31 » Cost by Nature

Supplementary information on the expenses by nature is detailed below.

Cost of materials represents the amount of inventories recognized as an expense during the period.

Depreciation of tangible and right-of-use assets, amortization of intangible assets, andimpairment losses and reversals of impairment losses on those assets are primarily included within other operating expenses unless they are directly attributable to the production costs, in which case the expenses are included within the cost of sales. Impairment losses on goodwill are presented as a separate line item in the consolidated income statement.

Personnel expenses are primarily included within other operating expenses unless they are directly attributable to the production costs, in which case the expenses are included within the cost of sales.

Expenses relating to leases of low-value assets exclude short-term leases of low-value assets.

Expenses by nature € in millions

 

 

Year ending Dec. 31, 2021

 

Year ending Dec. 31, 2020

Cost of materials

 

10,421

 

9,169

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,141

 

1,188

Thereof: included within the cost of sales

 

79

 

94

Thereof: included within personnel expenses

 

11

 

11

Impairment losses

 

8

 

73

Reversals of impairment losses

 

(34)

 

(5)

Wages and salaries

 

2,122

 

1,997

Social security contributions

 

209

 

216

Pension expenses

 

120

 

112

Personnel expenses

 

2,451

 

2,325

Expense relating to short-term leases

 

11

 

19

Expense relating to leases of low-value assets

 

0

 

1

Expense relating to variable lease payments

 

140

 

132

Further information on expenses by function is provided in these Notes. See Note 30