Accounting principles

Converting foreign currency transactions

Items of each subsidiary included in the consolidated financial statements are measured using the currency of the operating environment of that subsidiary (‘functional currency’). The consolidated financial statements are presented in euros, which is the functional and reporting currency of the parent company.

Transactions in Foreign Currency

Foreign currency denominated transactions are recognized at the exchange rate of the functional currency on the transaction date. In practice, the exchange rate used is approximately the rate of the transaction date. Outstanding receivables and liabilities in foreign currencies are measured using the exchange rates on the balance sheet date. Exchange rate differences are recorded in the income statement. Exchange rate gains and losses on financing are included in financing income and costs.

Translation of Financial Statements of Foreign Subsidiaries

The comprehensive income statements and cash flow statements of subsidiaries whose functional currency is other than EUR are translated into euros using the exchange rate of the transaction dates. In practice, the translations are done once a month using the monthly average exchange rate. Balance sheet items are translated into euros with the exchange rate of the balance sheet date. The translation of the comprehensive profit/loss for the financial period using different exchange rates in the comprehensive income statement on the one hand and in the balance sheet on the other causes a translation difference recognized under Group equity under other comprehensive profit/loss items.

Translation differences generated through elimination of the acquisition costs of foreign subsidiaries and translation of equity items accrued after acquisition are recognized under other comprehensive profit/loss items. When a subsidiary is sold, accumulated translation differences are recognized in the income statement as part of the gain or loss on the sale.

Revenue recognition

SSH Communications Security net sales derive mainly from software license sales and subscriptions, related support and maintenance fees, and consulting fees. Net sales comprise the invoiced value for the sale of goods and services adjusted with any discounts given, sales taxes, and exchange rate differences.

The revenue from product sales is recognized at the time when significant risks and rewards of the product or the right of use of the product have been transferred to the buyer and there is a binding contract between the parties, the delivery has taken place in accordance with the contract, the amount of revenue can be measured reliably, and it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will accrue to the Group. Control is transferred to the buyer at the point of time.

Maintenance sales, or revenue from support and maintenance contracts, are recognized evenly on an accrual basis throughout the contract period. Revenues from services are recognized when the service has been delivered and it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will accrue to the Group.

The revenue of royalties from licenses is recognized according to the actual content of the contract at the point of time.

The Group customarily receives short-term advance payments from customers, but also from time to time substantial long-term advance payments for subscription or support and maintenance fees. In these cases, the financing component is accounted for and interest expenses are recorded for the duration of the advance payment.

Government grants

Grants received from the government for purchase of tangible assets are entered as a deduction of the book value of the asset when there is reasonable assurance that the company will receive the grant and will comply with the conditions attaching to the grant. Grants are recognized as income over the life of a depreciable asset by way of a reduced depreciation. Government grants that are intended to compensate for costs are recognized as income over the same period as the related costs are recognized. These government grants are presented under other operating income.

Property, plant and equipment

The property, plant, and equipment of Group companies are measured in the balance sheet at cost less accumulated straight-line depreciation and eventual impairment losses. When a part of a current assets item is treated as a separate asset, expenses related to its replacement are capitalized and any remaining book value is written off. Expenses incurring later are included in the class of property, plant, and equipment only if it is probable that the property will provide future economic benefits to the Group and that the acquisition cost can be reliably determined. Other repair and maintenance expenses are recognized in profit/loss as and when incurred.

Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis to reduce the purchase value of each asset item to its residual value over its estimated useful life.

• Machinery and equipment: 5 years from month of acquisition.
• Computer hardware: 3-5 years from month of acquisition.
• Leasehold improvements of rental premises: According to the lease term, though no more than 7 years from year of acquisition.

The residual value and useful life of assets are reviewed for each financial statement and, if necessary, adjusted to indicate changes expected in the assets’ economic benefits. The depreciation on property, plant, and equipment is ceased when the asset is classified as held for sale in accordance with standard IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations.

Capital gains and losses are determined by comparing proceeds received with the book value of sold assets. Impairment losses incurred through transfer are recognized under other operating costs.

Intangible assets

Research and development costs
Research costs are recognized as costs in the income statement. Development costs (related to the design and testing of new or improved products) from incomplete projects are recognized as intangible assets if capitalization criteria are fulfilled, to the extent of their probable economic benefits to the company. The most significant development costs to be capitalized constitute R&D personnel costs and sub-contracting costs. Other development costs are recognized directly as costs. Development costs once recognized as costs are not capitalized in subsequent financial periods.

Capitalized assets are tested annually for impairment. After initial recognition, capitalized development costs are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Capitalized development costs are depreciated on a straight- line basis over their economic lifetime, estimated at 5 years.

Software

Software includes acquired software licenses. These assets are entered in the balance sheet at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their economic lifetime. The residual value and useful life of assets are reviewed for each financial statement and, if necessary, adjusted to indicate changes expected in the assets’ economic benefits. The economic lifetime does not generally exceed 5 years. The depreciation period for software acquired for internal use is 3–5 years.

Other immaterial rights

Immaterial rights include obtained technology patents, trademarks, customer registers, and technology rights. These are entered in the balance sheet at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their economic lifetime. The residual value and useful life of assets are reviewed for each financial statement and, if necessary, adjusted to indicate changes expected in the assets’ economic benefits. The economic lifetime is generally 5 to 10 years.

Impairment of Tangible and Intangible Assets

The Group will review on each balance sheet date whether there is any indication of an impaired asset. Whenever indicators of impairment exist, the book value of such an asset is compared with its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the fair value of the asset less the costs of its sale, or its value in use, whichever is higher. The value in use is the present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived from an asset or cash-generating unit. The discount rate used to calculate the above is pre-tax rate that reflects the current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.

Whenever the book value of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount, an impairment loss will be recognized for that asset. The impairment loss is recognized immediately in the income statement. After the recognition of an impairment loss, the economic lifetime of an asset subject to depreciation is re-evaluated. An impairment loss recognized in prior period for an asset other than goodwill will be reversed if there is a change in the estimates that have been used in assessing the recoverable amount of that asset.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at cost or at a net realizable value, whichever is lower. Inventories comprise finished goods for sale or for use in producing a service.

Financial assets and liabilities

Financial assets

The Group has classified its financial assets into the following categories: financial assets at fair value through profit of loss, financial assets at fair value through comprehensive income statement, and financial assets at amortized value.

The assets are classified at initial recognition; the classification is based on the business model used in managing the financial assets and contractual terms of the cash flows. The assets are initially recognized at fair value. Transaction costs are included in the original book value of an asset if the asset is not to be recognized at fair value through profit or loss. Financial assets are written off from the balance sheet when the contractual right to cash flows from an asset included in financial assets ends or when the significant risks and rewards related to the asset are transferred outside the Group. All asset purchases and sales are recognized on the date of the transaction.

Financial assets through profit or loss include derivatives unless they are designated as effective hedging instruments or warrants such as currency derivatives, and fund investments. Changes in fair values of derivative financial instruments and realized and unrealized gains and losses are recognized in the income statement during the period when they incur. The Group did not have any derivatives during 2020 or 2019.

Loans and receivables are valued at cost at the time of acquisition and they are measured at amortized acquisition cost using the effective interest rate method.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, short-term deposits at banks, and other short-term liquid investments. Assets classified as cash and cash equivalents have a maturity of three months or less at the time of acquisition.

Impairment of financial assets

The Group applies the IFRS 9 simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses which uses a lifetime expected loss allowance for all trade receivables and contract assets. Credit losses are recognized in the income statement in other operating expenses.

The Group assesses at each balance sheet date whether an individual financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired. The Group recognizes an impairment loss on trade receivables when it is expected that the receivable will not be recovered in full. Significant financial difficulties, likelihood of bankruptcy, neglect of payments, or delay of payment by more than 90 days on part of a debtor may be considered to constitute such evidence for an impairment loss on trade receivables .

Financial liabilities

The Group’s financial liabilities are classified into financing liabilities recognized at fair value through profit/loss or other financial liabilities (financing liabilities recognized at amortized acquisition cost). A financial liability is classified as current if the Group does not have the absolute right to postpone repayment to at least 12 months from the end of the period under review. A financial liability (or part thereof) will not be written off the balance sheet until it has ceased to exist, i.e. when the obligation specified in the agreement has been discharged or reversed and its period of validity has expired.

In the SSH Communications Security Group, financial liabilities recognized at fair value through profit/ loss include the derivative instruments which do not fulfill the criteria for hedging accounting, and which are not warrants (currency derivatives). Unrealized and realized gains/losses due to changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recognized in profit/loss in the financial period during which they are generated. The Group did not have any derivative contracts during 2020 or 2019.

Other financial liabilities (financing liabilities recognized at amortized cost) include, most significantly, trade payables. They are initially recognized at fair value. After the original recognition, other financial liabilities are measured at amortized acquisition cost using the effective interest rate method.

Leases

The Group leases mainly offices. Rental contracts are typically made for fixed periods from two to three years but may have extension options. Extension options have not been included in the lease liability, because the Group could replace the asset without significant cost or business disruption. The lease term is reassessed if the option is exercised.

Leases are recognized in the balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and a corresponding financial liability at the date at which the lease asset is available for the use by the Group. Each lease payment is allocated between the liability and finance cost. The finance cost is recognized in the income statement over the lease period. The right-of-use asset is depreciated over the shorter of the asset’s useful life and the lease term on a straight-line basis. The right-of-use assets are also subject to impairment.

In calculating the present value of lease payments, the Group uses its incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date because the interest rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable. After the commencement date, the amount of lease liabilities is increased to reflect the accretion of interest and reduced for the lease payments made. The carrying amount of lease liabilities is remeasured if there is a modification, a change in the lease term, a change in the lease payments or a change in the assessment of an option to purchase the underlying asset.

Lease liabilities are included in interest-bearing loans and borrowings.

The Group applies the short-term lease recognition exemption to the leases of 12 months or less and the lease of low-value assets recognition exemption. Lease payments on short-term leases and leases of low-value assets are recognized as expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Earnings per Share

Earnings per share

Earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net profit/ loss for the financial year attributable to the owners by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the financial year. Earnings per share is impacted by unpaid interest of hybrid capital securities.

Diluted earnings per share

A dilutive effect caused by stock options exists when the subscription price of a share is lower than the fair value of the share. In the calculation of diluted earnings per share, stock options are only considered dilutive when their conversion to ordinary shares would decrease earnings per share or increase the loss per share from continuing operations. In other words, when the Group declares a loss, no dilutive effect will be calculated. Diluted earnings per share is impacted by unpaid interest of hybrid capital securities.

Share capital

Share capital consists of ordinary shares of the parent company classified as equity. Dividends paid on ordinary shares are deducted from equity in the period during which the decision to distribute dividends is made in the Annual General Meeting.

Share issue costs

Costs directly related to an issue of new shares, other than costs attributable to a business combination, are deducted, net of tax, from the proceeds recognized under equity.

Own shares

If SSH Communications Security Corporation or its subsidiaries purchase parent company SSH Communications Security Corporation’s shares, the compensation paid, including any related incremental external costs, net of tax, is deducted from total equity as own shares until the shares are canceled or transferred. If own shares are subsequently sold, any compensation received will be recognized under equity. The Group companies held no shares in the parent company on December 31, 2020 or December 31, 2019.

Hybrid capital securities

Hybrid capital securities is an instrument that is subordinated to the Company’s other debt obligations and is treated as equity in the Group balance sheet. Unpaid interest is cumulated but presented in the financial statements only after Board of Directors’ interest payment decision.

Gross margin

Gross margin is equal to net sales less the acquisition costs of materials and services.

Operating profit/loss

IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements does not define operating profit/loss. The Group uses the following definition: operating profit/loss is equal to earnings before interest and taxes.

Income tax

Tax expenses in the income statement comprise tax based on taxable income for the period and deferred tax. Income tax is recognized in the income statement except for taxes related to items recognized under comprehensive profit/loss or directly under equity, in which case the tax impact will be incorporated in the aforementioned items. Tax based on taxable income for the period is calculated using the corporate income tax rate (and tax laws) effective in each country, adjusted for any tax from previous periods.

Deferred taxes are calculated on temporary differences between the book value and taxable value. The largest temporary differences arise from unused tax losses which are deductible later.

Deferred taxes are calculated using the statutory tax bases with confirmed content announced by the closing date or with generally accepted tax bases. Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that taxable income against which the temporary difference can be applied will materialize in the future .

Employee benefits

Pensions

The Group’s pension schemes comply with the relevant regulations and practices in each relevant country. Pension security for the Group personnel is handled through external pension insurance companies. The Group applies defined contribution pension plans, in which the Group pays fixed contributions to an outside unit. The Group has no obligation to make additional payments in case the recipient of the contributions cannot discharge its pension payment obligations. Contributions under the defined contribution plan are recognized in the income statement for the financial period during which the contributions were made.

Share-based payments

Option rights have been issued to the Group management and personnel. Option rights are issued with a fixed subscription price determined in the terms and conditions of the option plan.

Option rights are measured at fair value on their date of issue and recognized as a cost in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The expense determined at the time of issuing the stock options is based on the Group’s estimate of the number of stock options to which it is assumed that rights will vest by the end of the vesting period. The fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes pricing model. The non-market criteria are not included in the fair value of the option but considered in the number of stock options that are assumed to vest at the end of the vesting period. On the date of each financial statement, the Group updates its estimate of the final amount of the stock options that will vest, and changes in this estimate are recognized in the income statement. When the option rights are exercised, the proceeds received, net of any transaction costs, are recognized under share capital and unrestricted invested equity fund.

Provisions

Provisions are recognized when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, when it is probable that expenditure will be required to settle the obligation, and when a reliable estimate of the amount can be made. If the Group expects an obligation to be partly reimbursed by a third party, the reimbursement is recognized as a separate asset but only when the reimbursement is certain in practical terms. The Group recognizes a provision on loss-making agreements when the expected benefits of an agreement are less than the unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations under the agreement.

Provisions are measured at the current value of the costs required to discharge the obligation. The discount rate is determined to reflect current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation.

Use of estimates

Preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, which form the basis of making the judgments about carrying values. These estimates and assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis and possible effects of changes in estimates and assumptions are recognized during the period they are changed.

The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing adjustment to the carrying value of assets within next financial year relate to restructuring plans, impairment testing, claims, onerous contracts, pending patent litigations, and the probability of deferred tax assets being recovered against future taxable profits.

The Group determines the lease term as the non-cancellable term of the lease, together with any periods covered by an option to extend the lease if it is reasonably certain to be exercised, or any periods covered by an option to terminate the lease, if it is reasonably certain not to be exercised.