Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions in applying accounting policies

The preparation of consolidated financial statements is dependent upon estimates and assumptions being made in applying the accounting policies for which management can exercise a certain degree of judgment. In applying the relevant accounting policies to the consolidated financial statements, certain assumptions and estimates must be made about the future that may have a critical influence on the amount and presentation of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses as well as the disclosures in the Notes. The estimates used in drawing up the consolidated financial statements and valuations are based on empirical values and other factors which are deemed appropriate in the given circumstances. The following estimates used and assumptions made in applying the accounting policies have a critical influence on the consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill

As of 31 December 2013, the carrying amount of goodwill from acquisitions totalled CHF 4,809 million. The recoverability of goodwill is tested for impairment annually during the fourth quarter. In addition, an extraordinary review is undertaken if there are indications that impairment has occurred. The value of goodwill is primarily dependent upon projected cash flows, the discount rate (WACC) and long-term growth rate. The significant assumptions are disclosed in Note 24. Changes to these assumptions may result in an impairment loss in the following year.

Post-employment benefits

Defined benefit obligations are calculated on the basis of various financial and demographic assumptions. The key assumptions for valuing the retirement-benefit obligations are the discount rate, future salary and pension increases, interest on pension plan savings as well as life expectancy. As of 31 December 2013, the funding deficit amounted to CHF 1,293 million which was recognised as a liability in the consolidated balance sheet. Changes in estimates can impact recorded defined benefit obligations. See Note 10.

Provisions for dismantling and restoration costs

Provisions are raised for costs incurred in connection with dismantling and restoring telecommunication installations and transmitter stations. As of 31 December 2013, the carrying amount of these provisions totalled CHF 481 million. The level of the provisions is primarily determined by estimates of future costs for dismantling and restoration and the timing of the dismantling. An increase in the estimated costs by 10% would result in an increase in the provision of CHF 45 million. A postponement of the date of dismantling by ten years would lead to a decrease in the provisions of CHF 71 million. See Note 28.

Provisions for regulatory proceedings

Various proceedings are in course in connection with the setting of prices for regulated access services. Swisscom has raised provisions on the basis of its own estimate of the expected financial outcome thereof. As of 31 December 2013, the provisions for regulatory proceedings aggregated CHF 118 million. Further developments in the proceedings or a decision by the competent court may result in a revised assessment of the financial outcome in subsequent years, thereby leading to an increase or decrease of the recorded provisions. See Note 28.

Proceedings conducted by the Competition Commission

The Competition Commission (ComCo) is conducting an investigation into ADSL prices against Swisscom. The proceeding is described in Note 29. In the event that Swisscom is deemed to have violated Antitrust Law, ComCo is entitled to impose sanctions. On the basis of a legal opinion, Swisscom considers it unlikely that ComCo will impose direct sanctions. Accordingly, no provisions were recognised in the 2013 consolidated financial statements in connection with these proceedings. Further developments in the proceeding may result in a revised assessment of the financial outcome in subsequent years and lead to the need to record provisions.

Allowances for doubtful receivables

Allowances for doubtful receivables are recorded in order to cover foreseeable losses arising from a customer’s inability to pay. As of 31 December 2013, the carrying value of allowances for trade and other receivables totalled CHF 180 million. In determining the appropriateness of the allowance, several factors are considered. These include the ageing of receivables, the current financial solvency of the customer and the historical experience with receivable losses. The actual level of receivable losses may be higher than the amount recognised if the actual financial situation of the customers is worse than originally expected. See Note 18.

Deferred taxes

The recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities is based on the judgment of management. Deferred tax assets on tax loss carry-forwards are only recognised if it is probable that they can be used. Whether or not they can be used depends on whether taxable profits can be achieved which can be offset against the available tax loss carry-forwards. In order to assess the probability of their future use, estimates must be made of various factors such as future profitability. If the actual amounts differ from the estimates, this can lead to a change in the assessment of recoverability of the deferred tax assets. On 31 December 2013, recognised deferred tax assets amounted to CHF 619 million. See Note 15.

Useful lives of property, plant and equipment

As of 31 December 2013, the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment totalled CHF 9,156 million. In assessing the useful life of an item of property, plant and equipment, the expected use of the asset by the company, expected physical wear and tear, technological developments as well as past experience with comparable assets are considered. The assessment of useful lives is based upon the judgment of management. A change in the useful lives may impact the future level of depreciation and amortisation recorded. See Notes 3.7 and 23.