Accounting policies for the year ended 31 March 2012

Transcription

1 Accounting policies 1. Basis of preparation The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Standards of GRAP including any interpretations, guidelines and directives issued by the Accounting Standards Board. These financial statements have been prepared on an accrual basis of accounting and are in accordance with historical cost convention unless specified otherwise. They are presented in South African Rand. Financial statements are based upon appropriate policies consistently applied and supported by reasonable and prudent judgements and estimates. The financial statements were prepared on a going concern basis and were also prepared in South African Rand. There were no events worth reporting after the reporting date. GRAP 1, Presentation of financial statements requires an entity to provide information on its actual performance against the entity s approved budget. A reconciliation to ensure full compliance with GRAP 1 is included as a disclosure note to the financial statements. The annual financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis unless otherwise stated and incorporate the principal accounting policies as set out below. These accounting policies are consistent with the previous period. 1.1 Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment are tangible non-current assets (including infrastructure assets) that are held for use in the production or supply of goods or services, rental to others, or for administrative purposes, and are expected to be used during more than one period. The cost of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognised as an asset when: it is probable that future economic benefits or service potential associated with the item will flow to the entity; and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. Property, plant and equipment is initially measured at cost. The cost of an item of property, plant and equipment is the purchase price and other costs attributable to bring the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. Trade discounts and rebates are deducted in arriving at the cost. Where an asset is acquired at no cost, or for a nominal cost, its cost is its fair value as at date of acquisition. Where an item of property, plant and equipment is acquired in exchange for a non-monetary asset or monetary assets, or a combination of monetary and non-monetary assets, the asset acquired is initially measured at fair value (the cost). If the acquired item s fair value was not determinable, its deemed cost is the carrying amount of the asset(s) given up. When significant components of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items (major components) of property, plant and equipment. Costs include costs incurred initially to acquire or construct an item of property, plant and equipment and costs incurred subsequently to add to, replace part of, or service it. If a replacement cost is recognised in the carrying amount of an item of property, plant and equipment, the carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognised. The initial estimate of the costs of dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site on which it is located is also included in the cost of property, plant and equipment, where the entity is obligated to incur such expenditure, and where the obligation arises as a result of acquiring the asset or using it for purposes other than the production of inventories. Recognition of costs in the carrying amount of an item of property, plant and equipment ceases when the item is in the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. Major spare parts and standby equipment, which are expected to be used for more than one period, are included in property, plant and equipment. In addition, spare parts and standby equipment, which can be used only in connection with an item of property, plant and equipment are accounted for as property, plant and equipment. Brand South Africa 53

2 Accounting policies continued Major inspection costs, which are a condition of continuing use of an item of property, plant and equipment and which meet the recognition criteria above, are included as a replacement in the cost of the item of property, plant and equipment. Any remaining inspection costs from the previous inspection are derecognised. Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses, being the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses. Property, plant and equipment is carried at revalued amount, being the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses. Revaluations are made with sufficient regularity such that the carrying amount does not differ materially from that which would be determined using fair value at the end of the reporting period. When an item of property, plant and equipment is revalued, any accumulated depreciation at the date of the revaluation is restated proportionately with the change in the gross carrying amount of the asset so that the carrying amount of the asset after revaluation equals its revalued amount. When an item of property, plant and equipment is revalued, any accumulated depreciation at the date of the revaluation is eliminated against the gross carrying amount of the asset and the net amount restated to the revalued amount of the asset. Any increase in an asset s carrying amount, as a result of a revaluation, is credited directly to a revaluation surplus. The increase is recognised in surplus or deficit to the extent that it reverses a revaluation decrease of the same asset previously recognised in surplus or deficit. Any decrease in an asset s carrying amount, as a result of a revaluation, is recognised in surplus or deficit in the current period. The decrease is debited directly to a revaluation surplus to the extent of any credit balance existing in the revaluation surplus in respect of that asset. The revaluation surplus in equity related to a specific item of property, plant and equipment is transferred directly to retained earnings when the asset is derecognised. The revaluation surplus in equity related to a specific item of property, plant and equipment is transferred directly to retained earnings as the asset is used. The amount transferred is equal to the difference between depreciation based on the revalued carrying amount and depreciation based on the original cost of the asset. Items of property, plant and equipment are depreciated over their expected useful lives to their estimated residual value. Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses. Property, plant and equipment is carried at revalued amount, being the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses. Revaluations are made with sufficient regularity such that the carrying amount does not differ materially from that which would be determined using fair value at the end of the reporting period. Any increase in an asset s carrying amount, as a result of a revaluation, is credited directly to a revaluation surplus. The increase is recognised in surplus or deficit to the extent that it reverses a revaluation decrease of the same asset previously recognised in surplus or deficit. Any decrease in an asset s carrying amount, as a result of a revaluation, is recognised in surplus or deficit in the current period. The decrease is debited in revaluation surplus to the extent of any credit balance existing in the revaluation surplus in respect of that asset. The useful lives of items of property, plant and equipment have been assessed as follows: Item Average useful life Office furniture years Motor vehicles 5 years Office equipment 5 10 years Computer equipment 3 5 years The residual value, and the useful life and depreciation method of each asset are reviewed at the end of each reporting date. If the expectations differ from previous estimates, the change is accounted for as a change in accounting estimate. Reviewing the useful life of an asset on an annual basis does not require the entity to amend the previous estimate unless expectations differ from the previous estimate. Each part of an item of property, plant and equipment with a cost that is significant in relation to the total cost of the item is depreciated separately. 54 Brand South Africa

3 The depreciation charge for each period is recognised in surplus or deficit unless it is included in the carrying amount of another asset. Items of property, plant and equipment are derecognised when the asset is disposed of or when there are no further economic benefits or service potential expected from the use of the asset. The gain or loss arising from the derecognition of an item of property, plant and equipment is included in surplus or deficit when the item is derecognised. The gain or loss arising from the derecognition of an item of property, plant and equipment is determined as the difference between the net disposal proceeds, if any, and the carrying amount of the item. Assets that the entity holds for rentals to others and subsequently routinely sells as part of the ordinary course of activities, are transferred to inventories when the rentals end and the assets are available-for-sale. These assets are not accounted for as noncurrent assets held for sale. Proceeds from sales of these assets are recognised as revenue. All cash flows on these assets are included in cash flows from operating activities in the cash flow statement. 1.2 Intangible assets An intangible asset is recognised when it is probable that the expected future economic benefits or service potential that are attributable to the asset will flow to the entity; and the cost or fair value of the asset can be measured reliably. After initial recognition, intangible assets are carried at revalued amount, being fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated amortisation and any subsequent accumulated impairment losses. Revaluations are made with sufficient regularity such that at the reporting date the carrying amount of the asset does not differ materially from its fair value. Any increase in the carrying amount of an intangible asset, as a result of a revaluation, is credited directly to a revaluation surplus. The increase is recognised in surplus or deficit to the extent that it reverses a revaluation decrease of the same asset previously recognised in surplus or deficit. Any decrease in the carrying amount of an intangible asset, as a result of a revaluation, is recognised in surplus or deficit in the current period. The decrease is debited to a revaluation surplus to the extent of any credit balance existing in the revaluation surplus in respect of that asset. An intangible asset is regarded as having an indefinite useful life when, based on all relevant factors, there is no foreseeable limit to the period over which the asset is expected to generate net cash inflows. Amortisation is not provided for these intangible assets. For intangible assets with a definite useful life amortisation is provided on a straight line basis over their useful life. The amortisation period and the amortisation method for intangible assets are reviewed every year-end. Reassessing the useful life of an intangible asset with a finite useful life after it was classified as indefinite is an indicator that the asset may be impaired. As a result the asset is tested for impairment and the remaining carrying amount is amortised over its useful life. Internally generated brands, mastheads, publishing titles, customer lists and items similar in substance are not recognised as intangible assets. Amortisation is provided to write down the intangible assets, on a straight line basis, to their residual values as follows: Item Useful life Computer software 2 5 years 1.3 Financial instruments Initial recognition The entity classifies financial instruments, or their component parts, on initial recognition as a financial asset, a financial liability or an equity instrument in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangement. Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised on the entity s balance sheet when Brand South Africa becomes party to contractual provisions of the instrument Financial instruments recognised on the balance sheet include trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents and trade and other payables and other financial assets and liabilities. Trade and other receivables Trade and other receivables are measured at initial recognition at fair value, and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method less any impairment. Impairment is determined on a specific basis, whereby each asset is individually assessed for impairment indicators. Appropriate allowances for estimated irrecoverable amounts are recognised in profit or loss when there is objective evidence that the asset is impaired. Brand South Africa 55

4 Accounting Policies continued Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and demand deposits and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. These are initially and subsequently recorded at amortised cost. Due to the short nature of cash the amortised cost would equal the cash balance. Trade and other payables Trade and other payables are initially measured at fair value, and are subsequently measured at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method. Gains and losses A gain or loss from a change in a financial asset or financial liability is recognised as follows: Gains and losses on trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents are derecognised or impaired. Gains and losses on trade and other payables, are recognised in profit and loss when liabilities are derecognised. Derecognition financial assets Financial assets (or part thereof) are derecognised when the entity realises the rights to benefits specified in the contract, the right expires, or Brand South Africa surrenders or otherwise loses control of the contractual rights that comprise the financial asset. Financial liabilities Financial liabilities (or part thereof) are derecognised when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expired. Impairment of financial instruments The entity assesses on each statement of financial performance date whether a financial asset of the entity is impaired. Impairments are made when there is objective evidence that cash flows from specific financial assets would not materialise. Cash flow values estimated not to materialise are impaired. The amount of the impairment is measured as the difference between the financial asset s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate computed at initial recognition. The amount of the impairment is recognised in the statement of financial performance. Offsetting of financial instruments Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset, if a legally enforceable right exists to set off financial assets against financial liabilities and the financial instrument relate to the same Brand South Africa. Impairment of financial assets At each end of the reporting period Brand South Africa assesses all financial assets, other than those at fair value through surplus or deficit, to determine whether there is objective evidence that a financial asset or group of financial assets has been impaired. For amounts due to the entity, significant financial difficulties of the debtor, probability that the debtor will enter bankruptcy and default on payments are all considered indicators of impairment. Impairment losses are recognised in surplus or deficit. 1.4 Foreign operations Foreign currency transactions A foreign currency transaction is recorded, on initial recognition in Rands, by applying to the foreign currency amount the spot exchange rate between the functional currency and the foreign currency at the date of the transaction. At each reporting date: foreign currency monetary items are translated using the closing rate; non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction; and non-monetary items that are measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair value was determined. Exchange differences arising on the settlement of monetary items or on translating monetary items at rates different from those at which they were translated on initial recognition during the period or in previous financial statements are recognised in surplus or deficit in the period in which they arise. When a gain or loss on a non-monetary item is recognised directly in net assets, any exchange component of that gain or loss is recognised directly in net assets. When a gain or loss on a nonmonetary item is recognised in surplus or deficit, any exchange component of that gain or loss is recognised in surplus or deficit. Cash flows arising from transactions in a foreign currency are recorded in Rands by applying to the foreign currency amount the exchange rate between the Rand and the foreign currency at the date of the cash flow. 56 Brand South Africa

5 Foreign operations are an integral part of Brand South Africa and it has foreign operations in the United Kingdom and United States of America. No income is generated in those operations but only expenditure translated in South African Rand at the rate of exchange ruling at the transaction date. 1.5 Employee benefits Short-term employee benefits The cost of short-term employee benefits (those payable within 12 months after the service is rendered, such as paid vacation leave and bonuses) is recognised in the period in which the service is rendered and is not discounted. The expected cost of compensated absences is recognised as an expense as the employees render services that increase their entitlement or, in the case of non-accumulating absences, when the absence occurs. The expected cost of surplus-sharing and bonus payments is recognised as an expense when there is a legal or constructive obligation to make such payments as a result of past performance. Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit plans are charged to the statement of financial performance in the year to which they relate. Brand South Africa contributes 7,5% of basic salary for each employee with Liberty pension administrators. 1.6 Taxation Brand South Africa is exempt from tax by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in terms of Section 10(1)(ca)(1) of income Tax Act, Act 58 of 1962 as amended. 1.7 Provisions and contingencies Provisions are recognised when: the entity has a present obligation as a result of a past event; it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits or service potential will be required to settle the obligation; and a reliable estimate can be made of the obligation. The amount of a provision is the best estimate of the expenditure expected to be required to settle the present obligation at the reporting date. Where the effect of time value of money is material, the amount of a provision is the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation. The discount rate is a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. Where some or all of the expenditure required to settle a provision is expected to be reimbursed by another party, the reimbursement is recognised when, and only when, it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received if the entity settles the obligation. The reimbursement is treated as a separate asset. The amount recognised for the reimbursement does not exceed the amount of the provision. Provisions are reviewed at each reporting date and adjusted to reflect the current best estimate. Provisions are reversed if it is no longer probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits or service potential will be required, to settle the obligation. Where discounting is used, the carrying amount of a provision increases in each period to reflect the passage of time. This increase is recognised as an interest expense. A provision is used only for expenditures for which the provision was originally recognised. Provisions are not recognised for future operating deficits. If an entity has a contract that is onerous, the present obligation (net of recoveries) under the contract is recognised and measured as a provision. A constructive obligation to restructure arises only when an entity: has a detailed formal plan for the restructuring, identifying at least: - the activity/operating unit or part of a activity/operating unit concerned; - the principal locations affected; - the location, function and approximate number of employees who will be compensated for services being terminated; - the expenditures that will be undertaken, and - when the plan will be implemented; and has raised a valid expectation in those affected that it will carry out the restructuring by starting to implement that plan or announcing its main features to those affected by it. No obligation arises as a consequence of the sale or transfer of an operation until the entity is committed to the sale or transfer, that is, there is a binding arrangement. Brand South Africa 57

6 Accounting Policies continued After their initial recognition contingent liabilities recognised in entity combinations that are recognised separately are subsequently measured at the higher of: the amount that would be recognised as a provision; and the amount initially recognised less cumulative amortisation. Contingent assets and contingent liabilities are not recognised. 1.8 Comparative figures Where necessary, comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to changes in presentation in the current year. 1.9 Cash flow For purposes of the cash flow statement, cash includes cash on hand and deposits held on call with banks Leases A lease is classified as a finance lease if it transfers substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership. A lease is classified as an operating lease if it does not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership. When a lease includes both land and building elements, the entity assesses the classification of each element separately. Finance leases lessee Finance leases are recognised as assets and liabilities in the statement of financial position at amounts equal to the fair value of the leased property or, if lower, the present value of the minimum lease payments. The corresponding liability to the lessor is included in the statement of financial position as a finance lease obligation. The discount rate used in calculating the present value of the minimum lease payments is the interest rate implicit in the lease. The lease payments are apportioned between the finance charge and reduction of the outstanding liability. The finance charge is allocated to each period during the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of on the remaining balance of the liability. Operating leases lessee Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The difference between the amounts recognised as an expense and the contractual payments is recognised as an operating lease asset or liability. This liability is not discounted. Any contingent rents are expensed in the period they are incurred New standards and interpretations The entity has chosen not to adopt early the following standards and interpretations, which have been published and are mandatory for the entity s accounting periods beginning on or after 1 April 2010 or later periods: GRAP 18: Segment reporting establishes principles for reporting financial information by segments. This standard is not expected to have any impact on the financial statements of the entity. GRAP 21: Impairment of non-cash generating asset prescribes the procedures that an entity applies to determine whether a noncash-generating asset is impaired and to ensure that impairment losses are recognised. The standard also specifies when an entity would reverse an impairment loss and prescribes disclosure. GRAP 23: Revenue from non exchange transaction (taxes and transfers) prescribes requirements for financial reporting of revenue arising from non-exchanged transactions, other than non-exchanged transactions that give rise to an entity combination. The standard deals with issues that need to be considered in recognising and measuring revenue from nonexchange transactions, including the identification of contributions from owners. This standard is expected to have impact on the net surplus and net assets value is currently realised over the useful life of assets. GRAP 23 requires deferred grant to be realised once the entity satisfies the condition attached to the grant, eg once the building is fully constructed. GRAP 24: Presentation of budget information in financial statement requires a comparison of budget amount and the actual amount arising from execution of the budget to be included in the statements of the entities which are required to, or elect to, make publicly available their approved budget(s) and for which they are, therefore, held publicly accountable. The standard also requires disclosure of an explanation of the reasons for material differences between the budget and actual amounts. The disclosure of budget amounts arising from execution of the budget can enhance the users of the financial statements, undertanding of the operations of the entity and can be used as a performance measurement indicator. GRAP 25: Employee benefits prescribes the accounting and disclosure for employee benefits. The standard requires an entity to recognise a liability when an employee has provided service in an exchange for employee benefits to be paid in the future; and expense when the entity consumes the economic benefits or services potential arising from service provided by an employee in exchange for employee benefits. 58 Brand South Africa

7 GRAP 26: Impairment of cash generating assets prescribes procedures that an entity applies to determine whether a cash generating asset is impaired and to ensure that impairment losses are recognised. The standard also specifies when an entity should reverse an impairment and prescribes disclosures. GRAP 105: Transfer of functions between entities under common control prescribes procedures that the entity applies to determine whether an acquirer and a transferor that prepares and presents financial statements under the accrual basis of accounting shall apply this standard to a transaction or event that meets the definition of a transfer of functions (issued November 2010). GRAP 106: Transfer of functions between entities not under common control prescribe procedures that the entity that presents financial statements under the accruals basis of accounting shall apply this standard to a transaction or other events that meet the definition of a transfer function (issued November 2010). GRAP 107: Mergers prescribes procedures that the entity applies to determine whether a combined entity and combining entities that prepare and present financial statements under accrual basis of accounting shall apply this standard to a transaction that meets the definition of a merger where no acquirer can be identified (issued November 2010). The entity will adopt the standards, interpretations and amendments where applicable to the entity on their effective date. Management expects that the adoption of the standards listed above will have no material impact on the annual financial statements in the period of initial application Unauthorised expenditure Unauthorised expenditure means overspending of a vote or a main division within a vote; and expenditure not in accordance with the purpose of a vote or, in the case of a main division, not in accordance with the purpose of the main division. All expenditure relating to unauthorised expenditure is recognised as an expense in the statement of financial performance in the year that the expenditure was incurred. The expenditure is classified in accordance with the nature of the expense, and where recovered, it is subsequently accounted for as revenue in the statement of financial performance Fruitless and wasteful expenditure Fruitless expenditure means expenditure that was made in vain and would have been avoided had reasonable care been exercised. All expenditure relating to fruitless and wasteful expenditure is recognised as an expense in the statement of financial performance in the year that the expenditure was incurred. The expenditure is classified in accordance with the nature of the expense, and where recovered, it is subsequently accounted for as revenue in the statement of financial performance Irregular expenditure Irregular expenditure as defined in Section 1 of the PFMA is expenditure other than unauthorised expenditure, incurred in contravention of or that is not in accordance with a requirement of any applicable legislation, including: (a) this Act, or (b) the State Tender Board Act, 1968 (Act No 86 of 1968), or any regulations made in terms of the Act, or (c) any provincial legislation providing for procurement procedures in that provincial government. National Treasury Practice Note No 4 of 2008/2009, which was issued in terms of sections 76(1) to 76(4) of the PFMA requires the following (effective from 1 April 2008): Irregular expenditure that was incurred and identified during the current financial and which was condoned before year-end and/ or before finalisation of the financial statements must also be recorded appropriately in the irregular expenditure register. In such an instance, no further action is required, with the exception of updating the note to the financial statements. Irregular expenditure that was incurred and identified during the current financial year and for which condonement is being awaited at year-end must be recorded in the irregular expenditure register. No further action is required, with the exception of updating the note to the financial statements. Where irregular expenditure was incurred in the previous financial year and is condoned only in the following financial year, the register and the disclosure note to the financial statements must be updated with the amount condoned. Brand South Africa 59

8 Accounting Policies continued Irregular expenditure that was incurred and identified during the current financial year and which was not condoned by National Treasury or the relevant authority must be recorded appropriately in the irregular expenditure register. If liability for the irregular expenditure can be attributed to a person, a debt account must be created if such a person is liable in law. Immediate steps must thereafter be taken to recover the amount from the person concerned. If recovery is not possible, the accounting officer or accounting authority may write off the amount as debt impairment and disclose such in the relevant note to the financial statements. The irregular expenditure register must also be updated accordingly. If the irregular expenditure has not been condoned and no person is liable in law, the expenditure related thereto must remain against the relevant programme/expenditure item, be disclosed as such in the note to the financial statements and updated accordingly in the irregular expenditure register Research and development expenditure Research costs are charged against operating surplus as incurred. Development costs are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred unless the following criteria are met: The product or process is clearly defined and the costs attributable to the process or product can be separately identified and measured reliably; The technical feasibility of the product or process can be demonstrated; The existence of a market or, if to be used internally rather than sold, its usefulness to the entity can be demonstrated; Adequate resources exist, or their availability can be demonstrated, to complete the project and then market or use the product or process, and The asset must be separately identifiable. Where development costs are deferred, they are written off on a straight-line basis over the life of the process or product, subject to a maximum of five years. The amortisation begins from the commencement of the commercial production of the product or use of the process to which they relate Significant accounting estimates and judgement In preparing the financial statements management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts represented in the financial statements and related disclosures. Use of information and the application of the judgement are inherent in the formation of estimates. Actual results in the future could differ from these estimates, which may be material to the financial statements. Estimates Provisions Provisions were raised and management determined an estimate based on the information available. Additional disclosure of these estimates of provisions is included in note 16 of the annual Financial Statements. Property, plant and equipment Management has made certain estimates with regards to the determination of estimated useful lives and residual values of items of property, plant and equipment included in note 11 of the annual financial statements. Judgements Leases Management has applied judgement to classify all lease agreements that the company is party to as operating leases if the lease do not transfer substantially all risks and rewards of ownership to the company, or the other recognition criteria is met in terms of IAS 17 to classify leases as operating leases. Impairment of trade receivables Management has applied judgement in estimating the extent of any impairment deemed necessary on the gross carrying value of trade receivables and has impaired all accounts in arrears for a period longer than normal expected trading terms. 60 Brand South Africa