24 Employee benefits

Accounting policy

Short-term employee benefits

Short-term employee benefits are generally recognized as an expense in the period the employee renders services to dsm-firmenich.

Post-employment benefits: Defined contribution plans

For dsm-firmenich’s defined contribution plans, the obligations are limited to the payment of contributions, which are recognized as Employee benefit costs.

Post-employment benefits: Defined benefit plans

For defined benefit plans, the aggregate of the value of the defined benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets for each plan is recognized as a net defined benefit liability or asset. Defined benefit obligations are determined using the projected unit credit method. Plan assets are recognized at fair value. If the fair value of plan assets exceeds the present value of the defined benefit obligation, a net asset is only recognized to the extent that the asset is available for refunds to the employer or for reductions in future contributions to the plan. Defined benefit pension costs consist of three elements: service costs, net interest, and remeasurements. Service costs are part of Employee benefit costs and consist of current service costs. Past service costs and results of plan settlements are included in Other operating income or expense. Net interest is part of Finance income and expense and is determined on the basis of the value of the net defined benefit asset or liability at the start of the year, and on the interest on high-quality corporate bonds. Remeasurements are actuarial gains and losses, the return (or interest cost) on net plan assets (or liabilities) excluding amounts included in net interest and changes in the effect of the asset ceiling. These remeasurements are recognized in Other comprehensive income as they occur and are not recycled through profit or loss at a later stage.

Post-employment defined benefit plans include pension plans and other post-employment benefits.

Other employee benefits

The service cost, the net interest on the net defined liability (asset) and remeasurements of the net defined liability (asset) related to other long-term employee benefits, such as jubilee and incentive plans, are recognized in profit or loss.

Estimates and judgments

Management makes assumptions regarding variables such as discount rate, future salary increases, life expectancy, and future healthcare costs. Management consults with external actuaries regarding these assumptions at least annually for significant plans. Changes in these key assumptions can have a significant impact on the projected defined benefit obligations, funding requirements and periodic costs incurred.

The Employee benefit liabilities of €569 million (2022: €292 million) consist of €388 million related to pensions (2022: €247 million), €58 million related to other post-employment benefits (2022: €16 million) and €123 million related to other employee benefits (2022: €29 million). See also the table below.

 

 

2023

 

2022

Employee benefit liabilities

 

 

 

 

Pension plans and other post-employment benefits

 

446

 

263

Other employee benefits

 

123

 

29

Total

 

569

 

292

 

 

 

 

 

Of which current

 

49

 

5

The Group operates a number of defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans throughout the world, the assets of which are generally held in separately administered funds. The pension plans are generally funded by payments from employees and from the relevant group companies. The Group also provides certain additional healthcare benefits to retired employees in the US and Switzerland.

Post-employment benefits are employee benefits (other than termination benefits and short-term employee benefits) that are payable after the completion of employment. Post-employment benefit accounting is intended to reflect the recognition of post-employment benefits over the employee’s approximate service period, based on the terms of the plans and the investment and funding.

The charges for post-employment benefit costs recognized in the income statement (Note 5 Net sales and costs) relate to the following.

Post-employment benefit costs

 

 

2023

 

2022

Defined benefit plans:

 

 

 

 

- Current service costs pension plans

 

55

 

38

- Other post-employment benefits

 

4

 

3

Defined contribution plans

 

100

 

61

Total pension costs included in employee benefit costs

 

159

 

102

 

 

 

 

 

- Pension costs included in Other operating (income)/expense

 

(1)

 

(2)

Total in operating profit, continuing operations

 

158

 

100

 

 

 

 

 

Pension costs included in Financial income and expense

 

8

 

3

Total continuing operations

 

166

 

103

 

 

 

 

 

Discontinued operations

 

4

 

19

Total

 

170

 

122

 

 

 

 

 

Of which:

 

 

 

 

- Defined contribution plans

 

103

 

79

- Defined benefit plans

 

67

 

43

For 2024, costs for the defined benefit plans relating to pensions are expected to be €86 million (2023: €40 million).

Changes in net liabilities of the post-employment benefits recognized in the balance sheet are shown in the following overview.

 

 

Funded and unfunded defined benefit obligations

 

Fair value of plan assets

 

Impact of minimum funding requirement/asset ceiling

 

Net liabilities/(assets) recognized in the balance sheet

Balance at 1 January 2022

 

2,156

 

(1,887)

 

-

 

269

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in income statement:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Current service cost

 

40

 

-

 

-

 

40

- Interest expense/(income)

 

19

 

(16)

 

-

 

3

Total included in income statement

 

59

 

(16)

 

-

 

43

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Loss/(gain) from change in financial assumptions

 

(500)

 

-

 

-

 

(500)

- Return on plan assets excluding interest income

 

-

 

369

 

-

 

369

- Asset ceiling change, excluding movement through income statement

 

-

 

-

 

126

 

126

Total included in other comprehensive income

 

(500)

 

369

 

126

 

(5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Benefits paid (including transfers in and out)

 

(84)

 

70

 

-

 

(14)

- Contributions by plan participants

 

19

 

(19)

 

-

 

-

- Employer contributions

 

-

 

(42)

 

-

 

(42)

- Currency translation adjustment and other

 

63

 

(68)

 

3

 

(2)

- Reclassification held for sale

 

(5)

 

-

 

-

 

(5)

Total other

 

(7)

 

(59)

 

3

 

(63)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at 31 December 2022

 

1,708

 

(1,593)

 

129

 

244

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net defined benefit assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(19)

Net defined benefit liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

263

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

244

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Current service cost

 

59

 

3

 

-

 

62

- Interest (expense)/income

 

74

 

(69)

 

3

 

8

Total included in income statement

 

133

 

(66)

 

3

 

70

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Loss/(gain) from change in demographic assumptions

 

(6)

 

-

 

-

 

(6)

- Loss/(gain) from change in financial assumptions

 

203

 

-

 

-

 

203

- Experience loss/(gain)

 

20

 

-

 

-

 

20

- Return on plan assets excluding interest income

 

-

 

(61)

 

-

 

(61)

- Asset ceiling change, excluding movement through income statement

 

-

 

-

 

(62)

 

(62)

Total included in other comprehensive income

 

217

 

(61)

 

(62)

 

94

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Benefits paid (including transfers in and out)

 

(186)

 

154

 

-

 

(32)

- Contributions by plan participants

 

44

 

(44)

 

-

 

-

- Employer contributions

 

-

 

(63)

 

-

 

(63)

- Settlements

 

(190)

 

186

 

-

 

(4)

- Balance sheet transfer

 

3

 

-

 

-

 

3

- Acquisition/disposals

 

1,480

 

(1,407)

 

18

 

91

- Currency translation adjustment and other

 

130

 

(136)

 

5

 

(1)

Total other

 

1,281

 

(1,310)

 

23

 

(6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at 31 December 2023

 

3,339

 

(3,030)

 

93

 

402

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net defined benefit assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(44)

Net defined benefit liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

446

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

402

The fair value of the plan assets consists of 78% of quoted assets (2022: 94%).

Pension-plan assets by category

 

 

2023

 

2022

Equities

 

843

 

389

Bonds

 

1,061

 

730

Derivatives

 

1

 

-

Property

 

577

 

350

Insurance policies

 

48

 

1

Other

 

417

 

108

Cash and bank deposits

 

83

 

15

Total plan assets

 

3,030

 

1,593

The pension-plan assets include neither ordinary dsm-firmenich shares nor property occupied by dsm-firmenich. In 2024, dsm-firmenich is expected to contribute €79 million (actual 2023: €67 million) to its defined benefit plans in the core countries.

The countries with the most significant defined benefit obligations for dsm-firmenich are specified in the following table.

Defined benefit plans in core countries

 

 

Switzerland

 

United States of America

 

United Kingdom

 

Germany

 

Other countries

 

Total

Defined benefit plans 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funded and unfunded defined benefit obligations

 

1,096

 

201

 

159

 

244

 

8

 

1,708

Fair value of plan assets

 

(1,228)

 

(203)

 

(154)

 

(8)

 

-

 

(1,593)

Net excess of liabilities/(assets) over obligations

 

(132)

 

(2)

 

5

 

236

 

8

 

115

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrecognized assets due to asset ceiling

 

124

 

4

 

1

 

-

 

-

 

129

Net excess of liabilities/(assets) over obligations recognized

 

(8)

 

2

 

6

 

236

 

8

 

244

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Composed of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net defined benefit assets

 

(9)

 

(10)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(19)

Net defined benefit liabilities

 

1

 

12

 

6

 

236

 

8

 

263

Total changes

 

(8)

 

2

 

6

 

236

 

8

 

244

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Defined benefit plans 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Funded and unfunded defined benefit obligations

 

2,633

 

197

 

210

 

256

 

43

 

3,339

Fair value of plan assets

 

(2,621)

 

(196)

 

(200)

 

(10)

 

(3)

 

(3,030)

Net excess of liabilities/(assets) over obligations

 

12

 

1

 

10

 

246

 

40

 

309

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrecognized assets due to asset ceiling

 

93

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

93

Net excess of liabilities/(assets) over obligations recognized

 

105

 

1

 

10

 

246

 

40

 

402

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Composed of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net defined benefit assets

 

(30)

 

(14)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(44)

Net defined benefit liabilities

 

135

 

15

 

10

 

246

 

40

 

446

Total changes

 

105

 

1

 

10

 

246

 

40

 

402

The main actuarial assumptions for the year (weighted averages) are:

Actuarial assumptions for major plans

 

 

Switzerland

 

United States of America

 

United Kingdom

 

Germany

2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

 

2.20%

 

5.40%

 

4.80%

 

3.70%

Price inflation

 

1.25%

 

0.00%

 

3.35%

 

0.00%

Salary increase

 

2.25%

 

3.00%

 

0.00%

 

3.20%

Pension increase

 

0.00%

 

0.00%

 

3.15%

 

2.60%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

 

1.30%

 

5.00%

 

4.50%

 

3.20%

Price inflation

 

1.25%

 

0.00%

 

3.15%

 

2.20%

Salary increase

 

2.25%

 

3.00%

 

0.00%

 

2.80%

Pension increase

 

0.00%

 

0.50%

 

2.93%

 

2.20%

The above mentioned actuarial assumptions are harmonized for all defined benefit plans in a country.

Sensitivities of significant actuarial assumptions

The discount rate, the future increase in wages and salaries and the pension increase rate were identified as significant actuarial assumptions. The following impacts on the defined benefit obligation are to be expected.

  • A 0.25% increase/decrease in the discount rate would lead to a decrease/increase of 2.9% (2022: 2.5%) in the defined benefit obligation
  • A 0.25% increase/decrease in the expected increase in salaries/wages would lead to an increase/decrease of 0.3% (2022: 0.3%) in the defined benefit obligation
  • A 0.25% increase/decrease in the expected rate of pension increase would lead to an increase/decrease of less than 1.6% (2022: 0.6%) in the defined benefit obligation

The sensitivity analysis is based on realistically possible changes as at the end of the reporting year. Each change in a significant actuarial assumption was analyzed separately as part of the test. Interdependencies were not taken into account.

Main defined benefit plans description

The dsm-firmenich Group companies have various pension plans, which are geared to the local regulations and practices in the countries in which they operate. As these plans are designed to comply with the statutory framework, tax legislation, local customs, and economic situation of the countries concerned, it follows that the nature of the plans varies from country to country. The plans are based on local legal and contractual obligations.

dsm-firmenich’s current policy is to offer defined contribution retirement benefit plans to new employees wherever possible. However, dsm-firmenich still has a (small) number of defined benefit pension and healthcare schemes from the past or in countries where legislation does not allow us to offer a defined contribution scheme. Generally, these schemes have been funded through external trusts or foundations, where dsm-firmenich faces the potential risk of funding shortfalls. The most significant defined benefit schemes are:

  • DSM Nutritional Products (DNP) AG Pension Plan in Switzerland (DNP AG)
  • Pension Plan at Firmenich SA in Switzerland
  • DSM UK Pension Scheme in the UK
  • Consolidated Pension Plan of DSM North America, Inc. in the US
  • Pension plan at Firmenich, Inc. in the US
  • Pension Plan at DSM Nutritional Products GmbH in Germany (DNP GmbH)

For each plan, the following characteristics are relevant:

DNP AG Pension Plan in Switzerland

The DNP AG Pension Plan is a typical Swiss Cash Balance plan. For accounting purposes, this plan is qualified as a defined benefit plan. It is a contribution-based plan, with no promise of indexation for on-going pensions. The Swiss state minimal requirements for occupational benefit plans have however to be respected.

The purpose of the plan is to protect the (legacy) DSM employees against the economic consequences of retirement, disability and death. The employer and employees pay contributions to the pension plan at rates set out in the pension plans rules based on a percentage of salary. The amount of the retirement account can be taken by the employee at retirement in the form of pension or capital.

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation is 10.8 years (2022: 10.0 years) which could be seen as an indication of the maturity profile of the scheme.

According to the Swiss Federal Law on Occupational Retirement, Survivors and Disability (LPP/BVG), the Swiss Pension plans are managed by independent and legally autonomous entities which have the legal structure of foundation. The Pension Boards are composed of equal numbers of employee and employer representatives. Each year, the Pension Boards decide the level of interest, if any, to apply to the retirement accounts in accordance with the pension policy.

It is also responsible for the investment of the assets and defining the investment strategy for long-term returns with an acceptable level of risk. The plan assets are collectively invested (no individual investment choice).

Firmenich SA Pension Plan in Switzerland

The Firmenich SA Pension Plan is a typical Swiss Cash Balance plan. For accounting purposes, this plan is qualified as a defined benefit plan. It is a contribution-based plan, with no promise of indexation for on-going pensions. The Swiss state minimal requirements for occupational benefit plans have however to be respected.

The purpose of the plan is to protect the (legacy) Firmenich employees against the economic consequences of retirement, disability and death. The employer and employees pay contributions to the pension plan at rates set out in the pension plans rules based on a percentage of salary. The amount of the retirement account can be taken by the employee at retirement in the form of pension or capital.

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation is 14.3 years which could be seen as an indication of the maturity profile of the scheme.

According to the Swiss Federal Law on Occupational Retirement, Survivors and Disability (LPP/BVG), the Swiss Pension plans are managed by independent and legally autonomous entities which have the legal structure of foundation. The Pension Boards are composed of equal numbers of employee and employer representatives. Each year, the Pension Boards decide the level of interest, if any, to apply to the retirement accounts in accordance with the pension policy. It is also responsible for the investment of the assets and defining the investment strategy for long-term returns with an acceptable level of risk. The plan assets are collectively invested (no individual investment choice).

DSM UK Pension Scheme

The DSM UK Pension Scheme was closed as of 30 September 2016 for all pension accruals. An unconditional indexation policy is applicable for the vested pension rights.

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation is 13.9 years (2022: 14.3 years), which could be seen as an indication of the maturity profile of the scheme.

The pension plan is managed and controlled by a dsm-firmenich company pension fund. The Board of Trustees consists of representatives of the employer and the employees who have an independent role. Till last year, there were two company guarantees in place: (1) a guarantee from DNP AG (capped at GBP 14 million) related to the 2012 valuation, and (2) a guarantee from Royal DSM (capped at GBP 11 million) related to arrangements with respect to former UK divestments. Both guarantees were surrendered by a one-time payment of the company.

There is a long-term de-risking strategy for the DSM UK Pension Scheme in place with the objective to align the company’s intentions and the Trustees responsibility with respect to this plan.

Consolidated Plan of DSM North America, Inc. in the US

The Consolidated Plan in the US has been closed to new entrants since 2014. As of 31 December 2016, the plan was closed for pension accrual of the non-unionized employees, and as a result of the DRF divestment in 2021, it was fully frozen for all unionized employees as well. In December 2023, all pension liabilities within the plan were fully settled with an insurance company.

As a result of the settlement, the weighted average duration of the defined obligations is 0.0 years (2022: 9.7 years).

The pension plan was managed and controlled by a DSM company pension fund. The pension fund will finalize the last formalities and will finally be liquidated.

Pension plan at Firmenich, Inc. in the US

The plan provides benefits on a defined benefit basis, and is closed to all new employees. The plan was also frozen to the majority of current employees for future benefit accruals. The grandfathered Group of participants to the defined benefit plan continue to accrue benefits which are payable at retirement and on death in service. With exceptions for optional lump sum amounts for certain sections of the plan, the benefits are paid out as annuities.

The US pension plan is qualified under and is managed in accordance with the requirements of US federal law. In accordance with federal law the assets of the plan are legally separate from the employer and are held in a pension trust. The law requires minimum and maximum amounts that can be contributed to the trust, together with limitations on the amount of benefits that may be provided under the plan. There are named fiduciaries that are responsible for ensuring the plan is managed in accordance with the law. The fiduciaries are responsible for defining the investment strategy for long-term returns with an acceptable level of risk as well as the oversight of the investment of plan assets. The employees do not contribute to the plan and the employer contributes to the plan amounts which are at least equal to the minimum required by the law and not more than the maximum that would limit the tax deductibility of the contributions.

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation is 9.6 years which could be seen as an indication of the maturity profile of the scheme.

DNP GmbH Pension Plan in Germany

The DNP GmbH Pension Plan in Germany has been closed to new entrants as of 31 December 2008. The accrual is still applicable for employees who have been participating in the plan since 2008. The pension plan is a final-pay pension plan (averaged over the last 12 months prior to retirement) and service-related benefit.

The liability is on the balance sheet of DSM Nutritional Products GmbH. No assets are allocated to this liability. All reimbursements will be paid out by the local company.

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligation is 12.0 years (2022: 12.9 years), which could be seen as an indication of the maturity profile of the scheme.

Other employee benefits

Other employee benefits comprise jubilees, long-term incentive (LTI) plans to senior management and deferred compensation liabilities. The changes in other employee benefits are listed below.

 

 

Other employee benefits

Balance at 1 January 2022

 

40

Of which current

 

5

 

 

 

Changes:

 

 

- Additions

 

(3)

- Uses

 

(4)

- Reclassification to held for sale

 

(4)

Total changes

 

(11)

 

 

 

Balance at 31 December 2022

 

29

Of which current

 

4

 

 

 

Changes:

 

 

- Acquisition

 

97

- Additions

 

54

- Releases

 

(15)

- Uses

 

(43)

- Other change

 

1

Total changes

 

94

 

 

 

Balance at 31 December 2023

 

123

Of which current

 

49

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