Group 4: Determination of fair value

A number of the Group’s accounting policies and disclosures require the determination of fair value, for both financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. Fair values have been determined for measurement and/or disclosure purposes based on the following methods. When applicable, further information about the assumptions made in determining fair values is disclosed in the notes specific to that asset or liability.

(i) Property, plant and equipment

The fair value of property, plant and equipment recognised as a result of a business combination is the estimated amount for which a property could be exchanged on the date of acquisition between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm’s length transaction after proper marketing wherein the parties had each acted knowledgeably.

A revaluation of land is based on the independent valuer’s report and is carried out every five to eight years. The Group examines, on an annual basis, if revaluation of land is required.

(ii) Intangible assets

The fair value of patents and trademarks acquired in a business combination is based on the discounted estimated royalty payments that have been avoided as a result of the patent or trademark being owned. The fair value of other intangible assets is based on the discounted cash flows expected to be derived from the use and eventual sale of the assets.

(iii)  Investment property

An external, independent valuation company, having appropriate recognised professional qualifications and recent experience in the location and category of property being valued, values the Group’s investment property portfolio every five years. The fair values are based on market values, being the estimated amount for which a property could be exchanged on the date of the valuation between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arm’s length transaction after proper marketing wherein the parties had each acted knowledgeably and willingly.

In the absence of current prices in an active market, the valuations are prepared by considering the estimated rental value of the property. A market yield is applied to the estimated rental value to arrive at the gross property valuation. When actual rents differ materially from the estimated rental value, adjustments are made to reflect actual rents.

Valuations reflect, when appropriate, the type of tenants actually in occupation or responsible for meeting lease commitments or likely to be in occupation after letting vacant accommodation, the allocation of maintenance and insurance responsibilities between the Group and the lessee, and the remaining economic life of the property. When rent reviews or lease renewals are pending with anticipated reversionary increases, it is assumed that all notices, and when appropriate counter-notices, have been served validly and within the appropriate time.

(iv) Investments in debt and equity securities

The fair value of equity and debt securities is determined by reference to their quoted closing bid price at the reporting date, or if unquoted, determined using a valuation technique. Valuation techniques employed include market multiples and discounted cash flow analysis using expected future cash flows and a market-related discount rate.

(v) Trade and other receivables

The fair value of non-current trade and other receivables is estimated at the present value of future cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest at the reporting date.
Trade and other receivables are not discounted due to short-term maturity. However, impairment to fair value is considered.

(vi) Forward exchange contracts and interest rate swaps

The fair value of forward exchange contracts is based on their quoted price, if available. If a quoted price is not available, then fair value is estimated by discounting the difference between the contractual forward price and the current forward price for the residual maturity of the contract using a credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate (based on government bonds).

The fair value of interest rate swaps is based on broker quotes. Those quotes are tested for reasonableness by discounting estimated future cash flows based on the terms and maturity of each contract and using market interest rates for a similar instrument at the measurement date. Fair values reflect the credit risk of the instrument and include adjustments to take account of the credit risk of the Group and counterparty when appropriate.

(vii) Other non-derivative financial liabilities

Fair value, which is determined for disclosure purposes, is calculated based on the present value of future principal and interest cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest at the reporting date. In respect of the liability component of convertible notes, the market rate of interest is determined by reference to similar liabilities that do not have a conversion option. For finance leases the market rate of interest is determined by reference to similar lease agreements.