Note 4 - Important estimations and assessments for accounting purposes

Estimations and assessments are evaluated regularly based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events which may be deemed reasonable under prevailing circumstances.

4.1 Important estimations and assumptions for accounting

The Group makes estimations and assumptions regarding the future. From a definition perspective, the estimations for accounting purposes which follow therefrom rarely correspond to the actual outcome. The estimations and assumptions which entail a significant risk of material adjustments in reported values for assets and liabilities during the following accounting period are outlined below.

4.1.1 Useful life, intangible and tangible fixed assets

Group management determines assessed useful life and thereby associated amortization/depreciation on the Group's intangible and tangible fixed assets. These estimations are based on historical knowledge of the useful life of corresponding assets. Useful life and assessed residual values are reviewed on each balance sheet date and adjusted as required. During the annual review, the need was identified to write down a machine and related building within the Tissue business area. 

Regarding reported values for each balance sheet date for intangible and tangible fixed assets, see Notes 21-25.

4.1.2 Test of impairment of goodwill

Each year, the Group assesses whether there is any impairment of goodwill, in accordance with the accounting principle described in Note 2 under section 2.9, "Impairment of non-financial assets". The recovery value of cash-generating units has been determined by calculating the use value. For these calculations, certain estimations must be made; see Note 21.

Reported values as per the balance sheet date for goodwill are allocated per cash-generating unit; see Note 21.

Even if the estimated rate of growth which is applied to discounted cash flows after the forecast 5-year period had been 0% instead of the management's assessment of 1%, there would be no impairment of goodwill.

Even if the estimated discount rate before tax which is applied to discounted cash flows had been 12.4% instead of the management's assessment of 11.4%, there would be no impairment of goodwill.

4.1.3 Valuation of loss carry-forwards

Each year, the Group assesses whether there is any impairment of deferred tax assets regarding loss carry-forwards for tax purposes. In addition, the Group assesses the possibility to capitalize new deferred tax assets with respect to the year's loss carry-forwards for tax purposes, where appropriate. Deferred tax assets are reported only in those cases where it is likely that, in the future, from a tax perspective there will be surpluses against which the temporary difference may be utilized.

Reported values for deferred tax assets for each balance sheet date are set forth in Note 19 "Income taxes". As set forth in Note 19, non-appraised loss carry-forwards as per December 31, 2012 amount to SEK 0 m (2011: SEK 0 m).

4.1.4 Pensions

Expenses and the value of pension obligations with respect to defined benefit plans are based on actuarial calculations based on assumptions regarding the discount rate, anticipated return on managed assets, future salary increases, inflation and demographic conditions. Assumptions regarding the discount rate are based on high quality investments at fixed interest with a term to maturity corresponding to the Group's existing pension obligations. Other demographic conditions are based on accepted industry practice.

The largest pension plan (approximately one half of pension obligations) is in Sweden, where no corporate bonds are issued and thus the discount rate for the Swedish pension liability is based on mortgage bonds with a term to maturity corresponding to the pension plan. Duni believes that it is possible to equate Swedish mortgage bonds with investment-grade corporate bonds since the market for such bonds has a high turnover and is considered to be liquid and deep; furthermore, these bonds often have a triple A rating and thus are extremely creditworthy.

Reported values for pension liabilities for each balance sheet date are set forth in Note 33, "Pension provisions".

4.2  Important assessments upon application of the Company's accounting principles

4.2.1 Allocation of fixed assets per operating segment and goodwill to cash-generating units

The operating segments utilize common fixed assets. When reporting the common fixed assets per operating segment, these have been allocated based on the business volume of each operating segment; this is deemed to constitute a reasonable basis for allocation since the utilization of the asset by each operating segment is proven. Corresponding allocations have also taken place when allocating common group expenses. Acquisition goodwill has been allocated to the cash-generating units and operating segments based on an assessment of which units will benefit from the synergies, etc. created by the business combination. When carrying out the allocation, management has considered the estimated business volumes of the units and made an assessment of market growth for each unit.