2       General information, statement of compliance with IFRS and going concern

         assumption

The financial statements of the company and the consolidated financial statements of the group have been prepared in accor­dance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and as adopted by the European Union (EU), and in accordance with the Companies Act, Cap 386.

The financial statements are presented in euro (€), which is also the functional currency of the company and the group.

3     New or revised Standards or Interpretations

3.1

New standards adopted as at 1 January 2022

Some accounting pronouncements which have become effective from 1 January 2022 and have therefore been adopted do not have a significant impact on the company’s financial results or position. Accordingly, the company has made no changes to its accounting policies in 2022.

Other Standards and amendments that are effective for the first time in 2022 and could be applicable to the company are:

• Reference to the Conceptual Framework (Amendments to IFRS 3)

• COVID-19 – Related Rent Concessions beyond 30 June 2021 (Amendments to IFRS 16)

• Property, Plant and Equipment: Proceeds Before Intended Use (Amendments to IAS 16)

• Onerous Contracts – Cost of Fulfilling a Contract (Amendments to IAS 37)

• Annual Improvements (2018-2020 Cycle):

– Fees in the ‘10 per cent’ Test for Derecognition of Liabilities (Amendments to IFRS 9)

– Lease Incentives (Amendments to IFRS 16)

These amendments are not applicable to the entity or do not have a significant impact on these financial statements and therefore no additional disclosures have been made.

Some accounting pronouncements which have become effective from 1 January 2022 and have therefore been adopted do not have a significant impact on the company’s financial results or position. Accordingly, the company has made no changes to its accounting policies in 2022.

3.2

Standards, amendments and Interpretations to existing Standards that are not yet effective and have not been adopted early by the group

At the date of authorisation of these financial statements, several new, but not yet effective, Standards and amendments to existing Standards, and Interpretations have been published by the IASB. None of these Standards or amendments to existing Standards have been adopted early by the company.

Other Standards and amendments that are not yet effective and have not been adopted early by the company include:

• Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current (Amendments to IAS 1)

• Disclosure of Accounting Policies (Amendments to IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2)

• Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities from a Single Transaction

• Disclosure of Accounting Policies (Amendments to IAS 1)

• Definition of Accounting Estimates (Amendments to IAS 8)

These amendments are not expected to have a significant impact on the financial statements in the period of initial application and therefore no disclosures have been made.

4         Summary of accounting policies

4.1      Overall considerations

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared using the significant accounting policies and measurement bases summarised below.

4.2      Presentation of financial statements

The consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements (IAS 1).

4.3      Basis of consolidation

The group financial statements consolidate those of the parent company and all of its subsidiaries as of 31 December 2022. The parent controls a subsidiary if it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the subsidiary and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the subsidiary. The subsidiaries have a reporting date of 31 December .

All transactions and balances between group companies are eliminated on consolidation, including unrealised gains and losses on transactions between group companies. Where unrealised losses on intra-group asset sales are reversed on consolidation, the underlying asset is also tested for impairment losses from the group perspective. Amounts reported in the financial statements of subsidiaries have been adjusted where necessary to ensure consistency with the accounting policies adopted by the group.

Profit or loss and other comprehensive income of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are recognised from the effective date of acquisition, or up to the effective date of disposal, as applicable.

4.4      Business combinations

The group applies the acquisition method in accounting for business combinations. The consideration transferred by the group to obtain control of a subsidiary is calculated as the sum of the acquisition-date fair values of assets transferred, liabilities incurred and the equity interests issued by the group, which includes the fair value of any asset or liability arising from a contingent consideration arrangement. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred.

The group recognises identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination regardless of whether they have been previously recognised in the acquiree’s financial statements prior to the acquisition. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are generally measured at their acquisition-date fair values.

4.5      Investment in subsidiaries

Investment in subsidiaries is included in the company’s statement of financial position at cost less any impairment loss that may have arisen. Income from investment is recognised only to the extent of distributions received by the company from post-acquisition profits. Distributions received in excess of such profits are regarded as a recovery of the investment and are recognised as a reduction of the cost of the investment.

At the end of each reporting period, the company reviews the carrying amount of its investment in subsidiaries to determine whether there is any indication of impairment and, if any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the investment is estimated. An impairment loss is the amount by which the carrying amount of an investment exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. An impairment loss that has been previously recognised is reversed if the carrying amount of the investment exceeds its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the carrying amount of the investment does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined if no impairment loss had been previously recognised. Impairment losses and reversals are recognised immediately in profit or loss.

4.6      Investment in associates and joint ventures

An associate is an entity over which the company has significant influence. Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee but is not control or joint control over those policies.

A joint arrangement is an arrangement of which two or more parties have joint control. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control of an arrangement, which exists only when decisions about the relevant activities require the unanimous consent of the parties sharing control. A joint venture is a joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the net assets of the arrangement.

The results and assets and liabilities of associates/joint ventures are incorporated in these consolidated financial statements using the equity method of accounting, except when the investment is classified as held for sale, in which case it is accounted for in accordance with IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations. Under the equity method, investments in associates/joint ventures are initially recognised at cost and adjusted thereafter for the post-acquisition change in the group’s share of net assets of the associates/joint ventures, less any impairment in the value of individual investments.

When the group’s share of losses of an associate/joint venture exceeds the group’s interest in that associate/joint venture (which includes any long-term interests that, in substance, form part of the group’s net investment in the associate/joint venture), the group discontinues recognising its share of further losses. Additional losses are recognised only to the extent that the group has incurred legal or constructive obligations or made payments on behalf of the associate or joint venture.

Any excess of the cost of acquisition over the group’s share of the net fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of an associate/joint venture recognised at the date of acquisition is recognised as goodwill, which is included within the carrying amount of the investment. Any excess of the group’s share of the net fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities over the cost of acquisition, after reassessment, is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

4.7      Acquisition of entities and businesses under common control

The acquisition of subsidiaries under common control is accounted for under the principles of predecessor accounting as from the date these subsidiaries are acquired by the holding company’s parent at their previous carrying amounts of assets and liabilities included in the consolidated financial statements of the company’s parent.  Differences on acquisition between the consideration given in exchange for the acquired entities and the amounts at which the assets and liabilities of the acquired are initially recognised are included within equity.

4.8      Acquisition of subsidiaries

The acquisition of subsidiaries that are not under common control is accounted for by applying the acquisition method. The consideration is measured as the aggregate of the fair values, at the date of exchange of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity instruments issued by the acquirer in exchange for control of the acquiree. Acquisition-related costs are recognised in profit or loss as incurred, except for costs to issue debt or equity securities.

The acquiree’s identifiable assets and liabilities that meet the conditions for recognition are recognised at their fair values at the acquisition date, except as specifically required by other IFRS as adopted by the EU. A contingent liability assumed in a business combination is recognised at the acquisition date if there is a present obligation that arises from past events and its fair value can be measured reliably.

The results of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. Where necessary, in preparing these consolidated financial statements, appropriate adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies in line with those used by group entities.  Intra-group balances, transactions, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.

4.9      Goodwill

Goodwill arising in a business combination that is accounted for using the acquisition method is recognised as an asset at the date that control is acquired. Goodwill is measured as the excess of (a) the aggregate of: (i) the consideration transferred; (ii) the amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree; and (iii) in a business combination achieved in stages, the acquisition-date fair value of the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in the acquiree; and (b) the net of the acquisition-date amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed.

The goodwill is initially recognised as an asset at cost and is subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Any gain on a bargain purchase, after reassessment, is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

4.10      Non-controlling interest

Non-controlling interests in the acquiree that are present ownership interests and entitle their shareholders to a proportionate share of the entity’s net assets in the event of liquidation, may be initially measured either at the present ownership interests proportionate share in the recognised amounts of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets or at fair value. The choice of measurement basis is made on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis. After initial recognition, non-controlling interests in the net assets consist of the amount of those interests at the date of the original business combination and the non-controlling interests’ share of changes in equity since the date of the combination. Non-controlling interests in the net assets of consolidated subsidiaries are presented separately from the holding company’s owners’ equity therein. Non-controlling interests in the profit or loss and other comprehensive income of consolidated subsidiaries are also disclosed separately.  Total comprehensive income is attributed to non-controlling interests even if this results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance.

4.11      Revenue recognition

Revenue for the group arises mainly from the sale and distribution of Apple Products as an Apple Premium Reseller, as well as from the sale, maintenance and servicing of information technology solutions, security systems and providing electronic payment solutions. The group is also engaged in providing road, sea and air logistics services in Malta and in Poland. The group is also engaged in selling and repairing used electronic devices and accessories in Germany.

To determine whether to recognise revenue, the group follows a 5-step process:

1.       Identifying the contract with a customer

2.       Identifying the performance obligations

3.       Determining the transaction price

4.       Allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations

5.       Recognising revenue when/as performance obligation(s) are satisfied.

The group often enters into transactions involving a range products and services, as described above. In all cases, the total transaction price for a contract is allocated amongst the various performance obligations based on their relative stand-alone selling prices. The transaction price for a contract  excludes any amounts collected on behalf of third parties.

Revenue is recognised either at a point in time or over time, when (or as) the group satisfies performance obligations by transferring the promised goods or services to its customers.

The group recognises contract liabilities for consideration received in respect of unsatisfied performance obligations and reports these amounts as contract liabilities in the statement of financial position
(see note 34). Similarly, if the group satisfies a performance obligation before it receives the consideration, the group recognises either a contract asset or a receivable in its statement of financial position, depending on whether something other than the passage of time is required before the consideration is due.

Sale and distribution of Apple products

Revenue from the sale of Apple products for a fixed fee is recognised when or as the group transfers control of the assets to the customer. Amounts receivable for products transferred are due upon receipt by the customer, which is usually immediately upon the sale of the product to the customer. Control for these products is transferred at the point in time and occurs when the customer takes undisputed delivery of the goods.

The group provides a basic one year product warranty on its Apple products sold to customers. Under the terms of this warranty, customers can return the product for repair or replacement if it fails to perform in accordance with published specifications. The standard warranty does not provide a service which enhances, or is in any way or manner an addition to the standard assurance to the product performance. These warranties are accounted for under IAS 37.

Repairs and Maintenance of used electronic devices

Revenue from the repair of any type of smartphone and tablet is recognised when our technicians provide such service to the customer, which is usually provided within 24 hours.

Sale and repair of Uzed electronic devices

Revenue from the sale of used electronic products within our Uzed brand for a fixed fee is recognised when or as the group transfers control of the assets to the customer. Amounts receivable for products transferred are due upon receipt by the customer, which is usually immediately upon the sale of the product to the customer. Control for these products is transferred at the point in time and occurs when the customer takes undisputed delivery of the goods.

Sale of information technology solutions, security systems and other machinery

Revenue from the sale of information technology solutions, security systems and other machinery for a fixed fee is recognised when or as the group transfers control of the assets to the customer. Invoices for products and services transferred are due upon receipt by the customer, which is usually upon the sale of the product to the customer and installation of the items or products sold. Control for these products is usually transferred at the point in time and occurs when the customer takes undisputed delivery of the goods.

When such items are either customised or sold together with significant integration services, the goods and services represent a single combined performance obligation over which control is considered to transfer over time. This is because the combined product is unique to each customer (has no alternative use) and the group has an enforceable right to payment for the work completed to date. Revenue for these performance obligations is recognised over time as the customisation or integration work is performed, using the cost-to-cost method to estimate progress towards completion. As costs are generally incurred uniformly as the work progresses and are considered to be proportionate to the entity’s performance, the cost-to-cost method provides a faithful depiction of the transfer of goods and services to the customer.

Each major contract is nevertheless evaluated for revenue recognition on its own and the group determines when control is effectively transferred depending on the specific circumstances.

For sales of software that are neither customised by the group nor subject to significant integration services, the licence period commences upon delivery. For sales of software subject to significant customisation or integration services, the licence period begins upon commencement of the related services.

Maintenance and servicing

The group enters into fixed price maintenance contracts with its customers for terms between one and three years in length. Customers are required to pay either quarterly or yearly in advance for each respective service period and the relevant payment due dates are specified in each contract.

The group enters into agreements with its customers to perform regularly scheduled maintenance services on the various goods purchased from the group. Revenue is recognised over time based on the ratio between the number of hours of maintenance services provided in the current period and the total number of such hours expected to be provided under each contract. This method best depicts the transfer of services to the customer because: (a) details of the services to be provided are specified as part of the agreed maintenance program relative to the maintenance requirements of the items sold, and (b) the group has a long history of providing these services to its customers, allowing it to make reliable estimates of the total number of hours involved in providing the service.

Consulting and development of IT systems

The group enters into contracts for the design, development and installation of IT systems in exchange for a fixed fee and recognises the related revenue over time. Due to the high degree of interdependence between the various elements of these projects, they are accounted for as a single performance obligation. When a contract also includes promises to perform after-sales services, the total transaction price is allocated to each of the distinct performance obligations identifiable under the contract on the basis of its relative stand-alone selling price.

To depict the progress by which the group transfers control of the systems to the customer, and to establish when and to what extent revenue can be recognised, the group measures its progress towards complete satisfaction of the performance obligation by comparing actual hours spent to date with the total estimated hours required to design, develop, and install each system. The hours-to-hours basis provides the most faithful depiction of the transfer of goods and services to each customer due to the group’s ability to make reliable estimates of the total number of hours required to perform, arising from its significant historical experience constructing similar systems.

Most such arrangements include detailed customer payment schedules. When payments received from customers exceed revenue recognised to date on a particular contract, any excess (a contract liability) is reported in the statement of financial position (see note 34).

The construction of IT systems normally takes 10 – 12 months from commencement of design through to completion of installation. As the period of time between customer payment and performance will always be one year or less, the group applies the practical expedient in IFRS 15.63 and does not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of financing.

In obtaining these contracts, the group incurs some incremental costs. As the amortisation period of these costs, if capitalised, would be less than one year, the group makes use of the practical expedient in IFRS 15.94 and expenses them as they incur. Such incremental costs are not considered to be material.

Payment gateway

The group enters into transactions with parties for the access to a payment gateway. The group’s revenue is mainly derived from the actual volume of traffic on the payment gateway and on other fixed charges. The price is agreed and established with the customer in written contracts and is allocated to the performance obligation accordingly. Prices are based on established amounts for such services. The transaction price for a contract excludes any amounts collected on behalf of third parties.

Road, sea and air logistics services

Revenue from the provision of road, sea and air logistics services for an agreed price is recognised when or as the group completes delivery to the customer. Invoices for services rendered are due upon completion of the contracted service, which is usually immediately upon delivery to the customer. Control for these products is transferred at the point in time and occurs when the customer takes undisputed delivery of the goods on which the transportation service has been provided.

Ship-to-ship services

Revenue is recognised from the provision of support services for Ship-to-Ship (STS) cargo transfer operations, mainly oil and gas. In most instances, an STS operation takes between 24 and 48 hours to be completed, revenue is recognised upon completion of the operation.

Terminal management and consultancy services

Revenue arises from Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal management, emergency support services and consultancy. The performance obligations within these contracts typically consist of technical management and provision of consultancy. The performance obligations are satisfied concurrently, and consecutively rendered over the duration of the management contract over time. These are measured using the time elapsed from commencement of the contract. Consideration generally consists of fixed monthly management fees. Any costs incurred on behalf of the client are reimbursed. Management fees are invoiced monthly.

4.12       Interest and dividends

Interest income and expenses are reported on an accrual basis using the effective interest method. These are reported within ‘investment income’ and ‘finance costs’.

Dividends are recognised at the time the right to receive payment is established.

4.13       Operating expenses

Operating expenses are recognised in profit or loss upon utilisation of the service as incurred .

4.14      Borrowing costs

Borrowing costs include the costs incurred in obtaining external financing. Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, which are assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use or sale, are capitalised from the time that expenditure for these assets and borrowing costs are being incurred and activities that are necessary to prepare these assets for their intended use or sale are in progress.  Borrowing costs are capitalised until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale. Borrowing costs are suspended during extended periods in which active development is interrupted. All other borrowing costs are recognised as an expense in profit or loss in the period in which they are incurred.

4.15      Employee benefits

4.16    Foreign currency translation

Foreign currency transactions and balances

An intangible asset is recognised if it is probable that the expected future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the company and the cost of the asset can be measured reliably. 

Intangible assets are initially measured at cost, being the fair value at the acquisition date for intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Expenditure on an intangible asset is recognised as an expense in the period when it is incurred unless it forms part of the cost of the asset that meets the recognition criteria or the item is acquired in a business combination and cannot be recognised as an intangible asset, in which case it forms part of goodwill at the acquisition date. 

The useful life of intangible assets is assessed to determine whether it is finite or indefinite. Intangible assets with a finite useful life are amortised. Amortisation is charged to profit or loss so as to write off the cost of intangible assets less any estimated residual value, over their estimated useful lives. The amortisation method applied, the residual value and the useful life are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period.

Intangible assets are derecognised on disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected from their use or disposal. Gains or losses arising from derecognition represent the difference between the net disposal proceeds, if any, and the carrying amount, and are included in profit or loss in the period of derecognition.

Patents and trademarks

Patents and trademarks are classified as intangible assets. After initial recognition, patents and trademarks are carried at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses. Patents and trademarks are amortised on a straight-line basis over ten years.

Internally developed software and acquired licences

Expenditure on the research phase of projects to develop new customised software is recognised as an expense as incurred.

Costs that are directly attributable to a project’s development phase are recognised as intangible assets, provided they meet the following recognition requirements:

• the development costs can be measured reliably

• the project is technically and commercially feasible

• the group intends to and has sufficient resources to complete the project

• the group has the ability to use or sell the software

• the software will generate probable future economic benefits.

Development costs not meeting these criteria for capitalisation are expensed as incurred.

Directly attributable costs include employee costs incurred on software development along with an appropriate portion of relevant overheads and borrowing costs.

All finite-lived intangible assets, including capitalised internally developed software, are accounted for using the cost model whereby capitalised costs are amortised on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Residual values and useful lives are reviewed at each reporting date. In addition, they are subject to impairment testing as described in note 4.21. The following useful lives are applied:

Any capitalised internally developed software that is not yet complete is not amortised but is subject to impairment testing as described in note 4.21.

Amortisation is included within depreciation, amortisation and impairment of non-financial assets.

Subsequent expenditures on the maintenance of computer software and brand names are expensed as incurred.

The group’s plant and equipment are classified into the following classes – improvements to premises, equipment, motor vehicles and furniture, fixtures and fittings.

Plant and equipment are initially measured at cost.  Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably.  Expenditure on repairs and maintenance of plant and equipment is recognised as an expense when incurred.

Plant and equipment are stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.

Plant and equipment are derecognised on disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected from their use or disposal. Gains or losses arising from derecognition represent the difference between the net disposal proceeds, if any, and the carrying amount, and are included in profit or loss in the period of derecognition.

Depreciation

Depreciation commences when the depreciable assets are available for use and is charged to profit or loss so as to write off the cost, less any estimated residual value, over its estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method, on the following bases:

4.20    Leases

Measurement and recognition of leases

4.22    Financial instruments

4.26    Equity and reserves

Share capital represents the nominal value of shares that have been issued.

Retained earnings (accumulated losses) include all current and prior period results as disclosed in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income less dividend distributions.

Translation reserve comprises foreign currency translation differences arising from the translation of financial statements of the group’s entities denominated in foreign currencies.

Dividend distributions payable to equity shareholders are included with short-term financial liabilities when the dividends are approved in general meeting prior to the end of the reporting period.

4.27    Provisions and contingent liabilities

Provisions for legal disputes, onerous contracts or other claims are recognised when the group and the company have a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of economic resources will be required from the group and the company and amounts can be estimated reliably. Timing or amount of the outflow may still be uncertain.

Restructuring provisions are recognised only if a detailed formal plan for the restructuring has been developed and implemented, or management has at least announced the plan’s main features to those affected by it. Provisions are not recognised for future operating losses.

Provisions are measured at the estimated expenditure required to settle the present obligation, based on the most reliable evidence available at the reporting date, including the risks and uncertainties associated with the present obligation. Where there are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood that an outflow will be required in settlement is determined by considering the class of obligations as a whole. Provisions are discounted to their present values, where the time value of money is material.

Any reimbursement that the group can be virtually certain to collect from a third party with respect to the obligation is recognised as a separate asset. However, this asset may not exceed the amount of the related provision.

In those cases where the possible outflow of economic resources as a result of present obligations is considered improbable or remote, no liability is recognised.

4.28    Significant management judgement in applying accounting policies and

           estimation uncertainty

When preparing the financial statements management undertakes a number of judgements, estimates and assumptions about the recognition and measurement of assets, liabilities, income and expenses.

Significant management judgements

The following are the judgements made by management in applying the accounting policies of the group that have the most significant effect on the financial statements.

Recognition of service and contract revenues

As revenue from after-sales maintenance agreements and consulting and development of systems contracts is recognised over time, the amount of revenue recognised in a reporting period depends on the extent to which the performance obligation has been satisfied. For after-sales maintenance agreements this requires an estimate of the quantity of the services to be provided, based on historical experience with similar contracts. In a similar way, recognising revenue for consulting and development of systems contracts also requires significant judgment in determining the estimated number of hours required to complete the promised work when applying the hours-to-hours method described in note 4.11. Management however considers that any variance in estimates on ongoing contracts would be insignificant to the group.

Capitalisation of internally developed software

Distinguishing the research and development phases of a new customised software project and determining whether the recognition requirements for the capitalisation of development costs are met requires judgement. After capitalisation, management monitors whether the recognition requirements continue to be met and whether there are any indicators that capitalised costs may be impaired (see note 4.17).

Recognition of deferred tax assets

The extent to which deferred tax assets can be recognised is based on an assessment of the probability that future taxable income will be available against which the deductible temporary differences and tax loss carry-forwards can be utilised. In addition, significant judgement is required in assessing the impact of any legal or economic limits or uncertainties in various tax jurisdictions (see note 4.24).

Estimation uncertainty

Information about estimates and assumptions that have the most significant effect on recognition and measurement of assets, liabilities, income and expenses is provided below. Actual results may be substantially different.

Impairment of intangible assets including goodwill and tangible assets

An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s or cash-generating unit’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount.  To determine the recoverable amount, management estimates expected future cash flows from each cash-generating unit and determines a suitable interest rate in order to calculate the present value of those cash flows (see note 4.21).  In the process of measuring expected future cash flows management makes assumptions about future operating results.  These assumptions relate to future events and circumstances.  The actual results may vary, and may cause significant adjustments to the group’s assets within the next financial year.

In most cases, determining the applicable discount rate involves estimating the appropriate adjustment to market risk and the appropriate adjustment to asset-specific risk factors.

The group tests goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite useful life annually for impairment or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill or intangibles might be impaired. Determining whether the carrying amounts of these assets can be realised requires an estimation of the recoverable amount of the cash generating units. The value in use calculation requires the directors to estimate the future cash flows expected to arise from the cash generating unit and a suitable discount rate in order to calculate present value.

Goodwill arising on a business combination is allocated, to the cash-generating units (“CGUs”) that are expected to benefit from that business combination.

Furthermore, following an in-depth review of the projections, management opted to include an execution risk premium (based on their professional judgement) to mitigate the current forecasting uncertainty and to obtain added comfort that the carrying value of the intangible assets is indeed recoverable.

At 31 December 2022, goodwill of the group was allocated as follows:

For further analysis of the movement within goodwill, refer to note 15 of these financial statements.

CGU – Retail and IT Solutions (Poland)

The recoverable amount of the CGUs is determined from the value in use calculation. The key assumptions for the value in use calculations are those regarding the discount rates, growth rates and expected changes to selling prices and direct costs during the period. The directors estimate discount rates using pre-tax rates that reflect current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the CGUs. The growth rates are based on industry growth forecasts. Changes in selling prices and direct costs are based on past practices and expectations of future changes in the market.

The assessment of recoverability of the carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful life includes:

Based on the above assessment, the directors expect the carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite useful life to be recoverable.

CGU – Payment Processing Services

The recoverable amount of the CGUs is determined from the value in use calculation. The key assumptions for the value in use calculations are those regarding the discount rates, growth rates and expected changes to selling prices and direct costs during the period. The directors estimate discount rates using pre-tax rates that reflect current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the CGUs. The growth rates are based on industry growth forecasts. Changes in selling prices and direct costs are based on past practices and expectations of future changes in the market.

The assessment of recoverability of the carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful life includes:

Based on the above assessment, the directors expect the carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite useful life to be recoverable.

CGU – IT Solutions and Security Systems

The recoverable amount of the CGUs is determined from the value in use calculation. The key assumptions for the value in use calculations are those regarding the discount rates, growth rates and expected changes to selling prices and direct costs during the period. The directors estimate discount rates using pre-tax rates that reflect current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the CGUs. The growth rates are based on industry growth forecasts. Changes in selling prices and direct costs are based on past practices and expectations of future changes in the market.

The assessment of recoverability of the carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful life includes:

Based on the above assessment, the directors expect the carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite useful life to be recoverable.

CGU – Hili Logistics group

The directors of Hili Logistics group consider that the logistics business represents one single, consistent and homogenous operating segment. In defining this assumption for the purpose of testing goodwill for impairment, the directors consider that although the entity has essentially three operating interests, each component on its own is not representative of a separate component of the group’s operations. Moreover decisions about resource allocation are made for the logistics operations of Malta, Poland and the UK as a whole.  Furthermore the directors consider that the acquired STS business is closely linked to the STS operations in Malta and taking advantage of a number of synergies which are being experienced around the following areas:

Package offering where Carmelo Caruana Company Limited and STS Marine Solutions Ltd are in a better position to offer a single package to STS clients acting as one stop shop. This also brings a number of opportunities to cross-sell other services for vessel owners;

In view of the above, the directors consider the logistics business to be one cash-generating unit (CGU).

The recoverable amount of the CGUs is determined from the value in use calculation. The key assumptions for the value in use calculations are those regarding the discount rates, growth rates and expected changes to selling prices and direct costs during the period. The directors estimate discount rates using pre-tax rates that reflect current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the CGUs. The growth rates are based on industry growth forecasts. Changes in selling prices and direct costs are based on past practices and expectations of future changes in the market.

The assessment of recoverability of the carrying amount of goodwill and the investments held by the company includes:

Following a review of the carrying amount of this CGU by the directors during 2022, the directors have concluded that no impairment is necessary.