses in connection with M&A activities). 2021 figures have been additionally adjusted to exclude an impairment loss recognized on a proprietary development project in the Diatron segment. 2 Subject to approval by the Annual General Meeting on May 17, 2023.
bps = basis points
| 12.31.2022 | 12.31.2021 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shareholders' equity (in € thousand) | 225,184 | 205,759 | +9.4% |
| Total assets (in € thousand) | 397,504 | 368,525 | +7.9% |
| Equity ratio (in %) | 56.6 | 55.8 | +80 bps |
| bps = basis points |
| 1st quarter (01.01. – 03.31.) |
2nd quarter (04.01. – 06.30.) |
3rd quarter (07.01. – 09.30.) |
4th quarter (10.01. – 12.31.) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sales (in € thousand) | 75,387 | 61,806 | 70,461 | 66,971 |
| Adjusted EBIT (in € thousand)1 | 15,037 | 6,141 | 16,889 | 6,986 |
| Adjusted EBIT as % of sales1 | 19.9 | 9.9 | 24.0 | 10.4 |
| Adjusted consolidated net income (in € thousand)1 | 11,948 | 4,731 | 12,870 | 5,134 |
| Adjusted basic earnings per share (in €)1 | 0.99 | 0.39 | 1.06 | 0.42 |
| Basic earnings per share IFRS (in €) | 0.92 | 0.12 | 1.00 | 0.37 |
1 For comparison purposes, adjusted figures for 2022 have been adjusted to exclude amortization resulting from purchase price allocations in the context of acquisitions, a provision stated for expected back payments of tax (including interest payments), and other non-recurring items (including advisory expenses in connection with M&A activities).
Marcus Wolfinger (55) Chairman of the Board of Management
Dr. Claus Vielsack (55) Member of the Board of Management, Product Development
Dr. Georg Bauer (50) Member of the Board of Management, Sales
Dr. Robert Siegle (55) Member of the Board of Management, Finances and Human Resources
Given highly dynamic developments during the pandemic, in the 2022 financial year we witnessed very high levels of volatility in our partners' order behavior. Not only that: The supply situation for electronic components also remained difficult, particularly for microcontrollers. Wherever possible, STRATEC countered the effects of supply chain bottlenecks, for example by increasing stocks of critical components. Despite this, the company experienced notable delivery backlogs that could not, as originally planned, be made up for by the end of the 2022 financial year. In this challenging environment, the STRATEC Group therefore had to accept a 4.4 % reduction in sales in 2022. Given the normalization in the product mix and rising input costs due to inflation, the adjusted EBIT margin also decreased to 16.4 % (previous year: 18.9 %). This reduction was nevertheless consistent with original expectations at the beginning of the 2022 financial year.
2022 was extremely successful on the development front: We reached major milestones in numerous development projects and, together with our partners, launched new products onto the market. Particularly worth mentioning is the start of serial production in the third quarter of 2022 for a molecular diagnostics system solution, including smart consumables, for one of the absolute market leaders in the in-vitro diagnostics sector.
Our young product portfolio and recent market launches give us reason to expect substantial sales growth once again in 2023. However, the lower level of gross margin customary at the start of serial production, the conversion to a new system generation for a partner in the veterinary diagnostics business, and further increases in input costs due to inflation will have a temporary adverse impact on the margin in the 2023 financial year. STRATEC therefore expects to generate an adjusted EBIT margin of around 12.0% to 14.0% in 2023 (2022: 16.4%).
To respond to the negative factors referred to above, the Board of Management has decided to initiate and promptly implement a far-reaching efficiency enhancement program. Moreover, we will review extended price increases across the product portfolio in order to counter the effects of further rises in input costs. Our 2023 guidance figures do not yet include the expected positive effects of these initiatives.
Although 2023 will again present us with various challenges, our assessment of our company's medium to long-term growth prospects is just as positive as ever. Our deal and development pipelines are well stocked and we see an ongoing trend among our customers to outsource automation solutions to highly specialized companies such as STRATEC.
In 2022, we also made further progress in implementing sustainability aspects within our corporate strategy and signifi- cantly stepped up our ambitions, particularly for climate protection. In terms of cutting emissions, we have decided to translate our existing "well below 2 °C" target into a 1.5-degree target within a 24-month period and to have this reviewed by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) on the basis of scientific calculations.
In view of our solid key financials and our positive medium to long-term growth prospects, we would like to propose a higher dividend to our shareholders this year as well, in this case at a new record level of € 0.97 per share (previous year: € 0.95 per share). Subject to approval by the Annual General Meeting in May 2023, this would mark the nineteenth consecutive increase in our dividend since payment of the first dividend in 2004.
The responsibility we bear towards our employees, customers, shareholders, and partners, who rely on the high quality of our products, will determine our actions as a business in future as well. We would like to thank you very sincerely for the trust you have placed in us and look forward to shaping STRATEC's further successful future together with you.
Birkenfeld, March 2023
The Board of Management of STRATEC SE
Marcus Wolfinger Dr. Robert Siegle
Dr. Claus Vielsack Dr. Georg Bauer
Macroeconomic conditions were once again challenging in the 2022 financial year. The company's business activities were impeded by ongoing supply chain bottlenecks and the war in Ukraine. These factors led to sharp increases in costs, especially for commodities and electronic components. The company's operating business was also adversely affected by the previous year's high basis of comparison in the molecular diagnostic systems business due to the pandemic, as well as by delivery backlogs arising due to ongoing procurement difficulties.
STRATEC can nevertheless point to success in numerous areas in 2022. One example is product development, where the company reached numerous major milestones. Another is the extension in the already well-stocked deal and development pipelines with further projects for partners and the agreement of new development cooperations. Notwithstanding the shortage of specialists, the STRATEC Group was also able to expand its workforce by almost 6%.
In the 2022 financial year, the Supervisory Board of STRATEC SE once again dealt closely with the company's situation and its prospects. It regularly advised the Board of Management in its management of the company and monitored this carefully and continuously. The Supervisory Board performed the duties required by law, the Articles of Association, and its Code of Procedure at all times in full awareness of its responsibility. With only a few exceptions, it also complied with the recommendations of the German Corporate Governance Code. The Supervisory Board was directly involved in all decisions or measures of fundamental significance, particularly those involving corporate strategy, group-related matters, and the asset, financial, and earnings position of the company and the Group, as well as those transactions requiring its approval in the Code of Procedure for the Board of Management. The Board of Management provided the Supervisory Board with regular, timely, and comprehensive written and oral information concerning all issues of relevance to the company.
The meetings of the Supervisory Board and its permanent Audit Committee were held in person and in virtual format in the 2022 financial year. No other permanent committees have been established to date. Individual members of the Board of Management were also available to Supervisory Board members outside the meeting framework to hold various
one-to-one discussions on specialist topics. Members of the Board of Management also attended Supervisory Board meetings in each case, unless the topics discussed involved matters relating to the Board of Management or internal Supervisory Board matters.
| Virtual meetings | In-person meetings |
|
|---|---|---|
| Supervisory Board | 5 | 5 |
| Audit Committee | 1 | 2 |
Individual meeting attendance by members of the Supervisory Board and the Audit Committee
| No. of meetings |
Attended | Attendance rate |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Prof. Dr. Georg Heni1 | 8 | 8 | 100% |
| Dr.-Ing. Frank Hiller | 13 | 13 | 100% |
| Dr. Rolf Vornhagen | 13 | 13 | 100% |
| Dr. med. Patricia Geller2 | 5 | 5 | 100% |
| Dr. Rudolf Eugster3 | 5 | 5 | 100% |
| 1 Supervisory Board member since May 20, 2022 |
2 Supervisory Board member since June 10, 2022
3 Supervisory Board member until May 20, 2022
The full Supervisory Board held ten meetings in the 2022 financial year.
Matters regularly discussed at the meetings on March 28, 2022, June 21, 2022, September 29, 2022, and December 16, 2022 included risk reporting, corporate social responsibility topics, the company's sales and earnings performance, its financial situation, the status of individual development projects and of the company's negotiations for material contracts, and the M&A strategy pursued by the Board of Management to supplement the company's organic growth. Further focuses included discussions concerning the business performance of subsidiaries, the company's organizational structure, the impact of new legislative requirements, and the long-term corporate strategy. Cybersecurity played a major role within risk reporting. Furthermore, the Board of Management regularly reported on
Prof. Dr. Georg Heni (65) Chairman of the Supervisory Board
Dr. Frank Hiller (56) Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board
Dr. Patricia Geller (56) Member of the Supervisory Board
Dr. Rolf Vornhagen (69) Member of the Supervisory Board
global supply chain problems, the implications of the war in Ukraine, inflationary price developments, and the shortage of specialists. It discussed the resultant challenges with the Supervisory Board, as well as the measures initiated to tackle these.
At its meeting on January 25, 2022, the Supervisory Board determined the degree of target achievement and discretionary components for individual members of the Board of Management in order to set bonus payments for the 2021 financial year in line with individual additional agreements (medium-term incentive agreement, MTI).
At its meeting on February 9, 2022, the Supervisory Board again addressed the remuneration of the Board of Management, reviewed its appropriateness, and set individual targets for members of the Board of Management within the mediumterm incentive agreement (MTI) for 2022. The objectives thereby agreed also include sustainability-related targets.
As well as addressing recurring focus topics, the meeting on March 28, 2022 focused in particular on the report by the Board of Management on Group-wide measures to lift pandemicrelated protective measures. Furthermore, the Supervisory Board approved the Corporate Governance Statement with the report on corporate governance, which was then made permanently available to shareholders on the company's website. Moreover, the Supervisory Board approved the proposal made by the Board of Management to hold the upcoming Annual General Meeting on a virtual basis once again. In addition, the proposal submitted by the Board of Management in respect of the appropriation of profit was approved, as were the resolutions to be submitted for approval
by the Annual General Meeting. The Report of the Supervisory Board was also approved for publication.
Following detailed discussion in the Audit Committee one day previously, at its meeting on March 29, 2022 the Supervisory Board approved the annual financial statements and management report and the consolidated financial statements and group management report of STRATEC SE for the 2021 financial year.
The Supervisory Board meeting on May 20, 2022 was held directly after the virtual Annual General Meeting and, following the election of Prof. Dr. Heni to the Supervisory Board, focused in particular on electing a new Chair. Further information about this can be found below in the section on "Election and composition of the Supervisory Board". Moreover, at this meeting the Supervisory Board also held further discussions concerning global supply chain problems.
In view of the members newly joining the Supervisory Board in May and June (upon the entry into effect of the corresponding amendment to the Articles of Association), in its discussion of recurring topics at the meeting June 21, 2022 the Supervisory Board paid particular attention to strategic matters. To offer a basis for deliberation, the Board of Management first provided a summary of the strategy-related discussions held in the past.
At the meeting on September 29, 2022, the manager with global responsibility for the internal control system and internal audit system provided a presentation on the various elements of the risk management system in place at the STRATEC Group, explained the internal control mechanisms in force across the
Group, and answered questions raised by the Supervisory Board. Alongside recurring focus topics, this meeting also concentrated on an interim review of the targets agreed with the Board of Management for 2022 and on dealing with further matters relating to the Board of Management, such as the planned extension in its composition.
At its meeting on November 24, 2022, the Supervisory Board dealt with matters relating to the Board of Management. Further information about this can be found below in the section "Changes in the Board of Management". In addition, the Supervisory Board and Board of Management renewed the Declaration of Compliance pursuant to § 161 of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG). This was made permanently available to shareholders on the company's website. Moreover, the Supervisory Board adopted adjustments and amendments to the company's Articles of Association to account for the subscription shares issued in 2022 in connection with existing stock programs. Finally, the Supervisory Board revised its competence profile to account for changes to the German Corporate Governance Code and added a qualifications matrix.
As well as addressing recurring topic focuses, the meeting on December 16, 2022 again dealt with matters relating to the Board of Management. Further information about this can also be found below in the section "Changes in the Board of Management". Furthermore, the Rules of Procedure for the Supervisory Board were amended. Among other changes, these now state that the Supervisory Board may form work groups to address specific issues, the objective of which is to deal in great depth with particular groups of topics. In addition, the Board of Management provided information on the latest state of developments in the human resources department and the challenges involved in recruiting staff for the STRATEC Group given the widespread shortage of specialists.
At its meeting on December 23, 2022, the Supervisory Board performed an internal self-assessment based on a structured catalog of questions. The Supervisory Board established that its activities are efficient in every respect. Moreover, the Supervisory Board adopted the budget for the 2023 financial year and the company's medium-term planning.
The Audit Committee held three meetings in the 2022 financial year. This committee deals in particular with the review of the accounting, the monitoring of accounting processes, the effectiveness of the internal control system, the risk management system, the internal audit system, the audit of the financial statements, and compliance.
At its meeting on March 27, 2022, the Audit Committee discussed the annual and consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2021 with representatives of the auditor, who explained the key audit findings and answered all questions raised by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee decided to recommend that the Supervisory Board should approve the annual and consolidated financial statements for 2021.
Following the election of new members in some cases and the enlargement in the Supervisory Board from three to four members, the Audit Committee reconstituted itself at its meeting on June 21, 2022. The Audit Committee decided to retain its composition of three members. Dr. Rolf Vornhagen was again elected as Chair, while the new Supervisory Board member Prof. Dr. Georg Heni was elected as Deputy Chair of the Committee. The third member of the Audit Committee is still Dr. Frank Hiller.
Finally, at its meeting on August 3, 2022 the Audit Committee discussed the half-year financial report while also dealing with the report on activities in the internal control system, a topic taken up again at the September meeting of the Supervisory Board.
One important aspect of good corporate governance is the independence of Supervisory Board members and the absence of any conflicts of interest on their part. The Supervisory Board bases its assessment of its members' independence on the recommendations made by the German Corporate Governance Code and the additional criteria for assessing the independence of Supervisory Board members laid down in the competence profile for the Supervisory Board. No conflicts of interest requiring immediate disclosure to the Supervisory Board and immediate notification of the Annual General Meeting arose among members of the Board of Management or the Supervisory Board. No material transactions were performed with any member of the Board of Management or with any person or company closely related to such. Based on the Supervisory Board's assessment, all four of its members, and thus all three members of the Audit Committee, are currently to be viewed as independent. Further information about this can be found in the Corporate Governance Statement.
On October 20, 2021, Dr. Rudolf Eugster was appointed by court as a member of the Supervisory Board through to the end of the 2022 Annual General Meeting. This made it necessary to elect a new member at the Annual General Meeting on May 20, 2022 for which, as planned, Dr. Rudolf Eugster, did not stand as a candidate.
Prof. Dr. Georg Heni was proposed to the Annual General Meeting and subsequently elected. At the constitutive meeting of the Supervisory Board held directly after the Annual General Meeting, the Supervisory Board held elections among its members and elected Prof. Dr. Georg Heni as its Chair and Dr. Frank Hiller as its Deputy Chair.
Dr. med. Patricia Geller was elected by the Annual General Meeting on May 20, 2022 subject to the condition precedent that the amendment to the Articles of Association adopted by the Annual General Meeting to extend the Supervisory Board from three to four members should be entered in the Commercial Register. This amendment was entered in the Commercial Register on June 10, 2022. Dr. med. Patricia Geller has since
been the fourth and newest Supervisory Board member of STRATEC SE.
The members of the Supervisory Board take responsibility for undertaking any training or professional development measures necessary to fulfill their duties. In a structured on-boarding process, members newly elected to the Supervisory Board received targeted support from the company in preparing for their new duties.
At its meeting on November 24, 2022, the Supervisory Board appointed Dr. Georg Bauer to be a new member of the Board of Management, with responsibility for sales, for a three-year term in office beginning on January 1, 2023. Dr. Georg Bauer will thus strengthen the management board team with Marcus Wolfinger, Dr. Robert Siegle, and Dr. Claus Vielsack.
On December 16, 2022, the Supervisory Board meeting extended the appointments of Marcus Wolfinger, CEO, Dr. Robert Siegle, responsible for finance and human resources, and Dr. Claus Vielsack, responsible for product development, by a further five years in each case. The reappointments are thus effective from November 10, 2023 to November 10, 2028.
Consistent with the proposal submitted by the Supervisory Board, the Annual General Meeting held on May 20, 2022 elected Ebner Stolz GmbH & Co. KG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft Steuerberatungsgesellschaft, Stuttgart, as auditor and group auditor for the 2022 financial year.
Ebner Stolz has audited the annual and consolidated financial statements of STRATEC SE since the 2015 financial year. The auditor responsible for the audit of the annual financial statements from 2015 to 2018 was Linda Ruoss while Philipp Lessner was responsible for the annual financial statements from 2019 to 2022. Linda Ruoss was responsible for the audit of the consolidated financial statements from 2015 to 2019, while Philipp Lessner was responsible for the 2020 and 2022 consolidated financial statements.
At a meeting held on March 29, 2023, the Audit Committee dealt in detail with the annual financial statements and management report, as well as with the consolidated financial statements and group management report, together with the non-financial group declaration, of STRATEC SE for the 2022 financial year. Both sets of financial statements had previously been audited and provided with unqualified audit opinions by the auditor. Furthermore, in its assessment of the risk management system the auditor confirmed that the Board of Management had taken the measures required by the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG) for the early identification of any risks to the company's continued existence. In addition to the statutory audit of the financial statements, Ebner Stolz was commissioned by the Supervisory Board to perform a limited assurance audit on the non-financial group declaration, which is a constituent component of the group management report, and, on this basis, did not raise any objections to the reporting in the non-financial group declaration or its compliance with the legal requirements applicable to such.
The annual financial statements and management report, consolidated financial statements and group management report with the non-financial group declaration, proposal submitted by the Board of Management in respect of the appropriation of profit, and auditor's audit reports were forwarded to all members of the Supervisory Board in good time for their own review. Representatives of the auditor attended the discussion of the annual and consolidated financial statements at the Supervisory Board meeting on March 29, 2023 and explained the key audit findings.
The audit of the annual financial statements and management report and of the consolidated financial statements and group management report with the non-financial group declaration of STRATEC SE by the Audit Committee did not result in any objections being raised. Following preparation in the Audit Committee, on March 29, 2023 the Supervisory Board concurred with the findings of the audit conducted by the auditor in accordance with legal requirements and approved the annual financial statements and management report, as well the consolidated financial statements and group management report. The annual financial statements are thus adopted.
The Supervisory Board endorsed the proposal submitted by the Board of Management in respect of the appropriation of profit. Subject to approval by shareholders at this year's Annual General Meeting, the company plans to distribute a total dividend of € 11.8 million (€ 0.97 per share) to shareholders of STRATEC SE.
The Supervisory Board would like to thank the retiring Supervisory Board Chair, Dr. Rudolf Eugster, for his successful work on the board. Further, the Supervisory Board would like to thank the Board of Management and all employees of STRATEC SE and its subsidiaries worldwide for their great personal commitment and their achievements in the 2022 financial year. It particularly thanks them for their efforts to secure and uphold the company's delivery capacity in a challenging overall climate.
Birkenfeld, March 2023
On behalf of the Supervisory Board
Prof. Dr. Georg Heni Supervisory Board Chair
People are the driving force at STRATEC. From trainee to top executive – their diverse strengths, skills, and experience all power our success.
Finding new ways to make things better. Our strong drive for innovation is permanently channeled into new developments. Creating progress for our laboratory diagnostics customers and for patients throughout the world.
Whether for pandemics or for individual emergencies – laboratory automation is becoming ever more important in diagnostics. We help our customers to realize their projects; we build partnerships and work hand in hand with them.
With seven locations on three continents and around 1,500 people in total, STRATEC has developed since its foundation more than 40 years ago from a local company to an international player with a global impact. Technology and partnership are important: Above all, though, it is the performance capacity and huge dedication shown by all its people that have made STRATEC so successful.
35 nations bring a wealth of diversity
employees from more than 100 training vocations and university disciplines
Inventiveness and development expertise have been in STRATEC's genes from the outset. Founded as a small startup with ingenious ideas, the company can now draw on an abundance of patented discoveries. These form the basis for developing specific solutions in cooperation with our customers. This power of innovation is also reflected in the figures: STRATEC now owns more than 100 patents from around 50 patent families. This was made possible by numerous colleagues in our research, development, and related departments. Together, they make up around 50% of our total workforce.
That is just one factor making innovation a cornerstone of our corporate DNA.
An open-minded corporate culture is one of the company's core values. It also involves diversity and integration in the workplace. That is because STRATEC views personal and cultural diversity as a key driver of its innovative strength.
Not only that: STRATEC values flat hierarchies, teamwork, and an open and constructive approach. People with 35 different nationalities work together in intercultural teams at STRATEC. International teamwork is characteristic of STRATEC and functions perfectly across all boundaries.
Teamwork has always been a priority for us: Specialists from various departments work hand in hand on development projects.
In development projects, specialists from across a wide variety of disciplines such as technical design, mechanics, biology, chemistry, and engineering all work closely together. Each specialism contributes its comprehensive expertise to meet and surpass customers' needs. This interaction throughout the development project is key to STRATEC's success. Overall, STRATEC has employees from more than 100 different training vocations and university disciplines. In training positions and dual work-study programs, it offers young people a wide variety of opportunities to successfully launch their careers.
Many of our employees have long been at STRATEC and worked in various specialisms over the years. Young talent and experienced colleagues pool their forces as equals and benefit from each other's perspectives. Here too, the aim is always to provide our partners with innovative products meeting the utmost quality standards and support them as they improve patients' quality of life.
For more than three decades now, STRATEC has been developing new automation technologies and solutions that make laboratory tests more efficient and reliable and improve processes at research and clinical laboratories worldwide.
This approach is reflected both in customized developments and in OEM solutions for global players in research and diagnostics. The examples below show how STRATEC has transferred the complexity of manual processes into efficient and reliable automation solutions that are put to use in systems and modules designed by STRATEC.
Most of the tests now processed automatically on systems designed and manufactured by STRATEC were originally performed manually in laboratory environments. Biochemical tests have to supply correct tests on a reliable basis, often in highly complex systems influenced by a variety of underlying conditions. The sample material needed for the tests, for example, is taken from patients in very different situations. Even minor variations in the composition of the reagent, the environmental conditions, or the sequence in which manual processes are performed may be enough to have a relevant impact on the test result.
Biological systems and tests are highly complex due to the large number of interactions involved, and this often makes it difficult to find an explanation for a specific behavior. Nearly all scientists or laboratory technicians working to develop tests of this kind have at one time maybe had a private joke and asked whether the results were influenced by moon phases.
The greatest challenges when transferring manual, partly automated or non-automated tests to an analyzer system are the highly complex chemical interactions already referred to in combination with manual work processes that do not easily lend themselves to automation. One straightforward example: How to transfer liquid from one reaction vessel to another while ensuring that a pellet of magnetic particles also present in the vessel is not transferred at the same time?
The manual process involves picking up the vessel, examining the contents closely and then transferring the liquid slowly so as not to disturb the pellet. Some of the work steps could be performed with grippers, complex camera systems, and other automation solutions, but these are often expensive, potentially slow, and most likely not the best way to achieve the degree of reliability expected by the customer.
To solve this challenge, in the first step STRATEC analyses the whole work process and identifies the best ways to automate all process steps. Ultimately, this results in a system architecture that meets the customer's needs and offers a more cost-effective and enhanced concept compared with directly mapping the manual process with all its intricacies and potential quirks.
The automation solution improves the reproducibility of the results with far higher sample throughput rates (numbers of tests per unit of time) while at the same time drastically reducing labor costs and the expertise required of laboratory staff.
So what conclusions might this analysis by STRATEC's experts lead to? And what might the resultant technical solution look like? To give you an idea, in the following pages we show you a few examples chosen from hundreds of solutions.
Magnetic beads are a universal component of many tests used in research and diagnostics. They are small particles with magnetic properties and functionalized surfaces. They have a biological "hook" that attaches itself to the target molecule. A standard reaction mix based on a blood sample comprises numerous proteins, salts, and other components. Often, the diagnostic result is based on analysis of a tiny number of molecules detected in this "stew" of components.
The other components of the sample might negatively affect the results, making it necessary to remove them. To avoid the target molecules being removed at the same time, they are bound to beads and then held on the wall of the vessel using a magnet. The particles with the bound target molecule are washed several times with wash buffer. After this, only the bead-antibody-target-molecule complex remains in the vessel.
comprises various steps in which the beads are initially resuspended (mixed), i.e. the particles float in the liquid but do not dissolve (I). The reaction vessel is subsequently placed in front of a magnet which, after a certain waiting time, attracts all the beads (II). After this, the liquid is removed from the reaction vessel (III, IV) and fresh liquid is added (V) before the vessel is shaken to bring the beads back into suspension (VI). The
The processes of collecting and resuspending (mixing) the beads with a shaker or pipette involves waiting times. In the manual process, the reaction vessel is repeatedly transferred back and forth between the magnet position and a shaker. In the meantime, liquids are added or removed. Limiting factors on the number of analyses that can be performed in parallel are the number of magnet positions and the frequency with which the lab technician has to remove or add liquid. This quickly leads to a maximum number of tests that can be performed at the same time. Not only that, discrepancies in the time taken for specific steps may produce imprecise results. To avoid errors and mix-ups, the laboratory staff
therefore has to perform the work in batches.
The automation solution frequently used at STRATEC involves moving the reaction vessel on a ring or conveyor belt. The vessel is conveyed in front of a magnet or along several magnets to facilitate bead collection. It then progresses to the next station, known as the washer, where excess liquid is removed. The beads are subsequently resuspended by directly dispensing on the pellet. This eliminates the need for shaking.
cycle is then repeated.
Special liquid used between reaction steps to remove interfering sample components.
pension and washing cycle for magnetic beads. Depending on the test, several cycles may be needed.
Depending on the number of cycles to be performed, the reaction vessel may pass the same positions several times. As soon as the liquid is removed from one vessel and the beads resuspended, the automation can immediately move the next vessel to the washer and perform the same process. This makes it possible to process samples without manual shaking or pipetting and permits continuous round-the-clock operations. This way, urgent samples can be processed on a priority basis. Not only that, the risks resulting from handling variances in the manual steps are eliminated.
Conversion to fixed magnet positions, intermittent shaking on mobile vessels, and dispenser-based resuspension (mixing) is a perfect way to automate the manual process. At the same time, however, this marks a fundamental change to the test process. It requires numerous technical adaptations to be made if the expected test performance standard is to be met.
Magnetic beads are normally supplied in a vessel together with a liquid in which they form sediments and clumps over time. In the laboratory, they have to be resuspended either manually using a pipette tip or in a small mixing station. The vessel is then visually checked to make sure that no clumps remain. The laboratory technician may select one of several ways to resuspend the beads, resulting in minor discrepancies in the process. Alongside the manual input required, the beads have to be kept in suspension, as they will otherwise slowly sink to the bottom again.
One current development at STRATEC to deal with this process features a smart reagent rack system with a small motor on board. The power is provided on a wireless basis, like when charging an electric toothbrush. The motor is controllable and allows different speeds and patterns of movement. This way, it can be specifically adapted to individual customer bead formulation. The motor spins a reagent vial developed by STRATEC, which includes stirring features to promote resuspension.
Incubation ring with magnetic seperation and washer
By moving faster at first, the motor enables even clumped beads to be resuspended. It then maintains a consistent shake interval to prevent beads from sinking to the bottom of the vial. Extensive tests have shown that this STRATEC development reliably ensures resuspension, thus eliminating the need for visual observation. As can be seen: Even apparent details can make life far easier for laboratory staff while enhancing process consistency.
STRATEC reagent rack with mixing motor and reagent vials
The development challenge involved continually imaging 50-femtoliter microwells (tiny recesses with capacities of 0.00000000000005 liters) making it possible to perform high-throughput analysis of new samples every 45 seconds. The starting point for this work process, which is performed manually, involves etched optical fiber bundles used as a reaction vessel for the test.
Low reagent concentrations made it possible to achieve reaction times of 10 minutes, which allowed sufficient time to prepare the measurement steps, including filling the microwells, focusing the microscope, and setting up imaging.
While this was a groundbreaking test for research purposes, the process was nevertheless not suitable for automation, as the reaction vessels required cleaning and reactivation prior to repeated use and the measurement and associated preparation times were prohibitively long and work-intensive.
However, what is now the Smart Consumables business unit provided the expertise needed to transfer the design to plastic, and more precisely to a disc-shaped consumable (disc) and translated the properties of the microwell arrays into a polymer. In cooperation with its customer QuanterixTM, the Instrumentation business unit then developed the automation of the imaging process and the positioning of the disc.
The challenges faced by the development team become clear merely by considering just part of the complex loading and readout process.
Exact positioning and focusing are crucial for the resolution and magnification needed to allow imaging of individual wells with a diameter of 4.25 µm and a depth to 3.25 µm. And this has to be achieved in a limited timeframe to permit imaging while maintaining a high system throughput. Multiple images of the same microarray had to be taken in different fluorescent lighting conditions, and that within highly accurate timeframes.
50 femtoliters corresponds to 0.00000000000005 liters or 50 quadrillionths of a liter
A diameter of 4.25 μm corresponds to less than 1/10 of the diameter of a human hair
Microwells
As can be seen: Even apparent details can make life far easier for laboratory staff while enhancing process consistency.
The process runs as follows: In the first step, the instrument roughly positions the disc. Next, the microwells are filled with sample liquid, followed by exact positioning of the microarray to the optic (radial alignment of the disc) as shown in the image. To this end, the edge of the array is detected with a camera and an image analysis algorithm. After this, the disc is turned until a highly accurate position is reached. The microscope is subsequently moved vertically to focus on the microarray. Multiple images are taken during this process. Using a further imaging algorithm that supplies a focus score, these images then predict the optimal position for the final microscope focus.
Diagnostics has proven to be a dynamic market, one that is constantly developing and able to grow in line with new challenges. This process is similar to that used in consumer cameras, but the accuracy requirements are far higher and the imaging system is much heavier and has to be moved within the available timeframe. The actual size of the area imaged measures 2 mm by 3 mm and has a resolution of <5 µm. This disc-shaped consumable has injection-molded microstructures, which removes the need to clean the reaction wells. By combining this consumable with automated handling of the disc and of the focusing and imaging functions, it has become possible to achieve a high throughput readout rate for test results. Prior to the discovery of this solution, the manual process required highly qualified researchers and significant time input.
We can learn a great deal by looking at the engineering challenges already solved, but there are always new opportunities and challenges ahead. Sustainability and other ecological aspects have come into focus for in-vitro diagnostics as well – and are sometimes at odds with traditional ways of operation. STRATEC is integrating these new requirements into its solutions and making efforts to reduce waste during test processing. One example: The consumables used are being further miniaturized, which reduces the amount of plastics needed and the volume of liquid used per test performed. At present, this stands at around one tenth of a milliliter (0.1 ml or 0.0001 liter) per test. Not only that: Innovative new solutions are further reducing the number of pipette tips needed and the volume of rinsing fluid required during a test.
Experienced laboratory staff is in ever shorter supply. STRATEC's customers are therefore becoming more dependent than ever before on reliable highly automated processes. Instruments have to offer robust and reliable processing in different environments to ensure that they consistently achieve the expected result quality.
Diagnostics has proven to be a dynamic market, one that is constantly developing and able to grow in line with new challenges. The latest example is COVID-19, where rapid and efficient test processing played a crucial role in containing the pandemic.
In the years ahead, STRATEC will tackle fresh challenges and provide its customers with end-to-end solutions. Here, STRATEC can count on the expertise of its highly qualified developers from various disciplines. Together, they are finding creative and sustainable solutions and actively promoting the further automation of laboratory diagnostics.
It is insidious and often ends fatally: sepsis. Also known as, blood poisoning, sepsis is an extreme life-threatening response shown by the body to an infectious disease. In most cases, it starts as a harmless infection and then quickly turns into a medical emergency. Around 50 million people worldwide are affected by sepsis each year. It is the most frequent cause of inhospital death and costs around 11 million lives a year. Together with its partners, STRATEC is working on solutions to detect sepsis at an early stage. In severe cases, these may well save the patient's life.
Around 50 million people are affected by sepsis each year
Around sepsis each year 11 million people die of
Whenever pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi gain entry to our body, our immune system manages to contain the infection in most cases. It is a different story with sepsis: The pathogens enter the blood stream, trigger an inflammatory response and activate all defense systems. This chain reaction, also known as a "cytokine storm", is an overreaction of the immune system. The defense systems then begin to damage the body's own cells.
Infections triggering sepsis most often start in the lungs, the urinary tract, the skin, or the gastro-intestinal tract. If not treated in time, sepsis may rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. Those particularly at risk are people aged over 65 who have chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer, kidney disease, or a weakened immune system. Sepsis is also particularly dangerous for patients who have already survived a sepsis infection and for infants below the age of one.
Without treatment, the mortality rate for sepsis rises by around 8% an hour
808080%%%
Around 80% of sepsis deaths could be prevented with rapid diagnosis and consistent treatment
Due to its unspecific symptoms, it is almost impossible to diagnose sepsis without performing more detailed analysis. After all, many other severe diseases show the same symptoms, as a result of which sepsis often remains long undetected. This means that valuable time for rapid and consistent treatment of sepsis is lost. If the patient does not receive the required treatment, the mortality rate rises by 8% an hour. The potential consequences are septic shock, multiple organ failure, and death. Early identification of the cause of the infection makes it possible to fight this with suitable, highly effective, antibiotics. Around 80% of sepsis deaths could be prevented with rapid diagnosis and consistent treatment.
Despite growing understanding of the central role played by the immune system in diseases and their treatment, there is still no reliable method to measure the state of the patient's immune activation.
Given current diagnostic challenges and the resultant underand overtreatment, sepsis is the greatest cost driver in many healthcare systems.
The diagnostics industry has long developed systems which precisely identify the pathogens causing sepsis and which show which antibiotics are highly effective. This enables some of the substantial side effects to be avoided.
The standard approach in the industry is still to collect samples, grow the pathogens in petri dishes or blood cultures, and then expose sub-samples to various antibiotics. Over the years, this technology has been automated, miniaturized, and perfected.
Cultivation of pathogens in petri dishes
These days, it is also possible to compare the "fingerprint" of the patient sample with a database of bacteria. Rather than waiting for bacteria to grow in the culture medium (known as agar plates) in the petri dishes and react to the antibiotics, this method is more sensitive. It quickly and efficiently provides data to identify the pathogen from the small sample. The procedure is performed by customers on systems for identifying microorganisms by means of mass spectrometry, for which STRATEC has developed and serially produces the accompanying smart consumable.
Smart consumable to detect pathogens
New trailblazing approaches make it possible to achieve clinically relevant results even more quickly and diagnose sepsis at an early stage. This new kind of diagnostics is building on decades of research, which has established the link between cell mechanics and cell activation. While work in the past was limited to research applications, the latest advances in microfluidics (some of which made possible by STRATEC), computer vision, and machine learning mean that this science is now scalable.
One leading player in this area is Cytovale. With STRATEC's support, this US company has developed a special test that helps hospitals to identify sepsis at an early stage and assists physicians in making urgent clinical decisions by supplying results in less than 10 minutes. The IntelliSep® test measures structural changes in white blood cells and applies a proven algorithm to class patients into three categories based on their probability of having sepsis. Category 1 reflects a low probability and Category 3 a high probability that the patient has sepsis. The results enable hospitals to put their resources to optimal use by avoiding under or overtreatment of patients.
Cytovale is convinced that its metric for immune dysregulation (defective regulation of the immune system) has the potential to offer rapid and reliable assistance with sepsis and other immune-mediated conditions and thus increase the patient's survival chances. The success of this innovative process will steadily improve outcomes in emergency rooms. And STRATEC will continue to support Cytovale and other partners in automating, miniaturizing, and integrating rapid diagnostics for critical illnesses.
Cytokine storm – when the body's defenses overreact
The IntelliSep® test offers results in less than 10 minutes
STRATEC's Share | 35 Group Management Report | 40 Consolidated Financial Statements | 92 Responsibility Statement | 165 Independent Auditors' Report | 166 Independent Assurance Practitioner's Report | 173
2022 was shaped by geopolitical crises and a turnaround in monetary policy, factors which made it one of the worst stock market trading periods for many years. There was no lack of reasons for the losses incurred on global stock markets. The year began, for example, with the European Central Bank (ECB) misjudging the risks posed by inflation and its hesitancy in raising interest rates. Russia's attack on Ukraine followed in February, accompanied by a surge in energy prices. These in turn further intensified inflationary pressure, while supply chains continued to falter.
Taking the DAX as an example, the factors outlined above led Germany's lead index, which had reached a new all-time high at 16,290 points in November 2021, to lose no less than 27.2% of its value by September 2022. Based on closing levels at the end of 2021, by the end of 2022 the DAX fell by "only" 12.3%, the MDAX by 28.5%, the SDAX by 27.3%, and the TecDAX by 25.5%. STRATEC's shares, which are listed in the SDAX, lost 41.1% of their value in the course of the year.
SDAX performance index (indexed) – ISIN DE0009653386
STRATEC's shares are listed in the Regulated Market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (marketplaces: Xetra and Frankfurt) and meet the transparency requirements of the Prime Standard. Its shares are also traded on regional stock markets in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover, Munich, and Stuttgart, as well as on Tradegate, the electronic over-the-counter trading system at the Tradegate Exchange.
Measured in terms of simple order book turnover, STRATEC shares worth € 318.9 million changed hands on the above marketplaces (excluding Tradegate) in 2022 (previous year: € 379.7 million). The Xetra and Frankfurt marketplaces alone accounted for 94.4% of these volumes (previous year: 89.8%).
The company's shares have also witnessed brisk trading on multilateral trading systems, which are gaining increasing market share from the regulated marketplaces with which they compete. A multilateral trading system is a market-like trading platform set up and operated by a financial services provider, securities companies, or market operator. This kind of system brings together buy and sell orders for shares and other financial instruments in accordance with specific regulations and thus generates contract agreements.
STRATEC's share is listed in the SDAX, a select index of the German Stock Exchange which comprises 70 small cap companies.
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year-end price previous year (€) | 137.80 | 122.80 | 61.00 | 50.30 | 64.84 |
| Annual low (€) | 72.70 | 100.40 | 46.40 | 49.30 | 43.55 |
| Annual high (€) | 138.60 | 147.40 | 144.60 | 77.60 | 80.30 |
| Year-end price (€) | 81.10 | 137.80 | 122.80 | 61.00 | 50.30 |
| Performance (%) | -41.1 | +12.2 | +101.3 | +21.3 | -22.4 |
| Market capitalization (€ million) | 986.0 | 1,671.2 | 1,486.2 | 733.8 | 602.1 |
| Trading volumes (€ million) | 318.9 | 379.7 | 561.0 | 81.9 | 148.8 |
| Average daily trading volume (€) | 1,240,704 | 1,489,029 | 2,217,521 | 326,410 | 593,010 |
| Average daily trading volume (number of shares) |
12,260 | 12,041 | 22,615 | 5,124 | 9,252 |
On May 20, 2022, STRATEC's Board of Management and Supervisory Board welcomed the company's shareholders to the Annual General Meeting which, like in the two previous years, was held on a virtual basis.
All of the agenda items submitted for resolution were approved by shareholders with substantial majorities. Overall, 80.7% of the company's registered share capital was represented at the virtual Annual General Meeting.
Shareholders approved the actions of the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board and elected Ebner Stolz GmbH & Co. KG, Stuttgart, as auditors for the 2022 financial year. The remuneration report for the 2021 financial year was also submitted to and approved by the Annual General Meeting. Furthermore, the Annual General Meeting voted in favor of enlarging the Supervisory Board of STRATEC SE from three to four members.
In electing Supervisory Board members, the Annual General Meeting approved the proposals submitted by the Supervisory Board. Prof. Dr. Georg Heni was newly elected to the Supervisory Board, where he succeeded Dr. Rudolf Eugster, the Supervisory Board Chairman who, as planned, did not stand for reelection. Dr. med. Patricia Geller was also newly elected to the Supervisory Board as its fourth member.
The dividend was increased for the eighteenth consecutive year and, with a total distribution of € 11.5 million, corresponding to € 0.95 per share, reached a new record level. In 2021, the company distributed a total of € 10.9 million, or € 0.90 per share, to its shareholders.
Further information about the Annual General Meeting, such as detailed voting results, can be found at www.stratec.com/agm.
The next Annual General Meeting is scheduled to take place on May 17, 2023 and will once again be held on a virtual basis.
STRATEC has a continuity-based dividend policy which aims to enable shareholders to participate appropriately and sustainably in the company's performance. Consistent with this, based on current planning STRATEC's Board of Management and Supervisory Board will propose a dividend payment of € 0.97 per share for approval by the Annual General Meeting on May 17, 2023. This corresponds to a total distribution of € 11.8 million and a dividend yield of 1.2% based on the closing price of € 81.10 for STRATEC's share on December 30, 2022.
The largest shareholders in the company are still its founder, Hermann Leistner, his family, and their investment companies, which hold a combined stake of 40.33%. A further 0.02% of the shares are held by the company itself, while 59.65% are attributable to large numbers of retail and institutional investors both in Germany and abroad. Institutional investors holding at least 3% of the voting rights are:
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of shares issued (million) | 12.2 | 12.1 | 12.1 | 12.0 | 12.0 |
| Number of shares with dividend entitlement (million) | 12.2 | 12.1 | 12.1 | 12.0 | 12.0 |
| Cash dividend per share (€) | 0.971 | 0.95 | 0.90 | 0.84 | 0.82 |
| Total distribution (€ million) | 11.81 | 11.5 | 10.9 | 10.1 | 9.8 |
| Dividend yield (%) | 1.21 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 1.4 | 1.6 |
1 Subject to approval by the Annual General Meeting
| ISIN | DE000STRA555 |
|---|---|
| WKN | STRA55 |
| Ticker | SBS |
| Reuters Instrument Code |
SBSG.DE |
| Bloomberg Ticker | SBS:GR |
| Segment | Prime Standard |
| Market | Regulated Market |
| Select index | SDAX since April 30, 2020 |
|---|---|
| Share type and class | No-par registered ordinary shares |
| Share capital (€) | 12,157,841 |
| Share capital (number of shares) |
12.157.841 |
| Initial listing | August 25, 1998 |
| Marketplaces | Xetra; Frankfurt, and further regional stock exchanges in Germany |
| Designated sponsors | Hauck & Aufhäuser Privatbankiers AG Pareto Securities AS (until 11.30.2022) |
STRATEC maintains an ongoing dialog with existing and potential investors, analysts, and business and financial journalists. When communicating with market participants, the company adheres to the principle that all information should be provided simultaneously, openly, and transparently. With its active and ongoing reporting, it aims to enable all capital market players to form their own realistic assessment of the company's performance. The financial calendar keeps interested parties regularly informed about important dates with sufficient advance notice.
Furthermore, we also regularly inform capital market participants about the company's strategic development and business performance by publishing financial reports, ad-hoc announcements, and press releases.
One core component of STRATEC's investor relations activities involves holding conference calls upon the publication of results and occurrence of other major events at the company. These calls are also made available on the company's website. As well as holding numerous one-to-one talks, at capital market conferences the company gives presentations and thus informs investors and analysts from Germany and abroad about its current situation and business performance. At present, a total of nine institutions regularly cover STRATEC in extensive studies and brief analyses: Berenberg Bank, Deutsche Bank, Hauck Aufhäuser Investment Banking, Kepler Cheuvreux, Landesbank Baden-Württemberg, Metzler Capital Markets, ODDO BHF, SRH AlsterResearch, and Warburg Research.
The latest information about STRATEC and its share can be found on the company's website at www.stratec.com.
| 03.30.2023 | 2022 Annual Report |
|---|---|
| 04.28.2023 | Quarterly Statement Q1 2023 |
| 05.17.2023 | Virtual Annual General Meeting |
| 07.28.2023 | Half-Year Financial Report H1 2023 |
| 10.27.2023 | Quarterly Statement 9M 2023 |
| 11.28.2023 | German Equity Forum, Frankfurt/Main, Germany |
Subject to amendment
A. The STRATEC Group | 41 Business model and strategy | 41 Group structure | 45 Management of the STRATEC Group | 45 Market | 46
B. Business Report | 50
Macroeconomic and sector-specific framework | 50
Business performance | 53
Non-financial performance indicators | 59
Risk report in respect of use of financial instruments | 71
STRATEC (hereinafter also "the STRATEC Group") designs and manufactures automation solutions for highly regulated laboratory markets. STRATEC acts as an OEM partner to leading players in the in-vitro diagnostics and life sciences markets. The Group's product range includes hardware and software solutions, as well as related consumables. These are mostly combined into fully integrated system solutions and often receive market approval together with partners' reagents.
STRATEC's partners predominantly operate in markets in which a relatively small number of companies determine industry trends and developments. This being so, it is crucial for STRATEC to position itself as a partner to these global players and to gain their trust with its reliability and performance. The experience, expertise, and power of development STRATEC has built up since its foundation in 1979 have enabled it to grow into a major player in various market niches. STRATEC aims to further boost this position, to act as a one-stop source of innovative solutions for its partners, and enable all parties involved to generate growth rates ahead of the industry average by offering a well-calibrated mix of cost efficiency, expertise, and innovation.
STRATEC's core competence involves compiling and implementing concepts and requirements in the automation and instrumentation of biochemical processes using hardware and software solutions. STRATEC also has comprehensive knowledge of quality and documentation requirements, particularly for the approval of medical technology solutions by the relevant national and international authorities. STRATEC accompanies its customers in an advisory capacity from the very outset. Drawing on its longstanding experience, it offers valuable tips when it comes to compiling specifications and determining suitable system alignments. These include tips on user-friendliness, a factor which promotes acceptance of the resultant system among end customers. Due to its existing technology pool and its experience in the approval process, STRATEC is also able to shorten development times for its partners.
STRATEC's primary objective here is to be able to react to customers' requirements in an efficient and well-coordinated manner. This way, it aims to offer those solutions and products from all the areas of activity and centers of expertise at the Group that customers need to meet their respective market requirements. Over the years, STRATEC has built up targeted expertise and technologies in those areas that are viewed as forming the basis for further growth and new developments in the fields of diagnostics and life sciences.
In this, STRATEC works with flat hierarchies and short channels of communication in order to centrally manage the areas of expertise distributed among the business units.
Even though the instrumentation comes from STRATEC, in virtually all cases it is the partner's brand name that is displayed on the systems themselves. While the specifications are in most cases jointly defined by the partners, the development stage is characterized by parallel development processes. During this time, STRATEC focuses on developing the automation solution, the corresponding software, consumables that are often highly complex, and quality management, as well as on preparing system approval. New market requirements, such as connectivity or smart consumables, form a key basis for STRATEC's permanently evolving technology portfolio. This means that customers can focus all their energies on developing their reagent menus, as well as on their market expertise, access to end customers, and support measures. Throughout the development stage, however, the various activities often running in parallel have to be closely coordinated. Soon after the first prototypes are complete, work already begins on integrating the reagents into the automation process. This complex process, which is performed with close cooperation between the two partners, is one of the key foundations for the functionality of the resultant systems.
One key factor driving the STRATEC Group's success is its ability to provide customers with the automation and software development solutions they need to achieve their own objectives. Here, joint success is built not only on the relevant patents and internally developed technologies, but above all on the sophisticated range of expertise STRATEC can offer in a variety of scientific and technological disciplines.
STRATEC can look back on 40 years of development and production activity. Equally relevant to the subsequent success of jointly developed products is the in-depth understanding which STRATEC's partners have of end customers' requirements and thus of the market, as are the measures they take with their own service and sales activities to ensure suitably prepared market access. In view of this, STRATEC focuses on business-to-business and OEM relationships and does not maintain any significant proprietary sales network to its end customers. The product specialists at STRATEC's partners are individually supported in their activities. This particularly takes the form of training, but in exceptional cases also involves providing specific services on location.
When it comes to developing instrumentation solutions, a basic distinction can be made between two approaches towards cooperating with partners:
With this type of development, STRATEC targets both existing and new customers. The company works together with its partner to define the specifications for a new analyzer system for the customer at a very early stage of planning. The cooperation between the company and its partner is very close throughout the entire development phase, which usually lasts between 24 and 48 months. STRATEC is responsible for developing hardware and software and draws here on its constantly growing pool of proprietary technologies, patents, rights, and knowhow. This way, the development work is faster, more costeffective and involves fewer risks, an approach from which both partners benefit. This gives rise to systems that are more reliable and require less maintenance. In close cooperation with the partner, the reagents menu is integrated into the automation processes. As soon as the system has been fully developed and approved by the regulatory authorities together with the reagents and software package, it is launched onto the market and serial production begins. In this stage, the partner focuses on marketing and selling the product to end customers, generally laboratories, blood banks, and research institutes, and also provides subsequent customer support and other services. STRATEC provides an ongoing supply of maintenance and service parts and discusses ongoing improvements in the system with the customer, particularly with regard to software applications, user-friendliness and activities to extend the reagents menu.
System developments in the partnering business place certain minimum requirements in a customer. On the one hand, a suitable development budget has to be available for allocation, on the other hand the partner must have appropriate distribution channels enabling it to exploit turnover potential and thus make the project interesting for both partners. By analogy with the printing industry, which works with low-margin printers and high-margin ink cartridges, the partner generates its return on capital employed by selling the tests. STRATEC earns its share from the sale of appliances and service parts (maintenance and replacement parts) to the partner. The success achieved by its partners enables STRATEC to generate the growth targeted for this business field. In view of this, in its serial production activities the company attaches great value to providing customers with those instruments they need to ensure the best possible cost-input ratio. This approach is reflected in particular at the production locations in Switzerland, Germany, and Hungary, where highly qualified employees implement production and testing processes that are subject to close regulatory definition and monitoring and are performed in an audited and certified environment. The selection of the right partners and products plays a crucial role in determining STRATEC's growth in this area.
A STRATEC platform is a system developed internally by the company. It is not designed in cooperation with a specific partner but, given its general design scheme, is suitable for marketing to several customers. This merely involves adapting the platform to the specific requirements of customer reagents and corporate design schemes. These platforms are particularly suited to partners aiming to enter a market very rapidly – and thus draw on a platform solution – or who on account of their size and market access are not yet able to place the volume of systems needed to amortize the high level of development expenses. STRATEC chiefly develops such platforms for areas with potential for generating multiplier effects.
In developing proprietary technologies and solutions, STRATEC aims to ensure a calculable balance between innovation and sales potential. Here in turn, it is important to develop the right applications that offer market players relevant additional benefits or to cooperate with the right partners to gain early market presence with applicable solutions when it comes to developing next-generation technologies.
STRATEC has supplemented its activities with traditional instrumentation solutions in the medium to upper throughput ranges by establishing itself as a reliable and innovative provider of analyzer systems, system components, consumables, and tests in the lower throughput segment. These are suitable for use in both human and veterinary diagnostics.
The company has also built up a particularly strong market position in a new and fast-growing field, namely polymer-based smart consumables.
These includes polymer chips and single-molecule arrays in the field of micro-fluids. This area represents a key component of STRATEC's technology and product spectrum and has extended the company's product range to include an important part of the value chain. This reduces customers' project risks and the associated project supervision input. STRATEC is able to offer substantial added value to its customers, particularly by assuming responsibility across the various interfaces involved. Not only that, important aspects of test process development and the corresponding automation components can be harmonized far more closely.
The change in conventional consumables into complex smart consumables is making it possible to "outsource" various test process steps in a targeted manner to the consumable. For low test volumes, this "loss" of process steps makes it possible to significantly reduce the size, complexity, and cost of instruments. That is a crucial factor, particularly for point-of-care applications. Furthermore, by offering greater flexibility it opens up new possibilities to develop test processes.
STRATEC has diverse skills and applications in the fields of nano-structuring and micro-structuring, various coating technologies, polymer science applications, and the automated and industrial production of smart consumables. The company can build on its longstanding experience in the high-precision production of optical storage media. Consumables are developed in close cooperation with the relevant partners and in line with their requirements for the development of reagents and instrumentation.
STRATEC is continually extending its range of products and services and its value chain. This way, it aims to relieve its partners of responsibility for major parts of the development, approval, and production of system solutions, and thus to assume a major share of the associated risks. One core principle of the company's philosophy is nevertheless only to cover those sections of the value chain which allow it to operate without entering into competition with its partners.
At core, STRATEC's corporate strategy involves supporting its customers in implementing their growth strategies in the fields of in-vitro diagnostics and life sciences. By acting as a competent partner, offering expertise, and supplying innovative and safe product solutions, STRATEC provides customers with a basis for building a successful end customer business. The objective is to enable both our customers and STRATEC itself to generate growth that is sustainably ahead of the long-term market average. Sustainability-related topics such as environmental concerns and social aspects are becoming ever more important both for STRATEC and for its customers and suppliers.
STRATEC's strategy addresses five dimensions:
To achieve the growth targets it has formulated, STRATEC focuses in particular on those market segments within in-vitro diagnostics that show above-average, high growth rates.
To extend its market position vis-à-vis its competitors and partners on a long-term basis, STRATEC focuses on continually expanding its technology and product portfolio and on securing this as appropriate with industrial property rights. Alongside organic instruments such as in-house developments, this may also involve making acquisitions. The aim here is to position the company as a full-service provider to its partners and to take responsibility for those areas that customers do not view as forming part of their core competencies. STRATEC strictly ensures that it only takes over those parts of the value chain that do not allow any situation of competition to arise with its partners.
Given the very long product lifecycles involved in clinical analyzer systems, STRATEC has numerous long-term customer relationships. STRATEC has earned the high level of trust these partners place in the company thanks to the reliability, performance, and high quality of the products it designs and manufactures, and that over many years. This strong basis of trust provides a key foundation for STRATEC to receive additional development and production orders for new generations of appliances from existing customers in future as well.
STRATEC aims to increase the share of its sales generated with recurring revenues. The business with related polymer-based consumables, such as complex micro-fluid chips, harbors particularly high growth potential in this respect. By acting early to set a focus on this area, STRATEC was able to gain extensive expertise in developing and manufacturing smart consumables at early stage of developments. This expertise particularly involves outstanding capabilities in nano-structuring, micro-structuring, various coating technologies, polymer science applications, and automated production.
The market for in-vitro diagnostics is highly concentrated, with the twenty largest players in terms of sales already accounting for more than 80% of market volumes. This situation is usually reflected in high concentrations of customers at OEM providers. To minimize risks to its future sales and earnings performance, STRATEC aims to further reduce its customer concentration in the long term without missing any growth opportunities with existing customers. Among others, one instrument enabling STRATEC to achieve this goal is the newly developed KleeYa platform which, unlike dedicated systems, can be sold to several customers. Other conceivable ways of increasing diversification include acquisitions aimed at accessing new customer groups and market segments.
In manufacturing its products, STRATEC has to meet especially strict quality requirements, compliance with which is regularly audited by internal specialists, customers, and external authorities. Analyzer systems are manufactured in accordance with the highest standards at the locations in Beringen (Switzerland), Birkenfeld (Germany), and Budapest (Hungary). The location in Anif (Austria) manufactures polymer-based smart consumables in a controlled ISO Class 7 production environment. The value chain is closely coordinated within the STRATEC Group, with upstream and downstream services being drawn on from subsidiaries in numerous products.
The Group's largest development capacities can be found at its headquarters in Birkenfeld (Germany), in Budapest (Hungary), and in Cluj-Napoca (Romania).
Production capacities have been continually expanded in recent years. As a result of these measures, STRATEC now already has sufficient capacities to guarantee the highly efficient development and production of existing and future appliance lines in accordance with internal and external requirements.
Given its high quality standards, STRATEC has deliberately decided to base its production in Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, and Austria and also sees this as the basis for the company's ability to comply with relevant international regulations and standards. Overall, STRATEC is represented with its solutions and qualified contact partners at its subsidiaries on three continents.
To enhance flexibility, reduce capital intensity, and optimize its cost structures on a long-term basis, the STRATEC Group generally works with a very low level of vertical integration and often outsources upstream production activities to highly specialized contractual suppliers. Final assembly and testing generally takes place at STRATEC's production locations, with these activities being performed by employees with the highest level of qualification and training. Testing procedures are based on actual subsequent applications.
Working with integrated procurement management, STRATEC purchases the functional modules and individual components from strategic suppliers that stand out on account of their quality and compliance management systems. Integrating these suppliers into an early stage of product development ensures access in each case to the latest production methods and procedures. Master agreements provide a commercial framework for these cooperations, with use being made of state-of-the-art production and logistics strategies.
In many cases, STRATEC supplies the finished analyzer systems directly to the logistics distribution centers of large diagnostics companies, which then market the systems together with the relevant reagents as system solutions under their own names and brands. As the STRATEC Group's customers largely supply their country outlets and customers directly from these distribution centers, the regional sales reported in the STRATEC Group's figures do not correspond to the actual geographical distribution or final destinations of the analyzer systems produced by STRATEC.
Most of STRATEC's products are supplied to partners operating in strictly regulated markets. Quality management therefore represents a core aspect of STRATEC's business model and forms the basis for the success both of the company and of its partners.
STRATEC is committed to permanently improving the quality of its processes and services. Most of its products are subject not only to the strict requirements of the German Medical Products Act, but also to numerous national and international regulations that have to be complied with when entering the respective markets.
To satisfy these requirements, STRATEC has established a high-performance, certified quality management system. This accounts for the ever growing body of regulatory requirements in international markets and the ever more extensive number of requirements on national level. At the same time, it is the prerequisite for ensuring consistently high product quality.
Among others, the tasks performed by the Quality Management and Regulatory Affairs department include ensuring that the products comply with all necessary regulatory requirements for medical products, supplier evaluation and qualification, and continuously improving the quality management system.
The design and manufacture of an analyzer system also involves regular audits by customers, the authorities, certification bodies, and internal company departments at our development and production locations. These are prepared and accompanied by our quality management team.
The STRATEC Group and/or its individual subsidiaries are committed to and/or certified under the following standards:
Consistent with the motto "one world – one company – one quality", STRATEC has set itself the target of largely harmonizing its quality management system. Due account is taken of the specific needs of individual locations resulting from their different focuses (product types, development, production, etc.). STRATEC employees at the various locations form teams of experts for individual specialisms to promote the sharing of information within the company, support one another with their skills and experience, and ensure a coordinated approach.
STRATEC's organizational structure is based on activity fields and centers of expertise that are aggregated into three business units. These include the Instrumentation business unit, which mainly pools development and manufacturing expertise for higher-volume analyzer systems and the Diatron business unit, which has longstanding experience in developing and manufacturing instruments in the lower throughput range with complementary reagents, as well in module and component production. Alongside these, the Smart Consumables business unit is the center of expertise for developing and manufacturing polymerbased smart consumables. These business units have now become highly interconnected and work together in a closely coordinated manner on numerous projects covering various areas of activity and local units.
The parent company STRATEC SE has its legal domicile in Birkenfeld, Germany. It has operative activity fields focusing on the design and manufacture of analyzer systems and also performs and manages administrative and organizational tasks both on its own behalf and on a prorated basis for the group of companies. The targets set for the subsidiaries, for example for administrative departments such as finance, human resources, or quality management, are agreed with the parent company. The implementation status and results relating to these targets are also regularly reported to the parent company.
Given its size and the dovetailing of its business activities, the STRATEC Group is managed by reference to a matrix organizational structure. Its business activities are grouped across locations and together reflect STRATEC's value chain.
Local managing directors and heads of department on location receive targets set by the Group's Board of Management, on which basis they manage their activities and report in the course of the financial year. These targets are chiefly of a quantitative nature and relate to sales and profitability. In addition, legal units and departments are provided with targets that include qualitative, quantitative, and strategic elements. The objectives here involve factors such as risk management, employee management, and customer relationships, as well as M&A activities. Resources may be centrally prioritized and deployed as appropriate.
As well as traditional management figures such as sales, EBIT, EBITDA, liquidity, key development, production, marketing figures, and product quality, STRATEC is increasingly focusing on sustainability-related topics such as environmental and social aspects, not least to do justice to our claim of being a reliable partner and an attractive employer as the company continues to grow.
Alongside ongoing organizational adjustments to the company's structure in line with its growth, the objective of the company's management is to uphold its sustainable sales growth in excess of average growth rates in the in-vitro diagnostics industry while simultaneously improving the company's profitability, safeguarding its liquidity position at all times, and detecting and averting any erroneous developments in good time.
In addition to quantitative reporting structures, regular assessments of current project developments and risks are additionally reported by project managers and heads of department to the respective member of the Board of Management.
A further management instrument is the variable remuneration paid to employees in senior positions or key functions, and sales employees. This variable remuneration is largely dependent on the key figures achieved, especially operating earnings, but also on strategic objectives, including numerous aspects in the field of corporate social responsibility. This raises awareness of cost structures and efficiency enhancements, and thus of the company's long-term business performance, among employees in those company divisions not able to directly influence sales.
The most important performance indicators referred to in managing the company are sales, the adjusted EBIT(DA) margin, and the number of employees. More detailed information about these key management figures can be found in the Business Report and the Outlook.
The overall market for in-vitro diagnostics solutions currently has a volume of more than USD 100 billion. Viewed over a three-year period, it has shown above-average growth due to high demand for in-vitro diagnostics tests on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. The predominant share of market volumes is still generated by selling test reagents, while instrumentation solutions account for around 20% of the overall market. The global market for instrumentation solutions in the field of in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) therefore has sales volumes of around USD 20 billion. It is worth noting that, based on estimates, fewer than half of instrumentation solutions are currently developed by outsourcing partners such as STRATEC. The remaining share of system solutions continues to be designed by the largest diagnostics companies themselves. Due to ever stricter regulatory requirements, improved cost efficiency, and shorter development times, STRATEC nevertheless expects the global share of system solutions designed and manufactured by outsourcing partners to increase further in the years ahead.
The instrumentation market relevant to STRATEC currently has estimated annual sales volumes of more than USD 2.5 billion for in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) alone. This figure is derived from relevant throughput segments and areas of application. The application technologies and market segments relevant to STRATEC particularly include the immunoassay, molecular diagnostics, immunohematology, clinical chemistry, microfluidic, and hematology applications. Alongside these areas, there are also interesting niche markets, both within and outside IVD, in which STRATEC is performing targeted projects or concluding development cooperations with established or innovative partners.
IVD market by product category
STRATEC's main technologies
The increasing regulation of the diagnostics industry continues to generate growing demand for automated process solutions. Manual and semi-automated processes are increasingly being superseded by fully automated methods. Due to the routine processes involved and the lower error rate compared with manual processes, such methods offer a high degree of security, great precision, and highly reproducible results. Not only that, fully automated methods enable the tiniest volumes of liquids to be processed. In recent years, ever more countries have begun introducing their own control mechanisms and requirements for IVD products and processes. To meet these increasingly strict requirements around the world, many laboratories are opting for automated solutions. Automated instrumentation solutions are in turn subject to a high degree of regulation, and this presents a barrier to new players entering the market. STRATEC's long track record of dealing with these regulatory requirements, broad pool of technology, and longstanding experience mean that it is very strongly positioned in this market.
Alongside increasing regulation, STRATEC also benefits from the fact that there is a shortage of qualified laboratory personnel in many countries. This factor increases demand for automated systems that are easy to use and do not require highly qualified laboratory staff.
STRATEC is benefiting not only from increasing regulatory efforts on the part of the relevant authorities, but also in particular from the growing trend towards outsourcing in the diagnostics industry. Alongside market access, the core competence of large diagnostics groups largely involves developing and providing reagents. These are used to perform the diagnostic tests in fully automated systems. Acting as an OEM partner, STRATEC designs and manufactures the system with all of its hardware and software components. Here, the customers assign almost all of the responsibility for the system, and thus also a large share of the related risk, to STRATEC. Working in close cooperation, a system is developed that is based on jointly compiled specifications and automates all of the analytical process steps. Within this cooperation, STRATEC performs various activities along the entire value chain – from definition of the specifications through to approval of the resultant products by the relevant authorities. The partners benefit from STRATEC's extensive technology portfolio and its far-reaching experience in product approval processes, as well as from the resultant cost benefits and shorter development times.
When it comes to the growing trend towards outsourcing in diagnostics, comparisons are often made with the automotive industry, where automakers have long outsourced the development and production of complex components and modules to specialist partner companies. A very similar trend is observable in the diagnostics industry.
Alongside the specific developments outlined above for the in-vitro diagnostics instrumentation market, the overall in-vitro diagnostics market – our partners' target market – is also viewed as a growth market. The COVID-19 pandemic in particular has once again underlined the great importance of in-vitro diagnostics for healthcare systems around the world. Key growth drivers particularly include the following global megatrends:
Further growth in the volume of investments channeled into expanding national healthcare systems is increasing the number of people worldwide with access to healthcare services. Higher numbers of patients are resulting in greater demand for the products and services offered by the diagnostics industry. Together with rising life expectancies, the increasing prevalence of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases will also lead to growing demand in healthcare systems and consequently for in-vitro diagnostics products. Not only that, rapid technological advances in recent years have significantly expanded the areas of application in in-vitro diagnostics. The technological progress currently underway gives reason to expect the launch and increased market penetration of new and innovative tests in the years ahead as well. Areas worth mentioning in this respect are the tests newly available in oncology, personalized medicine, and prenatal medicine.
STRATEC's long story of sustainable success is based on its development of innovative technologies that satisfy the requirements of strictly regulated markets and those of its partners in terms of safety, reliability and user-friendliness. For the development of complex systems and consumables, STRATEC's development teams comprise numerous experts from various areas of activity who are supplemented by developers from our partners. As a general rule, the interdisciplinary teams of experts draw on employees from various areas of activity. In the field of research, where new technologies, processes and software solutions are developed, feasibility and market studies are performed or referred to at an early stage already. These enable qualified assessments to be made while at the same time minimizing any associated risks.
In the development projects category, the underlying processes, the achievement of development milestones, and the relevant targets are all stipulated in detail. The development activities follow precisely defined technical specifications and project plans and involve milestones and target data. In the context of analyzer system development, different appliance generations are supplied to the partner and then accepted once the respective development milestones have been met. These range from the first development appliance status ("bread boards") via prototypes through to validation and pre-serial appliances on which the tests are validated and whose results are referred to by the relevant authorities when approving the appliances. In the final development stage, the customer then accepts the serial appliance and related service components.
Within STRATEC, development activities are based on the following aspects:
• Development of new systems for customers and system platform development
STRATEC's growth is largely driven by its constantly growing range of new OEM products. These therefore remain a key focus of development activities. Here, STRATEC can offer an extensive range of technologies and services to its customers.
In its development of new systems, STRATEC distinguishes between platform development and the partnering business. In platform development, STRATEC works in a way similar to the automobile industry by developing a platform or module concept internally and then in the second stage adapting this to individual customer needs. In its partnering business, by contrast, STRATEC works closely with the customer from a very early stage of development and, based on a library concept, develops a system precisely tailored to the customer's needs.
Strict regulatory requirements and the resultant expense required to obtain approval are leading to longer system lifecycles, which generally amount to well over ten years. To facilitate such long lifecycles for systems on the market, permanent system modernization is required. This factor is accounted for above all in software development and verification activities. This is one of the main reasons for the disproportionate growth in these areas and the associated number of employees within STRATEC's development division.
To boost its competitiveness and leading position as an independent system provider, STRATEC not only monitors ongoing changes in its customers' needs in terms of technologies and processes, but also constantly analyzes innovations and developments in the relevant markets. The insights thereby gained are correspondingly factored into the development of new technologies. One key focus here is on gaining early experience with processes resulting from research, and in particular with technologies and processes which harbor potential for routine applications in in-vitro diagnostics.
A further focus of STRATEC's development activities involves further developing and enhancing platform technologies for relevant systems. These platform technologies are of key significance. After all, they are not only one of the main factors determining the performance of our systems, but also account for the greatest cost item in their production. They also still form the basis for the continually growing technology pool, which significantly reduces both the times and the costs involved in our partners' market launches of these kinds of systems.
In close cooperation with its subsidiary in Anif (Austria), STRATEC also develops the consumables used with a given analyzer system. This development work is also based on proprietary industrial property rights. The products range from simple consumables through to complex, so-called smart consumables. These complex consumables present part of the test process that is otherwise often performed within the instrument. They may be developed and manufactured together with an analyzer system or on a standalone basis to meet the individual requirements of our partners.
The overall package of proprietary platform technologies, a good understanding of potential opportunities available from research and in the in-vitro diagnostics environment, and the tools and processes optimized for use in this area enable STRATEC to offer all-round solutions with comparatively attractive development periods. Not least as a result of these factors, STRATEC retains control of the key industrial property rights and patents for the systems thereby developed. This is another way in which the company secures its long-term cooperation with its partners and customers.
Within the STRATEC Group a total of 721 employees were allocable to research and development and development support at the balance sheet date on December 31, 2022 (previous year: 668 employees). This corresponds to around 50% of the total workforce.
In its updated Global Economic Outlook published at the end of January 2023, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecast global economic growth of 2.9% for 2023 (2022: 3.4%). That is 0.2 percentage points higher than expected in October 2022. The global economy would absorb the effects of the war in Ukraine and prolonged high inflation more effectively than initially feared. That was due not least to developments in China, where the move away from a zero-COVID strategy could be a key driver of the global economy. Other reasons included "positive surprises" and "unexpectedly strong resilience" in numerous economies. Europe, for example, is absorbing the energy shock triggered by the war in Ukraine better than expected. Having said that, global growth was currently below the "historic average" over the past two decades.
The IMF does not expect the global economy to slide into recession in 2023. Its current outlook may represent a turning point, at which growth bottoms out while inflation begins to recede. Risks referred to that would lead to a deterioration in the economic situation include any further intensification in the pandemic situation in China, further escalation in the war in Ukraine, and any debt crisis resulting from the strict monetary policies adopted by central banks.
For 2024, the IMF has forecast a slight acceleration in global growth to 3.1%, a figure that nevertheless falls short of the forecast issued in October 2022. There are fears that demand will be slowed by the impact of drastic interest rate hikes introduced by central banks.
Given its long-term project and product lifecycles, STRATEC and the decisions its customers take concerning joint development projects are only affected by macroeconomic fluctuations to a limited extent. Having said this, the macroeconomic climate is nevertheless a significant factor for STRATEC's business activity and is therefore extensively factored into the company's assessments and planning.
Based on various estimates, the in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) markets will continue to show very healthy rates of sustainable growth and currently has a volume of more than USD 100 billion. Consistently aging populations, the increased prevalence of chronic diseases, more frequent occurrence of infectious diseases, and the ever growing significance of personalized treatment – these are key market growth drivers that are also sustainable. Over and above that, the research being performed on innovative technologies, such as specific biomarkers, will create new opportunities for future market growth.
The various segments within IVD have different growth rates. STRATEC particularly operates in those segments which generate above-average high growth rates. These include molecular diagnostics, for example, as well as highly sensitive procedures within immunodiagnostics.
Due not least to the increasing complexity of IVD tests, it is difficult for any one company to develop proprietary products in all technology and market segments. In view of this, diagnostics groups frequently procure specific technologies to maintain their technological leadership and survive in the market. As a result, a process of consolidation has been apparent in the IVD market for years now and is expected to continue in future as well.
At the same time, the constant rise in regulation recently seen in the diagnostics industry also represents an increasingly high barrier to potential competitors to STRATEC entering the market. There are only very few comparable companies with the ability to offer a comparable range of products and services from compiling specifications, through development, approval, and production of the respective instruments and solutions. The competitive situation therefore remains very limited and, alongside in-house development departments, is restricted to a handful of specialist companies.
Overall, the markets served by STRATEC's customers are viewed as growth markets for the years ahead as well. This growth will be driven in particular by the following factors:
Development of new tests and treatment options, such as personalized medicine
Demographic change towards an increasingly elderly population with growing diagnostics requirements
As well as human diagnostics systems, via its Diatron business unit the STRATEC Group also offers systems for use in veterinary diagnostics.
According to various studies, turnover in the global veterinary diagnostics market currently amounts to between USD 2.5 billion and USD 3.0 billion. Average annual growth (CAGR) of around 9% is expected in the coming years. Veterinary diagnostics has taken over numerous technologies and methods from human diagnostics. A range of key standard diagnostics applications in the fields of immunodiagnostics, molecular diagnostics, hematology, and clinical chemistry is thus available for the veterinary supervision of domestic and farm animals.
Life sciences is taken here as particularly comprising academic research and pharmaceuticals research, with the latter area accounting for by far the larger share of the market. The global life sciences instrumentation market currently has a volume of around USD 70 billion. By 2030, it is expected to have reached around USD 130 billion.
The STRATEC Group has numerous customers in the field of life sciences, particularly in its Smart Consumables business unit. Furthermore, the field of translational research, which involves translating the results of basic research into clinical applications, is also increasingly significant to STRATEC.
Consolidated sales fell year-on-year by 4.4% to € 274.6 million in the 2022 financial year (previous year: € 287.3 million). On a constant-currency basis, this corresponds to an organic reduction in sales by 8.3%. This subdued sales performance is due in particular to the previous year's high basis of comparison in product groups relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the field of molecular diagnostics. By contrast, positive growth rates were achieved for Systems sales in the product areas of immunodiagnostics, immunohematology, and clinical chemistry, which were less affected by the pandemic.
The adjusted EBIT margin for the 2022 financial year amounts to 16.4%, compared with 18.9% in the previous year. The year-on-year decrease in profitability is due among other factors to negative scale effects, a normalization in the product mix, and increased input expenses.
The guidance initially provided in the outlook in the 2021 Annual Report, which forecast constant-currency sales at the previous year's level, was therefore not met, with this being due in particular to the ongoing highly tense situation in the supply chain and associated delivery backlogs. By contrast, the guidance for an adjusted EBIT margin of around 16.5% to 18.5% was virtually met.
STRATEC reached numerous major milestones in the development of new products in the 2022 financial year. The company thus transferred a system solution (including smart consumables) in the field of digital PCRs to serial production on behalf of one of the absolute market leaders in the in-vitro diagnostics sector in 2022. Furthermore, as the pandemic has receded STRATEC has observed increased interest in new development projects among its customers. On this basis, it has extended its already well-stocked deal and development pipeline with further projects for partners and agreed new development cooperations.
STRATEC's liquidity and financing position was at all times secured. As of December 31, 2022, the company had a long-term master credit facility with a total volume of up to € 55.0 million, of which a total of € 38.0 million had been drawn down.
As forecast, the workforce of the STRATEC Group grew further in the 2022 financial year. Including temporary employees and trainees, the STRATEC Group had a total of 1,481 employees as of December 31, 2022 (previous year: 1,398). This corresponds to an increase of 5.9% compared with the previous year's reporting date.
| 2022 | 2021 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales | 274,625 | 287,335 | -4.4% (cc: -8.3%) |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 58,582 | 66,606 | -12.0% |
| Adjusted EBITDA margin |
21.3% | 23.2% | -190 bps |
| Adjusted EBIT | 45,053 | 54,273 | -17.0% |
| Adjusted EBIT margin | 16.4% | 18.9% | -250 bps |
| Adjusted consolidated net income |
34,683 | 45,122 | -23.1% |
bps = basis points cc = constant currency
Consolidated sales decreased by 4.4% to € 274.6 million in the 2022 financial year (previous year: € 287.3 million). On a constantcurrency basis, this corresponds to an organic reduction in sales by 8.3%. This subdued sales performance was due in particular to the previous year's high basis of comparison (due to the expansion in additional laboratory capacities in 2021 on account of the COVID-19 pandemic) and to the ongoing difficult situation in global supply chains (particularly for semiconductor chips).
STRATEC divides its sales into four operating divisions.
Sales in the Systems operating division fell year-on-year by 15.8% (constant-currency: -19.7%) to € 140.8 million (previous year: € 167.3 million). The sales performance here was adversely affected in particular by the previous year's high basis of comparison due to the pandemic in the field of molecular diagnostics systems, as well as to delivery backlogs resulting from the ongoing difficult procurement situation (particularly for semiconductor chips).
Sales in the Service Parts and Consumables operating division decreased by 6.1% (constant-currency: -10.0%) from € 94.5 million in the previous year to € 88.8 million in the 2022 financial year. This division felt the effects of the return to normalized capacity utilization rates for systems in place in the market as the COVID-19 pandemic receded. This factor was nevertheless partly offset by the significant growth in the installation base in recent years.
Sales in the Development and Services operating division increased by 77.4% (constant currency: +73.4%) from the previous year's low level to € 43.5 million (previous year: € 24.5 million).
Sales in the Other Activities division rose from € 1.0 million in the previous year to € 1.5 million in 2022 (+51.6%; constantcurrency: +41.6%).
| Constant currency |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | Change | change | |
| Systems | 140,845 | 167,284 | -15.8% | -19.7% |
| Service Parts and Consum ables |
88,763 | 94,530 | -6.1% | -10.0% |
| Development and Services |
43,537 | 24,545 | +77.4% | +73.4% |
| Other Activities |
1,480 | 976 | +51.6% | +41.6% |
| Consolidated sales |
274,625 | 287,335 | -4.4% | -8.3% |
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales in € million | 274,625 | 287,335 | 250,099 |
| Systems share of sales in % |
51.3% | 58.2% | 57.2% |
| Service Parts and Consumables share of sales in % |
32.3% | 32.9% | 31.8% |
| Development and Services share of sales in % |
15.9% | 8.5% | 10.7% |
| Other Activities share of sales in % |
0.5% | 0.4% | 0.3% |
| Analyzer systems supplied (total number) |
9,877 | 10,941 | 10,163 |
Gross profit amounted to € 79.5 million in the 2022 financial year, compared with € 87.7 million in the previous year. The gross margin therefore eased from 30.5% in the previous year to 28.9% in 2022.
Due to the continued high level of development activity, gross development expenses rose from € 49.1 million to € 50.9 million in the 2022 financial year. Of this total, € 44.0 million was recognized in cost of sales or capitalized (previous year: € 39.8 million), while € 6.9 million was expensed (previous year: € 9.3 million).
Due among other factors to increased travel and personnel expenses, as well as to a further rise in freight expenses, salesrelated expenses rose from € 9.8 million in the previous year to € 12.1 million in the 2022 financial year.
At € 18.1 million in the 2022 financial year, general administration expenses were at around the same level as in the previous year (€ 18.5 million).
The net balance of other operating income and expenses came to € -1.2 million in the 2022 financial year, compared with € -1.9 million in the previous year. The previous year's figure included impairment losses recognized on a proprietary development project in the Diatron segment.
Adjusted EBIT for the 2022 financial year stood at € 45.1 million in the 2022 financial year, as against € 54.3 million in the previous year. As a result, the adjusted EBIT margin fell by 250 basis points to 16.4% (previous year: 18.9%). The margin was adversely affected in particular by negative effects of scale, a normalized product mix compared with the previous year, and increased input expenses.
Adjusted consolidated net income amounted to € 34.7 million in the 2022 financial year and thus fell by 23.1% compared with the previous year. At 20.0%, the adjusted tax rate was significantly higher than the previous year's figure of 14.7%. Adjusted earnings per share (diluted) amounted to € 2.86, as against € 3.73 in the previous year.
Year-on-year comparison of EBIT and EBIT margin (€ 000s)
| 2022 | 2021 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjusted EBIT | 45,053 | 54,273 | -17.0% |
| Adjusted EBIT margin |
16.4% | 18.9% | -250 bps |
| bps = basis points |
The business activities of the STRATEC Group are divided into three reporting segments.
In its Instrumentation segment, STRATEC pools its business with designing and manufacturing fully automated analyzer systems, including service parts and consumables, for its clinical diagnostics and biotechnology customers.
The Diatron segment comprises the business with systems, system components, consumables and tests in the low throughput segment.
The Smart Consumables segment includes the business with developing and manufacturing smart consumables in the fields of diagnostics, life sciences, and medical technology.
The segments and business units referred to above have now become highly interconnected and work together in a closely coordinated manner on numerous projects covering various areas of activity and local units.
Sales in the Instrumentation segment decreased by 2.7 % (constant-currency: -7.0%) from € 201.3 million in the previous year to € 195.9 million in the 2022 financial year, with reductions reported for Systems sales in particular. These were due to the previous year's high basis for comparison on account of the pandemic, as well as to the ongoing tense supply chain situation for semiconductor chips. Significant growth was reported, by contrast, for sales with Development and Services. This is to be viewed against the backdrop of the previous year's low basis for comparison.
Adjusted EBIT fell year-on-year by 11.5% to € 30.4 million in the 2022 financial year (previous year: € 34.3 million). As a result, the adjusted EBIT margin stood at 15.5%, as against 17.0% in the previous year. The development in the margin was adversely affected by factors including negative scale effects, increased input expenses, and a normalization in the product mix.
The Diatron segment generated sales of € 54.9 million in the 2022 financial year (previous year: € 66.9 million). The implied reduction in sales by 17.9% (constant-currency: -20.5%) was attributable in particular to product groups that had witnessed significant additional demand in the previous year due to the pandemic. Given lower effects of scale and the normalization in the product mix, the adjusted EBIT margin in this segment decreased from 29.1% in the previous year to 22.2% in the 2022 financial year.
The Smart Consumables segment increased its sales by 24.8% (constant-currency: +20.4%) to € 23.8 million in the 2022 financial year, compared with € 19.1 million in the previous year. Adjusted EBIT improved to € 2.5 million, up from € 0.5 million in 2021. Here, the development in the margin was benefited from rising sales figures with products already in the market, as well as from the recognition of sales for development services.
| 2022 | 2021 | Change | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instrumentation | ||||||
| Sales | 195,914 | 201,349 | -2.7% (cc: -7.0%) |
|||
| EBITDA | 39,599 | 42,900 | -7.7% | |||
| EBIT | 29,848 | 34,121 | -12.5% | |||
| Adjusted EBIT | 30,359 | 34,296 | -11.5% | |||
| Adjusted EBIT margin | 15.5% | 17.0% | -150 bps | |||
| Diatron | ||||||
| Sales | 54,904 | 66,910 | -17.9% (cc: -20.5%) |
|||
| EBITDA | 13,753 | 20,943 | -34.3% | |||
| EBIT | 10,382 | 15,493 | -33.0% | |||
| Adjusted EBIT | 12,182 | 19,452 | -37.4% | |||
| Adjusted EBIT margin | 22.2% | 29.1% | -690 bps | |||
| Smart Consumables | ||||||
| Sales | 23,807 | 19,076 | +24.8% (cc: +20.4%) |
|||
| EBITDA | 4.719 | 2,588 | +82.3% | |||
| EBIT | 910 | -1,437 | n/a | |||
| Adjusted EBIT | 2,512 | 525 | +378.5% | |||
| Adjusted EBIT margin | 10.6% | 2.8% | +780 bps |
bps = basis points cc = constant-currency
In the interests of comparability, key earnings figures for the 2022 financial year have been adjusted to exclude amortization resulting from purchase price allocations in the context of acquisitions, a provision stated for expected back payments of tax (including interest payments), and other non-recurring items. The reconciliation of the adjusted earnings figures with the earnings figures reported in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income is presented in the following tables:
| 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Adjusted EBIT | 45,053 | 54,273 |
| Adjustments: | ||
| PPA amortization | -3,402 | -4,874 |
| Impairment | 0 | -1,047 |
| Other | -511 | -175 |
| EBIT | 41,140 | 48,177 |
Including consulting expenses in connection with M&A activities
(€ 000s)
| 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Adjusted consolidated net income | 34,683 | 45,122 |
| Adjusted earnings per share in € (basic) | 2.86 | 3.73 |
| Adjustments: | ||
| PPA amortization | -3,402 | -4,874 |
| Impairment | 0 | -1,047 |
| Other1 | -511 | -175 |
| Taxes | -1,195 | 932 |
| Interest expenses | -352 | 0 |
| Consolidated net income | 29,223 | 39,958 |
| Earnings per share in € (basic) | 2.41 | 3.30 |
Including consulting expenses in connection with M&A activities
The cash flow statement of the STRATEC Group shows the origin and utilization of the cash flows generated within the financial year. A distinction is made between the cash flow from operating activities and the cash flows from investing and financing activities.
| 2022 | 2021 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flow from operating activities |
10,279 | 63,473 | -83.8% |
| Cash flow from investing activities |
-18,997 | -20,127 | n/a |
| Cash flow from financing activities (outflow) |
-14,105 | -34,329 | n/a |
| Cash-effective change in cash |
-22,823 | 9,017 | n/a |
The inflow of funds from operating activities decreased from € 63.5 million in the previous year to € 10.3 million in the 2022 financial year. Alongside the lower level of consolidated net income, this was also attributable to significant increases in inventories and trade receivables, as well as to a lower year-onyear reduction in trade payables and other liabilities.
At € 19.0 million, the outflow of funds for investing activities in the 2022 financial year was slightly lower than the previous year's figure (€ 20.1 million). Of this total, € 8.7 million involved investments in intangible assets (previous year: € 10.3 million), while € 10.3 million related to property, plant and equipment (previous year: € 9.9 million).
The outflow of funds for financing activities totaled € 14.1 million, as against € 34.3 million in the previous year. This outflow of funds comprised net repayments of € 4.3 million for financial liabilities and the payment of a dividend of € 11.5 million to shareholders. STRATEC received an inflow of € 1.7 million in connection with employee stock option plans.
On a constant-currency basis, the total of all inflows and outflows of funds in the year under report resulted in cash at the end of the period of € 22.7 million, as against € 47.2 million in the previous year.
At the balance sheet date on December 31, 2022, STRATEC had credit lines in an amount of up to € 55.0 million and a term through to 2027. These offer the company flexibility to offset potential fluctuations in liquidity. Of these credit lines, a total amount of € 38.0 million had been drawn down as of the balance sheet date.
Among other items, the investments of € 10.3 million in property, plant and equipment involved own work capitalized for prototypes and test equipment, as well as outlays for production and building fittings. The investments of € 8.7 million in intangible assets, on the other hand, mainly related to capitalized development work.
The capex ratio, i.e. total investments in property, plant and equipment and in intangible assets as a percentage of sales, amounted to 6.9% in 2022 (previous year: 7.0%) and was thus within the target range of 6.0% to 8.0% communicated in the previous year's outlook. The investments of € 19.0 million made in property, plant and equipment and in intangible assets exceeded the depreciation and amortization of € 16.9 million. These investments thus secure the company's long-term value and expansion and will enable STRATEC to uphold its position as an innovation leader and continue making a valuable contribution to technological advances in the field of medical technology.
| Key figure | Definition | 12.31. 2022 |
12.31. 2021 |
Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash | Cash holdings and credit balances at banks |
22,668 | 47,184 | -52.0% |
| Net working capital |
Current assets ./. cash ./. current debt |
128,473 | 95,166 | +33.3% |
| Operating cash flow per share |
Operating cash flow/ number of shares (basic) |
0.85 | 5.24 | -83.8% |
| Capex ratio |
(Investments in property, plant and equipment and in intangible assets) ./. consolidated sales |
6.9% | 7.0% | -10 bps |
bps = basis points
Total assets amounted to € 397.5 million as of December 31, 2022 and thus grew by 7.9% compared with the previous year (€ 368.5 million). This expansion in total assets was driven in particular by increases of € 28.9 million in inventories and of € 14.5 million in trade receivables. The growth in inventories predominantly resulted from increased stocks of raw materials and operating supplies, which the rise in trade receivables was due to reporting date effects. Property, plant and equipment also increased, in this case from € 58.7 million in the previous year to € 61.6 million as of December 31, 2022.
| 2022 | 2021 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intangible assets | 88,271 | 89,366 | -1.2% |
| Non-current assets (excluding intangible assets) |
97,846 | 91,142 | +7.4% |
| Current assets | 211,387 | 188,017 | +12.4% |
| Consolidated total assets |
397,504 | 368,525 | +7.9% |
In view of the positive development in consolidated net income and accounting for the dividend distribution in the year under report (€ 11.5 million), shareholders equity rose by 9.4% from € 205.8 million at the previous year's balance sheet date to € 225.2 million as of December 31, 2022.
The equity ratio therefore amounts to 56.6% (previous year: 55.8%) and thus remains at a solid level.
| 2022 | 2021 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shareholders' equity | 225,184 | 205,759 | +9.4% |
| Non-current debt | 112,074 | 117,099 | -4.3% |
| Current debt | 60,246 | 45,667 | +31.9% |
| Consolidated equity and debt |
397,504 | 368,525 | +7.9% |
Non-current debt decreased from € 117.1 million to € 112.1 million in the 2022 financial year. This reduction was mainly due to lower contract liabilities and pension provisions.
Current debt rose to € 60.3 million, up by 31.9% compared with the previous year's reporting date (€ 45.7 million). This was due in particular to an increase in contract liabilities and in income tax liabilities.
| 2022 | 2021 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total assets | 397,504 | 368,525 | +7.9% |
| Shareholders' equity | 225,184 | 205,759 | +9.4% |
| Equity ratio in % | 56.6 | 55.8 | +80 bps |
| Financial liabilities | 99,287 | 99,627 | -0.3% |
| Financial liabilities as % of total assets |
25.0 | 27.0 | -200 bps |
| Debt/equity ratio in % | 76.5 | 79.1 | -260 bps |
bps = basis points
Further growth at STRATEC SE is crucially dependent on the availability of adequate development capacities. Even though in practice many factors are relevant to the company's growth, the following section presents those non-financial performance indicators which are of key importance to the company in managing its growth.
STRATEC's sustainable success is driven by the performance of its highly qualified and motivated employees, who work in partnership with global players, often market leaders, to develop innovative technologies and solutions that enable the company's partners to shape their markets with reliable, safe, and userfriendly products. STRATEC therefore views the number of employees as a key non-financial performance indicator.
This awareness that their internally developed solutions are contributing to further advances in global diagnostics is a further motivation for STRATEC's team.
One of STRATEC's primary objectives is to provide its workforce, which has grown consistently in recent years, with a modern and attractive working environment by offering new career challenges and ensuring professional dealings with colleagues and partners. This in turn should motivate employees to continue giving of their very best and help retain them at the company on a permanent basis. Further information about employees and their interests can be found in the Non-Financial Group Declaration within this report.
The workforce of the STRATEC Group grew further in 2022. As of December 31, 2022, STRATEC had a total of 1,481 employees. This corresponds to a year-on-year increase of 5.9%, which is consistent with the forecast issued in the previous year.
| Total employees | 1,481 1,398 |
+5.9% |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent employees |
1,420 1,282 |
+10.8% |
| Temporary employees |
61 116 |
-47.4% |
| Employees in Germany | 574 544 |
+5.5% |
| Employees abroad | 907 854 |
+6.2% |
| Trainees and interns |
41 48 |
-14.6% |
| Employees working in R&D and development support |
724 668 |
+8.4% |
| Share of female employees | 33.7% 30.7% |
+300 bps |
2022 2021
bps = basis points
One of STRATEC's core activities and competencies involves developing complex technological systems that combine biochemical processes with highly integrated hardware and software. This is reflected, among other factors, in the fact that 724 of our employees, corresponding to a 48.9% share of all staff, work in research and development. This share is expected to remain high in the years ahead as well. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the work involved, many employees in this area contribute both technical and scientific expertise.
Excluding temporary employees, personnel expenses amounted to € 82.2 million in the 2022 financial year (previous year: € 79.6 million).
Global megatrends, such as the world's aging population or the increasing prevalence of chronic and infectious diseases are creating ever greater demand for in-vitro diagnostics tests. Not only that, technological advances and the associated increase in sensitivities mean that new areas of application are becoming available for in-vitro diagnostics processes, such as in oncology and prenatal medicine. Furthermore, highly qualified laboratory staff are in short supply in many countries. This additionally boosts demand for highly automated solutions. STRATEC is also benefiting from the growing interest and willingness shown by its customers to outsource the design and manufacture of automation solutions to specialist partners. This is reflected in the high number of market launches seen in recent years and in the company's well-stocked development pipeline. In light of these factors, the growth prospects for the target markets in which the STRATEC Group and its customers operate are still assessed positively.
For the 2023 financial year, STRATEC expects to generate constant-currency sales growth of 8.0% to 12.0%, with this being driven in particular by rising growth contributions from system solutions newly launched onto the market. By contrast, the company has recently received significantly lower order forecasts from its customers for a number of established systems and product groups which benefited from high additional demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board of Management believes that the associated change in the product mix, together with a further rise in input costs due to inflation and the conversion to a new system generation in the veterinary diagnostics business, will have a temporary adverse impact on the margin in the 2023 financial year. STRATEC therefore expects its adjusted EBIT margin to decrease compared with the previous year and to amount to around 12.0% to 14.0% (previous year: 16.4%).
To respond to this expected reduction in the margin, the Board of Management has decided to initiate and promptly implement a far-reaching efficiency enhancement program. Details of the associated measures and corresponding earnings improvement potential are expected to be announced during the second quarter of 2023. Furthermore, extended price increases are being reviewed across the product portfolio. The above guidance figures do not yet account for those positive effects of the efficiency program that are already possible or for the extended price increases.
For the 2023 financial year, STRATEC has budgeted investments in property, plant and equipment and in intangible assets corresponding to a total of 6% to 8% of sales (2022: 6.9%). Subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting, a dividend of € 0.97 per share is foreseen for distribution to shareholders in STRATEC SE (previous year: € 0.95).
To enable it to realize the wide variety of growth potential harbored by its current deal and development pipeline, STRATEC plans a further moderate expansion in its workforce in the years ahead.
STRATEC's financial forecast is based on budgets that account for the specific features of its business model, as well as for numerous internal and external factors, and that weight such factors in accordance with their significance. New order figures, our customers' forecasts and their order behavior, and their stocking of service parts play a superordinate role here, as do the numbers of projects in development and negotiation. This forecast does not account for additional opportunities resulting from external growth. Given the long-term nature of its business relationships, macroeconomic developments are of subordinate significance for STRATEC. The macroeconomic factor is therefore weighted less prominently in the company's forecasts.
In the dynamic but in most cases highly regulated markets in which STRATEC and its subsidiaries operate, lawmakers and approval authorities attempt to minimize many risks with strict legislation and detailed approval processes. As a result of this, numerous processes and procedures are reflected at the companies involved and actively lived in the corporate cultures. These range from the requirement to ensure precise documentation of the design and manufacture of in-vitro diagnostics instruments and consumables through to sophisticated quality assurance processes that can be found in virtually all areas of the company.
Furthermore, entrepreneurial actions, particularly in rapidly growing markets, result in various risks which STRATEC counters with anticipatory and supervisory measures and structures. Numerous risks also harbor opportunities, e.g. the targeted and active handling of risks may also enable the company to achieve competitive advantages.
Within its opportunity and risk management activities, the STRATEC Group regularly assesses and continually monitors both opportunities and risks.
STRATEC's growth in recent years has been based on entrepreneurial decisions that involved weighing up the associated opportunities and risks. STRATEC regularly reviews and adjusts its opportunity and risk management to facilitate ongoing sustainable growth in future as well and enable the company to prepare in good time for any changes in the environment in which it operates. Changes in the regulatory environment are also viewed as opportunities to draw on the company's longstanding experience and in-depth quality management to further expand its competitive advantages.
As the business models of the individual segments, which focus almost exclusively on the OEM business, are highly similar and the resultant opportunities and risks are largely identical or even overlap, no distinction has been made between the individual business units in the following presentation of opportunities and risks.
A major share of the products offered by or in development at STRATEC are used in in-vitro diagnostics (IVD). Having said this, the number of systems deployed in research laboratories in the life science sector is also not insignificant. Within the IVD sector, there are some segments that are forecast to generate growth above the overall sector average in the years ahead. STRATEC has focused on some of these segments with corresponding development projects. The segments of molecular diagnostics and highly sensitive immunoassays processes are particularly noteworthy in this respect.
Furthermore, geopolitical, infrastructural, and demographic developments – together with increased political and social awareness for pandemic-related developments and the associated improvement in medical infrastructures – should also continue to ensure that, overall, ever more people around the world have access to higher numbers of diagnostics tests. The resultant rise in test volumes should continue to generate sustainable growth in the IVD market.
STRATEC still has numerous customer and proprietary projects in development. The resultant products will be launched by STRATEC's customers onto the market in the years ahead and will provide one major foundation for the future growth of the STRATEC Group. Before entering into new development and supply agreements, STRATEC evaluates the potential projects in terms of their opportunity/risk profiles and the customer's future potential to place the resultant products in the corresponding target markets. On this basis, the company expects to be able to generate further growth with new products.
Demand for instrumentation and system solutions from independent providers such as STRATEC is still on the increase, a development due not least to the fact that many diagnostics companies are increasingly focusing on developing their reagents and thus do not or no longer view instrument development as forming part of their core businesses. Outside the diagnostics industry, there are also areas in which similarly specific product qualities are called for and where similar underlying conditions apply. Research laboratories are particularly worthy of mention in this respect. Not only that, pharmaceuticals development processes also require precisely these conditions. As a result, STRATEC continues to benefit from above-average opportunities of participating in these developments, and in particular from the trend towards outsourcing. The emergence of new areas of research that move over time from pure research to diagnostics processes and pharmaceuticals products will further increase demand for laboratory automation solutions.
Pandemics such as COVID-19 present countries around the world and their healthcare systems with immense challenges. Recent years showed that few countries are prepared for crises of this kind, with medical infrastructures and laboratory test capacities reaching their limits even in leading industrialized countries. Providers of diagnostics applications therefore face great opportunities to participate in the global development and expansion of diagnostics infrastructures and, in parallel, of laboratory test capacities expected in the years ahead.
The ongoing consolidation in the IVD market presents STRATEC with the opportunity to generate higher sales figures with established systems due to its established partners gaining broader market access. In recent years, various diagnostics groups have been seen to enter cooperations or take over competitors in order to offer their customers broader product portfolios or enter new markets. This enables STRATEC's systems to be sold to a broader customer base. At the same time, consolidation nevertheless also involves the risk that the merger of customer product portfolios may result in customers discontinuing individual product series.
Ever increasing regulation of the IVD market is creating ever greater demand for standardized automation solutions. Standards in terms of the precision and reliability of IVD tests have been rising continually for years now. Automated solutions offer clear benefits in this respect when compared with manual processes. As a company that operates in highly regulated markets, such as instrumentation and automation and the development and production of consumables for in-vitro diagnostics, STRATEC requires extensive expertise to meet the requirements and regulations in force in the respective markets. Not only that, the test and process structures, which involve close interaction between specialisms as varied as mechanics, software, electronics, and biochemical reactions, require the utmost precision and calibration. The corresponding quality assurance and process documentation steps are foundations for functional and marketable development. Successfully combining all these qualities in a complex and permanently reliable, but also userfriendly product, is currently only possible for a small number of companies that are in most cases highly specialized. As a result, the number of service providers able to cover all areas of the value chain from development through to serial production is very limited. With its broad technology pool, STRATEC is one of the few companies able to do justice to these requirements. The increasing complexity of the instruments and consumables makes it necessary for companies to permanently adapt to this development and research new technologies. At the same time, this development also acts as an ever higher barrier to market entry for potential competitors.
As a market, in-vitro diagnostics is highly dependent on the financing provided to healthcare systems. Approval by the authorities and financing commitments for individual diagnostics tests from health insurance companies or bodies is a highly complex process. As a general rule, technological advances or entirely new applications can therefore only rarely be introduced at short notice. In view of this, STRATEC is largely relying on the further development of proven technologies and process enhancements. Having said this, STRATEC nevertheless also cooperates and conducts its own research in the field of new technologies. Together with partners, various development projects are currently underway that are thought to have the potential to sustainably influence their target markets due to new areas of application or technological advances.
Alongside molecular diagnostics, the key focus of these projects is on point-of-care. Here, STRATEC is benefiting from the trend towards smaller systems, particularly those involving the provision of complex consumables.
Given its business model, which is based on very long periods of cooperation with customers, STRATEC is exposed to some risk factors to a notably lesser extent than is customary at many other companies that are dependent on macroeconomic cycles, or on technological and demand trends. As a general rule, customers' long-term planning for the development of an analyzer system is dependent on their market presence and the lifecycles of existing products, but not on macroeconomic cycles and economic crises. The period required for planning, specification and development ranges from around two to five years, while the lifecycle of a system launched onto the market lasts some 15 to 20 years. A further five to eight years often pass before the final support and service activities are discontinued. The total project lifecycle thus often amounts to more than 25 years.
Irrespective of this, the company is exposed to a variety of risks in connection with its operating business, the environment in which it operates, and its customer relationships. STRATEC evaluates these risks by reference to their estimated probability of occurrence and their potential implications for the company's earnings, assets, financial position, and reputation. If possible, such risks are covered by insurance policies. STRATEC's activities nevertheless involve some risks that cannot be insured, or only in part, and whose probability of occurrence and scope are limited by being monitored as closely as possible and with suitable countermeasures. Accordingly, the potential implications are evaluated following the implementation of risk mitigation measures.
To enhance presentation, the various risks have been subdivided into three categories:
The evaluation of the probability of the risks occurring is based on the following criteria:
| 0% –25% | Unlikely |
|---|---|
| 25% –50% | Possible |
| 50% –75% | Likely |
| 75% –100% | Very likely |
The evaluation of the potential financial implications is based on the following criteria:
| Degree of implications | Definition of amount of damages |
|---|---|
| Low | € 0 million to € 1.0 million |
| Medium | > € 1.0 million to € 11.0 million |
| High | > € 11.0 million to € 37.0 million |
| Very high | > € 37.0 million |
The degree of implications is derived on the basis of the STRATEC Group's asset and earnings strength.
following the implementation of risk mitigation measures (risks in the respective category ordered by probability of occurrence, starting with the most likely, and then by degree of potential implications):
| Probability of occurrence |
Potential implications short-term (up to 1 year) medium-term (1–3 years) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Market and product risks | ||
| Supplier risks | Possible | Medium Medium |
| Production risks | Possible | Medium Medium |
| Project risks | Possible | Medium Medium |
| Competition risks | Possible | Low Medium |
| Key customer project loss risks | Unlikely | Medium High |
| Patent infringement risks | Unlikely | Medium Medium |
| Financial risks | ||
| Exchange rate risks | Likely | Medium Medium |
| Interest rate risks | Likely | Low Low |
| Product liability risks | Unlikely | Medium High |
| Liquidity risks | Unlikely | Medium Medium |
| Credit default risks | Unlikely | Medium Low |
| Probability of occurrence |
Potential implications short-term (up to 1 year) medium-term (1–3 years) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure and other risks | ||
| Personnel risks | Possible | Medium Medium |
| IT risks | Possible | Medium Medium |
| Environmental risks | Possible | Medium Medium |
Individual risks and the corresponding countermeasures are presented in detail in the following section:
The STRATEC Group has reacted to the increase in development expenses, particularly for higher complexity and higher throughput systems, by introducing strict project controlling procedures coupled with an effective target cost management system. The complexity of production processes means that, for reasons of economy and to safeguard quality levels, the STRATEC Group focuses on as small a number of suppliers as possible. The high cost of supervising logistics activities, such as securing procurement prices in the long term, and of monitoring quality standards, necessitates this degree of concentration in terms of suppliers. This risk is knowingly entered into in a controlled manner, but is nevertheless minimized with an individual catalog of measures tailored to the respective situations, such as close supplier supervision, maintaining inventory stocks, and forward-looking logistics planning together with clear contract structures and regular supplier audits.
Due to the impact of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, significant tension was observed in global supply chains, particularly for semiconductors and electronics components, in the 2022 financial year. Although STRATEC stocked emergency supplies, it was forced for the first time to postpone production activities, leading in some cases to delayed deliveries to customers. Furthermore, the company was in some cases obliged to accept significant price premiums to uphold its delivery capacity.
STRATEC is exposed to production risks in connection with its production of analyzer systems at its production sites. Above all, these risks relate to factors that could potentially lead to temporary downtime or delays in production, such as a general lack or the specific unavailability of suitably qualified personnel, damage to production equipment or infrastructure due to external factors, or a lack of production material resulting from supply bottlenecks.
Risks of this nature can be temporarily mitigated by stocking supplies or the possibility of transferring individual product lines to other production sites. In particular, the company worked to counter those risks impacting on production due to the COVID-19 pandemic and global supply shortages by stockpiling components and, where possible, by compiling emergency plans. Potential restrictions or downtime in production due to employees being sick or in quarantine or due to a lack of materials can only be controlled to a limited extent. Downtime in production due to natural disasters is insured to the extent possible. Postponements in production, which were isolated, temporary, and limited to individual production lines, arose for the first time in the 2022 financial year.
STRATEC generates a major share of its sales with development projects that may be influenced by numerous factors. Although negative implications resulting from potential damages are already accounted for and secured when structuring the respective project contracts, certain risks cannot always be excluded. Supply shortages for materials, for example, may impact on prototypes being completed on schedule, while shortages of staff may mean that more time is required for development. Residual technological risks are reduced by performing feasibility studies. Furthermore, STRATEC is exposed to the risk that a partner may cancel a project once it has started, that unforeseen technical difficulties arise, or that approval is not granted for a product, or only after a delay, and that planned sales are therefore postponed or lost entirely. Moreover, it is important for STRATEC to make sure that the costs of a project remain within the stipulated budget.
In general, both STRATEC and the respective customer have a great interest in the project succeeding and as a general rule therefore allocate the resources necessary for a development project to succeed. Finally, active project management by experienced project managers additionally serves to minimize project risks.
Broadly speaking, STRATEC's competitors can currently be limited to two groups. On the one hand, there are internal development groups maintained by the diagnostics companies themselves. For a variety of reasons, many diagnostics companies have moved in recent years to outsource these development services to specialist companies such as STRATEC. This move is motivated, among other factors, by the lower costs generally achievable due to the shorter development times resulting from specialization and due to the technology pool available at this kind of company. On the other hand, STRATEC's competitors also include those companies that focus on the development of automation solutions in highly regulated markets. As this specialization requires highly in-depth expertise, the market entry period for potential competitors is relatively long and correspondingly costly. The risk that any competitor newly entering the market would gain market share increases in the medium term, as such competitor benefits from its growing experience and resultant expertise. The number of competitors is therefore still comparatively low. As far as STRATEC is aware, the company has gained, rather than lost market share in recent years.
One main component of STRATEC's business model is its focus on cooperations with OEM partners who are among the market or technology leaders in their respective fields. By definition, this only applies to a limited number of potential partners, a factor that can result in a high degree of dependency in some cases. The resultant concentration of sales on a limited number of key customers and projects (key customer risk) may – in in the event of volatilities in sales of analyzer systems resulting, for example, from customers reducing their stocks – lead to fluctuations in STRATEC's performance. Any reduction in a customer's market share or the termination of one or several projects by a customer may also lead to a loss of planned sales and thus have a direct impact on the company's earnings position that cannot be offset at short notice, or only in part. Any unplanned premature termination of a project by a customer would result in compensation payments being made to STRATEC.
STRATEC will continue to work with existing and new partners in the field of new technologies in order to generate sustainable growth and further minimize any "cluster risks".
STRATEC's competitiveness depends not only on the longstanding experience and expertise of its employees but also on the protection of its technologies and innovations. The company therefore protects its own expertise directly or indirectly with numerous international patents and property right registrations. Furthermore, STRATEC always ensures that the development, production, or planned market launch of its own products does not infringe any third-party property rights.
Of those sales not invoiced in euros, the only currency to play a major role at the STRATEC Group is the US dollar. Due not least to divergent developments in interest rate policy and associated expectations at the European Central Bank and the US Federal Reserve, these exchange rates recently witnessed more substantial fluctuations. This may result in variances upon the translation of foreign-currency sales and risks in the form of exchange rate losses. Wherever possible, risks relating to revenues in US dollars are neutralized with corresponding procurement in US dollars. A portion of the remaining US dollar volume is hedged with forward exchange transactions. Due to their measurement at fair value at the respective reporting dates, these may also impact correspondingly on the company's income statement.
As of the balance sheet date on December 31, 2022, the company had forward exchange transactions of USD 24.0 million. No sales in other foreign currencies were hedged in the 2022 financial year.
STRATEC is exposed to interest rate risks on account of the debt capital it has taken up. The company is closely monitoring current developments in inflation rates and the monetary policies adopted by central banks in response. A portion of STRATEC's financial liabilities comprises fixed-interest loans, which are thus partly secured against the risk of sharp rises in interest rates. The company considers hedging portions of the remaining share of floating-rate financial liabilities depending on its respective market assessment.
The STRATEC Group did not have any interest hedges as of December 31, 2022.
STRATEC's analyzer systems are deployed in highly regulated markets. Erroneous diagnoses could have drastic implications for the individuals affected. Before any system is put to use in a laboratory, various test and validation phases take place to ensure that strict process and safety requirements are fully met. These are supplemented by several levels of process monitoring during the sample handling process, such as technical, chemistryinherent, or software-based supervisory mechanisms. In practice, suppliers and manufacturers of diagnostics products are nevertheless exposed to liability risks, not all of which can be fully excluded even by complying with legal requirements and performing extensive quality checks.
Although STRATEC would not be the primary addressee for potential liability claims, the company covers itself against liability risks by concluding suitable product liability insurance policies. The possibility nevertheless cannot be excluded that potential liability claims would exceed the existing insurance cover and that matters of culpability and damages would have to be clarified in lengthy proceedings, with the result that any potential damages might increase in the medium term.
To safeguard its ability to meet its payment obligations and uphold its financial flexibility, STRATEC monitors its liquidity risks on a centralized basis and manages its liquidity on the basis of rolling planning. Thanks to a master credit facility with a term running through to January 2027 and various fixed-rate and development loans with differing terms, the company has sufficient liquidity and flexibility to offset any potential fluctuations in its liquidity.
Although STRATEC's customers and partners generally involve companies that are strongly positioned in their respective markets and solidly financed, the risk still remains that a customer may be unable to meet its payment obligations, or only in part, as a result of a deterioration in its financial situation.
STRATEC counters this risk by taking up trade credit and receivables default insurance and, if warranted, by screening customers and taking suitable further measures to limit any increase in credit default risk. As a result, this risk is limited to a manageable (short) timeframe and to amounts appropriate to the respective customer relationship.
At STRATEC, personnel risks relate in particular to the recruitment and retention of well-qualified specialist and management staff. The company's success is significantly determined by the availability of suitable employees and by their competence, motivation, and willingness to perform. This being so, STRATEC aims to offer its employees an attractive and highly varied working environment and to actively promote their further development.
Demand for qualified personnel remains high, especially in technical fields. In attracting staff, STRATEC has to compete with other regional and international companies. The company counters this risk by upholding and extending its image as an attractive employer and by establishing contacts with young specialists at an early stage, for example at careers fairs. Furthermore, various activities, such as those in the field of software development, are performed across several locations to enable use to be made of the resources available at the respective locations. The availability of various professional skills at other locations is thus put to targeted use to avert any shortage of suitable personnel.
The risk of cyberattacks intensified further in 2022, as is documented by numerous examples in industry and the overall economy. STRATEC is stepping up its coordinated measures to counter these risks on a technical and organizational level. In 2022, the company invested in further awareness training for its staff, while also performing detailed IT security analyses and implementing the resultant recommendations. Ongoing improvements in IT security standards and measures to extend IT security expertise are self-evident aspects of the IT strategy.
The group companies of STRATEC SE are located in different countries with a variety of geographical and ecological conditions. Extreme weather events, such as storm, drought, fires, or floods may impede STRATEC's production and supply capacity, as well as that of its suppliers, on a temporary and locally limited basis. By working with forward-looking planning, STRATEC attempts to contain the potential implications in advance already. Where possible and economically expedient, direct implications are countered with insurance policies covering damage caused by water, fire, and storm, as well as the resultant loss of earnings.
One factor that is still difficult to assess involves the transition risks resulting from measures taken to contain climate change. For example, laws and regulations may be imposed that impact on the prices of certain raw materials, such as energy prices, packaging, or logistics.
The managers responsible for the early warning risk identification system have identified the following point as a potential challenge which should be averted to avoid risks materializing:
• Risk that customers will be unable to place the expected numbers of units on the market and that this may result in potential write-downs of capitalized development expenses.
The risk management system and ongoing reporting mean that STRATEC's Board of Management has an overview of risks consistent with the respective areas and their business relevance. The 2022 financial year continued to be affected by difficulties in the procurement of critical upstream products due to global supply shortages, by significant price rises, and by increased volatility in the order behavior shown by STRATEC's customers after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to these underlying conditions, STRATEC has continued to take and uphold numerous risk minimization measures intended to secure its production and delivery capacity.
Planning uncertainties remain high, particularly as the medium to longer-term implications of the war in Ukraine, ongoing geopolitical tensions in East Asia, and the further development in inflation and associated restrictive monetary policies adopted by central banks can only be assessed to a limited extent. Over time, the degree of uncertainty surrounding diagnostic tests in end markets due to potential surplus capacities built up during the COVID-19 pandemic should recede.
STRATEC is continuing to counter the risks resulting from failures in the supply and production chain with ongoing capitalintensive measures to maintain increased stocks. Wherever possible, it is passing on price increases for upstream products and materials to its customers and partners. Climate change is also having a noticeable impact globally, with increased prevalence of extreme weather events.
Based on the overall assessment of risks, the Board of Management currently cannot discern any risks that could threaten the company's ongoing existence or have any materially negative impact on its asset, financial, or earnings position.
STRATEC's risk management system is an active component of the company's management system and combines several aspects of risk detection, monitoring and management. Alongside statutory requirements, the system implements processes into the day-to-day business which make it possible to deploy system-based processes and raise awareness among employees. This way, the company aims to achieve the broadest possible basis of protection against the risks outlined above. The risk management system is centrally managed and is largely based on three pillars:
STRATEC has an internal control system in place to protect the company's assets and information and ensure compliance with the relevant legal requirements and the company's business policy.
The internal control system is based on:
STRATEC has pooled its group-wide codes of conduct, ethical principles, and other guidelines in its Corporate Compliance Policy. This is binding for all employees and is regularly supplemented by updated risk analyses.
This policy is based on:
An early warning risk identification system is established in the risk management system at the STRATEC Group. This has been implemented in the form of regular reporting enabling potential areas of risk to be assessed. It serves to analyze and assess risks at the company and in its environment.
Consistent with § 91 (2) AktG, the system in place at the STRATEC Group offers an all-round instrument for monitoring elementary processes and identifying potential risks at an early stage.
The risk management system is based on:
STRATEC has an internal control system (IKS) which contains audit processes also covering its (group) financial reporting process, lays down suitable company structures and work processes, and is implemented within the company's organizational structures. The objective of the IKS is to detect and, as far as possible, exclude any risk of errors and damages resulting from the company's own personnel or from criminal third parties. In general, the IKS encompasses the following measures:
Audits in connection with the Tax CMS (compliance management system)
Compiling of audit reports for forwarding to the Board of Management
This sustainably safeguards and increases the efficiency of the company's operating processes. Furthermore, it also enhances awareness of control-related topics at the company.
The (group) financial reporting process is designed to ensure that the Group's financial reports provide a true and fair view of the net asset, financial and earnings position of the STRATEC Group in accordance with the relevant laws and norms. It should nevertheless be noted that, regardless of its specific structure, no internal control system can provide absolute certainty that material accounting misstatements have been avoided or detected.
STRATEC's internal control system is further required to ensure the uniform, correct and prompt accounting treatment of all business transactions to ensure compliance with legal norms, accounting requirements and the company's internal accounting guidelines, which are binding for all of the companies included in the consolidated financial statements.
The following key measures have been introduced to limit risks as far as possible and to detect any misstatements or erroneous disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, or any fraudulent actions:
STRATEC's internal control system reviews whether individual companies within the STRATEC Group prepare their financial statements in accordance with the relevant requirements, while also complying with group-wide standards. Local companies are supported throughout this financial reporting process by trained contact partners at the parent company. These partners also perform a quality check function for the financial data thereby taken over and assist the companies with any complex questions thereby arising. The consolidated accounts are prepared centrally and in line with uniform accounting policies based on the data from the subsidiaries included in the scope of consolidation. The specialist managers responsible check the processes in place to monitor compliance with the relevant requirements when this data is included in the consolidated financial statements. The company also draws on expertise from external consulting companies when preparing its consolidated financial statements. As a publicly listed company, STRATEC monitors and analyzes all changes in legislation, IFRS accounting standards and other pronouncements in terms of their relevance and implications for the consolidated financial statements so as to enable these to be implemented promptly.
STRATEC's Compliance Policy is binding for all employees and is updated at set intervals to account for the regularly updated risk analysis. At STRATEC, an understanding of corporate compliance is viewed as a key cornerstone of day-to-day business operations both within the company and in its external dealings. In this respect, compliance with a variety of legal systems and statutory regulations is just as important as compliance with ethical principles.
These guidelines are communicated in training sessions and one-to-one meetings to all employees, managers, and members of the Board of Management.
An awareness and understanding of applicable requirements is the only way to ensure overall compliance by all of the persons involved and only this way can the company ensure that its international business dealings are compliant with the necessary standards.
To standardize the compliance culture throughout the company, regular targeted training is also provided to local compliance officers at all of STRATEC's subsidiaries. Corporate Compliance Summits are also held to enable managers to share their experiences. The aim here is to maintain a uniform compliance management system across the Group and support local officers in implementing the relevant requirements.
As well as providing training to new employees, the company also holds regular refresher training sessions within the departments in order to familiarize all employees with our understanding of compliance.
STRATEC's Corporate Compliance Policy includes the following elements:
A basic explanation of STRATEC's understanding of compliance, as well as an explanation of the compliance management system:
Preventing corruption, i.e. upholding the integrity necessary in business dealings, and in particular the prohibition of any illegitimate exercising of influence; information and assistance for compliance with all requirements set by the law and the respective authorities, as well as with internal requirements; the obligation to provide a fair and respectful working environment at the company; assistance to avoid conflicts of interest between private and business matters; compliance with the requirements of capital market, antitrust, and tax laws; copyright and license conformity; regular training of employees and information material on the intranet and on information boards; respectful and professional conduct at the company; opportunities to report suspected breaches of compliance.
STRATEC's compliance management system is continually extended to address topics of current relevance and further optimized. This enables managers on various levels to detect specific risks and, by taking suitable measures, to reduce or avert these risks entirely. These processes are supplemented by regular discussions between managers and the relevant compliance officer. These discussions enable potential conflicts or questionable matters in the departments to be identified and clarified at an early stage. The compliance officer reports the findings of these discussions with managers in anonymized form directly to the Board of Management. The Board of Management discharges its reporting obligations towards the Supervisory Board.
One aspect of the corporate compliance management system also involves regularly monitoring tax-related risks within the Group by way of a tax control system (Tax CMS). This is intended to monitor, promptly identify, and evaluate potential tax risks, with the aim of minimizing and averting such risks.
Furthermore, STRATEC has established a Compliance Board comprising permanent members from various risk-related areas as well as alternating positions. The aim here is to achieve greater transparency and diversity when it comes to identifying risks and to work together as a board when setting the compliancerelated targets for the respective year.
STRATEC expects all its employees to adhere to its compliance requirements and thus ensure that all decisions and actions taken in their areas of responsibility are always consistent with the Corporate Compliance Policy.
An anonymous whistleblower system enabling employees or other parties to notify the company of any breaches of regulations or legal requirements has been in place since 2017. To this end, an anonymous whistleblower system has been integrated into the intranet.
STRATEC SE signed the UN Global Compact in 2021. This represents an important milestone in STRATEC's activities as a sustainable company. The commitment thereby made enables STRATEC to continue aligning the strategies and processes within the company to the ten principles of the UN Global Compact on human rights, labor standards, environmental protection, and measures to combat corruption.
The early warning risk identification system in place at STRATEC is consistent with the legal requirements set out in § 91 (2) of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG). The processes in place to monitor risks require the relevant heads of specialist and other departments, as well as the managers responsible at subsidiaries, to compile regular reports to assess the risks in their areas of responsibility The resultant reports are reviewed and evaluated by a Risk Committee comprising members of operating divisions and of the Finance department, which then forwards them to the Board of Management, which in turn reviews and evaluates them before reporting to the Supervisory Board. Furthermore, possible countermeasures and monitoring measures are derived and implemented in cooperation with the relevant departments. Independently of this process, exceptional developments require immediate ad-hoc report.
At the various levels of aggregation, the decision makers and directors and officers are provided with a risk handbook to serve as a controlling instrument. The risk handbook is intended to provide an adequate framework that enables users to implement the steps and measures necessary to meet internal and legal requirements.
This enables any risks to the company's continued existence to be identified at an early stage and the conceivable consequences of such risks, including those arising over time, to be viewed and assessed alongside any change in their probability of occurrence. Risk analysis and reporting also account for the individual companies within the STRATEC Group, as well as for any interdependencies between group companies.
To manage risks, the company generally deploys the following measures:
The risk management system at STRATEC SE is safeguarded by integrating the subsidiaries into the Group's risk management system.
STRATEC's financial strategy is based on the availability of the funds needed to finance its targeted organic and potential acquisitions-driven growth.
The STRATEC Group is financed by the cash flows generated from its operating activities and by medium to long-term financing provided by various banks, particularly in the context of a master loan agreement and various fixed-interest loans. Investment programs and development loans are integrated into the financing mechanisms as far as possible.
The principal objectives of the STRATEC Group's financial management involve a basically conservative financing policy aimed at guaranteeing permanent availability of the liquidity required, for example for new development and research projects or for external growth, as well as effective risk management. These objectives are chiefly met by planning and managing liquidity and by optimizing financing costs. Furthermore, STRATEC has a dividend policy that is based on continuity and the Group's long-term, sustainable business performance, with a distribution quota of 40% to 60% of consolidated net income. At the same time, STRATEC will continue to focus on exploiting external and internal growth opportunities, which may also involve temporarily deviating from this quota.
Financial risks basically arise from currency and interest rate fluctuations. As already mentioned (see Section Risks – Exchange rate risks, Interest rate risks), interest rate and exchange rate risks in procurement and sales markets are increasing within the STRATEC Group. To counter this risk, the Group is therefore making targeted use of derivative hedging instruments.
A financial instrument is a contract simultaneously resulting in a financial asset at one company and in a financial liability or equity instrument at another company. For financial assets, a distinction is made between:
Financial instruments are held for the exclusive purpose of hedging underlying transactions and not for trading or speculative purposes.
The treasury managers review the expediency of currency or interest rate hedging transactions at regular intervals.
Fluctuations in exchange rates and interest rates are expected to remain more pronounced than usual. The related risks are therefore monitored closely, with corresponding hedging transactions being implemented following due consideration of the associated costs and benefits.
Financial derivatives are generally deployed where it is necessary to hedge currency risks in the operating business, risks relating to foreign currency holdings, or interest rate risks relating to financing transactions. The conclusion of such transactions is governed by strict standards laid down in the Code of Procedure for the Board of Management and was agreed with the Supervisory Board.
In the 2022 financial year, currency hedge transactions of USD 24 million were concluded for 2023. No interest hedge transactions were concluded in the 2022 financial year.
The company's share capital amounted to € 12,157,841 as of December 31, 2022 and was divided into 12,157,841 individual registered shares. This total includes 1,899 treasury stock shares as of December 31, 2022. All shares involve the same rights and obligations and each share confers one vote.
Restrictions on share voting rights may result in particular from the requirements of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG). In specific circumstances set out in § 136 AktG, for example, shareholders are subject to a prohibition on voting, while pursuant to § 71b AktG the company is not entitled to exercise any voting rights for treasury stock shares. We are not aware of any contractual restrictions relating to voting rights or the transferability of shares.
Pursuant to § 67 (2) AktG, only those shareholders registered as such in the Share Register are deemed shareholders from the company's perspective. According to § 4 (4.2) of the Articles of Association, to be entered in the Share Register shareholders must submit their name, address and date of birth if they are natural persons and their company names, commercial address and legal domicile if they are legal entities, as well as the number of shares they hold and their electronic mail address, should they have one, in both cases. Shareholders are required to inform the company without delay of any change in their address. Entries by a shareholder acting under its own name and relating to shares owned by another party are only permitted and effective from the company's perspective when the fact that the shares belong to another party and the name and address of the owner are entered in the company's Share Register. The same applies when the party thereby entered or the owner transfer their ownership of the shares to another party following such entry. Pursuant to § 67 (4) AktG, the company is entitled to request information from the party entered in the Share Register concerning the extent to which it actually owns the share for which it is entered as the bearer in the Share Register and, should this not be the case, to convey the information necessary to maintain the Share Register to the party on behalf of which it holds the shares. Should such request for information not meet with any response then, pursuant to § 67 (2) AktG, no voting rights may be exercised for the shares concerned.
Based on the notifications available to us pursuant to § 33 of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG), as of December 31, 2022 no shareholder directly held more than 10% of the voting rights in the company. We have received notifications from Bettina Siegle, Tanja van Dinter, Ralf Leistner, Hermann Leistner, Doris Leistner, Herdor Beteiligungs GmbH, and Herdor GmbH & Co. KG (all in Germany) that, due to the allocation of voting rights, they each hold more than 25% of the voting rights in the company.
The Board of Management is not aware of any other direct or indirect capital shareholdings exceeding 10% of voting rights.
There are no shares in the company with special rights conferring powers of control.
Any shares granted by the company to its employees within the framework of its employee share program or as share-based remuneration are transferred directly to the employees. Like other shareholders, the employees benefiting from such programs can exercise the voting and control rights resulting from their employee shares in accordance with statutory requirements and the provisions of the Articles of Association.
The appointment and dismissal of members of the Board of Management are governed by Article 9 of the SE Regulation, § 84 and § 85 of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG) and § 5 of the company's Articles of Association. Pursuant to § 84 (1) AktG, the Supervisory Board appoints members of the Board of Management for a maximum term of five years and may also dismiss members; repeated appointments and extensions in terms in office, in each case by a maximum of five years, are permitted. Pursuant to § 5 (5.1) of the Articles of Association, the Board of Management comprises one or several persons. § 5 (5.2) stipulates that the Supervisory Board determines the number of members of the Board of Management. Pursuant to § 84 (2) AktG and § 5 (5.2) of the Articles of Association, the Supervisory Board may appoint a Chair and – pursuant to § 5 (5.2) – a Deputy Chair of the Board of Management.
Consistent with Article 9 of the SE Regulation and § 179 AktG, amendments to the Articles of Association require a resolution by the Annual General Meeting. § 12 (12.2) of the Articles of Association allows the Supervisory Board to make amendments only affecting the respective wording. Furthermore, the Supervisory Board is authorized by resolutions adopted by the Annual General Meetings on June 6, 2013, May 30, 2018, and June 8, 2020 to amend § 4 of the Articles of Association in line with the execution of Authorized Capital 2020/I and in accordance with utilization of Conditional Capital VI/2013, Conditional Capital VIII/2018, and Conditional Capital IX/2020 or upon the expiry of the authorization period governing the utilization of conditional capitals.
Pursuant to § 179 (2) AktG in conjunction with § 15 (15.3) of the Articles of Association, all resolutions adopted by the Annual General Meeting to amend the Articles generally require a simple majority of the votes cast and, unless otherwise mandatorily stipulated in legal requirements, a simple majority of the share capital represented upon the adoption of the resolution. Legal requirements call for larger majorities of three quarters of the share capital represented upon the adoption of the resolution in several cases, such as for any amendment in the object of the company's activities (§ 179 (2) Sentence 2 AktG), for specific capital-related measures, and for the exclusion of subscription rights.
Pursuant to § 4 (4.5) of the Articles of Association, STRATEC SE had authorized capital of € 2.4 million as of December 31, 2022:
The Annual General Meeting held on June 8, 2020 created authorized capital (Authorized Capital 2020/I). The Board of Management is authorized, subject to approval by the Supervisory Board, to increase the company's share capital by a total of up to € 2.4 million by issuing new shares in return for contributions in cash and/or in kind on one or several occasions up to June 7, 2025. Shareholders must generally be granted subscription rights. In certain circumstances set out in the Articles of Association, however, the Board of Management is entitled to exclude subscription rights for a total of amount of up to 10% of the share capital existing upon the authorization taking effect or – if lower – of the share capital existing upon the authorization being acted on. To date, no use has been made of this authorization.
Pursuant to § 4 (4.6) and § 4 (4.7) of its Articles of Association, STRATEC SE had conditional capitals amounting to up to € 1,603,404 in total as of December 31, 2022:
Conditional Capital VI/2013 (amounting to up to € 19,750) serves to grant subscription rights (stock option rights) through to June 5, 2018 in accordance with the resolution adopted by the Annual General Meeting on June 6, 2013. The conditional capital increase is only executed to the extent that the bearers of stock options actually exercise their subscription rights. The new shares have profit participation rights from the beginning of the financial year in which they are issued.
Conditional Capital VIII/2018 (amounting to up to € 783,654) serves to grant subscription rights (stock option rights) through to May 29, 2023 in accordance with the resolution adopted by the Annual General Meeting on May 30, 2018. The conditional capital increase is only executed to the extent that the bearers of stock options actually exercise their subscription rights. The new shares have profit participation rights from the beginning of the financial year in which they are issued.
Conditional Capital IX/2020 (amounting to up to € 800,000) serves exclusively to grant new shares to the bearers or creditors of convertible or warrant bonds issued in accordance with the resolution adopted by the Annual General Meeting on June 8, 2020 in the period through to June 7, 2025 by the company or by a domestic or foreign company in which STRATEC SE directly or indirectly holds a majority of the voting rights and capital. Shares are issued in accordance with the aforementioned resolution and with the resolutions to be adopted by the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board in respect of the conversion and option prices to be set in each case. The conditional capital increase is only executed to the extent that the bearers or creditors of the convertible or warrant bonds actually exercise their rights to convert their conversion or option rights into shares in the company or that the conversion obligations relating to such bonds are met. To the extent that they arise due to the exercising of conversion or subscription rights through to the beginning of the company's Annual General Meeting, the new shares have profit participation rights from the beginning of the previous financial year and otherwise from the beginning of the financial year in which they arise due to the exercising of conversion or subscription rights. To date, no use has been made of this authorization.
In the cases governed by law in § 71 of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG), STRATEC SE is authorized to buy back shares and to sell any shares thereby bought back. Furthermore, by resolution adopted by the Annual General Meeting on June 8, 2020 the company is authorized until June 7, 2025 to acquire treasury stock on one or several occasions and in total or in partial amounts up to a total of 10% of current share capital for every purpose permitted within the statutory limitation and consistent with the conditions stipulated in greater detail in Agenda Item 10 of the Annual General Meeting on June 8, 2020. The authorization may not be drawn on to trade in treasury stock. Together with the treasury stock already acquired and still possessed by the company, the treasury stock acquired may not at any time exceed 10% of the respective share capital. The shares should be usable for one or several of the purposes set out in greater detail in Agenda Item 10 of the Annual General Meeting on June 8, 2020, which in some cases also permit the exclusion of subscription rights. To date, the company has not made any use of the authorization to buy back treasury stock.
Individual agreements include change of control provisions that entitle the contractual partner to terminate the agreement in the event of a change of control over the company or that grant other special rights potentially detrimental to the company or make the continuation of the contract dependent on approval by the contractual partner.
Members of the company's Board of Management have special resignation rights in the event of a change of control over the company. They are thus entitled within six months from the change of control taking effect to stand down from their positions with a notice period of three months to the end of the month and to terminate their employment contracts on an exceptional basis with a notice period of three months to the end of the month. Should this special termination right be exercised, then the member's position on the Board of Management and employment relationship both end prematurely upon expiry of the three-month notice period. A change of control pertains when one shareholder holds at least 30% of the shares in the company, whether directly or indirectly (allocation pursuant to German Securities Trading Act [WpHG] and German Securities Takeover Act [WpÜG]), or if the company becomes a dependent company due, for example, to the conclusion of a corporate agreement or to contribution of the company. The member of the Board of Management receives remuneration amounting to 150% of the severance pay cap agreed for mutually agreed premature termination of activity on the Board of Management. This amounts to a maximum of two annual remuneration packages.
STRATEC has published the (Group) Corporate Governance Statement required by § 289f and § 315d of the German Commercial Code (HGB) respectively, including the declaration on the German Corporate Governance Code required by § 161 of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG), together with its Corporate Governance Report in the Investors section of its website (www.stratec.com).
This Non-Financial Group Declaration has been compiled in accordance with the relevant requirements of the German Commercial Code (§ 315b HGB) and includes the disclosures required by the European CSR Directive concerning the topics of environmental, employee, and social concerns, respect for human rights, and measures to combat corruption and bribery. Information about STRATEC's business model (The STRATEC Group) and additional non-financial risks relevant to the aspects presented in this report (Opportunity and Risk Report) can be found in the other sections of the Management Report. Furthermore, this Non-Financial Group Declaration includes the disclosures required by the EU Taxonomy Regulation (Taxonomy Regulation) in respect of taxonomy-eligible and taxonomy-aligned economic activities. Unless otherwise indicated, the data provided in this declaration refers to all companies included in the scope of consolidation. The period under report is the 2022 financial year. STRATEC has based its CSR reporting on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards.
Since its foundation more than 40 years ago, a responsible mindset and sustainable operations have been one of the foundations enabling STRATEC to grow from a small startup into what is now a company with global operations. By implementing sustainability topics in its corporate strategy, STRATEC is accounting for its responsibility towards society. Given the high priority accorded to them, corporate social responsibility topics are managed at the STRATEC Group by the Board of Management, which discusses these and formulates suitable targets with and on behalf of the members of the first management tier and for the management at subsidiaries. Within the Supervisory Board, Dr. Hiller has been appointed as the member responsible for topics relating to corporate social responsibility. Furthermore, STRATEC established an ESG (Environmental Social Governance) Board in 2021 already. This comprises the managers responsible for those company divisions that are especially relevant to sustainability aspects (Supply Chain, Human Resources, Manufacturing, Legal & Compliance, Project Management, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications). Together with the managers responsible for the risk management system described in Section D, the ESG Board addresses topics which include the materiality and risk analyses in the field of corporate social responsibility. In addition, the ESG Board identifies potential improvements for sustainability and oversees the introduction of measures aimed at achieving defined targets (as well as monitoring target achievement). Materiality aspects relevant to corporate social responsibility are continually evaluated and adapted in line with changing circumstances. The opportunities and risks associated with corporate social responsibility are regularly assessed and continually monitored within the risk management system. To date, no risks meeting the definition provided in § 289c HGB ("very probable" & "severely negative") have been identified.
STRATEC divides the topics relevant to corporate social responsibility into three dimensions. For each dimension, a materiality analysis was performed to evaluate the "double materiality" defined in § 289c HGB. On this basis, the individual matters requiring report and key performance indicators have been derived for each dimension. The dimensions relevant to STRATEC are:
We see economic operations as a core element of our company's long-term business success. Our strategic objective is to generate growth that is sustainable, ecological, socially responsible, and permanently higher than the sector average. At the same time, as an innovation leader STRATEC aims to make a valuable contribution towards further technological advances in various areas of life sciences and diagnostics.
STRATEC has implemented extensive measures enabling it to meet its ecological responsibility. STRATEC's business activities are performed in compliance with current environmental legislation, local laws and ordinances, and recommended guidelines.
The company ensures that resources are put to economical use in all relevant processes – from forward-looking, resourceefficient product design, via measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, through to environmentally-friendly waste disposal. STRATEC's objective here is to detect savings potential and render this measurable for the purpose of assessing target achievement by working with defined key figures.
The aspects with double materiality recorded in the ecological responsibility section of the materiality analysis comprise the topics of climate protection and emissions.
STRATEC's success is driven by its employees with their individual skills, wealth of ideas, and outstanding motivation. It is their work and the resultant innovations that facilitate the company's successful and sustainable development. As a group of companies with operations worldwide and 1,480 employees (including temporary staff and trainees), STRATEC is aware of its social and ecological responsibilities.
The aspects with double materiality recorded in the social responsibility section of the materiality analysis comprise the following topics: employee concerns, employer attractiveness and employee recruitment, occupational health and safety, topics relating to human rights, and measures taken to combat corruption and bribery. No double materiality has been identified for the social concerns aspect. The associated reporting is therefore provided on a voluntarily basis.
STRATEC defines its stakeholders as those persons, companies, institutions, and interest groups that may influence the company's performance or themselves be influenced by its decisions. These include customers, employees, shareholders, lenders, suppliers, other business partners, local authorities/residents, the media, authorities, associations, research institutions, rating agencies, and lawmakers.
STRATEC attaches great importance to remaining regularly in dialog with its stakeholders. Only this way is it possible to identify the interests of the respective stakeholders and address important concerns. This dialog with stakeholders is conducted, for example, by way of active investor relations and press activities, specialist fairs, social media, regional and national newspapers, membership in industry associations, employee events, questionnaires, and endowed professorships at and cooperations with universities.
STRATEC is a signatory to the UN Global Compact of the United Nations, the world's largest initiative for sustainable and responsible corporate governance. As a signatory, STRATEC is committed to upholding the ten principles of the UN Global Compact, which include the topics of human rights, work, environment, and combating corruption. Furthermore, STRATEC supports the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 associated goals (Sustainable Development Goals). The activities and information presented in this report have therefore been designated with one of the following symbols in cases where they are significant to, or associated with one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
The right to a standard of living that ensures good health and well-being is a fundamental human right under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations. As a designer and manufacturer of automation solutions for in-vitro diagnostics, STRATEC supports its partners in their mission to improve the health of people around the world. Providing innovative, reliable, and high-quality healthcare products is therefore part of the core business at the STRATEC Group. STRATEC accounts for this responsibility with its comprehensive and certified quality management system. Details about the quality management system can be found in the preceding sections of this management report.
Ecological responsibility enjoys high priority at the STRATEC Group and forms a fundamental aspect of our quality management – from forward-looking resource-efficient product design, via measures to avoid and offset greenhouse gas emissions, through to environmentally-friendly waste disposal. The STRATEC Group's impact on its environment relates in particular to its greenhouse gas emissions.
Key risks to the company's own business activities as a result of environmental concerns particularly include interruptions to production or disruptions in the supply chain due to increasing numbers of extreme weather events in connection with global climate change.
One of the greatest risks and challenges of the 21st century is the further advance of climate change and the resultant implications for current and future generations. Examples worth mentioning in this respect are rising sea levels, extreme heatwaves, drought, and the resultant loss of harvests and water shortages. STRATEC therefore attaches great importance to protecting the climate and the associated need to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
STRATEC records, analyzes, and manages its greenhouse gas emissions on a group-wide basis. It bases its recording of greenhouse gas emissions on the internationally recognized Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG) and therefore breaks its emissions down into the following three categories:
Scope 1: Direct emissions from proprietary sources or sources controlled by STRATEC. At STRATEC, this category includes emissions in connection with building heating and its vehicle pool.
Scope 2: Indirect emissions resulting from external energy procurement. At STRATEC, this involves the procurement of electricity.
Scope 3: Other emissions sources that are not within the company's control but which are associated with its business activities. In this category, STRATEC records emissions arising in connection with purchased goods, upstream logistics, the upstream energy chain, work-related flights, waste disposal, and its employees' journeys to and from work.
STRATEC's current science-based climate target is based on the agreements reached in the Paris Climate Agreement in order to limit global warming to significantly less than 2 °C. Without accounting for offsetting measures, the STRATEC Group therefore aims to reduce its absolute greenhouse gas emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) by 30% by 2030 compared with 2019. In response to the increasing urgency of global climate protection, however, in December 2022 the Board of Management of STRATEC decided to significantly step up its climate protection ambitions. In this regard, the STRATEC Group plans to translate its existing climate target into a 1.5°-compatible target within a 24-month period (until December 21, 2024) and to have this reviewed by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) on the basis of scientific calculations.
At STRATEC, one key aspect of the efforts to achieve the emissions targets set involves procuring electricity from renewable sources. At its Birkenfeld location (DE), the company has generated green electricity with photovoltaics systems since 2011 already. In the 2022 financial year, the nominal capacity was further significantly increased by launching operations with an additional photovoltaics system with a capacity of 200 kilowatt-peak (kWp). Overall, solar modules with nominal capacities of 330 kWp are installed at the Birkenfeld location. At the Beringen location (CH), green electricity has been supplied since 2016 by a photovoltaics system with a nominal capacity of 95 kWp. These systems generated a total of 486,604 kWh of green electricity in the 2022 financial year. Of this, the proportion of own use amounted to around 41% in the 2022 financial year. Moreover, in the 2020 financial year the Group already converted nearly all of its electricity supply to CO2-neutral green electricity from alternative energy sources (mainly wind power and hydroelectricity).
Not only that, since 2020 STRATEC has offset all of its unavoidable Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by supporting certified climate protection projects.
As well as procuring green electricity, another aspect that plays a key role in the STRATEC Group's efforts to reduce its CO2 emissions in absolute terms is that of building energy efficiency. In planning the new building and extensions at the company's headquarters in Birkenfeld (construction period: 2018 to 2020), for example, STRATEC ensured optimized exterior insulation and energy-efficient light systems. Furthermore, windows with enhanced heat insulation and a central air-conditioning system with an air heat exchanger were installed. These measures continued to promote energy efficiency in the 2022 financial year.
Back in the 2021 financial year STRATEC also drew up a concept for gradually electrifying the vehicle pool at the company's headquarters in Birkenfeld and decided to significantly expand the charging infrastructure. The aim is to increase the share of partly and fully electric vehicles from 20% in 2021 to 50% by 2024 and to ensure that the share of fully electric vehicles is as high as possible. The share of partly and fully electric vehicles rose from 20% in 2021 to 31% at the end of the 2022 financial year.
| 2022 | 20212 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas consumption (MWh) | 2,270.7 | 2,626.6 | -13.5% |
| per 1,000 employees3 | 1,586.8 | 1,893.7 | -16.2% |
| Electricity consumption (MWh) |
6,106.1 | 6,069.0 | +0.6% |
| per 1,000 employees3 | 4,267.0 | 4,375.7 | -2.5% |
| of which procured from renewable sources |
5,818.8 | 5,921.7 | -1.7% |
| of which procured from non-renewable sources |
89.3 | 73.2 | +22.0% |
| of which self-generated from renewable sources |
198.0 | 74.2 | +166.8% |
| Total (MWh) | 8,376.8 | 8,695.6 | -3.7% |
| per 1,000 employees3 | 5,853.8 | 6,269.4 | -6.6% |
| Fuel consumption in vehicle pool (l) |
81,086 | 72,036 | +12.6% |
1 Data partly based on estimates, as not all data was yet available for some group companies at the reporting date due to the respective invoicing periods
2 Retrospectively adjusted to account for the actual figures now available and the enhanced measurement method used to calculate gas consumption
3 Based on average number of employees in financial year including temporary staff and trainees
| 2022 | 20212 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | |||
| Gas consumption • of which offset • per 1,000 employees3 |
459.3 459.3 |
502.1 502.1 |
-8.5% – |
| (excluding offsetting) | 321.0 | 362.0 | -11.3% |
| Vehicle pool • of which offset • per 1,000 employees3 |
207.4 207.4 |
181.9 181.9 |
+14.0% – |
| (excluding offsetting) | 144.9 | 131.1 | +10.5% |
| Scope 2 (market-based) | |||
| Electricity consumption4 • of which offset • per 1,000 employees3 |
31.7 31.7 |
31.0 31.0 |
+2.3% – |
| (excluding offsetting) | 22.2 | 22.4 | -0.9% |
| Total Scope 1 and scope 2 • of which offset |
698.4 698.4 |
715.0 715.0 |
-2.3% – |
| • per 1,000 employees3 (excluding offsetting) |
488.1 | 515.5 | -5.3% |
| Total Scope 1 and scope 2 (after |
|||
| offsetting) | 0.0 | 0.0 | – |
1 Data partly based on estimates, as not all data was yet available for some group companies at the reporting date due to the respective invoicing periods.
2 Retrospectively adjusted to account for the actual figures now available and the enhanced measurement method used to calculate gas consumption.
3 Based on average number of employees in financial year including temporary staff and trainees.
4 Scope 2 emissions calculated using the location-based method amount to 1,083.3 tonnes of CO2 equivalents.
Due in particular to the conversion to electricity from renewable energies (photovoltaics, wind power, and hydroelectricity) at nearly all of the Group, since the 2019 financial year the STRATEC Group has managed to reduce its total Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions excluding offsetting measures by 67.5% to 698.4 tonnes of CO2 equivalents. Overall, the STRATEC Group offset 1,800 tonnes of CO2 equivalents with certified climate protection projects in the 2022 financial year. From this overall budget, corresponding sub-volumes were allocated to Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, meaning that these were fully offset once again in the 2022 financial year. The allocation of the remaining budget of offset CO2 equivalents to the individual sources of Scope 3 emissions can be seen in the schedule below.
| 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Purchased goods and services2 • of which offset • per € 1,000,000 sales (excluding offsetting) |
5,065.6 735.7 18.4 |
3,221.6 573.8 11.2 |
| Transport and distribution (upstream) • of which offset • per € 1,000,000 sales (excluding offsetting) |
465.2 67.6 1.7 |
1,434.8 255.6 5.0 |
| Fuel and energy-related emissions (not included in Scope 1 or Scope 2) • of which offset • per 1,000 employees3 (excluding offsetting) |
371.2 53.9 259.4 |
284.2 50.6 204.9 |
| Employee commuting • of which offset • per 1,000 employees3 (excluding offsetting) |
1,202.8 174.7 840.5 |
422.6 75.3 304.7 |
| Business travel4 • of which offset • per 1,000 employees3 (excluding offsetting) |
468.2 68.0 327.2 |
278.1 49.5 200.5 |
| Waste volumes • of which offset • per 1,000 employees3 (excluding offsetting) |
12.4 1.8 8.7 |
7.1 1.3 5.1 |
| Total Scope 3 • of which offset • per € 1,000,000 sales (excluding offsetting) |
7,585.4 1,101.6 27.6 |
5,648.4 1,006.1 19.7 |
| • per 1,000 employees3 (excluding offsetting) |
5,300.8 | 4,072.4 |
| Total Scope 3 (after offsetting) |
6,483.8 | 4,642.3 |
1 When recording data and calculating Scope 3 emissions, reference was made to estimates and assumptions. In calculating Scope 3 emissions, an external service provider commissioned for this purpose referred, among other sources, to numerous internationally recognized databases, such as DEFRA 2022, Ecoinvent 3.9.1, GEMIS 5.0, International Energy Agency Data Services 2022.
2 The figure stated accounts for circuit boards, printed circuit boards, injection-molded parts, metal or electrical modules (motors, pumps, valves), and plastic granulates from the top 5 respective suppliers. The figure stated does not include items such as welded
constructions and casings. 3 Based on average number of employees in financial year including temporary staff and trainees.
4 The figure stated includes flights for the headquarters in Birkenfeld and the locations in Budapest and Anif.
STRATEC is continually working to enhance the precision of the estimates used to calculate its Scope 3 emissions. Consistent with this approach, a number of enhancements were introduced to the methods used to record and calculate emissions in the 2022 financial year. This means that some figures are only comparable to a limited extent with the previous year's figures. This relates in particular to the emissions figures for purchased services (due to amended emissions factors and updates in the estimates used to calculate volumes of materials) and to those for employee commuting (more precise calculation of distances from homes to places of work and enhanced consideration of location situation). By contrast, the significant reduction in emissions for upstream logistics was due not least to the improvement seen in global logistics chains in the 2022 financial year after the shocks caused by COVID-19. Compared with 2021, less use had to be made of high-carbon air freight. Not only that: The normalization in the product mix led to lower transport distances for upstream products.
In the 2022 financial year, 1,001.6 tonnes of CO2 equivalents within Scope 3 emissions were offset with certified climate protection projects.
STRATEC aims to ensure that resources are treated as sparingly as possible and to use a high share of recyclable materials and packaging.
Careful and correct waste separation is a matter of course for STRATEC, as is the suitable disposal of hazardous goods.
STRATEC distinguishes between several categories of waste to facilitate classification of their environmental relevance. Since 2015, uncritical waste has been separated into municipal waste, cardboard packaging/paper, metal, and timber waste. Waste materials with electronic components, chemicals, and oils are disposed of separately, as is laboratory waste, such as blood samples. For the disposal and recycling of its waste, STRATEC works together closely with specialist waste disposal companies.
In its supply chain as well, STRATEC attaches great value to avoiding waste by working with recyclable materials. To this end, STRATEC has obliged its suppliers to use recyclable packaging. Any exceptions to this requirement have to be explicitly approved by the company. STRATEC also makes use of reusable shuttle containers which are returned to suppliers for reuse following receipt of a delivery.
| 2022 | 20212 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waste volumes | 275.5 | 265.5 | +3.8% |
| per 1,000 employees3 | 192.5 | 191.4 | +0.6% |
| per € 1,000,000 sales | 1.00 | 0.92 | +8.7% |
| of which non-hazardous waste (municipal waste, paper and cardboard, metals, timber) |
209.3 | 187.9 | +11.4% |
| of which hazardous waste4 (electronics, laboratory waste, waste oil, chemicals, other (e.g. fluorescent lamps)) |
66.2 | 77.6 | -14.7% |
1 Data partly based on estimates, as not all data was yet available for some group companies at the reporting date due to the respective invoicing periods
2 Retrospectively adjusted to account for the actual figures now available and the enhanced measurement method used
3 Based on average number of employees in financial year including temporary staff and trainees
4 The year-on-year reduction is predominantly due to further standardization of the classification method.
STRATEC's production sites (Birkenfeld, Beringen, Anif, Budapest) are all located in regions that according to the Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas of the World Resources Institute do not constitute risk areas (Overall Water Risk: Low [0–1]). Furthermore, apart from the production site in Hungary, STRATEC's production processes only use a relatively low volume of water. Moreover, this water does not remain in the finished products. The volume of wastewater thus corresponds to the volume of water used at all locations with the exception here too of the Hungarian location, which fills a notable volume of reagents and other liquids.
Group-wide water consumption volumes per 1,000 employees amounted to 15,164 m³ in the 2022 financial year (previous year: 12,106 m³). The implied year-on-year increase is due among other factors to increased reagent filling volumes at the Hungarian location. Furthermore, due to enhanced recording methods at the Hungarian location, the figures are only comparable to a limited extent with those for the previous year.
| 2022 | 20212 | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 21,700 | 16,791 | +29.2% |
| 15,164 | 12,106 | +25.3% |
1 Data partly based on estimates, as not all data was yet available for some group companies at the reporting date due to the respective invoicing periods. 2 Retrospectively adjusted to account for the actual figures now available and the
enhanced measurement method used. 3
Based on average number of employees in financial year including temporary staff and trainees.
During appliance development, STRATEC already ensures that its products have a lean and resource-efficient design scheme and that they are made of forward-looking, recyclable materials.
When developing product designs, resource input is minimized by working with light construction and limiting the design scheme to the most important components. This has the beneficial side-effect of reducing the cost of materials.
When using stainless steel and aluminum, STRATEC avoids coatings wherever possible, as these mostly involve harmful or critical substances. STRATEC frequently uses thermoplastics as materials due to their good properties in terms of thermal usability. Due to potential contamination, these plastics may not be recycled.
When developing consumables, such as pipette tips, reagent vessels or reaction cuvettes, STRATEC uses thermoplastics with good thermal properties and only containing a minimum share of contaminants. Due to potential contamination, however, these plastics may also not be recycled.
In developing flat modules (printed circuit board assemblies – PCBAs), STRATEC ensures that the PCB surface area selected is very small and that the circuit design is optimized in such a way that only two or four copper layers are required. Furthermore, to avoid separate assembly printing the desired information is included in the copper layer. This increases efficiency in module production, reduces the use of machinery, accelerates the galvanic processes, and thus results in a more sustainable approach to using raw materials.
When disposing of used consumables, STRATEC ensures that liquid wastes are strictly separated in order to optimize incineration. For all appliances, the residual liquids are sucked out before the plastic components are disposed of as solid waste.
When selecting materials and technologies and procuring components, STRATEC ensures strict compliance with EU Directive 2011/65/EU. This RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Directive serves to limit the use of specific hazardous substances in electrical and electronics appliances.
In designing and manufacturing appliances, STRATEC has complied with the necessary substance restrictions since the entry into force of the previous directive 2002/95/EC, which has now been replaced by the new requirements. This means that STRATEC's products already conformed to the RoHS Directive even before this required mandatory application in in-vitro diagnostics. STRATEC identifies further materials limitations in the context of 2011/65/EU, such as those published in the form of delegated legislation, and factors these into its product design, change management, and procurement processes.
STRATEC pursues an analogous proactive approach to materials compliance with regard to European Regulation No. 1907/2006 (REACH Regulation; Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals). This way, the company ensures that the materials used to construct appliances do not pose any risk to the people processing, using, or disposing of them and also safeguards the long-term approval, availability, and usability of the appliances on the market. The main components of the products manufactured by STRATEC include aluminum, steel, and semiconductors.
STRATEC's employees – with their individual skills, wealth of ideas, and outstanding motivation – are the source of the company's success. STRATEC therefore attaches great importance to personnel development, occupational health and safety, and health-related topics. STRATEC has set itself the long-term objective of continually extending its personnel development opportunities and permanently enhancing its occupational health and safety and health promotion activities. A further self-evident aspect of STRATEC's approach involves positioning the company in the labor market as an open, tolerant, and flexible company, and thus as an attractive employer.
STRATEC is making every effort to position itself as an attractive employer both for its existing and for its future employees. One key task for human resources therefore involves offering STRATEC's employees an interesting and attractive working environment.
One way in which we act early to present STRATEC as an attractive employer to young people is by taking part in careers' fairs to raise awareness of the wide variety of activities on offer at the company. We are also active on various social media channels. Furthermore, STRATEC offers training posts to young people in a variety of areas and employs students in the context of internships, student research projects, and dual training and study programs. Diverse cooperations with universities also serve to arouse students' interest in STRATEC as a potential employer at an early stage.
With 379 new hires, the STRATEC Group successfully attracted a large number of highly qualified employees once again in the 2022 financial year (previous year: 187). Women accounted for 47.2% of employees newly hired in 2022 and thus for a significantly higher share than the previous year's figure of 37.4%. A further criterion referred to by STRATEC to assess the attractiveness of its working environment is the voluntary personnel turnover rate. Excluding employees whose temporary contracts expired, employees in their probationary periods, employerissued redundancies, and employees entering retirement, this figure amounted to 9.5% in 2022.
| 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total new hires | 379 | 187 |
| of which Women | 179 | 70 |
| of which Men | 200 | 117 |
| of which Employees aged below 30 | 138 | 76 |
| of which Employees aged between 30 and 50 | 192 | 81 |
| of which Employees aged 50 and older | 49 | 30 |
| 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Voluntary personnel turnover rate1 |
9.5% | 9.7% |
Excluding employees whose temporary contracts expired, employees in their probationary periods, employer-issued redundancies, and employees entering retirement. Due to the first-time exclusion of employees in their probationary periods, the 2022 figure is only comparable to a limited extent with the previous year's figure.
The wealth of new ideas and willingness to perform shown by our employees are the driving force for developing new, innovative technologies. STRATEC therefore accords high priority to promoting its employees. The company offers its employees individually tailored further development programs which include training for all employees on general topics as well as training courses tailored to the functions and tasks performed in individual departments. Managers also receive a variety of training on personnel management at regular intervals.
As well as being recommended or instructed to take part in training by their managers, employees may themselves also apply to participate in specific training sessions or courses. Further training is also a fixed item at the regular feedback meetings and annual appraisals between employees and their managers.
Occupational health and safety is one key element of STRATEC's responsibility towards its employees and part of its Corporate Compliance Policy. The company's top safety objective is to ensure a working environment that is free of injury and illness, and one that benefits all employees, suppliers, partners, and customers.
STRATEC achieves this by ensuring forward-looking occupational health and safety management. To this end, the company has appointed a safety engineer who is responsible for the topic of occupational safety and a company healthcare management officer. The company regularly offers special health protection programs for first-aiders and evacuation assistants, as well as occupational health and training sessions. Work-related accidents are recorded and accident logbook entries are documented to enable suitable measures to be taken to further enhance workplace safety.
The Corporate Compliance Policy obliges all STRATEC Group employees to adhere to the occupational health and safety guidelines and adopt the company's basic approach to these areas. Employees are also required to immediately report any potential safety risks.
In terms of health promotion, the company also implements preventative measures, programs, and courses. These include voluntary health checks, various sports programs, healthy nutrition courses, and ways to relax and cope with stress. Not only that, medical checks tailored to employees' specific workplaces are also offered, as are special vaccinations for employees (COVID-19 and influenza).
| 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total work-related accidents1 | 6 | 7 |
| per 1,000 employees2 | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Lost time injury frequency (LTIF) rate3 | 2.8 | 3.2 |
| of which severe work-related accidents4 | 0 | 0 |
Based on GRI definition (work-related accidents leading to absence on day after). Based on average number of employees in financial year including temporary staff and
trainees. Number of work-related accidents leading to absence on day after per million working hours (including temporary staff and trainees). The calculation of working hours is partly based on estimates. The previous year's figure has been adjusted to account for the
enhanced estimation methods used to calculate working hours. 4 Based on GRI definition (work-related accidents in which the employee does not regain his/her previous state of health within six months).
The total number of work-related accidents leading to absence on the day after the accident per 1,000 employees fell from 5.0 in the previous year to 4.2 in 2022 and still remains at a low level. The resultant accident frequency rate amounts to 2.3 per million working hours. No severe work-related accidents were reported in the 2022 financial year or the previous year. To maintain a low number accidents in future as well, individual accidents are analyzed and suitable measures taken to minimize the risk of such accidents recurring.
| 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sickness quota in % | 4.6 | 3.8 |
The sickness quota for the STRATEC Group, i.e. the number of working days missed due to sickness as a proportion of planned working time, increased from 3.8% in the previous year to 4.6% in the 2022 financial year. The development in the sickness quota is particularly dependent on seasonal factors, such as the varying intensity, frequency, and duration of any influenza outbreaks.
The STRATEC Group offers its employees flexible working hours and flexi-time arrangements. Part-time models are also available and particularly benefit employees with children. This makes it easier for them to return to work and may lead to full-time employment at a later date. Throughout the STRATEC Group, employees who find themselves in unforeseeable situations are supported by being granted individual working hour models. In the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and since then as well, extended regulations have been introduced for employees with children to provide them with flexible working hours and facilitate mobile work. This way, they were assisted in meeting their work and family commitments at times when childcare services were not always available. In the 2022 financial year, a total of 28 female and 35 male employees took parental leave or comparable periods of leave.
Innovation driven by diversity – STRATEC views a diverse workforce as a great source of added value. A wide range of personal and cultural diversity is seen as a force driving innovation and enabling the company to respond more closely and swiftly to technological changes and customers' needs. Maintaining an open and tolerant corporate culture is therefore a matter of course for STRATEC. It also makes it easier for the company to attract highly qualified employees, particularly at times when specialists are in short supply.
STRATEC treats all employees equally and provides them with the same career opportunities irrespective of their age, disability, chronic illnesses, ethnic origin, religious affiliation, gender, sexual identity, or of any other reasons for potential discrimination. The Corporate Compliance Policy obliges all employees worldwide to behave with respect and in compliance with legal requirements towards their employees, colleagues, business partners, customers, and the authorities.
STRATEC is aware that its managers have a key role to play in promoting diversity and inclusion. In view of this, diversity is actively promoted in practice by STRATEC's Board of Management.
One key focus here as well is on raising the share of management positions held by women. To this end, in 2020 the company set targets for the share of women on the first and second management tiers below the Board of Management at the parent company of the STRATEC Group. The share of women in the first management tier is to be increased to 25.0% by December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2022, women accounted for 25.0% of managers in the first management tier. For the second management tier below the Board of Management, the company has set a target of 20.0% to be achieved by December 31, 2024; as the labor market is still very robust and given the low number of women newly graduating from technologyrelated courses at universities, the company still fell significantly short of this target as of December 31, 2022.
To further raise the share of women in management tiers, the company is continually taking additional measures. In 2019, for example, a training program aimed at raising awareness for diversity and inclusion among all of the Group's managers was held for members of the first and second management tiers. No such training was held in the 2022 financial year; however current and upcoming female managers at the Birkenfeld location were invited to participate in a questionnaire. This was aimed at identifying ways to provide targeted support to this group, with the findings thereby obtained due to be accounted for in a forthcoming training program.
| 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Female employees in % | 33. 7 | 30.7 |
Women's share of the STRATEC Group's total workforce rose from 30.7% in the previous year to 33.7% in the 2022 financial year.
With regard to the diversity concept for the composition of the Board of Management and Supervisory Board, reference is made to the Corporate Governance Statement, which is available at the company's website at www.stratec.com > Investors > Corporate Governance.
As a company with global operations but regional roots, the STRATEC Group is aware of its social responsibility on both global and local levels. STRATEC therefore supports both regional and global charities, healthcare and education organizations, conservation organizations, and associations. In 2022, the organizations which STRATEC supported with financial donations included: Ärzte ohne Grenzen e.V., Plan International, Erde der Kinder e.V., Kinderhospiz Sterneninsel e.V., Deutsches Rotes Kreuz e.V., Deutsche Krebshilfe, DKMS, Familienherberge Lebensweg, and Birkenfeld Fire Brigade.
Furthermore, STRATEC supports its employees in their commitment to charitable organizations or voluntary activities. The company offers leave to employees for the time they need to donate blood or thrombocytes, as well as for training sessions and deployment at aid organizations.
No donations whatsoever were made to political parties, lobbyists, or comparable organizations in the 2022 financial year or in previous years.
Any incidence of corruption, bribery or other illegal actions within the STRATEC Group may impact on the company's reputation and its existing and future business relationships. Corruption also has enormously negative implications for society as a whole, as well as for political integrity, and general prosperity.
Measures to prevent corruption, bribery, and any other violations of the law therefore form an integral component of STRATEC's understanding of compliance and of its compliance management system. At STRATEC, compliance-related measures are summarized in its Corporate Compliance Policy, which is binding for all employees, line managers, and executives throughout the Group and is communicated in regular mandatory training. In this respect, compliance with a variety of legal systems and statutory regulations is just as important as adherence to ethical principles. Core elements of STRATEC's Corporate Compliance Policy include the following:
The Corporate Compliance Policy can be viewed on the company's website at www.stratec.com/company/about-us/ corporate-compliance.
STRATEC expects all of its employees, line managers, and executives to adhere to compliance requirements and to ensure that all business decisions and actions taken in their areas of responsibility are consistent with relevant legal requirements and the Corporate Compliance Policy and also serve the company's best interests. To this end, within three months of joining the company all new employees are trained in person by the compliance department at company headquarters or the relevant local compliance officer with regard to the Corporate Compliance Policy. Training is provided to all full-time and parttime employees, as well as to all interns, trainees, and freelance employees at all locations. In addition to initial training provided to individuals coming into contact with the Corporate Compliance Policy for the first time, mandatory training is also provided at regular intervals to STRATEC's existing workforce. This is intended on the one hand to inform employees about the latest developments in this area while on the other hand creating a permanent awareness of compliance among employees.
STRATEC's compliance system is continually being enhanced and optimized. Moreover, regular compliance summits are held to which all active compliance officers are invited in order to share their experiences and receive further training. Furthermore, one-to-one meetings are held at regular intervals between all managers and the relevant compliance officer. These talks are intended to identify any potential risks at an early stage, continually raise awareness of compliance among management teams, and address any current topics. This enables STRATEC's management teams to detect specific risks, avoid risks by analyzing situations and developing suitable strategies, comply with operational imperatives, and take any necessary measures. The Compliance Officer reports the findings of his or her talks with managers directly to the Board of Management. The Board of Management discharges its reporting duties towards the Supervisory Board. A further component of STRATEC's compliance management system involves the meetings held twice a year by the Compliance Board. This comprises six permanent members and two alternating members whose departments at STRATEC are assessed as being potentially exposed to relevant risks. This group of individuals discusses and agrees compliance targets, as well as addressing other relevant topics.
An anonymous whistleblowing system enabling employees or other parties to notify the company of any breaches of regulations or legal requirements has been in place since 2017. A total of 13 notifications was received via the anonymous whistleblowing system and other channels in 2022. Of these 13 notifications, five cases were classified as not being relevant to compliance. The other eight cases were assessed as uncritical or, at most, forwarded for investigation either by local compliance officers or the Global Compliance Officer. The resultant measures involved talks with the individual involved, reviewing and clarifying internal regulations, agreements with the Human Resources department and, in one case, further investigation over the following six months.
STRATEC is committed to the Human Rights' Charter of the United Nations and, via its Board of Management, is a signatory of the UN Global Compact. It provides employees throughout the Group with a high degree of social security and performance-based remuneration. The group-wide Corporate Compliance Policy ensures that all employees behave with respect and in compliance with legal requirements within the STRATEC Group and in their dealings with employees, colleagues, business partners, customers, and the authorities. The company's approach towards human rights and employee rights is laid down in guidelines that are mandatory throughout the Group. The Board of Management of STRATEC SE is informed about human rights-related topics in the annual compliance report. Furthermore, the ESG Board also performs an advisory function towards the Board of Management in this respect.
To create an even clearer focus on respecting human rights and raise awareness among all of STRATEC's employees, in 2022 STRATEC compiled its own Human Rights Strategy. In keeping with the targets set by the Board of Management, this also involved reviewing and aligning relevant processes, documents, and the risk management system to the requirements of the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG). Although STRATEC is not yet within the scope of the LkSG Act, the company aims to meet the obligations resulting from this legislation today already.
Even though STRATEC's suppliers predominantly operate in western industrial economies, it is not possible to fully exclude the risk of human rights' breaches, particular in the upstream supply chain. STRATEC therefore expects its suppliers to meet the same standards in terms of safeguarding and complying with human rights.
To this end, all suppliers relevant to the company's production activities have been contractually obliged to abide by STRATEC's generally valid Code of Conduct, which is based on the guidelines of the UN Global Compact, the conventions of the ILO, the UN Declaration of Universal Human Rights and Children's Rights, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Furthermore, sanction list, watch list and blacklist screenings are performed whenever contracts are initiated with new business partners.
No breaches of human rights were identified within the STRATEC Group or its supply chain in the 2022 financial year or the preceding financial years.
One key objective of the EU's Action Plan on Sustainable Finance is to steer capital flows towards sustainable investments. Against this backdrop, Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2020 on the Establishment of a Framework to Facilitate Sustainable Investment and Amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 (hereinafter "Taxonomy Regulation") has taken effect. This provides a uniform and legally binding system of classification to determine which economic activities in the EU are to be considered as "environmentally sustainable". These economic activities are listed in Delegated Regulation 2021/2139. The results of this classification have to be reported annually on a companyspecific basis.
Article 9 of the Taxonomy Regulation lists the following six environmental objectives:
For two of the environmental objectives ("climate change mitigation" and "climate change adaptation"), the EU has currently published requirements governing sustainable economic activities as defined in the EU Taxonomy Regulation.
In classifying an economic activity as "environmentally sustainable" as defined in the EU Taxonomy Regulation, a distinction has to be made between "taxonomy eligibility" and "taxonomy alignment". The first step involves checking whether the respective economic activity is described in the Delegated Regulation and thus taxonomy-eligible. Only taxonomy-eligible economic activities may count as "environmentally sustainable", and then only if specific criteria are met. Accordingly, the second step involves evaluating whether the specific economic activity satisfies the listed technical screening criteria and whether minimum safeguards are complied with. This is a prerequisite for classifying an economic activity as taxonomy-aligned.
For the 2022 financial year, it is necessary to disclose the shares of turnover (sales), capital expenditure (CapEx) and operational expenditure (OpEx) that are attributable to taxonomy-eligible and taxonomy-non-eligible, as well as to taxonomy-aligned and taxonomy-non-aligned economic activities.
The amounts used to calculate the turnover, CapEx, and OpEx key figures are based on the figures reported in the consolidated financial statements. This calculation basically includes all fully and proportionately consolidated group companies.
STRATEC's activities have been analyzed by reference to the descriptions of economic activities provided in the Delegated Regulations accompanying the Taxonomy Regulation to assess whether and, if so, to what extent the economic activities are taxonomy-eligible with regard to the "climate change mitigation" and "climate change adaptation" environmental objectives. By analogy with the previous year, no sales activities were identified for STRATEC within the "climate change mitigation" and "climate change adaptation" environmental objectives.
STRATEC does not have any natural gas or nuclear energy facilities. These activities therefore have no relevance for the company's reporting pursuant to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1214.
The turnover key performance indicator presents the turnover (sales) from taxonomy-eligible economic activities in a given financial year as a proportion of the total sales in this financial year.
The total sales of € 274,625k in the 2022 financial year provide the denominator for the turnover KPI and are presented in the consolidated income statement.
The sales reported in STRATEC's consolidated income statement (see notes to consolidated financial statements) are investigated across all group companies to ascertain whether they were generated with taxonomy-eligible economic activities pursuant to Annex I (Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Mitigation) and Annex II (Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Adaptation) of Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 to the Taxonomy Regulation. Based on detailed analysis of the constituent items, the respective sales are allocated if applicable to taxonomy-eligible economic activities. As in the previous year, no taxonomy-eligible economic activities were identified. It is therefore not necessary to analyze the taxonomy alignment of the respective sales.
Pursuant to Point 1.1.2.2 of Annex I to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2178 Content and Presentation, the CapEx key performance indicators present that share of capital expenditure that
The calculation of capital expenditure is based on additions to property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, and IFRS 16 right-of-use assets before depreciation, amortization, and any remeasurements for the respective financial year and excluding changes in fair values. Total capital expenditure pursuant to Article 8, Annex I No. 1.1.2.1 of the Taxonomy Regulation amounts to € 25,049k (see respective disclosure in group asset schedule).
Based on a project description of the additions, these items are analyzed to ascertain their taxonomy eligibility and compared with Annex I (Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Mitigation) and Annex II (Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Adaptation) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2139 to the Taxonomy Regulation. The total volume of additions reflecting taxonomy-aligned capital expenditure forms the nominator for the CapEx KPI. These additions are calculated based on taxonomy-eligible capital expenditure of € 5,896k relating to the acquisition of taxonomy-eligible services and products in the categories 6.5 "Transport by motorbikes, passenger cars and light commercial vehicles", 7.3 "Installation, maintenance and repair of energy efficiency equipment", 7.4 "Installation, maintenance and repair of charging stations for electric vehicles in buildings (and parking spaces attached to buildings)" and 7.7 "Acquisition and ownership of buildings" within the "climate change mitigation" environmental objective. This results in taxonomy-eligible CapEx of 23.5%. Pursuant to letter c) of Point 1.1.2.2 of Annex I to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2178 Content and Presentation, this capital expenditure can be classified as taxonomy-eligible, meaning that the taxonomy alignment criteria have to be provided by the respective business partner. The business partners were unable to provide suitable documentary evidence. Accordingly, taxonomy-aligned CapEx amounts to 0%.
Pursuant to Point 1.1.3.2 of Annex I to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2178 Content and Presentation, the OpEx key performance indicators present that share of operational ex penditure that
The calculation of this KPI is based on total expenditure on direct, non-capitalized research and development expenses, building renovation measures, short-term leases, and mainte nance and repairs. Total operational expenditure pursuant to Article 8, Annex I No. 1.1.3.1 of the Taxonomy Regulation amounts to € 7,757k.
Pursuant to Article 8, Annex I No. 1.1.3.2 of the Taxonomy Regulation, the nominator of the OpEx KPI is obtained by analyzing the aforementioned expenditure relating to taxonomyaligned economic activities. In a first step, an amount of € 47k was classified as taxonomy-eligible in connection with activi ties 7.3 "Installation, maintenance and repair of energy effi ciency equipment", 4.1 "Electricity generation using solar photovoltaic technology", and 7.6 "Installation, maintenance and repair of renewable energy technologies" within the "climate change adaptation" environmental objective. This corresponds to taxonomy eligibility of 0.6%. Pursuant to let ter c) of Point 1.1.3.2 of Annex I to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2178 Content and Presentation, this operational expen diture can be classified as taxonomy-eligible, meaning that the taxonomy alignment criteria have to be provided by the re spective business partner. The business partners were unable to provide suitable documentary evidence. Accordingly, the taxonomy-aligned OpEx KPI amounts to 0%.
When calculating the aforementioned key performance indi cators, any double counting of economic activities was avoid ed by performing various audit steps, including documenting data generation and safeguarding the reconcilability of the figures with the other financial information.
| Substantial contribution criteria | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economic activities | Codes | Absolute turnover (€ 000s) |
Share of turnover (%) |
Climate change mitiga tion (%) |
Climate change adaptation (%) |
Water and marine resources (%) |
Circular economy (%) |
Pollution (%) |
Biodiversity and ecosystems (%) |
| A. Taxonomy-eligible activities | |||||||||
| A.1 Environmentally sustainable activities (taxonomy-aligned) |
|||||||||
| Turnover in environmentally sustainable activities (taxonomy-aligned) (A.1) |
0 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | |
| A.2 Taxonomy-eligible but not environmentally sustainable activities (taxonomy-non-aligned activities) |
|||||||||
| Turnover in taxonomy-eligible but not environmentally sustainable activities (taxonomy-non-aligned activities) (A.2) |
0 | 0.0% | |||||||
| Total (A.1 + A.2) | 0 | 0.0% | |||||||
| B. Taxonomy-non-eligible activities | |||||||||
| Turnover in taxonomy-non-eligible activities (B) | 274,625 | 100.0 % | |||||||
| Gesamt (A+B) | 274,625 | 100.0% |
| Substantial contribution criteria | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economic activities | Codes | Absolute CapEx (€ 000s) |
Share of CapEx (%) |
Climate change mitiga tion (%) |
Climate change adaptation (%) |
Water and marine resources (%) |
Circular economy (%) |
Pollution (%) |
Biodiversity and ecosystems (%) |
| A. Taxonomy-eligible activities | |||||||||
| A.1 Environmentally sustainable activities (taxonomy-aligned) |
|||||||||
| CapEx in environmentally sustainable activities (taxonomy-aligned) (A.1) |
0 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | |
| A.2 Taxonomy-eligible but not environmentally sustainable activities (taxonomy-non-aligned activities) |
|||||||||
| Transport by motorbikes, passenger cars and light commercial vehicles |
6.5 | 231 | 0.9% | ||||||
| Installation, maintenance and repair of energy efficiency equipment |
7.3 | 22 | 0.1% | ||||||
| Acquisition and ownership of buildings | 7.7 | 5,610 | 22.4% | ||||||
| Installation, maintenance and repair of charging stations for electric vehicles in buildings (and parking spaces attached to buildings) |
7.4 | 33 | 0.1% | ||||||
| CapEx in taxonomy-eligible but not environmentally sustainable activities (taxonomy-non-aligned activities) (A.2) |
5,896 | 23.5% | |||||||
| Total (A.1 + A.2) | 5,896 | 23.5% | |||||||
| B. Taxonomy-non-eligible activities | |||||||||
| CapEx in taxonomy-non-eligible activities (B) | 19,153 | 76.5% | |||||||
| Total (A+B) | 25,049 | 100.0% |
| DNSH criteria | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Circular economy (Y/N) |
Water and marine resources (Y/N) |
Pollution (Y/N) |
Biodiversity ecosystems |
and (Y/N) |
Minimum safe guards (Y/N) |
Taxonomy aligned share of turnover Year N (%) |
Taxonomy aligned share of turnover Year N-1 (%)* |
Category (enabling activity) € |
Category (transition activity) (T) |
||
| – | – | – | – | – | 0.0% | – – |
|||||
| 0.0% | – – |
||||||||||
| 0.0% | – – |
||||||||||
| DNSH criteria | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category Category of CapEx (enabling (transition Year N-1 activity) activity) (%)* € (T) |
Taxonomy aligned share |
Taxonomy aligned share of CapEx Year N (%) |
Minimum safe guards (Y/N) |
Biodiversity and ecosystems (Y/N) |
Pollution (Y/N) |
Circular economy (Y/N) |
Water and marine resources (Y/N) |
Climate change adaptation (Y/N) |
Climate change mitigation (Y/N) |
| – – |
0.0% | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| – – |
0.0% | ||||||||
| – – |
0.0% | ||||||||
| Substantial contribution criteria | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economic activities | Codes | Absolute OpEx (€ 000s) |
Share of OpEx (%) |
Climate change mitiga tion (%) |
Climate change adaptation (%) |
Water and marine resources (%) |
Circular economy (%) |
Pollution (%) |
Biodiversity and ecosystems (%) |
| A. Taxonomy-eligible activities | |||||||||
| A.1 Environmentally sustainable activities (taxonomy-aligned) |
|||||||||
| OpEx in environmentally sustainable activities (taxonomy-aligned) (A.1) |
0 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | |
| A.2 Taxonomy-eligible but not environmentally sustainable activities (taxonomy-non-aligned activities) |
|||||||||
| Installation, maintenance and repair of energy efficiency equipment |
7.3 | 31 | 0.4% | ||||||
| Installation, maintenance and repair of renewable energy technologies |
7.6 | 15 | 0.2% | ||||||
| Electricity generation using solar photovoltaic technology |
4.1 | 1 | 0.0% | ||||||
| OpEx in taxonomy-eligible but not environmentally sustainable activities (taxonomy-non-aligned activities) (A.2) |
47 | 0.6% | |||||||
| Total (A.1. + A.2) | 47 | 0.6% | |||||||
| B. Taxonomy-non-eligible activities | |||||||||
| OpEx in taxonomy-non-eligible activities (B) | 7,710 | 99.4% | |||||||
| Total (A+B) | 7,757 | 100.0% |
| Substantial contribution criteria | DNSH criteria | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biodiversity Circular and economy Pollution ecosystems (%) (%) (%) |
Climate change mitigation (Y/N) |
Climate change adaptation (Y/N) |
Water and marine resources (Y/N) |
Circular economy (Y/N) |
Pollution (Y/N) |
Biodiversity and ecosystems (Y/N) |
Minimum safe guards (Y/N) |
Taxonomy aligned share of OpEx Year N (%) |
Taxonomy aligned share of OpEx Year N-1 (%)* |
Category (enabling activity) € |
Category (transition activity) (T) |
| 0.0% | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 0.0% | - | - | - |
| 0.0% | – | – | |||||||||
| 0.0% | – | – |
Birkenfeld, March 28, 2023
STRATEC SE
The Board of Management
Marcus Wolfinger Dr. Robert Siegle Dr. Claus Vielsack Dr. Georg Bauer
Consolidated Balance Sheet | 94 Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income | 96 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement | 97 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity | 98 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements | 100
| € 000s | Note | 12.31.2022 | 12.31.2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-current assets | |||
| Goodwill | (01) | 36,655 | 37,996 |
| Other intangible assets | (01) | 51,616 | 51,370 |
| Right-of-use assets | (02) | 12,444 | 8,720 |
| Property, plant and equipment | (03) | 61,559 | 58,738 |
| Non-current financial assets | (07) | 3,539 | 3,574 |
| Non-current contract assets | (05) | 16,638 | 18,208 |
| Deferred taxes | (11) | 3,666 | 1,902 |
| 186,117 | 180,508 | ||
| Current assets | |||
| Inventories | (04) | 117,630 | 88,768 |
| Trade receivables | (06) | 51,730 | 37,184 |
| Current financial assets | (07) | 1,404 | 1,539 |
| Current other receivables and assets | (08) | 10,502 | 9,077 |
| Current contract assets | (05) | 6,115 | 4,053 |
| Income tax receivables | (11) | 1,338 | 212 |
| Cash | (26) | 22,668 | 47,184 |
| 211,387 | 188,017 | ||
| Total assets | 397,504 | 368,525 |
| € 000s Note |
12.31.2022 | 12.31.2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Shareholders' equity (09) |
||
| Share capital | 12,158 | 12,128 |
| Capital reserve | 35,145 | 32,217 |
| Revenue reserves | 182,823 | 165,121 |
| Treasury stock | -35 | -35 |
| Other equity | -4,907 | -3,672 |
| 225,184 | 205,759 | |
| Non-current debt | ||
| Non-current financial liabilities (12) |
84,033 | 83,774 |
| Non-current contract liabilities (15) |
15,477 | 19,164 |
| Provisions for pensions (10) |
3,152 | 5,373 |
| Deferred taxes (11) |
9,412 | 8,788 |
| 112,074 | 117,099 | |
| Current debt | ||
| Current financial liabilities (12) |
15,254 | 15,853 |
| Trade payables (13) |
10,865 | 11,401 |
| Current other liabilities (14) |
7,532 | 6,332 |
| Current contract liabilities (15) |
15,352 | 7,040 |
| Provisions (16) |
1,291 | 1,637 |
| Income tax liabilities (11) |
9,952 | 3,404 |
| 60,246 | 45,667 | |
| Total shareholders' equity and debt | 397,504 | 368,525 |
for the Period from January 1 to December 31, 2022
| € 000s | Note | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales | (17) | 274,625 | 287,335 |
| Cost of sales | (18) | -195,135 | -199,623 |
| Gross profit | 79,490 | 87,712 | |
| Research and development expenses | (19) | -6,873 | -9,281 |
| Sales-related expenses | (20) | -12,108 | -9,806 |
| General administration expenses | (21) | -18,145 | -18,455 |
| Other operating income and expenses | (22) | -1,224 | -1,993 |
| Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) | 41,140 | 48,177 | |
| Net financial expenses | (23) | -2,052 | -1,345 |
| Earnings before taxes (EBT) | 39,088 | 46,832 | |
| Taxes on income | (11) | -9,865 | -6,874 |
| Consolidated net income | 29,223 | 39,958 | |
| Items that may not be reclassified to profit or loss: | |||
| Remeasurement of defined benefit pension plans | 2,146 | 234 | |
| Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss: | |||
| Currency translation differences from translation of foreign operations |
-3,381 | 1,505 | |
| Other comprehensive income (OCI) | -1,235 | 1,739 | |
| Comprehensive income | 27,988 | 41,697 | |
| Basic earnings per share in € | (24) | 2.41 | 3.30 |
| No. of shares used as basis (undiluted) | 12,131,780 | 12,111,028 | |
| Diluted earnings per share in € | (24) | 2.40 | 3.28 |
| No. of shares used as basis (diluted) | 12,172,854 | 12,181,289 |
| € 000s | Note | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| I. Operations | |||
| Consolidated net income (after taxes) | 29,223 | 39,958 | |
| Depreciation and amortization | 16,931 | 18,254 | |
| Current income tax expenses | (11) | 11,298 | 6,061 |
| Income taxes paid less income taxes received | -5,901 | -4,063 | |
| Financial income | (23) | -71 | -108 |
| Financial expenses | (23) | 1,898 | 1,431 |
| Interest paid | -1,599 | -1,677 | |
| Interest received | 132 | 114 | |
| Other non-cash expenses | 6,752 | 5,202 | |
| Other non-cash income | -1,708 | -1,773 | |
| Change in net pension provisions through profit or loss | (10) | -2,347 | -397 |
| Change in deferred taxes through profit or loss | (11) | -1,433 | 812 |
| Profit (-)/loss (+) on disposals of non-current assets | 443 | -14 | |
| Increase (-)/decrease (+) in inventories, trade receivables and other assets | -46,765 | -25,569 | |
| Increase (+)/decrease (-) in trade payables and other liabilities | 3,426 | 25,242 | |
| Cash flow from operating activities | 10,279 | 63,473 | |
| II. Investments | |||
| Incoming payments from disposals of non-current assets • Property, plant and equipment • Financial assets |
17 5 |
81 24 |
|
| Outgoing payments for investments in non-current assets • Intangible assets • Property, plant and equipment |
(1) (3) |
-8,722 -10,297 |
-10,300 -9,932 |
| Cash flow from investing activities | -18,997 | -20,127 | |
| III. Financing | |||
| Incoming funds from taking up of financial liabilities | (12) | 48,000 | 10,000 |
| Outgoing payments for repayment of financial liabilities | (12) | -52,328 | -34,705 |
| Incoming payments from issue of shares for employee stock option programs | 1,744 | 1,265 | |
| Dividend payments | -11,521 | -10,889 | |
| Cash flow from financing activities | -14,105 | -34,329 | |
| IV. Cash-effective change in cash (net balance of I – III) |
-22,823 | 9,017 | |
| Cash at start of period | 47,184 | 37,561 | |
| Impact of exchange rate movements | -1,693 | 606 | |
| Cash at end of period | (26) | 22,668 | 47,184 |
| € 000s | Note | Share capital | Capital reserve | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2021 | (09) | 12,103 | 29,866 | |
| Equity transactions with owners | ||||
| • Dividend payment | ||||
| • Issue of subscription shares from stock option programs, less costs of capital issue after taxes |
25 | 1,240 | ||
| Allocations due to stock option programs | 919 | |||
| Allocations due to employee participation program | 192 | |||
| Comprehensive income | ||||
| December 31, 2021 | (09) | 12,128 | 32,217 | |
| Equity transactions with owners | ||||
| • Dividend payment | ||||
| • Issue of subscription shares from stock option programs, less costs of capital issue after taxes |
30 | 1,714 | ||
| Allocations due to stock option programs | 1,214 | |||
| Comprehensive income | ||||
| December 31, 2022 | (09) | 12,158 | 35,145 |
| Other equity | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group equity |
Currency translation |
Pension plans |
Treasury stock |
Revenue reserves | |
| 172,545 | -3,097 | -2,314 | -65 | 136,052 | |
| -10,889 | -10,889 | ||||
| 1,265 | |||||
| 919 | |||||
| 222 | 30 | ||||
| 41,697 | 1,505 | 234 | 39,958 | ||
| 205,759 | -1,592 | -2,080 | -35 | 165,121 | |
| -11,521 | -11,521 | ||||
| 1,744 | |||||
| 1,214 | |||||
| 27,988 | -3,381 | 2,146 | 29,223 | ||
| 225,184 | -4,973 | 66 | -35 | 182,823 |
STRATEC SE designs and manufactures fully automated analyzer systems for its partners in the fields of clinical diagnostics and biotechnology. Furthermore, the STRATEC Group (hereinafter also "STRATEC") provides complex consumables for diagnostics and medical applications. In this, the company covers the entire value chain – from development and design through to production and quality assurance. The partners market the systems, software and consumables, in general together with their own reagents, as system solutions to laboratories, blood banks and research institutes around the world. STRATEC develops its products on the basis of its own patented technologies.
STRATEC SE, whose legal domicile is at Gewerbestrasse 37, 75217 Birkenfeld, Germany, is a publicly listed corporation under European law and is registered in the Commercial Register in Mannheim, Germany, with the number HRB 732007.
These consolidated financial statements were approved for publication by the Board of Management of STRATEC SE on March 28, 2023.
The consolidated financial statements compiled by STRATEC SE as the topmost parent company as of December 31, 2022 have been prepared with due application of § 315e (1) of the German Commercial Code (HGB) in accordance with the requirements of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), London, and the Interpretations of the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRS IC) valid and endorsed by the European Union as of the balance sheet date, as well as with the supplementary requirements of German commercial law.
The consolidated financial statements have been compiled in thousand euros (€ 000s). Unless otherwise stated, the amounts reported in the notes to the consolidated financial statements are denominated in thousand euros (€ 000s). Due to numbers being rounded and presented in € 000s, individual figures in the consolidated financial statements of STRATEC SE may not add up exactly to the totals stated and percentage figures may not correlate exactly with the absolute figures to which they refer.
The financial year for the consolidated financial statements corresponds to the calendar year. The financial statements of all companies included in the consolidated financial statements have been prepared as of the balance sheet date for the consolidated financial statements and based on uniform accounting policies.
The consolidated statement of comprehensive income has been prepared using the cost of sales method. This involves presenting sales alongside the expenses incurred to generate such, which are generally allocated to the functional areas of production, research and development, sales, and general administration.
In the interests of clarity, individual items have been aggregated in the consolidated balance sheet, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated cash flow statement, and the consolidated statement of changes in equity. These are explained in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. The consolidated balance sheet has been structured in line with the maturities of the respective assets and liabilities. All assets and liabilities maturing or due to be sold within the next twelve months are classified as current. Assets and liabilities earmarked for realization in the company's usual course of business are also classified as current, even when their maturities exceed twelve months. Liabilities for which STRATEC has a substantive right to defer settlement by at least twelve months after the balance sheet date are classified as non-current. Deferred taxes must generally be recognized as non-current items.
Unless reported otherwise below, the accounting policies applied have not changed since the previous year.
The following accounting standards and interpretations required mandatory application for the first time in the 2022 financial year:
| Standard | Title | Effective date1 | EU endorsement |
|---|---|---|---|
| New and amended standards and interpretations | |||
| IFRS 3 | Amendments: Reference to the Conceptual Framework | 01.01.2022 | 06.28.2021 |
| IAS 16 | Amendments: Proceeds before Intended Use | 01.01.2022 | 06.28.2021 |
| IAS 37 | Amendments: Onerous Contracts: Cost of Fulfilling a Contract | 01.01.2022 | 06.28.2021 |
| Diverse | Annual Improvements to IFRS, 2018-2020 Cycle | 01.01.2022 | 06.28.2021 |
For companies like STRATEC whose financial year corresponds to the calendar year
The application of these standards and interpretations in the 2022 financial year was consistent with the respective transition requirements. Unless explicitly required by individual standards and interpretations and explained separately below, the respective requirements have generally been applied retrospectively, i.e. the information has been presented as if the new accounting methods had always been applied in the past. In these cases – and where called for by the respective standard – the comparative figures have been adjusted accordingly.
The IASB and IFRS IC have issued the following standards, amendments and revisions to standards and interpretations which do not yet require mandatory application. Application of the new and revised standards and interpretations is dependent, among other factors, on their acceptance by the European Union within its IFRS endorsement procedure.
The aforementioned amendments did not have any implications for these consolidated financial statements.
| Standard | Title | Effective date1 | EU endorsement |
|---|---|---|---|
| New and amended standards and interpretations | |||
| IFRS 17 | Insurance Contracts | 01.01.2023 | 11.19.2021 |
| IAS 1 | Amendments: Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-Current |
01.01.2024 | Outstanding |
| IAS 1, IFRS Practice Statement 2 |
Amendments: Disclosure of Accounting Policies (and Amendments to IFRS Practice Statement 2) |
01.01.2023 | 03.02.2022 |
| IAS 8 | Amendments: Accounting Policies, Changes in Estimates and Errors |
01.01.2023 | 03.02.2022 |
| IAS 12 | Amendments: Deferred Tax Related to Assets and Liabilities from a Single Transaction |
01.01.2023 | 08.11.2022 |
| IFRS 17 | Amendments: Initial Application of IFRS 17 and IFRS 9 – Comparative Information |
01.01.2023 | 09.08.2022 |
| IFRS 16 | Amendments: Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback | 01.01.2024 | Outstanding |
For companies like STRATEC whose financial year corresponds to the calendar year
STRATEC does not intend to make any voluntary, premature application of these standards and interpretations or of the relevant amendments.
In the interests of reporting efficiency, only those standards and interpretations have been outlined below which, based on the information currently available and given the business model and business transactions customary at STRATEC, are very likely to have implications for the accounting policies or for the reporting and disclosure of information in STRATEC's consolidated financial statements in future financial years.
Capital consolidation at STRATEC has been performed using the purchase method by offsetting the carrying amounts of investments against the prorated equity of the subsidiaries. This involves accounting for the assets and liabilities identifiable at the subsidiaries at the time of acquisition at fair value and for deferred taxes pursuant to IAS 12 (Income Taxes). Any remaining credit difference from capital consolidation is recognized as goodwill.
Intercompany profits and losses, sales, income and expenses have been eliminated, as have receivables and liabilities between the companies included in the consolidated financial statements. The income tax implications of consolidation entries have been accounted for by recognizing deferred taxes.
In accordance with the requirements of IFRS 10 (Consolidated Financial Statements), the consolidated financial statements of STRATEC SE (parent company) basically include all companies controlled by STRATEC SE (subsidiaries).
Subsidiaries whose implications, both individually and aggregately, are of immaterial significance for the asset, financial, and earnings position are included in the consolidated financial statements at cost, less any impairments, and recognized as investments in associates in the consolidated balance sheet. The financial data of those subsidiaries of immaterial significance cumulatively account for less than 1% of consolidated sales, group equity, group earnings and total group assets respectively.
Subsidiaries are deconsolidated as soon as STRATEC SE can no longer exercise control. The assets and liabilities of the subsidiary are derecognized in the month of deconsolidation. In the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, earnings from deconsolidation of the subsidiary are presented in the line item "Earnings from discontinued operations".
In addition to STRATEC SE the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and as of December 31, 2021 include the following subsidiaries by way of full consolidation:
| Shareholding | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company | Domicile | 12.31.2022 12.31.2021 | |||
| Germany | |||||
| STRATEC Capital GmbH | Birkenfeld, Germany |
100% | 100% | ||
| STRATEC PS Holding GmbH | Birkenfeld, Germany |
100% | 100% | ||
| European Union | |||||
| STRATEC Biomedical S.R.L | Cluj-Napoca, Romania |
100% | 100% | ||
| STRATEC Consumables GmbH |
Anif, Austria |
100% | 100% | ||
| RE Medical Analyzers Luxembourg 2 S.à r.l. |
Luxembourg, Luxembourg |
100% | 100% | ||
| Diatron Medicinai Instrumentumok Laboratóriumi Diagnosztikai Fejlesztö-Gyártó Zrt |
Budapest, Hungary |
100% | 100% | ||
| Mod-n-More Kft. | Budapest, Hungary |
100% | 100% | ||
| Other | |||||
| STRATEC Switzerland AG | Beringen, Switzerland |
100% | 100% | ||
| STRATEC Biomedical USA, Inc. |
Glendale, US |
100% | 100% | ||
| STRATEC Services AG | Beringen, Switzerland |
100% | 100% | ||
| Medical Analyzers Holding GmbH |
Zug, Switzerland |
100% | 100% | ||
| STRATEC Biomedical Inc. | Southington, US |
100% | 100% | ||
| Diatron (US), Inc. | Delaware, US | 100% | 100% |
Due to its immaterial significance, the following subsidiary has not been included in the consolidated financial statements by way of full consolidation:
| Company, domicile |
Share capital | Shareholding | Annual earnings1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| STRATEC Biomedical (Taicang) Co. Ltd., Taicang, China |
CNY 814,940 | 100% | CNY 62,076 (2021: CNY 644,738) |
The earnings figures reported are based on the annual financial statements prepared in accordance with national accounting requirements as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
Transactions in foreign currencies have been translated into the functional currency using the rate on the date of the transaction. On the balance sheet date, monetary items have been translated using the reporting date rate, while non-monetary items have been translated at the rate on the date of the transaction. Differences arising upon currency translation have been recognized through profit or loss in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, provided that the item in question does not form part of a net investment in a foreign operation.
With the exception of Medical Analyzers Holding GmbH, Zug, Switzerland, whose functional currency is the euro, the functional currency of all other foreign group companies is the respective national currency, as the companies operate independently in financial, economic and organizational terms.
Assets and liabilities at group companies with functional currencies other than the euro have been translated into euros at the reporting date rate, while income and expenses have been translated into euros using annual average exchange rates. Equity components have been translated at historic rates upon the respective dates of addition from the Group's perspective. The translation difference arising compared with the reporting date rates has been recognized directly in equity in the "Other equity – Foreign currency translation" item.
The exchange rates between major currencies and the euro developed as follows:
| 1 €/ | Reporting date rate | Average rate | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |||
| USD | US | 1.067 | 1.133 | 1.053 | 1.183 | |
| CHF | Switzerland | 0.985 | 1.033 | 1.005 | 1.081 | |
| RON | Romania | 4.950 | 4.949 | 4.931 | 4.922 | |
| HUF | Hungary | 400.870 | 369.190 | 391.290 | 358.520 |
Other intangible assets are recognized upon addition at cost. The purchase costs of a separately purchased intangible asset particularly comprise the purchase price, less any reductions in the price, plus costs directly attributable to preparing the asset for its intended use. The construction costs of an internally generated intangible asset comprise all costs directly attributable to create, produce and prepare the asset to be capable of operating in the manner intended by the management.
Subsequent measurement is based on the cost model. As all other intangible assets apart from those not yet ready for use currently have limited useful lives, their cost has been amortized in accordance with these, generally using the straight-line method unless the actual decline in their value requires another form of amortization. Furthermore, account is also taken where necessary of impairments (see "Impairment tests"). If the reasons for impairment no longer apply, the respective assets are written back to a maximum of amortized cost.
Amortization of other intangible assets has been based on the following useful lives:
| Useful lives in years 2022 |
Useful lives in years 2021 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Acquired technologies | 7 – 15 | 7–15 |
| Internally generated intangible assets • Proprietary development projects • Development cooperations and comparable proprietary development projects |
5 – 12 * |
5–12 * |
| Acquired patents | 12 – 19 | 12–19 |
| Acquired trademarks | 10 | 10 |
| Acquired customer relationships | 5 – 12 | 5–12 |
| Other rights and values • Software and licenses |
1 – 8 | 1–8 |
* In respect of the accounting treatment of development cooperations within the OEM partnering business model, reference is made to the comments in "Recognition of sales, cost of sales, research and development expenses" in this section. In respect of the period and method of amortization applied to the intangible assets resulting from development cooperations within the OEM partnering business model and from comparable "Proprietary development projects", reference is made to the comments in "Forward-looking assumptions" in this section.
Property, plant and equipment are measured upon initial recognition at cost in accordance with IAS 16.15 et seq.
Subsequent measurement is based on the cost model. Accordingly, in subsequent periods the costs recognized are reduced by depreciation, in general using the straight-line method, where the respective assets are depreciable. Furthermore, account is also taken where necessary of impairments (see "Impairment tests" below). If the reasons for impairment no longer apply, the respective assets are written back to a maximum of amortized cost.
Costs incurred to repair or maintain items of property, plant and equipment have generally been recognized through profit or loss. Costs incurred for measures expected to lead to an inflow of economic benefits in future have been capitalized as retrospective costs.
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment has been based on the following useful lives:
| Useful lives in years 2022 |
Useful lives in years 2021 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Buildings | 25–33 | 25 – 33 |
| Outdoor facilities | 10–30 | 10 – 30 |
| Technical equipment and machinery |
3 –20 | 3 – 20 |
| Vehicles | 3 –6 | 3 – 6 |
| Tools | 3 –7 | 3 – 7 |
| IT components | 2 –5 | 2 – 5 |
| Other plant and office equipment |
1 –20 | 1 – 20 |
Gains or losses incurred upon the sale, decommissioning or scrapping of items of property, plant and equipment have been recognized in other operating income or expenses in the amount of the difference between the potential proceeds on disposal and the residual carrying amount.
A lease is a contract, or part of a contract, that conveys the right to use an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration.
In its capacity as a lessee, STRATEC recognizes right-of-use assets for leased items and liabilities for the payment obligations thereby entered into for basically all leases in its consolidated balance sheet. Exemptions apply for low-value leases (for which, as in the previous year, no expenses were recognized in the 2022 financial year), short-term leases (for which expenses of € 105k were recognized in the 2022 financial year; previous year: € 105k) and leases of intangible assets. The lease installments payable for these leases are expensed on a straight-line basis in line with their allocation to individual functional areas in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. For contracts including lease and non-lease components, STRATEC has drawn on the option of not separating these components. When determining the contract term, extension and termination options have only been accounted for when the exercising or non-exercising of such options is sufficiently certain.
As of the provision date, lease liabilities comprise the lease payments listed in IFRS 16.27 which have not yet been made. These are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease, where this can be determined, and otherwise using the lessee's incremental borrowing rate. Subsequent to the provision date, lease liabilities are increased by interest expenses and reduced by the lease payments made. Lease liabilities are revalued to account for changes in lease payments.
Right-of-use assets are measured at cost and, alongside the respective lease liabilities, also include the components listed in IFRS 16.24 as of the provision date. These assets are subsequently measured at amortized cost. Depreciation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective contract.
Depreciation of right-of-use assets is based on the following useful lives:
| Useful lives in years 2022 |
Useful lives in years 2021 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Land and buildings | 1 – 11 | 2–10 |
| Vehicles | 2 – 4 | 2–4 |
| Other plant and office equipment |
5 – 6 | 5 – 6 |
In the land and buildings category, STRATEC chiefly leases production and office buildings, as well as warehouse and parking space. The lease arrangements include conditions that basically conform to customary practice in the industry. The lease arrangements provide for extension and termination options in some cases and thus provide STRATEC with the greatest possible flexibility. Further future outflows of funds may arise due to lease payments which are indexed or based on utilization volumes.
Specifically, potential future outflows of funds not accounted for in the measurement of lease liabilities include:
| 2022 € 000s |
2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Due to extension and termination options |
0 | 0 |
| Due to variable lease payments | 2,688 | 2,765 |
| Due to low-value assets | 0 | 0 |
| Due to short-term leases | 44 | 17 |
| Total | 2,732 | 2,782 |
Future outflows of funds which STRATEC has entered into in its capacity as lessee, but which had not begun as of the balance sheet date, amounted to € 509k (previous year: € 264k).
Further details about leases can be found in our comments in Section "C. Notes to the consolidated balance sheet (2) Rightof-use assets" and Section "C. Notes to the consolidated balance sheet (12) Non-current and current financial liabilities".
As in the previous year, STRATEC did not have any leases in which the company acted as lessor as of December 31, 2022.
Where a significant period of time is required to manufacture a respective asset (so-called qualifying asset), the borrowing costs incurred through to completion are capitalized as a component of cost where the requirements of IAS 23 (Borrowing Costs) are met. At STRATEC, qualifying assets may relate in particular to intangible assets and property, plant and equipment. No borrowing costs were capitalized in the 2022 financial year (previous year: € 18k). The financing rate used in the previous year to determine borrowing costs eligible for capitalization amounted to 1.4%.
Government grants intended to promote investment and directly allocable to the respective investments have been deducted from the amount capitalized for the object of investment. Non-repayable grants received as project subsidies for research and development projects are linked to the respective expenses and are initially recognized as liabilities and subsequently offset through profit or loss in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in the financial year in which the associated expenses are incurred.
Impairment tests pursuant to IAS 36 (Impairment of Assets) are performed on goodwill and other intangible assets with unlimited or indefinite useful lives, as well as on intangible assets not yet ready for use, at least once a year and, in the case of other intangible assets with limited useful lives and property, plant and equipment, if there are specific indications of impairment.
Impairment losses have been recognized through profit or loss in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income to the extent that the recoverable amount of the asset, i.e. the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use, falls short of its carrying amount.
A review is performed at least once a year to ascertain whether there is any indication that the reason for impairment losses already recognized no longer applies or that the amount of impairment has reduced. In this case, the recoverable amount is newly determined and the impairment losses already recognized, unless they involve goodwill, are correspondingly reversed.
In principle, the recoverable amount has been determined for each individual asset. Where this is not possible, the recoverable amount has been determined on the basis of a group of assets representing a cash generating unit.
The cash generating units determined for goodwill impairment testing are unchanged on the previous year's balance sheet date. The cash generating units thereby defined are "laboratory automation", "manufacturing parts & services", "Diatron", and "smart consumables".
The recoverable amount for the cash generating units as of December 31, 2022 (previous year: December 31, 2021) has been determined by reference to their value in use, defined as the present value of future net inflows of cash. The forecast future net inflows of cash have been based on STRATEC's current budgets. As in the previous year, the detailed budget period covers three years. Future net inflows of cash are budgeted in the functional currency. The budgets have in turn been based on assumptions concerning future sales volumes and sales prices, as well as on expected costs. Raw materials prices are accounted for on their given terms. Net inflows of cash beyond the detailed budget period have been presented as perpetuity, taking due account of growth rates based on current market information. Should the value in use fall short of the carrying amount of the cash generating unit, then the fair value less costs to sell has to be determined.
Net inflows of funds have been discounted at capital cost rates. The capital costs of cash generating units have been calculated as the weighted average of their equity and debt capital costs (WACC). To calculate the weighted capital costs, reference has been made on the one hand to the costs of equity, which comprise the risk-free base rate and the risk premium (market risk premium, multiplied by a beta factor based on a peer group analysis) and on the other hand on the cost of borrowing, which corresponds to the average cost of borrowing at the peer group companies. Equity and debt capital costs have been weighted based on the average capital structure at the peer group companies. Given the risk and return profiles of the cash generating units thereby reviewed, the costs of capital have been calculated on an individual basis. The key parameters are as follows:
| Cash generating unit | Pre-tax WACC % |
|---|---|
| Laboratory automation 2022 2021 |
9.93 6.39 |
| Manufacturing, parts & services 2022 2021 |
8.64 5.59 |
| Diatron 2022 2021 |
9.13 6.07 |
| Smart consumables 2022 2021 |
10.27 5.92 |
Of the goodwill recognized in the amount of € 36,655k (previous year: € 37,996k), € 569k (previous year: € 569k) results from the acquisition of STRATEC Biomedical UK, Ltd. in the 2006 financial year, € 1,467k (previous year: € 1,467k) from the acquisition of STRATEC Molecular GmbH in the 2009 financial year, € 2,905k (previous year: € 2,736k) from the acquisition of STRATEC Biomedical USA, Inc. in the 2010 financial year, € 23,106k (previous year: € 24,616k) from the acquisition of the Diatron Group in the 2016 financial year, and € 8,608k (previous year: € 8,608k) from the acquisition of STRATEC Consumables GmbH in the 2016 financial year. The changes compared with the previous year are due to currency translation. For impairment testing purposes, the goodwill has been allocated to those cash generating units benefiting from the synergies.
For impairment testing purposes, the goodwill resulting from the aforementioned acquisitions has been allocated as follows to the "laboratory automation", "manufacturing, parts & services", and "Diatron", cash generating units on the basis of the respective EBITs. The table presents the carrying amounts of significant goodwill items.
| € 000s | Laboratory automation |
parts & services | Manufacturing, | Diatron | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| Carrying amount of goodwill |
14,688 | 14,987 | 15,177 | 15,924 | 6,255 | 6,550 |
As in the previous year, in line with IAS 36 (Impairment of Assets) STRATEC performed the annual impairment test for these goodwill items as of December 31. Also as in the previous year, this did not lead to the recognition of any impairment loss in the year under report.
The following key assumptions have been used to determine the recoverable amounts of these cash generating units:
The budget for the recoverable amount has been based on average sales growth of 6.6% (previous year: 10.6%) and a budgeted average EBIT margin of 15.6% (previous year: 11.7%). This assumption reflects previous management experience. In perpetuity, a growth rate of 1.0% has been assumed (previous year: 1.0%).
Average sales growth of 19.2% (previous year: 4.9%) and a budgeted average EBIT margin of 13.4% (previous year: 16.0%) have been assumed. This assumption reflects past management experience. In perpetuity, a growth rate of 1.0% has been assumed (previous year: 1.0%).
The budget for the recoverable amount has been based on average sales growth of 35.4% (previous year: 16.5%) and a budgeted average EBIT margin of 10.9% (previous year: 15.6%). These assumptions reflect past management experience. In perpetuity, a growth rate of 1.0% has been assumed (previous year: 1.0%).
The sensitivity analysis assumed a reduction in the future cash flow and an increase in weighted costs of capital by 10% each, as changes on this scale would appear reasonable and possible, especially from a long-term perspective. On this basis, STRATEC concluded that there were no indications of any potential impairment in the goodwill reported for any of the cash generating units at STRATEC.
An amount of € 535k, and thus not material compared with the total carrying amount of goodwill, was allocated to a further cash generating unit in the year under report (previous year: € 535k). For the goodwill thereby allocated as well, the annual impairment test did not identify any indications of impairment.
Inventories include assets held for sale in the normal course of business (finished products and merchandise), assets currently in the process of being manufactured for sale (unfinished products and contract fulfilment costs), and assets consumed during the manufacturing process or in the performance of services (raw materials and supplies).
Inventories are measured at cost or, if lower, at net realizable value.
The acquisition costs of raw materials, supplies, and merchandise are based on average procurement prices. The manufacturing costs for unfinished and finished products include both directly allocable manufacturing wage and material expenses and a prorated share of material and production overheads, including depreciation. The manufacturing costs for contract fulfilment costs include both directly allocable manufacturing wage expenses and prorated production overheads. Administration expenses are also included to the extent that they can be directly allocated to production. Sales-related expenses are not included. Consistent with STRATEC's business model, contract fulfilment costs also include development cooperations or other contracts with customers. In respect of the accounting policies applied for development cooperations, reference is made to the information in "Recognition of sales, cost of sales, research and development expenses" in this section.
Inventory risks resulting from lower turnover rates or diminished usability have been accounted for with additional writedowns.
A financial instrument is a contract that gives rise to a financial asset of one entity and a financial liability or equity instrument of another entity.
Financial instruments are recognized and measured in accordance with IFRS 9 (Financial Instruments).
Accordingly, financial assets or financial liabilities are recognized in the consolidated balance sheet as soon as STRATEC becomes a party to the contractual requirements of the financial instrument. Trade receivables are recognized at the time at which they arise.
First-time measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities is based on their respective fair values. Transaction costs are accounted for, unless the financial instrument is measured at fair value through profit or loss. Trade receivables without any significant financing component are measured at their respective transaction prices.
Depending on its allocation upon first-time recognition to the various categories provided for by IFRS 9 (Financial Instruments), a financial asset (debt or equity instruments) is subsequently measured either at amortized cost or at fair value. The allocation to the categories provided for by IFRS 9 (Financial Instruments) is based in each case on the objectives of the business model and characteristics of the respective cash flows.
Unless it is designated as FVTPL, a debt instrument is measured at amortized cost (AC debt instrument) when it is held within a business model whose objective involves holding financial assets to collect contractual cash flows and the contractual terms result in cash flows at fixed times that are solely payments of interest and principal on the principal amount outstanding. In accordance with the requirements of IFRS 9 (Financial Instruments), amortized cost is determined using the effective interest method and taking account of any expected impairments. Interest income, exchange rate gains and losses, and impairments are recognized through profit or loss. Gains or losses arising upon derecognition are also recognized through profit or loss.
Unless it is designated as FVTPL, a debt instrument is measured at fair value with any changes in its value being recognized through other comprehensive income (FVTOCI debt instrument) when it is held within a business model whose objective involves holding financial assets both to collect contractual cash flows and to sell these and its contractual terms result in cash flows at fixed times that are solely payments of interest and principal on the principal amount outstanding. Interest income, exchange rate gains and losses, and impairments are recognized through profit or loss. Other net gains or losses are recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI). Upon retirement, the accumulated OCI is reclassified to profit or loss.
Unless it is held for trading, an equity instrument is measured at fair value with any changes in its value being recognized through other comprehensive income (FVTOCI equity instrument) if STRATEC has irrevocably elected upon initial recognition to present subsequent changes in the fair value of the equity instrument in other comprehensive income. This election may be made on a case-by-case basis for each equity instrument. Dividends are generally recognized as income through profit or loss. Other net gains or losses are recognized in other comprehensive income. Upon retirement, accumulated OCI is reclassified to revenue reserves.
Financial assets (debt or equity instruments) not measured at amortized cost or at FVTOCI are measured at fair value with any changes in their value being recognized through profit or loss (FVTPL). Measurement also includes derivative financial instruments, except for those designated as hedging instruments and effective as such, and financial assets held or managed for trading and whose value changes are assessed by reference to their fair values. Furthermore, upon initial recognition companies may irrevocably designate financial assets that otherwise meet the conditions for measurement at amortized cost or at FVTOCI as measured at FVTPL ("fair value option"). As in the previous year, STRATEC did not exercise this option. Net gains and losses, including all interest and dividend income, are recognized through profit or loss.
Financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost unless they are measured at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL). Measurement at fair value through profit or loss begins as soon as a financial liability is classified as held for trading, a derivative financial instrument is in place, except for those designated as hedging instruments and effective as such, or is designated as such upon initial recognition. Net gains or losses, including interest expenses, are recognized through profit or loss. Other financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Interest expenses and exchange rate gains and losses are recognized through profit or loss. Gains or losses arising upon derecognition are also recognized through profit or loss.
Financial assets are derecognized when the contractual rights to payment from the financial assets no longer exist or the financial asset has been transferred with all of its material risks and rewards. Financial liabilities are derecognized when the contractual obligations have been settled, rescinded or have expired.
Financial assets and liabilities are netted and presented in the consolidated balance sheet as net amounts when STRATEC currently has a legally enforceable right to offset the amounts thereby recognized and intends either to obtain settlement on a net basis or to simultaneously settle the liability upon recovery of the respective asset.
STRATEC deploys derivative financial instruments, and particularly forward exchange transactions, to reduce its currency risks. Derivatives are measured at fair value both upon initial recognition and when measured subsequently. Changes in their fair value are recognized through profit or loss in other operating income or expenses, as STRATEC has to date not designated any derivative financial instruments as hedge instruments.
Taxes levied on taxable profit in individual countries and changes in deferred tax items are reported as taxes on income. The income taxes reported have been calculated in accordance with the country-specific tax legislation valid or enacted as of the balance sheet date, and in the amount at which they are expected to be paid or refunded. Other taxes levied on items other than income have been recognized within the individual functional areas in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and in other operating expenses.
Deferred taxes have been calculated using the liability method for temporary differences between the amounts recognized for assets and liabilities in the IFRS and tax balance sheets (except for goodwill), as well as for consolidation entries and tax-reducing claims on loss carryovers likely to be recoverable in subsequent years.
Deferred tax assets on temporary differences and tax loss carryovers have only been capitalized to the extent that sufficient future taxable income will likely be available to utilize these deferred tax assets. The assessment of the recoverability of deferred tax assets has been based on the impact on earnings of reversing taxable temporary differences, short and mediumterm forecasts concerning the future earnings situation of the respective group company, and potential tax strategies. In making this assessment, STRATEC is further bound by the tax law norms valid or enacted as of the balance sheet date. Future legislative amendments may thus make it necessary to adjust the respective values through profit or loss.
Pursuant to German tax law, deferred taxes have been recognized on 5% of the differences resulting from translating foreign financial statements denominated in foreign currencies. No further deferred taxes have been recognized in connection with temporary differences of € 4,298k (previous year: € 4,589k) for interests in subsidiaries as STRATEC is able to manage the timing of any reversal of these differences and these are unlikely to be reversed in the foreseeable future.
Current and deferred tax assets and liabilities have been reported on a net basis in cases where they refer to the same taxable entity and the same tax authority. Where gains and losses have been recognized directly in equity, the same applies for the relevant deferred tax assets and liabilities.
The way in which tax law is applicable to a specific transaction or circumstance is potentially unclear. Whether a specific tax treatment is acceptable under tax law may potentially remain unknown until the relevant tax authority or court reaches a decision at a later point in time. Any decision by the tax authority to contest or review a specific tax treatment may therefore impact on STRATEC's financial reporting in respect of its current or deferred tax assets or liabilities. In this regard, STRATEC continually assesses the likelihood of a tax authority accepting an uncertain tax treatment. When addressing the question as to whether an uncertain tax treatment should be viewed separately or together with one or several other uncertain tax treatments, STRATEC selects that method which is better suited to predicting the manner in which the uncertainty will be resolved. In particular, STRATEC takes account of the manner in which it prepares its income tax returns and how this fits the tax treatments, and how STRATEC believes that the tax authority/authorities will perform their review and resolve any problems potentially arising thereby.
Pension provisions at STRATEC involve both defined contribution and defined benefit schemes and are structured in accordance with legal requirements in the various countries and based on individual commitments.
In defined contribution pension schemes, STRATEC is obliged to pay contributions to state or private pension companies in accordance with statutory or contractual requirements. Apart from these contributions, STRATEC is not subject to any further payment obligations. Current contributions have been recognized as expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
At STRATEC, the defined benefit pension schemes take a variety of forms due to the different country-specific requirements in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. To cover the commitments made, STRATEC makes contributions to external plan assets in some cases. In line with IAS 19 (Employee Benefits), the present value of pension obligations has been calculated using the projected unit credit method. This involves future obligations being measured using actuarial methods. The calculations at STRATEC have mainly been based on statistical data concerning mortality and invalidity rates, on assumptions concerning the discount rate, on future increases in incomes and pensions, personnel turnover rates, and the expected income from plan assets. The discount rate and the expected return on plan assets have basically been determined by reference to the yields on high-quality corporate bonds with congruent terms, or additionally by reference to the yields on appropriate government bonds. The currency and terms of the underlying bonds are congruent with the currency and expected maturities of the post-employment pension obligations to be satisfied. The fair value of the plan assets has been deducted from the present value of the pension obligations. The obligations and plan assets are measured annually. Actuarial calculations are performed as of the balance sheet date. Remeasurements for actuarial items are recognized directly in "Other comprehensive income".
Other provisions have been recognized to cover legal or constructive obligations to third parties resulting from past events which are likely to lead to a future outflow of resources and for which the expected amount of the obligation can be reliably estimated.
Such obligations have been recognized at the present values of the expected outflow of resources where this is expected to occur later than in the following year. Refund claims due from third parties have been recognized separately from provisions to the extent that their realization is virtually certain.
At STRATEC, other provisions include those stated for obligations resulting from guarantees and warranties. The calculation of the scope of obligation for guarantees and warranties has been based on the sales involving such guarantees thereby generated, on the respective contractual warranty periods, as well as on past empirical values, which are adapted on the basis of the implications of currently observable information and data, thus supplementing the implications of historic values by reference to current information and data.
IFRS 2 (Share-based Payment) makes a distinction between transactions that are cash-settled and those that are equitysettled. In the financial year under report, STRATEC recognized the following arrangements that are within the scope of IFRS 2 (Share-based Payment):
Cash-settled stock appreciation rights (SARs) and equity-settled stock options for employees.
Goods and services received for cash-settled share-based payments (stock appreciation rights – SARs) are measured at each balance sheet date and settlement date at the fair value of the respective liability, which is determined using recognized option pricing models. Changes in fair value are recognized through profit or loss.
Given the lack of a separately determinable fair value for the services involved, goods and services received for equity-settled share-based payments (stock options, employee participation program) have been measured at the fair value of the equity instruments as of the grant date and, in the case of stock options, using recognized option pricing models. Where the exercising of equity instruments granted or of the right to cash payment is dependent on the performance by the contractual party of a specific period of service, it is assumed that the services to be performed by the counterparty as consideration will be received during the vesting period in future. The payment expenses are therefore recognized over the vesting period within which the beneficiaries acquire an unrestricted claim to the instruments thereby committed.
Contingent liabilities are potential obligations resulting from past events whose existence is conditional on the materialization or otherwise of one or several uncertain future events not fully within STRATEC's control. Such obligations are not recognized in the balance sheet, as the outflow of resources is deemed unlikely or the scope of obligations cannot be reliably estimated.
The core principles governing the recognition of sales, as well as of cost of sales and research and development expenses, in respect of STRATEC's business model are as follows:
If they relate to development projects without a customer contract (proprietary development projects), the development expenses incurred in this context are generally recognized as expenses in the period in which they are incurred, with the exception of research and development projects acquired upon company acquisitions and development expenses cumulatively meeting the criteria stipulated in IAS 38.57. Capitalized development expenses are tested for impairment at least once a year in line with IAS 36 (Impairment of Assets) in cases where they are not yet ready for their intended use. Impairment losses are recognized when the carrying amount of the capitalized assets exceeds the recoverable amount. Once ready for their intended use, assets relating to "proprietary development projects" which are not comparable with development cooperations are amortized, generally over a period of five years. With regard to the amortization of "proprietary development projects" which are comparable with development cooperations, reference is made to the information provided under "Forward-looking assumptions" in this section.
In the 2022 financial year, development expenses in connection with aforementioned development projects were capitalized as internally generated intangible assets in an amount of € 8,305k (previous year: € 8,671k).
Pursuant to IAS 38.54, expenses attributable to research expenses are recognized as expenses in the period in which they are incurred.
For development projects with customer contracts (development cooperations) or other contracts with customers, STRATEC recognizes sales for development and other services and for sales of analyzer systems, service parts, and consumables. These are based on STRATEC's customer contracts and the performance obligations contained therein, which are individually identified and presented separately for the purpose of recognizing sales. Sales are recognized when or as STRATEC transfers control over goods or services to customers either at a given point in time or over a given period of time. For sales of analyzer systems, service parts, and consumables, the respective sales are generally recognized at a point in time determined by taking account of the transfer of ownership and assignment of the related risks and rewards. Sales for other services are generally recognized over the time in which they are performed in accordance with the percentage of completion. Depending on contractual requirements, sales for development performance obligations are recognized over time or at a given point in time. When recognizing development cooperations and associated development performance obligations in the OEM partnering business, which is the business model with the greatest significance for STRATEC in both quantitative and qualitative terms, distinctions – based on whether the development expenses are covered by (milestone) payments or remuneration clauses, and/or whether minimum collection volumes were agreed – can be made between four case groups:
| CASE 1 | CASE 2 | CASE 3 | CASE 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| • Development perfor mance obligation satisfied at a point in time (IFRS 15.38) – Development expenses covered by payments = contract fulfilment costs – Development expenses not covered by payments = intangible asset pursuant to IAS 38 – Payments received before transfer of development work = contract liabilities |
• Development perfor mance obligation satisfied at a point in time (IFRS 15.38) – Transaction price allocated from appliance delivery obligations for minimum acceptance volumes to development work = contract asset – Development expenses covered by payments = contract fulfillment costs – Development expenses not covered by payments = intangible assets pursuant to IAS 38 – Payments received before transfer of development work = contract liabilities |
• Development perfor mance obligation satisfied over time (IFRS 15.35(c)) – Transaction price allocated from appliance delivery obligations for minimum acceptance volumes to development work = contract asset – Payments received before transfer of development work = contract liabilities |
• Development perfor mance obligation satisfied over time (IFRS 15.35(c)) – Transaction price not allocated from appliance delivery obligations for minimum acceptance volumes to develop ment work – Payments received before transfer of development work = contract liabilities |
Sales are recognized in the amount which STRATEC expects to receive for satisfying the performance obligations. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price when it is highly likely that no significant cancellations will arise for the cumulative sales thereby recognized and as soon as the uncertainty underlying the variable consideration no longer applies. Variable consideration is determined using the experience method or the most likely amount method. Both the determination of variable consideration and the assessment of the likelihood of any potential cancellation of sales are subject to discretionary decisions. Fee components that have to be withheld for third parties, such as sales taxes and revenue reductions, e.g. discounts and bonuses, are deducted from the sales recognized. STRATEC adjusts the amount of promised consideration to account for the effects of significant financing components when the period between satisfaction of a performance obligation and payment for such is expected to amount to more than one year. STRATEC usually has significant financing components when development performance obligations are satisfied over a period of time and consideration is only received upon completion of development. Financing components are evaluated for each contract and are only significant when factors such as a lower cash purchase price and the combined effect of the passage of time and market interest rates give reason to expect a significant variance from the agreed consideration.
Additional contract acquisition costs are directly expensed when the amortization period does not amount to more than one year. As a general rule, STRATEC does not incur any additional costs that would not have arisen without corresponding contractual agreements. The costs incurred by STRATEC to acquire contracts are therefore recognized as expenses at the time at which they are incurred.
Costs incurred to satisfy performance obligations ("contract fulfilment costs") that are within the scope of IFRS 15 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers) are capitalized as assets and recognized in inventories when the costs lead to the creation or improvement of resources that will be used in future to satisfy performance obligations and are expected to be settled.
At the time at which a contract is agreed, STRATEC does not recognize an asset or liability for the resultant pending transaction. Only when one of the parties to the contract meets its obligation does STRATEC recognize a contract asset or contract liability in its consolidated balance sheet. A contract liability exists when the customer has already paid all or part of the consideration due for the promised services before STRATEC has transferred these to the customer. In STRATEC's business model, this situation may arise, for example, with development service obligations satisfied at a point in time when the customer makes milestone payments during the development phase. In this case, STRATEC recognizes the milestone payments as contract liabilities until the development work is transferred to the customer and the associated sales are recognized. In the reverse case, in which STRATEC provides its services and the customer has not yet paid consideration, STRATEC reviews whether its claim to payment of the consideration is conditional or unconditional. A conditional claim leads to the recognition of a contract asset, while an unconditional claim leads to the recognition of a trade receivable. In STRATEC's business model, this may be the case for a development performance obligation satisfied over time for which the costs of satisfying the development performance obligation exceed the consideration paid by the customer during the period in which the service is performed. Furthermore, the arising of an unconditional payment claim in connection with the development service obligation may also depend on the satisfaction of further contractually agreed performance obligations.
Should STRATEC be contractually obliged to transfer several performance obligations to a customer, the contractually promised consideration is divided on the basis of the standalone selling price at the time at which the contract was concluded. Standalone selling prices are not directly observable within STRATEC's development cooperation business model, i.e. STRATEC does not separately transfer similar goods and services to similar customers. In this case, the standalone selling price for a good or service must be estimated using a suitable method. For this purpose, STRATEC generally uses the "expectedcost-plus-a-margin" approach.
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires a certain number of discretionary decisions and forward-looking assumptions to be made which have implications for the method of statement and volume of assets, liabilities, expenses, income and contingent liabilities thereby recognized.
The most important discretionary decisions and forward-looking assumptions, as a result of which there may be a substantial risk of significant adjustments being required in the assets and liabilities thereby recognized in the coming financial year, are presented in greater detail below:
The assessment as to whether the requirements for capitalization have been met in each individual case is subject to significant discretionary decisions. Given the empirical values available in the fields of development and project management, STRATEC assumes that the estimates in terms of technical feasibility, expected overall costs and market conditions are sufficiently reliable.
With regard to the discretionary decisions relating to the recognition of development cooperations and recognition of sales pursuant to IFRS 15 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers), reference is made to the information provided under "Recognition of sales, cost of sales, research and development expenses" in this section.
The allocation of goodwill acquired upon company acquisitions to cash generating units for impairment testing purposes pursuant to IAS 36 (Impairment of Assets) is subject to significant discretionary decisions. From the takeover date onwards, STRATEC allocates the goodwill resulting from any company acquisition to each cash generating unit at the company intended to benefit from the synergies expected to arise on account of the business combination. STRATEC works with appropriate key figures (EBIT factors) to determine the potential synergies expected in each case.
When determining the functional currency of a foreign business operation and deciding whether its functional currency is identical with that of the reporting company, reference has to be made to the indicators specified in IAS 21 (The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates). When these indicators provide a mixed picture and the functional currency is not immediately apparent, STRATEC determines at its own discretion which functional currency best reflects the economic implications of the underlying business transactions, events and circumstances. In the case of foreign group companies, the respective national currencies have accordingly been chosen as the functional currencies with the exception of Medical Analyzers Holding GmbH, Zug, Switzerland, whose functional currency is the euro.
Numerous lease contracts, particularly for buildings, include extension and termination options. The extensions to terms resulting from the exercising or non-exercising of such options may only be accounted for when determining the lease contract term if they are sufficiently certain. The assessment as to whether the exercising or non-exercising of such options is sufficiently certain is subject to discretionary decisions. STRATEC accounts for all significant facts and circumstances that would provide the company with an economic incentive to exercise or not exercise the respective option, as well as for decisions taken in the past.
Due to the large number of variables involved, as well as to dynamic developments in the underlying framework, the goodwill impairment test (carrying amount as of December 31: € 36,655k; previous year: € 37,996k) is subject to a difficult assessment involving a significant degree of uncertainty in the estimates used. The principal assumptions underlying the impairment test performed at each balance sheet date are outlined under "Impairment tests" in this section. When performing sensitivity analyses for goodwill impairment tests, a reduction in the future cash flow and an increase in the weighted costs of capital by 10% each has been assumed, as changes on this scale would appear possible from a long-term perspective. On this basis, STRATEC has concluded that there are no indications of potential impairment in the goodwill of any of its cash generating units.
Other intangible assets (e.g. capitalized development expenses) are tested for impairment either upon the occurrence of a triggering event (where the respective assets are subject to scheduled amortization) or at least once a year (where the respective assets are not subject to scheduled amortization) (carrying amount as of December 31: € 51,616k; previous year: € 51,370k). These impairment tests are also basically subject to the same difficulties and estimation uncertainties as the goodwill impairment test. When performing sensitivity analyses for these impairment tests, a reduction in the future cash flows and an increase in the weighted costs of capital by 10% each has been assumed, as changes on this scale would appear possible from a long-term perspective. Based on the sensitivity analyses performed for the impairment tests, STRATEC concluded that there are no indications of potential impairment in these assets.
At STRATEC, the "expected credit losses" upon subsequent measurement of trade receivables (carrying amount as of December 31: € 51,730k; previous year: € 37,184k) and contract assets (carrying amount as of December 31: € 22,753k; previous year: € 22,261k) are determined on the basis of a sophisticated method which accounts for the creditworthiness of the debtor, the number of days overdue, and the trade credit insurance policies concluded to minimize default risk. Given the dynamic development in the underlying framework, this calculation involves significant estimation uncertainties with regard to the credit default risk resulting from the debtor's creditworthiness.
To calculate lease liabilities (carrying amount as of December 31: € 13,526k; previous year: € 9,460k), the future lease payments are discounted using an interest rate. This interest rate corresponds to the interest rate implicit in the lease, where this can be determined. Should this not be possible, the lessee should refer to its own incremental borrowing rate.
As the interest rate implicit in the lease is viewed from the perspective of the lessor, this rate is often not available to the lessee. In many cases, lessees therefore have to refer to their own incremental borrowing rate (hereinafter also "IBR"). The IBR is an interest rate that is specific to each company and, as a rule, specific to each individual lease agreement and legal unit. For this purpose, comparable leased items may be aggregated into groups of leased items, such as lease arrangements for comparable vehicles on comparable terms and in a comparable setting. The main factors determining the IBR are the term of the lease, the currency in which it is executed, the creditworthiness of the lessee, the credit amount, the economic environment in which the leased item is deployed, collateral by way of the leased item, the specific features of the leased item, and the valuation date.
STRATEC generally determines its IBR using the build-up approach and calculates this rate as the total of the following components:
In determining the term-specific base rate, STRATEC took due account of the fact that the yields on government bonds with congruent terms cannot simply be applied without further reflection. Due to the interest payments made during the term and repayment of the nominal amount at the end of the term, such bonds have different payment structures to typical leases, which involve constant payments each year of the term. To account for this, duration-adequate discount rates were applied to derive the IBR. Significant estimation uncertainties still apply, particularly when determining the premiums and discounts for the degree of collateral and the specific features of the leased item, not least as relatively little reliable empirical data is available.
The stock appreciation rights (SARs) granted (carrying amount as of December 31: € 970k; previous year: € 3,976k) have been measured by an independent surveyor specializing in option valuations. This surveyor used the binomial tree method to measure the SARs. The principal parameters subject to estimates (term, expected volatility, risk-free interest rate) have been presented in Section "C. Notes to the consolidated balance sheet (12) Non-current and current financial liabilities – Stock appreciation rights (SARs)".
The defined benefit plans pursuant to IAS 19 (Employee Benefits) (carrying amount as of December 31: € 3,152k; previous year: € 5,373k) have been measured by an independent company specializing in employee benefits. These measurements are based on actuarial assumptions which, given the long-term nature of these plans, involve uncertainties. With regard to the significant assumptions used in this respect, reference is made to the information provided in Section "C. Notes to the consolidated balance sheet (10) Provisions for pensions".
When calculating the provision for guarantee and warranty obligations (carrying amount as of December 31: € 1,291k; previous year: € 1,637k), STRATEC takes due account of historic values from the past, which are adapted on the basis of the implications of currently observable information and data, thus supplementing the implications of the historic values by reference to this current information and data. The insights gained in the 2022 financial year led to a change of € 346k in the provision for guarantee and warranty obligations. Actual expenses in future financial years may deviate from the estimated figures.
In its assessment that the – predominantly short-term – differences between the figures recognized for tax purposes and the figures recognized in the consolidated financial statements will reverse in subsequent financial years, STRATEC is bound pursuant to IAS 12 (Income Taxes) by the requirements of tax law valid or enacted as of the balance sheet date. Future legislative amendments could therefore make it necessary to adjust these figures through profit or loss.
In its assessment that it will be possible to offset the deferred tax assets recognized for tax loss carryovers (carrying amount as of December 31: € 2,601k; previous year: € 3,725k) against future profits, STRATEC relies on sources including its short and medium-term budget forecasts. The actual materialization of future profits is based on discretionary estimates. The carrying amounts of the deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized and not recognized in the consolidated financial statements, as well as their materialization and changes in the 2022 financial year compared with the previous year have been explained in detail in Section "C. Notes to the consolidated balance sheet (11) Taxes on income".
STRATEC is subject to income taxation in Germany and in various countries outside Germany ("foreign jurisdictions"). The measurement of the tax position(s) in individual countries is subject to substantial discretionary decisions, particularly for cross-border items. In the normal course of business, there are numerous transactions and calculations for which the definitive tax assessment is uncertain. STRATEC states provisions for tax-related uncertainties and bases these on estimates as to whether and, if so, to what extent, additional (income) taxes will be incurred. It adjusts these provisions to account for changes in facts and circumstances resulting, for example, from new information or the results of (current) tax audits. Taxes on income (current tax expenses and deferred tax expenses or deferred tax income) and the balance sheet line items of income tax receivables (carrying amount at December 31; € 1,338k; previous year: € 212k), income tax liabilities (carrying amount at December 31: € 9,952k; previous year: € 3,404k), deferred tax assets (carrying amount at December 31: € 3,666k; previous year: € 1,902k), and deferred tax liabilities (carrying amount at December 31: € 9,412k; previous year: € 8,788k) account for the impact of provisions, and of change in such, as well as for the implications which STRATEC deems appropriate when assessing the uncertainty surrounding the respective income tax treatments.
In addition to changes in tax laws and ordinances, administrative practices, interpretations, and tax audits on the part of the tax authorities may also impact on the uncertainties surrounding the respective income tax treatments.
In Germany, STRATEC is currently about to complete the external tax audit for the assessment periods 2014 – 2017. The assessments and agreements reached in this context have also been referred to by STRATEC to reassess the income tax position for subsequent assessment periods. This resulted in the recognition at STRATEC SE in the 2022 financial year of additional income tax liabilities of € 2,400k for the assessment periods from 2014– 2017 and of € 1,104k for subsequent assessment periods.
The increase in the tax outcomes for subsequent assessment periods has also resulted in an earlier reduction in tax loss carryovers at STRATEC SE, resulting in additional deferred tax expenses of € 888k.
As the aforementioned assessments and agreements chiefly involve cross-border items, based on the evaluation by STRATEC and its tax advisors the Swiss subsidiaries will witness a reduction in their tax burdens. Based on the additional income taxes presented above for STRATEC SE in Germany, a reduction in income taxes by € 1,277k for the periods from 2014 – 2017 and of € 1,217k for subsequent periods are to be expected for the Swiss subsidiaries.
As a net balance, the reassessment of the income tax position outlined above results in additional income tax expenses of € 1,898k in the 2022 financial year (of which € 1,123k relating to the periods from 2014 –2017).
Furthermore, as a result of the aforementioned reassessment of its income tax position and to account for these back payments of tax STRATEC SE has recognized additional interest expenses of € 354k in net financial expenses and within other liabilities.
As, based on the assessment of the tax advisors, it is "virtually certain" that in terms of the underlying principle the aforementioned situation will result in a reduction in income taxes in Switzerland corresponding to the amount of additional taxes in Germany, and that in terms of the amount these reductions will nevertheless be based on the lower tax rates at the Swiss subsidiaries and that the timing of the tax reduction is still unclear (not before in the 2023 assessment period or later or already for the assessment periods from 2014–2022), STRATEC has recognized the tax refund claims in Switzerland as deferred tax assets of € 2,545k. Should income taxes be refunded for the Swiss subsidiaries for the assessment periods from 2014 – 2021, interest income of € 174k resulting from tax refunds would be expected. However, this income is not "virtually certain" as defined in IAS 37 (Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets) and has therefore not been recognized in the 2022 financial year.
By its very nature, the time at which the uncertainty surrounding income tax treatments is resolved for tax audits that have not yet been completed is uncertain. The amounts ultimately paid may differ from those calculated and stated as provisions or assets. It is therefore possible that STRATEC will receive additional assessments or assessment notices from various tax authorities in the coming twelve months and/or that the uncertainties surrounding income tax treatments in Germany and abroad will be resolved. These assessments may lead to changes in our obligations in respect of items in the tax returns for previous years. Actual amounts may therefore differ from those presented above which, in STRATEC's opinion, currently represent the best possible estimate of the tax positions.
For intangible assets with limited useful lives (carrying amount as of December 31: € 51,616k; previous year: € 51,370k), IAS 38.97 requires the amortizable amount to be allocated over the respective useful life. According to the definition provided in IAS 38.8, the useful life is either the period over which the asset is expected to be of use to the company or the number of production or similar units which the asset is expected to generate at the company. Pursuant to IAS 38.97, the method of amortization has to correspond to the expected pattern of use for the future economic benefits accruing to the company from the asset. According to IAS 38.98, reference may be made to various methods of amortization when determining the scheduled allocation of the amortizable amount. Alongside the straight-line and decreasing balance methods, these also include the units of production method. Pursuant to IAS 38.98B, when selecting an appropriate method of amortization as required by IAS 38.98 the company can determine the inherent predominant limiting factor relevant to the intangible asset. This may serve as the starting point for determining the appropriate amortization base. In the case of the development cooperations in STRATEC's OEM partnering business model and of comparable "Proprietary development projects", the decision as to whether the inherent predominant limiting factor is timebased or based on the number of units produced over the product lifecycle represents a discretionary assessment. Having appraised all circumstances, STRATEC concluded overall that the number of units to be produced over the entire product lifecycle, taking due account of the expected product lifecycle, is the inherent predominant limiting factor. The amortization method selected by STRATEC on this basis, under which the amortization required for the respective period under report is measured by reference to the higher of accumulated straightline amortization based on the expected product lifecycle ("minimum amortization") and of accumulated amortization based on the number of units to be produced, takes suitable account of this circumstance. Based on past experience, the product lifecycles for the appliances can currently be expected to range from 12 to 15 years.
There are no other significant forward-looking assumptions and sources of uncertainty concerning estimates at the balance sheet date which involve any substantial risk of material adjustments being required in the assets and liabilities thereby recognized within the coming financial year.
In addition to the disclosures required by IFRS, for purposes of comparison STRATEC also reports its EBIT and EBITDA figures following adjustment for one-off items. Together with sales, these adjusted earnings figures represent the key figures referred to for internal management purposes. One-off items are defined in this respect as significant income and expense items incurred outside the framework of customary business activities and/or of a non-recurring nature. Further details can be found in section "B. Business report – Position" in the Group Management Report.
Intangible assets developed as follows in the 2022 financial year:
| Goodwill € 000s |
Acquired technologies € 000s |
Internally generated intangible assets € 000s |
Acquired patents € 000s |
Acquired trademarks € 000s |
Acquired customer bases € 000s |
Other rights and values € 000s |
Advance payments € 000s |
Total € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acquisition and manufacturing costs Balance at 01.01.2022 |
37,996 | 19,068 | 61,159 | 5,023 | 2,515 | 24,685 | 6,969 | 146 | 157,561 |
| Additions | 0 | 0 | 8,306 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 382 | 34 | 8,722 |
| Disposals | 0 | 0 | 226 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 173 | 127 | 526 |
| Currency differences | -1,341 | -861 | -402 | 0 | -199 | -793 | 1 | -2 | -3,597 |
| Balance at 12.31.2022 | 36,655 | 18,207 | 68,837 | 5,023 | 2,316 | 23,892 | 7,179 | 51 | 162,160 |
| Carrying amounts at 12.31.2022 |
36,655 | 4,196 | 41,703 | 2,857 | 753 | 1,388 | 668 | 51 | 88,271 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 12.31.2022 | 0 | 14,011 | 27,134 | 2,166 | 1,563 | 22,504 | 6,511 | 0 | 73,889 |
| Currency differences | 0 | -692 | 12 | 0 | -120 | -793 | 2 | 0 | -1,591 |
| Disposals | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 173 | 0 | 173 |
| Additions to amortization |
0 | 1,930 | 3,433 | 333 | 237 | 740 | 785 | 0 | 7,458 |
| Accumulated amortization and impairments Balance at 01.01.2022 |
0 | 12,773 | 23,689 | 1,833 | 1,446 | 22,557 | 5,897 | 0 | 68,195 |
| Goodwill € 000s |
Acquired technologies € 000s |
Internally generated intangible assets € 000s |
Acquired patents € 000s |
Acquired trademarks € 000s |
Acquired customer bases € 000s |
Other rights and values € 000s |
Advance payments € 000s |
Total € 000s |
The goodwill results from the acquisitions of the companies in the Diatron Group, STRATEC Consumables GmbH, STRATEC Biomedical USA, Inc., STRATEC Biomedical UK, Ltd., and STRATEC Molecular GmbH.
The carrying amount of technologies includes the technologies relating to technical solutions for decentralized laboratory analyses in the field of hematology and clinical chemicals identified upon the acquisition of the Diatron Group and the technologies for smart consumables, particularly in the fields of nanostructuring, micro-structuring, coating, and plastics production, identified upon the acquisition of STRATEC Consumables.
The carrying amount for internally generated intangible assets includes both development expenses capitalized for proprietary development projects (€ 40,125k; previous year: € 35,531k), and development expenses capitalized for development cooperations within the OEM partnering business model (€ 1,578k; previous year: € 1,939k). Of the intangible assets recognized for proprietary development projects, an amount of € 15,597k (previous year: € 15,885k), of which € 163k (previous year: € 300k) for development cooperations, was completed as of the balance sheet date. Reference is also made to the information in Section "B. Accounting policies applied – Recognition of sales, cost of sales, research and development expenses".
The carrying amount for other rights and values includes software and licenses acquired.
No borrowing costs were recognized as a component of costs in accordance with IAS 23 (Borrowing Costs) in the 2022 financial year (previous year: € 18k).
In the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, amortization on internally generated intangible assets, technologies, and other rights and values has been recognized under cost of sales or within the individual functional divisions in line with its causation.
Intangible assets developed as follows in the 2021 financial year:
In the previous year, an impairment loss of € 1,047k was recognized on internally generated intangible assets associated with proprietary development projects. This item was attributable to the Diatron segment. The events and circumstances leading to this impairment result from the decision taken by the Board of Management to initially suspend one development project and, if appropriate, to continue with it at a later point in time. This decision was taken to account for the fact that the project would not meet the technical and economic performance capacity expected of it by STRATEC in the medium term and to optimize the allocation of resources.
Individual intangible assets with carrying amounts of more than € 2.0 million at the balance sheet date on December 31, 2022 and thus, alongside goodwill and the intangible assets acquired upon the acquisition of the Diatron Group and STRATEC Consumables GmbH, of material significance for the consolidated financial statements of STRATEC comprise the following items:
| Carrying amount € 000s |
Project phase |
|
|---|---|---|
| Proprietary development project | 8,763 | in amortization |
| Proprietary development project | 8,313 | in development |
| Proprietary development project | 5,190 | in development |
| Proprietary development project | 2,081 | in amortization |
| Proprietary development project | 2,404 | in development |
| Proprietary development project | 2,849 | in development |
| Total | 29,600 |
| Goodwill € 000s |
Acquired technologies € 000s |
Internally generated intangible assets € 000s |
Acquired patents € 000s |
Acquired trademarks € 000s |
Acquired customer bases € 000s |
Other rights and values € 000s |
Advance payments € 000s |
Total € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acquisition and manufacturing costs Balance at 01.01.2021 |
37,860 | 23,577 | 51,575 | 5,023 | 2,552 | 24,555 | 8,708 | 19 | 153,869 |
| Additions | 0 | 0 | 9,637 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 536 | 127 | 10,300 |
| Disposals | 0 | 4,437 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2,301 | 0 | 6,738 |
| Currency differences | 136 | -72 | -53 | 0 | -37 | 130 | 26 | 0 | 130 |
| Balance at 12.31.2021 | 37,996 | 19,068 | 61,159 | 5,023 | 2,515 | 24,685 | 6,969 | 146 | 157,561 |
| Carrying amounts at 12.31.2021 |
37,996 | 6,295 | 37,470 | 3,190 | 1,069 | 2,128 | 1,072 | 146 | 89,366 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 12.31.2021 | 0 | 12,773 | 23,689 | 1,833 | 1,446 | 22,557 | 5,897 | 0 | 68,195 |
| Currency differences | 0 | -59 | 65 | 0 | -25 | 112 | 24 | 0 | 117 |
| Disposals | 0 | 4,437 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2,301 | 0 | 6,738 |
| Impairments | 0 | 0 | 1,047 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1,047 |
| Additions to amortization |
0 | 2,071 | 2,545 | 334 | 259 | 1,893 | 1,411 | 0 | 8,513 |
| Accumulated amortization and impairments Balance at 01.01.2021 |
0 | 15,198 | 20,032 | 1,499 | 1,212 | 20,552 | 6,763 | 0 | 65,256 |
| Goodwill € 000s |
Acquired technologies € 000s |
Internally generated intangible assets € 000s |
Acquired patents € 000s |
Acquired trademarks € 000s |
Acquired customer bases € 000s |
Other rights and values € 000s |
Advance payments € 000s |
Total € 000s |
Right-of-use assets showed the following developments in the 2022 financial year:
| Other equipment, plant and office equipment | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Land and buildings € 000s |
Vehicles € 000s |
Office equipment € 000s |
Total € 000s |
|
| Cost of acquisition Balance at 01.01.2022 |
13,073 | 766 | 121 | 13,960 |
| Additions | 5,834 | 196 | 0 | 6,030 |
| Disposals | 0 | 352 | 0 | 352 |
| Currency differences | -460 | -7 | 0 | -467 |
| Balance at 12.31.2022 | 18,447 | 603 | 121 | 19,171 |
| Other equipment, plant and office equipment | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Land and buildings € 000s |
Vehicles € 000s |
Office equipment € 000s |
Total € 000s |
|
| Accumulated depreciation Balance at 01.01.2022 |
4,805 | 365 | 70 | 5,240 |
| Additions | 1,741 | 215 | 23 | 1,979 |
| Disposals | 0 | 335 | 0 | 335 |
| Currency differences | -157 | 0 | 0 | -157 |
| Balance at 12.31.2022 | 6,389 | 245 | 93 | 6,727 |
| Carrying amount at 12.31.2022 |
12,058 | 358 | 28 | 12,444 |
Right-of-use assets showed the following developments in the 2021 financial year:
| Other equipment, plant and office equipment | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Land and buildings € 000s |
Vehicles € 000s |
Office equipment € 000s |
Total € 000s |
|
| Cost of acquisition Balance at 01.01.2021 |
12,874 | 635 | 121 | 13,630 |
| Additions | 294 | 334 | 0 | 628 |
| Disposals | 48 | 204 | 0 | 252 |
| Currency differences | -47 | 1 | 0 | -46 |
| Balance at 12.31.2021 | 13,073 | 766 | 121 | 13,960 |
| Other equipment, plant and office equipment | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Land and buildings € 000s |
Vehicles € 000s |
Office equipment € 000s |
Total € 000s |
|||
| Accumulated depreciation Balance at 01.01.2021 |
3,168 | 316 | 47 | 3,531 | ||
| Additions | 1,713 | 232 | 23 | 1,968 | ||
| Disposals | 48 | 183 | 0 | 231 | ||
| Currency differences | -28 | 0 | 0 | -28 | ||
| Balance at 12.31.2021 | 4,805 | 365 | 70 | 5,240 | ||
| Carrying amount at 12.31.2021 |
8,268 | 401 | 51 | 8,720 |
For information about the corresponding lease liabilities, please see Section "C. Notes to the consolidated balance sheet (12) Non-current and current financial liabilities".
Property, plant and equipment developed as follows in the 2022 financial year:
| Land and buildings € 000s |
Technical equipment and machinery € 000s |
Other equipment, plant and office equipment € 000s |
Prepayments made and assets under construction € 000s |
Total € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acquisition and manufacturing costs Balance at 01.01.2022 |
43,881 | 14,860 | 39,729 | 6,910 | 105,380 |
| Additions | 322 | 491 | 2,325 | 7,159 | 10,297 |
| Disposals | 71 | 8 | 1,149 | 66 | 1,294 |
| Reclassifications | 0 | 282 | 2,733 | -3,015 | 0 |
| Currency differences | 433 | -117 | 21 | -54 | 283 |
| Balance at 12.31.2022 | 44,565 | 15,508 | 43,659 | 10,934 | 114,666 |
| Land and buildings € 000s |
Technical equipment and machinery € 000s |
Other equipment, plant and office equipment € 000s |
Prepayments made and assets under construction € 000s |
Total € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accumulated depreciation and impairments Balance at 01.01.2022 |
7,989 | 10,909 | 27,744 | 0 | 46,642 |
| Additions to depreciation | 1,539 | 1,179 | 4,776 | 0 | 7,494 |
| Disposals | 71 | 8 | 1,125 | 0 | 1,204 |
| Reclassifications | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Currency differences | 153 | -47 | 69 | 0 | 175 |
| Balance at 12.31.2022 | 9,610 | 12,033 | 31,464 | 0 | 53,107 |
| Carrying amounts at 12.31.2022 |
34,955 | 3,475 | 12,195 | 10,934 | 61,559 |
As in the previous year, no borrowing costs were capitalized as a component of cost in accordance with IAS 23 (Borrowing Costs) in the 2022 financial year.
As in the previous year, it was not necessary to recognize any impairment losses in the 2022 financial year.
Property, plant and equipment developed as follows in the 2021 financial year:
| Land and buildings € 000s |
Technical equipment and machinery € 000s |
Other equipment, plant and office equipment € 000s |
Prepayments made and assets under construction € 000s |
Total € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acquisition and manufacturing costs Balance at 01.01.2021 |
41,406 | 12,434 | 35,983 | 6,025 | 95,848 |
| Additions | 2,013 | 1,880 | 3,197 | 2,842 | 9,932 |
| Disposals | 0 | 0 | 902 | 0 | 902 |
| Reclassifications | 63 | 573 | 1,311 | -1,947 | 0 |
| Currency differences | 399 | -27 | 140 | -10 | 502 |
| Balance at 12.31.2021 | 43,881 | 14,860 | 39,729 | 6,910 | 105,380 |
| Prepayments made and | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Land and buildings | Technical equipment and machinery |
Other equipment, plant and office equipment |
assets under construction |
Total | ||
| € 000s | € 000s | € 000s | € 000s | € 000s | ||
| Accumulated depreciation and impairments Balance at 01.01.2021 |
6,419 | 9,648 | 24,411 | 0 | 40,478 | |
| Additions to depreciation | 1,435 | 1,270 | 4,021 | 0 | 6,726 | |
| Disposals | 0 | 0 | 827 | 0 | 827 | |
| Reclassifications | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Currency differences | 135 | -9 | 139 | 0 | 265 | |
| Balance at 12.31.2021 | 7,989 | 10,909 | 27,744 | 0 | 46,642 | |
| Carrying amounts | ||||||
| at 12.31.2021 | 35,892 | 3,951 | 11,985 | 6,910 | 58,738 |
Raw materials and supplies amounted to € 71,057k as of December 31, 2022 (previous year: € 43,232k). In the 2022 financial year, income of € 82k (previous year: € 765k) and expenses of € 1,154k (previous year: € 1,227k) were recognized through profit or loss under cost of sales for changes in write-downs of raw materials and supplies. The resultant earnings items were attributable to diminished usability risks.
These items are structured as follows:
| 12.31.2022 € 000s |
12.31.2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Unfinished products | 7,369 | 15,384 |
| Contract fulfilment costs | 26,937 | 18,754 |
| Total | 34,306 | 34,138 |
Income of € 350k (previous year: € 364k) and expenses of € 206k (previous year: € 471k) resulting from changes in write-downs of unfinished products were recognized through profit or loss under cost of sales in the 2022 financial year.
Information about the accounting treatment of contract fulfilment costs in connection with development cooperations can be found in Section "B. Accounting policies applied – Recognition of sales, cost of sales, research and development expenses".
These items are structured as follows:
| 12.31.2022 € 000s |
12.31.2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Finished products | 9,229 | 9,460 |
| Merchandise | 1,840 | 650 |
| Prepayments made | 1,198 | 1,288 |
| Total | 12,267 | 11,398 |
Income of € 238k (previous year: € 80k) and expenses of € 42k (previous year: € 526k) resulting from changes in writedowns of finished products were recognized through profit or loss under cost of sales in the 2022 financial year.
Of the items recognized within inventories, the overwhelming share is expected to be realized within a period of twelve months after the balance sheet date. One exception relates to contract fulfilment costs of € 12,683k (previous year: € 15,792k), whose realization is only expected after more than twelve months.
The contract assets of € 22,753k (previous year: € 22,261k) involve STRATEC's claims to consideration for work that is completed but not yet invoiced as of the balance sheet date. Contract assets are reclassified as trade receivables when such rights become unconditional. This is generally the case when STRATEC issues or has issued an invoice to the customer.
The change in contract assets in the 2022 financial year was due to an increase in the sales recognized over time for development cooperations allocated to the Instrumentation segment, as well as to the reduction resulting from customer payments and netting with contract liabilities.
Of trade receivables (€ 51,730k; previous year: € 37,184k), an amount of € 51,730k (previous year: (€ 37,184k) is due for payment within one year. Customer credit balances have been recognized under financial liabilities.
Trade receivables include receivables of € 13k due from associates (previous year: € 13k). The receivables are structured as follows:
| Company providing service |
Company receiving service |
12.31.2022 € 000s |
12.31.2021 € 000s |
|---|---|---|---|
| STRATEC SE | STRATEC Biomedical (Taicang) Co. Ltd. |
13 | 13 |
| Total | 13 | 13 |
The allowances schedule for trade receivables and contract assets developed as follows:
| 2022 € 000s |
2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Accumulated allowances at 01.01. |
1,124 | 1,285 |
| Expenses in period under report |
316 | 200 |
| Reversal | -108 | -351 |
| Utilized | 0 | -12 |
| Currency differences | -40 | 2 |
| Accumulated allowances at 12.31. |
1,292 | 1,124 |
Of the accumulated allowances recognized as of December 31, 2022, € 31k relate to contract assets (previous year: € 39k).
As in the previous year, no expenses were recognized through profit or loss in the 2022 financial year for the complete writedown of trade receivables. Also as in the previous year, no writebacks were required.
All income and expenses resulting from changes in allowances and the derecognition of trade receivables were, as in the previous year, recognized under sales-related expenses.
The time band structure of trade receivables and of the allowance recognized for "expected credit losses" is presented in the following table:
| € 000s | Gross amount | of which: not overdue at balance sheet date |
of which: overdue at balance sheet date within following time bands |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| up to 60 days |
between 60 and 90 days |
more than 90 days |
|||
| 12.31.2022 | 52,978 | 43,576 | 4,498 | 2,704 | 2,200 |
| Expected credit loss |
160 | 270 | 831 | ||
| 12.31.2021 | 38,256 | 27,988 | 6,966 | 1,469 | 1,833 |
| Expected credit loss |
228 | 90 | 767 |
At STRATEC, "expected credit losses" have been calculated using a sophisticated process that accounts in particular for different country-specific circumstances, e.g. in terms of overdue items. Furthermore, due account was taken of the fact that STRATEC SE in particular concluded trade credit insurance to minimize default risk and that this covers part of the default risk at subsidiaries. The (expected) premium for the trade credit insurance was referred to as the basis for calculating (expected) credit losses.
Financial assets are structured as follows:
| 12.31.2022 € 000s |
12.31.2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Investments in associates | 100 | 100 |
| Investments in listed companies |
958 | 1,226 |
| Other | 3,885 | 3,787 |
| Total | 4,943 | 5,113 |
Investments in associates of € 100k (previous year: € 100k) and other financial assets of € 3,439k (previous year: € 3,474k) have been recognized under non-current financial assets.
The composition of investments in associates is presented in Section "B. Accounting policies applied – Scope of consolidation". The amounts recognized in the balance sheet developed as follows:
| 12.31.2022 € 000s |
12.31.2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Carrying amount at 01.01. | 100 | 100 |
| Disposals | 0 | 0 |
| Currency differences | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
The shares held in listed companies have been measured at their closing prices at the balance sheet date on the stock market with the highest trading volumes.
As in the previous year, STRATEC neither acquired nor disposed of any shares in listed companies in the 2022 financial year.
The net expenses of € 268k (previous year: € 22k) resulting from the measurement of investments in listed companies as of the balance sheet date has been recognized through profit or loss in the "Other financial result" in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
The "Other" line item mainly includes payments of € 3,000k (previous year: € 3,000k) to secure trade receivables. These payments received are subject to contractually agreed restrictions on disposal, as a result of which STRATEC may only access the funds if certain conditions materialize. Corresponding liabilities of the same amount have been recognized under noncurrent financial liabilities. Furthermore, this line item includes claims of € 431k for rental deposits (previous year: € 459k), receivables of € 55k due from employees (previous year: € 60k), loans of € 21k (previous year: € 26k), and creditors with debit balances of € 6k (previous year: € 13k).
Other receivables and assets are structured as follows:
| 12.31.2022 € 000s |
12.31.2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Sales tax | 7,527 | 6,940 |
| Deferred expenses | 2,653 | 1,868 |
| Other | 322 | 269 |
| Total | 10,502 | 9,077 |
The other receivables and other assets are neither impaired nor overdue.
The individual components of shareholders' equity, their development in 2021 and 2022, and dividends paid have been presented in the consolidated statement of changes in equity.
The share capital of STRATEC SE amounted to € 12,158k at the balance sheet date (previous year: € 12,128k). The share capital is divided into 12,157,841 ordinary shares (previous year: 12,127,995 ordinary shares). The shares have been paid up in full and are registered shares. Each share entitles its holder to one voting right.
The increase in share capital by € 30k (previous year: € 25k) was due to the issue of 29,846 shares for subscription from conditional capitals in the context of stock option programs (previous year: 25,050). This capital increase had not yet been entered in the Commercial Register as of the balance sheet date. The respective entry was made on January 13, 2023.
Pursuant to § 4 (4.5) of the Articles of Association, the Board of Management is authorized, subject to approval by the Supervisory Board, to increase the company's share capital on one or more occasions prior to June 7, 2025 by a maximum amount of up to € 2,400,000.00 by issuing up to a maximum of 2,400,000 new shares in return for cash and/or non-cash contributions (Authorized Capital 2020/I). In general, shareholders must be granted subscription rights. In specific circumstances outlined in the Articles of Association, however, the Board of Management is entitled to exclude such subscription rights for a total amount of up to 10% of existing share capital upon this authorization becoming effective or, if lower, of the equivalent amount upon this authorization being drawn on. Authorized Capital amounted to € 2,400,000.00 as of December 31, 2022.
§ 4 (4.6) Paragraph 1 of the Articles of Association provides for Conditional Capital VI/2013. This conditional capital increase serves to grant subscription rights (stock options) up to June 5, 2018 on the basis of the resolution adopted by the Annual General Meeting on June 6, 2013. Pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Annual General Meeting on May 30, 2018, Conditional Capital VI/2013 was reduced to € 190,000.00 and the authorization to grant stock options dated June 6, 2013 rescinded to the extent that no further new option rights may be granted; only existing option rights may be exercised. The new shares have profit entitlement from the beginning of the financial year in which they are issued. Conditional Capital VI/2013 amounted to € 1,500.00 as of December 31, 2022.
Furthermore, § 4 (4.6) Paragraph 2 of the Articles of Association provides for Conditional Capital VIII/2018. This conditional capital increase serves to grant subscription rights (stock options) up to May 29, 2023 on the basis of the resolution adopted by the Annual General Meeting on May 30, 2018. The conditional capital increase is only executed to the extent that bearers of stock options exercise their subscription rights. The new shares have profit entitlement from the beginning of the financial year in which they are issued. Conditional Capital VIII/2018 amounted to € 783,654.00 as of December 31, 2022.
Furthermore, § 4 (4.7) of the Articles of Association provides for Conditional Capital IX/2020 of € 800,000.00. This conditional capital increase serves exclusively to grant up to 800,000 new shares to the bearers or creditors of convertible or warrant bonds issued by the company or by direct or indirect majority shareholdings of the company by June 7, 2025 on the basis of the resolution adopted by the Annual General Meeting on June 8, 2020. Conditional Capital IX/2020 amounted to € 800,000.00 as of December 31, 2022.
Total conditional capital therefore amounted to € 1,585,154.00 as of December 31, 2022 (previous year: € 1,615,000.00).
As in the previous year, the company had two stock option programs (equity-settled share-based payment) as of December 31, 2022. These programs are especially well-suited to provide a sustainable performance incentive for members of the Board of Management, employees of STRATEC SE, and for members of the management and employees of companies associated with STRATEC SE. They thus help increase the value of the company in the interests both of the company and of its shareholders.
In the financial years 2015 to 2017, the individual members of the Board of Management were not granted any stock options. Rather than stock options, they were granted stock appreciation rights (cash-settled share-based payment – SARs) as a variable remuneration component of a long-term incentive nature. Since the 2018 financial year, a modification to this approach means that the company no longer exclusively grants stock appreciation rights (SARs), but has once again granted stock options at a ratio of 75% (SARs) to 25% (stock options).
The following specific conditions apply in respect of qualifying periods, performance targets, lapsing, caps, and exercise windows:
The stock options granted may be exercised in full at the earliest following the expiry of a qualifying period of four years and provided that the following market conditions are fully met:
through to the end of their terms if, on the day preceding the respective exercise date, the closing price of STRATEC's share on the final trading day on the electronic trading system of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (XETRA) has risen by an average of 0.417% of the exercise price per completed calendar month since the date of the option dates being granted.
Following the expiry of a seven-year term after being granted, the option rights lapse without compensation.
Where stock options are granted to the members of the Board of Management, a cap also applies if, on the stock market trading day preceding the respective exercise date for the stock options, the closing price of STRATEC's share on the electronic trading system of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (XETRA) exceeds the exercise price by more than 200%; in this case the exercise price is increased to the extent that the difference only amounts to 200% of the original exercise price.
If the waiting period and performance target requirements have been met, the stock option rights may in each case only be exercised on the ten trading days on the electronic trading system of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (XETRA) subsequent to the holding of the Annual General Meeting, or the publication of the definitive 6-month results, should such publication occur after the Annual General Meeting for the respective preceding financial year, or of the 9-month results (exercise windows). In these cases, the stock option rights may be exercised independently of each other in several of the aforementioned exercise windows.
The individual stock option programs, fair value calculations using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and using Monte Carlo simulations, and the calculation of the related personnel expenses in the individual periods (taking due account of personnel turnover) have mainly been based on the following key parameters (with expected volatility derived from historic volatility figures):
| Granted in: | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Option rights granted (number of shares) | 45,132 | 43,850 | 43,100 | 47,350 | 47,850 |
| Weighted exercise price (in €) | 101.59 | 119.66 | 76.81 | 59.76 | 60.05 |
| Expected share price volatility in % | 39.79 | 39.29 | 35.63 | 35.78 | 33.72 |
| to 40.83 | to 40.40 | to 38.39 | to 36.20 | to 35.83 | |
| Expected dividend yield in % | 0.69 | 0.60 | 0.66 | 1.11 | 1.09 |
| to 1.07 | to 0.78 | to 1.28 | to 1.54 | to 1.45 | |
| Risk-free interest rate in % | -0.25 | -0.68 | -0.77 | -0.70 | 0.08 |
| to 2.03 | to -0.44 | to -0.51 | to -0.07 | to 0.34 | |
| Assumed turnover of subscription | 0.50 | 0.50 | 0.50 | 0.50 | 0.50 |
| beneficiaries in % | to 7.00 | to 5.00 | to 5.00 | to 5.00 | to 5.00 |
| Fair value of option rights at grant date (in € 000s) |
1,398 | 1,608 | 1,016 | 731 | 787 |
Within the Monte Carlo simulation, the aforementioned market conditions and cap were accounted for as appropriate in the fair value calculation.
The weighted average fair value of the option rights granted in the 2022 financial year amounts to € 30.96 (previous year: € 36.68).
The weighted average share price has been accounted for at € 99.21 in the fair value calculation of the option rights granted in the 2022 financial year (previous year: € 118.56).
In respect of the exercise behavior shown by the program participants, it has been assumed that they will exercise their options in line with their economic interests.
The following options schedule provides an overview of the development in stock option rights in the 2021 to 2022 financial years:
| Board of Management | Employees | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock option rights |
No. of options |
Weighted exercise price in € |
No. of options |
Weighted exercise price in € |
No. of options |
Weighted exercise price in € |
| Outstanding on 12.31.2021 |
40,000 | 72.43 | 128,150 | 81.77 | 168,150 | 79.55 |
| of which exercisable | 0 | n/a | 0 | n/a | 0 | n/a |
| Granted | 9,557 | 117.52 | 35,575 | 97.31 | 45,132 | 101.59 |
| Exercised | 10,000 | 56.50 | 19,846 | 59.40 | 29,846 | 58.43 |
| Lapsed | 0 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.00 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Forfeited | 0 | 0.00 | 500 | 134.08 | 500 | 134.08 |
| Outstanding on 12.31.2022 |
39,557 | 87.35 | 143,379 | 88.54 | 182,936 | 88.29 |
| of which exercisable | 0 | n/a | 8,504 | 59.82 | 8,504 | 59.82 |
| Board of Management | Employees | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock option rights |
No. of options |
Weighted exercise price in € |
No. of options |
Weighted exercise price in € |
No. of options |
Weighted exercise price in € |
| Outstanding on 12.31.2020 |
30,000 | 58.91 | 129,850 | 63.87 | 159,850 | 62.94 |
| of which exercisable | 0 | n/a | 500 | 52.61 | 500 | 52.61 |
| Granted | 10,000 | 113.00 | 33,850 | 121.47 | 43,850 | 119.54 |
| Exercised | 0 | n/a | 25,050 | 50.51 | 25,050 | 50.51 |
| Lapsed | 0 | n/a | 0 | n/a | 0 | n/a |
| Forfeited | 0 | n/a | 10,500 | 62.93 | 10,500 | 62.93 |
| Outstanding on 12.31.2021 |
40,000 | 72.43 | 128,150 | 81.77 | 168,150 | 79.55 |
| of which exercisable | 0 | n/a | 0 | n/a | 0 | n/a |
The fair value of the stock option rights has been expensed over the agreed qualifying periods and has resulted in an endowment of the same amount in the capital reserve. This led to expenses of € 1,214k for equity-settled share-based payments in the 2022 financial year (previous year: € 919k). Given the consistent, low level of personnel turnover, it has not been necessary in subsequent periods to adjust the expenses calculated upon the respective rights being granted.
The 8,504 stock option rights exercisable as of December 31, 2022 (previous year: 0) entitle their bearers to acquire a total of up to 8,504 shares during the future possible exercise windows at a total exercise price of € 509k.
The weighted average share price on the exercise date of the option rights exercised in the 2022 financial year amounts to € 89.71 (previous year: € 124.01).
The weighted exercise prices and weighted average remaining contractual terms of the stock options outstanding at the end of the period under report have been presented in the following table:
| Range in € | Number of stock options | Weighted exercise price in € | Weighted remaining contractual term in months |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55.01 – 60.00 | 32,704 | 56.33 | 39.7 |
| 60.01 – 65.00 | 32,750 | 62.19 | 48.8 |
| 65.01 – 70.00 | 17,150 | 67.59 | 45.2 |
| 70.01 – 75.00 | 1,500 | 71.18 | 25.4 |
| 80.01 – 85.00 | 3,800 | 80.84 | 74.9 |
| 85.01 – 90.00 | 13,775 | 85.54 | 83.2 |
| 100.01 – 105.00 | 13,500 | 105.00 | 74.7 |
| 110.01 – 115.00 | 30,000 | 113.00 | 63.1 |
| 115.01 – 120.00 | 15,057 | 117.18 | 74.0 |
| 120.01 – 125.00 | 2,800 | 120.48 | 57.8 |
| 125.01 – 130.00 | 9,350 | 125.92 | 62.2 |
| 130.01 – 135.00 | 6,550 | 134.08 | 71.0 |
| 135.01 – 140.00 | 4,000 | 138.84 | 61.9 |
| Total | 182,936 | 88.29 | 58.0 |
2021
| Range in € | Number of stock options | Weighted exercise price in € | Weighted remaining contractual term in months |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55.01 – 60.00 | 59,050 | 56.51 | 49.5 |
| 60.01 – 65.00 | 32,750 | 62.19 | 60.9 |
| 65.01 – 70.00 | 17,150 | 67.59 | 57.4 |
| 70.01 – 75.00 | 5,000 | 71.18 | 37.6 |
| 80.01 – 85.00 | 1,000 | 82.36 | 66.9 |
| 110.01 – 115.00 | 30,000 | 113.00 | 75.3 |
| 120.01 – 125.00 | 2,800 | 120.48 | 70.0 |
| 125.01 – 130.00 | 9,350 | 125.92 | 74.3 |
| 130.01 – 135.00 | 7,050 | 134.08 | 83.2 |
| 135.01 – 140.00 | 4,000 | 138.84 | 74.1 |
| Total | 168,150 | 79.55 | 60.6 |
In the previous year, all eligible employees at STRATEC SE received four employee shares within the employee participation program as part of their remuneration. In the previous year, this involved transferring a total of 1,680 treasury stocks held by STRATEC SE to the respective accounts of the participating employees. In connection with the employee participation program, an amount of € 222k was recognized in the previous year both as expenses and in the capital reserve. Due to the transfer of treasury stocks, the capital reserve was subsequently reduced by € 30k. No employee shares were issued within the employee participation program in the 2022 financial year.
The capital reserve of € 35,145k (previous year: € 32,217k) mainly includes the premium from the issuing of shares, less the costs of equity procurement after taxes. Moreover, the capital reserve also includes the benefit from the granting of stock options and from the employee participation program recognized as expenses, as well as the differential amount from the buyback and reissue of treasury stock.
Revenue reserves include accumulated net income generated in the past, to the extent that this has not been distributed, transfers from other equity, as well as free revenue reserves. The free revenue reserves arose due to allocations made in the context of the statutory authorization of the Board of Management and Supervisory Board of STRATEC SE to determine the appropriation of profit pursuant to § 58 (2) of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG).
Revenue reserves are thus structured as follows:
| Total | 182,823 | 165,121 |
|---|---|---|
| Accumulated net income | 163,431 | 145,729 |
| Free revenue reserves | 19,392 | 19,392 |
| 12.31.2022 € 000s |
12.31.2021 € 000s |
Accumulated net income developed as follows in the year under report:
| € 000s | |
|---|---|
| Accumulated net income at 12.31.2021 | 145,729 |
| Consolidated net income in 2022 | 29,223 |
| Distribution (dividend for 2021) | -11,521 |
| Accumulated net income at 12.31.2022 | 163,431 |
The other equity of € -4,907k (previous year: € -3,672k) includes the currency translation reserve, accumulated actuarial gains and losses from the remeasurement of pensions, and the resultant deferred taxes.
The currency translation reserve of € -4,973k reported as of the balance sheet date (previous year: € -1,592k) mainly relates to currency differences arising upon the translation of the separate financial statements of companies with functional currencies other than the euro, as well as to the translation of group-internal net investments within equity as of the balance sheet date. The change is recognized in the "Currency translation differences from the translation of foreign operations" line item in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
The amounts recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI) within equity are structured as follows:
| Balance at 01.01.2022 € 000s |
OCI € 000s |
Balance at 12.31.2022 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Pensions | -2,427 | 2,486 | 59 |
| Deferred taxes | 347 | -340 | 7 |
| Currency reserve | -1,562 | -3,388 | -4,950 |
| Deferred taxes | -30 | 7 | -23 |
| Total | -3,672 | -1,235 | -4,907 |
| Balance at 01.01.2021 € 000s |
OCI € 000s |
Balance at 12.31.2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Pensions | -2,726 | 299 | -2,427 |
| Deferred taxes | 412 | -65 | 347 |
| Currency reserve | -3,157 | 1,595 | -1,562 |
| Deferred taxes | 60 | -90 | -30 |
| Total | -5,411 | 1,739 | -3,672 |
By resolution of the Annual General Meeting held on June 8, 2020, STRATEC SE was authorized until June 7, 2025 to acquire treasury stocks on one or several occasions and in total or in partial amounts up to a total of ten percent of existing share capital as of June 8, 2020 and to use these for every purpose permitted within the statutory limitation and consistent with the respective conditions. The authorization may not be drawn on to trade in treasury stocks. Together with the treasury stocks already acquired on the basis of previous authorizations and still possessed by the company, the treasury stocks acquired on the basis of this authorization may not at any time account for more than ten percent of the respective share capital. The treasury stocks may be acquired on the stock market, by way of a public offer, by way of a public request to submit sales offers, or by issuing pre-emptive rights to shareholders.
As in the previous year, STRATEC SE made no use of this authorization to acquire treasury stocks in the 2022 financial year. The company currently has no plans to retire the shares already acquired, but rather intends to retain the financial scope to make acquisitions and safeguard its growth strategy. Furthermore, STRATEC SE reserves the right to use the treasury stocks already acquired for other purposes consistent with the authorization provided by the Annual General Meeting.
As in the previous year, STRATEC SE held 1,899 treasury stocks at the balance sheet date. The change of 1,680 treasury stocks in the previous year was due to treasury stocks being surrendered in connection with the employee participation program. The treasury stocks have been recognized at cost at a total amount of € 35k (previous year: € 35k) as a separate line item within equity.
The German Stock Corporation Act (AktG) requires the dividends to be distributed to shareholders to be calculated on the basis of the net income reported in the annual financial statements of STRATEC SE prepared in line with the German Commercial Code (HGB).
In the 2022 financial year, a dividend of € 0.95 (previous year: € 0.90) was paid per share with dividend entitlement for the 2021 financial year, corresponding to a total distribution of € 11,521k (previous year: € 10,889k).
With the approval of the Supervisory Board, the Board of Management proposes that, of the net income of € 98,126k calculated for STRATEC SE in line with the German Commercial Code, an amount of € 11,791,263.74, equivalent to € 0.97 per share with dividend entitlement, should be distributed, and that the remaining amount of € 86,335k should be carried forward. The proposed dividend is dependent on approval by the Annual General Meeting and has not been recognized as a liability in the consolidated financial statements.
As in the previous year, upon preparing the annual financial statements of STRATEC SE in line with the German Commercial Code (HGB) as of December 31, 2022, the Board of Management and Supervisory Board did not allocate any amount from the net income for 2022 to the free revenue reserves.
The company pension scheme can basically be divided into defined contribution plans and defined benefit plans.
In defined contribution plans, STRATEC does not enter into any legal or constructive obligations over and above its obligation to pay contributions to an external state or private pension provider. These contributions are recognized within personnel expenses upon becoming due for payment. The related expenses totaled € 4,857k in the 2022 financial year (previous year: € 4,671k). This total includes employer contributions of € 2,689k to the German state pension system (previous year: € 2,715k).
Furthermore, as of the balance sheet date STRATEC had defined benefit plan commitments for members of the Board of Management in Germany and for employees in Austria and Switzerland. Reinsurance policies have been concluded in some cases to cover the pension obligation in Germany. The pension plans in Switzerland are executed in accordance with legal requirements on the basis of an external pension fund. In connection with defined benefit plans, STRATEC is exposed not only to general actuarial risks, such as interest rate risk, pension and income growth risks, and risks resulting from rising life expectancy, but also to capital market risks resulting from the investment of plan assets.
The pension obligation is offset against the pledged assets of the reinsurance policies and stated on a net basis in the consolidated balance sheet.
The present value of pension obligations is calculated using the actuarial procedure known as the projected unit credit method. In this, future obligations are measured on the basis of the prorated vested claims attained by the end of the financial year, taking due account of assumed trends.
The calculation of the present value of pension obligations has been based on the following actuarial assumptions:
| Germany 12.31.2022 |
Austria 12.31.2022 |
Switzerland 12.31.2022 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Discount rate | 3.69% | 3.49% | 2.30% |
| Future income increases | 0.00% | 3.00% | 1.80% |
| Future pension increases | 0.00%–1.80% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Personnel turnover rate | 1.50% | 0.00% | * |
| Average duration | * * * | 10.8 years | * * |
| Germany 12.31.2021 |
Austria 12.31.2021 |
Switzerland 12.31.2021 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Discount rate | 1.08% | 1.00% | 0.40% |
| Future income increases | 0.00% | 2.00% | 1.80% |
| Future pension increases | 0.00%–1.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Personnel turnover rate | 0.50%–1.50% | 0.00% | * |
| Average duration | * * * | 12.0 years | * * |
Personnel turnover rate graded for men, women, and age groups. Pursuant to the Swiss Federal Act on Retirement, Dependant Care, and Invalidity Pensions (BVG), the turnover rate for men ranges, as in the previous year, from 1.66% to 31.00%; the rate for women ranges, as in the previous year, from 2.15% to 27.58%.
*
** The range of average duration amounts to 14.7 years at STRATEC Switzerland AG (previous year: 19.0 years) and to 14.5 years at STRATEC Services AG (previous year: 18.8 years).
*** The average duration for pension commitments with insurance-based execution channels amounts to 18.7 years (previous year: 21.5 years) while that for direct pension commitments amounts to 9.8 years (previous year: 10.8 years).
As in the previous year, the main life expectancy assumptions for Germany have been taken from the biometric "2018 G Guidelines" published by Prof. Dr. Klaus Heubeck. For Austria, also as in the previous year, these assumptions have been based on the "AVÖ 2018-P Pagler & Pagler Generationentafel". For Switzerland they have been based on the "BVG 2020 Generationstafel".
The assumptions stated for the calculation of the present value of pension obligations as of the previous year's balance sheet date also apply for the calculation of interest expenses and current service cost in the following financial year.
The present value of the vested defined benefit obligations (DBO) and plan assets changed as follows in the financial year under report:
| 2022 € 000s |
2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Present value of defined benefit obligations (DBO) as of 01.01. |
15,275 | 13,345 |
| Transfers due to change of employer | 902 | 1,049 |
| Current service cost | 1,086 | 986 |
| Retrospective service cost | 0 | -356 |
| Compounding of pension obligations | 95 | 46 |
| Payments made | -108 | -30 |
| Employee contributions to pension plan | 538 | 404 |
| Remeasurement of pension obligations Actuarial gains (-) / losses (+) due to changes in |
||
| • financial assumptions | -3,811 | -646 |
| • demographic assumptions | 0 | -620 |
| • experience adjustments | 85 | 621 |
| Currency differences | 529 | 476 |
| Present value of defined benefit obligations (DBO) as of 12.31. |
14,591 | 15,275 |
| 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| € 000s | € 000s | |
| Fair value of plan assets as of 01.01. |
9,902 | 7,725 |
| Transfers due to change of employer | 902 | 1,049 |
| Employer contributions to plan assets | 874 | 716 |
| Employee contributions to plan assets | 538 | 404 |
| Interest income on plan assets | 61 | 26 |
| Remeasurement of plan assets • Expenses for (previous year: income from) plan assets (excluding interest income) |
-1,240 | -346 |
| Currency differences | 402 | 328 |
| Fair value of plan assets as of 12.31. |
11,439 | 9,902 |
To calculate the financing status and the net obligation, the present value of the externally financed obligations is compared with the fair value of the plan assets.
The pension expenses recognized through profit or loss in the income statement for defined benefit commitments in the period under report comprise the following items:
| 31.12.2022 € 000s |
31.12.2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Pension plans in Germany • Present value of pension obligations • Fair value of plan assets |
2,103 1,847 |
2,802 2,403 |
| Financing status = net obligation | 256 | 399 |
| Pension plans in Austria • Present value of pension obligations • Fair value of plan assets |
1,383 0 |
1,553 0 |
| Financing status = net obligation | 1,383 | 1,553 |
| Pension plans in Switzerland • Present value of pension obligations • Fair value of plan assets |
11,105 9,592 |
10,920 7,499 |
| Financing status = net obligation | 1,513 | 3,421 |
| Total • Present value of pension obligations • Fair value of plan assets |
14,591 11,439 |
15,275 9,902 |
| Financing status = net obligation | 3,152 | 5,373 |
| 2022 € 000s |
2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Current service cost | 1,086 | 986 |
| Retrospective service cost | 0 | -356 |
| Compounding of pension obligations | 95 | 46 |
| Interest income on plan assets | -61 | -26 |
| Share of pension expenses recognized in income statement |
1,120 | 650 |
Service cost is included in the individual functional areas, while other components of the share of pension expenses recognized in the income statement are included in the financial income or financial expense line items within net financial expenses.
The following amounts have been recognized in equity under "Other comprehensive income" in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income:
2022 € 000s 2021 € 000s Remeasurement of net obligation: Income from plan assets (excluding interest income) 1,240 346 Actuarial gains (-) / losses (+) due to changes in • financial assumptions • demographic assumptions • experience adjustments -3,811 0 85 -646 -620 621 Amounts recognized in OCI -2,486 -299
The plan assets relate to pension plans in Germany and Switzerland. In Germany, these reinsurance policies predominantly invest in fixed-income securities. When selecting such securities, the rating and equity resources of the issuer are accounted for, among other factors. The investment strategy predominantly aims to generate ongoing interest income and to ensure capital preservation with a low degree of volatility. No prices listed on an "active market" are available for the reinsurance policies. The Swiss companies are affiliated to the comprehensive insurance contract for the BVG collective foundation ("Sammelstiftung") at Allianz Suisse, while a reinsurance contract is in place between the Sammelstiftung and the life insurer Allianz Suisse Lebensversicherungs-Gesellschaft.
The net obligation developed as follows:
| 2022 € 000s |
2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Net obligation at 01.01. | 5,373 | 5,620 |
| Share of pension expenses recognized in income statement |
1,120 | 650 |
| Amounts recognized in OCI | -2,486 | -299 |
| Payments made | -108 | -30 |
| Employer contributions to plan assets | -874 | -716 |
| Currency differences | 127 | 148 |
| Net obligation at 12.31. | 3,152 | 5,373 |
Depending on the specific country, the key actuarial assumptions used to calculate the pension obligations at STRATEC include the parameters presented in the sensitivity analyses below, namely the discount rate, future income increases, and the interest rate on retirement assets. The sensitivity analyses show how the defined benefit obligation would have been influenced by potential changes in the corresponding assumptions if all other assumptions had remained unchanged.
In Germany, any variation in the respective parameters by 50 basis points would result in the following sensitivities in the present value of the defined benefit obligation:
| Germany | 2022 € 000s |
2021 € 000s |
|---|---|---|
| Discount rate +0,50% | -164 | -258 |
| Discount rate -0,50% | 184 | 294 |
In Austria, any variation in the respective parameters by 50 basis points would result in the following sensitivities in the present value of the defined benefit obligation:
| Austria | 2022 € 000s |
2021 € 000s |
|---|---|---|
| Discount rate +0,50% | -68 | -89 |
| Discount rate -0,50% | 79 | 97 |
| Future income increases +0,50% | 77 | 94 |
| Future income increases -0,50% | -68 | -88 |
In Switzerland, any variation in the respective parameters by 25 basis points would result in the following sensitivities in the present value of the defined benefit obligation:
| Switzerland | 2022 € 000s |
2021 € 000s |
|---|---|---|
| Discount rate +0,25% | -383 | -493 |
| Discount rate -0,25% | 413 | 536 |
| Future income increases +0,25% | 68 | 85 |
| Future income increases -0,25% | -67 | -85 |
| Interest rate on retirement assets +0,25% | 192 | 214 |
| Interest rate on retirement assets -0,25% | -187 | -208 |
Plan asset endowments by STRATEC of € 1,424k (previous year: € 1,219k) are expected for the following 2023 financial year. No outgoing payments from plan assets are expected.
Taxes on income comprise the income taxes paid or owed and deferred taxes in the individual countries. Interest on tax-related back payments and reimbursements are recognized under other liabilities or receivables and under net financial expenses.
For information about the implications of income tax treatment uncertainties in the 2022 financial year, please see Section "B. Accounting policies applied, Forward-looking assumptions, 8. Recognition of deferred taxes for temporary differences and tax loss carryovers pursuant to IAS 12 (Income Taxes) and uncertainties in income tax treatment".
Income tax expenses can be broken down in terms of their origin as follows:
| 2022 € 000s |
2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Current tax expenses | 11,298 | 6,061 |
| Deferred tax income (previous year: expenses) |
-1,433 | 813 |
| Total | 9,865 | 6,874 |
Of the deferred tax income of € 1,433k recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (previous year: expenses of € 813k), € 93k results from income due to temporary valuation differences (previous year: € 210k), € 1,154k from expenses due to the recognition through profit or loss of changes in deferred tax assets on tax loss carryovers (previous year: € 1,023k), and € 2,494k from income in connection with the capitalization of expected income tax reductions in Switzerland as a result of the assessments and agreements made in the context of the external tax audit in Germany (previous year: € 0k).
The changes in the deferred tax assets on tax loss carryovers are structured as follows:
| 2022 € 000s |
2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Income from recognition | 0 | 0 |
| Expenses (previous year: income) for adjustments |
888 | -140 |
| Expenses due to utilization | 254 | 886 |
| Expenses due to impairments | 12 | 277 |
| Expenses due to changes | 1,154 | 1,023 |
| Currency translation | -30 | -41 |
| Total | 1,124 | 982 |
Deferred tax assets of € 2,601k were recognized on tax loss carryovers at two subsidiaries (previous year: at STRATEC SE and at two subsidiaries) in the 2022 financial year (previous year: € 3,725k, of which € 888k at STRATEC SE). In the 2022 financial year, deferred tax assets of € 12k on loss carryovers were written down (previous year: € 277k). As in the previous year, these related to STRATEC Consumables GmbH. Given the existence of deferred tax liabilities, the deferred tax assets still recognized at STRATEC Consumables GmbH are deemed to have retained their value. The nominal amount of loss carryovers for which no deferred tax assets were recognized amounts to € 12,378k (previous year: € 11,720k). The unused tax loss carryovers for which no deferred tax assets have been recognized in the balance sheet relate to STRATEC Biomedical USA, Inc., STRATEC Consumables GmbH, and RE Medical Analyzers Luxembourg 2 S.à r.l. Their eligibility to be carried forward is as follows:
| 1 to 10 years € 000s |
11 to 15 years € 000s |
16 to 20 years € 000s |
Un limited € 000s |
Total € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss carryover |
1,713 | 5,099 | 536 | 5,030 | 12,378 |
| (previous year) |
(941) | (5,198) | (605) | (4,976) | (11,720) |
The tax expenses of € 9,865k reported for the 2022 financial year (previous year: € 6,874k) deviate by € 837k (previous year: € 5,949k) from the tax expenses of € 10,702k (previous year: € 12,823k) expected to result from application of the overall tax rate for STRATEC SE (27.38%; previous year: 27.38%) to the Group's earnings before taxes. The overall tax rate results from the corporate income tax rate of 15.00% (previous year: 15.00%), the solidarity surcharge of 5.50% of corporate income tax (previous year: 5.50%), and an average trade tax rate of 11.55% (previous year: 11.55%).
The difference between the tax expenses expected and those reported is attributable to the following items:
| 2022 € 000s |
2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Earnings before taxes on income | 39,088 | 46,832 |
| Overall tax rate | 27.38% | 27.38% |
| Expected tax expenses (-) / income (+) | -10,702 | -12,823 |
| Deviations in German and foreign tax rates | 3,951 | 6,778 |
| Impact of increase (-) / decrease (+) in effective tax rates |
-26 | 9 |
| Tax-exempt income (+) / expenses (-) from investments, securities price gains/losses, and dividends |
-70 | -248 |
| Expenses not deductible for tax purposes less tax settlements |
-517 | -62 |
| IFRS personnel expenses (stock options) | -332 | -251 |
| Tax back payments/refunds for previous years and non-period tax expenses/income |
-2,101 | -102 |
| Write-down of deferred tax assets | -12 | -277 |
| Sundry | -56 | 102 |
| Reported tax expenses (-) / income (+) | -9,865 | -6,874 |
The income tax receivables of € 1,338k (previous year: € 212k) are attributable to prepayments and refunds of taxes on income. The income tax liabilities of € 9,952k (previous year: € 3,404k) relate to current income tax obligations.
Deferred taxes are recognized for the following balance sheet items and factors:
| 12.31.2022 | 12.31.2021 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deferred tax assets € 000s |
Deferred tax liabilities € 000s |
Deferred tax assets € 000s |
Deferred tax liabilities € 000s |
|
| Intangible assets | 382 | 11,642 | 399 | 11,632 |
| Right-of-use assets | 0 | 2,091 | 0 | 1,764 |
| Property, plant and equipment | 166 | 99 | 156 | 142 |
| Non-current financial assets | 0 | 540 | 0 | 517 |
| Non-current other receivables and assets | 116 | 0 | 93 | 0 |
| Non-current contract assets | 382 | 791 | 371 | 906 |
| Inventories | 431 | 1,882 | 348 | 1,051 |
| Trade receivables | 1,059 | 844 | 1,132 | 615 |
| Receivables from associates | 45 | 725 | 46 | 765 |
| Current financial assets | 0 | 12 | 0 | 16 |
| Other receivables and assets | 30 | 0 | 31 | 0 |
| Current contract assets | 5 | 456 | 4 | 439 |
| Non-current financial liabilities | 1,969 | 0 | 1,772 | 0 |
| Provisions for pensions | 657 | 76 | 936 | 43 |
| Non-current contract liabilities | 1,501 | 0 | 674 | 0 |
| Current financial liabilities | 679 | 0 | 570 | 41 |
| Liabilities from associates | 837 | 31 | 446 | 0 |
| Current other liabilities | 150 | 0 | 150 | 0 |
| Provisions | 16 | 183 | 20 | 216 |
| Current contract liabilities | 76 | 0 | 418 | 0 |
| Tax loss carryovers | 2,601 | 0 | 3,725 | 0 |
| Net investment in foreign operation | 13 | 101 | 22 | 69 |
| Currency translation | 236 | 169 | 148 | 131 |
| Sundry (expected income tax reduction in Switzerland) |
2,545 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Subtotal | 13,896 | 19,642 | 11,461 | 18,347 |
| Netting | -10,230 | -10,230 | -9,559 | -9,559 |
| Amount recognized in consolidated balance sheet |
3,666 | 9,412 | 1,902 | 8,788 |
Non-current financial liabilities are structured as follows:
| 12.31.2022 € 000s |
12.31.2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Liabilities to banks | 68,697 | 71,122 |
| Lease liabilities | 11,368 | 7,441 |
| Liabilities for personnel-related items | 846 | 2,055 |
| Other | 3,122 | 3,156 |
| Total | 84,033 | 83,774 |
Current financial liabilities are structured as follows:
| 12.31.2022 € 000s |
12.31.2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Liabilities to banks | 4,926 | 4,713 |
| Lease liabilities | 2,158 | 2,019 |
| Liabilities for personnel-related items | 4,052 | 6,017 |
| Accrued trade payables | 3,173 | 2,704 |
| Other | 945 | 400 |
| Total | 15,254 | 15,853 |
Liabilities to banks include liabilities of € 38 million (previous year: € 36 million) in connection with a master credit facility with a revolving credit line of up to € 55 million (previous year: € 70 million) that was concluded with four banks (previous year: three banks) and has a term through to January 22, 2027 (previous year: January 31, 2023). The interest payable on the amount effectively drawn down from the master credit facility is based on customary market reference rates plus a margin. The margin is increased by a premium should the company not comply with specified key financials. A commitment fee is payable on amounts not drawn down from the master credit facility.
For the predominant share of financial liabilities to banks, the relevant financing contracts include agreements concerning compliance with specific key financial figures (covenants), particularly with regard to the debt/equity ratio and the equity ratio. These covenants have to be calculated at the end of each quarter, half-year, and full-year and were complied with in each case in the 2022 financial year. Furthermore, the company has entered into various obligations in this regard involving restrictions on assets and provisos concerning further borrowing. In particular, no collateral securities exceeding an amount of € 10 million may be provided to third parties (or specific group companies not party to the guarantee concept for the financing arrangement) unless securities in the same amount are provided to the financing banks.
In the 2022 financial year, lease liabilities of € 2,115k were repaid (previous year: € 1,836k), while lease interest of € 559k was paid (previous year: € 497k). Leases resulted in a total outflow of funds amounting to € 3,289k in the 2022 financial year (previous year: € 2,790k). With regard to the interest expenses recognized for lease liabilities under net financial expenses in the 2022 financial year, reference is made to the information provided in Section "C. Notes to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (23) Net financial expenses".
Expenses of € 509k for variable lease payments were not included in the measurement of lease liabilities in the 2022 financial year (previous year: € 389k).
Financial liabilities for personnel-related items chiefly comprise obligations of € 4,230k in connection with profit participation schemes (previous year: € 7,390k).
Obligations for profit participation schemes include obligations for short-term performance-related remuneration for employees (€ 1,459k; previous year: € 1,369k), and obligations for short, medium, and long-term performance-related remuneration for the Board of Management (€ 2,771k; previous year: € 6,021k). The obligations for long-term performance-related remuneration for the Board of Management (€ 970k; previous year: € 3,976k) correspond to the fair value of the payments expected for the stock appreciation rights (SARs) granted. The fair value has been determined using the binomial tree method based on the measurement principles of a risk-neutral valuation using the Black/Scholes method.
The stock appreciation rights are structured such that they refer to a payment to be made by the company to the respective bearer of the rights, with the amount of payment being determined by reference to the share price performance of STRATEC SE (reference share) as documented in XETRA trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange over a predefined period. The rights have a five-year term calculated from the issue date, although initial payment of the value of the stock appreciation rights may be requested at the earliest after a "minimum waiting period" of two years. The payment claim is determined on the basis of the increase in the XETRA closing price of a reference share through to the end of the term (based on a 30-day average price plus dividends) compared with the XETRA closing price at the issue date (reference price). In this respect, the annual increase in the reference share price – without reference to the share price performance within the term – must amount to at least eight percent (exercise hurdle). Should the term of the rights not correspond to a full year, the share price increase must be determined on a time-apportioned basis.
The fair value of the stock appreciation rights (SARs) as of the measurement date on December 31, 2022 was determined on the basis of the following parameters:
| Stock appreciation rights (SARs) model parameters |
Tranche 1 2022 financial year |
Tranche 1 2021 financial year |
|---|---|---|
| Issue date | 01.25.2022 | 03.08.2021 |
| Average share price on issue date | € 114.40 | € 107.20 |
| Term | ||
| Overall term | 60.0 months | 60.0 months |
| Remaining term as of 12.31. | 48.8 months | 38.3 months |
| Minimum waiting period | ||
| Overall term | 24.0 months | 24.0 months |
| Remaining term as of 12.31. | 12.8 months | 2.3 months |
| Share price at measurement date | € 81.10 | € 81.10 |
| Expected volatility | 43.08% | 41.87% |
| Assumed personnel turnover rate | 0.50% to 1.50% |
0.50% to1.50% |
| Risk-free interest rate | 2.50% | 2.54% |
| Fair value on issue date | € 37.45 | € 38.05 |
| Fair value as of 12.31. | € 17.04 | € 15.30 |
The development in the total number of stock appreciation rights (SARs) in the reporting period is presented below:
| Absolute figures | Total at 01.01.2022 | Granted | Exercised, lapsed, forfeited |
Total at 12.31.2022 | of which exercisable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tranche 1 2020 | 30,000 | 0 | -30,000 | 0 | n/a |
| Tranche 1 2021 | 30,000 | 0 | 0 | 30,000 | 0 |
| Tranche 1 2022 | 0 | 30,000 | 0 | 30,000 | 0 |
| Total | 60,000 | 30,000 | -30,000 | 60,000 | 0 |
Income totaling € 1,152k was recognized in the 2022 financial year for cash-settled share-based payments (previous year: expenses of € 1,580k).
The "Other" line item includes financial liabilities of € 784k (previous year: € 234k) resulting from the measurement as of the balance sheet date of forward exchange transactions intended to hedge exchange rate risks. The losses of € 528k resulting from measurement as of the balance sheet date (previous year: € 1,449k) have been recognized through profit or loss under "Other operating expenses" in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. Furthermore, this line item include the liability corresponding to the payments received to secure trade receivables.
Financial liabilities have the following maturities:
| Maturity1 | 12.31.2022 € 000s |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 15,254 |
| 2024 | 10,527 |
| 2025 | 7,068 |
| 2026 | 7,146 |
| 2027 | 44,653 |
| 2028 and later | 14,639 |
| Total | 99,287 |
1 The calculation of the maturity of stock appreciation rights (SAR) has been based on the shortest possible term for the rights in each case. With regard to the utilization of the revolving credit facilities, it has been assumed that the amounts drawn down as of the balance sheet date continue to apply through to the end of the credit agreement.
| Maturity1 | 12.31.2021 € 000s |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 15,853 |
| 2023 | 44,190 |
| 2024 | 6,905 |
| 2025 | 9,200 |
| 2026 | 5,940 |
| 2027 and later | 17,539 |
| Total | 99,627 |
By analogy with the previous year, the trade payables of € 10,865k (previous year: € 11,401k) mostly involve goods and services provided in November and December 2022. Also as in the previous year, these items are due for payment within one year.
Trade payables include liabilities of € 5k to associates (previous year: € 55k). These liabilities are structured as follows:
| Company providing service |
Company receiving service |
12.31.2022 € 000s |
12.31.2021 € 000s |
|---|---|---|---|
| STRATEC | |||
| Biomedical | STRATEC SE | 0 | 25 |
| (Taicang) Co. Ltd. | Mod-n-More Kft. | 5 | 30 |
| Total | 5 | 55 |
Other liabilities are structured as follows:
| 12.31.2022 € 000s |
12.31.2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Liabilities for personnel-related items | 3,423 | 3,261 |
| Other tax liabilities | 1,321 | 1,188 |
| Social security liabilities | 1,416 | 1,415 |
| Other | 1,372 | 468 |
| Total | 7,532 | 6,332 |
Liabilities for personnel-related items mainly consist of liabilities for outstanding vacation (€ 2,312k; previous year: € 2,081k) and employee working time credits (€ 1,108k; previous year: € 1,178k).
The tax liabilities relate to transaction taxes and employee payroll settlement. Social security liabilities chiefly relate to social security contributions still to be transferred. The "Other" line item includes other interest liabilities of € 388k due to taxrelated back payments (previous year: € 0k).
In the 2022 financial year, STRATEC received government grants of € 292k (previous year: € 538k). These relate to grants for research purposes and to e-mobility subsidies. Total accrued liabilities for government grants amount to € 125k (previous year: € 228k). This figure includes a repayment allowance of € 123k (previous year: € 158k) which has been reported under other financial liabilities.
| Maturity | 12.31.2022 € 000s |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 7,532 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2026 | 0 |
| 2027 | 0 |
| 2028 and later | 0 |
| Total | 7,532 |
| Maturity | 12.31.2021 € 000s |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 6,332 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2026 | 0 |
| 2027 and later | 0 |
| Total | 6,332 |
Contract liabilities mainly relate to prepayments received from customers for development services and product deliveries. In line with their respective maturities, the overwhelming share of contract liabilities will be recognized as sales in subsequent financial years.
Contract liabilities were structured as follows:
| 12.31.2022 € 000s |
12.31.2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Development and services | 23,856 | 24,110 |
| Other | 6,973 | 2,094 |
| Total | 30,829 | 26,204 |
Contract liabilities have the following maturities:
| Maturity | 12.31.2022 € 000s |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 15,352 |
| 2024 | 10,150 |
| 2025 | 5,327 |
| 2026 | 0 |
| 2027 | 0 |
| 2028 and later | 0 |
| Total | 30,829 |
| Maturity | 12.31.2021 € 000s |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 7,040 |
| 2023 | 8,550 |
| 2024 | 1,110 |
| 2025 | 9,050 |
| 2026 | 174 |
| 2027 and later | 280 |
| Total | 26,204 |
Current provisions mainly include provisions for guarantees and warrantees (€ 1,291k; previous year: € 1,637k).
Provisions developed as follows:
| 2022 € 000s |
2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| 01.01. | 1,637 | 1,606 |
| Added | 0 | 0 |
| Reversed | -376 | -8 |
| Utilized | 0 | 0 |
| Currency differences | 30 | 39 |
| Total | 1,291 | 1,637 |
There is uncertainty in respect of the amount and maturity of the provisions recognized. This has been duly accounted for by way of best estimates.
The sales generated from contracts with customers are presented below, broken down by the type of goods or services, geographical regions, and point or period of time at which the respective sales are recognized.
Sales from contracts with customers for the period from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 are structured as follows:
| Segments | Instrumentation € 000s |
Diatron € 000s |
Smart Consumables € 000s |
Total € 000s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of goods or services | ||||
| Analyzer systems | 110,436 | 30,410 | 0 | 140,846 |
| Service parts and consumables | 55,202 | 22,947 | 10,613 | 88,762 |
| Development and services | 30,140 | 297 | 13,100 | 43,537 |
| Other | 136 | 1,250 | 94 | 1,480 |
| Total | 195,914 | 54,904 | 23,807 | 274,625 |
| Geographical regions | ||||
| Germany | 36,049 | 19,942 | 795 | 56,786 |
| European Union | 89,669 | 12,749 | 7,401 | 109,819 |
| Other • of which US |
70,196 56,328 |
22,213 11,963 |
15,611 10,337 |
108,020 78,628 |
| Total | 195,914 | 54,904 | 23,807 | 274,625 |
| Time at which sales are recognized |
||||
| Recognized at a point in time | 190,442 | 54,904 | 22,348 | 267,694 |
| Recognized over time | 5,472 | 0 | 1,459 | 6,931 |
| Total | 195,914 | 54,904 | 23,807 | 274,625 |
Sales from contracts with customers for the period from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 are structured as follows:
| Segments | Instrumentation € 000s |
Diatron € 000s |
Smart Consumables € 000s |
Total € 000s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of goods or services | ||||
| Analyzer systems | 126,914 | 40,370 | 0 | 167,284 |
| Service parts and consumables | 57,623 | 25,210 | 11,697 | 94,530 |
| Development and services | 16,632 | 534 | 7,379 | 24,545 |
| Other | 180 | 796 | 0 | 976 |
| Total | 201,349 | 66,910 | 19,076 | 287,335 |
| Geographical regions | ||||
| Germany | 26,316 | 19,694 | 387 | 46,397 |
| European Union | 94,851 | 17,128 | 6,072 | 118,051 |
| Other | 80,182 | 30,088 | 12,617 | 122,887 |
| • of which US | 64,571 | 21,506 | 9,978 | 96,055 |
| Total | 201,349 | 66,910 | 19,076 | 287,335 |
| Time at which sales are recognized |
||||
| Recognized at a point in time | 198,662 | 66,910 | 17,595 | 283,167 |
| Recognized over time | 2,687 | 0 | 1,481 | 4,168 |
| Total | 201,349 | 66,910 | 19,076 | 287,335 |
For analyzer systems, service parts, and consumables, the allocation of sales to geographical regions has been based on the delivery locations from STRATEC's perspective. In view of the fact that STRATEC's customers partly supply their country outlets and customers from central distribution centers, however, this breakdown of sales does not necessarily reflect the final operating locations of the analyzer systems, service parts, and consumables supplied by STRATEC.
List of major customers pursuant to IFRS 8.34: in the year under report, as in the previous year, two customers with sales of € 69.1 million and € 50.4 million (previous year: € 97.4 million and € 56.3 million). These figures in all cases include sales for several analyzer system lines, development activities, and services and consumables. The sales generated with these customers are allocable to the Instrumentation and Diatron segments. STRATEC's performance obligations are described in summarized form below:
The performance obligations for supplying analyzer systems, service parts, and consumables are generally satisfied upon delivery. The payment terms vary from advance payment through to a payment target of a maximum of 120 days.
The performance obligations for development and other services are satisfied, taking due account of the respective customer contracts, at a point in time or over time. As a general rule, customers make non-refundable milestone payments during the development phase. In some contracts, consideration for the development performance obligation is transferred to STRATEC in connection with other contractual performance obligations. The payment targets for invoiced development work usually amount to between 30 and 60 days.
Sales include the following amounts:
| 2022 € 000s |
2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Sales from amounts included in contract liabilities at the beginning of the financial year |
13,398 | 1,378 |
| Sales from performance obligations satisfied in previous financial years |
1,107 | 0 |
| Total | 14,505 | 1,378 |
Cost of sales, amounting to € 195,135k (previous year: € 199,623k), include production-related manufacturing expenses incurred for the products, maintenance and spare parts sold, and for development and services.
Research and development expenses not meeting the criteria for capitalization pursuant to IAS 38 (Intangible Assets) totaled € 6,873k (previous year: € 9,281k) and mainly involved cost of materials and personnel expenses.
Gross development expenses were structured as follows:
| 2022 € 000s |
2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Research and development expenses | 50,873 | 49,113 |
| of which development expenses recognized as revenues or capitalized |
-44,000 | -39,832 |
| Total | 6,873 | 9,281 |
In the financial year under report, an amount of € 390k from grants was recognized as a reduction to research and development expenses (previous year: € 580k).
Sales-related expenses amounted to € 12,108k (previous year: € 9,806k) and included direct sales expenses and sales overheads. These basically include all expenses incurred for personnel, materials, and other expenses for sales (including prorated depreciation and amortization). These partly involve expenses arising in connection with product launches.
At € 18,145k (previous year: € 18,455k), administration expenses include the personnel and material expenses incurred in central administration departments (including corporate management, controlling, finance and accounting, legal affairs, investor relations, and personnel) that are not directly attributable to production, sales, or R&D.
| 2022 € 000s |
2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| From exchange rate losses | 14,494 | 12,486 |
| From forward exchange transactions | 528 | 1,449 |
| From impairments | 0 | 1,047 |
| Other | 29 | 54 |
| Total | 15,051 | 15,036 |
With regard to the other operating expenses from forward exchange transactions, reference is made to the information provided in Section "C. Notes to the consolidated balance sheet (12) Non-current and current financial liabilities".
Other operating income is structured as follows:
| 2022 € 000s |
2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| From exchange rate gains | 13,413 | 12,710 |
| From reversals of provisions and liabilities | 24 | 44 |
| Other | 390 | 289 |
| Total | 13,827 | 13,043 |
Other than that, other operating income and other operating expenses also included numerous standalone items which, viewed individually, were only of subordinate significance.
Financial income is structured as follows:
| 2022 € 000s |
2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Interest income on cash | 60 | 1 |
| Other financial income | 11 | 107 |
| Total | 71 | 108 |
Financial expenses are structured as follows:
| 2022 € 000s |
2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Interest expenses on loan liabilities to banks | 933 | 864 |
| Interest expenses for leases | 559 | 497 |
| Net interest from pension provisions | 34 | 20 |
| Interest expenses for compounding of liabilities and provisions |
2 | 3 |
| Interest expenses for tax-related back payments |
352 | 36 |
| Other interest expenses | 18 | 11 |
| Total | 1,898 | 1,431 |
Other financial income/expenses include gains and losses for financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value and are structured as follows:
| 2022 € 000s |
2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Gains / losses on financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss: • Gains (+) / losses (-) on retirement |
||
| • Gains (+) / losses (-) on measurement at balance sheet date |
0 -268 |
0 -22 |
| -268 | -22 | |
| Other interest expenses | 43 | 0 |
| Total | -225 | -22 |
Earnings per share have been calculated pursuant to IAS 33 (Earnings per Share) by dividing the consolidated net income by the average weighted number of shares in STRATEC SE in circulation in the past financial year.
The treasury stock held by STRATEC AG has been excluded from the calculation of the number of shares in circulation. The year-on-year increase in the number of shares was due to the issue of new shares upon the exercising of option rights within stock option programs. Changes in the number of shares within the financial year have been accounted for by weighting the respective figures on a prorated basis. The resultant weighted average number of outstanding shares used to calculate (basic) earnings per share amounts to 12,131,780 (previous year: 12,111,028).
Pursuant to IAS 33 (Earnings per Share), the consolidated net income of € 29,223k (previous year: € 39,958k) reported in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income has been used as the unaltered basis for the calculation.
Due to the option rights outstanding as of December 31, 2022, both basic earnings per share (€ 2.41; previous year: € 3.30) and diluted earnings per share (€ 2.40; previous year: € 3.28) have been calculated. Diluted earnings per share have been calculated on the assumption that all outstanding options not yet exercised are actually exercised. The number of additional shares to be accounted for is calculated by comparing the proceeds generated by such exercising of options with the proceeds which could theoretically be generated by issuing new shares on customary market terms.
The allocation or exercising of option rights within the financial year has been accounted for using prorated weighting. The resultant weighted average number of outstanding shares with a diluting effect accounted for in the calculation of (diluted) earnings per share amounts to 12,172,854 (previous year: 12,181,289).
The functional divisions include the following cost of materials:
| 2022 € 000s |
2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Costs of raw materials and supplies | 117,363 | 141,291 |
| Costs of purchased services | 3,461 | 3,872 |
| Total | 120,824 | 145,163 |
The functional divisions include the following personnel expenses:
| Total | 82,163 | 79,576 |
|---|---|---|
| Social security contributions and pension and welfare expenses |
13,513 | 12,140 |
| Wages and salaries | 68,650 | 67,436 |
| 2022 € 000s |
2021 € 000s |
Furthermore, expenses of € 1,992k (previous year: € 3,072k) were incurred for wages and salaries for third-party employees (personnel leasing).
The average number of individuals employed by the Group during the financial year (including temporary employees from personnel agencies) was as follows:
| 2022 Number |
2021 Number |
|
|---|---|---|
| Employees | 1,315 | 1,218 |
| Trainees | 41 | 50 |
| Employees in permanent employment | 1,356 | 1,268 |
| Temporary employees | 72 | 117 |
| Total | 1,428 | 1,385 |
Of permanent employees, 528 (previous year: 497) were in Germany, and 787 (previous year: 721) abroad. Of temporary employees, 20 (previous year: 24) were in Germany, and 52 (previous year: 93) abroad.
The total fees recorded for the group auditor in the financial year under report pursuant to § 314 (1) No. 9 of the German Commercial Code (HGB) are structured as follows:
| 2022 € 000s |
2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Fee for | ||
| a) Auditing | 226 | 202 |
| - of which for the previous year | 0 | 0 |
| b) Other certification services | 21 | 0 |
| c) Tax advisory services | 0 | 0 |
| d) Other services | 22 | 22 |
| Total auditor's fee | 269 | 224 |
Other services relate to an audit review pursuant to ISAE 3402.
The consolidated cash flow statement shows how the liquidity of the STRATEC Group has changed due to inflows and outflows of funds during the financial year. A distinction is made between the cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities.
The amounts reported for foreign group companies have generally been translated at annual average exchange rates. One exception involves cash which, like in the consolidated balance sheet, has been recognized at the exchange rate on the reporting date. The impact of changes in exchange rates on cash is presented separately.
The outflows of funds for leases are divided, with the amount attributable to the capital repayments share of lease liabilities being allocated to the cash flow from financing activities and the interest portion of lease liabilities being allocated to the cash flow from operating activities. Outflows of funds for low-value leases, short-term leases, and for variable lease payments not accounted for when measuring the lease liabilities are allocated to the cash flow from operating activities.
The cash flow from operating activities has been calculated using the indirect method. This involves eliminating non-cash earnings components from consolidated net income after taxes.
Interest income and expenses have been allocated to operating activities, as have the components of the "Other financial result". Dividend payments are presented in the cash flow from financing activities.
Tax payments have been reported under operating activities in their entirety, as their allocation to individual business divisions is not practically feasible.
The interest paid/received and income taxes paid/refunded items in the cash flow from operating activities have been presented using the direct method. In the first stage, this involves adjusting consolidated net income to account for income and expenses recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. After this, the interest and income taxes paid or received are reported separately.
| Non-cash-effective changes | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 01.01.2022 € 000s |
Cash-effective changes € 000s |
Exchange rates € 000s |
New leases € 000s |
Other1 € 000s |
Balance at 12.31.2022 € 000s |
|
| Non-current liabilities to banks |
71,122 | 2,500 | 0 | 0 | -4,926 | 68,696 |
| Non-current lease liabilities | 7,441 | 0 | -6 | 6,091 | -2,158 | 11,368 |
| Current liabilities to banks | 4,713 | -4,713 | 0 | 0 | 4,926 | 4,926 |
| Current lease liabilities | 2,019 | -2,115 | 10 | 86 | 2,158 | 2,158 |
| Total | 85,295 | -4,328 | 4 | 6,177 | 0 | 87,148 |
1 The "Other" column includes the effects of reclassifications from the non-current share of liabilities for financing activities
| Non-cash-effective changes | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 01.01.2021 € 000s |
Cash-effective changes € 000s |
Exchange rates € 000s |
New leases € 000s |
Other1 € 000s |
Balance at 12.31.2021 € 000s |
|
| Non-current liabilities to banks |
95,524 | -20,438 | 0 | 0 | -3,964 | 71,122 |
| Non-current lease liabilities | 8,751 | 0 | 3 | 532 | -1,845 | 7,441 |
| Current liabilities to banks | 3,369 | -2,432 | 0 | 0 | 3,776 | 4,713 |
| Current lease liabilities | 1,934 | -1,836 | 2 | 74 | 1,845 | 2,019 |
| Total | 109,578 | -24,706 | 5 | 606 | -188 | 85,295 |
1 The "Other" column includes the effects of reclassifications from the non-current share of liabilities for financing activities
arising due to the passage of time as well as the repayment allowance of € 189k granted in the previous year.
Cash comprises cash holdings and demand deposits at banks. As of December 31, 2022, cash amounted to € 22,668k (previous year: € 47,184k).
STRATEC is managed by reference to a matrix organizational structure which aggregates individual areas of activity in business units across various locations. Business units are aggregated on the basis of the products and services thereby offered. These units therefore basically constitute operating segments pursuant to IFRS 8 (Operating Segments). Separate segment reporting is provided where the quantitative thresholds pursuant to IFRS 8 (Operating Segments) are exceeded.
The following business units have been identified as reporting segments: "Instrumentation", "Diatron", and "Smart Consumables". In its "Instrumentation" segment, STRATEC designs and manufactures fully automated analyzer systems for its clinical diagnostics and biotechnology customers. The Diatron Group represents a standalone segment ("Diatron") and extends STRATEC's offering to include products and customer services for analyzer systems, system components, consumables, and tests in the lower throughput segment. The "Smart Consumables" segment includes the development and production of smart consumables in the fields of diagnostics, life sciences, and medical technology.
The accounting policies applied to the reporting segments are consistent with the accounting policies set out in Section "B. Accounting policies applied." The reconciliation of segment data to the relevant group data therefore mainly involves accounting for consolidation entries.
| Instrumentation (includes service parts and consumables allocable to business unit) € 000s |
Diatron (includes service parts and consumables allocable to business unit) € 000s |
Smart Consumables € 000s |
Total € 000s |
Reconciliation1 € 000s |
Total € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sales with external customers |
195,914 | 54,904 | 23,807 | 274,625 | 0 | 274,625 |
| Inter-segmental sales | 2,017 | 4,985 | 641 | 7,643 | -7,643 | 0 |
| Depreciation, amortization, and impairments |
9,751 | 3,371 | 3,809 | 16,931 | 0 | 16,931 |
| EBITDA | 39,599 | 13,753 | 4,719 | 58,071 | 0 | 58,071 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 40,110 | 13,753 | 4,719 | 58,582 | 0 | 58,582 |
| EBIT | 29,848 | 10,382 | 910 | 41,140 | 0 | 41,140 |
| Adjusted EBIT | 30,359 | 12,182 | 2,512 | 45,053 | 0 | 45,053 |
| Interest income | 2,462 | 0 | 0 | 2,462 | -2,391 | 71 |
| Interest expenses | 1,361 | 2,225 | 703 | 4,289 | -2,391 | 1,898 |
| Assets | 400,016 | 76,021 | 34,176 | 510,213 | -112,709 | 397,504 |
| Additions to non-current assets |
13,560 | 8,278 | 3,211 | 25,049 | 0 | 25,049 |
| Average number of employees |
824 | 352 | 180 | 1,356 | 0 | 1,356 |
With regard to the reconciliation of the figures adjusted for one-off items with the Group figures, reference is made
to the information provided in the Group Management Report in Section "B. Business Report – Position".
| Instrumentation (includes service parts and consumables allocable to business unit) € 000s |
Diatron (includes service parts and consumables allocable to business unit) € 000s |
Smart Consumables € 000s |
Total € 000s |
Reconciliation1 € 000s |
Total € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sales with external | ||||||
| customers | 201,349 | 66,910 | 19,076 | 287,335 | 0 | 287,335 |
| Inter-segmental sales | 2,377 | 6,947 | 653 | 9,977 | -9,977 | 0 |
| Depreciation, amortization, and impairments |
8,779 | 5,450 | 4,025 | 18,254 | 0 | 18,254 |
| EBITDA | 42,900 | 20,943 | 2,588 | 66,431 | 0 | 66,431 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 43,075 | 20,943 | 2,588 | 66,606 | 0 | 66,606 |
| EBIT | 34,121 | 15,493 | -1,437 | 48,177 | 0 | 48,177 |
| Adjusted EBIT | 34,296 | 19,452 | 525 | 54,273 | 0 | 54,273 |
| Interest income | 2,461 | 1 | 51 | 2,513 | -2,405 | 108 |
| Interest expenses | 959 | 2,175 | 702 | 3,836 | -2,405 | 1,431 |
| Assets | 378,875 | 68,743 | 31,523 | 479,141 | -110,616 | 368,525 |
| Additions to non-current assets |
14,855 | 4,092 | 1,913 | 20,860 | 0 | 20,860 |
| Average number of employees |
784 | 308 | 176 | 1,268 | 0 | 1,268 |
With regard to the reconciliation of the figures adjusted for one-off items with the Group figures, reference is made to the information provided in the Group Management Report in Section "B. Business Report – Position".
Of non-current assets at the reporting segments, excluding financial instruments and deferred taxes € 76,844k are located in the country of origin of STRATEC SE (previous year: € 73,508k) and € 85,430k in other countries (previous year: € 83,316k). Further disclosures on company level have been presented in Section "D. Notes to the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (17) Sales".
The following table presents the carrying amounts and fair values of individual financial assets and liabilities for each measurement category of financial instruments pursuant to IFRS 9 (Financial Instruments) and reconciles these with the corresponding balance sheet items.
The "Fair value in scope of IFRS 7" column presents the fair values of all financial instruments recognized in the consolidated financial statements that are within the scope of IFRS 7 (Financial Instruments: Disclosures) and that were not recognized at fair value.
The fair value of those financial instruments that are not recognized at fair value is calculated as the present value of future inflows and outflows of cash. Discounting is based on a market interest rate with a congruent term and risk structure. Where a listed price on an active market is available, this has been taken as the fair value. Given the short-term maturities of financial assets and liabilities, their fair values approximate to their carrying amounts.
| AC | Measured at amortized cost |
|---|---|
| FVTPL | Measured at fair value through profit or loss |
| FVTOCI | Measured at fair value through OCI |
| n/a | Not attributable to any measurement category |
| Measured at amortized |
Measured at fair value | Fair value in scope of |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12.31.2022 | cost | through profit or loss FVTPL |
through OCI FVTOCI |
IFRS 9 n/a |
balance sheet |
IFRS 7 | |||
| (12.31.2021) | AC | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |||||
| € 000s | € 000s | € 000s | € 000s | € 000s | € 000s | € 000s | € 000s | ||
| Non-current assets | |||||||||
| Financial assets |
3,439 (3,474) |
100 (100) |
3,539 (3,574) |
3,439 (3,474) |
|||||
| Current assets | |||||||||
| Trade receivables |
51,730 (37,184) |
51,730 (37,184) |
51,730 (37,184) |
||||||
| Financial assets |
446 (313) |
958 (1,226) |
1,404 (1,539) |
446 (313) |
|||||
| Cash | 22,668 (47,184) |
22,668 (47,184) |
22,668 (47,184) |
||||||
| Total financial assets |
78,283 (88,155) |
958 (1,226) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
100 (100) |
79,341 (89,481) |
||
| Non-current debt | |||||||||
| Financial liabilities | 72,154 (74,701) |
11,879 (9,073) |
84,033 (83,774) |
67,800 (74,655) |
|||||
| Current debt | |||||||||
| Financial liabilities | 11,853 (11,256) |
784 (234) |
2,617 (4,363) |
15,254 (15,853) |
13,111 (12,032) |
||||
| Trade payables |
10,865 (11,401) |
10,865 (11,401) |
10,865 (11,401) |
||||||
| Total financial liabilities |
94,872 (97,358) |
0 (0) |
784 (234) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
14,496 (13,436) |
110,152 (111,028) |
The net results on financial instruments broken down into their respective measurement categories were as follows:
| IFRS 9 category |
From invest |
From interest |
From subsequent measurement | From disposals |
Net results |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | ments | Fair value through profit |
Fair value through OCI |
Currency translation |
Impair ment |
||||
| € 000s | € 000s | or loss € 000s |
€ 000s | € 000s | € 000s | € 000s | € 000s | ||
| Financial assets measured at amortized cost |
AC | 0 | 62 | 0 | 0 | -231 | -216 | 0 | -385 |
| Financial assets measured at fair value (not designated) |
FVTPL | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Financial liabilities measured at fair value (not designated) |
FVTPL | 0 | 0 | -796 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -796 |
| Financial liabilities measured at amortized |
|||||||||
| cost | AC | 0 | -953 | 0 | 0 | -850 | 0 | 0 | -1,803 |
| Total | 8 | -891 | -796 | 0 | -1,081 | -216 | 0 | -2,976 |
| IFRS 9 category |
From From From subsequent measurement invest interest |
From disposals |
Net results |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | ments | Fair value through profit |
Fair value through OCI |
Currency translation |
Impair ment |
||||
| € 000s | € 000s | or loss € 000s |
€ 000s | € 000s | € 000s | € 000s | € 000s | ||
| Financial assets measured at amortized cost |
AC | 0 | 53 | 0 | 0 | 119 | 151 | 0 | 323 |
| Financial assets measured at fair value (not designated) |
FVTPL | 7 | 0 | -1,237 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1,230 |
| Financial liabilities measured at fair value (not designated) |
FVTPL | 0 | 0 | -234 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -234 |
| Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost |
AC | 0 | -914 | 0 | 0 | 105 | 0 | 0 | -809 |
| Total | 7 | -861 | -1,471 | 0 | 224 | 151 | 0 | -1,950 |
Interest expenses of € 559k for lease liabilities have been recognized in the financial result (previous year: € 497k).
No interest income or interest expenses were generated or incurred in connection with financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss. Of the net result for financial instruments measured at fair value, an amount of € -268k has been recognized in the other financial result (previous year: € -22k), while € -528k (previous year: € -1,449k) has been recognized under "Other operating expenses".
The income and expenses resulting from translation through profit or loss of financial assets and liabilities at average exchange rates on the balance sheet date have been recognized under other operating income or expenses, as have the results of foreign currency translation performed within the financial year. The translation of cash at the balance sheet date resulted in currency income of € 306k (previous year: € 299k) recognized through profit or loss under other operating income. Currency expenses of € 87k (previous year: € 142k) have been recognized under other operating expenses in connection with the translation of cash at the balance sheet date.
To ensure the comparability and consistency of fair value measurements and related disclosures, IFRS 13 (Fair Value Measurement) stipulates a fair value hierarchy that allocates the input factors used in valuation methods to calculate fair value to three levels. The hierarchy grants the highest priority to prices (taken over without amendment) on active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 input factors) and the lowest priority to non-observable input factors (Level 3 input factors). The following specific definitions apply:
Input factors: Assumptions that would be used by market participants when determining the price of an asset or liability, including risk assumptions, such as:
Input factors may be observable or non-observable.
Level 1 input factors: Listed prices (taken over without amendment) on active markets for identical assets or liabilities to which the company has access on the valuation date.
Level 2 input factors: Input factors other than the listed prices included in Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability.
Level 3 input factors: Input factors not observable for the asset or liability.
Observable input factors: Input factors derived from market data, such as publicly available information about actual events or transactions, which reflect those assumptions that would be used by market participants when determining the price of the asset or liability.
Non-observable input factors: Input factors for which no market data is available and which are derived from the best information available concerning the assumptions that would be used by market participants when determining the price of the asset or liability.
As in the previous year, no items were reclassified within the three input factor levels in the 2022 financial year. The financial assets allocated to Level 1 involve shares in listed companies, which have been measured at the closing price on the stock market with the highest trading volumes as of the balance sheet date. The financial liabilities allocated to Level 2 involve forward exchange transactions intended to hedge currency risks.
Overall, this had the following implications for the consolidated statement of comprehensive income:
| Level 1 € 000s |
Level 2 € 000s |
Level 3 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 01.01.2021 | 1,248 | 1,226 | 0 |
| Total gains or losses recognized through profit or loss |
|||
| • Other operating income | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| • Other operating expenses • Other financial result |
0 -22 |
-1,449 0 |
0 0 |
| Total gains or losses recognized in OCI • Changes in value |
0 | 0 | 0 |
| • Reclassifications out of OCI into profit or loss |
0 | 0 | 0 |
| Additions | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Retirements | |||
| • Due to sale | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| • Due to derecognition | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Currency differences | 0 | -11 | 0 |
| Balance at 12.31.2021 | 1,226 | -234 | 0 |
| Total gains or losses recognized through profit or loss |
|||
| • Other operating income | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| • Other operating expenses | 0 | -528 | 0 |
| • Other financial result | -268 | 0 | 0 |
| Total gains or losses recognized in OCI • Changes in value |
0 | 0 | 0 |
| • Reclassifications out of OCI into profit or loss |
0 | 0 | 0 |
| Additions | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Retirements | |||
| • Due to sale | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| • Due to derecognition | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Currency differences | 0 | -22 | 0 |
| Balance at 12.31.2022 | 958 | -784 | 0 |
The liquidity risk to which STRATEC is exposed in connection with its financial instruments consists of obligations due to future interest and principal payments for financial liabilities. Future payments are structured as follows:
| Carrying amount 12.31.2022 |
Cash flows 2023 | Cash flows 2024 | Cash flows 2025 – 2026 | Cash flows 2027 and later |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Figures in € 000s | Interest | Principal | Interest | Principal | Interest | Principal | Interest | Principal | ||
| 99,287 | 1,923 | 15,254 | 1,777 | 10,527 | 3,101 | 14,214 | 785 | 59,292 | ||
| Financial liabilities | ||||||||||
| • of which lease liabilities | 13,526 | 534 | 2,158 | 444 | 2,048 | 603 | 4,321 | 234 | 4,999 | |
| Trade payables | 10,865 | 0 | 10,865 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Total | 110,152 | 1,923 | 26,119 | 1,777 | 10,527 | 3,101 | 14,214 | 785 | 59,292 |
| Carrying amount 12.31.2021 |
Cash flows 2021 | Cash flows 2022 | Cash flows 2023 – 2024 | Cash flows 2025 and later |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Figures in € 000s | Interest | Principal | Interest | Principal | Interest | Principal | Interest | Principal | |
| 99,627 | 1,226 | 15,853 | 776 | 44,190 | 1,053 | 16,103 | 855 | 23,481 | |
| Financial liabilities | |||||||||
| • of which lease liabilities | 9,460 | 418 | 2,019 | 324 | 1,997 | 371 | 3,175 | 127 | 2,269 |
| Trade payables | 11,401 | 0 | 11,401 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 111,028 | 1,226 | 27,254 | 776 | 44,190 | 1,053 | 16,103 | 855 | 23,481 |
Financing contracts with banks and with remaining terms of up to five years charge interest at a weighted average of 2.32% (previous year: 0.92%), while financing contracts with terms of more than five years charge interest at 1.32% (previous year: 1.24%). This calculation has been based on the nominal interest rates applicable as of the balance sheet date.
STRATEC's assets, liabilities and future activities are subject to liquidity risks, default risks, and market risks resulting from changes in exchange rates, interest rates and stock market prices. The objectives and methods used by STRATEC to deal with the financial risks listed below form the object of the Group's risk management activities. The principles underlying the Group's risk management policies are presented in Section "D. Opportunities and risks" of the Group Management Report.
The objective of financial risk management is to limit these risks primarily by means of its operating activities. In assessing individual risks, the Board of Management takes account of the volume of such risks arising across the Group as a whole. These activities are supplemented by finance-based measures. The primary objective is to limit the risks of relevance to the cash flow. The basic principles of the company's financial policy are reviewed by the Board of Management annually and revised to account for new developments. The Supervisory Board is informed at regular intervals of the financial position of the Group and the assessments made by the Board of Management.
The following risks could in principle arise for the company in connection with financial instruments:
For STRATEC, liquidity risks involve the risk of not being able to meet payment obligations due to insufficient cash. To safeguard the company's solvency, sufficient liquid funds and fixed-term credit lines are reserved via STRATEC SE on the basis of rolling liquidity planning which provides current information as to the expected development in liquidity on company and currency level.
STRATEC had cash of € 22,668k at the balance sheet date (previous year: € 47,184k). As of December 31, 2022, unutilized committed credit lines totaling € 17 million were available to STRATEC (previous year: € 34 million).
The principal default risks faced by STRATEC are to be found in its operating activities. They involve the risk of contractual partners failing to meet their obligations, which at STRATEC relate in particular to the settlement of trade receivables. The risk volumes considered by the Board of Management for default risk management purposes includes all creditor items due from customers in connection with supplies and services. Default risk is countered by means of receivables management, such as trade credit insurance policies and strict monitoring measures. Remaining default risks are accounted for with suitable allowances for "expected credit losses".
Liquid funds are deposited solely on current accounts at financial service providers with high-quality ratings.
The maximum default risk is reflected by the carrying amounts of the financial assets reported in the consolidated balance sheet. However, these figures do not account for the hedging measures outlined above.
On account of its international business activities, STRATEC is exposed to foreign currency risks resulting from the impact of exchange rate movements on business transactions and the foreign currency receivables and liabilities as of the balance sheet date (transaction risks). Furthermore, the translation of the financial statements of foreign subsidiaries into the group currency (€) also involves foreign currency risks (translation risks). These latter risks do not require separate analysis for IFRS 7 (Financial Instruments: Disclosures) purposes.
The principal foreign currency transactions performed by STRATEC relate to export transactions and the payment of development services in US dollars and intragroup loan relationships in US dollars. Translation risks arise due to the translation of the financial statements of foreign group companies from Swiss francs (CHF), US dollars (USD), Romanian leis (RON), and Hungarian forints (HUF) into the group reporting currency (€).
As in the previous year, to secure its foreign currency risks STRATEC deployed forward exchange transactions. With regard to the accounting treatment, reference is made to the information in Section "B. Accounting policies applied – Financial Instruments".
With regard to its reporting on the type and scope of risks resulting from financial instruments, to avoid redundancies STRATEC makes partial use of IFRS 7.B6 by making the disclosures thereby required in its Group Management Report. Reference is made to the following sections of that report: Section "C. Outlook" and Section "D. Opportunities and risks: Risk reporting in respect of use of financial instruments".
(transaction risk)
STRATEC had the following transaction risk exposure as of the balance sheet date:
| Material foreign currency items translated into € 000s |
12.31.2022 | 12.31.2021 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GBP | CHF | USD | HUF | RON | GBP | CHF | USD | HUF | RON | |
| Cash | 46 | 4,381 | 3,818 | 781 | 35 | 70 | 4,766 | 13,164 | 11,282 | 678 |
| Trade and other receivables | 1 | 6,226 | 21,707 | 6,434 | 55 | 1 | 5,340 | 15,407 | 4,074 | 55 |
| Receivables from associates | 0 | 15,355 | 5,552 | 1,160 | 683 | 0 | 7,997 | 4,517 | 674 | 14 |
| Financial assets | 0 | 0 | 0 | 448 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 469 | 0 |
| Forward exchange transactions |
0 | 0 | -21,431 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -24,316 | 0 | 0 |
| Trade payables | 111 | 736 | 830 | 3,270 | 0 | 7 | 387 | 1,200 | 2,243 | 0 |
| Liabilities to associates | 0 | 21,388 | 665 | 1,673 | 2,502 | 0 | 6,648 | 229 | 1,198 | 2,500 |
| Financial liabilities | 0 | 0 | 784 | 7,388 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 234 | 3,279 | 0 |
| Net risk exposure | -64 | 3,838 | 7,367 | -3,508 | -1,729 | 64 | 11,068 | 7,109 | 9,779 | -1,753 |
Exchange rate gains and losses resulting from the measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities as of the balance sheet date have been presented in Section "G. Financial instruments".
Were the euro (or the respective functional currency of the individual group company) to have moved by +10% / -10% compared with the following currencies as of the balance sheet date, then this would have impacted as follows on consolidated net income before income taxes in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income:
| Material foreign currency items translated into € 000s |
2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GBP | CHF | USD | HUF | RON | GBP | CHF | USD | HUF | RON | ||
| Change in currency by +10% Change in consolidated net income (€ 000s) |
6 | -349 | -681 | 319 | 157 | -6 | -1,006 | -646 | -889 | 159 | |
| Change in currency by -10% Change in consolidated net income (€ 000s) |
-7 | 426 | 861 | -390 | -192 | 7 | 1,230 | 448 | 1,087 | -195 |
In the 2022 financial year, income from currency translation totaling € 13,413k (previous year: € 12,710k) and expenses for currency translation totaling € 14,494k (previous year: € 12,486k) were recognized through profit or loss in other operating income and other operating expenses respectively.
Interest rate risks involve the risk of fluctuations in the value of a financial instrument or in future cash flows as a result of changes in market interest rates.
STRATEC is subject to interest rate risks in terms of its interestbearing/interest-charging financial instruments.
Given that interest rates are currently still low, the liquid funds at STRATEC still generate interest income of immaterial significance and the resultant interest rate risk is also of subordinate significance. This item has therefore not been accounted for in the following analysis. However, any rise in interest rates would have a positive impact on earnings.
STRATEC reported the following interest-bearing assets and interest-charging liabilities as of the balance sheet date:
| 2022 € 000s |
2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Interest-bearing medium and long-term financial assets • of which with floating interest rates • of which with fixed interest rates |
21 0 21 |
26 0 26 |
| Interest-charging financial liabilities • of which with floating interest rates • of which with fixed interest rates |
73,623 38,000 35,623 |
75,835 35,500 40,335 |
Changes in market interest rates have no implications for the measurement of fixed-interest financial instruments at STRATEC as of the balance sheet date, as these items are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The fair values based on market interest rates as of the balance sheet date have been presented in Section "G. Financial instruments".
Changes in market interest rates have no implications for the measurement of floating-interest financial instruments at STRATEC as of the balance sheet date, as these items are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Unlike fixed-interest financial liabilities, however, financial liabilities with floating interest rates involve the risk of fluctuations in future cash flows for payments of interest and principal due to changes in market interest rates. STRATEC had financial liabilities with a nominal volume of € 38,000k with floating interest rates at the balance sheet date as of December 31, 2022 (previous year: € 35,500k).
The following table presents the future interest and principal payments assumed for the remaining term of the floating-rate loan liability as of the balance sheet date. The figures are based on the market interest rate prevalent at this time.
| € 000s | Carrying amount 12.31.2022 |
Cashflows 2023 | Cashflows 2024 | Cashflows 2025–2026 |
Cashflows 2027 and later |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest | Principal | Interest | Principal | Interest | Principal | Interest | Principal | ||
| Financial liabilities with floating interest rates (1 to 12 months EURIBOR) |
|||||||||
| Actual | 38,000 | 964 | 0 | 964 | 0 | 1,927 | 0 | 80 | 38,000 |
| +100 basis points | 38,000 | 1,344 | 0 | 1,344 | 0 | 2,687 | 0 | 112 | 38,000 |
| -100 basis points | 38,000 | 584 | 0 | 584 | 0 | 1,167 | 0 | 49 | 38,000 |
The change in the cash flow from interest presented here simultaneously corresponds to the hypothetical impact on consolidated net income before taxes on income in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
The financial assets requiring measurement in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy are subject in particular to price risks. Had fair values been 10% higher (lower) than their balance sheet date levels, then consolidated net income before taxes on income would have been € 96k (previous year: € 123k) higher (lower).
The objectives of capital management at STRATEC are:
STRATEC determines its level of capital in proportion to risk. To this end, the company manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to be able to react to changes in the macroeconomic framework and the risk characteristics of its underlying assets. To maintain or adjust its capital structure, STRATEC may adjust the level of dividends paid to its shareholders, repay capital to its shareholders, issue new shares, or reduce debts by making repayments or selling assets.
The main key figures referred to by the management are the equity ratio and the dynamic gearing ratio (net financial liabilities as a proportion of EBITDA). The equity ratio amounted to 56.6% at December 31, 2022 (previous year: 55.8%). The current target corridor for this figure amounts to between 50 percent and 75 percent.
Closely related companies and persons as defined in IAS 24 (Related Party Disclosures) are persons and companies in a position to exert influence on STRATEC SE and/or its subsidiaries or subject to control or significant influence by STRATEC SE or its subsidiaries. Such parties particularly include unconsolidated subsidiaries, directors and officers at STRATEC SE, and persons and companies closely related to such.
The receivables and liabilities due to and from unconsolidated subsidiaries as of the balance sheet date have been presented under the respective balance sheet items.
In the 2022 financial year, STRATEC SE purchased services of € 293k from STRATEC Biomedical (Taicang) Co. Ltd. (previous year: € 315k).
In the 2022 financial year, Mod-n-More Kft. purchased services of € 136k from STRATEC Biomedical (Taicang) Co. Ltd. (previous year: € 164k).
The Board of Management of STRATEC SE comprises the following members:
The members of the Board of Management are authorized to solely represent the company.
By resolution of the Supervisory Board on November 24, 2022, Dr. Georg Bauer was appointed to the Board of Management of STRATEC SE for a three-year term as of January 1, 2023 and thus until December 31, 2025.
By resolution of the Supervisory Board on December 16, 2022, Marcus Wolfinger, Dr. Robert Siegle, and Dr. Claus Vielsack were each appointed to the Board of Management of STRATEC SE for a further five-year term in office and thus until November 10, 2028.
Marcus Wolfinger has been a member of the management of STRATEC Capital GmbH since November 2015 and a member of the management of STRATEC PS Holding GmbH since May 2016.
Dr. Robert Siegle has been a member of the management of STRATEC PS Holding GmbH since May 2016.
Dr. Claus Vielsack has been a member of the management of STRATEC PS Holding GmbH since May 2016.
The remuneration of members of the Board of Management consists of fixed basic remuneration and variable components dependent, among other factors, on the achievement of individual performance targets.
Moreover, members of the Board of Management are entitled to participate in the stock option program subject to the limitation that no further stock options were granted to them in the financial years from 2015 to 2017. Since the 2018 financial year, they have once again participated in the stock option program. Among other conditions, the exercising of the options is dependent on the achievement of performance targets outlined in greater detail in Section "C. Notes to the consolidated balance sheet (9) Shareholders' equity – Stock option programs". Furthermore, members of the Board of Management receive stock appreciation rights (SARs).
The members of the Board of Management received total remuneration of € 4,084k for their activity on the Board of Management in the 2022 financial year (previous year: € 4,203k). As of December 31, 2022, the net balance of performance-related payments outstanding for members of the Board of Management amounted to € 2,771k (previous year: € 6,021k).
| 2022 € 000s1 |
2021 € 000s1 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Short-term benefits | 1,863 | 2,009 |
| Post-employment benefits2 | 296 | 282 |
| Other long-term benefits3 | 426 | 439 |
| Share-based remuneration4 | 1,499 | 1,473 |
| Total | 4,084 | 4,203 |
1 The amounts disclosed refer to members of the Board of Management active in
the respective reporting year and to their activities on the Board of Management. 2 The amount disclosed refers to the service cost recognized in the 2022 financial year. 3 The amount disclosed refers to the mid-term incentive agreement for 2020 (2019), which covers 2020, 2021, and 2022 (2019, 2020, and 2021) and is due for payment in 2023 (2022).
4 The amount disclosed corresponds to the fair value upon issue of the stock appreciation rights (SARs) granted in 2022 (2021) and calculated in accordance with IFRS 2 (Share-based payment) as well as the fair value upon issue of the stock options granted in 2022 (2021), although these were in some cases not yet vested as of the balance sheet date.
The Supervisory Board of STRATEC SE comprises the following individuals:
The Supervisory Board Prof. Dr. Georg Heni holds the following further memberships of other supervisory boards and supervisory bodies as defined in § 125 (1) Sentence 5 of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG):
The Supervisory Board members Dr.-Ing. Frank Hiller, Dr. Rolf Vornhagen, and Dr. med. Patricia Geller do not hold positions on any other supervisory boards or supervisory bodies as defined in § 125 (1) Sentence 5 of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG). Dr. Rudolf Eugster also did not hold any other such positions during his membership of the Supervisory Board.
The permanent Audit Committee of STRATEC SE established by the Supervisory Board comprises the following members:
The Supervisory Board members received total remuneration of € 158k in the 2022 financial year for their activities on the Supervisory Board and the Audit Committee (previous year: € 130k). The specific structure of overall remuneration was as follows:
| 2022 € 000s |
2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Fixed remuneration | 131 | 113 |
| Meeting allowance | 27 | 17 |
| Total | 158 | 130 |
In addition to this total remuneration, each member of the Supervisory Board also has his or her expenses reimbursed and benefits from a pecuniary damage liability insurance policy taken out at the company's expense at suitable terms customary to the market.
The unrecognized contractual obligations mainly involve master agreements with suppliers.
The unrecognized contractual obligations mature as follows:
| 2022 € 000s |
2021 € 000s |
|
|---|---|---|
| Due within one year | 181,683 | 121,794 |
| Due in between one and five years | 47,699 | 39,820 |
| Due in more than five years | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 229,382 | 161,614 |
As of the balance sheet date, unrecognized contractual obligations involving obligations for orders placed amounted to € 228,882k (previous year: € 161,239k).
Of unrecognized contractual obligations, € 0k relates to property, plant and equipment (previous year: € 9k) and € 500k to intangible assets (previous year: € 366k).
As in the previous year, STRATEC has no contingent assets or liabilities.
STRATEC SE received the following voting right notifications from shareholders who hold 3% of the voting rights or who exceeded, fell short of, or reached the 3% threshold:
| Notifying party | Date on which threshold was met |
Share of voting rights | Allocable voting right share of at least 3% |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| in% | absolute | |||
| Herdor GmbH & Co. KG, Unterschleißheim, Germany |
04.27.2014 | 25.40 | 2,990,000 | Tanja van Dinter, Bettina Siegle and Ralf Leistner |
| Herdor Beteiligungs GmbH, Unterschleißheim, Germany |
04.27.2014 | 25.40 | 2,990,000 | Herdor GmbH & Co. KG, Tanja van Dinter, Bettina Siegle and Ralf Leistner |
| Hermann Leistner, Germany |
04.27.2014 | 25.79 | 3,035,456 | Herdor GmbH & Co. KG, Herdor Beteiligungs GmbH, Tanja van Dinter, Bettina Siegle and Ralf Leistner |
| Doris Leistner, Germany |
04.27.2014 | 25.74 | 3,030,235 | Herdor GmbH & Co. KG, Herdor Beteiligungs GmbH, Tanja van Dinter, Bettina Siegle and Ralf Leistner |
| Tanja van Dinter, Germany |
04.27.2014 | 29.53 | 3,476,286 | Herdor GmbH & Co. KG, Bettina Siegle and Ralf Leistner |
| Bettina Siegle, Germany |
04.27.2014 | 29.68 | 3,493,954 | Herdor GmbH & Co. KG, Tanja van Dinter and Ralf Leistner |
| Ralf Leistner, Germany |
04.27.2014 | 29.73 | 3,499,343 | Herdor GmbH & Co. KG, Tanja van Dinter and Bettina Siegle |
| Juno Investment Partners B.V., The Hague, Netherlands |
05.20.2020 | 3.017 | 362,998 | |
| Brown Capital Management, LLC, Baltimore, US |
02.05.2021 | 5.01 | 605,802 | |
| Threadneedle (Lux), Bertrange, Luxembourg |
03.28.2022 | 4.93 | 598,493 | |
| Allianz Global Investors GmbH, Frankfurt am Main, Germany |
06.27.2022 | 2.99 | 362,623 | |
| Ameriprise Financial, Inc., Wilmington, Delaware, USA1 |
11.11.2022 | 6.97 | 845,604 | Threadneedle (Lux) |
| Invesco Ltd., Hamilton, Bermuda |
03.16.2023 | 3.19 | 388,395 | |
| AIM International Mutual Funds (Invesco International Mutual Funds), Wilmington, Delaware, US |
03.16.2023 | 3.17 | 385,312 |
Voluntary group notification due to the threshold being met within the group of notifying parties
Information about voting right notifications can also be found in the Investors section of the company's website at www.stratec.com.
No events of particular significance expected to materially impact on the company's earnings, financial, or net asset position have occurred since the balance sheet date.
The declaration in respect of the German Corporate Governance Code ("Declaration of Compliance") required by § 161 of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG) has been submitted by the Board of Management and Supervisory Board of STRATEC SE and made permanently available to shareholders in the Investors section of the company's website (www.stratec.com).
Birkenfeld, March 28, 2023
STRATEC SE
The Board of Management
Marcus Wolfinger Dr. Robert Siegle Dr. Claus Vielsack Dr. Georg Bauer
To the best of our knowledge, and in accordance with the applicable reporting principles for financial reporting, the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Group, and the management report of the Group includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Group, together with a description of the principal opportunities and risks associated with the expected development of the Group.
Birkenfeld, March 28, 2023
STRATEC SE
The Board of Management
Marcus Wolfinger Dr. Robert Siegle Dr. Claus Vielsack Dr. Georg Bauer
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of STRATEC SE, Birkenfeld, and its subsidiaries (the Group) – which comprise the consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2022, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of changes in equity and the consolidated statement of cash flows for the financial year from 1 January to 31 December 2022, and the notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. In addition, we have audited the group management report of STRATEC SE, Birkenfeld, for the financial year from 1 January to 31 December 2022. In accordance with the German legal requirements, we have not audited the content of the (Group) Declaration of Corporate Governance published on the website of the Company, which is referred to in section F. of the group management report, or the Non-Financial Statement of the Group in section G. of the group management report.
In our opinion, on the basis of the knowledge obtained in the audit,
Pursuant to Sec. 322 (3) sentence 1 HGB, we declare that our audit has not led to any reservations relating to the legal compliance of the consolidated financial statements and of the group management report.
We conducted our audit of the consolidated financial statements and of the group management report in accordance with Sec. 317 HGB and the EU Audit Regulation (No. 537/2014, referred to subsequently as "EU Audit Regulation") and in compliance with German Generally Accepted Standards for Financial Statement Audits promulgated by the Institut der Wirtschaftsprüfer [Institute of Public Auditors in Germany] (IDW). Our responsibilities under those requirements and principles are further described in the "Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements and of the Group Management Report" section of our auditor's report. We are independent of the group entities in accordance with the requirements of European law and German commercial and professional law, and we have fulfilled our other German professional responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. In addition, in accordance with Article 10 (2) point (f) of the EU Audit Regulation, we declare that we have not provided non-audit services prohibited under Article 5 (1) of the EU Audit Regulation. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinions on the consolidated financial statements and on the group management report.
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the consolidated financial statements for the financial year from 1 January to 31 December 2022. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the consolidated financial statements as a whole, and in forming our audit opinion thereon, we do not provide a separate audit opinion on these matters.
We summarize what in our view are the key audit matters below:
Impairment testing of goodwill
Accounting treatment of development costs
a) The risk for the consolidated financial statements Goodwill of EUR 36.7 million is carried in the consolidated financial statements of STRATEC SE, Birkenfeld, under the line item "Goodwill". This corresponds to 9.2% of the balance sheet total. Goodwill is subject to an impairment test as at 31 December of each respective financial year.
The valuation was performed using the discounted cash flow method. The findings of the impairment test are highly dependent on the estimates made by the executive directors of future cash flows, the operating margins and the discount rate applied and are therefore subject to substantial uncertainty. In light of this circumstance and the complexity of the valuation, this issue was considered to be a key audit matter.
The disclosures of the Company regarding goodwill are contained in sections B. and C. of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
We verified that the future cash flows used in the valuations are appropriate by comparing them to the latest budgets derived from the three-year planning drawn up by the executive directors and approved by the Supervisory Board and reconciling them with expectations for the specific industrial sector or general market expectations.
The reliability of the business planning was assessed using a retrospective comparison of the deviations between the budget figures underlying the valuation performed in the prior year and the actual figures posted in financial year 2022. Where any significant deviations were identified we discussed these with the executive directors in terms of their relevance for the financial statements of the reporting year.
Based on the knowledge that relatively small changes in the discount rate used can have a significant impact on the enterprise value determined in this way, we also placed a focus of our audit on the parameters used to determine the discount rate and the weighted average cost of capital and verified the formula used in the calculation.
Due to the material significance of goodwill and the fact that the valuation of goodwill also depends on the macroeconomic environment, which lies outside the sphere of influence of the Company, we also performed sensitivity analyses of the cash generating units with lower coverage (carrying amount compared to net present value) and found that the goodwill carried in the books is suitably covered by discounted future cash surpluses and has been suitably discounted. Overall, the valuation parameters and assumptions applied by the executive directors agree with our expectations.
a) The risk for the consolidated financial statements Where the development project is one of the Company's own development projects, the development expenditure incurred in connection with the project is expensed in the period in which it is incurred. This excludes research and development projects acquired in the course of business combinations and development expenditure that cumulatively meets the recognition of IAS 38.57. Capitalized development expenses recognized under intangible assets are subject to an impairment test at least once a year in accordance with IAS 36 until they are put into an operating condition. As soon as they are put into an operating condition, they are amortized, generally over 5 to 12 years.
To the extent that these concern a development cooperation governed by an underlying contract with a customer, or some other contract with a customer, the performance obligations are initially identified and assessed as to whether revenue from fulfilling the respective performance obligations should be recognized at a point in time or over time. For sales of analysis systems, service parts and consumables, revenue is generally recognized at a point in time. Revenue from other services is generally recognized over time, measuring progress towards complete satisfaction of the performance obligation. Revenue from development performance obligations is recognized over time or at a point in time, depending on the contract.
Revenue is recognized at the expected amount. Consideration components and sales deductions to be withheld for third parties are deducted from revenue. The consideration to be taken into account is adjusted for the effects of significant financing components, if the period between satisfaction of the performance obligation and payment is more than one year.
Costs of obtaining a contract are expensed immediately if the amortization period is less than one year. Costs to fulfill a contract are recognized as an asset if the costs generate or enhance resources that will be used in satisfying performance obligations and the costs are expected to be recovered. They are reported in inventories.
The pending transaction resulting upon conclusion of the contract is not recognized as an asset or a liability. When one of the contractual parties meets its obligation, a contract asset or a contract liability is recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position. A contract liability exists when the customer has already paid the consideration in full or in part before it is transferred to the customer. In cases where the performance obligation has been satisfied and the customer has not yet transferred the consideration, the existence of a conditional or an unconditional right is verified. A conditional right leads to recognition of a contract asset, while an unconditional right leads to recognition of trade receivables.
In the event that several performance obligations must be transferred to a customer, the contractually agreed consideration is allocated based on the stand-alone selling price at the time of concluding the contract. Stand-alone selling prices are not directly observable in the business model for development cooperations. The stand-alone selling prices are estimated using an appropriate method, generally the expected cost plus margin approach.
As at 31 December 2022, internally generated intangible assets of EUR 40,125k (prior year: EUR 35,532k) were recognized in association with own development projects and EUR 1,579k (prior year: EUR 1,939k) in association with development cooperations. Expenditures qualifying as research expenditure in the sense of IAS 38.54 are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. Due to the different individual contracts and the significance of internally generated intangible assets in the consolidated financial statements, this matter was of particular significance for our audit.
The disclosures of the Company on the accounting treatment of development expenditure on internal development projects and for development cooperations, and its impact on the consolidated financial statements, are included in sections B. and C of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
In a first step we satisfied ourselves that the accounting policies required by IFRS described in a) above were applied systematically. This involved a critical appraisal of whether the recognition criteria in IAS 38.57 were met as well as of the applicability of the rules in IFRS 15 relating to recognition over time or at a point in time.
The recognition, presentation and measurement of own development projects and development cooperations were audited by means of assertion-based audit procedures using consciously selected samples as well as by performing tests of controls. If new development cooperations were arranged in the financial year, the contractual documents were examined to determine whether the respective project was allocated on the basis of the methodology presented under a) above. In particular, an audit focus was placed on revenue recognition in the various development categories and the annual impairment testing of development expenditure capitalized under intangible assets. We also audited the transition to recognition, presentation and measurement in accordance with IFRS 15 using consciously selected samples. We were able to verify the assumptions and estimates made by the executive directors with regard to the recognition of development expenses as intangible assets, and determined that these are suitably documented and agree with our expectations.
The executive directors and the Supervisory Board are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises:
The Supervisory Board is responsible for the report of the Supervisory Board. The executive directors and the Supervisory Board are responsible for the Declaration of Compliance with the German Corporate Governance Code pursuant to Sec. 161 AktG ["Aktiengesetz": German Stock Corporation Act] contained in the (Group) Declaration of Corporate Governance published on the Company's website. In all other respects, the executive directors are responsible for the other information.
Our audit opinions on the consolidated financial statements and on the group management report do not cover the other information, and consequently we do not express an audit opinion or any other form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, our responsibility is to read the aforementioned other information and, in so doing, to consider whether the other information
If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
The executive directors are responsible for the preparation of the consolidated, financial statements that comply, in all material respects, with IFRSs as adopted by the EU and the additional requirements of German commercial law pursuant to Sec. 315e (1) HGB and that the consolidated financial statements, in compliance with these requirements, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, and financial performance of the Group. In addition the executive directors are responsible for such internal control as they have determined necessary to enable preparation of the consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement due to fraud (i.e. fraudulent financial reporting and misappropriation of assets) or error.
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the executive directors are responsible for assessing the Group's ability to continue as a going concern. They also have the responsibility for disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern. In addition, they are responsible for financial reporting based on the going concern basis of accounting unless there is an intention to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or there is no realistic alternative but to do so.
Furthermore, the executive directors are responsible for the preparation of the group management report that, as a whole, provides an appropriate view of the Group's position and is, in all material respects, consistent with the consolidated financial statements, complies with German legal requirements, and appropriately presents the opportunities and risks of future development. In addition, the executive directors are responsible for such arrangements and measures (systems) as they have considered necessary to enable the preparation of a group management report that is in accordance with the applicable German legal requirements, and to be able to provide sufficient appropriate evidence for the assertions in the group management report.
The Supervisory Board is responsible for overseeing the Group's financial reporting process for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements and of the group management report.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and whether the group management report as a whole provides an appropriate view of the Group's position and, in all material respects, is consistent with the consolidated financial statements and the knowledge obtained in the audit, complies with the German legal requirements and appropriately presents the opportunities and risks of future development, as well as to issue an auditor's report that includes our audit opinions on the consolidated financial statements and on the group management report of the Group.
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with Sec. 317 HGB and the EU Audit Regulation and in compliance with German Generally Accepted Standards for Financial Statement Audits promulgated by the Institut der Wirtschaftsprüfer (IDW) will always detect a material misstatement. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated financial statements and this group management report.
We exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:
Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used by the executive directors and the reasonableness of estimates made by the executive directors and related disclosures.
Conclude on the appropriateness of the executive directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group's ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in the auditor's report to the related disclosures in the consolidated financial statements and in the group management report or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our respective audit opinions. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor's report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to cease to be able to continue as a going concern.
We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with the relevant independence requirements, and communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, on the procedures taken to remedy the actions that could jeopardize our independence or the related safeguards.
From the matters communicated with those charged with governance, we determine those matters that were of most significance in the audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current period and are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditor's report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter.
Report on the assurance on the electronic rendering of the consolidated financial statements and the group management report prepared for publication purposes in accordance with Sec. 317 (3a) HGB
We have performed assurance work in accordance with Sec. 317 (3a) HGB to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the rendering of the consolidated financial statements and the group management report (contained in the attached file "STRATEC_SE_KAuKLB_ESEF-2022-12-31.zip" (hereinafter also referred to as "ESEF documents") and prepared for publication purposes complies in all material respects with the requirements of Sec. 328 (1) HGB for the electronic reporting format ("ESEF format"). In accordance with German legal requirements, this assurance work extends only to the conversion of the information contained in the consolidated financial statements and the group management report into the ESEF format and therefore relates neither to the information contained within these renderings nor to any other information contained in the file identified above.
In our opinion, the rendering of the consolidated financial statements and the group management report contained in the file identified above and prepared for publication purposes complies in all material respects with the requirements of Sec. 328 (1) HGB for the electronic reporting format. Beyond this assurance opinion and our audit opinions on the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the group management report for the financial year from 1 January to 31 December 2022 contained in the "Report on the audit of the consolidated financial statements and of the group management report" above, we do not express any assurance opinion on the information contained within these renderings or on the other information contained in the file identified above.
We conducted our assurance work on the rendering of the consolidated financial statements and the group management report contained in the file identified above in accordance with Sec. 317 (3a) HGB and the IDW Assurance Standard: Assurance on the Electronic Rendering of Financial Statements and Management Reports Prepared for Publication Purposes in Accordance with Sec. 317 (3a) HGB (IDW AsS 410) (06.2022). Our responsibility in accordance therewith is further described in the "Auditor's responsibilities for the assurance work on the ESEF documents" section. Our audit firm applies the IDW Standard on Quality Management 1: Requirements for Quality Management in the Audit Firm (IDW QS 1).
The executive directors are responsible for the preparation of the ESEF documents including the electronic rendering of the consolidated financial statements and the group management report in accordance with Sec. 328 (1) sentence 4 No. 1 HGB and for the tagging of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with Sec. 328 (1) sentence 4 No. 2 HGB.
In addition, the executive directors of the Company are responsible for such internal control as they have determined necessary to enable the preparation of ESEF documents that are free from material intentional or unintentional non-compliance with the requirements of Sec. 328 (1) HGB for the electronic reporting format.
The Supervisory Board is responsible for overseeing the process for preparing the ESEF documents as part of the financial reporting process.
Our objective is to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the ESEF documents are free from material intentional or unintentional non-compliance with the requirements of Sec. 328 (1) HGB. We exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:
Evaluate the technical validity of the ESEF documents, i.e., whether the file containing the ESEF documents meets the requirements of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/815, in the version in force at the date of the financial statements, on the technical specification for this file.
Evaluate whether the ESEF documents enable an XHTML rendering with content equivalent to the audited consolidated financial statements and to the audited group management report.
We were elected as the independent auditor by the annual general meeting on 20 May 2022. According to Sec. 318 (2) HGB, we qualify as the independent auditors of the consolidated financial statements, as no other auditor has been appointed. We were engaged by the Supervisory Board on 16 December 2022. We have been the independent auditor of the consolidated financial statements of STRATEC SE, Birkenfeld, without interruption since financial year 2015.
We declare that the audit opinions expressed in this auditor's report are consistent with the additional report to the Supervisory Board pursuant to Article 11 of the EU Audit Regulation (long-form audit report).
Our auditor's report must always be read together with the audited consolidated financial statements and the audited group management report as well as the assured ESEF documents. The consolidated financial statements and the group management report converted to the ESEF format – including the versions to be filed with the Company Register – are merely electronic renderings of the audited consolidated financial statements and the audited group management report and do not take their place. In particular, the ESEF report and our assurance opinion contained therein are to be used solely together with the assured ESEF documents made available in electronic form.
The German Public Auditor responsible for the engagement is Mr. Philipp Lessner.
Stuttgart, 28 March 2023
Ebner Stolz GmbH & Co. KG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft Steuerberatungsgesellschaft
Oliver Striebel Wirtschaftsprüfer (German Public Auditor) Philipp Lessner Wirtschaftsprüfer (German Public Auditor)
We have performed a limited assurance engagement on the consolidated non-financial statement of STRATEC SE; Birkenfeld; (the "parent company") for the period from 1 January to 31 December 2022 (the "consolidated non-financial statement") included in section "G. Non-Financial Group Declaration" of the group management report.
The executive directors of the parent company are responsible for the preparation of the consolidated non-financial statement in accordance with §§ [Articles] 315 b and 315c in conjunction with 289c to 289e HGB ["Handelsgesetzbuch": German Commercial Code] and Article 8 of REGULATION (EU) 2020/852 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 18. June 2020 on establishing a framework to facilitate sustainable investment and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 (hereinafter the "EU Taxonomy Regulation") and the Delegated Acts adopted thereunder, as well as for making their own interpretation of the wording and terms contained in the EU Taxonomy Regulation and the Delegated Acts adopted thereunder, as set out in section "Reporting pursuant to EU Taxonomy Regulation" of the consolidated non-financial statement.
This responsibility includes the selection and application of appropriate non-financial reporting methods and making assumptions and estimates about individual non-financial disclosures of the group that are reasonable in the circumstances. Furthermore, the executive directors are responsible for such internal control as the executive directors consider necessary to enable the preparation of a consolidated non-financial statement that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
The EU Taxonomy Regulation and the Delegated Acts issued thereunder contain wording and terms that are still subject to considerable interpretation uncertainties and for which clarifications have not yet been published in every case. Therefore, the executive directors have disclosed their interpretation of the EU Taxonomy Regulation and the Delegated Acts adopted thereunder in section "Reporting pursuant to EU Taxonomy Regulation" of the consolidated non-financial statement. They are responsible for the defensibility of this interpretation. Due to the immanent risk that indeterminate legal terms may be interpreted differently, the legal conformity of the interpretation is subject to uncertainties.
We have complied with the German professional requirements on independence as well as other professional conduct requirements.
Our audit firm applies the national legal requirements and professional pronouncements - in particular the By-laws Regulating the Rights and Duties of Wirtschaftsprüfer and vereidigte Buchprüfer in the exercise of their Profession and the IDW Quality Assurance Standard issued by the Institute of Public Auditors in Germany (IDW): Requirements for Quality Management in the Audit Firm (IDW QS 1). and accordingly maintains a comprehensive quality management system that includes documented policies and procedures with regard to compliance with professional ethical requirements, professional standards as well as relevant statutory and other legal requirements.
Our responsibility is to express a conclusion with limited assurance on the consolidated non-financial statement based on our assurance engagement.
We conducted our assurance engagement in accordance with International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3000 (Revised): "Assurance Engagements other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information" issued by the IAASB. This standard requires that we plan and perform the assurance engagement to obtain limited assurance about whether any matters have come to our attention that cause us to believe that the group's consolidated non-financial financial statement, other than the external sources of documentation or expert opinions mentioned in the consolidated non-financial financial statement, are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with §§ 315b and 315c in conjunction with 289c to 289e HGB and the EU Taxonomy Regulation and the Delegated Acts issued thereunder as well as the interpretation by the executive directors disclosed in section "Reporting pursuant to EU Taxonomy Regulation" of the consolidated non-financial statement.
In a limited assurance engagement, the procedures performed are less extensive than in a reasonable assurance engagement, and accordingly, a substantially lower level of assurance is obtained. The selection of the assurance procedures is subject to the professional judgment of the assurance practitioner.
In the course of our assurance engagement we have, among other things, performed the following assurance procedures and other activities:
In determining the disclosures in accordance with Article 8 of the EU Taxonomy Regulation, the executive directors are required to interpret undefined legal terms. Due to the immanent risk that undefined legal terms may be interpreted differently, the legal conformity of their interpretation and, accordingly, our assurance engagement thereon are subject to uncertainties.
Based on the assurance procedures performed and the evidence obtained, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the consolidated non-financial statement of the group for the period from [date] to [date] is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with §§ 315b and 315c in conjunction with 289c to 289e HGB and the EU Taxonomy Regulation and the Delegated Acts issued thereunder as well as the interpretation by the executive directors as disclosed in section "Reporting pursuant to EU Taxonomy Regulation" of the consolidated non-financial statement.
We draw attention to the fact that the assurance engagement was conducted for the parent company's purposes and that the report is intended solely to inform the parent company about the result of the assurance engagement. Consequently, it may not be suitable for any other purpose than the aforementioned. Accordingly, the report is not intended to be used by third parties for making (financial) decisions based on it. Our responsibility is to the parent company alone. We do not accept any responsibility to third parties.
The General Engagement Terms for German Public Auditors and Public Audit Firms dated 1 January 2017 apply to this engagement, also in relation to third parties. In addition, we refer to the liability provisions contained therein in paragraph 9 and to the exclusion of liability towards third parties. We do not assume any responsibility, liability or other obligations towards third parties.
Stuttgart, 28 March 2023
Ebner Stolz GmbH & Co. KG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft Steuerberatungsgesellschaft
Björn Maier Wirtschaftsprüfer (German Public Auditor) Oliver Striebel Wirtschaftsprüfer (German Public Auditor)
Subject to amendment
Gewerbestr. 37 75217 Birkenfeld Germany Phone: +49 7082 7916-0 [email protected] www.stratec.com
Phone: +49 7082 7916- 6515 [email protected]
STRATEC SE Gewerbestr. 37 75217 Birkenfeld Germany Phone: +49 7082 7916-0 [email protected] www.stratec.com
Marcus Wolfinger (Chairman), Dr. Robert Siegle, Dr. Claus Vielsack and Dr. Georg Bauer
Prof. Dr. Georg Heni
Value Added Tax Identification Number DE812415108
STRATEC SE Bartenbach AG, Mainz, Germany
STRATEC SE is the exclusive holder of all image rights.
Forward-looking statements involve risks: This annual report contains various statements concerning the future performance of STRATEC. These statements are based on both assumptions and estimates. Although we are convinced that these forward-looking statements are realistic, we can provide no guarantee of this. This is because our assumptions involve risks and uncertainties which could result in a substantial divergence between actual results and those expected. It is not planned to update these forward-looking statements.
This annual report contains various disclosures that from an economic point of view are not required by the relevant accounting standards. These disclosures should be regarded as a supplement, rather than a substitute for the IFRS disclosures.
Apparent discrepancies may arise throughout this annual report on account of mathematical rounding up or down in the course of addition.
In this annual report, words in the masculine include words in the feminine; in parts of the report, the masculine form has solely been used to make the document easier to read.
This annual report is available in both German and English. Both versions can be downloaded from the company's website at www.stratec.com. In the event of any discrepancies between the two, the German report is the definitive version.
Gewerbestr. 37 75217 Birkenfeld Germany Phone: +49 7082 7916-0 [email protected] www.stratec.com
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