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Vestas Wind Systems — Annual Report 2021
Feb 10, 2022
3390_10-k_2022-02-10_871e46d4-6602-4a6e-8521-4663d4fc66f5.pdf
Annual Report
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| In brief | ||
|---|---|---|
| Key achievements 4 | ||
| Letter from the Chairman & CEO 5 | ||
| Key figures | ||
| Outlook | 10 | |
| Strategy and ambitions 11 | |
|---|---|
| Who we are 12 | |
| Our business model 13 | |
| Our corporate strategy 14 | |
| In focus: Industry perspective 21 | |
| Capital structure strategy 22 |
| The year in Vestas | 23 |
|---|---|
| Performance in 2021 24 | |
| Modularisation 27 | |
| Scaling the business 29 | |
| Development in Service 31 | |
| Circular economy 34 | |
| Sustainability targets 35 | |
| In focus: Zero-waste turbines 36 | |
| Sustainable investments 38 | |
| Our people | 39 |
|---|---|
| One Vestas 40 |
| Governance | 43 |
|---|---|
| Risk management 44 | |
| Corporate governance 47 | |
| A sustainable investment 62 |
| Financial statements | 65 |
|---|---|
| Consolidated financial statements, financial performance, | |
| and notes | 66 |
| Parent company financial statements and notes 121 | |
| Statements | 130 |
| Management's statement 131 |
| Additional information | 136 |
|---|---|
| Quarterly key figures 137 | |
| Deliveries 139 | |
| Glossary | 140 |
| TCFD reporting 141 | |
| Notes to Sustainability key figures 142 | |
| Disclaimer 144 |
In brief
- → Key achievements
- → Letter from the Chairman & CEO
- → Key figures
- → Outlook
63°43'N 10°15'E
Project Fosen Vind, Norway – 1 GW
Despite heavy snowfall and the COVID-19 pandemic, our team still managed to install the last blade on schedule. But apparently they spent more time shovelling snow than installing the 277 turbine towers!
Resilience and determination in challenging market conditions
2021 was once again a year characterised by supply chain disruptions, causing severe cost inflation and lack of capacity. However, despite the adverse underlying conditions, Vestas ensured to deliver on our commitments to our customers and to push the energy transition forward. Achieving record-high revenue and a positive free cash flow of EUR 183m thereby is a true testament to what can be achieved when more than 29,000 employees pull together as one force with shared dedication and ambition.
Within our Service business, we once again managed to deliver strong performance with a 21 percent increase in revenue and an EBIT margin of 24 percent.
Our focus on protecting the value of our products and solutions has remained throughout the year and required strong discipline to address the increased cost of raw materials and components in customer dialogues, which have prolonged negotiations with customers somewhat and required Vestas to provide alternative solutions to pro vide value. As a result, order intake amounted to 13.9 GW across both Onshore and Offshore in 2021 with an average selling price that increased to EUR 0.83m per MW for 2021.
In a very challenging environment, Vestas achieved a record-high revenue of EUR 15.6bn, which is a testament to Vestas' shared dedication, determination, and resilience.
The underlying conditions severely impacted both profitability and visibility. Therefore, with installation delays and increased warranty provisions, the year resulted in an EBIT margin of 3.0 percent, compared to an outlook of around 4.0 percent.
bnEUR
A ↓21% reduction since 2019 to:
Safety
Total Recordable Injury Rate
3.1 TRIR
In Vestas, safety always comes first, and keeping our employees safe during a pandemic has been a key priority. Over the last two years, the Total Recordable Injury Rate has declined by 21 percent.
In 2021, free cash flow before acquisitions of subsidiaries and financial investments increased, amounting to EUR 183m. The continued positive free cash flow underlines Vestas' strong focus on financial strength, while emphasising positive operational progress.
At the end of 2021, the backlog remains high and underlines a continued strong performance in Vestas' Service segment. The total wind turbine order backlog amounted to 22 GW, corresponding to EUR 18.1bn.
Letter from the Chairman & CEO
Welcome to the decade of the energy transition
Dear partner
In our 2020 Annual Report, we announced that despite COVID-19 we believed we were on the brink of a new sustainable era. One year later, as we reflect on the past 12 months, we are delighted to say that our belief is even stronger today, despite the fact that 2021 did its best to challenge our determination and resilience. In 2021, we were challenged by COVID-19's re-emergence, which impacted health and wellbeing the world over, and drove up the costs of logistics and raw materials. We also experienced a vicious attack by cyber criminals on our IT infrastructure. Despite these challenges, 2021 was another year of achievement for Vestas and the renewables industry. Our strengthened competitiveness, our resilience and our technological improvements, combined with an ever-growing acknowledgement among populations and politicians that we must act on the climate crisis, made 2021 the energy transition's point of no return. We want to thank all our partners, customers, colleagues, and other stakeholders for their support in helping to drive progress for Vestas and the global energy transition.
In 2021, we underlined our market-leading position on revenue and profitability, achieved an installed base of 151 GW, and drove the energy transition forward by displacing 210 million tonnes of CO.
2021 was characterised by strong strategic progress that was hampered by operational challenges partly caused by internal factors, which negatively impacted profitability.
During the year, our more than 29,000 Vestas colleagues showed tremendous spirit and resilience, which will remain pivotal as we continue to operate in a challenging environment in 2022. However, in spite of our employees' great efforts, the support of our partners and customers, and the strategic progress we made, 2021 did not provide satisfactory results from a Vestas perspective. The outlook for Vestas and renewables certainly improved, but if we are to move forward profitably and benefit fully from future growth, we must further enhance our value creation and continue to mature our organisation and operations.
The momentum for climate action continues to grow
In 2021, the need to urgently address the climate crisis was once again underscored by extreme weather events across the globe. Floods, wildfires, extreme cold, and hurricanes dominated the media picture for prolonged periods, making the impact on people and local communities more tangible. Together with the continued maturation and competitiveness of renewables, the momentum for climate action grew, as showcased in numerous national elections in which climate and renewable energy were often the prevailing issues.
The growing momentum culminated as the world's largest economies – and polluters – committed to net zero targets, with COP 26 focused on the phasing out of coal, and the level of capital available to fund renewable energy projects continuing to increase. Unfortunately, 2021 also showed why our reliance on fossil fuels is not only harmful to the planet, but to our daily lives as well. During the year, we witnessed the emergence of an energy crisis caused by geopolitics and fossil fuel volatility. In some parts of the world, this resulted in dramatic increases in energy prices for both consumers and companies. But we are yet to see politicians and markets address the root cause of the crisis – for example, by speeding up the energy transition, ac celerating permitting, and creating an energy market based on renewables. As such, the momentum we saw in 2021 is positive, but we need to translate it into action. 2021 visibly highlighted the need for urgency, but to succeed in protecting our planet, we need to shift away from long-term goals and make renewable energy projects possible here and now. The technology, capital, and demand are all there, but policy frameworks and permitting continue to stand in the way.
Leading from the front under difficult circumstances
For Vestas, 2021 was characterised by strong strategic progress that was hampered by operational challenges partly caused by internal factors, which negatively impacted profitability. We therefore made strides to strengthen Vestas' foundation and customer focus. We did this through the integration of offshore activities, the rampup of Vestas Development, and the establishment of one global organisational blueprint and operating model across our five Regions and Group functions. With a clear goal to be One Vestas, Onshore, Offshore and Service now operate on equal terms across Vestas, strengthening our customer focus by making it easy for partners and customers to engage with Vestas – from project development to operations and maintenance – through a single point of contact.
In terms of key figures, we achieved an industry-leading revenue and EBIT margin before special items of EUR 15.6bn and 3.0 percent respectively, and a positive cash flow of EUR 183m. We secured preferred supplier agreements for the V236 in both Europe and the USA and led the industry with an onshore wind turbine order intake of 13.9 GW. With an average selling price of EUR 0.81m/MW for onshore wind, we also managed to increase pricing and showed the discipline needed to improve long-term value creation.
True to our purpose and heritage, Vestas continued to lead the industry on sustainability. Although we have supported our partners with avoiding more than 1.7 billion tonnes of CO emissions over the past four decades, Vestas is dedicated to taking our sustainability commitments even further. In January 2022, we were recognised as the world's most sustainable company, a testament to the progress of our sustainability strategy. This positioning is crucial to strengthen our ongoing leadership journey. We see many indications that sustainability performance is growing into a key differentiator in the global market space as well as a key aspect of the industry's license to operate, and therefore critical to our leadership position in the future energy system.
Bert Nordberg Chairman of the Board of Directors
Henrik Andersen Group President & CEO
In 2021, we successfully implemented a robust circularity roadmap to accelerate our progress towards achieving zero-waste turbines. We have also engaged more than 50 of our strategic suppliers to expand their own sustainability commitments, in an effort to elevate sustainability as a key priority for the industry, and throughout our supply chain. This directly supports our progress towards building a more sustainable future, for generations to come.
To accelerate the energy transition and serve our customers better, in 2021 we ramped up our project development business. Vestas Development seeks to play a leading role in progressing the deployment of renewable energy. And with a 20 GW pipeline, a 25 percent ownership of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, and multiple successful divestments, over the course of the year Vestas Development made great progress.
Another key aspect to accelerating the energy transition is for wind and renewable energy technology to continue to progress and mature. Following our re-entrance into offshore, we introduced marketleading technology in both offshore and onshore wind, with the introduction of the V236-15.0 MW™ turbine and the continued evolution of turbine modularity. Across offshore, onshore, and new areas such as Power-to-X, modularity remains vital to achieve the scalability, reliability and profitability needed for renewables to prosper in the long term. We will also continue our relentless focus on ensuring the industry-leading quality our customers expect from us.
For renewable technology to progress and provide the energy solutions for today and tomorrow, the industry must become more profitable. In 2021, the impact of COVID-19, in particular the increasing costs of raw materials and logistics, dented profitability across the industry. But these factors also led to increased pricing for wind energy, better reflecting its overall value. Increased pricing did lead to lengthier negotiation times and delays in orders, but it remains pivotal to ensure long-term profitability, which requires our products, services, and solutions to be fairly and accurately priced – both in terms of rising costs and the value they create.
In 2021, two of our most prominent figures of the last ten years, CFO Marika Fredriksson and CSO Juan Araluce, announced their intention to pass on the baton. Both Marika and Juan played a key role in Vestas' successful turnaround almost a decade ago, and have been instrumental in our sustained industry leadership and growth. They have helped mature and scale both Vestas and the industry to a level where we can now realistically meet the needs of the energy transition. The fact that we have two strong internal candidates, Hans Martin Smith and Javier Rodriguez Diez, taking over from Marika and Juan, underlines the progress we have made in succession planning. On behalf of everyone at Vestas, we want to thank Marika and Juan for their great contributions and congratulate Hans and Javier on their new roles.
Lastly, 2021 once again showed the close collaboration between our Executive Management team and the Board, which helped Vestas to work as one team as we updated and executed our strategy. This collaboration also meant we remained closely aligned on operational challenges linked to COVID-19, raw materials and logistics,
and quality. To this end, the Board and Executive Management team continue to engage through a well-established process, consisting of a yearly strategy seminar, regular board meetings and frequent operational follow-ups.
Achieving a successful energy transition
As we embark on 2022 and look to 2025 and beyond, we remain focused on executing our strategy, which seeks to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy, drive society-wide electrification, and implement solutions for non-electrifiable use. Key to achieving our strategy is leveraging our updated operating model to become even more customer focused, and driving profitability to a sustainable level. The industry has made tremendous technological progress, which is key for a successful energy transition. But technology won't do it alone and we must build the discipline that is a prerequisite to ensure viable returns.
The energy transition is the greatest industrial revolution the world has ever witnessed, and wind energy companies can't drive this revolution alone. At Vestas, we need to ensure our products and solutions are of sufficiently high quality and reliability to enable wind energy to be the backbone of the world's energy systems. To achieve this, however, the renewable value chain must mature and scale significantly. Whether standardising parts, collaborating on localisation, improving quality, or ensuring more even value distribution, the entire renewables value chain must mature if we want to create a net zero future. As an industry, the need to address rising costs and increasing energy prices in a sustainable manner shows why strengthening our foundation, and implementing well-known and successful practices from other industries, remains a key focus for Vestas.
There is no doubt that the world is on the brink of a sustainable era, and with the progress we have seen in 2021, it is safe to bid welcome to 'the decade of the energy transition'. The 2020s will be key to the long-term wellbeing of our planet, and everyone at Vestas, together with our partners and customers, will continue to lead the way. We therefore want to say a sincere thank you to our partners, customers, colleagues and all other stakeholders who supported Vestas in 2021 and helped to drive the energy transition forward.
Thank you.
Financial and operational key figures
Financial highlights
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income statement | ||||||||
| Revenue | 15,587 | 14,819 | 12,147 | 10,134 | 9,953 | |||
| Gross profit | 1,560 | 1,538 | 1,761 | 1,631 | 1,963 | |||
| Operating profit before amortisation, | ||||||||
| depreciation and impairment losses | ||||||||
| (EBITDA) before special items | 1,382 | 1,391 | 1,550 | 1,394 | 1,651 | |||
| Operating profit (EBIT) before special items | 461 | 750 | 1,004 | 959 | 1,230 | Net interest-bearing debt/EBITDA before | ||
| Operating profit before amortisation, depreciation and impairment losses |
||||||||
| (EBITDA) | 1,311 | 1,382 | 1,550 | 1,379 | 1,651 | |||
| Operating profit (EBIT) | 322 | 698 | 1,004 | 921 | 1,230 | |||
| Net operating profit after tax (NOPAT) | 316 | 619 | 773 | 719 | 923 | |||
| Net financial items | (101) | (95) | (98) | (51) | 2 | Share ratios3 | ||
| Profit before tax | 257 | 934 | 909 | 910 | 1,192 | |||
| Profit for the year | 176 | 771 | 700 | 683 | 894 | |||
| Balance sheet | ||||||||
| Balance sheet total | 19,712 | 18,160 | 14,331 | 11,899 | 10,871 | |||
| Equity | 4,761 | 4,703 | 3,345 | 3,104 | 3,112 | |||
| Investments in property, plant and equipment |
476 | 379 | 451 | 312 | 268 | |||
| Net working capital | (1,049) | (1,127) | (1,583) | (2,040) | (1,984) | |||
| Capital employed | 6,197 | 6,057 | 4,165 | 3,602 | 3,609 | Operational key figures | ||
| Interest-bearing position (net), at the end | ||||||||
| of the period | 1,200 | 1,920 | 2,452 | 3,046 | 3,359 | |||
| Interest-bearing debt, at the end of the | ||||||||
| period | 1,436 | 1,354 | 820 | 498 | 497 | |||
| Cash flow statement Cash flow from operating activities |
||||||||
| Cash flow from investing activities before | 996 | 743 | 823 | 1,021 | 1,625 | Produced and shipped wind turbines | ||
| acquisitions of subsidiaries and financial | ||||||||
| investments | (813) | (687)1 | (729) | (603) | (407) | |||
| Free cash flow before acquisitions of | ||||||||
| subsidiaries and financial investments | 183 | 561 | 94 | 418 | 1,218 | and Financial ratios). | ||
| Free cash flow | 57 | 476 | 332 | (69) | 1,218 | 3 As of 28 April 2021, a share split at a ratio of 1:5 of the Vestas share was carried out. Comparative figures for 2020 have been restated. |
1 4 Based on proposed dividend. Comparative figures have been restated to reflect change in classifications of investments. Comparative figures from 2017 to 2019 have not been restated.
| Financial ratios2 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross margin (%) | 10.0 | 10.4 | 14.5 | 16.1 | 19.7 |
| EBITDA margin (%) before special items | 8.9 | 9.4 | 12.8 | 13.8 | 16.6 |
| EBIT margin (%) before special items | 3.0 | 5.1 | 8.3 | 9.5 | 12.4 |
| EBITDA margin (%) | 8.4 | 9.3 | 12.8 | 13.6 | 16.6 |
| EBIT margin (%) | 2.1 | 4.7 | 8.3 | 9.1 | 12.4 |
| Return of capital employed (ROCE) (%) | 5.2 | 13.5 | 19.7 | 20.4 | 25.1 |
| Net interest-bearing debt/EBITDA before special items |
(0.9) | (1.4) | (1.6) | (2.2) | (2.0) |
| Solvency ratio (%) | 24.2 | 25.9 | 23.3 | 26.1 | 28.6 |
| Return on equity (%) | 3.6 | 21.4 | 22.1 | 22.6 | 28.1 |
| Share ratios3 | |||||
| Earnings per share (EUR) | 0.2 | 0.8 | 3.6 | 3.4 | 4.2 |
| Book value per share (EUR) | 4.7 | 4.7 | 16.8 | 15.1 | 14.4 |
| P/E ratio | 162.1 | 49.6 | 25.4 | 19.3 | 13.6 |
| Dividend per share (EUR) | 0.054 | 0.23 | 1.06 | 1.00 | 1.24 |
| Payout ratio (%) | 30.04 | 30.0 | 30.0 | 30.0 | 29.9 |
| Share price at the end of the period (EUR) | 26.9 | 38.7 | 90.1 | 65.9 | 57.6 |
| Number of shares at the end of the period | 1,009,867,260 1,009,867,260 | 198,901,963 | 205,696,003 | 215,496,947 |
| Order intake (bnEUR) | 11.6 | 12.7 | 13.8 | 10.6 | 8.9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Order intake (MW) | 13,896 | 17,249 | 17,877 | 14,214 | 11,176 |
| Order backlog – wind turbines (bnEUR) | 18.1 | 19.0 | 16.0 | 11.9 | 8.8 |
| Order backlog – wind turbines (MW) | 21,984 | 24,630 | 20,974 | 15,646 | 11,492 |
| Order backlog – service (bnEUR) | 29.2 | 23.9 | 17.8 | 14.3 | 12.1 |
| Produced and shipped wind turbines (MW) | 17,845 | 17,055 | 12,618 | 10,676 | 11,237 |
| Produced and shipped wind turbines (number) |
4,456 | 5,239 | 4,185 | 3,729 | 4,241 |
| Deliveries (MW) | 16,594 | 17,212 | 12,884 | 10,847 | 8,779 |
2 The ratios have been calculated in accordance with the guidelines from "Finansforeningen" (The Danish Finance Society) (Recommendations
3 As of 28 April 2021, a share split at a ratio of 1:5 of the Vestas share was carried out. Comparative figures for 2020 have been restated. Comparative figures from 2017 to 2019 have not been restated.
Sustainability key figures¹
| Environmental | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utilisation of resources | |||||
| Consumption of energy (GWh) | 738 | 621 | 638 | 614 | 569 |
| – of which renewable energy (GWh) | 283 | 295 | 258 | 211 | 204 |
| – of which renewable electricity (GWh) | 233 | 261 | 227 | 178 | 175 |
| Renewable energy (%) | 38 | 48 | 40 | 34 | 36 |
| Renewable electricity for own activities (%) | 100 | 100 | 82 | 68 | 66 |
| Withdrawal of fresh water (1,000 m3) | 378 | 421 | 473 | 470 | 454 |
| Waste | |||||
| Volume of waste from own operations (1,000 t) |
70 | 89 | 85 | 81 | 71 |
| – of which collected for recycling (1,000 t) | 35 | 46 | 43 | 42 | 39 |
| Recyclability rate of hub and blade 2 (%) | 42 | 41 | 42 | – | – |
| Material efficiency (tonnes of waste excl. recycled per MW produced and shipped) |
2.0 | 2.5 | 3.3 | 3.6 | 2.9 |
| CO emissions adjusted for acquisitions and divestments3 |
|||||
| Direct emissions of COe (scope 1) (1,000 t) |
99 | 83 | 66 | 69 | 60 |
| Indirect emissions of COe (scope 2) (1,000 t) |
3 | 14 | 48 | 61 | 70 |
| Indirect emissions of COe from the supply chain (scope 3) 2 (million t) |
10.56 | 10.59 | 7.83 | – | – |
| Indirect emissions of COe from the supply chain (scope 3) 2 (kg per MWh generated) |
6.65 | 6.63 | 6.82 | – | – |
| Products | |||||
| Expected COe avoided over the lifetime of the capacity produced and shipped during the period (million t) |
532 | 493 | 322 | 275 | 317 |
| Annual COe avoided by the total aggregated installed fleet (million t) |
210 | 186 | 154 | 134 | 120 |
1 For definitions and accounting policies for the sustainability key figures, see the Notes on pages 142-143. Comments to the development can be found in the Sustainability Report 2021, with commentary specifically to the sustainability strategy targets and performance on page 35.
2 Data only available from 2019 onwards.
3 In alignment with the GHG protocol standard, data for 2019-2021 has retroactively been adjusted for acquisitions and divestments in 2020 and 2021 in accordance with our policy for baseline adjustments for CO emissions and related indicators. For detailed data please see page 142.
| Total Recordable Injuries (number) | 201 | 185 | 213 | 210 | 243 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| – of which Lost Time Injuries (number) | 67 | 65 | 67 | 80 | 92 |
| – of which fatal injuries (number) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Total Recordable Injuries per million working hours (TRIR) |
3.1 | 3.3 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 5.3 |
| Lost Time Injuries per million working hours (LTIR) |
1.0 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.5 | 2.0 |
| Employees | |||||
| Average number of employees (FTEs) | 29,164 | 26,121 | 24,964 | 24,221 | 22,504 |
| Employees at the end of the period (FTEs) | 29,427 | 29,378 | 25,542 | 24,648 | 23,303 |
| Diversity and inclusion | |||||
| Women in the Board and Executive Management at the end of the period (%) |
27 | 27 | 23 | 15 | 23 |
| Women in leadership positions at the end of the period (%) |
21 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 |
| Human rights | |||||
| Community grievances 2 (number) | 17 | 20 | 10 | – | – |
| Community beneficiaries 2 (number) | 8,236 | 14,770 | 6,093 | – | – |
| Social Due Diligence on projects in scope 2 (%) |
04 | 78 | 32 | – | – |
| Governance | |||||
| Whistle-blower system | |||||
| EthicsLine cases 5 (number) | 465 | 287 | 226 | 173 | 138 |
| – of which substantiated (number) | 96 | 65 | 58 | 48 | 43 |
| – of which unsubstantiated (number) | 292 | 222 | 168 | 125 | 95 |
| 4 Only four projects were in scope (only S&I) for Social Due Diligence (SDD), two in Ukraine and two in Brazil. However, SDD was not conducted due to |
Safety
Social 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017
the CSR strategy still being in the implementation phase in their respective regions. Additionally, Vestas has conducted SDD on projects in scope, but not yet firm.
5 As of the Annual Report 2021, the most recent data will reflect a status quo, where the final substantiation rate can only be seen in connection with full-year reporting the following year. EthicsLine data for 2017-2020 have been adjusted in connection with this change in methodology. Read more in the Notes to Sustainability key figures, page 143.
Outlook 2022
Outlook for full year 20221
The supply chain instability caused by the pandemic and leading to increasing transportation and logistics costs, is expected to continue to impact the wind power industry throughout 2022. In addition, Vestas expects to experience increased impact from cost inflation within raw materials, wind turbine components and energy prices.
Revenue for full year 2022 is expected to range between EUR 15.0bn and 16.5bn, including Service revenue, which is expected to grow approx. 5 percent. Vestas expects to achieve an EBIT margin before special items of 0-4 percent, with a Service EBIT margin of approx. 25 percent. Total investments2 are expected to amount to approx. EUR 1,000m in 2022.
It should be emphasised that there is greater uncertainty than usual around forecasts related to execution in 2022, and the outlook seeks to take into account the current situation and challenges.
| Outlook 2022 | |
|---|---|
| Revenue (bnEUR) | 15.0-16.5 |
| EBIT margin (%) before special items | 0-4 |
| Total investments2 (mEUR) | approx. 1,000 |
Long-term financial ambitions
Wind power has outcompeted fossil fuel alternatives in most parts of the world, volumes in the global wind turbine market are good, and the prospects for the coming years promising, with wind power's expected central role in the electrification of societies, industries and mobility systems and forecasts of average annual growth in total wind power capacity of 9 percent towards 2030.3
At the same time, the wind power industry has seen consolidation, giving way for a more stable competitive environment. The profitability, however, is not at a satisfactory level, and hence this needs to be a focus area for OEMs in the coming years. Severe supply chain instability and cost inflation has only made this more important.
Onshore
The demand for onshore wind power globally is expected to remain relatively stable at the current high level the next couple of years. After that, a new phase of growth is expected, driven by new policies, increased electrification, and corporate ambitions and activities. Adding to that, Vestas expects to see increasing contributions from its development activities, as well as growing capabilities within the fast-developing market for Power-to-X and hybrid solutions. On this background, Vestas maintains its long-term ambition for the onshore wind power segment to grow faster than the market and be market leader in revenue.
Offshore
The projections for the offshore market suggest a development in three phases for Vestas' acquired offshore business. Based on the order backlog, Vestas will see a good activity level in the coming year. Following that, the company expects to see a decline in activity towards 2025, while necessitating to invest heavily both in the organisation, supply chain, and technology. By 2025, upon the steep increase in annual offshore installations and Vestas' new platform gaining traction in the market, Vestas aims to be a leading player in offshore wind power.
Based on these assumptions, Vestas has an ambition to achieve revenue in the offshore business area of EUR +3bn by 2025, with an EBIT margin on par with the Group's overall margin.
Service
The wind power service market is expected to grow at a high singledigit rate, and Vestas maintains its ambitions for the long term for the Service revenue to grow faster than the market. The Service EBIT margin is expected at a level of around 25 percent in the coming years, taking into account the integration of the offshore business, which currently generates lower margins than onshore.
General ambitions
Despite supply chain instability and a high degree of cost inflation, causing volatility in the demand for wind power, Vestas maintains its ambition on an overall level to grow faster than the market and be market leader in revenue. The company also remains optimistic about reaching a 10 percent EBIT margin. Based on the current market conditions and projections, we now envision this to be achieved by 2025. The introduction of our new offshore turbine platform will impact free cash flow, but Vestas nevertheless expects to generate positive cash flow each year. The ambition is still to achieve a longterm ROCE of minimum 20 percent over the cycle.
- 1 It should be noted that Vestas has not yet determined the effect of the new agenda decision by IFRIC regarding cloud computing arrangements and the 2022 guidance excludes the impact from this change in accounting policy. In relation to forecasts on financials from Vestas in general, it should be noted that Vestas' accounting policies only allow the recognition of revenue when the control has passed to the customer, either at a point in time or over time. Disruptions in production and challenges in relation to shipment of wind turbines and installation hereof, for example bad weather, lack of grid connections, and similar matters, may thus cause delays that could affect Vestas' financial results for 2022. Further, the full-year results may also be impacted by movements in exchange rates from current levels.
- 2 Excl. acquisitions of subsidiaries, joint ventures, and associates, and financial investments.
- 3 Source: Wood Mackenzie: Global wind power market outlook update, Q4 2021. November 2021.
Long-term financial ambitions
| Revenue | Grow faster than the market and be market leader in revenue |
|---|---|
| EBIT margin before special items |
At least 10 percent by 2025 |
| Free cash flow | Positive each year |
| ROCE | Minimum 20 percent over the cycle |
Strategy and ambitions
World-class technology
From a 30 kW wind turbine in 1979, to a 15,000 kW
- → Who we are
- → Our business model
- → Our corporate strategy
- → In focus: Industry perspective
- → Capital structure strategy
Dedicated to decarbonising energy
At Vestas, we are determined to transform the global energy system. To achieve our vision, we are paving the way for wind energy to play a central role in energy systems across the world. We are also working to accelerate the expansion of renewables by collaborating closely with key stakeholders across the energy landscape. We do this because we believe in building a more sustainable planet for future generations.
We are confident we can succeed with this transformation by leading across our three business areas: Onshore, Offshore, and Service. Over four decades, we have installed more renewable energy, across more countries, than anyone else in the world. In that time, we have prevented almost 1.7bn tonnes of carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere. And our more than 29,000 employees are dedicated to establishing a strong value chain for wind energy, applying our industry-leading expertise across design, manufacturing, development, installation, operations, and not least life cycle management.
Wind energy is our heritage, and continues to be the core of our business. We also know that a truly sustainable energy system requires capabilities beyond power generation. This is why we are committed to exploring and deploying game-changing innovations, from new approaches to improving our own sustainability performance, to new capabilities around power storage, system flexibility, and electrification. Through these efforts, we aim to lead global energy into a new era, and to accelerate worldwide progress towards net zero.
We are powering the fight against the climate crisis by driving innovation, supporting our partners, and laying a strong foundation for resilience in the communities we work in. These areas are the core of our business model, ensuring that our success as a business is directly tied to building a more sustainable planet.
Released in 1979: V10-30.0 kw Rotor diameter: 10 m Swept area: 78.5 m2 Rated power: 30 kW Released in 2021: V236-15.0 MW™ Rotor diameter: 236 m Swept area: 43,742 m2 Rated power: 15,000 kW
A single V10-30.0 kw turbine could power around 40 homes, whereas a single V236-15.0 MW™ will be able to power 20,000 European homes.
How we create value
Accelerating the journey to net zero to create a sustainable world
The first Vestas wind turbine was designed when the magnitude of climate change was generally unknown. Vestas' entrepreneurs and engineers acted on a vision to replace fossil fuels, because they realised we needed alternatives to energy resources that were finite and polluting. Today, more than 40 years on, we have a better understanding of the impact of CO emissions. We know now that the magnitude of climate change observed back then amounts, in fact, to a climate crisis. We also know that this crisis, which is the greatest challenge humanity has ever faced, can only be solved through another major industrial revolution: the global energy transition.
The need to act has never been clearer. When the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its sixth report in August 2021, UN Secretary-General António Guterres declared "code red for humanity". After decades of inaction, we learned that global temperature levels have already increased by 1.2°C and continue to rise, highlighting the urgency with which we must act if we are to stay within the 1.5°C scenario.1 This urgency was underscored at COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021, where climate targets were increased, additional countries announced net zero targets, and the phase-out of coal was included for the first time.
The solutions we deploy must be safe; they must create societies and energy systems that are resilient and reliable.
As COP26 demonstrated, in parallel with increased evidence of the climate crisis, and improvements in sustainable energy solutions, political momentum has grown significantly. In the USA, China, the EU, and Japan, among other dominant economies, climate targets are becoming more ambitious and consequently more challenging to execute and fulfil.
However, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), these plans are still not accelerating the deployment of renewable energy fast enough.2 During 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary drop in emissions; but with recovery schemes focused on rebuilding existing structures instead of prioritising sustainable solutions,3 emissions are now rising again. Indeed, with post-lockdown activity levels increasing, electricity demand has grown faster than new renewable energy capacity has been installed, deepening the world's dependence on gas and coal and creating price and supply volatility.
Maturing the industry to meet net zero
If the energy transition is to succeed, the expansion of renewable energy must become more sustainable. The solutions we deploy must be safe; they must create societies and energy systems that are resilient and reliable. Crucially, they must also create a renewables industry that is profitable and mature.
For 40+ years, we have driven the global energy transition. Initially, our efforts were limited in scale; but as wind technology developed and turbines became bigger and better, our reach extended to the whole world. Today, a single turbine can power 20,000 homes at a globally competitive levelised cost of energy. With further technology innovations to come, we remain firmly at the heart of the energy transition and a major driving force in the journey to net zero.
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Over the past 10 years, the volume of lifetime carbon emissions avoided by Vestas' annual production of wind turbines has increased by almost 290 percent.
However, much work remains to be done before we reach a truly sustainable era. Energy is one of the building blocks of modern life, and the efforts required to achieve net zero are therefore monumental. According to the IEA, net zero will require USD 1,300bn of annual global investments in renewables from 2025 to 2030, equalling four times the average investment from 2016 to 2020.4 Reaching 1,000 GW of wind and solar energy capacity within two decades5 was a tremendous achievement; but to reach net zero we must accelerate deployment and make our solutions, and our industry, sustainable in every way.
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The offshore turbine, V236-15.0 MW™, is moving closer to realisation. Once the prototype is ready, it will be installed at the Østerild National Test Centre. The blade mould has already been installed at the blades factory in Nakskov, Denmark.
The energy transition is more than a technology revolution. It also fuels a fundamental shift in mindset – from mitigating negative impacts to ensuring full sustainability by design. This shift requires us to think and act across our entire value chain, decarbonising our own as well as our suppliers' operations. It also requires us to employ circularity and collaborate with the industry to safeguard our planet's biodiversity, upon which all economic activity depends. Through our sustainability strategy and circularity roadmap, we are living this regenerative mindset, with the aim of becoming sustainable in every possible way.
The value of wind turbines and other renewable technologies is already well established. As renewables become the dominant energy source, they need to make societies more resilient by creating jobs across the value chain, and by ensuring energy is available when needed to avoid price and supply volatility. This requires renewable energy capacity to exceed demand. It also requires a strengthening of supply chains to ensure flexibility and alleviate challenges linked to extreme weather, pandemics, and conflicts.
A key obstacle for accelerating the deployment of renewables is the discrepancy between the available capital for renewable energy projects, and the number of available renewable energy projects. As such, permitting, red tape, and non-technical risks are delaying projects, causing certain projects to take more than ten years to be realised. Not only are these obstacles slowing down the decarbonisation of our energy system, they also pose numerous lost opportunities as investments are delayed.
Finally, the pathway to a sustainable era depends upon our industry being profitable. The renewables industry has achieved impressive operational efficiency and driven tremendous technological progress, creating the primary solutions needed to reach net zero. However, for this journey to continue, the industry must become more profitable with appropriate return measurements on equity and capital being applied for both localisation and new technology. The industry has grown fast; but to scale further it must also mature fast. And for the industry to mature, it must become more industrialised, standardised, and disciplined. Only in this way will it capture the required value to generate sustainable returns and enable further investments. As a leader in sustainable energy solutions, with a vision to become the leader, Vestas is deeply committed to ensuring the renewables industry achieves full maturity.
Becoming the global leader in sustainable energy solutions
For more than 40 years, Vestas has delivered solutions to one of the world's biggest challenges. This commitment has taken us from early wind turbine prototypes, harnessing the wind resources of Western Jutland in Denmark, to global wind leadership with a presence in more than 80 countries. During this period, we have made wind energy competitive and paved the way for a sustainable energy system, but there is still a long way to go. In fact, in 2020 wind energy accounted
for only 6 percent of global electricity use, equalling 1 percent of global energy use.6 This means that to reach net zero, among other priorities the world needs to build 5.8 Terawatt (TW) of wind capacity by 2040.7
The world's current energy mix is both a major challenge and opportunity for Vestas. With wind energy accounting for only 6 percent of global electricity use today, the growth opportunity within the electricity system alone is tremendous.
↓ According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, either wind or solar PV is now the cheapest form of new-build electricity generation in almost all major markets, covering two-thirds of world population. How to read the chart: Depending on country and site, the Levelised Cost of Energy of onshore and offshore wind as energy source ranges between 20-202 and 54-235 USD per MWh, respectively – compared to for instance 38-266 USD per MWh for coal.
Energy source cost comparison
Source: Bloomberg New Energy Finance: 2H 2021 LCOE Update. December 2021.
Solving the climate crisis entails decarbonising the entire energy system. Our aim, therefore, is to expand renewable energy through the following core areas:
• Increase the renewable energy penetration of electricity
A key element in reaching net zero and creating a sustainable energy mix is replacing fossil fuel power plants to meet present and future electricity demand. As the global leader in wind energy, replacing fossil fuel power plants faster than electricity demand grows is a prerequisite on our journey to reach net zero.
• Drive direct electrification
Electricity accounts for only a fraction of global energy use today. Electrification of the entire energy system is therefore essential to the global shift away from fossil fuels. Most prominently, and in the short- to medium-term, this will entail replacing fossil fuel use in industry, heat, and transport.
• Develop and implement solutions for indirect electrification As evidenced by the rapid rise of electric vehicles for personal transportation, electrification can quickly become a technology lever in mature parts of society. However, other areas of society are unlikely to become electrified anytime soon; there are various reasons for this, including the sheer energy intensiveness of given processes, such as steel and aluminium production. Replacing non-electrifiable processes with e-fuels is therefore the third key lever to expand renewable energy and decarbonise the world.
By focusing our efforts in these areas, we want to lead the energy transition and create a sustainable world for future generations.
Energy market transition, 2020–2050*
* Source: International Energy Agency: IEA World Energy Outlook 2021 – Sustainable development scenario. October 2021.
Extending our industry leadership while challenging new fields
In 2021, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we made significant strides towards achieving our vision of becoming the global leader in sustainable energy solutions. We also continued to deliver against our strategy, to the benefit of our stakeholders and the planet.
Vestas' core business consists of the three strategic business areas: onshore wind and offshore wind (which together form our Power Solutions segment), and Service. To strengthen our core business, we finalised the integration of Offshore in 2021, establishing one globally aligned organisational blueprint for Vestas. Through the integration and organisational evolution we strengthened our shared culture across all of Vestas and ensured customers engage with one Vestas across Onshore, Offshore and Service. In onshore wind and Service, we have built our leading position through focused, industryleading investments in technology development. We have also matured our business across the entire value chain, achieving both unparalleled scale and global reach. To realise our vision and increase the penetration of renewable energy, we aim to extend our lead in onshore wind and Service, while building a leading position in offshore wind and challenging new fields.
Having finalised the acquisition of MHI Vestas Offshore Wind in early 2021 and introduced the V236-15.0 MW™ offshore wind turbine in May, we have already sent a clear signal of intent. Further, we are also increasing our focus in areas such as project development, Powerto-X, and Vestas Ventures.
Renewables are predicted to account for more than 50 percent of electricity generation by 2050.6
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To reach net zero, it is estimated that annual wind power installations will need to increase to more than 300 GW. Even as stated policies and announced pledges indicate significant increase compared to current levels, the discrepancy is still striking.
- 1 Source: UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): Sixth Assessment Report – Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. August 2021.
- 2 Source: International Energy Agency: World Energy Outlook 2021. October 2021.
- 3 Source: Global Carbon Project: Temporary reduction in daily global CO emissions during the COVID-19 forced confinement (online article). 18 May 2020.
- 4 Source: International Energy Agency: World Energy Investment 2021. June 2021.
- 5 Source: Bloomberg New Energy Finance: New Energy Outlook 2021. July 2021. 6 Source: International Energy Agency: IEA World Energy Outlook 2021 – Sustainable development scenario. October 2021.
- 7 Source: International Energy Agency: World Energy Outlook 2020. October 2021.
Global wind generation capacity scenarios
Terawatt (TW)
Source: International Energy Agency: World Energy Outlook 2021. October 2021.
High expectations in a growing renewable market
Onshore
Large market, healthy growth
Market position: Global lead
Market expectation 2021-2025 New installations (GW)*
CAGR:
- Near-term readjustment of the market
- Increased climate ambitions to drive upsides
- Repowering, Power-to-X, and hybrid projects increasingly important
Offshore Younger market, high growth
Market expectation 2021-2025 New installations (GW)*
CAGR:
↑ >25%
- Strong expansion in Europe and new markets such as the USA and the broader Asia region
- Growth to accelerate post 2024
- Upsides from floating and Power-to-X
* Source: Wood Mackenzie: Global wind power market outlook update, Q4 2021. November 2021.
Service Mid-sized market, high growth
Market position: Global lead
Market expectation 2021-2025 Installed fleet (GW)*
CAGR:
↑7-10%
- Solid growth from high base
- Expanded solution scope
- Focus on digitalisation and global scale
Global leader in onshore wind
The energy transition is moving at pace. As new solutions help accelerate change, onshore wind remains a key pillar of the energy transition and our business. With a global cumulative potential for onshore wind of around 800 GW towards 2030, onshore wind will be a key driver of the energy transition in the short to mediumterm.1 The market for onshore wind is expected to be dominated by selected key markets, including China, the USA, Brazil, and markets in the EU.1 To sustain and extend our leading position, and thereby maximise value creation from expected growth, our key priorities within onshore wind are:
Offering market-leading products and solutions
- Bring new leading products to market globally to capture growth opportunities through growing shares in core markets. We also intend to strengthen our position in other important markets such as Brazil, China, and India, and fast-growing markets like South Africa, the Middle East, and Vietnam.
- Leverage modularisation to industrialise the wind power value chain. This process will involve enabling customisation and standardisation to accelerate the delivery of new product variants at competitive costs and improved quality.
Maturing our supply chain and operations
- Optimise our operations in a cost-effective manner. This will help to minimise risk for Vestas and our supply-chain partners, while safeguarding the delivery and quality of our products for customers globally.
- Mitigate supply chain disruptions and cost increases through partnerships with suppliers and cost sharing with customers. Strategic partnerships, such as our partnerships with Maersk and DSV, will also enable us to lock in volumes and capacity to ensure on-time delivery.
Strengthening our culture and customer-focus
• Continue to prioritise quality in everything we do, making us the preferred choice among our customers. Quality is essential to optimising customer value creation and operational reliability. Meanwhile, strong collaboration is key to determining causes and resuming operations in the event of unforeseen incidents.
A leader in offshore wind
Following a tremendous decrease in the levelised cost of energy, and an expansion from Northern Europe to North America and Asia, offshore wind's prominence has grown in recent years. Indeed, offshore wind is now expected to reach more than 200 GW of cumulative installed capacity by 2030,1 compared to more than 35 GW at the end of 2020.2 Following the acquisition of MHI Vestas Offshore Wind, which was announced and approved ultimo 2020, we introduced new technology, strengthened our commercial offshore setup, and expanded our manufacturing footprint – steps that will enable us to mirror our position and presence in onshore wind. Our strategic priorities for offshore wind are as follows:
Offering market-leading products and solutions
- Maximise value for customers by introducing forward-looking competitive technology.
- Execute the development of the V236-15.0 MW™ product on time and on budget. We also aim to achieve technical readiness to install the prototype in 2022.
Maturing our supply chain and operations
- Deliver on our customer projects based on the V164/V174 platform and service commitments.
- Set up a competitive supply chain for the V236 by balancing costs, local content requirements, and value for customers. This supply chain should leverage our existing footprint, scale, and modularisation between onshore and offshore turbines.
- Strengthen our global offshore functions by retaining and ramping up commercial and technical capabilities to meet higher levels of activity.
Strengthening our culture and customer focus
- Continue creating synergies from the integration of MHI Vestas Offshore Wind. These synergies will help us build a One Team Vestas culture that creates scale in the development, manufacturing, and operations of onshore and offshore turbines.
- Get closer to our customers to better understand their business drivers and early engagement in new markets. This will help us achieve higher value creation and maximise the volume of our product portfolio.
Global leader in wind energy service solutions
Since Vestas established a separate Service business unit in 2011, we have evolved and grown that business to become the undisputed segment leader. As renewable energy's share of the energy mix grows, expanding our Service capabilities is central to ensuring a sustainable supply of energy to societies all over the world. It is also critical to the performance of our customers' renewable energy power plants.
Today, the global Operations and Maintenance (O&M) market is worth around EUR 18bn. And with a 7 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) per year from 2020 to 2030,3 the growth in service is expected to be substantial. Keeping our leading position in service, and expanding the fleet of wind energy assets we maintain, is therefore key to our growth and profitability. Our strategic priorities in Service are as follows:
Offering market-leading products and solutions
- Continue to focus on developing new offerings and revenue streams. This will help us increase value creation for our customers and for Vestas, while ensuring a stable and resilient energy system. Our work in this area includes digital solutions via Utopus Insights, repowering, life extension to create value from ageing turbines, and multibrand solutions. Most recently we launched Covento, a marketplace that connects buyers and sellers in a one-stop shop for all parts and repairs services in the industry.
- Develop a winning offshore service offer with a competitive pricing model; this will enable us to unlock scale efficiencies, ensuring a competitive solution for customers and value capture for Vestas.
With a 7 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) per year from 2020 to 2030,3 the growth in USD in service is expected to be substantial.
Maturing our supply chain and operations
• Safeguard profitability by establishing one global operating model and optimising the value of our Service order backlog. By leveraging digital technologies, our Service performance will be elevated to deliver the best customer experience in the renewables industry. This will enable all our people to work together to improve the scalability and efficiency of our operating model.
Strengthening our culture and customer focus
• Continue the digitalisation of our Service business as a key lever for improving efficiency and strengthening collaboration and customer focus. The global digitalisation and standardisation of our Service operating model will enable us to leverage scale and offer our customers the best experience and value in the industry. Among other things, this operating model has introduced bestin-class digital tools and platforms, which improves our customer engagement and empowers us to connect with each other in a smarter, more seamless way.
November 2021.
own forecast.
Improving performance and driving industry maturity
Vestas' vision and strategy set a clear direction for the company. However, to ensure our strategic priorities are aligned with market changes, challenges, and future scenarios, we continuously adjust our strategy during our yearly cycle. Value creation remains key for Vestas to continue driving the industry forward both for customers and suppliers. And as the industry leader, a key aspect of our strategy is also to drive maturation and industrialisation, which will help Vestas and the industry become truly sustainable. In 2021, our key strategic priorities in this area were:
Sustainability
To address the climate crisis while meeting the growing expectations of our stakeholders, we have mobilised internal functions to accelerate our sustainability journey. Some of the challenges we face to achieve our vision cannot be solved overnight, and we are therefore pleased with the substantial steps we took in 2021. A full update and outlook are available in our Sustainability Report 2021, including further information on the following key highlights:
- Despite the inclusion of new offshore activities, we remain committed to carbon neutrality in our own operations by 2030. To account for acquisitions and divestments in 2020 and 2021, the 2019 baselines for COe emissions have been recalculated.
- We launched our Circularity Roadmap and accelerated progress towards zero waste turbines, for example through our DecomBlades Project and our CETEC initiative.
- We continued to invest in sustainable mobility, with Electric Vehicles (EVs) or Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs) now accounting for 67 percent of our benefit car fleet. We also introduced an additional 147 EVs or sustainably fuelled cars into our service fleet.
1 Source: Wood Mackenzie: Global wind power market outlook update, Q4 2021.
2 Source: Global Wind Energy Council: GWEC – Global Wind Report 2021. March 2021. 3 Source: Wood Mackenzie: Global onshore wind power O&M 2020 (February 2021), Global Bottom Fixed Offshore Wind O&M Trends 2021 (February 2021), and Vestas'
Quality
A key part of the continued evolution of our industry is to provide quality to ensure resilient energy systems. This includes dealing with issues in an efficient and customer-focused manner.
In 2021, we reinforced our quality culture and focus through several initiatives. For example, we strengthened and simplified our processes and governance, and developed a strong quality community across Vestas. This community consists of approximately 3,000 Quality Champions who drive company-wide initiatives to improve quality performance and collaboration across all functions.
Talent & Leadership
Our growth ambitions require us to attract, recruit, develop, and retain business critical talents. We therefore seek to strengthen our recruitment setup, build a strong talent pipeline, improve leadership capabilities, and increase diversity to foster sustainable success.
In 2021, we launched several initiatives to achieve these talent objectives. We strengthened our position as an attractive employer through the launch of our Employer Value Proposition. We enhanced our talent development and graduate programmes to improve succession planning and create a more diverse talent pipeline. We also conducted the first Vestas Leadership Forum for the top 250 leaders. The aim of the forum was to align on strategic direction, and to build the leadership and communications competencies we need to succeed in the global energy transition.
Fuelling growth in and beyond our core business
The energy transition is moving fast, generating strong growth across our core business of Onshore wind, Offshore wind, and Service. At the same time, the transition creates technology and business model opportunities that are needed to achieve a sustainable and stable energy system. We continue to explore such opportunities in order to become truly sustainable, protect competitiveness, create synergies, and improve profitability.
The opportunities within this space are many. The key for Vestas is to remain strategically disciplined, working to ensure this part of our business acts as a strong pipeline for growth and innovation without detracting from our core business. In 2021, it became clear that project development, Vestas Ventures, and Power-to-X will play an increasing role in the strategic journey towards our vision. In the coming years, we will therefore continue to exploit these opportunities based on the following priorities:
Project development
To fully leverage the competencies that Vestas has built up in more than 80 countries around the world, we seek to create a systematic and flexible approach to development investments. Our aim here is to generate a resilient and diversified pipeline of projects to the benefit of our customers, partners, and Vestas.
Power-to-X
To drive the expansion of renewables and capture value in emerging segments, Vestas invests in Power-to-X. This includes defining our value proposition and product offering for priority segments, and engaging in demo projects to generate learnings. It also involves building technical and commercial capabilities to orient Vestas towards customers, suppliers, and policymakers.
Vestas Ventures
Vestas Ventures invests in start-ups that are aligned to our corporate vision and strategy. More specifically, we identify areas of clear synergy, whereby Vestas Ventures can support the start-up and create value for mutual benefit, while helping it scale for success.
In focus: Industry perspective: What lies ahead for wind?
The energy transition is moving fast, fuelled by increasing global political momentum.
Across the world, pledges to accelerate national journeys towards net zero are stimulating a strong outlook for renewables generally, and wind energy specifically. However, when viewed through the lens of climate goals, political pledges are still a long way from shifting the planet's trajectory towards the 1.5-degree scenario of the Paris Agreement. As Kresten Ørnbjerg, Vice President of Global Public Affairs at Vestas, observes:
a long way from shifting
"To limit global warming to safe levels, global carbon emissions must be halved by 2030. But reaching this milestone would require political commitments to green energy to be significantly more ambitious. The transition to a sustainable global energy system signals exponential growth for renewables; but the right policies have to be in place."
Accelerating electrification is critical to shaping decarbonised energy systems. Green electricity, however, must be the foundation for global electrification. And at present, global political commitment to nurturing grid infrastructure, demand-side flexibility, and renewable capacity is lagging behind what's needed to meet net zero targets.
A shift from commitment to action
In 2021, fossil fuels are estimated to have received a higher share of investment than renewables and electricity networks.1 COVID-19 also cast a long shadow over the global economy, and at present green recovery commitments make up a mere 21 percent of total recovery spending. If we are to reach net zero commitments, the next decade must see a marked shift from political commitment to political action. And such action must involve new investment patterns, plus the removal of regulatory bottlenecks that currently obstruct renewable power installation.
While the rate of change is lagging, global demand for renewable capacity is increasing rapidly, particularly as momentum around electrification continues to build. Hydrogen is on the rise, with more and more national strategies focusing on green hydrogen. These strategies will call for extensive amounts of renewable power, paving the way for wind to address growing demand.
"Enel's 2021/30 comprehensive investment plan will enable to transition from the previous decade of renewable energy discovery, to the current decade of electrification. Enel Green Power will continue to grow in renewables, leveraging on what is already the world's leading private renewable asset base. We are bringing forward the Group's full decarbonisation target by 10 years reaching net zero by 2040. Many of the technologies to drive decarbonisation already exist and can be deployed at scale," declares Salvatore Bernabei CEO of Enel Green Power.
Accelerating green electrification
Overall, annual capacity additions for wind must increase significantly to meet the Paris Agreement and accelerate green electrification. To shift the trajectory of the global energy system drastically enough to align with the 1.5 degree scenario, annual wind installations must be increase to 310 GW for onshore, and 80 GW for offshore by 2030.2 A shift from commitment to action is paramount to ensuring this growth potential translates into tangible progress for the global journey towards decarbonisation. At present, global green recovery
Vestas is well positioned to address this growth potential. With clear focus across our key business areas, alongside exploring growth opportunities such as Power-to-X, we have a strong foundation in place to capture value as global demand for wind energy increases. Through leading technological innovation, we aim to secure our leadership in a rapidly evolving global energy system.
- 1 Source: International Energy Agency (IEA): World Energy Investment 2021. June 2021.
- 2 Source: International Energy Agency (IEA): Net Zero by 2050 – A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector. May 2021.
Flexible, stable, competitive – our capital structure
The Board and Executive Management regularly assess whether Vestas' capital structure, i.e. how the company funds its overall operations and growth, is in the shareholders' best interest. The ongoing assessments also include the ways in which it supports our corporate strategy.
Financial management
In relation to financial management, the objective is to create the necessary flexibility and stability to implement strategic development work, while in the long-term achieving Vestas' financial ambitions. At the same time, we aim to reduce the cost of capital.
On the back of the strong investment grade credit rating obtained in 2021 (Baa1 from Moody's Investors Service), we have started planning for issuing of a sustainability-linked eurobond in 2022. The proceeds from the potential issue of such a bond will be used for strengthening our liquidity and financial flexibility.
Capital structure targets
As a key player in a market where projects, customers, and wind energy investors are increasing in size and number, we aim to be a strong financial counterpart. We will maintain capital resources to ensure compliance with our capital structure target of net interestbearing debt to EBITDA below 1x at any time.
Capital allocation priorities
Vestas applies the following principles to capital allocation:
- Provide the investments and R&D required to realise our corporate strategy and our long-term vision of being the global leader in sustainable energy solutions.
- Make bolt-on acquisitions to accelerate or increase profitable growth prospects. All investments in organic growth and acquisitions must support our long-term financial ambition of achieving return on capital employed.
- Pay shareholder dividends based on the Board's intention to recommend 25-30 percent of the company's annual net result after tax, which will be paid out following shareholder approval at the annual general meeting.
- From time to time, initiate share buy-back programmes to adjust the capital structure. Any decision to distribute cash to shareholders will be based on the capital structure target and availability of excess cash. The level of excess cash will be determined in line with our growth plans and liquidity requirements. Share buy-back programmes, if any, will likely be initiated in the second half of the
year based on performance. In 2021, we decided not to initiate a share buy-back program, mainly because of the extraordinary impact from cost inflation and general uncertainty in the market.
The Board and Executive Management consider that Vestas' current capital and share structure serves the interests of shareholders and the company well. It also provides strategic flexibility to pursue our vision of becoming the global leader in sustainable energy solutions.
During 2021, we continued to focus on our financial priorities, invested in two strategic ventures, and prepared for the issuance of a sustainability-linked eurobond in 2022.
Marika Fredriksson – Executive Vice President & CFO
The year in Vestas
- → Performance in 2021
- → Modularisation
- → Scaling the business
- → Development in Service
- → Circular economy
- → Sustainability targets
- → In focus: Zero-waste turbines
- → Sustainable investments
From 40 to 86
– in just 20 years
In 2001, Vestas' technology reached 40 countries. In 2021, we brought sustainable energy solutions to 86 countries in total.
Partnerships and joint value creation with our customers will lead the future renewable transition.
Javier Rodriquez Diez – Executive Vice President & CSO (Sales)
Successfully navigating industry headwinds
The year concluded with a sustained high level of deliveries, 17 GW, which was mainly driven by the USA, see also overview on page 139.
Our key delivery markets were severely hit by lockdowns and restrictions on business operations and cross-border movements, which led to project postponements. However, through dedicated efforts and close collaboration, we were able to mitigate the challenges and continue business critical operations, while taking care of our colleagues' safety and wellbeing.
Brazil continued to be one of the main volume drivers, with positive momentum generated by new projects awarded through auctions. We announced a 1.2 GW order intake and achieved 1.9 GW of deliveries in the country, leveraging our newly established manufacturing hub for V150 turbines. In 2021, Vestas surpassed 5.3 GW in order intake of V150-4.2 MW™ wind turbines in Brazil, milestone marked by a 348 MW order from an important customer.
After a long period of increasing activity in the USA, the market entered a period of decline due to the phasing out of the Production
Tax Credit (PTC). During the year, we received orders in the USA of 2.6 GW, compared to more than 2.9 GW in 2020, while deliveries reached 3.1 GW. Of the order intake, 1.2 GW came from development activities in the country.
Indeed, the development business globally holds a significant potential over the long term, with a current pipeline of 20 GW. As mentioned at the Capital Markets Day in Copenhagen in December 2021, we see the high potential of this business area starting to materialise, with approximately EUR 30m EBIT contribution in 2021.
Setting the pace for renewables
Within Europe, Germany recorded a positive trend in auction subscription rates, which led to the highest-ever awarded volume in onshore wind auctions. This was an important step for the country towards its 2030 renewable energy goals. Germany continued to be one of the largest drivers of order intake, with 1.3 GW during the year.
Along with other Northern European markets like Finland, Germany also became one of the major adopters of the EnVentus™ platform.
A Vestas wind turbine is energy neutral after only five months of operation and delivers the highest energy payback across all technologies = 30 to 50 times.
On a global level, EnVentus™ orders constituted 26 percent of our total wind turbine order mix in 2021. The year marked several EnVentus™ milestones among which the first EnVentus™ project in Asia Pacific with Neoen. The close to 400 MW project was also the largest EnVentus™ order during the year, closely followed by a 372 MW Ukrainian order with DTEK and the 301 MW US order with TransAlta Corporation in Oklahoma.
On 9 July 2021, our first preferred supplier agreement in Offshore was announced for a 900 MW subsidy free project with EnBW in Germany, with installations planned for 2025. In total, Vestas has been selected as preferred supplier for 3.0 GW, marking an important milestone on our offshore journey. During the first half of 2021, we inaugurated our new organisational footprint, with Offshore now an intrinsic part of the business. In the second half of the year, we focused on aligning and maturing our operating model and processes. We also began redefining our supply chain to pursue synergies between Onshore and Offshore.
Within Asia Pacific, Australia continues to be an important market. The country is one of the frontrunners in exploring the role of renewables in grid stabilisation and increased electrification. During 2021, we received 0.8 GW of firm and unconditional orders in Australia. The largest project in 2021 at nearly 400 MW was firmed with long standing customer Tilt Renewables in New South Wales, Australia.
Continued global momentum for Service
Our Service segment once again continued its positive growth momentum. In 2021, our global serviced volume reached 129 GW, while the year concluded with an all-time high Service order backlog of EUR 29bn. The average contract length on newly signed contracts continues to increase, standing at approximately 17 years at the end of 2021. We partnered with several customers including Taaleri in Finland, RES and Tilt in Australia, and V-ridium Power Group and KGAL in Poland for service contracts reaching beyond 30 and up to 35 years, highlighting customers' confidence in our solutions throughout the full lifetime of the assets. In summer 2021, we introduced Covento, a digital platform providing a marketplace to efficiently connect buyers and sellers of parts and services from across various renewable energy technologies.
Beyond Vestas assets, we have expanded further to service other turbine types, with the total number of multibrand active service contracts reaching close to 9 GW in 2021.
An ageing fleet calls for repowering
During 2021, Vestas received several orders to repower older wind farms, amounting to 0.5 GW across the USA, Germany, and Austria. Towards 2030, several core European markets with older installed fleets will likely see a significant share of new installations being realised through repowering. As installed fleets continue to age, the repowering market is expected to become a major driver of mediumand long-term demand.
Ageing of the installed onshore base towards 2030
Increasing opportunities in repowering
In 2020, 12 GW of the worldwide installed fleet was between 20 and 25 years old. In 2025 and 2030, this will increase to 42 GW and 118 GW, respectively.
Source: Wood Mackenzie: Global wind power market outlook update, Q4 2021. November 2021.
Modularising turbine solutions to further unlock value
Vestas and the wind energy industry have been instrumental in developing competitive renewable energy solutions and making clean energy mainstream. Renewables are fast becoming a critical component of the global energy supply and continued scale and technology development play an increasingly important role in ensuring a balanced and stable supply of energy to communities all over the world. We are changing the energy system, but we need to scale efficiently to meet the growing renewable energy demand and realise tomorrow's energy system.
Vestas plays a significant role in accelerating the energy transition towards a more sustainable future, and we continue to be committed to delivering high-quality solutions optimised for project-specific conditions. To drive industry scaling and meet the logistics challenges of increasingly larger wind turbine components, we are changing how our products, services, and solutions are designed and produced. This includes improving the way we work to accommodate truly modular products and solutions, as well as considering the entire value chain in product development and project execution and operation.
With the launch of the EnVentus™ platform in 2019, Vestas has furthered its modularisation journey and laid the vital foundation for the next level of innovation. Among others, standard interfaces between interchangeable components allow for flexibility in our offerings and enable efficiency in technology response. Vestas' modular approach ensures a customer-centric product development cycle, increasing configurability to meet market demands. It also helps ensure project certainty through carrying over technologies across product generations and platforms.
Maturing the modular approach
Continued scaling and technology development plays a key role in making renewables the dominant energy source in all parts of the world. To lead the expansion of wind energy, leveraging our modular product development will be key in order to offer enhanced customisation while at the same time securing the scalability needed.
In 2021, we took several key steps towards our modularisation goals:
• Applying modularisation to the offshore business
Integrating our offshore business and commercialising V236-15.0 MW™, are key priorities for Vestas. As part of these efforts, in 2021 we began implementing modularisation within our offshore portfolio. This helps to secure cross-portfolio synergies in terms of design, sourcing, volume, and localisation.
For instance, the V236-15.0 MW™ will utilise shared control system technology, leading to reusable plug-and-play solutions, which offer flexibility in manufacturing and allows us to match market demands rapidly.
Another example on system level is the nacelle side-compartment applied to both the V236-15.0 MW™ offshore variant and V162- 6.8 MW™ onshore variant. Over time, establishing commonality between offshore and onshore will provide a competitive advantage.
• The modularised nacelle
With the introduction of V236-15.0 MW™ and V162-6.8 MW™, Vestas took the next step in the modularisation journey by optimising the form and dimension of our wind turbine design at system level, starting with the nacelle and subsequently expanding to encompass the whole turbine.
Specifically, the nacelle is divided into a main nacelle house on which side-compartments can be mounted depending on configuration. Utilising a simple click-on system, the modular concept facilitates smart servicing solutions and enables upgrade and innovation possibilities over the lifetime of the operating asset. By dividing the turbine into manageable modular building blocks, Vestas aims to take advantage of industrial standards rather than challenging them, taking the entire value chain into account in the efforts to ensure continued renewable energy competitiveness.
We are changing the energy system, and we need to take new steps. I am proud that we are now taking the next natural step in our modularisation journey to be able to realise tomorrow's scalable energy system.
Anders Nielsen – Executive Vice President & CTO
Scaling the business with a focus on quality solutions
Over the past three years, Vestas has been scaling its business with momentum, leading to a revenue base increase of 50 percent. However, to keep scaling and improving wind energy's competitiveness for our customers, in 2021 we sharpened our focus on quality solutions.
During the year, we took important steps to strengthen our underlying supply chain foundation. These steps were taken to enable a sustainable and profitable scaling of our operations and to support future growth. As a global leader in sustainable energy, we take seriously our responsibility to carve out a scalable quality pathway for our industry, and we live by it daily.
In an increasingly challenging external environment, we reinforced short-term initiatives and initiated long-term ones. We took measures to advance our approach to root cause analysis and embed learnings into relevant processes. We also achieved closer collaboration with our partners and customers. Our aim here is to move from quality control towards quality assurance, with a focus on active risk prevention and management.
Beyond strengthening processes and systems, quality is powered by our people. In 2021, we initiated a renewed company-wide effort to drive clear ownership for quality across the value chain. Through this work, we set the foundation for an engrained quality culture driven by teams and individuals, from early stages of product development through to wind farm completion.
Focusing on the Vestas core
In 2021, we took further steps to consolidate and optimise our global footprint, with the aim of positioning our future setup across both Onshore and Offshore. We divested our last tower factory, continuing the trend of outsourcing certain components. This will allow us to focus on the core; leveraging increased flexibility and developing better supplier partnerships. We also closed our blade factory in Lauchhammer, Germany, and our generator factory in Viveiro, Spain. Our pre-assembly factory for offshore conversion modules in Esbjerg, Denmark, will be closed by mid-2022. These were the first steps towards a global optimised footprint across Onshore and Offshore. As always, customers come first and we have initiated discussions to plan the localisation of the offshore factories together.
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered higher volatility in cost levels and volume movements. Going forward, it will be increasingly important to flexibly manage volume swings and mitigate volatility in
the transport cost base. To this end, during 2021 we matured our approach to partnering for the longer term. We launched key initiatives to strengthen collaborations, with the aim of expanding specialised supply chain partnerships and deepening mutual commitments.
In India, we increased our already prominent manufacturing footprint by establishing a new converter factory and a new nacelle and hub factory in Chennai. We also expanded our current blade factory in Ahmedabad, adding more than 600 new jobs. Our expanded production setup here will serve the growing regional wind power market, while also acting as a strategic export hub.
Leveraging the entire global supply chain, in 2021 Vestas produced and shipped 18 GW of wind turbines, an increase of 1 GW compared to 2020. Through our renewed focus on long-term supply chain partnerships, we aim to build on this performance in the years ahead.
Today's fast-moving energy transition requires us to further mature our supply chain network and manufacturing footprint.
Tommy Rahbek Nielsen – Executive Vice President & COO
Maturing our service operating model
Vestas continued its service leadership during 2021, with 129 GW of wind turbines under service across more than 70 countries by the end of the year. These results reinforce our position as the largest wind operations and maintenance provider in the world. Throughout the year, we executed a number of activities to further strengthen and leverage our core business. Firstly, our offshore service business was successfully integrated, allowing Service to focus on synergies across onshore and offshore and lay the foundations for future growth. In order to deliver on growth perspectives, we continued to optimise our service operating model.
This model places the customer at the centre and standardises ways of working for our 12,000 service colleagues around the globe. We also started to implement the platform Salesforce as our customer relationship management system, enabling our service organisation to drive excellence through a single digital platform.
Servicing beyond Vestas
With almost 9 GW multibrand technology under service, Vestas has continued to invest during 2021 in the long-term growth and operational excellence of Vestas' multibrand service offerings. The scope of services has continued to evolve as we were awarded the first contract to service GE turbines beyond their design life span. The contract secures the German wind farm until its 25th operational year under a competitive full-scope Vestas AOM service agreement. A milestone this year was the five-year renewal on around 1 GW of Gamesa technology in the Vestas Mediterranean Region.
Reaffirming Vestas leading multibrand presence in Latin America, Vestas also secured a long-term service contract on Senvion turbines in Argentina. Further growth was experienced in Brazil with the commencement of a new service contract on Alstom technology of more than 400 MW. In total Vestas is now servicing 1 GW of multibrand turbines in the region.
Shaping new service markets
Vestas continues to redefine industry wind power service standards and shape new markets. One example of this is our approach to ageing fleets. Around the world, the share of ageing wind turbines is increasing, with 8 percent of turbines having reached 15+ years by the end of 2021.1 With an ageing fleet, additional needs occur, such as lifetime extensions, repowering activities, and decommissioning, all of which we are uniquely positioned to address. To deliver in these areas, we have redefined our fleet optimisation offering for pre-owned turbines. We have also repositioned our repowering offerings, by re-applying our vast expertise and leveraging the industry's largest supply chain and repair organisations. These measures have allowed us to create additional value for our customers and make wind power even more sustainable, giving a second life to ageing fleets.
→ Together with Utopus Insights as our softwareas-a-service subsidiary, Vestas offers customers a suite of best-in-class products that support the digitalisation of renewable energy assets and energy systems. Giving easy access to portfolio-wide asset visualisation, predictive maintenance, and renewable energy power forecasting, the suite represents a critical business decision-making tool for renewable energy asset owners and operators.
Covento. Simplified, transparent, and value-adding customer experience
By combining existing capabilities with innovative digital solutions, we further improve our operational excellence to support new renewable technologies and to service our customers in the best way possible.
Covento: a new centralised platform
For many years, the renewable aftermarket has been fragmented, without a central platform to bring value chain players together. In August 2021, we announced the introduction of Covento, a digital platform providing a simplified and centralised marketplace to connect buyers and sellers across the renewable energy industry.
The platform lists products and services from Vestas and third-party sellers and facilitates delivery, making it easier for customers to purchase and procure. Covento was launched in selected countries on the European market at the end of 2021, with important partners such as Schneider Electric committed to the platform. It will expand to the USA and Canada in 2022, and then to other regions around the world soon after. If successful, Covento has the potential to capture great value in an increasingly important industry segment.
1 Source: Wood Mackenzie: Global wind power market outlook update, Q4 2021. November 2021.
Pursuing a circular economy
To achieve full sustainability of our products, developing a circular economy has become increasingly important and urgent for the wind power industry. To date, most materials are managed in a linear process; they are extracted from the environment, manufactured into a product, then discarded to be landfilled or incinerated. Within a circular economy, materials are kept in circulation, with a focus on reuse, repair, and refurbishment, thereby avoiding waste.
Turbine circularity
With the launch of our sustainability strategy in 2020, we committed to produce a zero-waste wind turbine by 2040. In 2021, we became the first renewable energy manufacturer to release a holistic plan for a circular wind turbine. A turbine capable of decarbonising global energy demand without using virgin materials. In design, the roadmap raised the ambition level by adding commitments to increase material efficiency by 90 percent, achieve 100 percent rotor recyclability, and reduce supply chain waste by 50 percent, all by 2030. Furthermore, across our operations we are expanding efforts to refurbish and reuse turbine components, while regionalising our repair and refurbishment infrastructure where possible.
In support of these goals, in 2021 we:
- Increased our material efficiency by 20 percent compared to 2020
- Worked with our partners to develop a recyclable resin, beginning the process of creating the first truly circular blade through our CETEC project
- Mobilised our supply chain to collect waste data from the products we purchase
- Achieved a major component utilisation rate of 65 percent
- Piloted projects in our US factories to move away from landfilling.
However, these initiatives are just the beginning of our journey towards full circularity. For a comprehensive breakdown of our roadmap and targets for circularity, see our Sustainability Report 2021, pages 19-21.
Our plan for circularity is a significant opportunity for Vestas to reduce the cost of wasted materials, create a desirable and sustainable product, and address one of the major challenges facing the wind power industry – end-of-life waste from turbines. Some countries, notably France and the Netherlands, took early steps in 2021 to codify circular economy principles into law. Our customers have also begun to introduce circularity metrics into their calculations for cost of energy.
An industry-wide calling
For circular solutions to be commercially more attractive, fostering strong collaborations across the industry will be key. During 2021, Vestas started to engage with partners across the value chain to build out a shared circularity infrastructure for wind turbine components. In the short term, the focus is on shared facilities to recycle legacy blades cost-effectively, and on the development of localised recycling infrastructures.
As part of our overall sustainability strategy, "Sustainability in every thing we do", producing zero-waste wind turbines by 2040 is one of our four strategic sustainability commitments, which address the areas where we have deemed that we can have the most impact as a company. The full overview of these commitments, as well as our concrete targets and performance in 2021 for each, can be found on the following page.
Circularity roadmap*
The roadmap outlines circularity pathways for Vestas' entire value chain by setting new targets across three key areas: design, operations, and material recovery.
• 55 percent total refurbished component utilisation
Design for circularity
- Technically and commercially fully recyclable blades
- by 2030 • 90 percent increase in material efficiency by 2030
- 50 percent reduction in supply chain waste by 2030
Operational circularity Material recovery
- <1 percent of manufacturing waste landfilled by 2030
-
94 percent of manufacturing waste recycled by 2030
* KPI baseline: 2020.
Our sustainability commitments and results
Continuously leading the transition towards a world powered by renewable energy
Carbon neutrality by 2030*
Initiative: Reduce absolute carbon emissions in own operations (scope 1 and 2) without using any carbon offsets.** KPI: Percent reduction COe
Initiative: Reduce carbon emissions in the supply chain (scope 3) per MWh generated.**
KPI: Percent reduction COe per MWh
- * Absolute figures and accounting principles for these indicators can be found on pages 9, and 142-143, respectively.
- * * In alignment with the GHG protocol standard, the 2019 baseline has retroactively been adjusted for acquisitions and divestments in 2020 and 2021. Read more in the Notes to Sustainability key figures, page 142.
Zero-waste wind turbines by 2040 Socially responsible*
Initiative: Increase circularity of wind turbine components. KPI: Multiple KPIs, see below. Where nothing else is stated, baseline year is 2020.
Initiative: Reduce Total Recordable Injuries. KPI: Total Recordable Injury Rate
Initiative: Increase the share of women in leadership positions and in the Board.
KPI: Percentage of women in leadership positionsand in the Board
Initiative: Create long-term value and engagement in local communities.
KPI: Number of beneficiaries through community engagement initiatives since 2019. Long-term target: 35,000 in 2025. Cumulative number of beneficiaries by the end of 2021: 29,099.
In focus: Full speed ahead to achieve zero-waste wind turbines
The future of blades:
spearheading circularity technologies
When we launched our global sustainability strategy, "Sustainability in everything we do", we committed to building zero-waste wind turbines, including a fully recyclable product, by 2040. In October 2021, we revealed a more specific circularity roadmap, including key targets in the areas of design, operations, and material recovery. Through these ambitions, we are setting a new benchmark for circularity and waste reduction within the wind power industry.
In the area of design, our roadmap builds on the existing sustainability strategy by adding commitments to increase material efficiency and reduce supply chain waste. Furthermore, it also includes plans to accelerate our rotor recyclability target, with the goal of reaching 100 percent rotor recyclability by 2030.
To achieve this target, we are working on several strategic initiatives – one of which is the blade circularity project known as CETEC (Circular Economy for Thermosets Epoxy Composites), spearheaded by Vestas in partnership with the Danish Technological Institute, Aarhus University, Olin, and the Innovation Fund Denmark.
Rotor revolution
Today, Vestas' wind turbines are 85-90 percent recyclable. However, our wind turbine rotors consist of a relatively large amount of non-recyclable composite materials, primarily glass fibres and epoxy adhesives. As Simon Frølich, Team Manager, PhD, at the Danish Technological Institute, explains:
"The key characteristic of composite materials is their unique combination of low weight and high strength. This is governed by the strong bonding of two different materials – fibre and epoxy. The dilemma is that this strong bond is also the feature that renders these materials difficult to recycle."
Launched in May 2021, the CETEC project addresses the issue of dissolving the strong bond between fibre and epoxy when the blades reach their end of life. It also strives for full circularity by recycling old blade materials back into the production of new blades.
Currently, there are very few recycling pathways for epoxy resin which do not downcycle the material. Uniquely, CETEC technology converts epoxy into chemical compounds that can be reused to manufacture new turbine blades.
Game-changing technology
To achieve material circularity, the three-year project leverages existing technologies for the recycling of fibre components. Simultaneously, it introduces new innovations to address the lack of available recycling options for epoxy resins.
"The novel technology behind CETEC focuses on disassembling blade composites into fibre and epoxy. Then, in a process known as 'chemcycling', the epoxy is further broken down into its base components, which have identical properties to virgin epoxy, enabling their use in new blade production. This innovation will help the industry minimise consumption of virgin material sources and increase the reuse and recycling of materials," says Leif Ole Meyer, TS&D Leader EMEAI at Olin.
Once matured, CETEC technology will be a game changer, supporting a fully circular wind turbine value chain. In this way, CETEC will help us reach our zerowaste wind turbine targets as we strive to embed sustainability across Vestas and the wider industry. As Mie Elholm Birkbak, Materials Specialist, Vestas Innovation and Concepts, concludes:
"The technology developed in CETEC allows us to transform composite waste into a valuable resource. With its holistic recycling approach combining technological and commercial developments, CETEC will not only enable us to reach our goal of producing sustainable energy without waste, but will also position the wind industry as a frontrunner in the race towards a circular economy. And these efforts will pave the way for other industries to follow."
Venturing into sustainable investments
← View from inside of the first Modvion™ wooden prototype tower. The 30 meter tower is installed in the archipelago by Gothenburg, Sweden.
In 2020, we established a corporate venture capital arm within Vestas, called Vestas Ventures. The purpose of Vestas Ventures is to accelerate the deployment of sustainable energy and the electrification of societies, and to unlock new growth opportunities through relevant investments.
In February 2021, Vestas Ventures made its first investment in the Swedish wood technology company, Modvion™, to become minority shareholder. Later, in August 2021, Vestas Ventures invested in the unique Salamander Quick Lift Crane Technology, becoming the minority investor in Swedish S&L Access Systems, a subsidiary of Stena AB.
Through both investments, we underlined our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint across the supply chain and accelerating the green energy transition. Looking ahead, we aim to strengthen our ability to support customers in their sustainability journey, while continuing to offer cost-competitive solutions.
Bringing the forest into the turbine
Modvion's™ wooden towers, made from a bio-composite and sustainably sourced material, can potentially lead to a significant reduction in CO emissions, compared to conventional steel towers.With their modular design, Modvion's™ towers align well with our modular approach to product architecture and allows for ease of transportation. Modvion™ expects to install its first commercial demonstrator during 2022.
A smarter way to lift
The ambition behind the investment in the Salamander Quick Lift Crane Technology is to develop a crane technology suitable for the installation and maintenance of any turbine type. It enables heavy lifts on hub heights well beyond 200 meters, with reduced wind sensitivity for up-tower works. The innovative top crane technology can drive significant savings in CO emissions and costs when compared to conventional cranes. Further operational advantages include improved transportability, with a 75 percent reduction in the number of trucks required; faster installation; increased safety; and faster relocation and decommissioning.
Our people
↑470%
Sustainable jobs
In 2001, we counted around 5,200. In 2021, we have more than 29,000 Vestas employees working to provide the planet with sustainable energy solutions – an increase of close to 470 percent.
One Vestas
Building an inclusive and winning culture
Vestas is shaped by a passion to make the world a better place and to contribute to a sustainable future. Our more than 29,000 passionate employees are the foundation upon which our achievements are built. Vestas' culture is anchored in more than 40 years of sustainable leadership and pioneering, which our employees showcase every day as they drive the energy transition forward and help Vestas sustain its leading position in sustainable energy. As we continue to accelerate the deployment of renewables and make Vestas the global leader in sustainable energy solutions, we seek to constantly develop and sustain a winning culture that allows everyone to thrive and reach their full potential.
From a People & Culture perspective, 2021 was characterised by welcoming our colleagues from the offshore business into the organisation, implementing our new organisational blueprint, making sure we have the right employee communication and feedback channels, continuing our efforts to increase diversity, and strengthening and unifying our leadership across the company.
We are building a company where every individual can fulfil their potential no matter where they work or which role they perform.
Henrik Andersen – Group President & CEO
Offshore integration – one Vestas family
We started 2021 embedding One Team Vestas, our new organisational setup, as we welcomed our newly acquired offshore business to Vestas. The integration of offshore called for us to align our operations and streamline our regional structures, paving the way for future global growth. To exploit the synergies in onshore and offshore, the offshore activities have been incorporated into the existing business. First and foremost, this creates great upsides for our customers, who will from now on be met by the same business partner in sustainable energy solutions, regardless of whether their needs of wind turbines or service are for an offshore or onshore wind park, but also internally whether in the design process, in operations or procurement.
As part of this process, on 1 February 2021, we welcomed more than 3,000 new colleagues into the Vestas family, mostly in the Northern & Central Europe Region. Nine months later, full system and process integration, including People & Culture system integration, was complete.
While the merger makes sense from a business perspective, the integration process was no simple undertaking. Many employees acquired new roles, new teams, and new colleagues. New systems and procedures had to be learned. To ensure we achieve our One Team Vestas ambitions, we will continue to focus on the cultural aspects of the integration throughout 2022.
One Vestas, one communication
An inclusive culture means reaching all our employees through open, effective, and transparent communication. Our factory employees represent one-third of our workforce and are an essential part of our journey to becoming the global leader in sustainable energy solutions.
In 2021, we therefore focused on improving communication with this group of employees and giving them real-time updates, putting them on an equal footing with employees who have PC access.
In October 2021, we launched our new internal mobile communications app, MyVestas, to our frontline employees in two factories: Ringkøbing in Denmark, and Daimiel in Spain. MyVestas provides employees with news updates relevant to their job function or location. It is an example of how we are working to unite the organisation across departments and geographies. In the coming years we will expand the app to all Vestas locations.
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Utilising augmented and virtual reality in training allows Service to run a de-centralised setup that, especially during the ongoing pandemic, ensures technicians are trained and upskilled as needed. This form of training is a supplement to other training.
Building a diverse organisation
To build a truly global and inclusive culture, we aim to ensure the organisation has the right people in the right positions at the right time. In doing so, we set clear expectations for our key roles and strategic capabilities, making it possible to match current and potential talent with our business needs and long-term outlook.
Vestas has committed to reach 25 percent female representation in leadership positions by 2025 and 30 percent by 2030. As part of our overall strategic priority to increase diversity in general and the share of female leaders specifically, we have in 2021 continued the focus on initiatives such as systematic, software-aided elimination of bias from job ads and training recruiters in unconscious bias. At the end of 2021, 15.0 percent of Vestas' employees were women, and the share of women in leadership positions increased from 19 to 21 percent.1
To embed inclusive leadership across our internal talent population, in 2021 we dedicated an entire module in our Rising Executives talent programme to Inclusive Leadership. Programme participants also learned about how to unleash the benefits of diverse teams.
In addition, to understand why turnover rates for women in leadership positions are high, and to gain insight into how to improve their retention, in 2020 and 2021 we interviewed female leaders who had decided to leave the company. In 2022, we will convert these learnings into action and pilot initiatives to improve the employee experience across Vestas, regardless of background and gender.
Investing in leadership
When pursuing ambitious goals it is key to have the right leaders and leadership culture in the organisation. This goes beyond mere talent acquisition, and touches on more intangible aspect such as the values we live by and the energy, team spirit and drive that make us all a unity working for the same goals. One of the initiatives we introduced in 2021 to this end was the Vestas Leadership Forum (VLF), which gathered our most senior leaders across functions and locations to unite in conversations and development. It is also an opportunity to strengthen leadership commitment to building an even stronger and better Vestas together.
A two-day event designed to benefit all of Vestas by providing new inputs, ideas, and leadership skills to be shared across the entire value chain, the VLF is a catalyst for companywide leadership engagement and commitment to improving how we work and win together as one team. Apart from inspiring and connecting leaders from all parts of the organisation, the event also worked as leadership lab for both current and future leaders.
The theme for the 2021 VLF was 'One Winning Team'. The forum itself comprised strategic briefings and inspiring presentations on key topics, such as customer partnerships, servicing our future, efficient scalability, future technology and leading with a global and inclusive mindset. Our leaders are the drivers of performance and engagement. To support the high energy levels needed to fuel our growth journey, we will roll out the forum on an annual basis going forward.
We are building on a Vestas DNA from four decades and we will combine the best to build on what is required for the decades to come – perspective, scalability and growth to the benefit of the individual, Vestas and our stakeholders.
Kerstin Knapp – Executive Vice President & CPCO
EthicsLine: Our whistleblower platform
Vestas is committed to providing a safe environment in which our employees can speak up if they witness misconduct. If employees or business partners see or suspect behaviour that violates our Code of Conduct, we depend on them to report it to EthicsLine, the Vestas whistleblower platform. Even if employees are not sure about what they have witnessed or question the strength of their evidence, we encourage them to share what information they have with EthicsLine.
In mid-2020, we introduced a new EthicsLine platform, including a new user interface, which has made it very easy to access the system and report a potential issue. This improvement, together with a strong, global communication and awareness campaign, and the launch in 2021 of our updated Employee Code of Conduct, has greatly increased awareness, both of what is considered non-compliant, as well as of how to raise a case on a very practical level.
Development in EthicsLine cases and substantiation rate
* Substantiation rate for 2021 is a status end year. 77 of the 465 cases are still under investigation and will only be settled in the full-year 2022 reporting.
The total number of cases raised in 2021 was 465, an increase of 62 percent compared to the year before. Of these cases, 96 were substantiated at the end of the year, leading to various disciplinary actions, including 38 warnings and 45 dismissals. We perceive the increase in EthicsLine reports as a positive sign that our awareness campaigns and user interface improvements have been successful, and that employees and partners are comfortable speaking up and reporting non-compliant behaviour, knowing that this can be done anonymously and without fear of repercussion.
Continuous listening, continuous actions
In 2021, we continued to listen to our employees through our Employee Engagement Survey. With its frequency now doubled and its setup more interactive, the survey provides a stronger mechanism for engagement and feedback than ever before. Moreover, in addition to the now bi-annual engagement surveys, we use quarterly pulse surveys, with short feedback loops, to focus on themes of specific relevance throughout the year. These developments are helping us to make Vestas an even better place to work.
Due to the changes we have made to both the composition and delivery of our Employee Engagement Survey, we cannot directly compare scores with previous years. In the third quarter of 2021, our survey achieved a strong response rate of 87 percent, a 2 percent increase from the first quarter. We reached an overall satisfaction score (eSat) of 73, and our score on collaboration, one of Vestas' four core values, is on par with the global top 20 percent benchmark.
The survey results on employee engagement and satisfaction are shared with and discussed by both the Executive Management team and the Board.
→ To efficiently operate the full Vestas fleet of turbines under service, technicians cover several wind farms – always in teams!
Power the Solution – Vestas' Employer Value Proposition
Becoming the leader in sustainable energy solutions depends upon our ability to attract, develop, and retain the best talent. To support this goal, in the third quarter of 2021 we launched the Vestas Employer Value Proposition (EVP). Building on input from more than 7,800 colleagues, the EVP sets aspirations and will support our journey to become the employer of choice in the energy industry by 2023.
As part of this process, we developed an EVP toolbox and tone-ofvoice to define and articulate exactly what makes Vestas an attractive place to work, and to help us attract and retain the diverse workforce we need. Following the successful launch of the EVP, our focus in 2022 will be to develop and anchor our value proposition narrative across the regions.
1 Employees in Utopus Insights, Inc. are not included in the calculation of gender representation as we do not have gender statistics covering this entity.
Governance
Corporate values
At Vestas, the values that guide our behaviour are: Accountability, Collaboration, Simplicity, and Passion.
Our main risks identified in 2021
As a multinational company and global leader in wind power, Vestas is exposed to a variety of risks in its daily business. In order for us to protect and create shareholder value and achieve our strategic objectives, we must manage the broad spectrum of risks that we face. These include operational risks relating to the design and manufacturing of wind turbines, execution risks relating to the transportation, installation and servicing of wind turbines, and risks of a macroeconomic and regulatory nature. We strive to ensure that such risks are understood, monitored, and managed with a view to minimising any negative impact on our strategic and financial ambitions.
Risk management is an integral part of the decision-making process at Vestas and is supported by our corporate Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework. The ERM framework provides a holistic and transparent view of Vestas' strategic and operational risk position, with the aim of continuously assessing and adjusting the company's risk exposure.
It is important to note that ERM is not only about preventing and containing individual operational and commercial risks and challenges. It is also about communication and establishing the necessary foundations for business decisions, including balancing risk and opportunity appropriately.
Governance
At Vestas, risk management is the responsibility of everyone. All parts of the organisation engage in risk management daily. We work systematically with risks, including climate risks, and we follow a plan for the year known as 'the ERM annual wheel'. According to this plan, each region, corporate function, and selected support functions identify, assess, prioritise, and report on relevant risks on a regular basis in line with the ERM framework.
We identify and assess risks using our Group Risk Criteria based on probability and impact. The potential impact can be either financial and/or non-financial – i.e. reputational, environmental, regulatory, or related to climate or safety. Conceptually, risks may be considered enterprise risks if the combination of probability and impact scores are proportionally high or very high.
The identified risks are mapped as either being short term, medium term, or strategic, as follows:
- Short-term risks typically have financial impact within the current year and therefore often relate to execution and single events.
- Medium-term risks have a time horizon of one-to-three years and are often characterised as emerging risks.
- Strategic risks are linked to the execution of our strategy and are defined as future uncertainties – internal as well as external – that have the potential to significantly impact our ability to achieve our long-term vision.
The identified risks are reported to, consolidated, and reviewed by Global Risk Management and the key enterprise risks are then presented to and discussed by the Risk Committee, always with the aim of driving understanding and improvements across the organisation. The Risk Committee consists of all the members of the Executive Management team, with the exception of the Group President & CEO, and is chaired by the Executive Vice President & CFO. Twice a year, the risks are reported to the Audit Committee as well as the Board. The illustration shows the frequency of the Risk Committee meetings and higher-level reporting on ERM at Vestas.
Enterprise Risk Management annual wheel
| Risk | Rating | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Operating in complex markets | ↓ | |
| Protectionism and trade barriers | → | |
| Supply chain disruption | ↑ | |
| Fast product cycles | → | |
| Cyber risks | → | |
| People risks* | ↑ |
* New risk category identified in 2021.
| Risk rating | Trend |
|---|---|
| Very high | ↑ Increasing |
High Medium Low → Unchanged ↓ Decreasing
In accordance with the ERM annual wheel, in the first quarter of 2021 we conducted a strategic risk review, engaging all parts of the organisation.
Main risks
The six key risks for Vestas identified in 2021, based on their potential impact and probability, are shown in the illustration to the left. The risk rating follows the risk levels determined through the application of the Vestas Risk Matrix. The trend arrows reflect the expected direction for each risk.
A description of each risk, its impact, and the current mitigation actions are described on the next page.
Climate risks
Transparency around sustainability is essential in order to maintain the trust of our external stakeholders. Furthermore, there is a growing demand among investors and political decision makers for greater transparency regarding climate risks and how they are managed.
Like other responsible companies, we are looking into the risks and opportunities that will arise from climate change and have integrated climate change scenarios into our risk management processes. Climate-related risks and opportunities are addressed as an integral part of our daily business, as they are directly linked to our business model and strategy. Our processes for identifying and assessing climate-related risks follow the same procedures as for any other risks, see the Governance section on page 43 for more information.
We use the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) as the framework for our disclosure of climate-related financial risks. Our work to introduce the recommendations of the TCFD continued during the year, and annually we disclose our climate-related risks and opportunities through the CDP.1 We have included an overview which explains where relevant information can be found, see page 141.
In 2021, we did not define any climate-related risks among our principal risks. However, such risks are continuously monitored and evaluated by the Risk Committee, the board committees, and the Board.
Financial risks
Financial risks, including risks related to currency, interest rates, tax, credit, and commodity exposures, are addressed in the notes to the Consolidated financial statements, see an overview on page 66.
2021 in a resilience perspective
The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the importance of our ability to manage a crisis and use the learnings to become a stronger and more resilient organisation. 2021 brought continued challenges primarily rooted in the COVID-19 pandemic but also influenced by other extraordinary events.
Logistical challenges continued to cause increasing supply chain instability which has required continuous focus, redirection of goods and materials as well as forward looking scenario assessments in order to mitigate the significant implications and hereunder delays and increased cost. This demanded us to turn crisis management into an operational risk management alongside dealing with other operational risks, including those threatening the safety of our employees.
In November 2021, we experienced a cyber security incident, in which cyber criminals succeeded to deploy what is known as ransomware to internal IT systems, and managed to perform a partial exfiltration of mainly internal data. This incident activated our Global Crisis Management response, and internal specialists together with external specialists achieved containment, eradication, and restoration of the IT systems affected. After the incident, we have engaged with customers, stakeholders, and relevant authorities to present known facts regarding the impact and the data exfiltration. Continuous focus on maintaining and improving cyber security remains of utmost importance for Vestas, and the learnings from the 2021 incident are utilised in increasing Vestas' resilience, including in dealing with attacks from cyber criminals.
1 The Carbon Disclosure Project, Climate Change Questionnaire 2021, available on our corporate website.
| Operating in complex markets |
Protectionism and trade barriers |
Supply chain disruption | Fast product cycles | Cyber risks | People risks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Risk & impact |
Vestas operates and/or explores business opportunities on all continents. Around the world, many markets have complex characteristics adversely different to the more mature markets in Europe and the USA. Developing wind projects and deliv ering often expanded project scopes with multiple subcontractors is highly complex, with various potential risk impacts. Such risk impacts include security challenges, impacts on local communities, and cor ruption. There is also the risk of breach or theft of intellectual property rights, leading to financial impacts and limitations on our freedom to operate. Other potential risks include exposure to currency fluctuations and local currency restrictions and controls, as well as general project delay risks leading to liquidated damages. |
Local content requirements and other trade protectionist measures, such as the imposition of tariffs and duties on traded goods and commodities continued to create barriers to global trade in 2021. This situation, which is expected to continue into 2022 and beyond, leads to reduced supply chain flexibility and additional procurement and transportation costs. The imposition of sanctions and export controls also affects our ability to plan a cost-efficient supply chain in certain regions. |
Vestas manufactures, delivers, and installs significant volumes of wind turbines. A significant proportion of deliveries and installations takes place in the second half of the year. This makes us vulnerable to general supply chain disruptions and constraints, such as port congestions, shortages in the transportation sector and installation infrastructure, as well adverse weather conditions. COVID-19 continues to impose added logistical challenges. Disruptions to Vestas' supply chain and shortage of goods lead to increased procurement costs and potential delivery delays at project level. Further, currency fluctuations and increases in raw material, component, transport, and installation costs impact our ability to achieve bud geted profitability. |
The competitive landscape drives wind turbine manufacturers towards fast-paced development and the launch of new technology and products. The rapid pace of innovation has in recent years allowed for a significant reduction in the Levelised Cost of Energy (LCoE) for wind-generated power. Short product life cycles, early market introductions and faster time to market challenge the wind power industry's ability to achieve a profitable scale of new products. This can lead to quality and execution issues, which in turn can create reputational impacts, as well as direct cost impacts. |
Our dependence on our commercial, tech nical, and operational IT infrastructure is significant. A cyber security event, whether caused by malicious hacking activities, unintentional human error, or system failure, can have significant direct and indirect im pacts on our operations and our customers' operations. Such impacts can include theft of intellectual property and/or personal data, inability to meet contractual obliga tions, cessation or slowdown of operations, and wider brand damage and loss of busi ness opportunities. |
We operate in all regions of the world and our employees are exposed to various risks in the execution of their jobs. In a growing organisation with an expanded operational scope, the personal safety and security of our employees remains our key priority. Individual safety measures must be tailored to local circumstances, which vary across different geographies and operational tasks. By way of example, for personnel working in manufacturing plants, installing wind tur bines or providing service activities, special attention to safe execution is required to avoid injuries. In 2021, COVID-19 also con tinued to be a health risk across the world, especially in countries with low vaccination rates and immunity. The focus on transitioning towards renew ables has created increased competition for talent among our suppliers, competitors and customers, including new entrants to the renewables sector. |
| Mitigating measures |
Apply a stage gate-based process to sys tematically evaluate project risks and adapt project offerings during contracting, construction, and servicing of projects. Focus on identifying mitigations of non technical risks, for example through the Vestas' Social Due Diligence process. Ensure strict, global compliance gover nance and focus, leveraging our updated Supplier and Employee Codes of Conduct (launched in 2021), as well as our trusted and efficient whistle-blower system, EthicsLine. |
Monitor existing and potential local con tent regulations as well as trade tariffs and duties. Increase public affairs efforts. Leverage our global footprint, buying power and procurement options, while ensuring the highest possible flexibility in the value chain. Develop and maintain strong strategic supplier partnerships as a priority. |
Apply contractual risk allocations and financial safeguards (e.g. indexation clauses, hedging instruments, and contingency buffers in budgets at sales project level). Exercise disciplined pricing during sales project negotiations. Maintain partnerships and longer-term frame agreements as part of procurement strategy. |
Facilitate shorter design and product intro duction cycles through the modularisation of wind turbine platforms. This enables a variety of product configurations by re-using design, components and value chain con cepts to ensure stability, cost-effectiveness and quality in the supply chain. Vestas will as the market leader continue to expand its product application range enabled via the modularisation strategy. Our comprehensive quality assurance programme enables early identification and correction of potential quality issues during the phase-in to manufacturing and wind turbine delivery at project site. |
To minimise the likelihood of cyber security risks, we have defined cross-organisational capabilities, including quantitative, and threat-based Cyber Risk Management dis ciplines to identify, analyse, evaluate, and treat cyber security risks. This is monitored by our Risk Committee. We will continue to invest in a multi-year cyber security programme to provide medium- and long-term deliveries ad dressing local requirements in the markets where we operate, aimed at reducing the risk exposure related to cyber security incidents. |
Maintain relentless tracking and reporting of recordable injuries to ensure our focus remains on continuous safety improvement across all of our operations. Ensure proactive security assessments and mitigation plans at manufacturing, con struction and service sites are integrated in our operating model. Focus on safe business continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conduct employee satisfaction measure ments bi-annually, enabling awareness and laying the foundations for employee engagement and motivation. |
Support employee engagement and retention through people development programmes, with a focus on leadership as well as diversity and inclusion.
Managing our affairs transparently and effectively
Our corporate structure reflects how we, as a global and listed company, are managed to ensure Simplicity, Accountability, Passion, and Collaboration.
Our two-tier management structure provides a clear, transparent, and effective separation between the responsibilities of the Board and the Executive Management team, and between the Executive Vice Presidents and their management of the company's affairs. No one can serve as a member of both the Board and the Executive Management team.
Shareholders
Our shareholders have ultimate authority over the company. They exercise their right to make decisions at general meetings and, with a few formal requirements, are entitled to submit proposals, vote, and speak at these meetings. Resolutions can generally be passed by a simple majority. However, resolutions to amend the Articles of Association require two thirds of the votes cast and capital represented, unless other adoption requirements are imposed by the Danish Companies Act.
The right of a shareholder to attend a general meeting is determined by the holding of shares at the record date. Shareholders who wish to attend a general meeting must notify Vestas no later than three days before the meeting in question. For additional information about the Vestas share, see "A sustainable investment", page 62.
In 2021, the Annual General Meeting took place in April. The minutes of the meeting and an overview of the votes cast are available on our corporate website.
The company's auditor
Each year, Vestas' annual report is audited by an independent external audit firm appointed annually by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting. The Board maintains a regular dialogue with the auditor. However, it is the responsibility of the Audit Committee to make arrangements for the necessary exchange of information.
For the Independent Auditor's Report, and the Independent limited assurance report on the Sustainability key figures, see pages 132 and 135, respectively.
Annual General Meeting
Date: 5 April 2022 Time: 4:30 p.m. (CEST) Venue: Vestas headquarters in Aarhus, Denmark
The agenda for the Annual General Meeting will be disclosedon 4 March 2022.
Distribution of dividends will always be decided with due consideration for the Group's plans for growth, sustainable investments, and liquidity requirements.
For 2021, the parent company has posted a profit for the year of EUR 82m. The Board therefore recommends that the Annual General Meeting approves the payment of a dividend of DKK 0.37 (approx. EUR 0.05) per share.
The Boards proposes that PricewaterhouseCoopers Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab be re-appointed as the company's auditor.
The Board will also propose that the Board is granted an authority to acquire treasury shares in the period until 31 December 2023 up to an aggregate of 10 percent of the company's share capital.
Leading us on our journey – the Vestas Board
It is crucial we have the right board members to lead us on our journey to become the global leader in sustainable energy solutions. We also want a Board that creates long-term value and promotes a strong company culture and values.
The Board has responsibility for the general and strategic management of the company's affairs. It must ensure proper organisation of the company's business in accordance with the Articles of Association and applicable law. This is another reason why it is essential the Board is composed of the right people with the right capabilities.
Our shareholders have decided that the company must be managed by a board composed of five to 10 members, elected by the shareholders. Shareholder-elected board members serve for a one-year term and may be re-elected.
In addition, the Board includes members elected by our employees under the relevant provisions of the Danish Companies Act, equalling half of the shareholder-elected members. They have the same rights, duties, and responsibilities as their shareholder-elected counterparts.
Board members elected by the Annual General Meeting may be recommended for election by our shareholders or by the Board. When proposing candidates for board membership, the Board aims to ensure they have the right attitude, competences, and experience.
Evaluation
Once a year, the Board evaluates its working methods, the results of its work, and the skills of its members, including whether each board member participates actively in board discussions and contributes with independent judgement. The Board brings in external consultants to support these evaluations at least once every third year.
In 2021, the Board evaluation was facilitated externally by a consultancy firm that works exclusively on board effectiveness reviews. First, a questionnaire was submitted to the participants (the members of the Board, the CEO, CFO, and the Board Secretary). Individual interviews were then conducted.
← The Board
In October 2021, our Board gathered for the annual strategy seminar, which included an extensive tour of our offshore blades factory in Nakskov, Denmark.
From left: Michael Lisbjerg, Kim Hvid Thomsen, Karl-Henrik Sundström, Lars Josefsson, Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Sussie Dvinge, Bert Nordberg, Eva Berneke, Bruce Grant, Pia Kirk Jensen, Anders Erik Runevad, and Kentaro Hosomi.
Overall, the evaluation revealed that the Board's operational processes are in place and the dialogue is positive, constructive, direct, and without politics. Meetings are run in a structured way and board members feel they can say what they mean. Furthermore, the Board and Executive Management trust and respect each other.
Looking back to a decade ago at the company's challenges, it is evident that the Board has succeeded in putting the company back on track and secured the needed industrialisation.
Today, the Board is well composed, well organised, and has a positive overall track record. Even though 2021 was characterised by severe cost inflation and supply chain instability following the spread of a global pandemic, the company is in good shape, with a strong position in the market and led by a Chairman who has been in his role for about 10 years. The evaluation identified focus areas to improve the Board's performance and value-add during 2022.
The Board's activities in 2021
In addition to its standard tasks, in 2021 the Board dedicated time to the following matters:
- Integrating the newly acquired offshore business into Vestas, while capturing offshore growth opportunities.
- Securing the right manufacturing footprint to support our operations.
- Enabling frequent business updates across all geographic areas, and launching a new regional organisation blueprint.
- Launching Global Development as a stand-alone business unit within Vestas.
- Reviewing IT organisation and systems, including cyber security safeguards.
- Defining the internal authority to make decisions within Vestas, including the authority to approve third-party transactions.
- Launching the new Vestas Employer Value Proposition.
- Reviewing employee feedback from the employee surveys launched in 2021.
- Reviewing customer feedback from the customer loyalty surveys launched in 2021.
The Board also defined the ambitions for sustainability at Vestas, including sustainability in our supply chain. Activities undertaken by the Board and Board Committees include:
- Reviewing our sustainability reporting, including a follow-up on diversity and underrepresented gender targets.
- Launching the new Codes of Conduct for employees and suppliers and reviewing compliance and governance requirements in general, as well as tracking EthicsLine cases in Vestas.
- Reviewing safety issues on a quarterly basis.
The Board's strategy seminar is an important part of our annual cycle. During the seminar, the Board and the Executive Management team review and align on our business outlook and strategic priorities. In 2021, the Board and Executive Management team addressed short-term execution needs and aligned on our long-term growth journey. They also engaged in the following:
- Review of current business performance priorities
- Alignment on the updated business plan 2022-2024, including Must-Win Battles
- Introduction to the offshore business at the Nakskov blade factory
- Discussions on the company's strategic direction and future growth path and priorities
- Meeting talent from within the organisation
- Recycling of blades and reducing production waste
Board committees
To benefit from individual members' competences, and to make it possible for members to dive into special topics, the Board has established three committees. Although not authorised to make independent decisions, these committees prepare reports and recommendations for the Board's approval.
The members of these committees are elected by the Board from among its members. For additional information about the committees, see pages 54-56. Furthermore, the committees' terms of reference (charter) can be downloaded from our corporate website.
Diversity in the Board
Our day-to-day management team and operating model
The world needs a historical surge in investments in renewable energy to reach net zero by 2050. With the vision to become the global leader in sustainable energy solutions, we aim to play an instrumental role in helping the world eliminate CO emissions. As the market leader in onshore wind and increasing presence across the value chain, including offshore wind and development, Vestas is well-positioned to benefit from this development and has already grown tremendously in the last 10 years. We are therefore taking steps to scale and structure our organisation efficiently to support our customers across the globe and meet current and future demand for sustainable energy solutions.
As an organisation, Vestas has done well to scale the business to its current size, but to further enhance and ensure our growth in the future, we implemented a revised global organisational blueprint in 2021, leveraging a distributed model with strong decentralised teams in the regions. The aim has been to create one, simple and globally aligned organisation that allows us to meet the growing requirements from local and global customers.
Concretely, some of the major changes entailed a full integration of offshore and project development into our operating model and an optimised as well as aligned global organisational blueprint. Furthermore, to scale efficiently and strengthen the commercial setup, we simplified Vestas' reporting setup, whereby as of June 2021 all Regional Presidents report directly to the Group President & CEO. During the year, long-term member of the Executive Management
Our operating model
team, Juan Araluce, was succeeded by Javier Rodriguez Diez, previously President of Vestas Mediterranean, as the CSO of Sales.
On 3 November 2021, it was announced that after almost nine years as Executive Vice President & CFO of Vestas, Marika Fredriksson will be stepping down. She will officially hand over to her successor Hans Martin Smith, currently the regional CFO in Northern & Central Europe, on 1 March 2022.
The upgraded organisational structure and aligned regional blueprint seek to enable our future growth journey and build on our values of accountability, simplicity, collaboration, and passion as well as four key organising principles:
- Leadership: Ensure Vestas has the right organisational structure for global leadership in Onshore and Offshore wind, Service and Global Development. This entails collaborating to fully integrating Offshore and project development into our global and Regional structure to create synergies and customer centricity.
- Scalability: Create one aligned Regional setup that mirrors our global operating model to ensure scalability and accountability, and which enables us to benefit fully from our two-dimensional structure.
- Simplicity: Simplify management structures and EVP areas in Regions to strengthen execution, increase collaboration and reinforce accountability.
- Empowerment: Empower Regions to strengthen execution through wider value chain impact and responsibility directly towards our key customers as well as empowering succession and mobility to provide development opportunities, nurture talent, and apply passion.
←
The operating model has two dimensions:
- Applying a regional focus to implementing and living Vestas' strategy
- Securing global alignment and best practice to be shared and implemented, with a view to achieving 'one enterprise' thinking across global functions
Vestas' operating model
Vestas' organisation is structured in a two-dimensional matrix with one dimension being six global functional areas, representing the key disciplines of our company and employees, as follows: Finance, Sales, Service, Technology, Manufacturing & Global Procurement, and People & Culture. These six areas are headed by members of the Executive Management team, who ensure Vestas' all-round operational and organisational performance.
In 2021, an addition to the global functional areas was created with the new Global Development business unit being fully scaled and integrated into both our global and Regional operating model.
The Regions represent the other dimension, and following the organisational blueprint alignment in 2021, these include a simpler but more empowered Regional organisation with a management team consisting of the key business areas Sales, Construction, Service, Global Development, and Strategy & MarCom as well as a support structure consisting of a Regional CFO, a Regional COO, a Regional CTO, a Regional Head of Legal, and a Regional Head of P&C.
110 years of expertise, willpower, and passion has formed the Vestas we know today. This has only been possible with the right management team, whose members show Simplicity, Accountability, Passion, and Collaboration.
Henrik Andersen – Group President & CEO
In 2021, we announced that from the beginning of January 2022 we would create a new Vestas Region, Vestas Latin America, to further strengthen our commercial setup and operating model. Furthermore, the two Regions Vestas China and Vestas Asia Pacific will be consolidated into one strong business region, Vestas Asia Pacific, covering Greater Asia, to help us improve customer focus and intimacy in these markets.
As a structurally lean organisation, we have offices in more than 30 countries and as of January 2022 we have five commercial Regions: Mediterranean, Latin America, North America, Northern & Central Europe, and Asia Pacific, all reporting directly into the Group President & CEO.
The success of the new organisation will depend on our ability to embrace our global operating model. The Regions will mirror Vestas' operating model, meaning they assume larger executional responsibility across functions, which in turn – and in alignment with our two dimensions – entails increased coordination across functions that are only possible if we collaborate as one team across the value chain and align accountability towards one common goal: profitable execution and growth with our customers.
Besides strengthening Vestas' regular operations, the updated operating model has also played a key role in Vestas' ability to address the ongoing challenges from COVID-19 as well as the sudden impact from a cyberattack, which we experienced in November 2021. As such, the globally aligned operating model ensures clear accountability and efficient mobilisation of colleagues and resources across Vestas, which is key for the company to address an urgent global challenge in a coordinated manner.
Responsibilities of the Executive Management team
The Board has established guidelines for the Executive Management team in a 'Rules of Procedure' document, which also applies to delegated authorities. These guidelines describe who has powers to enter into agreements on behalf of the company.
The Executive Management team's responsibilities include the overall day-to-day management of the company; observing the guidelines and recommendations issued by the Board; and ensuring timely
reporting and provision of information to the Board, our shareholders and stakeholders. Furthermore, the Executive Management team is responsible for presenting proposals for the company's objectives, strategies, and action plans. It also makes proposals for operating, investment, financing, and liquidity budgets to the Board, and monitors compliance with relevant legislation and financial reporting regulations and provisions.
For additional information about individual members of the Executive Management team, see page 57.
Our Board in 2021
Mr Bert Nordberg
Chairman
Position: Professional board member Born: 1956 Nationality: Swedish
First elected: 2012 Term: 2022 Independence: Independent Meeting attendance: 9/10
Trading in Vestas shares, 2021: – Number of shares, end 2021: 73,000**
Fiduciary positions: Chairman of the board of Sigma Connectivity AB. Member of the boards of Essity AB*, Saab Group AB*, and Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA*.
Special competencies: Restructuring, services, and infra-structure business; several years of international business experience; development market knowledge.
Education: Courses in International Management, Marketing and Finance at INSEAD University (1986), Engineer in the Swedish Marines from Berga (1980), and Degree in Electronic Engineering (1979).
Mr Anders Runevad
Deputy Chairman
Position: Professional board member Born: 1960 Nationality: Swedish
First elected: 2020 Term: 2022 Independence: Not independent Meeting attendance: 10/10
Trading in Vestas shares, 2021: – Number of shares, end year: 40,480
Fiduciary positions: Chairman of the boards of Peab AB* and PGA Sweden National AB. Member of the boards of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners GP Interests Holding K/S, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners Holding P/S, and Schneider Electric SE*.
Special competencies: In-depth knowledge of the renewable energy industry. Experience from leading an international listed company. Knowledge in international business, strategy development and implementation, corporate management, sales, product development, and operation.
Education: MBA studies, University of Lund (1989) and Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, University of Lund (1984).
Mr Bruce Grant
Position: Executive Chairman, Applied Value LLC Born: 1959 Nationality: American
First elected: 2019 Term: 2022 Independence: Independent Meeting attendance: 10/10
Trading in Vestas shares, 2021: – Number of shares, end year: 0
Fiduciary positions: Chairman of the boards of Applied Invest LLC, Applied VenCap LLC, and Human Care Corporation. Deputy chairman of the board of CosmosID, Inc. Member of the boards of RiverMeadow LLC and Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Position of trust: Chairman of the board of Hand in Hand International.
Special competencies: In-depth knowledge of strategy and turn-around implementation in the renewable industry and large, global industrial companies. Expert on sourcing in the steel market and in-depth knowledge of the US market.
Education: PhD Cand. Industrial Management, Chalmers University of Technology (1984) and MSc., Business Economics, University of Gothenburg (1981).
Ms Eva Berneke
Position: Chief Executive Officer, Eutelsat Born: 1969 Nationality: Danish
First elected: 2019 Term: 2022 Independence: Independent Meeting attendance: 10/10
Trading in Vestas shares, 2021: +6.900 Number of shares, end year: 17,295**
Fiduciary positions: Member of the boards of École Polytechnique and LEGO A/S.
Positions of trust: Chair of the audit committee of École Polytechnique. Member of the audit committee of LEGO A/S.
Special competencies: In-depth knowledge of corporate management, including knowledge of strategy execution, management of a listed company, digitalisation, and IT.
Education: MBA program, INSEAD University (1995), Master of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (1992), and Master studies, Economics, École Centrale Paris (1991).
Ms Helle Thorning-Schmidt
Position: Professional board member Born: 1966 Nationality: Danish
First elected: 2019 Term: 2022 Independence: Independent Meeting attendance: 10/10
Trading in Vestas shares, 2021: – Number of shares, end year: 2,770
Fiduciary positions: Member of the boards of Carsøe Group A/S, DJE Holdings Limited, SafeLane Global Limited, and The Fertility Partnership Limited.
Positions of trust: Chair of the Danish Football Union (DBU)'s Governance and Development Committee. Co-Chair of The Oversight Board. Member of the boards of Islamic Development Bank and Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship. Member of the advisory boards of The Atlantic Council, Council on Foreign Relations, and US Council on Foreign Relations. Member of the councils of 21st Century Council – The Berggruen Institute and European Council on Foreign Relations. Member of the board trustee of the International Crisis Group.
Special competencies: In-depth knowledge of governmental affairs and political environments as well as strategic management of international and political organisations.
Education: Master's Degree in Political Science from the University of Copenhagen (1994) and Master's Degree in European Studies from the College of Europe in Bruges (1993).
Mr Karl-Henrik Sundström
Position: Professional board member Born: 1960 Nationality: Swedish
First elected: 2020 Term: 2022 Independence: Independent Meeting attendance: 10/10
Trading in Vestas shares, 2021: – Number of shares, end year: 8,200
Fiduciary positions: Vice Chairman of the board of Boliden AB*. Member of the boards of Mölnlycke Health Care AB, NXP Semiconductors N.V.*, and Ahlström Munksjö Oyj.
Positions of trust: Chairman of the tax delegation for Swedish Business and Commerce, the Committee for Swedish participation in Expo 2020, and Climate Leadership Coalition. Member of the board of the Marcus Wallenberg Foundation.
Special competencies: In-depth knowledge of sustainability, strategy, accounting, and finance. International experience of marketing and sales of capital goods.
Education: Advanced Management Program, Harvard Business School (1997), Trainee Financial Management, LM Ericsson Group (1997), Business Administration, specialising in Finance and Accounting, Uppsala University (1985), and Royal Coast Artillery, Rank Master Sergeant and Boat Chief, Military Service (1981).
Our Board in 2021 – continued
Mr Kentaro Hosomi
Position: Chief Regional Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Born: 1957 Nationality: Japanese
First elected: 2021 Term: 2022 Independence: Independent Meeting attendance: 8/8
Trading in Vestas shares, 2021: – Number of shares, end year: 0
Special competencies: Competencies specifically essential to the work of the Board of Vestas Wind Systems A/S: In-depth knowledge of power systems and energy industries. Wide experience in business development and sales of power systems ranging from thermal, nuclear and renewable energy.
Education: Earned Bachelor of economics degree from University of Tokyo (1980).
Mr Lars Josefsson
Position: Independent consultant Born: 1953 Nationality: Swedish
First elected: 2012 Term: 2022 Independence: Independent Meeting attendance: 10/10
Trading in Vestas shares, 2021: – Number of shares, end year: 17,500
Fiduciary positions: Chairman of the board of TimeZynk AB. Member of the boards of Holmen AB* , Ouman Oy, and Nevel Oy.
Special competencies: In-depth knowledge of managing international companies including research and development, technology and production.
Education: International Advanced Management Programme (IAMP) (1990), Degree in Business Economics, University of Uppsala (1985), and Master of Science, School of Engineering Physics, Chalmers University of Technology (1977)
Mr Kim Hvid Thomsen
Employee representative
Position: HR Business Partner, People & Culture, Vestas Wind Systems A/S Born: 1963 Nationality: Danish
First elected: 1996 Term: 2024 Independence: Not independent Meeting attendance: 10/10
Trading in Vestas shares, 2021: – Number of shares, end year: 10,300**
Education: Logistics, Erhvervsakadami MidtVest (2014), Project Management, Erhvervsakadami MidtVest (2014), Leadership in Practice, Erhvervsakademi Sjælland (2013), and Industry technician (1984).
Mr Michael A. Lisbjerg Employee representative
Position: Skilled Worker – Production and Shop Steward, Vestas Manufacturing A/S Born: 1974
First elected: 2008 Term: 2024 Independence: Not independent Meeting attendance: 9/10
Nationality: Danish
Trading in Vestas shares, 2021: – Number of shares, end year: 4,170
Fiduciary positions: Deputy chairman of the boards of DM Skjern-Ringkøbing P/S and DMSR af 24. oktober 2016 ApS.
Education: Quality Optimization with Six Sigma, Erhvervsakadami MidtVest (2017), Economy Erhvervsakadami MidtVest (2015), Logistics, Erhvervsakadami MidtVest (2014), Project Management, Erhvervsakadami MidtVest (2014), Leadership in Practice, Erhvervsakademi Sjælland (2013), Produktion optimization, Erhvervsakadami MidtVest (2013), Project management, Erhvervsakademi MidtVest (2011), Higher Preparatory Course – single subject (1998), Military service, Royal Danish Life Guards and discharged as technical sergeant (1999), and Auto Mechanic (1995).
Ms Pia Kirk Jensen
Employee representative
Position: Global Travel Manager, People & Culture, Vestas Wind Systems A/S Born: 1966 Nationality: Danish
First elected: 2020 Term: 2024 Independence: Not independent Meeting attendance: 10/10
Trading in Vestas shares, 2021: – Number of shares, end year: 790
Education: Language secretary, English, Open education at HIH Herning (1994) and Office assistant (1989).
Ms Sussie Dvinge
Employee representative
Position: Management Assistant, Technology & Service Solution, Vestas Wind Systems A/S Born: 1970 Nationality: Danish
First elected: 2005 Term: 2024 Independence: Not independent Meeting attendance: 10/10
Trading in Vestas shares, 2021: – Number of shares, end year: 2,500
Education: IT Administrator, Ringkøbing Business College/ Vestjysk Business College, Skjern (2003), Language secretary, German, Open education at HIH Herning (1997), Language secretary, English, Open education at HIH Herning (1995), and Commercial upper secondary examination and office assistant (1992).
* Stock exchange listed company. * * The mentioned number of shares includes both own and related parties' total shareholdings.
Report from the Audit Committee
In 2021, there were no changes to the composition of the Audit Committee.
The experience of the committee members presented on pages 52-53, demonstrates that the committee as a whole has competence that is entirely relevant to the sector in which Vestas operates. The committee also has the necessary commercial, regulatory, financial and audit expertise required to fulfil its responsibilities. The Chair of the Committee, Karl-Henrik Sundström, holds the financial accounting qualifications required by the Danish Auditors' Act. Furthermore, all committee members have acquired sector knowledge and experience as a result of their Board membership.
External auditor
In April 2021, at the Annual General Meeting, the shareholders re-elected PricewaterhouseCoopers as Vestas' external auditor for the financial year. Furthermore, the leading auditors participated in all four Audit Committee meetings.
Composition and meetings of the committee
| Members | Member since | Meeting attendance* |
Independence** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karl-Henrik Sundström | April 2020 | 4/4 | Independent |
| Bert Nordberg | April 2020 | 4/4 | Independent |
| Eva Merete Søfelde Berneke | April 2020 | 4/4 | Independent |
* The first figure represents attendance and the second figure the possible number of that member's active board period are shown.
* * In accordance with recommendation 3.2.1 of the Danish Corporate Governance Recommendations as designated by Nasdaq Copenhagen.
Purpose and responsibilities
The Audit Committee supports the Board in assessments and controls relating to auditing, accounting policies, systems of internal controls, financial reporting, procedures for handling complaints regarding accounting and auditing, the need for an internal audit function, and Vestas' ethics and anticorruption programmes.
A detailed description of the committee's responsibilities is available in the committee's charter which can be found on our corporate website.
During 2021, the committee received comprehensive reports from management and the external auditor on a variety of topics related to management controls and accounting policies, practices, and reporting. The committee also reviewed the Group risk report and EthicsLine reports, and considered responses and conclusions to the various findings.
Other activities carried out by the committee include:
- Review of work performed by the external auditor, including the audit plan, audit fee, and auditor's independence. The tender process to appoint a new statutory auditor as of January 2024 was also reviewed.
- Review of all reports before disclosure, including four financial reports and the annual Sustainability Report (including a report on underrepresented gender and diversity), the Remuneration Report, and the Corporate Governance Report.
- Assessment of capital structure and dividend proposal, which involved the refinancing of existing revolving credit facilities, share splits and the dividend per share.
-
Analysis of Information Security, including an update on the cyber security programme.
-
Evaluation of the need for an internal audit function.
- Update on topics discussed in the Disclosure Committee.
- Review of tax topics, tax policy, risks and the development of VAT receivables, including related provisions.
- Review of insurance, with an update on the global insurance programme and development.
- Review of treasury policy, including the framework for financial risks related to Vestas' business.
- Evaluation and assessment of work performed by the Audit Committee in 2021.
- Update of Codes of Conduct, incorporating the Offshore and Global Development businesses.
Karl-Henrik Sundström
Report from the Technology & Manufacturing Committee
In 2021, Anders Runevad was designated by the Board as chair of the Technology & Manufacturing Committee.
The competence of the committee members presented on pages 52-53 and, therefore, of the committee as a whole, is entirely relevant to the sector in which Vestas operates. Furthermore, all committee members have acquired sector knowledge and experience as a result of their Board membership or previous employment at Vestas.
Due to the COVID-19 situation, the committee did not visit any facilities or sites in the period from first quarter 2020 to third quarter 2021.
Composition and meetings of the committee
| Members | Member since | Meeting attendance* |
Independence** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anders Runevad | April 2020 | 4/4 | Not independent |
| Bruce Grant | April 2019 | 4/4 | Independent |
| Lars Josefsson | March 2012 | 4/4 | Independent |
- * The first figure represents attendance and the second figure the possible number of that member's active board period are shown.
- * * In accordance with recommendation 3.2.1 of the Danish Corporate Governance Recommendations as designated by Nasdaq Copenhagen.
Purpose and responsibilities
The Technology & Manufacturing Committee assists the Board in assessing technological matters, IPR strategy, and product development plans. The committee also supports the Board in production matters, monitors and evaluates the company's short- and longterm manufacturing footprint, evaluates sustainability performance, and supports various forums within technology and manufacturing.
A detailed description of the committee's responsibilities is available in the committee's charter, which can be downloaded from our corporate website.
During 2021, the committee received comprehensive reports from management on a variety of topics related to the product and technology portfolio, IP strategy and status, innovation activities, service product portfolio and strategy, manufacturing footprint, and quality, which includes review of warranty provisions, supplier quality, as well as the overall quality of Vestas' products and solutions. The committee was also updated on the status of sustainability and compliance.
Other activities carried out by the committee include:
- Review of safety performance, which was regularly shared with the committee both generally and through deep dives in specific regions.
- Assessment of COVID-19 business impact, with updates from across the business.
-
Analysis of logistics challenges, focused particularly on increased supply constraints. The committee considered the 'breakdown' of the global supply chain, linked to the shutting of harbours in Asia and the USA, together with the temporary blockage of the Suez Canal, all of which have had a ripple effect on Vestas.
-
Update and review of main Continuous Improvement Management cases and related risks.
- Execution of our sustainability strategy Review of our sustainability strategy with focus on e.g. CO emission within our own operations as well as in the supply chain and recyclability of turbine components and blades in particular.
- Evaluation of the Technology & Manufacturing Committee, with an assessment of work performed by the committee in 2021.
Anders Runevad
Report from the Nomination & Compensation Committee
In 2021, there were no changes to the composition of the Nomination & Compensation Committee.
The competence of the committee members presented on paged 52-53, and therefore of the committee as a whole, is entirely relevant to the sector in which Vestas operates. Furthermore, all committee members have acquired sector knowledge and experience as a result of their Board membership or previous employment at Vestas.
Composition and meetings of the committee
| Members | Member since | Meeting attendance* |
Independence** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bert Nordberg | March 2021 | 8/8 | Independent |
| Anders Runevad | April 2020 | 8/8 | Not independent |
| Eva Merete Søfelde Berneke | April 2020 | 8/8 | Independent |
| Helle Thorning-Schmidt | April 2020 | 8/8 | Independent |
- * The first figure represents attendance and the second figure the possible number of that member's active board period are shown.
- * * In accordance with recommendation 3.2.1 of the Danish Corporate Governance Recommendations as designated by Nasdaq Copenhagen.
Purpose and responsibilities
The Nomination & Compensation Committee supports the Board on staff-related topics, including assessment of remuneration, and on the evaluation of the performance and achievements of the Board and Executive Management.
A detailed description of the committee's responsibilities is available in the committee's charter, which can be found on our corporate website.
Activities
During 2021, the committee assisted the Board on issues such as the nomination of candidates, the evaluation of the Board, and the review of the Remuneration Policy and Remuneration Report. It also reviewed the strategy and guidelines around incentive earnings and remuneration schemes for the Group in general. Furthermore, the committee received comprehensive reports from management on a variety of topics, including the employee survey, the people review process and progress on diversity and inclusion.
Other activities carried out by the committee include:
- Preparation of the annual evaluation, which involved working with an external partner on the evaluation of the Board and its committees in October 2021.
- Incentive programme assessment, looking at the ongoing status of current incentive programmes and approving the coming year's activities.
- Evaluation of the composition of the Executive Management team, including the appointment of a new CFO and CSO, Sales.
-
Preparation of the appointment of new Regional Presidents in Vestas Americas and Vestas Mediterranean, and the new Region Vestas Latin America, as well as a new head of Offshore Commercial.
-
Review of completed and planned activities to ensure diversity and inclusion.
- Executive compensation review, looking at all Group Senior Vice Presidents, Regional Presidents and Executive Management against the market for position level and compensation.
- Review of 2021 Remuneration Report for approval at the Annual General Meeting in April 2022.
- Review of results from the performance/potential evaluation, talent programmes and succession planning for all Vestas.
- Review of results from the Vestas employee survey.
- Evaluation of the Nomination & Compensation Committee, with an assessment of work performed by the committee in 2021.
Bert Nordberg
Our Executive Management team
| Appointments: | The Board appoints all members of the Executive Management |
|---|---|
| team and allocates their roles and responsibilities. | |
| Remuneration: | The Board determines the Executive Management team's |
| remuneration. | |
| Meetings: | The Executive Management team gathers at least once a month |
| and often more frequently. | |
| Assessment | |
| of work: | The Nomination & Compensation Committee is responsible for con |
| ducting an annual evaluation of the contributions and performance | |
| of the Executive Management team, as individual members and | |
| as a collective body. It also evaluates the cooperation between the |
Board and Executive Management. The assessment conducted in 2021 revealed a good collaboration and an open dialogue between the Board and the Executive Management team.
←
Members of the Executive Management team from left: Tommy Rahbek Nielsen (COO), Anders Nielsen (CTO), Kerstin Knapp (CPCO), Javier Rodriguez Diez (CSO, Sales), Marika Fredriksson (CFO), Henrik Andersen (CEO), and Christian Venderby (CSO, Service).
Henrik Andersen
Group President & CEO
Born: 1967 Nationality: Danish Appointed: 2019 Number of shares, end year: 64,825*
Fiduciary positions:
Member of the boards of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners GP Interests Holding K/S, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners Holding P/S, and Investment Committee for Maj Invest PE Fund IV & V.
Anders Nielsen***
Power Solutions (CTO)
Born: 1962 Nationality: Swedish Appointed: 2019
Kerstin Knapp***
People & Culture (CPCO)
Born: 1975 Nationality: Austrian Appointed: 2019
Christian Venderby***
Service (CSO)
Born: 1969 Nationality: Danish Appointed: 2019
Marika Fredriksson
Executive Vice President & CFO
Born: 1963 Nationality: Swedish Appointed: 2013 Number of shares, end year: 244,747*
Fiduciary positions: Member of the boards of AB Industrivärden** and Sandvik AB**.
Javier Rodriguez Diez***
Sales (CSO)
Born: 1974 Nationality: Spanish Appointed: 2021
Tommy Rahbek Nielsen***
Manufacturing & Global Procurement (COO)
Born: 1970 Nationality: Danish Appointed: 2019
- * The mentioned number of shares includes both own and related parties' total shareholdings.
- * * Stock exchange-listed company. * * * Not registered as executive with the Danish Business Authority.
57
Our governance principles
With the right strategy, business model and management, and with the right governance principles in place, we believe we can become the global leader in sustainable energy solutions.
To achieve our strategy and vision, it is essential we build strong foundations through our organisational principles and values. We therefore emphasise leadership and good corporate governance to anchor and embed these values, which are: Accountability, Collaboration, Simplicity, and Passion. Underpinning everything we do, these values guide the actions we all need to take, individually and as one.
The Board is continuously vigilant of the guidelines and processes that are in place for the running of Vestas. This ensures that management has the necessary framework to be able to conduct business in the spirit of Vestas' values.
Bert Nordberg – Chairman of the Board of Directors
Solid foundations for management
To the Board, corporate governance is an ongoing process that supports value creation and accountable management, thereby contributing to the company's long-term success.
To ensure our management's responsibilities are clearly defined, we have drawn up a number of policies and guidelines. The Board and/or management annually review these documents to confirm we have the right governance processes in place. Examples are provided in the box to the right with additional information in our Sustainability Report 2021, which can be downloaded from our corporate website.
Codes of Conduct
In 2021, we launched an updated version of both the Vestas Employee and Supplier Code of Conduct, adding new topics and strengthening existing ones to reflect current and upcoming international standards and best practices.
The Employee Code reflects our values and outlines the behaviours expected of our employees. Our local communities, suppliers, and customers place their trust in Vestas to conduct business with integrity, and to respect human rights wherever we operate. Our employees play an important role in maintaining this trust and safeguarding Vestas' reputation.
We require suppliers to respect and comply with the Vestas Supplier Code of Conduct when conducting business. Our suppliers play a central role in our mission to become the global leader in sustainable energy solutions, and we rely on their commitment to conduct business ethically and responsibly.
We are guided by a number of frameworks and policies on our journey to become the global leader in sustainable energy solutions. Below is an overview of these frameworks and policies,
Articles of Association
The rules laid down by our shareholders according to applicable law. The articles regulate the company's conditions, such as our company name, investments, purpose, management bodies, and general meetings.
Codes of Conduct
The Vestas Employee Code of Conduct is a guide for employees to make the right decisions in their everyday work at Vestas. The Code lays out the behavioural expectations Vestas has of its employees and reflects our values.
The Supplier Code of Conduct outlines the requirements that suppliers must respect and comply with when conducting business with Vestas.
Human rights Policy
We are committed to the principles of responsible business conduct and have been a signatory to the UN Global Compact. As a global company, we align our strategies and operations with universal principles on human rights, labour, the environment, and anti-corruption.
Our Human Rights Policy outlines our pledge to respect all human rights and includes our expectations to business partners.
Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental Policy Outlines how Vestas' leadership and management across the value
chain are committed to uphold and focus on quality, health, safety and environmental issues.
Diversity & Inclusion Policy
Outlines our diversity and inclusion strategy, setting the overall aims and objectives while specifying our global focus areas.
Investor Relations Communication Policy
Outlines how we, as a listed company, make every attempt to give all stakeholders a true and fair view of Vestas. Also describes how we provide the market with timely, reliable, accurate, and up-to-date information about Vestas.
Tax Policy
Defines our global tax management, including governance, structuring and risk management.
Freedom of Association Policy
Outlines our commitment to Principle 3 of the UNGC, the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, and the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention.
Sustainable tax approach
We take a commercial approach to managing the impact of taxes, while remaining true to our values of operating in a responsible and transparent manner. This means we pay tax where value is generated and always respect international and domestic tax rules.
Income tax paid in the year
| mEUR | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark | ||
| Asia Pacific | 62 64 |
|
| Americas | 11 | |
| EMEA, excl. Denmark | 37 | |
| Total | 174 |
↑
Transparent and fair taxes are vital to our efforts to make a positive contribution to local communities and create a sustainable planet for future generations. Therefore, in the Sustainability Report 2021 we have included an overview of taxes borne and collected in 2021.
Transparent and fair tax payment is vital to our efforts to make a positive contribution to local communities and create a sustainable planet for future generations. Therefore, in the Sustainability Report 2021 we have included an overview of taxes borne and collected in 2021.
Reporting on Corporate Governance topics
We report on Corporate Governance topics according to all applicable laws. We also follow additional reporting requirements, such as the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). Please see below for further information.
Sustainability Report
At Vestas, we are working to make our company – and the world – a more sustainable place. In our Sustainability Report 2021, we communicate our recent progress in this area. We also explain how, during 2021, we worked to embed the 10 principles of the United Nations Global Compact into our strategies and operations.
Furthermore, the report includes information on Vestas' sustainability strategy, corresponding initiatives, general Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) approaches and principles, as well as full reporting for the year. Combined with our annual report, it constitutes Vestas' COP report under the UN Global Compact. The Sustainability Report 2021 is prepared in accordance with section 99a of the Danish Financial Statements Act and can be downloaded from our corporate website.
Diversity and Underrepresented Gender Report
According to section 99b and 107d of the Danish Financial Statements Act, we are obligated to report on our activities and development regarding gender and diversity. Our reporting on these two topics is available in the Vestas Sustainability Report 2021, pages 46-48.
We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is vital for accelerating the green energy transition globally. We know that our differences make us stronger, more innovative, and better equipped to address the challenges that lie ahead. Therefore, we are committed
Our Sustainability Report 2021 contains detailed information about:
Our sustainability strategy and targets
• Carbon neutrality
- Zero waste
- Social responsibility • Leading the energy
- transition
Our progress in areas such as:
- Climate
• Circular economy
- Biodiversity
- Safety
- Diversity and inclusion
- Sustainable tax
to making sure all current and future Vestas employees enjoy equal opportunities, regardless of social identity. Everyone must feel safe and valued, and know their voice will be heard. This journey has only just begun; together, we will keep moving forward and become sustainable in everything we do.
Our Diversity & Inclusion Policy sets standards and requirements for the everyday conduct of our employees. It provides more information about diversity and inclusion, and our responsibilities as an equal opportunities employer. Our target is to have equal gender distribution1 among the board members elected by our shareholders no later than 2022.
Additional reporting on sustainability standards and performance
We strive to report on our ESG performance in accordance with relevant standards. One of these is the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD); here, we take a stepwise approach to incorporating climate-related disclosures into our annual report. A summary of how we address climate change risks can be found on page 45.
In addition, we adhere to the SASB disclosures that apply to our industry, demonstrating our commitment to transparency and accountability in how we operate, see page 71 of the Sustainability Report 2021.
Vestas is also committed to supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which we integrate into our sustainability approach. We focus our efforts on six out of the 17 SDGs. These six goals have been selected as those areas where we can maximise our positive impact and best support development for our company, our stakeholders, and the many communities where Vestas operates. For more information, see the Vestas Sustainability Report 2021, pages 62-64.
←
Remuneration Report
Our Remuneration Policy has been prepared in accordance with the EU Shareholder Rights Directive II. In 2021, the Board updated the policy, which was subsequently approved by the Annual General Meeting in April 2021.
The new policy is applicable to Board and Executive Management remuneration as of 2021. The remuneration report includes the total remuneration received by each member of the Board and Executive Management of Vestas Wind Systems A/S registered with the Danish Business Authority from 2017 to 2021. The report has been prepared in accordance with section 139b of the Danish Companies Act.
Our Remuneration Policy and the Remuneration Report 2021 can be downloaded from our corporate website: https://www.vestas. com/content/dam/vestas-com/global/en/investor/reports-andpresentations/esg/remuneration-reports/Remuneration_Report_ 2021.pdf.
Corporate Governance Report
The recommendations prepared by the Danish Committee on Corporate Governance supplement Danish law, in particular the Danish Companies Act, the Danish Financial Statements Act, EU corporate law rules, and the OECD Principles of Corporate Governance.
In 2020, the Committee updated its recommendations issued in 2017 in order to reflect the implementation of the Shareholder Rights Directive II in Denmark. The new recommendations entered into force at the start of the 2021 financial year. As a Danish listed company, we are guided by and comply with the 40 recommendations issued by the Committee.
Our Corporate Governance Report for the financial year 2021 has been prepared in accordance with section 107b of the Danish Financial Statements Act and can be downloaded from our website: https://www.vestas.com/content/dam/vestas-com/global/ en/investor/reports-and-presentations/esg/corporate-governance/ CorporateGovernance\_2021.pdf
the UN Sustainable Development Goals in 2021 Vestas' business model links directly to UN Goal no. 7 "Affordable and clean energy", but the company wants to contribute actively to other global goals as well. For this reason, we have selected six SDGs to support specifically; goals on which we can have the greatest possible impact. For more information about the six SDGs and our contribution in 2021, see the Vestas Sustainability Report 2021, page 62-65.
Vestas' contribution to
Our Remuneration Report 2021 covers:
- Compliance with the Remuneration Policy
- Remuneration of the Board
- Remuneration of members of the Executive Management registered with the Danish Business Authority
- Development in financial performance and remuneration
Our Corporate Governance Report 2021 describes our compliance with respect to the following topics:
- Interaction with the company's shareholders, investors and other stakeholders
- The duties and responsibilities of the Board
- The composition, organisation, and evaluation of the Board
- Remuneration of management
- Risk management
EU taxonomy
The European Commission adopted on 21 April 2021 an ambitious and comprehensive package of measures to help improve the flow of money towards sustainable activities across the European Union. By enabling investors to re-orient investments towards more sustainable technologies and businesses, these measures will be instrumental in making Europe climate neutral by 2050. The taxonomy is a catalogue of environmentally sustainable economic activities, each with criteria to determine their positive contribution.
For 2021, Vestas has assessed which of its activities are included in the taxonomy and can thereby be classified as taxonomy-eligible, subsequently determining the revenue (turnover), operating expenses (OPEX) and capital expenditures (CAPEX) associated with these activities.
Vestas derives its revenue from manufacturing and installing sustainable energy solutions in the form of electricity generating equipment, as well as from providing operation & maintenance and repair services on the same equipment. We have therefore assessed that our 2021 revenue fully derives from taxonomy-eligible activities.2
With regards to our operating expenses, the proportion being taxonomy-eligible in 2021 was assessed to be 97 percent, with the proportion carved out as deemed non-eligible comprising special items and administration costs.3
91 percent of our capital expenditures in 2021 has been assessed to be taxonomy-eligible, the non-eligible part comprising administrative activities.4
Data ethics report
The overall objective of our Data Ethics Policy is to encourage and motivate all employees of the Vestas Group to handle data with utmost care and respect and to adhere to a responsible and sustainable use of data by following our guiding principles on data ethics. As a global company we align with universal principles on fundamental rights.
Through ethical use of our smart data capabilities and groundbreaking new technologies our aim is to achieve our long-term business objectives and extend our position as the energy industry's leading global partner on sustainable energy.
We report on this in accordance with section 99d of the Danish Financial Statements Act.
Transactions with related parties
A related party transaction is defined as any transaction, direct or indirect, between Vestas or any of its subsidiaries and/or affiliates and a related party. A related party transaction is defined as having a value greater than the lowest 10 percent of Vestas' total assets, and 25 percent of Vestas' operating profit/loss. All such transactions shall be published on our corporate website.
For 2021, the threshold corresponded to a value of EUR 175m. During the year, there were no significant transactions between Vestas and members of the Board or Executive Management, their close family members, or companies in which they have significant influence. Similarly, in 2021 Vestas had no significant transactions with its associates or joint ventures.
| 1 According to the Danish Business Authorities' definition, see Danish Business Authorities: |
|---|
| Guidelines on target figures, policies and reporting on gender composition of management. |
| 2 Although some supply and service deals can contain variable consideration which is linked |
| to energy output from the turbines and energy prices, these are not considered revenue |
| derived from energy generation, but consideration received for wind turbines and related |
| operating services. |
- 3 The eligible OPEX hence consisting of production costs, R&D costs and distribution costs without taking depreciations into account. According to Annex 1-5 supplementing the EU Regulation 2020/852, these include direct non-capitalised costs that relate to R&D, building renovation measures, short-term lease, maintenance and repair, and any other direct expenditures relating to the day-to-day servicing of assets of property, plant and equipment by the undertaking or third party to whom activities are outsourced that are necessary to ensure the continued and effective functioning of such assets.
- 4 CAPEX is calculated on a gross basis in accordance with recommendations, i.e., without taking into account revaluations, scheduled depreciation, and impairment losses. CAPEX includes investments in long-term tangible and intangible assets as well as assets acquired as part of business combinations, except for goodwill. Additions to tangible and intangible assets have been deemed eligible when related to R&D or when directly linked to revenue generating activities (Power Solutions and Service). For this reason, CAPEX related to administrative activities is considered non-eligible.
| EU taxonomy reporting 2021 | mEUR | Eligible (%) |
Non-eligible (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue (turnover) | 15,587 | 100 | 0 |
| Operating expenses (OPEX) | 14,344 | 97 | 3 |
| Capital expenditure (CAPEX) | 1,106 | 91 | 9 |
Financial strength and flexibility
Share capital and ownership
The Vestas share price ended 2021 at DKK 200.00. This was a decrease of 28 percent on the earlier opening price of DKK 277.50, recorded on 28 April after the share split.
Overall, our share performance was below the general trend in the Danish OMXC25 stock index, which increased by 17 percent. Furthermore, the Vestas share was the second most traded share on the Nasdaq Copenhagen stock exchange, with an average daily turnover of DKK 741m.
Share capital
At the Annual General Meeting 2021, the Board proposed to change the denomination per share from DKK 1.00 to DKK 0.01, or multiples thereof. This move would enable a share split without changing the underlying value of the company. The proposal was approved by the shareholders, and on 28 April 2021 we carried out a share split at a ratio of 1:5, in accordance with article 2(1) of Vestas' Articles of Association. After the split, our share capital of nominally DKK 201,973,452 was divided into 1,009,867,260 shares of nominally DKK 0.20, each carrying 20 votes.
Broad base of international shareholders
At the end of 2021, we had approx. 200,000 shareholders. Our shareholders come from over 100 different countries, ranging from Indonesia to Ghana, Norway to Chile.
At the end of 2021, an analysis of our shareholder structure showed that institutional investors accounted for around 85 percent, while shareholders from the USA and Denmark held 41 percent and 18 percent of Vestas' shares, respectively.
Major shareholder
One Vestas shareholder, BlackRock Inc. (Wilmington, DE, USA), currently has a holding of 5 percent or more of our total share capital. BlackRock Inc. notified Vestas of this on 8 October 2020, at which point its holding corresponded to 5.36 percent of the share capital.
Analysts' recommendations
Around 25 equity analysts cover the Vestas share. Their recommendations and consensus estimates relating to our future financial performance are available on the investor section of our website. Our financial reports, remuneration reports, sustainability reports and investor presentations, along with news updates and other information resources, can also accessed from this section.
Financing strategy and funding
We finance our operations and investments through a combination of our own generated cash flow and external funding. We are a reliable and valued partner in financial markets, and cultivating relationships with our key debt capital investors is an inherent part of our financing strategy.
Our overall funding goal is to secure adequate and sufficient supply of capital and to minimise, within stipulated internal directives and adopted risk limits, long-term funding costs. Our business operations are capital intensive with major seasonal fluctuations. This makes it necessary to have both short- and long-term funding available to secure our financial flexibility needs.
Together with our more than 200,000 registered shareholders we are bringing prosperity and sustainable energy solutions to citizens worldwide.
Green corporate eurobond – redeemed
In 2015, Vestas issued a EUR 500m green corporate eurobond. On 13 December 2021, Vestas exercised its option to redeem in full all of the outstanding Notes in compliance with Condition 5(d) (Issuer Call) of the terms and conditions of the Notes.
Sustainability-linked revolving credit facility
Our main credit facility, a EUR 2,000m sustainability-linked revolving credit facility, was signed in April 2021. The facility has a five-year duration, with an option to extend the maturity with one or two additional years. It is available for general corporate purposes, including issuance of guarantees in relation to wind power projects.
As part of our sustainability strategy to achieve "Sustainability in everything we do", the facility's interest rate margin will initially be adjusted based on sustainability-linked performance targets.
These targets measure our ability to reduce our carbon footprint and enhance workplace safety, while adding ambitious targets to improve the carbon footprint of our supply chain. Performance targets also cover ambitions around increased use of sustainable materials, and increased recyclability across the turbine value chain. Currently, 12 banks participate in the revolving credit facility.
Credit rating
Vestas remains investment grade-rated and holds a Baa1 long-term rating from Moody's Investors Service. Moody's assesses Vestas according to two main parameters:
- Business risk analysis, comprising industry characteristics, competitive position, management, and business strategy.
- Financial risk analysis, comprising financial policy, cash flow protection, profitability, capital structure, and financial flexibility.
| The Vestas share |
|---|
| Basic data as at 31 December 2021 |
| Stock exchange | Nasdaq Copenhagen |
|---|---|
| Stock exchange quotation | 1998 |
| ISIN code | DK0061539921 |
| Ticker symbol | VWS |
| Share capital | 201,973,452 |
| Nominal denomination | DKK 0.20 |
| Number of shares | 1,009,867,260 |
| Share classes | One share class |
| Voting rights | One share carries 20 votes |
| Free float | 100 pct. |
| Trading lot (minimum) | None, one share is tradable |
| Share price | DKK 200.00 |
| Number of registered shareholders* |
200,300 |
* Shareholders registered by name, including custodian banks.
Our overall funding goal is to secure adequate and sufficient supply of capital and to minimise, within stipulated internal directives and adopted risk limits, long-term funding costs.
The year in Vestas
Below is an overview of some of the important events in 2021. An overview of the orders announced during the year is available on our corporate website, where you also can sign up for our news services.
Financial statements
- → Consolidated financial statements, financial performance, and notes
- → Parent company financial statements and notes
In four years, we have been able to increase the revenue by 57% – from EUR 9,953m in 2017 to EUR 15,587m in 2021.
| Financial performance 67 | |
|---|---|
| Income statement 69 | |
| Statement of comprehensive income 69 | |
| Balance sheet 70 | |
| Shareholder return 71 | |
| Statement of changes in equity 72 | |
| Cash flows 73 | |
| 1. | Result for the year 75 | |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Segment information 76 | |
| 1.2 | Revenue 78 | |
| 1.3 | Costs 81 | |
| 1.4 | Employee costs 81 | |
| 1.5 | Share based payment 82 | |
| 1.6 | Special items 83 | |
| 1.7 | Financial items 83 |
| 2. | Working capital 84 |
|
|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | Change in net working capital 85 | |
| 2.2 | Inventories 85 | |
| 2.3 | Contract balances 86 | |
| 2.4 | Contract costs 87 | |
| 2.5 | Other receivables 87 | |
| 2.6 | Other liabilities 87 | |
| 3.1 | Intangible assets 89 | |
|---|---|---|
| 3.2 | Property, plant and equipment 91 | |
| 3.3 | Leases 93 | |
| 3.4 | Impairment 94 | |
| 3.5 | Investments in joint ventures and associates 95 | |
| 3.6 | Provisions 97 | |
| 4. | Risk management and capital structure | 98 |
|---|---|---|
| 4.1 | Financial risk management 99 | |
| 4.2 | Hedge accounting 103 | |
| 4.3 | Financial assets and liabilities 105 | |
| 4.4 | Share capital 107 | |
| 4.5 | Earnings per share 107 | |
| 5. | Tax | 108 |
|---|---|---|
| 5.1 | Income tax 109 | |
| 6. | Other disclosures 112 |
|---|---|
| 6.1 | Audit fees 113 |
| 6.2 | Business combinations 113 |
| 6.3 | Related party transactions 113 |
| 6.4 | Contingent assets, liabilities, and contractual obligations 114 |
| 6.5 | Non-cash transactions 114 |
| 6.6 | Subsequent events 114 |
| 6.7 | Legal entities 115 |
| 7. | Basis for preparation 117 |
| 7.1 | General accounting policies 118 |
| 7.2 | Change in accounting policies 119 |
Financial performance
Result for the year
Revenue
Revenue in 2021 amounted to EUR 15,587m, an increase of 5 percent compared to 2020, primarily driven by the inclusion of the Offshore business, as well as an increase in revenue from the Service segment. Partly offsetting this, installation of some Onshore projects was delayed due to supply chain instability. Vestas closed the year with revenue within the updated guidance range of EUR 15.5bn-16.5bn.
The geographical area Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) accounted for 56 percent of revenue, an increase from 36 percent in 2020. The share of revenue from Americas, on the other hand, decreased to 31 percent, down from 49 percent in 2020. This decrease was attributable to the USA, where 2020 was positively impacted by the original 100 percent PTC window. Asia Pacific accounted for 13 percent of revenue in 2021.
| Geographical distribution of revenue | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 | |||||
| EMEA | 8,818 | 5,304 | |||||
| Americas | 4,807 | 7,291 | |||||
| Asia Pacific | 1,962 | 2,224 | |||||
| Total | 15,587 | 14,819 |
Gross profit
Gross profit in 2021 amounted to EUR 1,560m, corresponding to a gross margin of 10.0 percent, a 0.4 percentage point decrease compared to 2020. The gross profit margin was negatively impacted by an accelerating cost inflation throughout the year from raw materials, transport, and turbine components.
Warranty provisions
The warranty provisions in 2021 amounted to EUR 679m net of supplier claims, equivalent to a net warranty ratio of 4.4 percent of revenue in the year, which was 0.3 percentage points below the ratio in 2020. Despite a decrease compared to last year, the net warranty expense in 2021 reflected EUR 197m of additional warranty expense (2020: EUR 242m). The additional warranty expense was a result of increased repair and upgrade costs for existing cases also challenged by the supply chain instability causing significant cost inflation and delay in execution.
Research and development costs
Research and development costs recognised in the income statement amounted to EUR 364m, significantly higher than the 2020 level (2020: EUR 265m). The total research and development expenditure prior to capitalisation and amortisation increased to EUR 444m in 2021 (2020: EUR 331).
The increase was mainly attributable to the inclusion of the offshore business and to research and development activities as part of bringing new Onshore and Offshore technology to the market.
Distribution costs
Distribution costs amounted to EUR 367m in 2021 (2020: EUR 281m). The increase was mainly a consequence of the inclusion of the offshore business combined with an increase in depreciation in the supply chain area for transport equipment to handle new blade types.
Administration costs
Administration costs amounted to EUR 368m (2020: EUR 242m) and constituted 2.4 percent of revenue in 2021, an increase of 0.8 percentage points compared to 2020. The increase was due to the inclusion and integration of the Offshore business including IT costs as well as other increased costs.
Revenue
mEUR
With the addition in late 2020 of the offshore business, we achieved a record-high level of revenue in 2021 of EUR 15.6bn, a four-year increase of 57 percent.
Financial performance – continued
Depreciation, amortisation, and impairment
Depreciation, amortisation, and impairment amounted to EUR 921m before special items in 2021 (2020: EUR 641m). The increase was attributable to the inclusion of the offshore business and investments related to recent years' more frequent introduction of new technologies and product variants.
Operating profit (EBIT)
EBIT before special items amounted to EUR 461m in 2021 (2020: EUR 750m), equivalent to an EBIT margin before special items of 3.0 percent, compared to the updated guidance of around 4 percent. The EBIT margin before special items decreased by 2.1 percentage points compared to 2020. The decrease is mainly driven by decreasing gross profit margin as well as higher research and development and SG&A costs, driven by the inclusion and integration of the Offshore business.
EBIT after special items amounted to EUR 322m with costs in special items of EUR 139m in 2021, as a consequence of a planned and announced adjustment of Vestas' manufacturing footprint ceasing production at Vestas' factories in Lauchhammer, Germany; Viveiro, Spain and Esbjerg, Denmark; as well as a write down of tangible assets in the production factory in Isle of Wight, United Kingdom.
Income from investments in joint ventures
Income from investments in joint ventures amounted to a profit of EUR 36m in 2021 (2020: EUR 331m). This negative development was primarily due to the net positive impact in 2020 of EUR 383m in relation to Vestas' acquisition of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI)'s shares in the MHI Vestas Offshore Wind joint venture driven by the remeasurement of the value of Vestas' existing 50 percent ownership. The profit of EUR 36m in 2021 was mainly pertaining to gains related to the investment in Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S and to co-development activities in the USA.
Net financial items
Financial items for 2021 amounted to negative EUR 101m (2020: negative EUR 95m) and comprised interests, fees, and currency related items.
Income tax
Income tax amounted to EUR 81m in 2021, equivalent to an effective tax rate of 32 percent (2020: 17 percent). The increase in the effective tax rate compared to 2020 is primarily due to the non-taxable gain in 2020 from Vestas' acquisition of MHI's shares in the MHI Vestas Offshore Wind joint venture and in 2021 from an increase in net tax operating losses subject to impairment and higher nondeductible expenses in 2021.
Profit for the year
Profit for the year amounted to EUR 176m in 2021 (2020: EUR 771m). The decrease compared to last year was mainly the result of a lower operating profit in 2021 and a much higher income from investments in joint ventures in 2020.
Profitability ratios
Earnings per share amounted to EUR 0.17 in 2021, a decrease of EUR 0.61 compared to 2020. The decrease is mainly attributable to a lower profit margin in 2021 and to the gain in 2020 related to Vestas' acquisition of MHI's shares in MHI Vestas Offshore Wind A/S. Return on capital employed (ROCE) was 5.2 percent in 2021 (2020: 13.5 percent). The negative development can be attributed to a combination of lower operating profit, higher effective tax rate and an increase in equity and net financial debt. Return on equity was 3.6 percent in 2021 (2020: 21.4 percent), a decrease of 17.8 percentage points. The decrease can be attributed to the lower profit for the year as well as a higher average equity balance compared to 2020.
Operating profit (EBIT) before special items mEUR – percent
Profitability
Operating profit decreased due to supply chain instability and cost inflation, resulting in an EBIT margin before special items of 3.0 percent.
Income statement
1 January - 31 December
| mEUR | Note | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 1.1, 1.2 | 15,587 | 14,819 |
| Production costs | 1.3, 1.4, 2.2 | (14,027) | (13,281) |
| Gross profit | 1,560 | 1,538 | |
| Research and development costs | 1.3, 1.4 | (364) | (265) |
| Distribution costs | 1.3, 1.4 | (367) | (281) |
| Administration costs | 1.3, 1.4 | (368) | (242) |
| Operating profit (EBIT) before special items | 461 | 750 | |
| Special items | 1.6 | (139) | (52) |
| Operating profit (EBIT) | 322 | 698 | |
| Income/(loss) from investments in joint ventures and associates | 3.5 | 36 | 331 |
| Financial income | 1.7 | 21 | 18 |
| Financial costs | 1.7 | (122) | (113) |
| Profit before tax | 257 | 934 | |
| Income tax | 5.1 | (81) | (163) |
| Profit for the year | 176 | 771 | |
| Profit is attributable to: | |||
| Owners of Vestas Wind Systems A/S | 167 | 765 | |
| Non-controlling interests | 9 | 6 | |
| Earnings per share (EPS) | 4.6 | ||
| Earnings per share (EUR) | 0.17 | 0.78 | |
| Earnings per share (EUR), diluted | 0.17 | 0.78 |
Statement of comprehensive income
1 January - 31 December
| mEUR | Note | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Profit for the year | 176 | 771 | |
| Other comprehensive income | |||
| Items that may be subsequently reclassified to the income statement: | |||
| Exchange rate adjustments relating to foreign entities | 131 | (133) | |
| Exchange rate adjustments relating to foreign entities transferred to the income statement |
- | 14 | |
| Fair value adjustments of derivative financial instruments | 4.2 | 76 | 114 |
| Gain/(loss) on derivative financial instruments transferred to the income statement |
4.2 | 6 | (104) |
| Exchange rate adjustments relating to joint ventures and associates | 3.5 | - | 1 |
| Share of fair value adjustments of derivatives financial instruments of joint ventures and associates |
3.5 | 3 | 22 |
| Share of fair value adjustments of derivative financial instruments transferred to the income statement of joint ventures and associates |
3.5 | - | 25 |
| Tax on fair value adjustments that may be subsequently reclassified to the income statement |
(19) | (6) | |
| Other comprehensive income after tax | 197 | (67) | |
| Total comprehensive income | 373 | 704 |
Balance sheet
31 December
| Assets | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| mEUR | Note | 2021 | 2020 |
| Intangible assets | 3.1, 3.4 | 3,130 | 2,888 |
| Property, plant and equipment | 3.2, 3.3 | 2,091 | 2,022 |
| Investments in joint ventures and associates | 3.5 | 609 | 57 |
| Other investments | 4.3 | 81 | 69 |
| Tax receivables | 5.1 | 229 | 201 |
| Deferred tax | 5.2 | 374 | 335 |
| Other receivables | 2.5, 4.3 | 234 | 241 |
| Financial investments | 4.3 | 100 | 100 |
| Total non-current assets | 6,848 | 5,913 | |
| Inventories | 2.2 | 5,673 | 5,289 |
| Trade receivables | 4.1, 4.3 | 1,531 | 1,538 |
| Contract assets | 2.3, 4.3 | 1,227 | 775 |
| Contract costs | 2.4 | 690 | 369 |
| Tax receivables | 5.1 | 102 | 121 |
| Other receivables | 2.5, 4.3 | 1,105 | 981 |
| Financial investments | 4.3 | 116 | 111 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 4.1, 4.3 | 2,420 | 3,063 |
| Total current assets | 12,864 | 12,247 | |
| Total assets | 19,712 | 18,160 |
| Liabilities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| mEUR | Note | 2021 | 2020 |
| Share capital | 4.4 | 27 | 27 |
| Other reserves | 22 | (146) | |
| Retained earnings | 4,699 | 4,773 | |
| Equity attributable to Vestas | 4,748 | 4,654 | |
| Non-controlling interests | 13 | 49 | |
| Total equity | 4,761 | 4,703 | |
| Provisions | 3.6 | 686 | 696 |
| Deferred tax | 5.2 | 362 | 158 |
| Financial debts | 4.1, 4.3 | 732 | 867 |
| Tax payables | 5.1 | 326 | 331 |
| Other liabilities | 2.6, 4.1, 4.3 | 145 | 173 |
| Total non-current liabilities | 2,251 | 2,225 | |
| Financial debts | 3.3, 4.1, 4.3 | 704 | 487 |
| Contract liabilities | 2.3 | 6,180 | 5,613 |
| Trade payables | 4.1, 4.3 | 4,286 | 3,608 |
| Provisions | 3.6 | 646 | 580 |
| Tax payables | 5.1 | 75 | 86 |
| Other liabilities | 2.6, 4.1., 4.3 | 809 | 858 |
| Total current liabilities | 12,700 | 11,232 | |
| Total liabilities | 14,951 | 13,457 | |
| Total equity and liabilities | 19,712 | 18,160 |
Shareholder return
Capital structure and financing items
Equity and solvency ratio
As at 31 December 2021, total equity amounted to EUR 4,761m, an increase from the year before of EUR 58m, which can be attributed to a positive net result of EUR 176m and favourable currency developments, partly offset by dividend payment of EUR 228m to Vestas' shareholders in 2021. As at 31 December 2021, the solvency ratio was at 24.2 percent, a decrease compared to 25.9 percent the year before, due to higher total assets, reflecting strategic investments and high ongoing activity.
Net interest-bearing position and cash position
As at 31 December 2021, cash and cash equivalents amounted to EUR 2,420m (2020: EUR 3,063m) and net interest-bearing debt was positive of EUR 1,200m, a decline of EUR 720m compared to 2020. This development was primarily the result of the strategic decision to acquire a 25 percent stake in Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S, combined with the dividend payment to shareholders in April 2021.
The ratio of net interest-bearing debt/EBITDA was negative 0.9 as at 31 December 2021 compared to negative 1.4 at the end of 2020. This unfavourable development year over year was driven by a decline in EBITDA and a decline in the net interest-bearing position. Despite the decline of the ratio during 2021, the ratio remains well below the capital structure target of a net interest-bearing debt/ EBITDA ratio below 1x.
Distribution to shareholders
The general intention of the Board is to recommend a dividend of 25-30 percent of the company's annual net result after tax, which will be paid out following approval by the Annual General Meeting, see Capital structure strategy, page 22.
The financial year 2021
The results achieved in 2021 has led the Board to recommend a dividend of DKK 0.37 (EUR 0.05) per share, equivalent to 30 percent of the net result for the financial year 2021 after tax and corresponding to EUR 50m in total. The proposed dividends are included in retained earnings.
| Distribution to shareholders |
2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend per share (DKK) |
0.371 | 1.691 |
| Dividend per share (EUR), approx. |
0.051 | 0.231 |
| Dividend (mEUR)2 | 50 | 230 |
| Payout ratio (%) | 30.0 | 30.0 |
| Share buy-back (mEUR) |
- | - |
1 Based on number of shares issued as at 31 December 2021.
2 Based on recommended dividend.
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treasury shares | Number of shares / Nominal value (DKK) |
Number of shares / Nominal value (DKK) |
% of share capital |
% of share capital |
| Treasury shares as at 1 January | 1,098,495 | 3,559,449 | 0.5 | 1.8 |
| Share split 1:5 | 4,393,980 | - | - | - |
| Purchases | 391,125 | - | 0.1 | - |
| Cancellation | - | (1,977,848) | - | (1.0) |
| Vested treasury shares | (1,160,440) | (483,106) | (0.1) | (0.2) |
| Treasury shares as at 31 December | 4,723,160 | 1,098,495 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
↑
Pursuant to authorisation granted to the Board by the Annual General Meeting on 8 April 2021, Vestas has been authorised to acquire treasury shares at a nominal value not exceeding 10 percent of the share capital at the time of the authorisation.
Statement of changes in equity
1 January - 31 December
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Share capital |
Reserves | Reserves | ||||||||||||||
| mEUR | Translation reserve |
Cash flow hedging reserve |
Other reserves |
Total reserves |
Retained earnings |
Non controlling interest |
Total | Share capital |
Translation reserve |
Cash flow hedging reserve |
Other reserves |
Total reserves |
Retained earnings |
Non controlling interest |
||
| Equity as at 1 January | 27 | (114) | (21) | (11) | (146) | 4,773 | 49 | 4,703 | 27 | (4) | (4) | (59) | (67) | 3,333 | 52 | 3,345 |
| Profit for the year | - | - | - | - | - | 167 | 9 | 176 | - | - | - | - | - | 765 | 6 | 771 |
| Other comprehensive income for the year | - | 128 | 63 | 3 | 194 | - | 3 | 197 | - | (110) | 4 | 48 | (58) | - | (9) | (67) |
| Total comprehensive income for the year | - | 128 | 63 | 3 | 194 | 167 | 12 | 373 | - | (110) | 4 | 48 | (58) | 765 | (3) | 704 |
| Transfer of cash flow hedge reserve to the initial carrying amount of hedged items, net |
- | - | (26) | - | (26) | - | - | (26) | - | - | (21) | - | (21) | - | - | (21) |
| Transactions with owners: | ||||||||||||||||
| Transaction with non-controlling interest | - | - | - | - | - | (5) | (48) | (53) | ||||||||
| Capital increase | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | 860 | - | 861 |
| Reduction of share capital | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | (1) | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - |
| Dividends distributed | - | - | - | - | - | (230) | - | (230) | - | - | - | - | - | (213) | - | (213) |
| Dividends distributed related to treasury shares |
- | - | - | - | - | 2 | - | 2 | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | - | 4 |
| Acquisition of treasury shares | - | - | - | - | - | (12) | - | (12) | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Share-based payment | - | - | - | - | - | 13 | - | 13 | - | - | - | - | - | 16 | - | 16 |
| Tax on equity transactions | - | - | - | - | - | (9) | - | (9) | - | - | - | - | - | 7 | - | 7 |
| Total transactions with owners | - | - | - | - | - | (241) | (48) | (289) | - | - | - | - | - | 675 | - | 675 |
| Equity as at 31 December | 27 | 14 | 16 | (8) | 22 | 4,699 | 13 | 4,761 | 27 | (114) | (21) | (11) | (146) | 4,773 | 49 | 4,703 |
Refer to note 4.4 for information on movements in share capital.
Cash flows
Working capital and cash flow
Net working capital
Net working capital amounted to a net liability of EUR 1,049m as at 31 December 2021, a slight unfavourable development compared to a net liability at the end of 2020 of EUR 1,127m.
Cash flow from operating activities
Cash flow from operating activities was EUR 996m in 2021, an improvement of 34 percent compared to last year. The increase was mainly driven by a more stable development in net working capital during 2021 compared to 2020.
Cash flow from investing activities before acquisitions
Cash flow from investing activities before acquisitions amounted to a net outflow of EUR 813m compared to an outflow of EUR 687m in 2020. The higher net investment levels were driven by the development of new technologies and product variants, now both covering onshore and offshore.
Free cash flow
Free cash flow before acquisitions of subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates and financial investments amounted to positive EUR 183m (2020: EUR 56m), an improvement from 2020 driven by cash flow from operating activities and a stable net working capital development with continued focus on building Vestas' financial strength while also underlining the operational resilience.
Strategic acquisitions and divestments
In February 2021, Vestas acquired a 25 percent stake in the parent companies of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S (CIP). The stake was acquired at a price of EUR 500m and the transaction has been recognised as an investment in associates with a EUR 180m cash payment recognised in 2021 while the remaining maximum EUR 320m earn-out is to be paid in the period from 2023 to 2029.
In July 2021, Vestas's strategic supply chain partner, CS Wind Corporation, acquired Vestas' tower factory in Pueblo, Colorado, allowing the factory to be run by a company specialised in tower manufacturing. The transaction was recognised in 2021 with a cash payment of EUR 99m.
Value-adding investments
Over the last five years we have invested in a new, modular platform, and taken full ownership of the offshore business.
Free cash flow before acquisitions
mEUR
Statement of cash flows
1 January - 31 December
| mEUR | Note | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Profit for the year | 176 | 771 | |
| Adjustments for non-cash transactions | 6.5 | 1,005 | 803 |
| Interest received | 19 | 16 | |
| Interest paid | (39) | (40) | |
| Income tax paid | 5.1 | (174) | (219) |
| Cash flow from operating activities before change in net working capital | 987 | 1,331 | |
| Change in net working capital | 2.1 | 9 | (588) |
| Cash flow from operating activities | 996 | 743 | |
| Purchase of intangible assets | 3.1 | (400) | (309) |
| Purchase of property, plant and equipment | 3.2 | (476) | (379) |
| Disposal of property, plant and equipment | 3 | 1 | |
| Dividends from investments in joint ventures and associates | 3.5 | 60 | - |
| Cash flow from investing activities before acquisitions of subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates and financial investments |
(813) | (687) | |
| Free cash flow before acquisitions of subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates | |||
| and financial investments | 183 | 56 |
| mEUR | Note | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acquisition of subsidiaries | 6.2 | - | 218 |
| Purchase of shares in joint ventures and associates | 3.5 | (208) | (3) |
| Net purchase of other financial assets | (8) | (1) | |
| Disposal of subsidiary, net of cash | 99 | - | |
| Disposal of investment in joint ventures and associates | 3.5 | - | 32 |
| Net cash flow from deconsolidation of subsidiary | (4) | - | |
| Purchase/disposal of financial investments | (5) | 174 | |
| Cash flow from investing activities | (939) | (267) | |
| Free cash flow | 57 | 476 | |
| Acquisition of treasury shares | (12) | - | |
| Dividends paid | (228) | (209) | |
| Payment of lease liabilities | 4.1 | (135) | (82) |
| Proceeds from borrowings | 4.1 | 642 | 94 |
| Payment of financial debt | 4.1 | (960) | (37) |
| Transactions with non-controlling interest | (22) | - | |
| Cash flow from financing activities | (715) | (234) | |
| Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | (658) | 242 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents as at 1 January | 3,063 | 2,888 | |
| Exchange rate adjustments on cash and cash equivalents | 15 | (67) | |
| Cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December | 4.1 | 2,420 | 3,063 |
1 Result for the year
- → 1.1 Segment information
- → 1.2 Revenue
- → 1.3 Costs
- → 1.4 Employee costs
- → 1.5 Share based payment
- → 1.6 Special items
- → 1.7 Financial items
Increase in order backlog In 2021, Vestas continued the trend backlog to a record-high EUR 47.3bn,
Power Solutions Service
1.1 Segment information
Power Solutions
The segment contains sale of onshore and offshore wind power plants, wind turbines, development sites, etc.
Service The segment contains sale of service contracts, spare parts and related activities
Power Solutions – Result for the period
In 2021, revenue from the Power Solutions segment amounted to EUR 13,103m (2020: EUR 12,764m), an increase of 3 percent compared to 2020. This increase was mainly driven by the inclusion of the Offshore business, partly offset by delay in installation of some Onshore projects due to supply chain instability. Deliveries in Americas declined compared to 2020, particularly in the USA, where 2020 was positively impacted by the original 100 percent PTC window. Europe, Middle East and Africa on the other hand saw increasing deliveries driven by core European markets both within onshore and offshore.
EBIT before special items from the Power Solutions segment amounted to EUR 193m, a 51 percent decrease compared to 2020. Consequently, the EBIT margin before special items was 1.5 percent (2020: 3.1 percent). This decrease was primarily attributable to supply chain instability and accelerating cost inflation throughout the year from raw materials, transport and turbine components.
Service – Result for the period
In 2021, the Service business generated revenue of EUR 2,484m, a year-on-year growth rate of 21 percent. The revenue development in the Service business was positively impacted by the inclusion of the offshore service business and a growing fleet of installed wind turbines.
In 2021, the EBIT margin was 24.1 percent (2020: 27.6 percent). Similar to the Power Solutions segment, the EBIT margin was impacted by blade repair and upgrade challenges as well as supply-chain bottlenecks.
Revenue EBIT margin before special items
Revenue from Power Solutions increased over the last four years by 55 percent.
mEUR - percent
24%
Although a decrease was seen year over year, the Service business EBIT margin continued at high level with 24.1 percent in 2021.
Consolidated financial statements, financial performance, and notes
1.1 Segment information – continued
Revenue
The measure of revenue is disclosed in accordance with how the segments are reported to the Vestas' chief operating decision makers. The reported revenue is in alignment with how the segments are internally committed for variable consideration under sales contracts. This is different to the external commitment of the segments.
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 2,973 | 5,787 |
| United Kingdom | 2,632 | 122 |
| Denmark | 811 | 827 |
| Other countries | 9,171 | 8,083 |
| Total | 15,587 | 14,819 |
The revenue split is based on geographical supply point. Revenue specified by country shows all countries with a revenue of more than 10 percent of Vestas' total revenue as well as revenue in Denmark.
Intangible assets and property, plant and equipment
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark | 3,707 | 3,509 |
| USA | 413 | 500 |
| Other countries | 1,101 | 901 |
| Total | 5,221 | 4,910 |
Intangible assets and property, plant and equipment are based on the physical location of the assets.
With the exception of Denmark, no country has Intangible assets and property, plant and equipment exceeding 10 percent of the group's total intangible assets and property, plant and equipment as at 31 December 2021. USA is included in 2021 to enable comparison to the 2020 level.
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mEUR | Power Solutions | Service Not allocated | Total | Power Solutions | Service Not allocated | Total | ||
| Revenue | 13,103 | 2,484 | - | 15,587 | 12,764 | 2,055 | - | 14,819 |
| Total revenue | 13,103 | 2,484 | - | 15,587 | 12,764 | 2,055 | - | 14,819 |
| Total costs | (12,910) | (1,885) | (331) | (15,126) | (12,367) | (1,487) | (215) | (14,069) |
| Operating profit (EBIT) before special items | 193 | 599 | (331) | 461 | 397 | 568 | (215) | 750 |
| Special items, refer to note 1.6 | (139) | - | - | (139) | (52) | - | - | (52) |
| Operating profit (EBIT) | 54 | 599 | (331) | 322 | 345 | 568 | (215) | 698 |
| Income/(loss) from investments in joint ventures and associates, refer to notes 3.5, 6.4 |
- | - | 36 | 36 | - | - | 331 | 331 |
| Financial income, refer to note 1.7 | - | - | 21 | 21 | - | - | 18 | 18 |
| Financial costs, refer to note 1.7 | - | - | (122) | (122) | - | - | (113) | (113) |
| Profit before tax | 257 | 934 | ||||||
| Amortisation and depreciation included in total costs, refer to notes 3.1, 3.2 |
(737) | (112) | (72) | (921) | (499) | (70) | (61) | (630) |
| Investments in joint ventures and associates, refer to note 3.5 | 609 | 57 |
Accounting policies
The reportable segments are determined based on Vestas' management structures and the consequent reporting to the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM), which is defined as the Executive Management. Following the acquisition of MHIVestas Offshore Wind A/S on 14 December 2020, a new offshore operating segment has been established. Vestas' reportable segment 'Power Solutions' includes respectively onshore and offshore operating segments. The onshore and offshore activities are combined in one reportable segment, as the nature of the businesses and the financial impact from the activities are similar in respect of product categories, production, distribution and customers. In addition, the
long-term EBIT margins and investment requirements relative to revenue are expected at the same level.
The total external revenue is derived from the two reportable segments and comprises sale of wind turbines and associated service activities, Power Solutions and Service respectively. Certain income and costs relating to Vestas functions, investing activities, tax, etc. are managed on Vestas level. These items are not included in the reportable segments, and therefore, presented as 'Not allocated'.
The measure of revenue, costs, and EBIT included in the segment reporting are the same as those used in the Consolidated Financial Statements. No segment information is provided
to CODM on a regular basis for assets and liabilities and the measures below EBIT.
Income and costs included in profit for the year are allocated to the extent that they can be directly or indirectly attributed to the segments on a reliable basis. Costs allocated as either directly or indirectly attributable comprise production costs, R&D costs, distribution costs, and administration costs.
The income and costs allocated, including depreciation and amortisation, as indirectly attributable to the segments, are allocated by means of allocation keys determined on the basis of the utilisation of key resources in the segment.
1.2 Revenue
Key accounting estimates and judgements
Estimate regarding recognition of contract elements
Management performs significant accounting estimates in connection with determining the appropriate income recognition of contract elements. In certain situations, Supplyonly projects contain elements that in nature are associated with a high degree of estimations regarding allocation of consideration under a contract to elements already delivered and elements to be delivered in the future. Management has assessed that the project specific margin is a fair estimate of a reasonable margin used to allocate consideration under a contract to the contract elements. Significant judgement is also involved in assessing whether project or service contracts contain multiple performance obligations which should be accounted for separately.
Estimates of stage of completion
Vestas applies the percentage-of-completion method in accounting for service contracts and certain wind power plants, in general projects with a high degree of customisation. The use of the percentage-of-completion method requires Management to determine the stage of completion by reference to the contract costs incurred for work performed to date in proportion to the estimated total contract costs (cost-to-cost method). This method is considered to best show the progression of the projects. Based on the estimated stage of completion, a respective portion of the consideration is recognised.
Judgement regarding method for recognition of revenue from Supply-and-installation contracts
Management applies judgement when determining whether revenue from Supply-and-installations contracts shall be recognised at a point in time or over time. Management has determined that Supply-and-installation projects based on standard solutions have an alternative use. Consequently, revenue of such contract is recognised at the point in time when the turbine is fully operational and control is transferred to the customer.
For certain projects, Vestas agrees to delivery of wind power plants based on non-standard solutions to the customer.
Management assesses whether such non-standard solutions have an alternative use. The judgements made take into consideration technology used, or the degree of customization including remoteness of the wind power plant. Revenue from sale of non-standard solutions, which are judged to have no alternative use is recognised over time (percentage-ofcompletion).
Judgement regarding sale of onshore wind power plant under development
On 30 December 2021, Vestas entered into a binding share purchase agreement with an associate to sell its shareholding in an onshore wind power plant under development by Vestas at a consideration of EUR 64m. The share sale is subject to approval by the relevant authorities. During the approval process period, Vestas has the obligation to continue development according to the agreed development plan. If the approval has not been obtained by 30 September 2022, the customer has the right to put back the shares at transaction price. Along with this process, Vestas and the customer will negotiate on further elements of the final project. Should the parties not agree on such elements, the customer has the right to either pay Vestas an additional amount for the shares and exit the negotiations, or put back the shares at cost price.
Management applied judgement in determining that upon entering into the share purchase agreement, the customer has obtained control over the underlying project rights. Consequently, revenue in the amount of EUR 64m and related production costs in the amount of EUR 19m were recognised.
Management's conclusion is based on the following:
- ż The project rights have significant stand-alone value to the customer irrespective of whether subsequent supply agreements are entered into with Vestas or another supplier
- ż Approval from authorities is considered virtually certain, and throughout the approval process period, project development continues according to the agreed development plan
- ż It is considered highly probable that the customer's contingent option to put back the shares will either not materialise or not be exercised should it materialise.
Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer. Vestas recognises revenue when it transfers control over a product or service to a customer.
Revenue recognition
Revenue comprises sale of wind turbines and wind power plants, after-sales service, sale of spare parts and wind power plants under development. The following is a description of the principal activities from which Vestas generates its revenue.
Supply-only projects
Revenue from the sale of individual wind turbines based on standard solutions is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer and excludes amounts collected on behalf of third parties. Vestas recognises revenue at a point in time, when control is transferred to the customer, and the consideration agreed is expected to be received. Control is deemed to be transferred upon delivery of the components in accordance with the agreed delivery plan.
Supply-and-installation projects (point in time)
Revenue from sale of wind power plants based on standard solutions with alternative use is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer and excludes amounts collected on behalf of third parties. Vestas recognises revenue when control of the fully operational turbine is transferred to the customer, and the consideration agreed is expected to be received. Control is generally deemed to be transferred at the point in time when the turbine is fully operational.
Supply-and-installation projects (over time)
Revenue from sale of wind power plants based on non-standard solutions to the customer, where there is no alternative use for the wind power plant to be delivered and where we have an enforceable right to payment for the work completed is recognised over time using the percentage-of-completion method. Revenue excludes amounts collected on behalf of third parties.
EPC / Turnkey projects
Revenue from contracts to deliver wind power plants with a high degree of customisation are recognised over time as the wind power plants are constructed based on the stage of completion of the individual contracts. Where the profit from a contract cannot be estimated reliably, revenue is only recognised equalling the cost incurred to the extent that it is probable that the costs will be recovered.
Service sales
Revenue from service sales, comprising services and maintenance agreements as well as extended warranties regarding wind turbines and wind power plants sold, are recognised over the term of the agreement as the services are provided. Separate spare parts sales are recognised at a point in time when control has been transferred to the customer, and provided that consideration agreed is expected to be received.
Wind power plants under development
Revenue from the sale of wind power plants under development is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer and recognised at a point in time when the control of the project is transferred to the customer.
Transaction price
The transaction price for sale of wind turbines and wind power plants normally includes a fixed consideration. The transaction price for service contracts includes a fixed consideration and often a variable consideration. The estimated amount of variable consideration will be included in the transaction price only to the extent that a significant reversal in revenue recognised is highly unlikely to occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. The transaction price recognised as revenue is furthermore reduced by penalties and payment of liquidated damages related to project and service contracts.
All wind turbine and wind power plant contracts include a standard warranty clause. For further details on warranty, refer to note 3.6.
1.2 Revenue – continued
From order intake to revenue recognition
Order backlog
An order is included as order intake when firm and unconditional. The value of future contracts is measured at the end of the period. The order backlog comprises firm order intake from Power Solutions and Service, less deliveries made under Power Solutions and Service performance.
Deliveries for the Power Solutions segment are included as deliveries, and deducted from the wind turbine order backlog, when the related revenue is recognised.
Order intake Manufacturing and transport Delivery according to contract Construction Operational turbine Operating wind power plants
Supply-only
Revenue recognition Revenue is recognised at a point in time when control is transferred to the customer. Control is generally transferred upon delivery of the components in accordance with the
agreed delivery plan.
2.8Revenue EURbn
0.9Revenue EURbn
EPC / Turnkey projects
Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognised over time as the wind power plant is constructed based on the stage of completion of the individual contracts.
Supply-and-installation
Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognised over time for nonstandard solutions with no alternative use as the turbine is installed based on the stage of completion of the individual contracts.
Revenue is recognised at a point in time when control of the turbine is transferred to the customer. Control is transferred at a point in time when Vestas has proven a fully operational turbine.
Service
2.5Revenue EURbn
Revenue recognition
Service contracts are normally recognised over time as the services are provided over the term of the agreement. Spare parts sales are recognised at a point in time when control has been transferred to the customer.
Service
Sales from Service agreements are deducted from Service backlog simultaneously as revenue is recognised over the term of the agreement.
1.2 Revenue – continued
Disaggregation of revenue
In the following section, revenue is disaggregated by sale of projects and sale of service, by primary geographical market, major contract types and timing of revenue recognition.
As disclosed in the Annual Report 2020, the demand for site-specific and remote wind power plants and customisation of wind turbines have increased the number of supply-andinstallation projects with no alternative use, and consequently the revenue recognised over time for supply-and-Installation projects. For the financial year 2021, supply-and-installation projects recognised over time (percentage-of-completion) constituted 32 percent of the total supply-and-installation revenue compared to 35 percent in 2020. The projects are mainly located in Brazil, but also include projects in other countries such as the United Kingdom and Russia.
Transaction price allocated to the remaining sales contracts
The following table includes revenue expected to be recognised in the future related to performance obligations that are unfulfilled (or partially unfulfilled) at the end of the financial year.
Order backlog
| bnEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Power Solutions, onshore |
15.4 | 15.0 |
| Power Solutions, offshore Wind turbines total |
2.7 18.1 |
4.0 19.0 |
| Service, onshore Service, offshore Service total |
25.5 3.7 29.2 |
20.5 3.4 23.9 |
All considerations from contracts with customers are included in the amounts presented above.
| Power Solutions | Service | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 |
| Timing of revenue recognition | ||||||
| Products and services transferred at a point in time | 9,161 | 9,853 | 412 | 374 | 9,573 | 10,227 |
| Products and services transferred over time | 3,942 | 2,911 | 2,072 | 1,681 | 6,014 | 4,592 |
| Total | 13,103 | 12,764 | 2,484 | 2,055 | 15,587 | 14,819 |
| Revenue from contract types | ||||||
| Supply-only | 2,814 | 6,600 | - | - | 2,814 | 6,600 |
| Supply-and-installation (at a point in time) | 6,347 | 3,253 | - | - | 6,347 | 3,253 |
| Supply-and-installation (over time) | 3,006 | 1,781 | - | - | 3,006 | 1,781 |
| Turnkey (EPC) | 936 | 1,130 | - | - | 936 | 1,130 |
| Service | - | - | 2,484 | 2,055 | 2,484 | 2,055 |
| Total | 13,103 | 12,764 | 2,484 | 2,055 | 15,587 | 14,819 |
| Primary geographical markets | ||||||
| EMEA | 7,427 | 4,163 | 1,391 | 1,141 | 8,818 | 5,304 |
| Americas | 3,967 | 6,588 | 840 | 703 | 4,807 | 7,291 |
| Asia Pacific | 1,709 | 2,013 | 253 | 211 | 1,962 | 2,224 |
| Total | 13,103 | 12,764 | 2,484 | 2,055 | 15,587 | 14,819 |
At the end of 2021, the average remaining duration in the service order backlog is approximately 10 years (2020: nine years), with a range up to 36 years (2020: 30 years). For the Power Solutions segment, projects are normally to be delivered within one to three years (2020: one to three years).
Power Solutions – order backlog
At the end of the year, the total wind turbine order backlog amounted to EUR 18.1bn. Of this, EUR 15.4 bn relates to onshore wind turbines. Compared to last year, the onshore order backlog increased by 3 percent. The offshore backlog amounted to EUR 2.7bn as at 31 December 2021, a decline of 33 percent from last year driven by offshore deliveries in 2021. For information on development in MW, refer to operational key figures on page 8.
Service – order backlog
At the end of 2021, Vestas had service agreements in the order backlog with expected contractual revenue of EUR 29.2bn, which is an increase of EUR 5.3bn compared to 2020.
Accounting policies
It should be emphasised that Vestas' accounting policies only allow the recognition of revenue when the control has passed to the customer either at a point in time or over time. Disruptions in production and challenges in relation to shipment of wind turbines and installation hereof, for example bad weather, lack of grid connections, and similar matters, may thus cause delays that could affect the timing of the satisfaction of the future performance obligations within the backlog.
Furthermore, it should be emphasised that the order backlog is forward-looking in nature and a subset of Vestas' potential future revenue.
1.3 Costs
1.4 Employee costs
Production costs
Production costs, including warranty costs, comprise the costs incurred to achieve revenue for the year. Costs consist of raw materials, consumables, direct labour costs, transportation costs and indirect costs such as salaries, rental and lease costs as well as depreciation of production facilities. Furthermore, provisions for loss-making construction contracts are included in production costs.
Research and development costs
Research and development costs primarily comprise employee costs, internal and external costs related to innovation and new technologies, as well as amortisation, depreciation and impairment losses on capitalised development costs.
Distribution costs
Distribution costs comprise costs incurred for the sale and distribution of products, etc. sold during the year. Also included are costs relating to employees and depreciation.
Administration costs
Administration costs comprise costs incurred during the year for management and administration of Vestas and includes costs for administrative staff, management, office premises, office costs, and depreciation.
Staff costs
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Staff costs are specified as follows: | ||
| Wages and salaries, etc. | 1,395 | 1,240 |
| Share-based payment, refer to note 1.5 | 13 | 16 |
| Pension schemes, defined contribution schemes | 85 | 68 |
| Other social security costs | 187 | 178 |
| Total | 1,680 | 1,502 |
| Average number of employees | 29,164 | 26,121 |
| Number of employees as at 31 December | 29,427 | 29,378 |
Board of Directors and Executive Management
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Staff costs attributable to: | ||
| Board of Directors | ||
| Board remuneration | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 1 | 1 |
| Executive Management | ||
| Wages and bonus | 7 | 6 |
| Share-based payment | 6 | 4 |
| Social security costs | - | - |
| Total | 13 | 10 |
The Board of Directors and Executive Management are not covered by any pension schemes. In the event of change in control, members of the Executive Management do not receive any additional compensation.
In 2021, share-based payment and wages to the registered members of the Executive Management amounted to EUR 5m (2020: EUR 4m).
Key management personnel is defined as Executive
Research and development costs
mEUR
1.5 Share based payment
Restricted performance share programme
The purpose of the restricted performance shares is to ensure common goals for management, certain key employees, and shareholders.
The number of shares available for grant may be adjusted in the event of changes in Vestas' capital structure. Further, in the event of a change of control, merger, winding-up or demerger of Vestas, an accelerated grant may extraordinarily take place. In the event of certain transfers of activities or changes in ownership interests within Vestas, adjustment, replacement of the programme and/or settlement in cash of the programme entirely or partly may also take place.
In May 2021, the Board of Directors of Vestas Wind Systems A/S (the Board) launched a new restricted performance share programme. The performance share programme has been revised for the sake of simplification. The 2021 performance share programme will fully vest after a three-year performance period with all shares vesting at once, instead of the previous split vesting in two portions. The performance measurements are based on financial key performance indicators as well as Vestas' market share as defined by the Board of Directors.
The terms and conditions governing the restricted performance share programme are as follows:
- ż Only participants employed by Vestas at the time of announcement of the programme or later in the financial year are eligible for participation in the restricted performance share programme.
- ż The number of restricted performance shares available for distribution depends on Vestas' performance as per table below.
- ż Depending on the performance, the total number of shares to be granted will range between 0 percent and 150 percent of the target level and is determined by Vestas' performance in the financial year.
- ż A cap for value at vesting for CEO and CFO equal to 300 percent of base pay has been introduced
In 2021, the total number of shares issued amounts to 783,747 shares with a fair value of EUR 26m (out of which 280,870 shares with a fair value of EUR 9m were issued to the Executive Management). The fair value calculated is based on share price at measurement, close of Nasdaq Copenhagen on 16 April 2021, EUR 33.
Employee elected members of the Board, had 0 restricted shares outstanding as at 31 December 2021 (2020: 0).
Refer to note 1.4 for the total expense recognised in the Income statement for restricted performance shares (sharebased payment) granted to Executive Management and other executives.
| Management's incentive programmes |
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year awarded: | April 2021 | May 2020 | May 2019 | April 2018 | May 2017 | April 2016 |
| Performance year1 | 2021-2023 | 2020-2022 | 2019-2021 | 2018-2020 | 2017-2019 | 2016-2018 |
| Vesting conditions (KPIs): |
EPS, ROCE, Market share |
EPS, ROCE, Market share |
EPS, ROCE, Market share |
EPS, ROCE, Market share |
EPS, ROCE, Market share |
EPS, ROCE, Market share |
| Vesting years: | 2024 | 2023/25 | 2022/2024 | 2021/2023 | 2020/2022 | 2019/2021 |
1 Performance years defined as Vestas' financial year.
| Executive Management |
Other executives |
Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of restricted performance shares | pcs | pcs | pcs |
| Outstanding as at 1 January 2021 | 1,169,045 | 3,629,165 | 4,798,210 |
| Adjusted | (135,247) | (266,679) | (401,926) |
| Awards issued | 280,870 | 502,877 | 783,747 |
| Vested | (191,950) | (967,240) | (1,159,190) |
| Cancelled | (100,830) | (310,894) | (411,724) |
| Outstanding as at 31 December 2021 | 1,021,888 | 2,587,229 | 3,609,117 |
| Outstanding as at 1 January 2020 | 1,374,050 | 4,603,745 | 5,977,795 |
| Adjusted | (374,400) | 460,390 | 85,990 |
| Awards issued | 466,490 | 917,020 | 1,383,510 |
| Vested | (268,835) | (2,146,695) | (2,415,530) |
| Cancelled | (28,260) | (205,295) | (233,555) |
| Outstanding as at 31 December 2020 | 1,169,045 | 3,629,165 | 4,798,210 |
Adjusted include adjustments due to final calculation of entitlement based on performance in prior year and transfers between categories due to changes in management.
←
Allocation of performance shares for the 2019-2021, 2020-2022 and 2021- 2023 performance programmes will be adjusted based on the level of target achievement in the measurement period.
As of 28 April 2021, a share split at a ratio of 1:5 was carried out. Comparative figures have been restated to reflect the change in number of shares.
Accounting policies
Vestas operates a number of share-based compensation schemes (restricted share programmes) under which it awards Vestas shares to members of the Executive Management and certain key employees in Vestas Wind Systems A/S or its subsidiaries.
The value of the services received in exchange for the issuance of shares is measured at the fair value of the shares.
Restricted shares issued to employees are measured at fair value at the time of granting and are recognised in staff expenses in the income statement over the vesting period. The opposite entry is recognised directly in equity.
On initial recognition of the restricted shares, the number of shares expected to vest is estimated. Subsequently, the estimate is revised so that the total expense recognised is based on the actual number of shares vested.
The fair value of restricted shares is determined based on Vestas quoted share price at grant.
1.6 Special items
Adjusting manufacturing footprint
Vestas continues to develop the products and solutions offered to customers as well as expand partnerships with specialised partners in the supply chain. As part of this development, as per the announcement on 20 September 2021, Vestas adjusted its manufacturing footprint and ceased production in 2021 at factories in Lauchhammer, Germany and Viveiro, Spain. In addition, Vestas will cease the production in the factory in Esbjerg, Denmark.
This adjustment of the manufacturing footprint event qualifies as special items in accordance with Vestas' accounting policy. In total, special items of EUR 139m have been recognised. EUR 68m as impairment of tangible assets, EUR 61m as staff costs, and EUR 10m as other costs.
Basis for recognition
The impairment loss is primarily related to land and buildings which are written down to fair value less expected cost to sell. The facility in Lauchhammer has been written down with EUR 34m to EUR 10m and the facility in Viveiro has been written down with EUR 6m to zero as no significant value is expected from the disposal of the facility considering costs to sell. Furthermore, a right of use asset related to the building in Esbjerg has been written down with EUR 8m to zero as the building is not expected to be utilised after production has ended.
Vestas has initiated negotiations with workers' representatives and local work councils for all affected employees. The total staff cost recognised include severance packages and salaries during leave. The expected costs are dependent on the outcome of the negotiations including the length of the negotiation period. The provision for staff costs amounts to EUR 61m related to employees in Lauchhammer, Viveiro, and Esbjerg.
Other costs are primarily related to write-down of inventory and other receivables as well as costs to maintain facilities during idle period.
Further to the above, the facility on Isle of Wight has been written down with EUR 10m to EUR 3m.
| Special items | ||
|---|---|---|
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
| Impairment loss on intangible and tangible |
||
| assets | (68) | (43) |
| Staff costs | (61) | (3) |
| Other | (10) | (6) |
| Special items | (139) | (52) |
| Financial income | ||
|---|---|---|
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
| Interest income | 19 | 16 |
| Other financial income | 2 | 2 |
| Total | 21 | 18 |
Key accounting judgements
Classification
The use of special items entails management judgement in the separation from other items in the income statement. In connection with the use of special items, it is crucial that they are of a significantly unusual and/or infrequently occurring nature that are not attributable to Vestas' normal operations, as such classification highlights to users of financial statements the items to which the least attention should be given when understanding current and future performance.
Accounting policies
Special items comprise significant unusual and/or infrequently occurring items that are not attributable to Vestas' normal operations. Special items comprise income and costs related to significant organisational restructuring and significant adjustments to production capacity and the product programme. The costs include the write-down of intangible and tangible assets as well as provisions for reorganisations and any reversal/adjustments thereof.
1.7 Financial items
Accounting policies
Financial items comprise interest income and costs, realised and unrealised foreign exchange gains and losses, gains and losses related to derivatives used to hedge assets and liabilities and ineffective part of derivatives used to hedge future cash flows.
Financial costs
2 Working capital
- → 2.1 Change in net working capital
- → 2.2 Inventories
- → 2.3 Contract balances
- → 2.4 Contract costs
- → 2.5 Other receivables
- → 2.6 Other liabilities
Net working capital (mEUR) Net working capital amounted to a net liability of EUR 1.0bn as at 31 December 2021.
2021
2.1 Change in net working capital
NWC as at 1 January Change in trade receivables Change in other receivables Change in inventories and contract costs
mEUR
The change in net working capital (NWC) include non-cash adjustments and exchange rate adjustments with a total amount of EUR 87m (2020: EUR (132)m). Consequently, the cash flow impact of change in NWC is EUR 9m (2020: EUR (588m).
Vestas is facilitating a supply chain financing program funded by credit institutions. Use of this programme by suppliers takes place in the ordinary course of business with the same payment terms offered to other suppliers and without credit enhancement. Supplier financing therefore fulfills the criteria as trade payables and has been presented in the balance sheet as ordinary trade payables with a total amount of EUR 637m (2020: EUR 381m).
2.2 Inventories
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Inventories consumed | ||
| Inventories consumed for the year, which are included in production costs |
9,236 | 8,545 |
| Write-downs of inventories |
||
| Write-downs of inventories in the year |
8 | 11 |
| Utilised write-downs in the year |
(3) | (9) |
| Reversal of write-downs in the year1 |
(11) | (13) |
1 The reversal of write-downs in the year are due to goods previously written down being used or sold at or above original cost.
2021
2020
- Service stock EUR 877m (16%)
- Finished goods EUR 3,753m (66%)
Raw materials and consumables Total EUR 5,673m
Total EUR 5,289m
EUR 742m (13%) Work in progress EUR 301m (5%)
2020
- Service stock EUR 696m (13%)
- Finished goods EUR 3,557m (67%)
- Raw materials and consumables
- EUR 630m (12%) Work in progress EUR 406m (8%)
Key accounting estimates
Estimate of net realisable value
Vestas estimates the net realisable value at the amount at which inventories are expected to be sold. Inventories are written down to net realisable value when the cost of inventories is estimated to be non-recoverable due to obsolescence, damage or declining selling prices. Estimates are used when accounting for or measuring inventory provisions, and these estimates depend upon subjective and complex judgements about certain circumstances, taking into account fluctuations in prices, excess quantities, condition of the inventory, nature of the inventory, and the estimated variable costs necessary to make the sale.
Accounting policies
Inventories are measured at the lower of cost, using the weighted average method, and net realisable value (NRV).
The cost of raw materials and service stock comprise purchase price of materials, consumables, duties, and transportation costs.
The cost of work in progress and finished goods comprises the cost of raw materials, consumables, direct labour, and indirect production costs. Indirect production costs comprise materials and labour costs as well as maintenance and depreciation of the machinery, factory buildings, and equipment used in the manufacturing process together with costs of factory administration and management.
The NRV of inventories is measured at sales price less costs of completion and selling costs. NRV is determined taking into account marketability, obsolescence, and development in the expected selling price.
2.3 Contract balances
| 2021 | 2020 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mEUR | Contract assets |
Contract liabilities |
Contract assets |
Contract liabilities |
| 1 January | 775 | 5,613 | 528 | 5,020 |
| Additions from business combinations | - | - | 66 | 1,262 |
| Revenue recognised that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the period | - | (3,202) | - | (3,409) |
| Increases as a result of changes in the measure of progress and other adjustments | 829 | - | 422 | - |
| Payments received, excluding amounts recognised as revenue during the period (prepayments) | - | 3,645 | - | 3,121 |
| Transfers from contract assets recognised at the beginning of the period to receivables | (387) | - | (221) | - |
| Exchange rate adjustments | 10 | 124 | (20) | (381) |
| 31 December | 1,227 | 6,180 | 775 | 5,613 |
| Contract assets and liabilities comprise the following: | ||||
| Construction contract in progress (turnkey) | 60 | 209 | 72 | 230 |
| Service contracts | 931 | 932 | 647 | 801 |
| Supply-only contracts | - | 848 | - | 642 |
| Supply-and-installation contracts point in time | - | 2,801 | - | 3,139 |
| Supply-and-installation over time | 236 | 1,390 | 56 | 801 |
| Total | 1,227 | 6,180 | 775 | 5,613 |
← The table provides information about development in contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers, as well as a disaggregation of the contract balances on contract type.
Accounting policies
Contract assets/liabilities comprise agreements to deliver wind power plants based on non-standard solutions (supplyand-installation projects over time) and wind power plants with a high degree of customisation (turnkey projects), as well as service and maintenances agreements. Contract liabilities also comprise prepayments from customers for supply-only and supply-and-installation projects ordered but not yet delivered.
Vestas receives payments from customers based on a billing schedule, as established in the contracts and generally represents Vestas' engagements. Contract assets relate to Vestas' conditional right to consideration for Vestas' completed performance under the contract. Accounts
receivable are recognised when the right to consideration becomes unconditional. Contract liability relates to payments received in advance of performance under the contract. Contract liabilities are recognised as revenue as (or when) Vestas performs under the contract.
Contract assets/liabilities are measured at the selling price of the work performed based on the stage of completion less progress billing and expected losses.
The stage of completion is measured as the proportion of the costs related to the contract incurred relative to the estimated total costs related to the contract. Where it is probable that total costs will exceed total revenues from a contract, the expected loss is recognised immediately as a cost and a provision.
The value of self-constructed components is recognised as contract assets/liabilities upon installation of the components to the specific wind power plant's construction site.
If the selling price of the work performed exceeds progress billings and expected losses it is recognised as an asset. If interim billings and expected losses exceed the selling price it is recognised as a liability.
Costs relating to sales work and the pursuing of contracts are recognised in the income statement as incurred.
2.4 Contract costs
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Asset recognised from costs to fulfill a contract Total |
690 690 |
369 369 |
Capitalised costs as a result of fulfilling sales contracts are recognised as part of production cost in the income statement when related revenues are recognised. In 2021, EUR 599m (2020: EUR 1,710m) was recognised as cost.
Accounting policies
Costs incurred for supply-only and supply-and-installation projects in fulfilling the contracts with customers that are directly associated with the contract, comprising installation cost and transportation cost, are recognised as an asset (contract costs), if those costs are expected to be recoverable.
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Staff costs | 188 | 307 |
| Taxes and duties | 267 | 215 |
| Derivative financial instruments |
386 | 393 |
| Other liabilities | 113 | 116 |
| Total | 954 | 1,031 |
| Specified as follows: | ||
| 0-1year | 809 | 858 |
| > 1 year | 145 | 173 |
| Total | 954 | 1,031 |
2.6 Other liabilities
Accounting policies
Other liabilities are measured at amortised cost.
Derivative financial instruments are measured at fair value.
Obligations relating to defined contribution plans, where Vestas continuously makes fixed pension contributions to independent pension funds, are recognised in the income statement in the period to which they relate. Any contributions outstanding are recognised in the balance sheet under other liabilities.
2.5 Other receivables
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Prepayments | 151 | 177 |
| Supplier claims | 120 | 14 |
| VAT1 | 465 | 399 |
| Derivative financial | ||
| instruments | 387 | 314 |
| Other receivables | 216 | 318 |
| Total | 1,339 | 1,222 |
| Specified as follows: | ||
| 0–1 year | 1,105 | 981 |
| > 1 year | 234 | 241 |
| Total | 1,339 | 1,222 |
1 Includes loss provisions on VAT receivables of EUR 58m as at 31 December 2021 (2020: EUR 52m).
Key accounting estimates
Estimate of allowance for doubtful VAT receivables
Management makes allowance for doubtful VAT receivables in anticipation of estimated future receipt of payments. If certain circumstances result in lack of receipt of payments, an additional allowance could be required. When evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful VAT receivables, Management analyses the nature of the individual VAT receivables and takes into account any relevant historical information that is applicable to the specific circumstance.
Accounting policies
Other receivables are measured at amortised cost or net realisable value equivalent to nominal value less allowances for doubtful receivables, whichever is lower. Prepayments recognised as assets comprise prepaid expenses and are measured at cost. Derivative financial instruments are measured at fair value.
3 Other operating assets and liabilities
- → 3.1 Intangible assets
- → 3.2 Property, plant and equipment
- → 3.3 Leases
- → 3.4 Impairment
- → 3.5 Investments in joint ventures and associates
- → 3.6 Provisions
Total investments (mEUR) From 2019 to 2021, Vestas has been increasing the investment level to stay ahead of the curve – developing the next generation
3.1 Intangible assets
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mEUR | Goodwill | Completed development projects |
Software | Other intangible assets |
Development projects in progress |
Total | Goodwill | Completed development projects |
Software | Other intangible assets |
Development projects in progress |
Total |
| Cost as at 1 January | 1,377 | 2,327 | 535 | 562 | 317 | 5,118 | 489 | 1,883 | 458 | 74 | 261 | 3,165 |
| Exchange rate adjustments | 9 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 14 | (8) | 8 | - | (3) | - | (3) |
| Additions | - | - | 3 | 2 | 395 | 400 | - | - | 1 | 1 | 307 | 309 |
| Adjustments from business combination | 230 | - | - | (5) | - | 225 | 896 | 95 | 15 | 497 | 144 | 1,647 |
| Disposal | (5) | - | (186) | - | - | (191) | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Transfers | - | 233 | 54 | - | (287) | - | - | 341 | 61 | (7) | (395) | - |
| Cost as at 31 December | 1,611 | 2,561 | 408 | 560 | 426 | 5,566 | 1,377 | 2,327 | 535 | 562 | 317 | 5,118 |
| Amortisation and impairment losses as at 1 January | 103 | 1,706 | 371 | 50 | - | 2,230 | 103 | 1,509 | 301 | 44 | - | 1,957 |
| Exchange rate adjustments | - | 1 | 2 | 1 | - | 4 | - | 6 | 1 | (4) | - | 3 |
| Amortisation for the year | - | 235 | 81 | 72 | - | 388 | - | 168 | 69 | 9 | - | 246 |
| Impairment losses for the year | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 23 | - | 1 | - | 24 |
| Disposal | - | - | (186) | - | - | (186) | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Amortisation and impairment losses as at 31 December | 103 | 1,942 | 268 | 123 | - | 2,436 | 103 | 1,706 | 371 | 50 | - | 2,230 |
| Carrying amount as at 31 December | 1,508 | 619 | 140 | 437 | 426 | 3,130 | 1,274 | 621 | 164 | 512 | 317 | 2,888 |
| Internally generated assets included above | - | 619 | 82 | - | 418 | 1,121 | - | 525 | 103 | - | 165 | 793 |
| Amortisation period | 2–5 years | 3–5 years | 3–7 years | 2–5 years | 3–5 years | 3–7 years |
Amortisation, intangible assets
mEUR and percent
2021
- Production costs EUR 80m (20%) Research and development
- costs EUR 247m (64%)
- Distribution costs EUR 4m (1%)
- Administration costs EUR 57m (15%) Special items EUR 0m (0%)
2020
Total EUR 388m
- Production costs EUR 16m (6%) Research and development
- costs EUR 177m (72%)
- Distribution costs EUR 4m (2%)
- Administration costs EUR 49m (20%) Special items EUR 0m (0%)
Impairment loss, intangible assets
mEUR and percent
2021
Total EUR 246m
- Production costs EUR 0 m (0 %)
- Research and development costs EUR 0 m (0%)
- Distribution costs EUR0 m (0 %)
- Administration costs EUR 0 m (0 %)
- Special items EUR 0 m (0 %)
2020
Total EUR 0m
- Production costs EUR 0m (0%) Research and development
- costs EUR 0m (0%)
- Distribution costs EUR 0m (0%)
- Administration costs EUR 0m (0%)
- Special items EUR 24m (100%)
Total EUR 24m
3.1 Intangible assets – continued
Development projects and other intangible assets
Vestas continually invests in the development of new technologies and, for this reason, development projects constitute a significant part of the total intangible assets. The continuous investments include a wide portfolio of development projects. Vestas does not have one individually significant development assets.
As part of the acquisition of MHI Vestas Offshore Wind A/S in 2020, Vestas acquired an order backlog amounting to EUR 497m related to both the wind turbine and the service business recognised in other intangible assets.
Accounting policies
Goodwill
Goodwill is initially recognised in the balance sheet as described in business combinations, refer to note 6.2. Subsequently, goodwill is measured at this value less accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is not amortised.
The carrying amount of goodwill has been allocated to Vestas' operating segments. Identification of operating segments is based on management structure and internal financial reporting.
The carrying amount of goodwill is tested at least annually for impairment, together with the other non-current assets of the operating segment to which goodwill has been allocated. If the recoverable amount is lower than the carrying amount of the operating segment, goodwill is written down to its lower recoverable amount in the income statement.
The recoverable amount is usually calculated as the net present value of expected future net cash flows from the operating segments to which the goodwill has been allocated. Alternatively, the recoverable amount is calculated as fair value less costs to sell. Impairment losses on goodwill are recognised in the income statement, either in production
costs, research and development costs, distribution costs or administration costs.
Impairment losses on goodwill are not reversed.
Development projects
Projects for the development and testing of new wind turbines are recognised as intangible assets when they are clearly defined, identifiable, and for which technical feasibility, sufficient resources and a potential future market or application in the enterprise can be demonstrated. In addition, it is the intention with these projects to manufacture, market or use the project for future commercial purposes. This applies if cost can be measured reliably and sufficient certainty exists that future earnings or the net selling price can cover production costs, distribution costs, and administration costs as well as research and development costs. At Vestas this is underpinned by a gate process, where these judgements are made at specific gates. Other development costs not qualifying for capitalization are recognised in the income statement as research and development costs.
Capitalised development costs are measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Development costs comprise salaries, amortisation and other costs attributable to Vestas' development activities.
Following completion of the development work, development projects are amortised on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The amortisation period is two to five years. The basis of amortisation is calculated net of any impairment losses.
The carrying amount of development projects in progress is tested for impairment at least annually, and where the carrying amount exceeds the net present value of the future net cash flows expected to be generated by the development project, the project is written down to its recoverable amount in the income statement. Finished development projects are tested for impairment if there is indication of impairment from the annual review.
Patents and licences included in development projects are measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Patents and licences are amortised over the patent period or term of agreement, the life of the development project or the estimated useful life, whichever is shorter. The basis of amortisation is calculated net of any impairment losses.
Software
Acquired software licences and internally developed software is measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Cost includes both direct internal and external costs. Software is amortised on a straight-line basis
over three to five years. The basis of amortisation is calculated net of any impairment losses.
Other intangible assets
Customer relationship, order backlog, and trademarks with a finite useful life acquired from third parties, either separately or as part of the business combination, are capitalised at cost and amortised over their remaining useful lives. Other intangible assets that are not Customer relationship, order backlog, or trademarks are measured at cost less amortisation and impairment losses.
3.2 Property, plant and equipment
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mEUR | Land and buildings |
Plant and machinery |
Other fixtures and fittings, tools and equipment |
Property, plant and equipment in progress |
Right-of-use assets |
Total | Land and buildings |
Plant and machinery |
Other fixtures and fittings, tools and equipment |
Property, plant and equipment in progress |
Right-of-use assets |
Total |
| Cost as at 1 January | 1,166 | 1,096 | 1,530 | 169 | 581 | 4,542 | 1,202 | 1,036 | 1,351 | 139 | 265 | 3,993 |
| Exchange rate adjustments | 57 | 40 | 47 | (4) | 12 | 152 | (52) | (43) | (49) | (5) | (11) | (160) |
| Additions | 4 | 16 | 180 | 276 | 230 | 706 | 4 | 8 | 161 | 206 | 165 | 544 |
| Additions from business combinations | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 25 | 73 | 33 | 169 | 300 |
| Disposals | (121) | (146) | (157) | - | (15) | (439) | (5) | (63) | (60) | - | (7) | (135) |
| Transfers | 29 | 98 | 178 | (305) | - | - | 17 | 133 | 54 | (204) | - | - |
| Cost as at 31 December | 1,135 | 1,104 | 1,778 | 136 | 808 | 4,961 | 1,166 | 1,096 | 1,530 | 169 | 581 | 4,542 |
| Depreciation and impairment losses as at 1 January | 568 | 760 | 1,049 | - | 143 | 2,520 | 549 | 698 | 1,006 | - | 69 | 2,322 |
| Exchange rate adjustments | 26 | 25 | 35 | - | 1 | 87 | (22) | (29) | (37) | - | (6) | (94) |
| Depreciation for the year | 42 | 102 | 243 | - | 146 | 533 | 45 | 109 | 151 | - | 79 | 384 |
| Impairment losses for the year | 45 | 16 | - | - | 7 | 68 | - | 25 | 1 | - | 4 | 30 |
| Transfers | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 15 | (15) | - | - | - |
| Reversal of depreciation of disposals in the year | (56) | (122) | (148) | - | (12) | (338) | (4) | (58) | (57) | - | (3) | (122) |
| Depreciation and impairment losses as at 31 December | 625 | 781 | 1,179 | - | 285 | 2,870 | 568 | 760 | 1,049 | - | 143 | 2,520 |
| Carrying amount as at 31 December | 510 | 323 | 599 | 136 | 523 | 2,091 | 598 | 336 | 481 | 169 | 438 | 2,022 |
| Depreciation period | 10–40 years | 3–10 years | 3–5 years | 2–20 years | 10–40 years | 3–10 years | 3–5 years | 2–20 years |
Total EUR 384m
Depreciation, property, plant and equipment
mEUR and percent
2021
- Production costs EUR 360m (68%) Research and development costs EUR
- 30m (6%) Distribution costs EUR 126m (23%)
- Administration costs EUR 17m (3%)
- Special items EUR 0m (0%)
2020
Total EUR 533m
- Production costs EUR 256m (67%) Research and development
- costs EUR 26m (7%)
- Distribution costs EUR 88m (23%) Administration costs EUR 14m (3%)
- Special items EUR 0m (0%)
Impairment loss, property, plant and equipment
mEUR and percent
- 2021
- Production costs EUR 0m (0%)
- Research and development costs EUR 0m (0%)
- Distribution costs EUR 0m (0%)
- Administration costs EUR 0m (0%)
- Special items EUR 68m (100%)
2020
Total EUR 68m
- Production costs EUR 11m (37%)
- Research and development costs EUR 0m (0%)
- Distribution costs EUR 0m (0%)
- Administration costs EUR 0m (0%)
- Special items EUR 19m (63%)
Total EUR 30m
3.2 Property, plant and equipment – continued
Accounting policies
Land and buildings, plant and machinery as well as other fixtures and fittings, tools and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.
Cost comprises the cost of acquisition and costs directly related to the acquisition up until the time when the asset is ready for use. In the case of construction of own assets, cost comprises direct and indirect costs for materials, components, sub-suppliers, and labour. Estimated costs for dismantling and disposing of the asset and for re-establishment are added to cost to the extent that they are recognised as a provision. Where individual components of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, the cost of the item is decomposed into separate components which are depreciated separately.
Subsequent costs, e.g. in connection with the replacement of components of an item of property, plant and equipment, are recognised in the carrying amount of the asset in question when it is probable that the costs incurred will result in future economic benefits to Vestas. The carrying amount of the replaced components is derecognised in the balance sheet and recognised as costs in the income statement. All other costs incurred for ordinary repairs and maintenance are recognised in the income statement as incurred.
Installations capitalised as land and buildings which are related to leased assets are depreciated over the term of the related lease contract. Such lease contracts range with a lease term from 10 to 20 years.
Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the expected useful lives of the assets, which are:
| Buildings (including installations) | 10–40 years |
|---|---|
| Plant and machinery | 3–10 years |
| Other fixtures and fittings, tools and equipment | 3–5 years |
| Right-of-use assets | 2-20 years |
| Land is not depreciated. |
The basis of depreciation is calculated taking into account the residual value of the asset less any impairment losses. The residual value is determined at the time of acquisition and is reassessed annually. Where the residual value exceeds the carrying amount of the asset, depreciation is discontinued.
The depreciation periods are determined based on estimates of the expected useful lives and future residual value of the assets. The estimates are based on historical experience. A reassessment is made once a year to ascertain that the depreciation basis reflects the expected life and future residual values of the assets.
If the depreciation period or the residual value has changed, the effect on depreciation is recognised prospectively as a change in accounting estimate.
Depreciation is recognised in the income statement as either production costs, research and development costs, distribution costs or administration costs to the extent that depreciation is not included in the cost of assets of own construction.
The carrying amounts of non-current assets are reviewed on an annual basis to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If so, the recoverable amount of the asset is calculated. The recoverable amount is the higher of the fair value of the asset less estimated costs to sell and value in use.
Value in use is calculated as the net present value of expected future net cash flows from the asset or a group of assets.
An impairment loss is recognised where the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount.
Impairment losses are reversed only to the extent of changes in the assumptions and estimates underlying the impairment calculation.
Impairment losses are reversed only to the extent that the new carrying amount of the asset does not exceed the carrying amount of the asset after depreciation/amortisation had the asset not been impaired.
3.3 Leases
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mEUR | Property | Vehicles | Equipment | Vessels | Total | Property | Vehicles | Equipment | Vessels | Total |
| Right-of-use assets as at 1 January | 241 | 63 | 41 | 93 | 438 | 132 | 50 | 14 | - | 196 |
| Exchange rate adjustments | 11 | - | - | - | 11 | (4) | (1) | - | - | (5) |
| Depreciation charge for the year including transfers | (74) | (37) | (17) | (18) | (146) | (36) | (29) | (14) | - | (79) |
| Impairment charge for the year | (7) | - | - | - | (7) | (4) | - | - | - | (4) |
| Addition of right-of-use assets for the year including transfers | 132 | 33 | 21 | 44 | 230 | 84 | 43 | 39 | - | 166 |
| Additions from business combinations | - | - | - | - | - | 70 | 4 | 2 | 93 | 169 |
| Disposal of right-of-use assets for the year | (3) | - | - | - | (3) | (1) | (4) | (0) | - | (5) |
| Right-of-use assets as at 31 December | 300 | 59 | 45 | 119 | 523 | 241 | 63 | 41 | 93 | 438 |
Vestas leases several assets including properties, vehicles and equipment. Rental contracts are typically made for fixed periods of one to 10 years but may have extension options. Lease terms are negotiated on an individual basis and contain different terms and conditions including payment terms, terminations rights, index-regulations, maintenance, deposits and guarantees etc.
Some property leases contain variable payment terms that are linked to an index e.g. a consumer price index. Overall the variable payments constitute less than 1 percent of Vestas' entire lease payments.
Total lease expenses recognised in the income statement
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Variable lease payments not included in the measurement of lease liabilities |
1 | 0 |
| Expenses relating to short term leases and leases of low-value |
31 | 16 |
| Total leases recognised in the statement of cash flows | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
| Short-term leases and leases of low value |
31 | 16 | ||||||
| Payment of lease liability including interest |
148 | 89 | ||||||
| Total cash outflow for leases |
179 | 105 |
Lease liabilities
Lease liabilities are included in financial debts and amount to EUR 545m as at 31 December 2021 (2020: EUR 446m). Refer to note 4.1 for disclosure on contractual cash flows.
Accounting policies
Vestas as Lessee
Vestas assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease at inception of the contract. Vestas recognises right-ofuse assets and corresponding lease liabilities at the lease commencement date, except for short-term leases and leases of low value. For these leases, Vestas normally recognises the lease payments as an operating expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liabilities adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial costs incurred.
The right-of-use assets are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. The right-of-use assets are from the commencement date depreciated over the shorter period of lease term and useful life of the underlying asset. The estimated useful lives of rightof-use assets are determined on the same basis as those of property and equipment. In addition, the right-of-use assets are periodically reduced by impairment losses, if any, and adjusted in accordance with lease liabilities.
The lease liabilities are initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, Vestas' incremental borrowing rate. Generally, Vestas uses its incremental borrowing rate taking into account the specific countries.
Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liabilities comprise the following:
- ż fixed payments;
- ż variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, initially measured using the index or rate as at the commencement date;
- ż the exercise price of a purchase option if Vestas is reasonably certain to exercise the options; and
- ż amounts expected to be payable under residual value guarantees.
The lease liabilities are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. It is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in an index or rate, if there is a change in the estimate of the amount expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee, or if Vestas changes its assessment of whether it will exercise a purchase, extension or termination option.
When the lease liabilities are remeasured in this way, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the right-of-use assets, or is recorded in profit or loss if the carrying amount of the right-of-use assets has been reduced to zero.
3.4 Impairment
Valuation of goodwill
As at 30 September 2021, Management performed the annual impairment tests of the carrying amount of goodwill. No basis for impairment was found for 2021 (2020: EUR 0m). In the impairment tests, the carrying amount of the assets are compared to the discounted value of future expected cash flows.
The annual tests of goodwill were performed on three operating segments: Power Solutions Onshore, Power Solution Offshore and Service, these being the lowest level of cashgenerating units as defined by Management.
The carrying amount of goodwill in Vestas subject to impairment testing are related to several acquisitions specified as follows.
- ż The acquisition of NEG Micon A/S in 2004, included acquisition of goodwill of EUR 180m allocated to Vestas Power Solutions Onshore and EUR 35m allocated to the Service segment.
- ż The acquisition of UpWind Solutions, Inc. in 2015, included acquisition of goodwill of EUR 40m, which was allocated to the Service segment.
- ż The acquisition of Availon GmbH in 2016 included acquisition of goodwill of EUR 56m, which was allocated to the Service segment.
- ż The acquisition of Utopus Insights, Inc. in 2018 included acquisition of goodwill of EUR 70m, which was allocated to the Service segment.
- ż The acquisition of MHI Vestas Offshore Wind A/S in 2020 included acquisition of goodwill of EUR 1,126m. The goodwill arising from the acquisition was allocated with EUR 893m to Power Solutions Offshore and EUR 233m to the Service segment. In 2020, the acquired goodwill was excluded from the impairment test as the acquisition was completed just prior to year end.
Assumptions underpinning impairment test of goodwill
Budgets and business plans for the next three years are based on Vestas' investments in progress and contracted investments, and the risks relating to the key parameters have been assessed and incorporated in the expected future cash flows underpinning the impairment test of goodwill. In addition, the budgets and business plans are based on management's expectations of the current market conditions and future growth expectations.
For the Power Solutions Onshore and Service, projections for 2025 and onwards are based on general market expectations and risks in the impairment test.
The acquisition of MHI Vestas Offshore Wind A/S in 2020 was based on a business case related to the introduction of a new wind turbine platform. The expected cash flows from this new technology are not expected until after 2024. For this reason, the impairment test of Power Solutions Offshore include the same business case and an extended budget and forecast period including the years 2022 to 2028. Projections for year 2029 and onwards are based on general market expectations and risks in the impairment test.
The terminal value in the projection period is determined taking into account general growth expectations for the segments in question. Long-term growth rate has been estimated at 2 percent.
| Power Solutions Onshore | Power Solutions Offshore | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Order backlog of EUR 15.4bn as at 31 December 2021 |
Order backlog of EUR 2.7bn as at 31 December 2021 |
Service order backlog of EUR 29.2bn as at 31 December 2021 |
| Expectations on changing market environment, including future market prices and high cost pressure |
Expectations on changing market environment, including future market prices and high cost pressure |
Expectations on changing market environment, including future market prices and future development in cost reductions |
| Expectations on future orders received, among other things based on expected market share of the global market outlook |
Expectations on future orders received, among other things based on expected market share of the global market outlook including expectation of high growth in offshore market |
Expectations on continued servicing of the existing installed base of wind turbines as well as future service contracts received, among other things based on expected market share |
| Expectations on continuing develop ments in mature and emerging markets |
Expectations on continuing develop ments in mature and emerging markets |
Capture full potential and accelerate profitable growth strategy from historically technology acquisitions and developments |
| Expectations on support schemes in both mature and emerging markets |
Expectations on support schemes in both mature and emerging markets |
Growth supported by market develop ments and organic growth |
| ↑ The above main information is used in determining revenue, EBIT, and capital expenditure. |
2021 2020 Discount rate before tax (%) Growth rate in terminal period (%) Carrying amount of goodwill (mEUR) Discount rate before tax (%) Growth rate in terminal period (%) Carrying amount of goodwill (mEUR) Power Solutions Onshore 9.5 2 180 8.9 2 185 Power Solutions Offshore 9.8 2 893 - - - Service 10.1 2 435 8.9 2 193
3.5 Investments in joint ventures and associates
Amounts in the balance sheet
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Investments in joint ventures | 25 | 19 |
| Investments in associates | 584 | 38 |
| Carrying amount as at 31 December | 609 | 57 |
Amounts in the income statement
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Joint ventures | 18 | (60) |
| Gain from disposal of joint venture | - | 383 |
| Associates | 18 | (1) |
| Gain from disposal of associate | 0 | 9 |
| Income/(loss) from investments in joint ventures and associates | 36 | 331 |
| Investments in joint ventures and associates | Joint ventures | Associates | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |
| Cost as at 1 January | 53 | 260 | 52 | 69 | |
| Additions | 36 | 3 | 533 | 4 | |
| Disposals | - | (206) | (1) | (21) | |
| Effect of exchange rate adjustment | 2 | (4) | 1 | - | |
| Cost as at 31 December | 91 | 53 | 585 | 52 | |
| Value adjustments as at 1 January | (34) | (148) | (14) | (12) | |
| Proceeds from sale of projects | - | - | - | - | |
| Dividends received | (50) | (1) | (10) | - | |
| Share of profit/(loss) | 18 | (60) | 18 | (1) | |
| Share of other comprehensive income | - | 26 | 3 | (1) | |
| Effect of exchange rate adjustment | - | - | 2 | - | |
| Disposals | - | 149 | - | - | |
| Value adjustments as at 31 December | (66) | (34) | (1) | (14) | |
| Carrying amount as at 31 December | 25 | 19 | 584 | 38 |
Material investment in associates
In February 2021, Vestas acquired a 25 percent stake in Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S' parent companies. The total consideration of EUR 500m included a EUR 180m upfront payment and EUR 320m paid as a performance contingent consideration in the period 2023 to 2029. Refer to note 4.3 for further information on the fair value measurement of the contingent consideration.
The associated companies listed below are material to Vestas and have share capital consisting solely of ordinary shares, which are held directly by Vestas.
| Name of entity | Place of business |
% of ownership |
Measurement method |
Investment type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners Holding P/S | Copenhagen, Denmark | 25 | Equity | Associate |
| Blakilden Fäbodberget Holding AB | Solna, Sweden | 40 | Equity | Associate |
Accounting policies
Associates are entities over which Vestas has significant influence, but not control. A joint venture is an arrangement in which Vestas has joint control. Joint ventures and associates are accounted for using the equity method. Under the equity method, interests in joint ventures and associates are initially recognised at cost and adjusted thereafter to recognise Vestas' share of the post-acquisition profits or losses and movements in other comprehensive income. When Vestas' share of losses in a joint venture and associate equals or exceeds its interests in the joint ventures and associates (which includes any long-term interests that, in substance, form part of Vestas' net investment in the joint ventures and associates), the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the joint ventures and associates.
Timing in revenue recognition may be different between Vestas and joint ventures and associates where Vestas
recognises revenue when control of the wind turbines have been transferred to joint ventures and associates but joint ventures and associates do not recognise revenue until they have transferred the risk of the same wind turbines to the end customer. Such timing difference results in part of Vestas' profit from wind turbines delivered being eliminated in the net result from joint ventures and associates, until joint ventures and associates have recognised their revenue. This timing difference may vary between quarters and year end but will even out over time.
Unrealised gains on transactions between Vestas and its joint ventures and associates are eliminated to the extent of Vestas' interest in the joint ventures and associates. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting policies of the joint ventures and associates have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by Vestas.
3.5 Investments in joint ventures and associates – continued
Summarised financial information for joint ventures and associates
Set out below is the summarised financial information for Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S and Blakilden Fäbodberget Holding AB as of 31 December 2021, which are accounted for using the equity method. The information below reflects the amounts presented in the financial statements of the entities (and not Vestas' share of those amounts) material to Vestas in 2021. The investment in
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S include investment in companies related to and managed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S and for this reason the financial amounts presented below include financial information from several consolidated and none consolidated entities related to Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S.
Other joint ventures and associates that are individually and aggregated immaterial to Vestas, have not been included in the summarised financial information.
| Summarised statement of comprehensive income |
Associate, 25 percent Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S |
Associate, 40 percent Blakliden Fäbodberget Holding AB |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |
| Revenue | 114 | - | - | - | |
| Depreciation and amortisation | (2) | - | - | - | |
| Interest income | - | - | - | - | |
| Interest cost | (1) | - | (3) | (2) | |
| Profit before tax | 138 | - | (3) | (2) | |
| Income tax | - | - | - | - | |
| Post-tax profit from continuing operations |
138 | - | (3) | (2) | |
| Other comprehensive income | - | - | 9 | (3) | |
| Total comprehensive income | 138 | - | 6 | (5) |
| Associate, 25 percent Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S |
Associate, 40 percent Blakliden Fäbodberget Holding AB |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summarised balance sheet | |||||
| mEUR | 2021 2020 |
2021 | 2020 | ||
| Current | |||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 26 | - | 8 | 6 | |
| Other current assets (excluding cash) | 19 | - | 10 | 3 | |
| Total current assets | 45 | - | 18 | 9 | |
| Other current liabilities | |||||
| Total current liabilities | (14) | - | (91) | (38) | |
| Non-current | |||||
| Total non-current assets | 296 | - | 228 | 126 | |
| Total non-current liabilities | (3) | - | (183) | (131) | |
| Net assets | 324 | - | (28) | (34) |
| Associate, 25 percent | Associate, 40 percent | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reconciliation of summarised financial information |
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S | Blakliden Fäbodberget Holding AB | |||
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |
| Opening net assets as at 1 January | - | - | (34) | (29) | |
| Acquired net assets | 229 | - | - | - | |
| Distributions | (43) | - | - | - | |
| Profit/(loss) for the year | 138 | - | (3) | (2) | |
| Other comprehensive income | - | - | 9 | (3) | |
| Closing net assets | 324 | - | (28) | (34) | |
| Interest in joint venture and associate (ownership of net assets) |
81 | - | (11) | (13) | |
| Re-assessment of milestone payments, PPA adjustments, and other adjustments |
439 | - | 54 | 50 | |
| Carrying value | 520 | - | 43 | 37 |
3.6 Provisions
| 2021 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mEUR | Warranty provision |
Other provisions |
Total provisions |
Warranty provision |
Other provisions |
Total provisions |
Warranty provision mEUR |
| Provision as at 1 January | 1,189 | 87 | 1,276 | 619 | 61 | 680 | 2021 |
| Exchange rate adj. | - | - | - | - | (1) | (1) | |
| Addition during the year | 748 | 70 | 818 | 693 | 56 | 749 | |
| Utilised during the year | (852) | (4) | (856) | (326) | (10) | (336) | |
| Addition from business combination | 55 | - | 55 | 203 | - | 203 | |
| Reclassification | 57 | - | 57 | - | - | - | 2020 |
| Reversed during the year | - | (18) | (18) | - | (19) | (19) | |
| Provision as at 31 December | 1,197 | 135 | 1,332 | 1,189 | 87 | 1,276 | Net warranty provision |
| Non-current | 655 | 31 | 686 | 524 | 56 | 580 | Warranty reclaims |
| Current | 542 | 104 | 646 | 665 | 31 | 696 | |
| Provision as at 31 December | 1,197 | 135 | 1,332 | 1,189 | 87 | 1,276 |
Product risks
Vestas invests significant resources in improving products and increasing their reliability to mitigate major warranty provisions. This work comprises design, production, installation, and continuous maintenance.
The goal of these initiatives is to reduce Vestas' warranty costs, to secure customer returns, and increase the competitiveness of the products.
Key accounting estimates
Provisions for warranties
The product warranties, which in the great majority of cases includes component defects and functional errors are usually granted for a two-year period from legal transfer of the wind turbine. In certain cases, a warranty of up to five years is provided. For the customer, the specific warranty period and the specific warranty terms are part of the basis of the individual contract.
Warranty provisions include only standard warranty, whereas services purchased in addition to the standard warranty are included in the service contracts.
In addition to the above, provisions are made for upgrades of wind turbines sold due to defects, etc. Such provisions will also include wind turbines sold in prior years, but where serial defects, etc. are identified later. Moreover, it should be emphasised that the complexity of some of the serial defects, etc. identified may lead to adjustments of previous estimates, upwards as well as downwards, in light of factual information about population size, costs of repair and the timing of such repairs.
Additional warranty provisions, EUR 748m, net of supplier reclaims of EUR 69m, in total EUR 679m (net warranty provision) have been made in 2021 (2020: EUR 693m), corresponding to 4.4 percent (2020: 4.7 percent) of Vestas' revenue. Warranty provision includes EUR 197m of additional warranty provisions as a result of increases in costs to repair and upgrade a considerable number of blades already installed.
Management assesses the likely outcome of pending and future negotiations with sub-suppliers for compensation. Compensation from sub-suppliers may be recognised only when it is virtually certain that we will receive compensation from the sub-suppliers.
The carrying amount of warranty provisions was EUR 1,197m as at 31 December 2021 (2020: EUR 1,189m), including addition of EUR 55m from the acquisition of MHI Vestas Offshore Wind.
Accounting policies
Provisions are recognised as a consequence of a past event when Vestas has a legal or constructive obligation and it is probable that there will be an outflow of Vestas' financial resources to settle the obligation.
Provisions are measured at management's best estimate of the costs required to settle the obligation. Discounting is applied where relevant.
Vestas accrues for the estimated cost of the warranty upon recognition of the sale of the product. The costs are estimated based on actual historical costs incurred and on estimated future costs related to current sales, and are updated periodically. Actual warranty costs are charged against the provision for warranty.
Restructuring costs are recognised as liabilities when a detailed, formal restructuring plan has been announced to those affected no later than the balance sheet date.
A provision for loss-making contracts is made where the expected benefits to Vestas from the contract are lower than the unavoidable costs of meeting obligations under the contract. Loss making construction contracts in progress are, however, recognised in construction contracts in progress.
Provision for legal disputes are recognised where a legal or constructive obligation has been incurred as a result of past events and it is possible that there will be an outflow of resources that can be reliably estimated. In this case, Vestas arrives at an estimate on the basis of an evaluation of the most likely outcome. Disputes for which no reliable estimate can be made are disclosed as contingent liabilities, refer to note 6.4.
4 Risk management and capital structure
- → 4.1 Financial risk management
- → 4.2 Hedge accounting
- → 4.3 Financial assets and liabilities
- → 4.4 Share capital
- → 4.5 Earnings per share
Net interest bearing debt/EBITDA Net interest bearing debt/EBITDA well below debt/EBITDA ratio below 1 x.
4.1 Financial risk management
Vestas' policy for managing financial risks
Financial risk management is an integrated part of Vestas' operating activities. Vestas is exposed to a number of financial risks through its international operations.
Financial risks are monitored and managed centrally. The Treasury Policy outlines the overall objectives and policies for Vestas' financial risk management. The Treasury Policy is approved by the Board, and revised on a continuous basis to adapt to the changing financial risks and market situation.
The Treasury Policy sets the limits for the various financial risks as well as Vestas' hedging policy. It is Vestas' policy only to use derivatives to hedge commercial exposures and not to enter into any speculative transactions.
| Financial risk | How Vestas manages the risk | five-year tenor with two one-year extension options, replacing | as security for guarantee obligations to obtain lower |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liquidity risk | Availability of committed credit lines and borrowing facilities | Vestas' undrawn EUR 1,150m revolving credit facility signed in 2017. As at end of 2021, EUR 671m of the revolving credit |
commission rates. |
| Credit risk | Diversification of bank exposure, credit limits and guarantees | facility was converted into ancillary bank guarantees issuance facilities leaving EUR 1,329m available for cash drawings. |
|
| Market risk, foreign exchange | Currency forward contracts and currency swaps | The revolving credit facility is subject to a change of control clause resulting in repayment of the credit facility in the event of change in control. |
|
| Market risk, interest risk | Fixed interest loans | ||
| Market risk, commodity price | Fixed price agreements with suppliers and financial commodity contracts | mEUR | 2021 2020 |
Liquidity risks
Vestas manages its liquidity risks in line with the Treasury Policy to ensure having sufficient financial resources to service its financial obligations. Financial resources are managed through a combination of cash and money market deposits, committed credit facilities, and highly rated marketable securities. Liquidity is managed and optimised centrally by using cash pools and in-house bank solutions.
Vestas' main credit facility, a EUR 2,000m revolving multicurrency credit facility with a group of leading banks, was signed in April 2021. The facility, which is available for general corporate purposes, including guarantees issuance, carries a five-year tenor with two one-year extension options, replacing Vestas' undrawn EUR 1,150m revolving credit facility signed in 2017. As at end of 2021, EUR 671m of the revolving credit facility was converted into ancillary bank guarantees issuance facilities leaving EUR 1,329m available for cash drawings. The revolving credit facility is subject to a change of control clause resulting in repayment of the credit facility in the event of change in control.
Accounting policies
Cash and cash equivalents included in Vestas' cash management comprise cash on hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions, other short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value, and bank overdrafts.
Cash and cash equivalents with disposal restrictions are included in day-to-day cash management and fulfills the criteria as cash and cash equivalents. Cash with disposal restrictions includes cash pledged to guarantee providers as security for guarantee obligations to obtain lower commission rates.
| Liquidity position | ||
|---|---|---|
| Financial investments | 216 | 211 |
| Cash and cash equivalents without disposal restrictions | 2,394 | 3,039 |
| Cash and cash equivalents with disposal restrictions | 26 | 24 |
| Cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December | 2,420 | 3,063 |
| Credit facilities | ||
| Main credit facility | 1,329 | 550 |
| Other credit facilities | 80 | 1,105 |
| Total available financial resources | 4,045 | 4,929 |
↑
The table shows Vestas' liquidity position and available credit facilities.
4.1 Financial risk management – continued
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contractual cash flows | Carrying amount | Contractual cash flows | Carrying amount | |||||||
| mEUR | 0-1 year | 1-2 years | >2 years | Total | financial instruments |
0-1 year | 1-2 years | >2 years | Total | financial instruments |
| Total financial assets, non-current and current | 6,475 | 26 | 1 | 6,502 | 6,466 | 6,206 | 62 | 149 | 6,417 | 6,393 |
| Financial liabilities, non-current and current | ||||||||||
| Leasing liabilities | 144 | 110 | 354 | 608 | 545 | 110 | 95 | 263 | 468 | 446 |
| Other financial debts | 571 | 0 | 0 | 571 | 571 | 399 | 518 | 22 | 939 | 908 |
| Total financial debts | 715 | 110 | 354 | 1,179 | 1,116 | 509 | 613 | 285 | 1,407 | 1,354 |
| Foreign currency derivatives | 254 | 119 | 4 | 377 | 377 | 333 | 46 | 14 | 393 | 393 |
| Commodity derivatives | 9 | - | - | 9 | 9 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Other liabilities | 107 | 8 | - | 115 | 115 | 58 | 46 | - | 104 | 104 |
| Other liabilities and derivative financial instruments | 370 | 127 | 4 | 501 | 501 | 391 | 92 | 14 | 497 | 497 |
| Trade payables | 4,286 | - | - | 4,286 | 4,286 | 3,604 | - | - | 3,604 | 3,604 |
| Contingent consideration | 3 | 115 | 213 | 331 | 320 | 4 | - | - | 4 | 4 |
| Financial guarantee contracts | 17 | - | - | 17 | - | 52 | - | - | 52 | - |
| Total financial liabilities, non-current and current | 5,391 | 352 | 571 | 6,314 | 6,223 | 4,560 | 705 | 299 | 5,564 | 5,459 |
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Changes to financial liabilities mEUR |
Lease liabilities |
Issued bonds |
Credit facilities |
Contingent consideration |
Total | Lease liabilities |
Issued bonds |
Credit facilities |
Total |
| Balances as at 1 January | 446 | 513 | 395 | 0 | 1,354 | 198 | 513 | 109 | 820 |
| Addition from business combination and investments in associates | - | - | - | 320 | 320 | 171 | - | 245 | 416 |
| Loss of control of subsidiary | - | - | (26) | - | (26) | - | - | - | - |
| Proceeds from borrowings | - | - | 642 | - | 642 | - | - | 94 | 94 |
| Additional lease liabilities | 230 | - | - | - | 230 | 170 | - | - | 170 |
| Payment of lease liabilities | (135) | - | - | - | (135) | - | - | - | - |
| Disposal of righ-of-use asset | (2) | - | - | - | (2) | ||||
| Payments of financial debt | - | (513) | (447) | - | (960) | (82) | - | (37) | (119) |
| Exchange rate adjustments | 6 | - | 7 | - | 13 | (11) | - | (16) | (27) |
| Balances as at 31 December | 545 | 0 | 571 | 320 | 1,436 | 446 | 513 | 395 | 1,354 |
4.1 Financial risk management – continued
Credit risks
Credit risks are managed according to the Treasury Policy. Vestas is exposed to credit risks arising from cash and cash equivalents, including money market deposits and money market funds, investments in marketable securities, derivative financial instruments, and trade and other receivables. The Treasury Policy sets limits for the credit risk exposure. For financial institution counterparties, this is based on the counterparty's credit rating, for other counterparties, this is based on mitigating actions.
As at 31 December 2021, Vestas considers the maximum credit risk related to financial institution counterparties to be EUR 3,136m (2020: EUR 3,299m), and the total credit risk is considered to be EUR 6,194m (2020: EUR 6,035m).
Trade receivables and contract assets
Trade receivables are mainly with counterparties within the energy sector. The credit risk depends, among other things, on the development within this sector and the country in which the individual customer operates.
Upon signing a contract for the delivery of wind turbines or wind power plants with a customer, a prepayment is received. The remaining consideration is usually invoiced and paid in instalments at different stages of the project. For service contracts, customers are usually invoiced in equal instalments over the duration of the service contract. Payment terms are typically one month from the invoice date.
Contract assets are by nature not overdue. Vestas does not expect to have any contracts where the period between the transfer of the promised goods or services to the customer and payment by the customer exceeds one year. Therefore, Vestas does not adjust any of the transaction prices for the time value of money.
Trade receivables from customers are grouped based on loss patterns in assessing the expected credit losses. Contract assets are grouped with trade receivables as these relate to unbilled work in progress with same credit risk as trade receivables.
The allowance for expected lifetime credit losses is determined using a provisional matrix based on past due dates, historical loss rates and current and forward-looking information, including geographical risk, the level of security obtained as well as individual assessment.
The past due date analysis and expected credit loss allowance for trade receivables and contracts assets is set out in the following tables.
As at 31 December 2021, Vestas' trade receivables and contract assets per geographical areas can be specified as follows: 70 percent in EMEA, 18 percent in America, and 12 percent in Asia Pacific (31 December 2020: 51 percent in EMEA, 35 percent in America and 14 percent in Asia Pacific).
As at 31 December 2021, no single customer accounted for more than 10 percent of Vestas' total trade receivables (31December 2020: 0).
The commercial credit risk relating to the outstanding trade receivables balance as of 31 December 2021 was mitigated by EUR 552m (31 December 2020: EUR 448m) received as security, such as third party guarantees. Historically, Vestas has not incurred significant losses on trade receivables.
Financial instruments and cash deposits
Group Treasury manages balances with financial institutions and the associated credit risk in accordance with Vestas' Treasury Policy assessing the individual counterparty's credit rating.
93 percent of Vestas' exposure towards financial institutions are with counterparties with a credit rating in the range of A to AAA.
Vestas has entered into ISDA agreements with all financial institution counterparties used for trading derivative financial instruments under which Vestas has a right to set-off should certain credit events occur, which means that Vestas' actual credit risk is limited to the net assets per counterparty.
| Expected credit losses on trade receivables and |
2021 | 2020 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| contract assets mEUR |
Carrying amount |
Expected loss rate |
Loss allowance |
Carrying amount |
Expected loss rate |
Loss allowance |
|
| Not overdue | 2,402 | 0.1% | (2) | 1,977 | 0.3% | (5) | |
| Overdue 0-60 days | 186 | 0.1% | 0 | 172 | 0.3% | (0) | |
| Overdue 61-120 days | 72 | 2.2% | (2) | 82 | 2.1% | (2) | |
| Overdue 121-180 days | 15 | 4.7% | (1) | 26 | 5.8% | (2) | |
| Overdue 181-365 days | 44 | 9.1% | (4) | 28 | 11.3% | (3) | |
| Overdue more than 365 | |||||||
| days | 39 | 41.4% | (27) | 28 | 31.5% | (13) | |
| Total | 2,758 | (36) | 2,313 | (25) | |||
| Write-down as at 1 January | (25) | (32) | |||||
| Reversal of write-downs | 2 | 30 | |||||
| Write-downs realised | 2 | 0 | |||||
| Write-downs in the year | (15) | (23) | |||||
| Write-down as at 31 December |
(36) | (25) |
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netting of financial assets and liabilities mEUR |
Carrying amount balance sheet |
Netting agreements not offset in the balance sheet |
Net amount | Carrying amount balance sheet |
Netting agreements not offset in the balance sheet |
Net amount | |
| Foreign currency derivatives | 377 | (188) | 189 | 314 | (226) | 88 | |
| Financial assets | 377 | (188) | 189 | 314 | (226) | 88 | |
| Foreign currency derivatives | 377 | (188) | 189 | 393 | (226) | 167 | |
| Financial liabilities | 377 | (188) | 189 | 393 | (226) | 167 |
↑
The table details financial assets and liabilities which are subject to netting in case of certain credit events.
4.1 Financial risk management – continued
Market risks
Vestas is exposed to various market risks with the main risks comprising foreign currency risks, interest rate risks and commodity price risks. All market risks are managed in accordance with the Treasury Policy.
Foreign currency risks
Vestas' international business activities involve foreign currency risks and consequently, Vestas's income statement, balance sheet and cash flows are exposed to foreign currency risks. The foreign currency exposures arise primarily from purchases of materials and sales of wind turbines and service agreements where these transactions are not made in the functional currency of the entity making the transaction.
Vestas objective is to reduce the impact from short-term fluctuations in foreign currencies on the income statement and to increase the predictability of the financial results. Foreign currency risks are reduced by purchasing and producing in local markets and by hedging the exposure in each individual currency according to the Treasury Policy.
Vestas hedges foreign currency exposures related to its firm wind turbine order backlog. It is Vestas' aim to hedge between 80 percent and 100 percent of the consolidated exposure. For committed exposures with durations of 18 months or more,
hedging is performed with shorter maturity. Furthermore, Vestas hedges foreign currency exposure relating to monetary balances. It is Vestas' aim to hedge between 90 percent and 100 percent of all exposures.
Vestas distinguishes between entities in restricted and unrestricted countries, when determining the level of exposure to be hedged. Foreign currency risks related to long-term investments and it's service business are not hedged based on an overall risk, liquidity and cost perspective.
Foreign currency exposures are primarily hedged through foreign currency forward contracts and foreign currency swaps. Vestas hedge strategy is to centralise foreign currency exposure in Vestas Wind Systems A/S through internal contracts and trade the net currency exposures in the market.
The majority of Vestas's sales are in USD and EUR. The EUR exchange rate risk is regarded as low in Danish entities due to Denmark's fixed exchange rate policy towards EUR. EUR sales outside Europe are limited. Despite the significant sales in USD, Vestas' currency exposure in USD has decreased as a result of increased sourcing of materials and components in USD. Due to Vestas being by nature a project business, the risk exposures towards specific foreign currencies changes from one year to another, depending on the geographical areas in which Vestas has its activities.
Interest rate risks
Interest rate risk relates to cash flows from interest-bearing short-term investments in cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities with floating interest rate and outstanding interest-bearing debt with floating interest rates.
Vestas has no significant long-term outstanding interestbearing debt with floating interest, and therefore fluctuations in the market interest rates will not have a significant impact on Vestas.
Commodity price risks
Commodity price risks in Vestas mainly relate to fluctuations in raw materials which are used directly or indirectly in the production of wind turbines. The commodity price risk can be divided into a direct exposure and an indirect exposure. The direct exposure is related to purchase of the raw material. The indirect exposure is related to the purchase of components where the price is linked to the prices of raw materials. The risk is managed in accordance with the Treasury Policy, primarily by entering into fixed price agreements with suppliers where possible. Significant fluctuations in market prices during 2021 were mitigated by entering into commodity swaps in iron ore, coking coal and copper.
Effect on equity before tax
| mEUR | Change | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | 10% | 4 | 2 |
| Coking coal | 10% | 3 | 0 |
| Iron ore | 10% | 4 | 0 |
↑
The sensitivity analysis shows the gain/(loss) on other comprehensive income of a 10 percent increase in raw materials used directly or indirectly in our production. The analysis include the impact from cash flow hedge instruments on equity before tax but does not comprise the impact from the hedged exposure comprising future purchases.
| Change | Effect on profit/ (loss) before tax |
Effect on equity before tax |
Effect on profit/ (loss) before tax |
Effect on equity before tax |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | (20) | 146 | 7 | 90 | |
| 10% | (2) | (41) | (13) | (92) | |
| 10% | 5 | 0 | (1) | (34) | |
| 10% | 7 | (58) | 0 | (250) | |
| 10% | (26) | 122 | (14) | 105 | |
| 2021 | 2020 |
←
The sensitivity analysis shows the gain/(loss) on net profit for the year and other comprehensive income of a 10 percent increase in our most significant currencies towards the Euro. The analysis includes the impact from cash flow hedging instruments on equity before tax but does not include the impact from the hedged exposures such as future purchases or sales since these are not recognised in the balance sheet. If the hedged exposures were included the impact from hedge instruments would be offset in their entirety. The analysis is based on the assumption that all other variables, interest rates in particular, remain constant.
4.2 Hedge accounting
In 2021, Vestas used derivative financial instruments to manage foreign currency risk exposures and commodity price risk exposures.
Derivative financial instruments are initially measured at fair value at the trade date and subsequently remeasured at fair value at the reporting date. The fair value of derivative financial instruments are presented in other receivables or other liabilities. Changes in the effective portion of the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognised in other comprehensive income. Upon realisation of the hedged item, gains or losses on the cash flow hedges are transferred from the equity hedging reserve into the initial carrying amount of the hedged item.
Changes in any ineffective portion of the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognised in the income statement as financial
items. Ineffectiveness is mainly resulting from differences in the timing of the cash flows of the hedged items and the hedging instruments and resulting from changes to the forecasted amount of cash flows of hedged items.
Changes in the fair value of fair value hedges are recognised in the income statement as financial items.
Foreign currency risk
The foreign currency risk arising from the purchases and sales in other currencies than the functional currency of the entity making the transaction is hedged using foreign currency forward contracts and foreign currency swaps. Currency forward contracts and currency swaps relating to highly probable forecasted sales and purchases are designated as cash flow hedges. Currency forward contracts and currency swaps relating to recognised monetary balances are designated as fair value hedges.
In some sales agreements, a foreign currency element is incorporated. In sales agreements where the sales currency is not closely related to the functional currency nor a commonly used currency in the country in which the sales takes place, the foreign currency element is treated as an embedded financial derivative. The embedded financial derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge of forecasted purchases.
Commodity price risk
The commodity price risks relating to fluctuations in the prices of raw materials used directly or indirectly in the production is hedged using commodity forward contracts. Commodity forward contracts related to highly probable forecasted purchases are designated as cash flow hedges.
← The table shows the contract notional amount and expected timing of recognition of hedging instruments as at 31 December 2021. Positive amounts reflect that Vestas on a net basis have contracts to purchase the respective foreign currencies or commodities, and negative amounts reflect that Vestas on a net basis have contracts to sell the respective foreign currencies or commodities.
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contract | Expected recognition | Contract | Expected recognition | ||||||
| mEUR | notional amount |
2022 | 2023 | After 2023 | notional amount |
2021 | 2022 | After 2022 | |
| Cash flow hedges | |||||||||
| Foreign currency risk | 159 | 236 | (65) | (12) | (3,738) | (2,849) | (313) | (576) | |
| USD | 1,346 | 893 | 408 | 45 | 325 | 215 | 109 | 1 | |
| GBP | (239) | (219) | (20) | - | (2,496) | (2,077) | (153) | (266) | |
| NOK | (42) | (42) | - | - | (330) | (324) | (6) | - | |
| SEK | (398) | (330) | (67) | (1) | (786) | (601) | (185) | - | |
| CNY | 1,484 | 1,197 | 287 | - | 1,197 | 958 | 240 | (1) | |
| Other | (1,992) | (1,263) | (673) | (56) | (1,648) | (1,020) | (318) | (310) | |
| Commodity | 9292 93 | 80 | 13 | - | 29 | 29 | - | - | |
| Copper | 33 | 20 | 13 | - | 29 | 29 | - | - | |
| Coking coal | 25 | 25 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Iron Ore | 35 | 35 | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Fair value hedges | (2,264) | (2,281) | 11 | 6 | (515) | (553) | 23 | 15 | |
| USD | (329) | (329) | - | - | (309) | (309) | - | - | |
| GBP | 23 | 6 | 11 | 6 | 42 | 18 | 9 | 15 | |
| NOK | - | - | - | - | 19 | 19 | - | - | |
| SEK | (110) | (110) | - | - | 112 | 112 | - | - | |
| CNY | 309 | 309 | - | - | 75 | 66 | 9 | - | |
| Other | (2,157) | (2,157) | - | - | (454) | (459) | 5 | - |
Total (2,012) (1,965) (41) (6) (4,224) (3,373) (290) (561)
4.2 Hedge accounting – continued
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contract | Carrying amount | Contract | Carrying amount | ||||
| mEUR | notional amount |
Asset | Liabilities | notional amount |
Asset | Liabilities | |
| Foreign currency risk | |||||||
| Cash flow hedges | 159 | 365 | 361 | (3,738) | 294 | 387 | |
| Fair value hedges | (2,264) | 12 | 16 | (515) | 16 | 6 | |
| Commodity price risk | |||||||
| Cash flow hedges | 93 | 10 | 9 | 29 | 4 | 0 | |
| Total | (2,012) | 387 | 386 | (4,224) | 314 | 393 | |
| Recognised in income statement |
(2,264) | 12 | 16 | (3,709) | 298 | 387 | |
| Recognised in other comprehensive income |
252 | 375 | 370 | (515) | 16 | 6 | |
| Total | (2,012) | 387 | 386 | (4,224) | 314 | 393 |
↑
In the table the effect from hedging instruments on the balance sheet, profit and loss and other comprehensive income is shown.
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrying amount of hedged items |
Change in fair value used |
Carrying amount of hedged items |
Change in fair value used |
||||||
| mEUR | Asset | Liabilities | for measuring ineffectiveness |
Asset | for measuring Liabilities ineffectiveness |
||||
| Currency risk | |||||||||
| Forecast sales and purchases |
74 | 113 | |||||||
| Monetary balances | 2,845 | 3,230 | (5) | 1,963 | 1,819 | 104 | |||
| Commodity risk | |||||||||
| Forecast sales and purchases |
- | - | 2 | - | - | 1 | |||
| Total | 2,845 | 3,230 | 71 | 1,963 | 1,819 | 218 |
Cash flow hedge reserve
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Hedge reserve as at 1 January | (21) | (4) |
| Change in fair value | ||
| Foreign currency hedges | 74 | 113 |
| Commodity price hedges | 2 | 1 |
| Amount reclassified to profit and loss | ||
| Foreign currency hedges recognised in revenue | 20 | (42) |
| Foreign currency hedges recognised in production costs | (14) | (62) |
| Commodity hedges recognised in production costs | - | - |
| Amount transferred to non-financial items | ||
| Foreign currency hedges recognised as prepayment from customers | 0 | 10 |
| Foreign currency hedges recognised as inventory | (28) | (38) |
| Commodity hedges recognised as inventory | (6) | - |
| Tax effect | (11) | 1 |
| Hedge reserve as at 31 December | 16 | (21) |
↑
The risk categories recognised in the cash flow hedge reserve is reconciled in the table below with items impacting other comprehensive income for the period.
←
The effect from hedge items on the balance sheet is shown in the table.
Consolidated financial statements, financial performance, and notes
4.3 Financial assets and liabilities
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total carrying | Carrying | Carrying | Categories of financial instruments | Total carrying | Carrying | Carrying | Categories of financial instruments | ||||||
| mEUR | Note | amount in the balance sheet |
amount non-financial instruments |
amount financial instruments |
Fair value – hedging instruments |
Fair value through profit or loss |
Amortised cost |
amount in the balance sheet |
amount non-financial instruments |
amount financial instruments |
Fair value – hedging instruments |
Fair value through profit or loss |
Amortised cost |
| Financial assets, non-current and current | |||||||||||||
| Other investments | 81 | - | 81 | - | 58 | 23 | 69 | - | 69 | - | 49 | 20 | |
| Financial investments | 216 | - | 216 | - | 100 | 116 | 211 | - | 211 | - | 100 | 111 | |
| Foreign currency derivatives | 377 | - | 377 | 377 | - | - | 310 | - | 310 | 310 | - | - | |
| Commodity derivatives | 10 | - | 10 | 10 | - | - | 4 | - | 4 | 4 | - | - | |
| Other receivables | 952 | 348 | 604 | - | - | 604 | 908 | 485 | 423 | - | - | 423 | |
| Other receivables and derivatives | 2.5 | 1,339 | 348 | 991 | 387 | - | 604 | 1,222 | 485 | 737 | 314 | - | 423 |
| Trade receivables | 1,531 | - | 1,531 | - | - | 1,531 | 1,538 | - | 1,538 | - | - | 1,538 | |
| Contract assets | 2.3 | 1,227 | - | 1,227 | - | - | 1,227 | 775 | - | 775 | - | - | 775 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 2,420 | - | 2,420 | - | - | 2,420 | 3,063 | - | 3,063 | - | - | 3,063 | |
| Total financial assets, non-current and current | 6,814 | 348 | 6,466 | 387 | 158 | 5,921 | 6,878 | 485 | 6,393 | 314 | 149 | 5,930 | |
| Financial liabilities, non-current and current | |||||||||||||
| Financial debts | 1,116 | - | 1,116 | - | - | 1,116 | 1,354 | - | 1,354 | - | - | 1,354 | |
| Foreign currency derivatives | 377 | - | 377 | 377 | - | - | 393 | - | 393 | 393 | - | - | |
| Commodity derivatives | 9 | - | 9 | 9 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Other liabilities | 568 | 453 | 115 | - | - | 115 | 638 | 534 | 104 | - | - | 104 | |
| Other liabilities and derivatives | 2.6 | 954 | 453 | 501 | 386 | - | 115 | 1,031 | 534 | 497 | 393 | - | 104 |
| Trade payables | 4,286 | - | 4,286 | - | - | 4,286 | 3,604 | - | 3,604 | - | - | 3,604 | |
| Contingent consideration | 320 | - | 320 | - | 320 | - | 4 | - | 4 | - | 4 | - | |
| Total financial liabilities, non-current and current | 6,676 | 453 | 6,223 | 386 | 320 | 5,517 | 5,993 | 534 | 5,459 | 393 | 4 | 5,062 |
Other investments and financial investments
Financial debts
Other investments include investments in non-listed equity shares and rental deposits. The equity investments were irrevocably designated at fair value through profit and loss. Financial investments comprise short-term deposits and marketable securities managed on a fair value basis with a continuously observation of their performance.
At 31 December 2021, financial debts comprise a bilateral bridge facility (EUR 500m), other credit facilities (EUR 71m) and lease liability (EUR 545m) as well as contingent consideration (EUR 320m). The bridge facility is subject to change of control clause resulting in repayment of the facility in the event of change in control.
As at 31 December 2020, financial debts comprise the green corporate Eurobond (EUR 498m), SoWiTec bond (EUR 15m), leasing liabilities (EUR 446m) and other credit facilities (EUR 395m).
Contingent consideration
Contingent consideration relates to Vestas' acquisition of a 25 percent stake in Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S' parent companies in February 2021. The contingent consideration is classified as financial debt in the Balance sheet.
4.3 Financial assets and liabilities – continued
Fair value hierarchy
Financial instruments measured at fair value are categorised into the following levels of the fair value hierarchy:
Level 1: Observable market prices for identical instruments. Level 2: Valuation techniques primarily based on observable prices or traded prices for comparable
instruments. Level 3: Valuation techniques primarily based on unobservable prices.
Other investments and Financial Investments
Other investments in non-listed equity shares are measured at fair value determined using generally accepted valuation techniques based on unobservable inputs, and are categorised as Level 3. Financial investments in marketable securities are measured at fair value based on market prices, and are categorised as Level 1.
Derivatives
Foreign currency forward contracts, embedded derivatives and commodity forward contracts are measured at fair value using generally accepted valuation techniques based on observable market prices and forward market rates, and are categorised as Level 2.
Renewable energy certificates
Vestas has a commitment in the US to purchase Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) during a 4 year period from 2028-31 based on production of MW in this period at a fixed price. It has been assessed that the contract qualifies as a financial instrument. The fair value measurement is based on level 3 input. As per 31 December 2021, the estimated maximum nominal commitment under the contract is EUR 18m (2020: EUR 42m for a 10 year commitment period). Market prices depend on which market the RECs are traded, ranging from an estimated average market price of 6.1 USD/MWh to 23.4 USD/MWh (2020: USD 5.32/MWh to USD 29.09/ MWh), hence the contract would have had an estimated value in the range of EUR (6)m to EUR 21m (2020: EUR (18)m to EUR 73m) as at 31 December 2021. Given the uncertainties underpinning the future market for selling RECs, Management has determined that the best evidence of fair value for the
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial instruments measured at fair value |
Fair value | Fair value | |||||||||
| mEUR | Valuation technique | Carrying amount |
Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Carrying amount |
Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
| Other investments | Market prices/ Discounted cash flow |
58 | 58 | - | - | 58 | 49 | 49 | - | - | 49 |
| Financial investments | Market prices | 100 | 100 | 100 | - | - | 100 | 100 | 100 | - | - |
| Renewable energy certificates (RECs) |
Forward pricing | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Foreign currency derivatives |
Forward pricing and swap models |
377 | 377 | - | 377 | - | 310 | 310 | - | 310 | - |
| Commodity derivatives | Forward pricing | 10 | 10 | - | 10 | - | 4 | 4 | - | 4 | - |
| Other receivables and derivative financial instruments |
387 | 387 | - | 387 | - | 314 | 314 | - | 314 | - | |
| Financial assets | 545 | 545 | 100 | 387 | 58 | 463 | 463 | 100 | 314 | 49 | |
| Financial debts | Market prices | - | - | - | - | - | 513 | 524 | 524 | - | - |
| Foreign currency derivatives |
Forward pricing and swap models |
377 | 377 | - | 377 | - | 393 | 393 | - | 393 | - |
| Commodity derivatives | Forward pricing | 9 | 9 | - | 9 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Other liabilities and derivative financial instruments |
386 | 386 | - | 386 | - | 393 | 393 | - | 393 | - | |
| Contingent consideration Discounted cash flow | 320 | 320 | - | - | 320 | 4 | 4 | - | - | 4 | |
| Financial liabilities | 706 | 706 | - | 386 | 320 | 910 | 921 | 524 | 393 | 4 |
RECs is the transaction price. Consequently, the net fair value of the contract has been measured at EUR 0.
Financial debts
At 31 December 2021, the Group had no financial debts measured at fair value. At 31 December 2020, financial debts comprised the green corporate eurobond with a fixed interest rate of 2.75 percent (EUR 498) and the Sowitec Group bond
with a fixed interest rate of 6.75 percent (EUR 15m). Both were valued based on observable market prices.
Contingent consideration
Contingent consideration relating to Vestas' acquisition of a 25 percent stake in Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S' parent companies in February 2021 is classified as financial debt and measured at fair value. As at 31 December 2021,
the fair value amounted to EUR 320m based on expected total payments of EUR 331m in the period 2023 to 2026 discounted using a 1 percent normalised financing interest rate. The contingent consideration is categorised as Level 3.
4.4 Share capital
4.5 Earnings per share
| Number of shares | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of shares as at 1 January |
201,973,452 | 198,901,963 |
| Share split 1:5 | 807,893,808 | - |
| Cancellation | - | (1,977,848) |
| Increase | - | 5,049,337 |
| Number of shares as at 31 December |
1,009,867,260 | 201,973,452 |
| Shares outstanding | 1,005,144,100 | 200,874,957 |
| Treasury shares | 4,723,160 | 1,098,495 |
| Number of shares as at 31 December |
1,009,867,260 | 201,973,452 |
Vestas Wind Systems A/S has acquired
| treasury shares as follows: | ||
|---|---|---|
| -- | ----------------------------- | -- |
| 2021 | 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Average share price, purchases (DKK) |
237 | - | |
| Purchase amount (mEUR) | 32 | - |
Treasury shares are acquired to cover issues of shares under Vestas' incentive programmes or as part of its capital structure strategy. The share capital has been fully paid.
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend | 50 | 228 |
Dividend excluding treasury shares.
Movements in share capital
During 2017 there was a reduction of share capital by DKK 6,047,780 nominally by cancelling 6,047,780 shares from Vestas' holding of treasury shares. During 2018 there was a reduction of share capital by DKK 9,800,944 nominally by cancelling 9,800,944 shares from Vestas' holding of treasury shares. During 2019, there was a reduction of share capital by DKK 6,974,040 nominally by cancelling 6,794,040 shares from Vestas' holding of treasury shares. During 2020, there was a reduction of share capital by DKK 1,977,848 nominally by cancelling 1,977,848 shares from Vestas' holding of treasury shares. Vestas Wind Systems A/S has completed a capital increase of nominally DKK 5,049,337, representing 5,049,337 shares of nominally DKK 1 each. During 2021, a share split of Vestas' shares with a ratio 1:5 was carried out with effect as of 28 April 2021. Consequently, each share of nominally DKK 1.00 was split into five new shares of nominally DKK 0.20. Except for these six transactions, the share capital has not changed in the period 2017-2021. All shares rank equally.
Accounting policies
Treasury shares
Treasury shares are deducted from the share capital upon cancellation at their nominal value of DKK 0.20 per share. Differences between this amount and the amount paid to acquire treasury shares are deducted directly in equity.
Dividend
A proposed dividend is recognised as a liability at the time of adoption at the Annual General Meeting (declaration date). The proposed dividend for the year is included in retained earnings.
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Profit for the year (mEUR) – owners of Vestas Wind Systems A/S | 167 | 765 |
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares | 1,009,867,260 | 989.280.994 |
| Weighted average number of treasury shares | (4,818,797) | (9,314,146) |
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding | 1,005,048,463 | 979,966,848 |
| Dilutive effect of restricted performance shares | 2,922,121 | 2,988,033 |
| Average number of shares outstanding including restricted performance shares | 1,007,970,584 | 982,954,880 |
| Earnings per share, EPS (EUR) | 0.17 | 0.78 |
| Earnings per shares, diluted, EPS-D (EUR) | 0.17 | 0.78 |
↑
On 28 April 2021, Vestas carried out a share split at a ratio of 1:5 with the record date 28 April 2021. Comparative figures has been restated to reflect the change in the numbers of shares.
The effective tax rate 2021 Our Corporate Tax Policy can be downloaded
efforts to make a positive contribution to local communities and create a sustainable planet
5.1 Income tax
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Current tax on profit for the year | (60) | 158 |
| Deferred tax on profit for the year | 123 | - |
| Tax on profit for the year | 63 | 158 |
| Change in income tax rate | (2) | - |
| Adjustments relating to previous years (net) | 20 | 5 |
| Income tax for the year recognised in the income statement, expense | 81 | 163 |
| Deferred tax on other comprehensive income for the year | 11 | (1) |
| Tax recognised in other comprehensive income, expense/(income) | 11 | (1) |
| Deferred tax on equity transactions | 9 | (7) |
| Tax recognised in equity | 9 | (7) |
| Total income taxes for the year, expense | 101 | 155 |
Computation of effective tax rate
Percent
Key accounting estimates
Income taxes and uncertain tax position
The Group continuously wants to be a compliant corporate tax citizen in collaboration with our operations and stakeholders and to support shareholder interest and our reputation. To ensure compliance, national and international tax laws as well as the OECD Guidelines are acknowledged and followed throughout the world.
The Group is subject to income taxes around the world and therefore recognise that significant judgement is required in determining the worldwide accrual for income taxes, deferred income tax assets and liabilities and provision for uncertain tax positions.
The global business implies that the Group may be subject to disputes on allocation of profits between different jurisdictions. Management judgement is applied to assess the expected outcome of such tax disputes which is provided for in provision for uncertain tax positions. Management believes that provisions made for uncertain tax positions not yet settled with local tax authorities at year end is adequate. However, the actual obligation may deviate and is dependent on the result of litigations and settlements with the relevant tax authorities.
Accounting policies
Tax for the year consists of current tax and deferred tax for the year including adjustments to previous years and changes in provision for uncertain tax positions. The tax attributable to the profit for the year is recognised in the income statement, whereas the tax attributable to equity transactions is recognised directly in equity. The tax expense relating to items recognised in other comprehensive income is recognised in other comprehensive income
Following developments in ongoing tax disputes primarily related to transfer pricing cases, uncertain tax positions are assessed individually and presented as part of non-current tax receivables or non-current tax payables. The UTPs that materialize and become certain or virtually certain are classified as current tax
Current tax liabilities and receivables are recognised in the balance sheet at the amounts calculated on the taxable income for the year adjusted for tax on taxable incomes for prior years and for taxes paid on account.
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Income tax as at 1 January, net assets/(liabilities) | (95) | (143) |
| Exchange rate adjustments | 0 | (15) |
| Adjustment from business combination | (235) | - |
| Income tax for the year | 60 | (158) |
| Adjustments relating to previous years | 5 | 19 |
| Addition as part of business combination | - | (40) |
| Settlements against VAT receivables | 21 | 23 |
| Income tax paid in the year | 174 | 219 |
| Income tax as at 31 December, net assets/(liabilities) | (70) | (95) |
| Receivables specified as follows: | ||
| 0-1 year | 102 | 121 |
| > 1 year | 229 | 201 |
| Income tax receivables | 331 | 322 |
| Liabilities specified as follows: | ||
| 0-1 year | (75) | (86) |
| > 1 year | (326) | (331) |
| Income tax liabilities | (401) | (417) |
5.2 Deferred tax
No provision is made for deferred tax regarding undistributed earnings in subsidiaries, as the Group controls the release of the obligation.
Deferred tax recognised on tax losses is mainly in jurisdictions where there are expiry limits. Out of total tax losses recognised EUR 30m (2020: EUR 14m) are subject to expiry limits. Following the Group transfer pricing policy these losses are expected to be utilised within the foreseeable future.
Of the total deferred tax relating to tax loss carry-forwards written down, EUR 0m (2020: EUR 0m) relates to Denmark. The recognised loss carry-forward relating to Denmark amounts to EUR 0m (2020: EUR 45m).
As many other multinational businesses, Vestas recognises the increased focus on the transfer pricing and the consequent allocation of profits to the relevant countries. Even though the Vestas' subsidiaries pay corporate tax in the countries in which they operate, Vestas is still part of a number of tax audits on different locations. Some of these disputes concern significant amounts and uncertainties. Vestas believes that the provisions made for uncertain tax positions not yet settled with the local tax authorities is adequate. However, the actual obligation may differ and is subject to the result of the litigations and settlements with the relevant tax authorities.
Key accounting estimates
Valuation of deferred tax assets
The Group recognises deferred tax assets, including the tax value of tax loss carry-forwards, where Management assesses that the tax assets may be utilised in the foreseeable future for set-off against positive taxable income. The assessment is made on an annual basis and is based on the budgets and business plans for future years, including planned business initiatives. Key parameters are expected revenue and EBIT development considering expected allocation of future taxable income based on the transfer pricing policy in place. Due to the uncertainties relating to allocation of profits Management has limited the forecast period used to determine the utilisation to three years.
Of the total tax loss carry-forwards, EUR 31m (2020: EUR 14m) is expected to be realised within 12 months, and EUR 65m (2020: EUR 65m) is expected to be realised later than 12 months after the balance sheet date.
The assessment in 2021 resulted in an additional write-down of deferred tax assets by EUR 32m (2020 EUR 7m reversal of write-down) with the write down being primarily due to the fact that certain jurisdictions have more tax assets than what is expected to be utilised in the foreseeable future.
As at 31 December 2021, the value of recognised deferred tax assets amounted to EUR 374m (2020: EUR 335m), of which EUR 86m (2020: EUR 34m) relates to tax loss carryforwards. The value of non-recognised tax assets totals EUR 101m (2020: EUR 69m), of which EUR 101m (2020: EUR 69m) relates to write-down of tax assets that are not expected to be utilised in the foreseeable future.
5.2 Deferred tax – continued
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Deferred tax as at 1 January, net assets | 177 | 177 |
| Exchange rate adjustments | 0 | (1) |
| Deferred tax on profit for the year | (123) | - |
| Adjustment relating to previous years | (25) | (24) |
| Changes in income tax rate | 2 | - |
| Deferred tax on equity transactions | (9) | 7 |
| Addition related to acquisitions and equity adjustments | 1 | 17 |
| Tax on other comprehensive income | (11) | 1 |
| Deferred tax as at 31 December, net assets | 12 | 177 |
| Deferred tax assets specified as follows: | ||
| Tax value of tax loss carry-forwards (net) | 86 | 34 |
| Intangible assets | (12) | - |
| Property, plant and equipment | (32) | (22) |
| Current assets | 182 | 112 |
| Provisions | 139 | 171 |
| Write-down of tax assets | (101) | (69) |
| Other1 | 112 | 109 |
| Deferred tax assets | 374 | 335 |
| Deferred tax provisions specified as follows: | ||
| Tax value of tax loss carry-forwards (net) | (13) | (45) |
| Intangible assets | 318 | 301 |
| Property, plant and equipment | 50 | 11 |
| Current assets | 71 | (5) |
| Provisions | (17) | (63) |
| Other | (47) | (41) |
| Deferred tax provisions | 362 | 158 |
1 Other mainly relates to deferred revenue and
share-based payment and hedges.
Accounting policies
Deferred tax is measured using the balance sheet liability method in respect of all temporary differences between the carrying amount and the tax base of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax is, however, not recognised in respect of temporary differences on initial recognition of goodwill and other items, apart from business acquisitions, where temporary differences have arisen at the time of acquisition without affecting the profit for the year or the taxable income. In cases where the computation of the tax base may be made according to different tax rules, deferred tax is measured on the basis of management's intended use of the asset and settlement of the liability, respectively.
Deferred tax assets, including the tax base of tax loss carryforwards, are recognised in other non-current assets at the value at which the asset is expected to be realised, either by elimination of tax on future earnings or by set-off against deferred tax liabilities within the same legal tax entity and jurisdiction.
Deferred tax assets are reviewed on an annual basis and are only recognised when it is probable that they will be utilised in future periods.
Adjustments are made to deferred tax to take account of the elimination of unrealised inter-company profits and losses.
Deferred tax is measured on the basis of the tax rules and tax rates of the respective countries that will be effective when the deferred tax is expected to crystallise as current tax based on the legislation at the balance sheet date. Changes to deferred tax due to changes to tax rates are recognised in the income statement except for items recognised directly in equity.
6 Other disclosures
- → 6.1 Audit fees
- → 6.2 Business combinations
- → 6.3 Related party transactions
- → 6.4 Contingent assets, liabilities, and contractual obligations
- → 6.5 Non-cash transactions
- → 6.6 Subsequent events
- → 6.7 Legal entities
registered in more than 70 different countries.
6.1 Audit fees
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Audit: | ||
| PricewaterhouseCoopers | 3 | 3 |
| Total audit | 3 | 3 |
| Non-audit services: | ||
| PricewaterhouseCoopers | ||
| Assurance engagements | - | - |
| Tax assistance | 1 | 1 |
| Other services | 1 | - |
| Total non-audit services | 2 | 1 |
| Total | 5 | 4 |
Vestas's policy is to follow the 70 percent fee cap restriction on non-audit services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab, Denmark, the auditor of the parent company. PricewaterhouseCoopers Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab complies with the 70 percent fee cap restriction in 2021.
Non-audit services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab, Denmark, amounted to EUR 2m, relating to advisory services and tax compliance advices.
6.3 Related party transactions
Related party transactions
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Joint ventures | ||
| Revenue for the period | 402 | 535 |
| Proceeds from investments in JV's | 50 | - |
| Capital contribution | 38 | 1 |
| Receivables as at 31 December | 52 | 52 |
| Prepayments received balance as at 31 December | 11 | - |
| Other receivables balance as at 31 December | 6 | 3 |
| Associates | ||
| Revenue for the period | 106 | 16 |
| Proceeds from investments in associates | 10 | - |
| Capital contribution | 3 | - |
| Payable capital contribution as at 31 December | 47 | 43 |
| Receivables | 23 | - |
| Prepayments paid balance as at 31 December | 10 | - |
| Other assets balance at 31 December | 28 | - |
Vestas has had the following material transaction with joint ventures and associates:
←
6.2 Business combinations
On 14 December 2020, Vestas completed the acquisition of 50 percent of the shares in MHI Vestas Offshore A/S (MVOW), whereafter Vestas obtained control of MVOW. As part of the acquisition, Vestas provisionally recognised net asset acquired at fair value and goodwill in compliance with Vestas' accounting policy as the difference between the net assets acquired and the consideration transferred.
Key accounting judgement
Recognition of tax effects from post-acquisition transactions As part of the MVOW business acquisition, Vestas planned to integrate the MVOW business in Vestas' legal structure transferring all tangible and intangible assets to
Vestas Wind Systems A/S. The restructuring and transfer of MVOW's assets have been completed during Q4 2021 resulting in taxation of the transactions between MVOW and Vestas Wind Systems A/S. The restructuring and derived taxation is considered directly related to the acquisition of MVOW. Consequently, Vestas has adjusted the provisional acquisition balance impacting tax liabilities and goodwill in the fourth quarter of 2021. The adjustment increases goodwill with EUR 235m and tax liabilities with EUR 235m, respectively. Refer to note 3.1 and 5.1, where the impact from the adjustment on goodwill and tax liabilities has been presented.
Except from the above, no material change has been recognized impacting the provisional acquisition balance considered finalised as at 31 December 2021.
Related parties are considered to be the Board and the Executive Management of Vestas Wind Systems A/S together with their immediate families. Related parties also include entities which are controlled or jointly controlled by the aforementioned individuals.
Transactions with the Board and Executive Management
normal management remuneration, refer to note 1.4.
Transactions with the Executive Management only consist of
With the exception of the board members elected by the employees, no members of the Board of Directors have been employed by Vestas in 2021.
On 30 December 2021, Vestas entered into a binding share purchase agreement with an associate to sell its shareholding in an onshore wind power plant project under development by Vestas at a consideration of EUR 64m. The related production costs amounted to EUR 19m. As at 31 December 2021, receivable sales price relating to the sale amounted to EUR 23m. Further information is provided in note 1.2.
6.4 Contingent assets, liabilities, and contractual obligations
Guarantees and indemnities
Vestas provides indemnities and guarantees to third parties on behalf of non-Vestas entities and joint ventures with a notional amount of EUR 17m (2020: EUR 52m). No guarantees have been utilised during 2021 or in previous years and none of the indemnities are expected at the balance sheet date to be utilised.
Contingent liabilities
Vestas has entered into binding contracts concerning purchase of property, plant and equipment to be delivered in 2022 and future periods at a value of EUR 85m (2020: EUR 105m). In addition, the Group has a contractual commitment to pay EUR 3m in 2022 for the use of certain technology rights owned by a third party.
Vestas is involved in a number of litigation proceedings. However, it is Management's opinion that settlement or continuation of these proceedings will not have a material effect on the financial position of the Group. Refer to note. 5.2 concerning contingent liabilities on transfer pricing.
Contingent assets
Vestas has made supplier claims for faulty deliveries. However, it is Management's opinion that settlement of these are not virtually certain, and therefore not recognised in the financial position of Vestas, except for supplier claims accounted for as other receivables, refer note 2.5.
6.5 Non-cash transactions
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Amortisation, impairment and depreciation for the year of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment |
989 | 684 |
| Gain from disposal of joint venture | - | (383) |
| Share of (profit)/loss from investments in joint ventures and associates, incl. other relating transactions |
(36) | 52 |
| Warranty provisions in the year (net) | (104) | 367 |
| Other provisions in the year | 48 | 26 |
| Interest income | (19) | (16) |
| Interest expenses | 39 | 40 |
| Income tax for the year | 81 | 163 |
| Cost of share-based payments | 13 | 16 |
| Gains from property, plant and equipment | 6 | 9 |
| Adjustments for staff related accruals | - | (33) |
| Other adjustments for non-cash transactions incl. foreign currency adjustments | (12) | (122) |
| Total | 1,005 | 803 |
6.6 Subsequent events
Other than the events recognised or disclosed in the consolidated financial statements, no events have occurred subsequent to 31 December 2021 which could have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.
6.7 Legal entities¹
| Name and country | Ownership (%) | Name and country | Ownership (%) | Name and country | Ownership (%) | Name and country | Ownership (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parent company | Sales and service units | Vestas Wind Technology India Pvt Limited, India | 100 | Vestas Southern Africa Pty. Ltd., South Africa | 80 | ||
| Vestas Wind Systems A/S, Denmark | Vestas Americas A/S, Denmark | 100 | Vestas Japan Co. Ltd., Japan | 100 | Vestas Ukraine LLC, Ukraine | 100 | |
| Vestas America Holding Inc., USA | 100 | Vestas Wind Technology Pakistan (Private) Limited, | Vestas Central Europe d.o.o. Beograd, Serbia | 100 | |||
| Vestas - American Wind Technology Inc., USA | 100 | Pakistan | 100 | Vestas Belgium SA, Belgium | 100 | ||
| Production units | Vestas - Canadian Wind Technology Inc., USA | 100 | Vestas Wind Technology (Thailand) Ltd., Thailand | 100 | Vestas Georgia LLC, Georgia | 100 | |
| Vestas Nacelles America, Inc., USA | 100 | Vestas - Portland HQ LLC, USA | 100 | Vestas Wind Technology Vietnam LLC, Vietnam | 100 | Availon Holding GmbH, Germany | 100 |
| Vestas Blades America, Inc., USA | 100 | Vestas Upwind Solutions Inc., USA | 100 | Vestas Mongolia LLC, Mongolia | 100 | Availon GmbH, Germany² | 100 |
| Vestas Manufacturing A/S, Denmark | 100 | Availon Inc., USA | 100 | Vestas Central Europe A/S, Denmark | 100 | Vestas Mediterranean A/S, Denmark | 100 |
| Vestas Blades Deutschland GmbH, Germany² | 100 | Steelhead Americas, LLC, USA | 100 | Vestas Deutschland GmbH, Germany² | 100 | Vestas Italia S.r.l., Italy | 100 |
| WPT Nord GmbH, Germany | 100 | Steelhead Wind 1 LLC, USA | 100 | Vestas Services GmbH, Germany² | 100 | Vestas Hellas Wind Technology S.A., Greece | 100 |
| Vestas Blades Italia S.r.l., Italy | 100 | Steelhead Wind 2 LLC, USA | 100 | Vestas Benelux B.V., The Netherlands | 100 | Vestas Eólica S.A., Spain | 100 |
| Vestas Wind Technology (China) Co. Ltd., China | 100 | Steelhead Wind 2a LLC, USA | 100 | Vestas Österreich GmbH, Austria | 100 | Vestas France SAS, France | 100 |
| Vestas Manufacturing Spain S.L.U., Spain | 100 | Vestas Asia Pacific A/S , Denmark | 100 | Vestas Czech Republic s.r.o., Czech Republic | 100 | Vestas WTG Mexico S.A. de C.V., Mexico | 100 |
| Vestas Control Systems Spain S.L.U., Spain | 100 | Vestas Asia Pacific Wind Technology Pte. Ltd., Singapore 100 | Vestas Hungary Kft., Hungary | 100 | Vestas Mexicana del Viento S.A. de C.V., Mexico | 100 | |
| Vestas Nacelles Deutschland GmbH, Germany² | 100 | Vestas - Australian Wind Technology Pty. Ltd., Australia 100 | Vestas Bulgaria EOOD, Bulgaria | 100 | Vestas do Brasil Energia Eolica Ltda., Brazil | 100 | |
| Vestas Offshore Wind A/S, Denmark | 100 | Vestas Korea Wind Technology Ltd., South Korea | 100 | Vestas CEU Romania S.R.L, Romania | 100 | Vestas Argentina S.A., Argentina | 100 |
| Vestas Manufacturing RUS OOO, Russia | 100 | Vestas New Zealand Wind Technology Ltd., | Vestas Central Europe-Zagreb d.o.o, Croatia | 100 | Vestas Chile Turbinas Eólica Limitada Santiago, Chile | 100 | |
| New Zealand | 100 | Vestas Slovakia spol S.r.o., Slovakia | 100 | Vestas Rüzgar Enerjisi Sistemleri | |||
| Vestas Taiwan Ltd., Taiwan | 100 | Vestas RUS OOO, Russia | 100 | Sanayi Ve Ticaret Ltd. Sirketi, Turkey | 100 | ||
| Vestas Wind Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., China | 100 | Vestas Eastern Africa Ltd., Kenya | 100 | Vestas Turbinas Eólicas de Uruguay S.A., Uruguay | 100 |
Companies of immaterial significance have been left out of the overview.
2 Vestas Deutschland GmbH, Vestas Blades Deutschland GmbH, Vestas Nacelles Deutschland GmbH, Vestas Services GmbH and Availon GmbH, wholly owned subsidiaries of Vestas Wind Systems A/S, claiming not to prepare notes and management report to its financial statements pursuant to the relief provision of section 264 Abs. 3 HGB.
6.7 Legal entities¹ – continued
| Name and country | Ownership (%) | Name and country | Ownership (%) | Name and country | Ownership (%) | Name and country | Ownership (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vestas MED (Cyprus) Ltd., Cyprus | 100 | UpWind Solutions Canada, Ltd., Canada | 100 | Portugal Unipessoal Lda. Portugal | 100 | Vestas Service Delivery Center - Szczecin sp Z.o.o., | |
| Vestas Nicaragua SA, Nicaragua | 100 | Vestas Kazakhstan LLP, Kazakhstan | 100 | Vestas Offshore Wind Poland Z.O.O, Poland | 100 | Poland | 100 |
| Vestas CV Limitada, The Republic of Cape Verde | 100 | Vestas Overseas Panamá S.A., Panama | 100 | Vestas Offshore Wind Belgium NV, Belgium | 100 | Vestas Cantabria Prototype SL, Spain | 100 |
| Vestas Wind Systems Dominican Republic S.R.L., | Vestas Portugal, LDA, Portugal | 100 | Vestas Offshore Wind US inc., USA | 100 | |||
| Dominican Republic | 100 | Vestas Senegal S.A.R.L.U, Senegal | 100 | Vestas Offshore Wind Taiwan Ltd., Taiwan | 100 | ||
| Vestas Peru S.A.C., Peru | 100 | Vestas Wind Lanka (PVT) Ltd., Sri Lanka | 100 | Vestas Offshore Wind Japan Ltd, Japan | 100 | Joint ventures | |
| Vestas Middle East S.L.U., Spain | 100 | Vestas Kompozit Kanat Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim | Emerging Markets Power (Holdings) Limited, Ireland | 50 | |||
| Vestas Costa Rica S.A., Costa Rica | 100 | Şirketi Şirketi, Turkey | 100 | Airpower Windfarms Private Ltd., India | 50 | ||
| Vestas Moroc SARLAV, Casablanca, Morocco | 100 | UpWind Holdings, LLC, USA | 100 | Other subsidiaries | AQN SRW2 Holdings, LLC, USA | 21 | |
| Vestas Jamaica Wind Technology Ltd., Jamaica | 100 | Utopus Insights, Inc., USA | 100 | Vestas Wind Systems (China) Co. Ltd., China | 100 | Helena Wind Holdco, LLC, USD | 20 |
| Vestas Guatemala, Guatemala | 100 | NEG Micon UK Ltd., United Kingdom | 100 | Vestas Switzerland AG, Switzerland | 100 | Panorama Wind, LLC, USD | 20 |
| Availon LDA Portugal, Portugal | 100 | NEG Micon Australia Pty. Ltd., Australia | 100 | Vestas Services Philippines Inc., Philippines | 100 | BSW US Holdings, LLC, USA | 20 |
| Availon Iberia S.L., Spain | 100 | Vestas Honduras, S.A. De C.V., Honduras | 100 | Vestas India Holding A/S, Denmark | 100 | ||
| Vestas Northern Europe A/S, Denmark | 100 | Vestas Colombia S.A.S, Colombia | 100 | Wind Power Invest A/S, Denmark | 100 | ||
| Vestas - Celtic Wind Technology Ltd., United Kingdom | 100 | Vestas Saudi Arabia Limited Co., Saudi Arabia | 100 | Vestas Technology (UK) Limited, United Kingdom | 100 | Associates | |
| Vestas Northern Europe AB, Sweden | 100 | Vestas El Salvador, S.A. De C.V., El Salvador | 100 | Vestas Technology R&D Singapore Pte. Ltd., Singapore | 100 | Blakliden Fäbodberget Holding AB, Sweden | 40 |
| Vestas Poland Sp.z.o.o., Poland | 100 | Roaring Fork Wind, LLC, USA | 100 | Vestas Technology R&D Chennai Pte. Ltd., India | 100 | SoWiTec Group GmbH, Germany | 25 |
| Vestas Ireland Ltd., Ireland | 100 | Vestas Offshore Wind Sweden AB, Sweden | 100 | Vestas Technology R&D (Beijing) Co. Ltd., China | 100 | Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S, Denmark | 25 |
| Vestas Norway AS, Norway | 100 | Vestas Offshore Wind UK Ltd., United Kingdom | 100 | ||||
| Vestas Finland Oy, Finland | 100 | Vestas Offshore WInd Blades UK Ltd., United Kingdom | 100 | Vestas Shared Service (Spain), S.L.U., Spain | 100 | ||
| Vestas Mediterranean A/S Sucursal, Bolivia | 100 | Vestas Offshore Wind France SAS, France | 100 | Vestas BCP Philippines Inc., Philippines Vestas Shared Service A/S, Denmark |
100 100 |
||
1 Companies of immaterial significance have been left out of the overview.
2 Vestas Deutschland GmbH, Vestas Blades Deutschland GmbH, Vestas Nacelles Deutschland GmbH, Vestas Services GmbH and Availon GmbH, wholly owned subsidiaries of Vestas Wind Systems A/S, claiming not to prepare notes and management report to its financial statements pursuant to the relief provision of section 264 Abs. 3 HGB.
7 Basis for preparation
- → 7.1 General accounting policies
- → 7.2 Change in accounting policies
- → 7.3 Key accounting estimates and judgements
Consolidated financial statements, financial performance, and notes
7.1 General accounting policies
The Annual Report of Vestas Wind Systems A/S comprises the consolidated financial statements of Vestas Wind Systems A/S and its subsidiaries and separate financial statements of the parent company, Vestas Wind Systems A/S.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU and the additional Danish disclosure requirements for listed companies, the Danish Statutory Order on Adoption of IFRS issued pursuant to the Danish Financial Statements Act.
Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost method, except for the derivative financial instruments and marketable securities, which are measured at fair value and non-current assets held for sale, which are measured at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell.
The consolidated financial statements are presented in million Euro.
This note describes the general accounting policies. Other accounting policies are described in the separate notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Materiality in the financial reporting
For the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, Vestas discloses the information required according to IFRS, unless such information is deemed immaterial or irrelevant.
A judgement is made of whether more detailed specifications are necessary in the presentation of Vestas' assets, liabilities, financial position, and results. All judgements are made with due consideration of legislation and the consolidated financial statements as a whole presenting a true and fair view.
Consolidated financial statements
The consolidated financial statements comprise Vestas Wind Systems A/S (the parent company) and the subsidiaries over which Vestas Wind Systems A/S exercises control. Vestas Wind Systems A/S and its subsidiaries together are referred to as the Group.
Joint arrangements are classified as either joint operations or joint ventures depending on the contractual rights and obligations of each investor. Vestas has assessed the nature of its joint arrangements and determined them to be joint ventures.
An overview of Vestas legal entities is provided on pages 115-116.
The consolidated financial statements are prepared from the Financial statements of the parent company and subsidiaries by combining accounting items of a uniform nature, with subsequent elimination of intercompany income and expenses, shareholdings, intercompany balances and dividends as well as unrealised profits and losses on transactions between consolidated entities.
The consolidated financial statements are based on financial statements prepared under the accounting policies of Vestas.
Translation policies
Functional currency and presentation currency
Assets, liabilities and transactions of each of the reporting entities of Vestas are measured in the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the functional currency). Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency are transactions in foreign currencies. The functional currency of the parent company is Danish kroner (DKK); however, due to Vestas' international relations, the consolidated financial statements are presented in Euro (EUR).
Translation into presentation currency
The balance sheet is translated into the presentation currency at the Euro rate at the balance sheet date. In the income statement the transaction date rates are based on average rates for the individual months to the extent that this does not materially distort the presentation of the underlying transactions.
Translation of transactions and amounts
Transactions in foreign currencies are initially translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates at the dates of transaction. Exchange adjustments arising due to differences between the transaction date rates and the rates at the dates of payment are recognised as financial income or financial costs in the income statement. Receivables, payables and other monetary items in foreign currencies not settled at the balance sheet date are translated at the exchange rates at the balance sheet date. Exchange adjustments arising due to differences between the rates at the balance sheet date and the transaction date rates are recognised as financial income or financial costs in the income statement.
Translation of Vestas entities
On recognition in the consolidated financial statements of foreign entities with a functional currency that differs from the presentation currency of Vestas, income statements are translated at transaction date rates, and balance sheet items are translated at the exchange rates at the balance sheet date. The transaction date rates are based on average rates for the individual months to the extent that this does not materially distort the presentation of the underlying transaction. Exchange adjustments arising on the translation of the opening equity of foreign entities at exchange rates at the balance sheet date and on the translation of income statements from transaction date rates to exchange rates at the balance sheet date are recognised in other comprehensive income.
Exchange adjustments of balances with foreign entities that are treated as part of the total net investment in the entity in question are recognised in other comprehensive income in the consolidated financial statements.
On recognition in the consolidated financial statements of investments accounted for using the equity method with functional currencies that differ from the presentation currency of Vestas, the shares of results for the year are translated at average exchange rates. The shares of equity including goodwill are translated at the exchange rates at the balance sheet date. Exchange adjustments arising on the translation of the share of the opening equity of foreign investments accounted for using the equity method at exchange rates at the balance sheet date and on the translation of the share of results for the year from average exchange rates to exchange rates at the balance sheet date are recognised in other comprehensive income.
On full or partial disposal of foreign entities, resulting in a loss of control or on repayment of balances treated as part of the net investment, the share of the accumulated exchange adjustments recognised in other comprehensive income, is recognised in the income statement at the same time as any profit or loss on the disposal.
Income statement
Financial investments
Financial investments consist of interest-bearing investments which do not meet the definition for cash and cash equivalents. On initial recognition financial investments are recognised in the balance sheet at fair value. Subsequently assets held within the business model hold to collect are re-measured at amortised cost and assets hold to sell are remeasured at fair value through profit or loss. Any changes in the fair values of financial investments remeasured at fair value are recognised in the income statement as financial items.
7.1 General accounting policies – continued
Equity
Translation reserve
The translation reserve in the consolidated financial statements comprises exchange rate adjustments arising on the translation of the financial statements of foreign entities from their functional currencies into the presentation currency of Vestas (EUR).
Upon full or part realisation of the net investment in foreign entities, exchange adjustments are recognised in the income statement.
Cash flow hedging reserve
The cash flow hedging reserve in the consolidated financial statements comprises gains and losses on fair value adjustments of forward exchange contracts concerning future transactions as well as hedging in connection with commodities.
Cash flow statement
The cash flow statement shows Vestas' cash flows for the year, broken down by operating, investing and financing activities, changes for the year in cash and cash equivalents as well as Vestas' cash and cash equivalents at the beginning and end of the year. Cash flows relating to acquired entities are recognised from the date of acquisition. Cash flows relating to entities disposed of are recognised until the date of disposal.
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash flows from operating activities are calculated as the net profit/loss for the year adjusted for non-cash operating items such as depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses, provisions, changes in working capital, interest received and paid and income tax paid. Working capital comprises current assets less short-term debt, which does not include current bank loans.
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash flows from investing activities comprise cash flows from business acquisitions and disposals and from acquisitions and disposals of intangible assets, property, plant and equipment as well as other non-current assets. The cash flow effect of business acquisitions and sales is shown separately. The establishment of leases is treated as non-cash transactions.
Cash flows from financing activities
Cash flows from financing activities comprise changes to the amount or composition of Vestas' share capital and related expenses as well as the raising of loans, repayment of interestbearing debt, repayment of lease liabilities, acquisition and sale of treasury shares together with distribution of dividends to shareholders.
ESEF Regulation
The ESEF Regulation sets out the following main requirements: (1) Issuers shall draw up and disclose their annual financial reports using the XHTML format; and (2) issuers that draw-up their primary consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS as endorsed by the EU shall tag those consolidated financial statements using inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL) and with effect from the 2022 Annual Report block-tag the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
iXBRL tags shall comply with the ESEF taxonomy, which is included in the ESEF Regulation and developed based on the IFRS taxonomy published by the IFRS Foundation.
As part of the tagging process financial statement line items are marked up to elements in the ESEF taxonomy. If a financial statement line item is not defined in the ESEF taxonomy, an extension to the taxonomy is created. Extensions have to be anchored to elements in the ESEF taxonomy, except for extensions which are subtotals.
The Annual Report submitted to the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority (The Officially Appointed Mechanisms) consists of the XHTML document together with some technical files all included in a ZIP file named VWS-2021-12-31.zip.
7.2 Change in accounting policies
Implementation of new accounting standards, amendments and interpretations
The following accounting standards, amendments (IAS and IFRS) and interpretations have been implemented as at 1 January 2021:
ż Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 2 (Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16)
The implementation has not had a significant impact on recognition, measurement or disclosures in the Annual Report 2021 and is not expected to have significant impact on the financial reporting for future periods.
In April 2021, the International Financial Reporting Standards Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) issued a final agenda decision relating to Configuration or customisation costs in a cloud computing arrangement. The decision discusses whether configuration or customisation expenditure relating to cloud computing arrangements is able to be recognised as an intangible asset and if not, over what time period the expenditure is expensed.
Vestas' accounting policy has historically been to capitalise all costs related to cloud computing arrangements as intangible assets in the Balance sheet. The adoption of this agenda decision could result in a reclassification of these intangible assets to either a prepaid asset in the balance sheet and/or recognition as an expense in the income statement, impacting both the current and/or prior periods presented.
Vestas has not adopted this IFRIC agenda decision. The Group expects to adopt this IFRIC agenda decision in its first quarter financial statements ending on 31 March 2022. Vestas' preliminary analysis indicates that this change in policy will reduce the 2022 opening balance of intangible assets and retained earnings by approximately EUR 50m to EUR 80m.
Effective from 1 January 2023, IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts (IFRS 17), will replace IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts (IFRS 4). IFRS 17 applies to all types of insurance contracts, regardless of the type of entities that issue them, as well as to certain guarantees and financial instruments with discretionary participation features. A few scope exceptions will apply. Vestas is yet to access the impact of this standard; however it is expected to apply to certain services agreements.
New standards and interpretations, not yet adopted by EU
IASB has issued new or amended accounting standards and interpretations that have not yet become effective and have consequently not been implemented in the consolidated financial statements for 2021. Vestas will adopt the accounting standards and interpretations when they become mandatory.
7.3 Key accounting estimates and judgements
When preparing the consolidated financial statements of Vestas, Management makes several accounting estimates and assumptions which impact the recognition and measurement of Vestas' financial statements.
The key accounting estimates and judgements, which may have a significant impact on the financial statements are listed below. The nature of accounting impact of key accounting estimates and judgements is described in the relevant notes.
The impact of key accounting estimates and judgements is divided into three categories from low to high. The rating is based on a combined assessment of materiality, complexity, subjectivity and estimation uncertainty and indicates the impact on amounts recognised and carrying values of assets or liabilities:
Low Medium High
Key accounting estimates
The key accounting estimates made are based on assumptions, that are supported by experience, historical trends and other factors that Management assesses to be reasonable, but that by nature are associated with inherent uncertainty and unpredictability.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. If necessary, changes are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised. Management considers the key accounting estimates to be reasonable and appropriate based on currently available information.
Key accounting judgments are made when applying certain accounting policies. Management considers the accounting judgements made are consistent and reflect the most fair and true view of Vestas' financial position and results of the Group's operations.
| Note | Key accounting estimates and judgements | Estimate/ judgement |
Impact of accounting estimates and judgements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 Revenue | Estimate regarding recognition of contract elements | Estimate | |
| Estimate of stage of completion | Estimate | ||
| Judgement regarding method for recognition of revenue from Supply-and-installation contracts | Judgement | ||
| Judgement regarding sale of onshore wind farm project | Judgement | ||
| 1.6 Special items | Judgement regarding classification in the income statement | Judgement | |
| 2.2 Inventories | Estimates of net realisable value | Estimate | |
| 2.5 Other receivables | Estimates of allowance for doubtful VAT receivables | Estimate | |
| 3.6 Provisions | Estimates for warranty provisions | Estimate | |
| 5.1 Income tax | Estimates included in income tax assessment and uncertain tax position | Estimate | |
| 5.2 Deferred tax | Estimate of deferred tax assets valuation | Estimate | |
| 6.2 Business combinations | Judgement regarding post-acquisition transaction being an integrated part of the business combination |
Judgement |
| Income statement 122 | |
|---|---|
| Balance sheet 123 | |
| Statement of changes in equity 124 | |
| 1. | Result for the year 125 | |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Revenue 125 | |
| 1.2 | Costs 125 |
| 2. | Working capital | 125 |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | Inventories 125 |
| 4.1 | Financial risks 128 | |
|---|---|---|
| 4.2 | Financial liabilities 128 | |
| 4.3 | Financial items 128 |
| 5.1 | Income tax 129 | |
|---|---|---|
| 5.2 | Deferred tax 129 | |
| 6. | Other disclosures | 129 |
| 6.1 | Audit fees 129 | |
| 6.2 | Related party transactions 129 | |
| 6.3 | Ownership 129 | |
| 7. | Basis for preparation | 129 |
| 7.1 | General accounting policies 129 | |
Income statement
1 January - 31 December
| mEUR | Note | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 1.1 | 1,443 | 1,755 |
| Production costs | 1.2 | (1,447) | (1,250) |
| Gross profit | (4) | 505 | |
| Administration costs | 1.2 | (460) | (300) |
| Operating profit (EBIT) | (464) | 205 | |
| Income/loss from investments in subsidiaries | 3.4 | 353 | 197 |
| Income/loss from investments in associates including joint venture | 3.4 | 0 | 340 |
| Financial income | 4.3 | 84 | 64 |
| Financial costs | 4.2 | (111) | (87) |
| Profit before tax | (138) | 719 | |
| Income tax | 5.1 | 220 | 33 |
| Profit for the year | 82 | 752 | |
| Proposed distribution of profit: | |||
| Reserve for net revaluation under the equity method | 353 | 154 | |
| Retained earnings | (321) | 368 | |
| Proposed dividends | 50 | 230 | |
| Profit for the year | 82 | 752 |
Balance sheet
31 December
| Assets | ||
|---|---|---|
| mEUR Note |
2021 | 2020 |
| Intangible assets 3.1 |
2,668 | 889 |
| Property, plant, and equipment 3.2, 3.3 |
402 | 257 |
| Investments in subsidiaries 3.4 |
4,245 | 3,738 |
| Investments in associates including joint venture 3.4 |
4 | 1 |
| Marketable securities | 100 | 100 |
| Other investments | 5 | 5 |
| Other receivables | 67 | 71 |
| Tax receivables | 339 | 201 |
| Total financial fixed assets | 4,760 | 4,116 |
| Total non-current assets | 7,830 | 5,262 |
| Inventories 2.1 |
202 | 169 |
| Receivables from subsidiaries | 7,005 | 3,776 |
| Other receivables | 345 | 324 |
| Prepayments 3.5 |
28 | 21 |
| Tax receivables | 312 | 33 |
| Total receivables | 7,690 | 4,154 |
| Marketable securities | - | - |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 1,963 | 2,294 |
| Total current assets | 9,855 | 6,617 |
| Total assets | 17,685 | 11,879 |
Equity and liabilities
| mEUR Note |
2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Share capital | 27 | 27 |
| Reserve for net revaluation under the equity method | 843 | 340 |
| Reserve for capitalised development cost | 706 | 629 |
| Translation reserve | 15 | 13 |
| Dividend | 50 | 230 |
| Retained earnings | 2,801 | 3,194 |
| Total equity | 4,442 | 4,433 |
| Warranty provisions 3.6 |
541 | 456 |
| Deferred tax 5.2 |
229 | 98 |
| Total non-current provisions | 770 | 554 |
| Other liabilities | 6 | 37 |
| Financial debts 3.3,4.2 |
146 | 590 |
| Total non-current debt | 152 | 627 |
| Total non-current liabilities | 922 | 1,181 |
| Financial debts 3.3,4.2 |
536 | 20 |
| Warranty provisions 3.6 |
649 | 523 |
| Trade payables | 354 | 230 |
| Payables to subsidiaries | 10,589 | 5,203 |
| Other liabilities | 193 | 289 |
| Total current liabilities | 12,321 | 6,265 |
| Total liabilities | 13,243 | 7,446 |
| Total equity and liabilities | 17,685 | 11,879 |
Statement of changes in equity
1 January - 31 December
| Reserves | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 mEUR |
Share capital | Reserve under the equity method |
Reserve for capitalised development cost |
Translation reserve |
Dividend | Retained earnings |
Total |
| Equity as at 1 January | 27 | 340 | 629 | 13 | 230 | 3,194 | 4,433 |
| Exchange rate adjustments relating to foreign entities | - | 122 | - | - | - | - | 122 |
| Exchange rate adjustments | - | - | - | 2 | - | - | 2 |
| Fair value adjustments of derivative financial instruments | - | 51 | - | - | - | - | 51 |
| Tax on fair value adjustments of derivative financial instruments | - | (12) | - | - | - | - | (12) |
| Paid dividend | - | - | - | - | (228) | - | (228) |
| Paid dividend related to treasury stock | - | - | - | - | (2) | 2 | - |
| Proposed dividend | - | - | - | - | 50 | (50) | - |
| Proposed dividend related to treasury stock | - | - | - | - | 0 | 0 | - |
| Capitalised development cost | - | - | 99 | - | - | (99) | - |
| Tax on capitalised development cost | - | - | (22) | - | - | 22 | - |
| Aquisition of treasury shares | - | - | - | - | - | (12) | (12) |
| Share-based payments | - | (11) | - | - | - | 24 | 13 |
| Tax on share-based payments | - | - | - | - | - | (9) | (9) |
| Profit for the year | - | 353 | - | - | - | (271) | 82 |
| Equity as at 31 December | 27 | 843 | 706 | 15 | 50 | 2,801 | 4,442 |
Parent company financial statements and notes Statements Additional information
1 Result for the year
1.1 Revenue
Revenue in the parent company consists of sale of spare parts and royalty income from other Group companies.
1.2 Costs
For information regarding remuneration to the Board of Directors and to the Executive Management for the parent company ref. note 1.4 to the consolidated financial statements. Pension schemes in the parent company consist solely of defined contribution plans and the company does therefore not carry the actuarial risk or the investment risk. For management incentive programmes, refer to note 1.5 to the consolidated financial statements.
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Staff costs are specified as follows: |
||
| Wages and salaries, etc. | 256 | 238 |
| Pension schemes | 17 | 15 |
| Other social security costs | 2 | 2 |
| Total | 275 | 255 |
| Average number of employees in Vestas Wind Systems A/S |
2,452 | 2,161 |
3 Other operating assets and liabilities
3.1 Intangible assets
Included in software are internally completed IT projects amounting to EUR 82m as at 31 December 2021 (2020: EUR 103m).
For development projects in progress, refer to note 3.1 to the consolidated financial statements.
Goodwill
Goodwill is included in the item "Goodwill" or in the item "Investments accounted for using the equity method" and is amortised over the estimated useful life determined on the basis of Management's experience with the individual business areas. Goodwill is amortised on a straight-line basis over the amortisation period, which is a maximum of 20 years.
| mEUR | Goodwill | Completed development projects |
Software | Other intangible assets |
Development projects in progress |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost as at 1 January | 75 | 2,227 | 502 | 15 | 165 | 2,984 |
| Additions | 1,070 | 79 | 3 | 494 | 533 | 2,179 |
| Transfers | - | 230 | 50 | - | (280) | - |
| Cost as at 31 December | 1,145 | 2,536 | 555 | 509 | 418 | 5,163 |
| Amortisation as at 1 January | 25 | 1,702 | 356 | 12 | - | 2,095 |
| Amortisation for the year | 53 | 215 | 65 | 67 | - | 400 |
| Amortisation as at 31 December | 78 | 1,917 | 421 | 79 | - | 2,495 |
| Carrying amount as at 31 December | 1,067 | 619 | 134 | 430 | 418 | 2,668 |
| Amortisation period | 20 years | 2–5 years | 3–5 years | 3–7 years |
2 Working capital
2.1 Inventories
Inventories relate to spare part activities.
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Raw materials and consumables |
197 | 164 |
| Work in progress | 5 | 5 |
| Total | 202 | 169 |
3 Other operating assets and liabilities – continued
3.2 Property, plant, equiptment
| Property, plant, and equipment, 2021 mEUR |
Land and buildings |
Plant and machinery |
Other fixtures and fittings, tools, and equipment |
Property, plant and equipment in progress |
Right-of use assets |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost as at 1 January | 201 | 99 | 233 | 11 | 141 | 685 |
| Additions | 3 | 5 | 79 | 36 | 101 | 224 |
| Disposals | - | - | (47) | - | - | (47) |
| Cost as at 31 December | 204 | 104 | 265 | 47 | 242 | 862 |
| Depreciation as at 1 January | 144 | 73 | 175 | - | 36 | 428 |
| Depreciation for the year | 7 | 4 | 31 | - | 34 | 76 |
| Depreciations on disposals for the year | - | - | (44) | - | - | (44) |
| Depreciation as at 31 December | 151 | 77 | 162 | - | 70 | 460 |
| Carrying amount as at 31 December | 53 | 27 | 103 | 47 | 172 | 402 |
| Depreciation period | 10–40 years | 3–10 years | 3–5 years | 2–20 years |
| 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Total | ||||||
| 73 | 5 | 27 | 105 | 36 | 4 | 5 | 45 |
| - | - | - | - | 1 | - | - | 1 |
| (24) | (4) | (6) | (34) | (8) | (4) | (7) | (19) |
| - | - | - | - | (4) | - | - | (4) |
| 90 | 5 | 6 | 101 | 48 | 5 | 29 | 82 |
| 139 | 6 | 27 | 172 | 73 | 5 | 27 | 105 |
| Depreciation charge for the year | Property Vehicles Equipment | Property Vehicles Equipment |
| Maturity analysis – contractual undiscounted cash flow |
||
|---|---|---|
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
| Less than one year | 35 | 21 |
| One to five years | 93 | 61 |
| More than five years | 63 | 34 |
| Total undiscounted lease liabilities as at 31 December |
191 | 116 |
| Lease liabilities included in the statement of financial |
||
| position as at 31 December | 182 | 111 |
| Current | 146 | 20 |
| Non-current | 36 | 91 |
Total lease expenses recognised in the income statement
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Interest expense on lease liabilities |
2 | 1 |
| Variable lease payments not included in the measurement of lease liabilities |
0 | 0 |
| Expenses relating to short-term leases and leases of low-value |
15 | 11 |
3.3 Leases
Vestas leases several assets including properties, vehicles and equipment. Rental contracts are typically made for fixed periods of 1 to 10 years but may have extension options. Lease terms are negotiated on an individual basis and contain different terms and conditions including payment terms, terminations rights, index-regulations, maintenance, deposits and guarantees etc.
Some property leases contain variable payments terms that are linked to an index e.g. a consumer price index. Overall the variable payments constitute less than 1 percent of Vestas' entire lease payments. Extension and termination options may be included in leases. These terms are used to maximise operational flexibility in terms of managing contracts.
Lease liabilities
Lease liabilities are included in financial debts which amounts to EUR 182m as at 31 December 2021 (2020: EUR 111m). The lease liabilities included in financial debts can be specified as described above.
Parent company financial statements and notes
3 Other operating assets and liabilities – continued
3.4 Investments in subsidiaries and associates including joint venture
Refer to note 6.7 to the consolidated financial statements for an overview of the legal entities within the Group.
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Subsidiaries Associates |
4,245 4 |
3,738 1 |
| Carrying amount as at 31 December |
4,249 | 3,739 |
| Income/(loss) from investments in subsidiaries, joint |
|---|
| venture, and associates |
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Subsidiaries | 353 | 197 |
| Joint venture | - | 340 |
| Associates | (0) | (0) |
| Total | 353 | 537 |
Income from subsidiaries
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Share of profit in subsidiaries after tax |
384 | 210 |
| Amortisation of goodwill | (31) | (13) |
| Total | 353 | 197 |
| Income/(loss) from joint venture | ||
|---|---|---|
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
| Share of profit(loss) in joint | ||
| venture after tax | - | (43) |
| Gain on existing 50% | ||
| ownership | - | 383 |
| Total | - | 340 |
| Investments in subsidiaries | ||
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
| Cost as at 1 January | 3,398 | 2,065 |
| Exchange rate adjustments | 3 | 11 |
| Additions | 1 | 1,322 |
| Cost as at 31 December | 3,402 | 3,398 |
| Value adjustments as at | ||
| 1 January | 340 | 560 |
| Reclassification | - | 6 |
| Exchange rate adjustments | 122 | (125) |
| Share of profit/loss for the year after tax |
384 | 210 |
| Changes in equity, share-based payment |
(11) | (10) |
| Changes in equity, derivative financial instruments |
39 | (19) |
| Dividend | - | (269) |
| Amortisation of goodwill | (31) | (13) |
| Value adjustments as at 31 December |
843 | 340 |
| Carrying amount as at 31 | ||
| December | 4,245 | 3,738 |
| Remaining positive difference | ||
| included in the above carrying amount as at 31 December |
509 | 1,014 |
| Investments in joint venture | ||
|---|---|---|
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
| Cost as at 1 January | - | 202 |
| Transfers | - | (202) |
| Cost as at 31 December | - | - |
| Value adjustments as at | ||
| 1 January | - | (131) |
| Share of profit(loss) for the year after tax |
- | (43) |
| Changes in equity | - | 25 |
| Transfers | - | 149 |
| Value adjustments as at 31 December |
- | - |
| Carrying amount as at 31 December |
- | - |
Accounting policies
Investments in subsidiaries and associates including joint venture are recognised and measured in the financial statements of the parent company under the equity method.
On acquisition of subsidiaries and associates including joint ventures, the difference between cost of acquisition and net asset value of the entity acquired is determined at the date of acquisition after the individual assets and liabilities having been adjusted to fair value (the acquisition method) and allowing for the recognition of any restructuring provisions relating to the entity acquired. Any remaining positive differences in connection with the acquisition of subsidiaries and associates including joint ventures are included in the items "Investments in subsidiaries" and "Investments in associates including joint venture". The items "Income/(loss)
from investments in subsidiaries" and "income/ (loss) from investments in associates including joint venture" in the income statement includes the proportionate share of the profit after tax less goodwill amortisation.
The items "Investments in subsidiaries" and "Investments in associates including joint venture" in the balance sheet includes the proportionate ownership share of the net asset value of the entities calculated under the accounting policies of the parent company with deduction or addition of unrealised intercompany profits or losses and with addition of any remaining value of the positive differences (goodwill).
Subsidiaries and associates including joint ventures with a negative net assets value are measured at EUR 0, and any receivables from these are written down by the parent company's share of the negative net asset value, if impaired. Any legal or constructive obligation of the parent company to cover the negative balance of the subsidiaries and associates including joint venture is recognised as provisions.
The total net revaluation of investments in subsidiaries and associates including joint venture is transferred upon distribution of profit to "Reserve for net revaluation under the equity method" under equity.
Gains and losses on disposals or winding up of subsidiaries and associates including joint venture are calculated as the difference between the sales value or cost of winding up and the carrying amount of the net assets at the date of acquisition including goodwill and expected loss of disposal or winding up. The gains or losses are included in the income statement.
3 Other operating assets and liabilities – continued
3.5 Prepayments
Prepayments comprise of prepaid software license, insurance, and rent.
3.6 Provisions
In line with accounting policies, potential product warranties are recognised as warranty provisions when revenue from sale of wind turbines is recognised.
Product risks
Vestas invest significant resources in improving products and increasing their reliability to mitigate major warranty provisions. This work comprises design, production, installation, and continuous maintenance. The goal of these initiatives is to reduce Vestas' warranty costs, to secure customer returns, to increase the competitiveness of the products, and to improve customer earnings.
Warranty provisions
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty provisions as at 1 January | 979 | 617 |
| Warranty provisions for the year | 748 | 688 |
| Addition from business combination | 258 | - |
| Reclassification | 57 | - |
| Used warranty provisions for the year | (852) | (326) |
| Warranty provisions as at 31 | ||
| December | 1,190 | 979 |
| The warranty provisions are expected to be consumed as follows: |
||
| 0–1 year | 649 | 523 |
| > 1 year | 541 | 456 |
| Total | 1,190 | 979 |
3.7 Contingent assets and liabilities, and contractual obligations
Vestas provides indemnities and guarantees to third parties on behalf of non-Vestas entities with a notional amount of EUR 17m (2020: EUR 52m). No guarantees have been utilised during 2021 or in previous years and none of the indemnities are expected at the balance sheet date to be utilised.
Vestas provides indemnities and guarantees for bank and bonding facilities to third parties on behalf of subsidiaries. In addition, the company provides indemnities and guarantees to third parties in connection with project supplies in subsidiaries, and their warranty obligations to customers. To secure guarantees issued by banks, the company has given securities in cash and cash equivalents with disposal restrictions, refer to note 4.1 to the consolidated financial statements.
Vestas has entered into binding contracts concerning purchase of property, plant and equipment to be delivered in 2021 and future periods at a value of EUR 36m (2020: EUR 23m). In addition, the company has a contractual commitment to pay EUR 3m in 2022 for the use of certain technology rights owned by a third party.
For pending lawsuits, refer note 3.6 to the consolidated financial statements. For disclosure of contingent assets, refer note 6.4 to the consolidated financial statements.
The company is jointly taxed with its Danish subsidiaries. As the administrative company for the subsidiaries included in the joint taxation, the company is liable for the tax obligations of the included subsidiaries.
4 Capital structure and financing items
4.1 Financial risks
For the use of derivative financial instruments and risks and capital management refer to note 4.1 to the consolidated financial statements.
4.2 Financial liabilities
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Green corporate eurobond | - | 499 |
| Credit facilities | 500 | - |
| Lease liabilities | 182 | 111 |
| Total | 682 | 610 |
| Financial debts break down as follows: |
||
| < 1 year | 536 | 20 |
| 1–2 years | 32 | 517 |
| > 2 years | 114 | 73 |
| Total | 682 | 610 |
4.3 Financial items
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Financial income | ||
| Interest income | 5 | 7 |
| Interest income from subsidiaries |
59 | 55 |
| Financial instruments | 16 | - |
| Other financial income | 4 | 2 |
| Total | 84 | 64 |
| Financial costs | ||
| Interest costs | 20 | 16 |
| Interest costs to subsidiaries | 48 | 33 |
| Interest on lease liabilities | 2 | 1 |
| Exchange rate adjustments | 28 | 15 |
| Financial instruments | 2 | 9 |
| Other financial costs | 11 | 13 |
| Total | 111 | 87 |
6 Other disclosures
5.1 Income tax
5.2 Deferred tax
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 | mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current tax on profit for the year Deferred tax on profit for the |
(386) | (96) | Deferred tax as at 1 January, net liabilities |
(98) | (123) |
| year | 159 | 60 | Deferred tax on profit for the | ||
| Foreign taxes | 2 | 2 | year | (159) | (60) |
| Adjustment relat129ed to | Tax on entries in equity | (9) | 8 | ||
| previous years | 5 | 1 | Adjustment relating to previous | ||
| Income tax for the year | years | 37 | 77 | ||
| recognised in the income statement, (income) |
(220) | (33) | Deferred tax as at 31 December, net liabilities |
(229) | (98) |
| Deferred tax on equity | 9 | (8) | |||
| Tax recognised in equity, expense/(income) |
9 | (8) | |||
| Total income taxes for the year, (income) |
(211) | (41) |
6.1 Audit fees
| mEUR | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Audit: | ||
| PricewaterhouseCoopers | 1 | 1 |
| Total audit | 1 | 1 |
| Non-audit services: | ||
| PricewaterhouseCoopers | ||
| Assurance engagement | 0 | 0 |
| Tax assistance | 0 | 1 |
| Other services | 1 | 0 |
| Total non-audit services | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 2 | 2 |
6.2 Related party transactions
All transactions with related parties have been carried out at arm's length principle. Definition of related parties and concerning other transactions with related parties, refer to note 6.3 to the consolidated financial statement.
6.3 Ownership
The company has registered the following shareholders with more than 5 percent of the share capital or nominal value: - BlackRock Inc, Wilmington, DE U.S.A.
7 Basis of preparation
7.1 General accounting policies
The parent company financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Danish Financial Statements Act (DK GAAP) applying to entities of reporting class D, as well as the requirements laid down by Nasdaq Copenhagen in respect of the financial reporting of companies listed on the stock exchange.
For adopted accounting policies see the notes to the consolidated financial statements. The denomination of the items in the parent company's financial statements complies with the requirements under DK GAAP. The accounting policies applied are unchanged from those applied in the previous year.
Development cost
An amount equivalent to the capitalised development cost in the balance sheet incurred after 1 January 2016 is recognised in the category "Reserve for capitalised development cost" in the equity. The value of the reserve is reduced by the value of the depreciations.
Cash flow statement
Vestas Wind Systems A/S applies an exemption under DK GAAP whereby the parent company is not required to prepare a separate cash flow statement as it is included in the consolidated cash flow statement, refer to page 74 in the consolidated financial statements.
Statements
- → Management's statement
- → Independent Auditor's Reports
- → Independent limited assurance report on the Sustainability key figures
We invest in the future. In 2021 we invested 3% of our revenue in development of new technologies.
Management's statement
The Executive Management and Board of Directors have today considered and adopted the annual report of Vestas Wind Systems A/S for the financial year 2021.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU and additional requirements in the Danish Financial Statements Act. The parent company financial statements of Vestas Wind Systems A/S have been prepared in accordance with the Danish Financial Statements Act. The Management's Review is also prepared in accordance with the Danish disclosure requirements for listed companies.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements and the parent company financial statements give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Group and parent company as at 31 December 2021 and of the results of Group's and parent company's operations and consolidated cash flows for the financial year 1 January to 31 December 2021.
In our opinion, the Management's Review includes a true and fair review of the development in the operations and financial circumstances of the Group and parent company, of the results for the year and of the financial position of the Group and parent company as well as a description of the most significant risks and elements of uncertainty facing the Group and parent company.
In our opinion, the social and environmental statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies applied. They give a fair review of the Group's social and environment performance.
In our opinion, the annual report of Vestas Wind Systems A/S for the financial year 1 January to 31 December 2021 identified as VWS-2021-12-31.zip is prepared, in all material respects, in compliance with the ESEF Regulation.
We recommend that the Annual General Meeting approve the Annual Report.
Executive Management
Henrik Andersen Group President & CEO
Marika Fredriksson Executive Vice President & CFO
| Kentaro Hosomi | Karl-Henrik Sundström |
|---|---|
| Helle Thorning-Schmidt | Michael Abildgaard Lisbjerg |
| Bruce Grant | Sussie Dvinge |
| Eva Merete Søfelde Berneke | Kim Hvid Thomsen |
| Lars Josefsson | Pia Kirk Jensen |
Anders Runevad Deputy chairman
Board of Directors
131
Independent Auditor's Reports
To the shareholders of Vestas Wind Systems A/S
Report on the audit of the Financial Statements
Our opinion
In our opinion, the Consolidated Financial Statements give a true and fair view of the Group's financial position at 31 December 2021 and of the results of the Group's operations and cash flows for the financial year 1 January to 31December 2021 in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU and further requirements in the Danish Financial Statements Act.
Moreover, in our opinion, the Parent Company Financial Statements give a true and fair view of the Parent Company's financial position at 31 December 2021 and of the results of the Parent Company's operations for the financial year 1 January to 31 December 2021 in accordance with the Danish Financial Statements Act.
Our opinion is consistent with our Auditor's Long-form Report to the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors.
What we have audited
The Consolidated Financial Statements and the Parent Company Financial Statements of Vestas Wind Systems A/S, pages 65-129, for the financial year 1 January to 31 December 2021 comprise income statement, balance sheet, statement of changes in equity and notes, including summary of significant accounting policies for the Group as well as for the Parent Company and statement of comprehensive income and cash flow statement for the Group. Collectively referred to as the "Financial Statements".
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) and the additional requirements applicable in Denmark. Our responsibilities under those standards and requirements are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Statements section of our report.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Independence
We are independent of the Group in accordance with the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants' International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (IESBA Code) and the additional ethical requirements applicable in Denmark. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements and the IESBA Code.
To the best of our knowledge and belief, prohibited non-audit services referred to in Article 5(1) of Regulation (EU) No 537/2014 were not provided.
Appointment
We were first appointed auditors of Vestas Wind Systems A/S on 5 May 1999 for the financial year 1999. We have been reappointed annually by shareholder resolution for a total period of uninterrupted engagement of 23 years including the financial year 2021.
Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the Financial Statements for 2021. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the Financial Statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.
Key audit matter How our audit addressed the key audit matter
Revenue recognition
Recognition of the Group's revenue is complex due to several types of customer contracts utilised, including sale of wind turbines and wind power plants (supply-only, supply-andinstallation and turnkey), service sales and sale of spare parts.
We focused on this area as recognition of revenue involves significant judgement and accounting estimates made by Management including, whether contracts contain multiple performance obligations which should be accounted for separately and the most appropriate method for recognition of revenue for the identified performance obligations in the contracts. This includes assessing whether performance obligations in supply-andinstallation contracts are satisfied at a point in time or over time. Further, it comprises the point in time when transfer of control has occurred regarding sale of wind turbines and sale of spare parts, and assessing the degree of completion of project and service contracts, which are accounted for over time. The total consideration for service contracts is subject to estimates regarding variable elements and the degree of completion for project and service contracts is subject to estimates regarding the remaining cost to complete the contracts. Furthermore, the reduction in revenue related to damages or penalties regarding project and service contracts is subject to estimates.
Finally, significant estimates are involved in allocation of the consideration to the individual performance obligations in a contract.
Refer to Note 1.2, Note 2.3 and Note 2.4 in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
We obtained an understanding of the Group's applied revenue recognition policies. We tested the relevant internal controls in this area implemented by Management to ensure the completeness, accuracy and timing of recognised revenue, including controls over the degree of completion of relevant project and service contracts.
We reviewed a sample of both project and service contracts to assess whether the method for recognition of revenue was relevant and consistent with the Group's accounting policy. We focused on contract classification, allocation of fixed and variable consideration and cost to the individual performance obligations and timing of transfer of control. For supply-andinstallation projects with revenue recognition over time we reviewed a sample of projects and challenged the judgement made by Management in terms of no alternative use of the project. Where a contract contained multiple elements, we considered Management's judgements as to whether they comprised performance obligations that should be accounted for separately, and, in such cases, challenged the significant assumptions used in the allocation of the consideration to each performance obligation.
We evaluated and challenged the significant judgements and accounting estimates made by Management in applying the Group's accounting policy to a sample of specific contracts and separable performance obligations of contracts. We tested the point in time when transfer of control occured by obtaining evidence, including inspecting signed contracts, delivery records, cash receipts and project plans and reconciled the revenue recognised to the underlying accounting records. We obtained a sample of Management's calculations of the degree of completion of project and service contracts, which are accounted for over time, and matched a sample of source data used in Management's calculation to evidence, and evaluated the judgements and assumptions applied. We further challenged the estimated cost to complete for the sampled contracts. We also considered the historical outcome of accounting estimates made in prior periods.
We reviewed the disclosures included in the notes and sample tested additional disclosure information to accounting records.
Warranty provisions
The Group's product warranties primarily cover expected costs to repair or replace components with defects or functional errors. Warranties are usually granted for a two-year period from legal transfer of the turbine, however, in certain cases, a warranty of up to five years is granted.
We focused on this area as the amounts involved are significant and the completeness and valuation of the expected outcome of warranty provisions requires significant Management judgement and estimates. This includes the use of significant assumptions concerning expected failure rates and expected repair costs.
Refer to Note 3.6 in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Key audit matter How our audit addressed the key audit matter
We obtained an understanding of the Group's applied warranty provision policy. We tested the relevant internal controls regarding completeness of warranty provisions and evaluated how Management assesses valuation of provisions.
We performed substantive audit procedures on the methodology, data, assumptions and model used by Management to calculate the provisions and reviewed a sample of specific warranty cases.
We challenged the significant assumptions applied in the valuation of provisions by checking and corroborating the inputs used to calculate the provisions, including interviewing project managers, cost controllers and Management regarding individual cases. We assessed specific warranty provisions held for individual cases to evaluate whether the warranty provisions were sufficient to cover expected costs at year-end and whether the disclosures included in the notes appropriately reflected the risk.
Further, we assessed the level of historical warranty claims to assess whether the total warranty provisions held at year-end were sufficient to cover expected costs in light of known and expected cases.
Tax risks
The Group operates in a complex multinational tax environment and the Group is part in tax cases with domestic and foreign tax authorities.
The Group has recognised provisions in respect of uncertain tax positions. Furthermore, the Group has recognised write-downs on deferred tax assets related to the uncertainty about potential future utilisation of these tax assets.
We focused on this area as the amounts involved are material and as the valuation of the provision and deferred tax assets is associated with significant accounting estimates and judgements.
Refer to Note 5.1 and Note 5.2 in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
We obtained an understanding of the Group's applied tax accounting policy. We evaluated the design of relevant internal controls regarding completeness of records of uncertain tax positions and Management's procedure for estimating the provision for uncertain tax provisions and write-down of deferred tax assets.
In understanding and evaluating Management's accounting estimates and judgements, we considered the status of recent tax authority audits and enquiries, the outcome of previous claims, judgmental positions taken in tax returns and estimates and developments in the tax environment.
We used PwC tax specialists to evaluate and challenge the adequacy of Management's significant assumptions and read correspondence with tax authorities to assess Management's significant accounting estimates.
We evaluated the Group's model for valuation of deferred tax assets, including the data used to estimate the expected future taxable income. We also considered the historical outcome of accounting estimates made in prior periods.
We reviewed the disclosures included in the notes and sample tested additional disclosure information to accounting records.
Statement on Management's Review
Management is responsible for Management's Review, pages 3 -64 and pages 136 -144.
Our opinion on the Financial Statements does not cover Management's Review, and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the Financial Statements, our responsibility is to read Management's Review and, in doing so, consider whether Management's Review is materially inconsistent with the Financial Statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.
Moreover, we considered whether Management's Review includes the disclosures required by the Danish Financial Statements Act.
Based on the work we have performed, in our view, Management's Review is in accordance with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Parent Company Financial Statements and has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Danish Financial Statements Act. We did not identify any material misstatement in Management's Review.
Management's responsibilities for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation of consolidated financial statements that give a true and fair view in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU and further requirements in the Danish Financial Statements Act and for the preparation of parent company financial statements that give a true and fair view in accordance with the Danish Financial Statements Act, and for such internal control as Management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the Financial Statements, Management is responsible for assessing the Group's and the Parent Company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless Management either intends to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the Financial Statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs and the additional requirements applicable in Denmark will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. 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 Financial Statements.
As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs and the additional requirements applicable in Denmark, we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:
- ż Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the Financial Statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
- ż Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group's and the Parent Company's internal control.
- ż Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by Management.
- ż Conclude on the appropriateness of Management's use of the going concern basis of accounting and based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty
Independent Auditor's Reports – continued
exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group's and the Parent Company's ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor's report to the related disclosures in the Financial Statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. 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 or the Parent Company to cease to continue as a going concern.
- ż Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the Financial Statements, including the disclosures, and whether the Financial Statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that gives a true and fair view.
- ż Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the Group to express an opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.
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 relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence and, where applicable, actions taken to eliminate threats or safeguards applied.
From the matters communicated with those charged with governance, we determine those matters that were of most significance in the audit of the 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 or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter should not be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of doing so would reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication.
Report on compliance with the ESEF Regulation
As part of our audit of the Financial Statements we performed procedures to express an opinion on whether the annual report of Vestas Wind Systems A/S for the financial year 1 January to 31 December 2021 with the filename VWS-2021-12-31.zip is prepared, in all material respects, in compliance with the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/815 on the European Single Electronic Format (ESEF Regulation) which includes requirements related to the preparation of the annual report in XHTML format and iXBRL tagging of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Management is responsible for the preparation of an Annual Report that complies with the ESEF Regulation. This responsibility includes:
- ż The preparing of the annual report in XHTML format;
- ż The selection and application of appropriate iXBRL tags including extensions to the ESEF taxonomy and the anchoring thereof to elements in the taxonomy for all financial information required to be tagged using judgement where necessary;
- ż Ensuring consistency between iXBRL tagged data and the Consolidated Financial Statements presented in human-readable format; and
- ż For such internal control as Management determines necessary to enable the preparation of an annual report that is compliant with the ESEF Regulation.
Our responsibility is to obtain reasonable assurance on whether the annual report is prepared, in all material respects, in compliance with the ESEF Regulation based on the evidence we have obtained, and to issue a report that includes our opinion. The nature, timing and extent of procedures selected
depend on the auditor's judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material departures from the requirements set out in the ESEF Regulation, whether due to fraud or error. The procedures include:
- ż Testing whether the annual report is prepared in XHTML format;
- ż Obtaining an understanding of the company's iXBRL tagging process and of internal control over the tagging process;
- ż Evaluating the completeness of the iXBRL tagging of the Consolidated Financial Statements;
- ż Evaluating the appropriateness of the company's use of iXBRL elements selected from the ESEF taxonomy and the creation of extension elements where no suitable element in the ESEF taxonomy has been identified;
- ż Evaluating the use of anchoring of extension elements to elements in the ESEF taxonomy; and
- ż Reconciling the iXBRL tagged data with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements.
In our opinion, the annual report of Vestas Wind Systems A/S for the financial year 1 January to 31 December 2021 with the file name VWS-2021-12-31.zip is prepared, in all material respects, in compliance with the ESEF Regulation.
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab CVR No 3377 1231
Claus Lindholm Jacobsen
State Authorised Public Accountant mne23328
Kim Tromholt
State Authorised Public Accountant mne33251
Independent limited assurance report on the Sustainability key figures
To the Stakeholders of Vestas Wind Systems A/S
Vestas Wind Systems A/S engaged us to provide limited assurance on the Sustainability key figures stated in the Annual Report for the period 1 January to 31 December 2021.
Our conclusion
Based on the procedures we performed and the evidence we obtained, nothing came to our attention that causes us not to believe that the Sustainability key figures as stated on page 9 in the Annual Report for 2021 are free of material misstatements and prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the accounting policies in the Notes to sustainability key figures as stated on page 142-143.
This conclusion is to be read in the context of what we say in the remainder of our report.
What we are assuring
The scope of our work was limited to assurance over the Sustainability key figures on page 9 in the Annual Report for 2021.
Professional standards applied and level of assurance
We performed a limited assurance engagement in accordance with International Standard on Assurance Engagements 3000 (Revised) 'Assurance Engagements other than Audits and Reviews of Historical Financial Information' and, in respect of the greenhouse gas emissions stated on pages 142-143, in accordance with International Standard on Assurance Engagements 3410 'Assurance engagements on greenhouse gas statements', issued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board'. Greenhouse Gas quantification is subject to inherent uncertainty because of incomplete scientific knowledge used to determine emissions factors and the values needed to combine emissions of different gases.
A limited assurance engagement is substantially less in scope than a reasonable assurance engagement in relation to both the risk assessment procedures, including an understanding of internal control, and the procedures performed in response to the assessed risks; consequently, the level of assurance
obtained in a limited assurance engagement is substantially lower than the assurance that would have been obtained had a reasonable assurance engagement been performed.
Our independence and quality control
We have complied with the independence requirements and other ethical requirements in the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants' International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (IESBA Code), which is founded on fundamental principles of integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due care, confidentiality and professional behavior and ethical requirements applicable in Denmark.
PricewaterhouseCoopers applies International Standard on Quality Control 1 and accordingly maintains a comprehensive system of quality control including documented policies and procedures regarding compliance with ethical requirements, professional standards, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Our work was carried out by an independent multidisciplinary team with experience in sustainability reporting and assurance.
Understanding reporting and measurement methodologies
The Sustainability key figures need to be read and understood together with the accounting policies on pages 142-143, which Management is solely responsible for selecting and applying. The absence of a significant body of established practice on which to draw to evaluate and measure non-financial information allows for different, but acceptable, measurement techniques and can affect comparability between entities and over time.
Work performed
We are required to plan and perform our work to consider the risk of material misstatements of the Sustainability key figures. In doing so and based on our professional judgement, we:
- ż Obtained an understanding of Vestas Wind Systems A/S' control environment and information systems relevant to quantification and reporting of the Sustainability key figures, through inquiries;
- ż Conducted conference calls with sites in Denmark, Italy, UK and USA to assess the completeness of the data
sources, data collection methods, source data and relevant assumptions for the Sustainability key figures applicable to the sites;
- ż On a sample basis agreed and reconciled reported data to underlying documentation for sites in Denmark, Italy, UK and USA. The sites selected for testing were chosen taking into consideration their size and whether selected in prior periods;
- ż Conducted interviews and show-me meetings with Group functions to assess consolidation processes, use of company-wide systems and controls performed at Group level as well as test of the Sustainability key figures prepared at Group level to underlying documentation;
- ż Conducted analytical review of the data and trend explanations submitted by all reporting entities for consolidation at Group level; and
- ż Evaluated the obtained evidence.
Management's responsibilities
Management of Vestas Wind Systems A/S is responsible for:
- ż designing, implementing and maintaining internal controls over information relevant to the preparation of Sustainability key figures that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error;
- ż establishing objective accounting policies for preparing data;
- ż measuring and reporting the Sustainability key figures based on the accounting policies and evidencing the data; and
- ż the content of the Sustainability key figures for 2021.
Our responsibility
We are responsible for:
- ż planning and performing the engagement to obtain limited assurance about whether the Sustainability key figures for the period 1 January – 31 December 2021 are free from material misstatements, whether due to fraud or error.
- ż forming an independent conclusion, based on the procedures we performed and the evidence we obtained; and
- ż reporting our conclusion to the stakeholders of Vestas Wind Systems A/S.
Hellerup, 10 February 2022
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab CVR no. 3377 1231
Claus Lindholm Jacobsen
State Authorized Public Accountant mne23328
Kim Tromholt
State Authorized Public Accountant mne33251
Additional information
- → Quarterly key figures
- → Deliveries
- → Glossary
- → TCFD reporting
- → Notes to Sustainability key figures
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88.1% recyclable
A V150 - 4.2MW™ turbine is already more than 88% recyclable, but with new innovations, we aim to increase this to 95% by 2030.
Quarterly key figures
Quarterly financial and operational key figures
| Financial highlights | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mEUR | Q1 2021 | Q2 2021 | Q3 2021 | Q4 2021 |
| Income statement | ||||
| Revenue | 1,962 | 3,536 | 5,538 | 4,551 |
| - of which onshore wind turbines | 1,346 | 2,195 | 3,730 | 3,494 |
| - of which offshore wind turbines | 92 | 719 | 1,191 | 336 |
| - of which Service | 524 | 622 | 617 | 721 |
| Gross profit | 189 | 376 | 600 | 395 |
| Operating profit before financial income and costs, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) before special items |
136 | 321 | 567 | 358 |
| Operating profit (EBIT) before special items | (71) | 101 | 325 | 106 |
| Operating profit (EBIT) after special items | (71) | 101 | 206 | 86 |
| Profit before tax | (77) | 122 | 170 | 42 |
| Profit for the period | (57) | 90 | 123 | 20 |
| Balance sheet | ||||
| Net working capital | (380) | (616) | (526) | (1,049) |
| Cash flow statement | ||||
| Cash flow from operating activities | (746) | 360 | 523 | 859 |
| Cash flow from investing activities before acquisitions of subsidiaries and financial investments |
(152) | (177) | (223) | (261) |
| Free cash flow before acquisitions of subsidiaries and financial investments |
(898) | 183 | 300 | 598 |
| Free cash flow | (1,090) | 166 | 385 | 596 |
| Financial ratios1 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mEUR | Q1 2021 | Q2 2021 | Q3 2021 | Q4 2021 |
| Gross margin (%) | 9.7 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 8.7 |
| EBITDA margin (%) before special items | 6.9 | 9.1 | 10.2 | 7.9 |
| EBIT margin (%) before special items | (3.6) | 2.9 | 5.9 | 2.3 |
| EBIT margin (%) | (3.6) | 2.9 | 3.7 | 1.9 |
| Net interest-bearing debt / EBITDA before special items | (0.3) | (0.2) | (0.4) | (0.9) |
| Operational key figures | ||||
| Order intake (bnEUR) | 1.6 | 4.5 | 3.0 | 2.5 |
| - of which onshore | 1.6 | 3.6 | 3.0 | 2.5 |
| - of which offshore | - | 0.9 | - | - |
| Order intake (MW) | 2,016 | 5,290 | 3,727 | 2,863 |
| - of which onshore | 2,016 | 4,557 | 3,727 | 2,863 |
| - of which offshore | - | 733 | - | - |
| Order backlog – wind turbines (bnEUR) | 19.4 | 21.2 | 19.3 | 18.1 |
| - of which onshore | 15.5 | 17.0 | 16.3 | 15.4 |
| - of which offshore | 3.9 | 4.2 | 3.0 | 2.7 |
| Order backlog – service (bnEUR) | 25.3 | 26.9 | 28.0 | 29.2 |
| - of which onshore | 21.8 | 23.2 | 24.1 | 25.5 |
| - of which offshore | 3.5 | 3.7 | 3.9 | 3.7 |
| Produced and shipped wind turbines (MW) | 4,530 | 5,775 | 3,945 | 3,595 |
| Deliveries (MW) | 1,925 | 3,767 | 6,020 | 4,882 |
| - of which onshore | 1,839 | 3,178 | 5,048 | 4,522 |
| - of which offshore | 86 | 589 | 972 | 360 |
1 The ratios have been calculated in accordance with the
guidelines from "Finansforeningen" (The Danish Finance Society) (Recommendations and Financial ratios).
Quarterly key figures
Quarterly financial and operational key figures – continued
| Financial highlights | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mEUR | Q1 2020 | Q2 2020 | Q3 2020 | Q4 2020 |
| Income statement | ||||
| Revenue | 2,235 | 3,541 | 4,770 | 4,273 |
| Gross profit | 159 | 228 | 612 | 539 |
| Operating profit before financial income and costs, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) before |
||||
| special items | 97 | 188 | 575 | 531 |
| Operating profit (EBIT) before special items | (54) | 34 | 412 | 358 |
| Operating profit (EBIT) after special items | (112) | 34 | 418 | 358 |
| Profit before tax | (107) | (7) | 391 | 657 |
| Profit for the period | (80) | (5) | 290 | 566 |
| Balance sheet | ||||
| Net working capital | (631) | (411) | (711) | (1,127) |
| Cash flow statement | ||||
| Cash flow from operating activities | (760) | 51 | 688 | 764 |
| Cash flow from investing activities before acquisitions of subsidiaries and financial investments |
(159) | (129) | (142) | (229) |
| Free cash flow before acquisitions of subsidiaries and financial investments |
(919) | (78) | 546 | 535 |
| Free cash flow | (919) | 96 | 546 | 753 |
| Financial ratios1 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mEUR | Q1 2020 | Q2 2020 | Q3 2020 | Q4 2020 |
| Gross margin (%) | 7.1 | 6.4 | 12.8 | 12.6 |
| EBITDA margin (%) before special items | 4.3 | 5.3 | 12.1 | 12.4 |
| EBIT margin (%) before special items | (2.4) | 1.0 | 8.6 | 8.4 |
| EBIT margin (%) | (5.0) | 1.0 | 8.8 | 8.4 |
| Net interest-bearing debt / EBITDA before special items |
(1.0) | (0.8) | (1.1) | (1.4) |
| Operational key figures2 | ||||
| Order intake (bnEUR) | 2.4 | 3.2 | 3.1 | 4.0 |
| Order intake (MW) | 3,311 | 4,148 | 4,232 | 5,558 |
| Order backlog – wind turbines (bnEUR) | 15.9 | 16.2 | 14.6 | 19.0 |
| Order backlog – service (bnEUR) | 18.2 | 18.9 | 19.3 | 23.9 |
| Produced and shipped wind turbines (MW) | 4,917 | 4,667 | 4,329 | 3,142 |
1 The ratios have been calculated in accordance with the guidelines from "Finansforeningen" (The Danish Finance Society) (Recommendations and Financial ratios).
2 The order backlog for Vestas Offshore Wind A/S (former MHI Vestas Offshore Wind A/S) is included as at 31 December 2020. The remaining operational key figures include Vestas Offshore Wind A/S for the period 14 December 2020 to 31 December 2020.
Deliveries
Overview of deliveries
| MW | 2021 | 20201 | MW | 2021 | 20201 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 2,129 | 78 | USA | 3,065 | 6,779 |
| Finland | 838 | 222 | Brazil | 1,892 | 1,236 |
| Poland | 739 | 413 | Chile | 314 | 249 |
| Sweden | 679 | 424 | Mexico | 200 | 194 |
| France | 668 | 679 | Canada | 151 | 130 |
| Germany | 598 | 499 | Colombia | 41 | - |
| Russian Fed. | 473 | 390 | Bolivia | 39 | 35 |
| Norway | 413 | 792 | Panama | 25 | 40 |
| Netherlands | 388 | 270 | Puerto Rico | 11 | 0 |
| South Africa | 330 | 132 | El Salvador | 9 | 46 |
| Italy | 321 | 87 | Argentina | 0 | 240 |
| Saudi Arabia | 245 | 159 | |||
| Denmark | 235 | 92 | Americas | 5,747 | 8,949 |
| Portugal | 97 | 34 | Hereof offshore | 0 | - |
| Austria | 91 | 3 | |||
| Belgium | 90 | 140 | Vietnam | 1,132 | 199 |
| Turkey | 88 | 324 | Australia | 389 | 898 |
| Spain | 76 | 135 | China | 319 | 1,465 |
| Greece | 40 | 297 | Japan | 170 | - |
| Jordan | 38 | 40 | India | 157 | 68 |
| Egypt | 24 | 0 | Taiwan | 35 | 62 |
| Faroe Islands | 11 | 0 | New Zealand | 30 | 95 |
| Kazakhstan | 0 | 48 | Sri Lanka | 3 | 80 |
| Senegal | 0 | 23 | South Korea | 1 | 107 |
| Ukraine | 0 | 8 | Asia Pacific | 2,236 | 2,974 |
| EMEA | 8,611 | 5,289 | Hereof offshore | 0 | - |
| Hereof offshore | 2,007 | 86 | Total | 16,594 | 17,212 |
| Hereof offshore | 2,007 | 86 |
1 Up until 14 December 2020, when Vestas acquired MHI Vestas Offshore Wind A/S, numbers reflect onshore deliveries only.
Glossary
Definition of terms
Capital Employed
Capital Employed is the sum of (carrying value) total equity and interest-bearing debt.
Deliveries
Deliveries for the Power Solutions segment are included as deliveries, and deducted from the wind turbines backlog, when the related revenue is recognised. Sales from turnkey projects are deducted from the wind turbines backlog simultaneously as the customer has taken delivery of the wind turbines under the term of the contract.
Dividend per share
Dividend multiplied by the nominal value of the share.
EBIT margin
Operating profit as a percentage of revenue.
EBITDA margin
Operating profit before amortisation, depreciation and impairment as a percentage of revenue.
Earnings per share (EPS)
Profit/loss for the year divided by the average number of shares outstanding.
EnVentus™
Introduced in 2019, the EnVentus™ platform architecture connects proven system designs from the 2 MW platform, 4 MW platform and 9 MW platform turbine technology. The result is one versatile platform architecture that delivers a higher level of robustness and performance with the ability to create an even more finely matched combination of turbines to harness available wind energy in any specific location. EnVentus™ based variants are designed with global applicability in mind. As part of the suite of Vestas offerings, EnVentus™ turbines offer a wide range of standard hub heights and modes of operation that can be combined with an extensive list of technology options to create customised solutions to suit the needs of each unique project.
Free cash flow
Cash flow from operating activities less cash flow from investing activities.
Free cash flow before acquisitions of subsidiaries and financial investments
Cash flow from operating activities less cash flow from investing activities before acquisition of subsidiaries, any investments in marketable securities and short-term financial investments.
Gross margin
Gross profit/loss as a percentage of revenue.
IFRS
International Financial Reporting Standards
IAS International Accounting Standards
IASB International Accounting Standards Board
IFRIC/SIC
International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee/ Standing Interpretations Committee
Investments
iXBRL
Same as 'Cash flow from investing activities'.
iXBRL tags (or Inline XBRL tags) are hidden meta-information embedded in the source code of an XHTML document in accordance with the Inline XBRL 1.1 specification, which enables the conversion of XHTML-formatted information into a machine-readable XBRL data record by appropriate software.
Management's Review
Management's Review comprises:
- ż In brief
- ż Strategy and ambitions
- ż The year in Vestas
- ż Our people
- ż Governance
- ż Additional information
Net interest bearing debt
Net interest-bearing debt is the sum of cash and cash equivalents and financial investments less financial debts. Taxonomy
XHTML
Taxonomy is an electronic dictionary of business reporting elements used to report business data. A taxonomy element is an element defined in a taxonomy that is used for the machinereadable labeling of information in an XBRL data record.
XHTML (eXtensible HyperText Markup Language) is a text-based markup language used to structure and mark up content such as text, images, and hyperlinks in documents that are displayed as Web pages in an updated standard Web
browser like Chrome and Internet Explorer.
Net interest-bearing debt/EBITDA
Net interest-bearing debt divided by operating profit before amortization, depreciation, impairment and special items.
Net working capital (NWC)
Inventories, trade and other receivables, contract assets, contract cost, less trade and other payables and contract liabilities.
Order backlog The value of future contracts end of period.
Order intake
An orders is included as order intake when it becomes effective, meaning when the contract becomes firm and unconditional.
Payout ratio
Total dividend distribution divided by profit/loss for the year.
Power-to-X
Power-to-X conversion technologies allow for the decoupling of power from the electricity sector for use in other sectors (such as transport or chemicals), possibly using power that has been provided by additional investments in generation.
Return on Capital Employed (ROCE)
Operating profit/loss (EBIT) before special items adjusted for tax (effective tax rate) as a percentage of average capital employed calculated as a 12-month average.
Return on equity
Profit/loss after tax for the year divided by average equity.
Solvency ratio
Equity at year-end divided by total assets.
Tagging process
The tagging process is a process where iXBRL tags are applied to financial statement line items, etc.
TCFD reporting overview
We are taking a step-wise approach to incorporate climaterelated disclosures as per the TCFD recommendations into our reporting. Below an overview of the 11 TCFD recommendations and where to find additional information.
Governance
Disclose the organisation's governance around climaterelated risks and opportunities.
TCFD Recommended Disclosures
Describe the board's oversight of climate-related risks and opportunities.
Describe management's role in assessing and managing climate related risks and opportunities
Annual Report 2021, Risk management, pages 44-45 CDP1, Climate questionnaire 2021, section C2
Annual Report 2021, Our corporate strategy, pages 14-20 CDP, Climate questionnaire 2021, section C2
Strategy
Disclose the actual and potential impacts of climate-related risks and opportunities on the organisation's businesses, strategy, and financial planning where such information is material.
TCFD Recommended Disclosures
Describe the climate related risks and opportunities the organisation has identified over the short, medium, and long term.
Describe the impact of climate-related risks and opportunities on the organisation's businesses, strategy, and financial planning.
Describe the resilience of the organisation's strategy, taking into consideration different climate-related scenarios, including a 2°C or lower scenario.
Annual Report 2021, Our corporate strategy, pages 14-20 CDP, Climate questionnaire 2021, section C3
Annual Report 2021, Our corporate strategy, pages 14-20 CDP, Climate questionnaire 2021, section C3
Annual Report 2021, Risk management, pages 44-45 CDP, Climate questionnaire 2021, section C3
Risk Management
Disclose how the organisation identifies, assesses, and manages climate-related risks.
TCFD Recommended Disclosures
Describe the organisation's processes for identifying and assessing climate related risks.
Describe the organisation's processes for managing climaterelated risks.
Describe how processes for identifying, assessing, and managing climate-related risks are integrated into the organisation's overall risk management.
Metrics and Targets
Disclose the metrics and targets used to assess and manage relevant climate-related risks and opportunities where such information is material.
TCFD Recommended Disclosures
Disclose the metrics used by the organisation to assess climaterelated risks and opportunities in line with its strategy and risk management process.
Disclose Scope 1, Scope 2, and, if appropriate, Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the related risks.
Describe the targets used by the organisation to manage climate related risks and opportunities and performance against targets.
Annual Report 2021, Our sustainability commitments and results, page 35 Sustainability Report 2021, Sustainability strategy,
Annual Report 2021, Risk management, pages 44-45 CDP, Climate questionnaire 2021, section C3
Annual Report 2021, Risk management, pages 44-45 CDP, Climate questionnaire 2021, sections C1 and C2
Annual Report 2021, Risk management, pages 44-45 CDP, Climate questionnaire 2021, section C1 and C2
page 17-18, Climate Progress, pages 30-31
Annual Report 2021, Our sustainability commitments and results, page 35 Sustainability Report 2021, Climate progress, pages 30-31 CDP, Climate questionnaire 2021, sections C2 and C4
Annual Report 2021, Our sustainability commitments and results, page 35 Sustainability Report 2021, Sustainability key figures and Selected environmental data, pages 66-67
1 The Carbon Disclosure Project, Climate Change Questionnaire 2021, available on our corporate website.
Notes to Sustainability key figures
Basis for preparation of the statement
General reporting standards
The below description of accounting policies refers to the environmental, social, and governance indicators presented on page 9.
All Vestas' wholly owned companies are covered by the report. Newly established companies are included from the time of production start, and companies are excluded from the reporting from the time when they leave Vestas' control. Acquired companies are included from the time when coming under Vestas' control. For the offshore business in the joint venture, MHI Vestas Offshore Wind, however, of which Vestas took full ownership on 14 December 2020, data was not included in the 2020 reporting, as the impact was insignificant.
From 2021 and onwards, data from the offshore business is included in the sustainability key figures. The existing sustainability strategy targets will be maintained and include offshore performance, with the adjustment that the 2019 baselines for carbon emissions have been recalculated to include the acquisition in 2020 of MHI Vestas Offshore Wind A/S
and exclude the divestment of the towers factory in Pueblo, Denver, USA in 2021. See the table "Carbon emissions adjusted for acquisitions and divestments" below for detailed data.
Defining materiality
Vestas bases its materiality assessment on an analysis of significant economic, environmental, and social impacts of the company's activities. The analysis is based on internal priorities as well as experience from dialogue with and direct involvement of customers, investors, policy makers, employees, and media. The result of the analysis is incorporated in the Vestas Sustainability Report, which is published on an annual basis.
Change in accounting policies
The total number of reports made to the whistle-blower hotline EthicsLine within a reporting year will going forward be reflected as a status quo, where the total is the sum of substantiated and unsubstantiated cases after ended investigation, plus any open cases. The open cases will then, in connection with reporting for the following year retroactively be defined as either substantiated or unsubstantiated. In connection with the change in methodology, the EthicsLine data for 2017-2020 have furthermore been adjusted.
Environmental
Notes to Sustainability key figures
Energy consumption, water withdrawal, waste generation, and carbon emissions are reported for the accounting period on the basis of significance. All production facilities are included as well as larger offices, warehouses, and other facilities, ensuring a comprehensive and sufficient statement of these environmental aspects. All data are registered in Vestas' HSE system.
Utilisation of resources
Electricity, gas, and district heating are measured on the basis of quantities consumed according to direct meter readings per site including related administration. Consumption of electricity comprises electricity purchased externally. Oil for heating is stated on the basis of external purchases and meter readings at the end of the reporting period. Fuel for internal transportation, including for cars owned by the company or fuel for employees' benefit cars for which the company pays the fuel per credit card as well as fuel used for internal transport on project sites and production such as forklifts, has been recognised on the basis of supplier statements. Electricity from renewable energy sources is calculated on the basis of supplier statements. Only 100 percent renewable electricity is counted as renewable electricity.
M&A – MHI Vestas Offshore Wind A/S
GHG Protocol aligned emissions
Renewable energy is energy generated from natural resources, which are all naturally replenished – such as wind, sunlight, water, biomass, and geothermal heat. Nuclear power is not considered to be renewable energy.
The withdrawal of water is stated as measured withdrawal of fresh water on the basis of supplier statements and meter readings.
Waste
Volume of waste is stated on the basis of weight slips received from the waste recipients for deliveries, apart from a few types of waste and non-significant volumes which are estimated on the basis of subscription arrangement and load. Waste disposal method is based on supplier statements.
Recyclability rate of hub and blade is calculated as the recyclable share of the total rotor (i.e. hub and blade) mass. The measure is based upon the material composition of all turbine types that were produced and shipped in the reporting year. Recyclability rates of different materials and component types are quantified and estimated based upon information from life cycle assessment (LCA) reports of each type of turbine shipped in the year, which can be found on our corporate website.
Material efficiency, an indicator which has been introduced in the Annual Report 2021, is defined as the total tonnes of nonrecycled waste from Vestas own manufacturing per MW capacity produced and shipped during the reporting period. Non-recycled waste includes waste that is incinerated or landfilled.
Carbon emissions
Carbon emissions are measured using the carbon dioxide equivalent (COe) to include relevant greenhouse gasses according to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. A distinction is made between scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, as also defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
In alignment with the GHG protocol standard, carbon emissions for 2019-2021 have retroactively been adjusted for acquisitions and divestments in 2020 and 2021 in accordance with our policy for baseline adjustments for COe emissions and related indicators.
| Carbon emissions adjusted for acquisitions and divestments |
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emissions before adjustment (including offshore) |
Divestment in tower production |
GHG Protocol aligned emissions |
Emission before adjustment |
Divestment in tower production |
M&A – MHI Vestas Offshore Wind A/S |
GHG Protocol aligned emissions |
Emission before adjustment |
Divestment in tower production |
Direct emission of COe (1000 tonnes) 105 (6) 99 71 (9) 21 83 71 (11) 6 66 Emission of indirect COe (1000 tonnes) 3 0 3 2 0 12 14 38 0 10 48 Indirect emissions of COe from the value chain (scope 3) (million t) 10.56 10.56 9.79 0.80 10.59 6.90 0.93 7.83 Indirect emissions of COe from the value chain (scope 3) (kg per MWh generated)) 6.65 6.65 6.49 0.14 6.63 6.45 0.37 6.82
Notes to Sustainability key figures – continued
Scope 1: Direct emissions of COe are calculated on the basis of determined amounts of fuel for own transport and the direct consumption of oil and gas, with the usage of standard factors published by the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (2021).
Scope 2: Covers emissions released in connection with the consumption of purchased electricity, steam, heat, and cooling, of which steam and cooling are not used by Vestas. Indirect emissions of COe from consumption of electricity outside Europe are calculated using national grid emission factors published by the International Energy Agency (2021). Indirect COe emissions from consumption of electricity in Europe are calculated with residual mix emission factors from the Association of Issuing Bodies (2018). Indirect COe emissions from district heating are calculated using the emission factor from the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (2021).
Scope 3: Indirect emissions of COe from the value chain are reported based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol which divides the scope 3 inventory into 15 subcategories. The largest part of the emissions is in the category 'Purchased goods and services', where emissions from materials going into products are calculated based on LCAs following ISO 14040 & 14044, publicly available at vestas.com. The measure is based upon the material composition of all turbine types that were produced and shipped in the reporting year. COe emission data of different materials and component types are quantified and estimated based upon information from LCA reports on each type of wind turbine shipped in the year. Similarly, the COe emissions of all produced and shipped turbines in the reporting year are derived from the LCA reports, accounting for specific material quantities purchased. LCA reports can be found at the corporate website. Other purchased goods and services as well as Capital goods and Waste generated in operations are estimated based on spend using DEFRA factors for Indirect emissions from the supply chain (2011). Fuel- and energy-related activities are calculated using DEFRA factors for emissions related to the production of fuel and energy. Emissions from upstream transportation are estimated for global transportation based on the LCA reports for weight and distance of components transported and DEFRA carbon emissions factors. Business travel emissions are provided by the travel agency. Employee commuting is estimated based on average number of employees with the usage of standard factors published by the UK Department for
Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (2021). End-of-life treatment of sold products is estimated based upon material composition of all produced and shipped wind turbines in the reporting year and DEFRA emission factors for waste treatment. Up until 2021, Vestas' 50 percent share of the scope 1 & 2 emissions in the joint venture MHI Vestas Offshore Wind were included in Vestas' scope 3 emissions. The subcategories C8-11 and C13-C14 are not relevant for Vestas, as there are no greenhouse gas emissions within these categories.
In relation to the target to reduce carbon emissions in the value chain, indirect emissions of COe from the value chain per MWh generated include 70 percent of the scope 3 emissions. The amount of MWh generated is based on the number and type of wind turbines produced and shipped in the financial year along with contracted values for wind turbine capacity factor and lifetime.
Products
COe avoided is to be understood as the volume of emissions avoided by using the wind turbines as source, compared to the average level of COe impact involved in electricity generation.
Expected COe avoided over the lifetime of the MW produced and shipped during the period is calculated on the basis of the wind turbines (MW) produced and shipped during the reporting period, a capacity factor of 34 percent in 2020, an expected lifetime of 21 years, and the latest updated standard factor of global average carbon emissions for electricity from the International Energy Agency (2021), at present 477 grams of COe per kWh.
Annual COe avoided by the total aggregated installed fleet is calculated on the basis of total annual installed capacity (MW) and global average COe emissions avoided per year of operation. The total COe avoided is an aggregation of each year since 1981, accounting for decommissioned turbines, based on an estimate of the average lifetime of a turbine.
Social
Safety
The occupational safety data in the Sustainability key figures are reported for all activities in Vestas. Lost Time Injuries
(LTIs) of all employees are stated on the basis of registration in Vestas' Incident Management System of occupational incidents that have caused at least one workday of absence after the day of the injury, and the number includes fatalities. Total Recordable Injuries (TRI) include LTIs, restricted work injuries, and medical treatment injuries. Injuries and working hours for externally employed workers under Vestas' supervision are included in both measures.
The incidence of injuries is defined as the number of injuries per one million working hours. The number of working hours is measured on the basis of daily timecards registered in the payroll system for hourly-paid employees, and prescribed working hours for salaried employees excluding e.g. holidays, absence due to illness and maternity leave. For externally employed workers under Vestas' supervision, the injuries are reported by Vestas, and working hours are reported by the external suppliers.
Employees, diversity, and inclusion
Notes to Sustainability key figures
The number of employees is calculated as the number of full-time equivalents (FTE) with a direct contract with Vestas registered in Vestas' HR system. Employee indicators (the share of women in the Board, Executive Management, and leadership positions) are calculated based on headcounts at the end of the reporting period. Employees in Utopus Insights, Inc. are not included in the calculations of gender representation as gender statistics covering this entity are not available. Women in the Board is to be understood as the share of women among the members of the Board who are elected by the Annual General Meeting. Employee information is determined on the basis of extracts from the company's ordinary registration systems with specification of gender and management level. Leadership positions comprise managers, specialists, project managers, and above.
Human rights
Vestas registers and handles community concerns or complaints caused by Vestas or its contractors in the Vestas Incident Management System (IMS). The measure "Community grievances" covers the total number of community complaints registered in IMS in the reporting year in connection with a wind farm project and associated facilities, a Vestas factory, or an R&D Centre.
"Community beneficiaries" are individuals that have benefitted directly, financially or by way of upgraded skills, from Vestas' community development initiatives implemented during the reporting period in connection to a wind farm project and associated facilities, a Vestas factory, or a R&D Centre. Where a household is a beneficiary, Vestas calculates the household size based on the country average defined by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN 2017). Community development initiatives are identified in collaboration with local stakeholders, including community members, and centred around the UN SDGs with special focus on the six primary SDGs selected by Vestas.
The measure "Due diligence on projects in scope" reflects the share of wind power projects in scope, which have materialised as firm orders during the reporting period, and on which the Social Due Diligence (SDD) process has been applied. The wind farm projects in scope for Vestas' SDD are 1) all Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) projects in emerging markets, 2) all Supply-and-installation projects of 100 MW or above in emerging markets, and 3) projects in OECD countries with a risk rating of 'Extreme' or 'High' according to the Verisk Maplecroft's "Indigenous People" risk index on risks related to indigenous people's lands, territories or livelihoods under threat (via a risk mapping performed each year in January). In this context, 'emerging markets' are non-OECD, high-income countries, as defined by OECD.
Governance
Whistle-blower system
All reports made to the EthicsLine whistle-blower hotline are investigated thoroughly, with the purpose of identifying whether a violation of the Code of Conduct has taken place. Upon the completion of the investigation, cases are classified as either substantiated or unsubstantiated. At the end of the reporting year, the total number of whistle-blower cases are calculated.
Any potential gap between the total number of reported cases and the substantiated and non-substantiated cases combined reflects the number of cases that are still under investigation at the end of the year. The gap will be closed the following year, when the final number of substantiated and unsubstantiated cases will be settled.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer and cautionary statement
This document contains forward-looking statements concerning Vestas' financial condition, results of operations and business. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance, or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements.
Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning Vestas' potential exposure to market risks and statements expressing management's expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. A number of factors that affect Vestas' future operations and could cause Vestas' results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this document, include (without limitation): (a) changes in demand for Vestas' products; (b) currency and interest rate fluctuations; (c) loss of market share and industry competition; (d) environmental and physical risks, including adverse weather conditions; (e) legislative, fiscal, and regulatory developments, including changes in tax or accounting policies; (f) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (g) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, and delays or advancements in the approval of projects; (h) ability to enforce patents; (i) product development risks; (j) cost of commodities; (k) customer credit risks; (l) supply of components; and (m) customer created delays affecting product installation, grid connections and other revenue-recognition factors.
All forward-looking statements contained in this document are expressly qualified by the cautionary statements contained or referenced to in this statement. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Additional factors that may affect future results are contained in Vestas' Annual Report for the year ended 31 December (available at www.vestas.com/en/investor) and these factors also should be considered. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this document. Vestas does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events other than as required by Danish law. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this document.
→ The 48 MW wind farm, Kårehamn Offshore Wind Farm, is located in the Swedish part of the Baltic Sea, approximately 7 km from the coastal town Kårehamn in Sweden.
Vestas Wind Systems A/S Hedeager 42 DK-8200 Aarhus N
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