02 » Summary of Significant Material Accounting Policies

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with the consolidation, accounting, and valuation principles described below.

Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of adidas AG and all its direct and indirect subsidiaries, which are prepared in accordance with uniform accounting principles. An entity is considered a subsidiary if it is controlled by adidas AG. Control exists when adidas is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee.

Effective as of December 2019, an amendment to the contractual arrangements existing between Agron, Inc., Los Angeles, California (USA), and adidas entered into force granting adidas the power to approve key financial and operational targets as well as the organizational structure of Agron, Inc. adidas has the right to, and is exposed to, the returns from its contractual business relations with Agron, Inc., which are dependent on the level of its net sales and overall profitability. As a result of the extended power, adidas has the ability to directly influence the amount of these variable returns and consequently obtained control over Agron, Inc. As adidas holds no equity interests of Agron, Inc., both net assets as well as income and expenses are attributable entirely to the non-controlling interest. adidas has not transferred any consideration to the owners of Agron, Inc. in relation to the amendment of the contractual arrangements.

The number of consolidated subsidiaries developed as follows in 2023 and 2022, respectively:

The subsidiaries are held either directly by adidas AG or indirectly via the two holding companies adidas Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH in Germany or adidas International B.V. in the Netherlands.

A schedule of the shareholdings of adidas AG is shown in Attachment I to the consolidated financial statements. This schedule comprises information about the name and domicile of all consolidated subsidiaries, as well as the respective share held in the capital of these subsidiaries. Furthermore, a schedule of the shareholdings of adidas AG is published on the German Company Register. SEE SHAREHOLDINGS

The financial effects of intercompany transactions as well as any unrealized gains and losses arising from intercompany business relations are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Principles of measurement

The following table includes an overview of selected subsequent measurement principles used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

Financial assets are classified and measured according to IFRS 9. All purchases and sales of financial assets, with the exception of trade receivables, are recognized on the trade date and initially measured at fair value. At initial recognition, trade receivables that do not have a significant financing component are measured at their transaction price. Subsequently, a financial asset is measured at amortized cost, fair value through other comprehensive income (debt instrument), fair value through other comprehensive income (equity instrument), or fair value through profit or loss.

A financial asset is measured at amortized cost if it meets both of the following conditions and is not designated at fair value through profit or loss: the financial asset is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flows (business model ‘Hold to collect’); and the financial asset’s contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.

A financial asset is measured at fair value through other comprehensive income if it meets both of the following conditions and is not designated at fair value through profit or loss: the financial asset is held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets (business model ‘Hold to collect and sell’); and its contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.

In principle, all investments in equity instruments are measured at fair value through profit or loss. At initial recognition, an entity may make an irrevocable election to present in other comprehensive income subsequent changes in the fair value of an investment in an equity instrument that is neither held for trading nor a contingent consideration acquired by a purchaser in a business combination. This election is made on an investment-by-investment basis.

All financial assets, which are not classified as measured at amortized cost or at fair value through other comprehensive income as described above, are measured at fair value through profit or loss.

Financial assets are only reclassified when the business model for managing financial assets is changed, in which case all affected financial assets are reclassified.

The subsequent measurement of financial assets is as follows:

Financial liabilities are recognized when adidas becomes a party to the contractual provisions that gives rise to the financial liability. All financial liabilities are initially recognized at fair value.

For subsequent measurement, financial liabilities are classified either as financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss, or as financial liabilities measured at amortized cost. Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss include, in particular, derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments in hedging relationships in accordance with IFRS 9.

Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the issue of financial liabilities that are not measured at fair value through profit or loss reduce the fair value of the financial liability on initial recognition.

Currency translation

The consolidated financial statements are presented in euros (€), which is also the parent company’s functional currency. For each entity, the Group determines the functional currency.

Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded in the respective functional currency by applying the spot exchange rate valid at the transaction date to the foreign currency amount.

In the individual financial statements of subsidiaries, monetary items denominated in non-functional currencies of the subsidiaries are generally translated into the functional currency at closing exchange rates at the balance sheet date. The resulting currency gains and losses are recognized directly in profit or loss.

This excludes monetary items that are designated as part of the hedge of the Group’s net investment in a foreign operation. These are recognized in other comprehensive income (OCI) until the net investment is disposed of, at which time the cumulative amount is reclassified to profit or loss. Taxes resulting from these exchange differences are also recognized directly in other comprehensive income in accordance with IAS 12.

Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the dates of the initial transactions. Non-monetary items measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair value is determined. The gain or loss arising on translation of non-monetary items measured at fair value is treated in line with the recognition of the gain or loss on the change in fair value of the item.

Assets and liabilities of the company’s non-euro functional currency subsidiaries that are included in the consolidated financial statements are translated using closing exchange rates at the balance sheet date into the presentation currency, the euro. For practical reasons, revenues and expenses are translated at average rates for the period, which approximate the exchange rates on the transaction dates. The resulting exchange differences arising on consolidation are recognized in OCI.

A summary of exchange rates to the euro for major currencies in which the Group operates is as follows:

Hyperinflation

To reflect changes in purchasing power at the balance sheet date, the carrying amounts of non-monetary assets and liabilities, shareholders’ equity, and comprehensive income of subsidiaries in hyperinflationary economies are restated in terms of a measuring unit current at the balance sheet date. These are indexed using a general price index in accordance with IAS 29 ‘Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies.’ In contrast, no restatement is required for monetary assets and liabilities carried at amounts current at the end of the balance sheet date because they represent money held, to be received, or to be paid. SEE NOTE 33

Gains and losses on the net monetary position are included in the financial result.

Non-monetary assets that have been restated following the guidance in IAS 29 are still subject to impairment assessment in accordance with the guidance in the relevant IFRS.

Derivative financial instruments

adidas uses derivative financial instruments, such as currency options, forward exchange contracts and currency swaps, to hedge its exposure to foreign-exchange risks. In accordance with its Treasury Policy, the company does not enter into transactions with derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

Derivative financial instruments are initially recognized in the statement of financial position at fair value and are subsequently also measured at their fair value. The method of recognizing the resulting gains or losses is dependent on the nature of the hedge. On the date a derivative contract is entered into, adidas designates derivatives as either a hedge of a forecast transaction (cash flow hedge) or a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation. In applying cash flow hedge accounting, adidas designates the spot element of forward exchange contracts and the intrinsic value of currency options to hedge its currency risk and applies a hedge ratio of 1:1 (spot-to-spot designation). The forward element of forward exchange contracts and the time value component of currency options are excluded from the designation of the hedging instrument.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges or net investments that are effective as defined in IFRS 9 are recognized in equity.

adidas applies the ‘cost of hedging’ approach for dedicated cash flow hedges. Changes in the fair value of the time value component of currency options, as well as the forward element in forward exchange contracts, are separately accounted for as a cost of hedging and are recognized separately in equity as a cost of hedging reserve. When the effectiveness is not 100%, the ineffective portion of the change in the fair value is recognized in the consolidated income statement. Accumulated gains and losses in equity are transferred to the consolidated income statement in the same periods, during which the hedged forecast transaction affects the consolidated income statement.

Hedges of net investments in foreign entities are accounted for in a similar way to cash flow hedges. The effective currency gains and losses in the derivative and all gains and losses arising on the translation of the borrowing are recognized in equity with the exception of the cross-currency basis spread.

Certain derivative transactions, while providing effective economic hedges under the company’s risk-management policies, do not qualify for hedge accounting under the specific rules of IFRS 9.

adidas documents the relationship between hedging instruments and hedge objects as well as the risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking various hedge transactions at transaction inception. This process includes linking all derivatives designated as hedge to specific firm commitments and forecast transactions. The economic relationship between the hedging instrument and hedged item is qualitatively and quantitatively ascertainable, and adidas judges the effectiveness of the hedging relationship by using generally accepted methods such as the hypothetical derivative method or the ‘Dollar Offset Method’. The main sources of expected ineffectiveness are due to changes in the credit risk and in the timing of the hedged transactions.

The fair values of currency options and forward exchange contracts are determined on the basis of market conditions on the reporting date. The fair value of a currency option is determined using generally accepted models. The fair value of an option is influenced not only by the remaining term of the option but also by additional factors, such as the actual foreign exchange rate and the volatility of the underlying foreign currency base. The company determines fair values taking the counterparty risk into consideration.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents represent cash at banks, cash on hand, and short-term deposits with maturities of three months or less from the date of acquisition, such as commercial papers and investments in money market funds.

Cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.

Cash equivalents can partly include investments in money market funds. Classification and measurement under IFRS 9 are performed based on the company’s business model for managing these financial assets and the contractual cash flow characteristics. Investments in money market funds contain cash flows other than those of principal and interest on principal. As a result, those investments are measured at fair value through profit or loss.

Accounts receivable

A receivable is recognized if an amount of consideration that is unconditional is due from the customer (i.e., if only the passage of time is required before payment of that consideration is due). Accounts receivable that do not contain a significant financing component are recognized at the transaction price, which represents the amount of consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring promised goods or services to a customer, excluding amounts collected on behalf of third parties. Subsequently, these are measured at amortized cost.

Other financial assets

Other financial assets are classified and measured under IFRS 9, based on the company’s business model for managing these assets and the contractual cash flow characteristics. Those other financial assets that give rise to cash flows consisting only of payments of principal and interest and that are assigned to the business model ‘Hold to collect’ are measured at amortized cost. adidas mainly has security deposits and receivables from credit card companies and electronic marketplaces that fall under this category.

Other financial assets that give rise to cash flows consisting only of payments of principal and interest and that are assigned to the business model ‘Hold to collect and sell’ are measured at fair value through OCI. This category mainly includes other investments and securities to hedge long-term variable compensation components.

Other financial assets, which are neither within the business model ‘Hold to collect’ nor within ‘Hold to collect and sell,’ are measured at fair value through profit or loss. This category mainly includes secured promissory notes and earn-out components.

Long-term financial assets

Long-term financial assets are distinguished between debt and equity instruments and classified according to IFRS 9 as follows:

Debt instruments are measured depending on the company’s business model for managing financial assets and the contractual cash flows. Only financial assets that are held within the business model ‘Hold to collect’ with the objective to collect the contractual cash flows, which represent solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding on a specific date, are measured at amortized cost. adidas classifies certain loans within this category. All other financial assets which do not fulfill one of these criteria are measured at fair value through profit or loss. adidas has no long-term financial assets in the category fair value through comprehensive income (debt instrument) and shows loans which do not fulfill the contractual cash flow characteristics in the category fair value through profit or loss. SEE NOTE 13

Generally, all investments in equity instruments are measured at fair value through profit or loss, unless these investments represent investments that the company intends to hold for long-term strategic purposes, which are then designated as equity securities at fair value through other comprehensive income (equity).

The designation of certain equity instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income (equity) is based on a strategic management decision.

Inventories

Finished goods and merchandise are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, which is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale. Costs are determined using a standard valuation method, the ‘average cost method.’ Costs of finished goods include the cost of direct materials and labor and the components of the manufacturing overheads that can be reasonably attributed to finished goods. The allocation of overheads is based on the planned average utilization. The net realizable value allowances are computed consistently throughout the company based on the age and expected future sales of the items on hand. SEE NOTE 07

Discontinued operations

A part of the adidas Group, whose operations and cash flows can be clearly distinguished operationally and for financial reporting purposes from the other operating businesses, is classified as a discontinued operation if the component has either been disposed of or is classified as held for sale, and:

• represents a separate major line of business or geographic area of operations,
• is part of a single coordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of business or geographic area of operations, or
• is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale.

Discontinued operations are excluded from the net income/loss from continuing operations and are presented as a single amount as gain/loss from discontinued operations, net of tax in the consolidated income statement. When an operation is classified as a discontinued operation, the comparative consolidated income statement and consolidated statement of cash flows are restated and presented as if the operation had been classified as such from the start of the comparative year. SEE NOTE 03

Property, plant, and equipment

Property, plant, and equipment are measured at amortized cost. This comprises all costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to the condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management less any accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is recognized for those assets, with the exception of land and construction in progress, over the estimated useful life utilizing the ‘straight-line method’ and taking into account any potential residual value. Parts of an item of property, plant, and equipment with a cost that is significant in relation to the total cost of the item are depreciated separately. SEE NOTE 09

Estimated useful lives are as follows:

Expenditure for repairs and maintenance is expensed as incurred. Renewals and improvements are capitalized and depreciated separately, if the recognition criteria are met.

Impairment losses on non-financial assets

If facts and circumstances indicate that non-current assets (e.g., property, plant, and equipment as well as intangible assets including goodwill and contract assets) might be impaired, the recoverable amount is determined. This is measured at the higher of fair value less costs of disposal (net disposal price) and value in use. Recoverable amount is determined on an individual asset level, unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets. If this is the case, recoverable amount is determined for the cash‑generating unit to which the asset belongs. The fair value is measured at Level 3 according to IFRS 13 ‘Fair Value Measurement.’

An impairment loss is recognized in other operating expenses or reported in goodwill impairment losses if the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount.

The impairment test for goodwill is performed based on groups of cash-generating units, which represent the lowest level within the company at which goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes. If there is an impairment loss for a group of cash-generating units, then, first, the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the group of cash-generating units is reduced. Subsequently, provided that the recoverable amount is lower than the carrying amount, the other non-current assets of the group of cash-generating units are reduced pro rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the group of cash-generating units. In allocating an impairment loss, the carrying amount of an individual asset is not reduced below its fair value. The amount of the impairment loss that would otherwise have been allocated to the asset is allocated pro rata to the other assets of the cash-generating unit and groups of cash-generating units.

Irrespective of whether there is an impairment indication, intangible assets with an indefinite useful life, intangible assets not yet available for use and goodwill acquired in business combinations are tested annually on December 31 for impairment. In the case that indicators for impairment are present at any point in time other than on December 31, these assets are also tested for impairment at this point in time.

An impairment loss recognized in goodwill is not reversible. With respect to all other impaired assets, an impairment loss recognized in prior periods is only reversed such as it affects the consolidated income statement if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of depreciation or amortization) if no impairment loss had been recognized.

Impairment losses on financial assets

Impairment losses for financial assets measured at amortized cost or at fair value through other comprehensive income (debt instrument) are recognized in accordance with IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments.’ The standard requires that not only historical data, but also future expectations and projections are taken into consideration when accounting for impairment losses (‘expected credit loss’ model).

adidas consistently applies the simplified approach and recognizes lifetime expected credit losses for all accounts receivable. In order to calculate a collective loss allowance, all accounts receivable sharing similar credit risk characteristics are allocated into several portfolios based on geographical regions and macroeconomic indicators. Historical payment and aging patterns for accounts receivable are analyzed individually for each of the portfolios to determine the probability of default, which is further adjusted by forward-looking factors derived primarily from the Credit Default Swap (CDS) spreads of the countries where adidas runs its operations. The adjusted probability of default is then applied in combination with a loss given default and exposure at default as a percentage rate to calculate the expected credit loss for each portfolio and aging bucket. The percentage rates are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that they reflect the latest data on credit risk. In case objective evidence of credit impairment is observed for accounts receivable from a specific customer, a detailed analysis of the credit risk is performed, and an appropriate individual loss allowance is recognized for this customer. Accounts receivables are considered to be in default when it is expected that the debtor will not fulfill its credit obligations toward adidas.

Cash and cash equivalents measured at amortized cost are subject to a general impairment approach under IFRS 9. adidas applies the low credit risk exemption for the majority of such instruments due to the low credit risk for these investments, which is based on the investment grade of their counterparties (defined by the company as equivalent of BBB+ or higher). A significant increase of credit risk is assumed for cash and cash equivalents when the instruments are more than 30 days past due. adidas monitors the credit risk associated with cash and cash equivalents taking into consideration the economic environment, external credit ratings, and/or CDS spreads of counterparty financial institutions, and using established exposure limits. Expected credit loss of cash and cash equivalents is calculated based on the probability of default and recovery rates derived from CDS spreads or external credit ratings of the counterparties. Cash and cash equivalents are considered to be in default when they are more than 90 days past due.

Other financial assets within the scope of IFRS 9 impairment analysis include mainly security deposits as well as accounts receivable from credit card companies and electronic marketplaces. The credit risk associated with such financial assets is determined based on the economic environment, external credit ratings, and/or CDS spreads of counterparty financial institutions. Other financial assets are considered to be in default when they are more than 90 days past due.

Objective evidence that credit impairment of financial assets has occurred includes, for instance, significant financial difficulty of the debtor/issuer, indications of their potential bankruptcy, the deterioration of the market for their products, and general macroeconomic problems. The gross carrying amount of financial assets is written off when adidas, based on a case-by-case assessment, assumes that their recovery is no longer possible.

Impairment losses on accounts receivable are presented in the line item ‘Impairment losses (net) on accounts receivable and contract assets’.

Leases

adidas assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease according to IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ at the inception of the contract. IFRS 16 defines a lease as a contract that conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. A contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset if the lessee has the right to obtain substantially all the economic benefits from the use of the identified asset (e.g., by having the exclusive right to use the asset throughout that period) and the right to direct the use of the identified asset throughout the period of use.

In its role as a lessee, adidas leases various types of assets, particularly buildings (retail stores, offices, warehouses, etc.), land, technical equipment and machinery (warehouse equipment, production machines, etc.), motor vehicles, and computer hardware, as well as furniture and fixtures. Lease contracts are typically negotiated for fixed periods of up to 99 years but may include extension or termination options. Lease terms are negotiated individually and may contain a wide range of different terms and conditions.

adidas makes use of the recognition exemption in IFRS 16 to not recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for leases of low-value assets (i.e., value of the underlying asset, when new, is € 5,000 or less) and short-term leases (shorter than twelve months and the agreement does not include a purchase option). Lease payments for low-value leases are recognized as expenses as they are incurred over the lease term.

Furthermore, adidas exercises the option for lessees to combine lease payments with payments for non-lease components in the calculation of the lease liability and right-of-use asset for all lease asset classes except for corporate real estate.

adidas recognizes a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability at the lease commencement date. At the commencement date, adidas initially measures the lease liability at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at that date. This includes fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments), less any lease incentives receivable, variable lease payments based on an index or a rate, amounts expected to be payable by adidas under residual value guarantees, the exercise price of a purchase option if adidas is reasonably certain to exercise that option, and payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the lessee exercising that option. Other variable lease payments are excluded from the measurement of the lease liability. The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease. If this rate cannot be readily determined, adidas uses its incremental borrowing rate. Generally, adidas uses the incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate. It is adjusted to reflect the country-specific risk, the credit risk of adidas, collateral from the change in value of the leased asset, the contract currency-specific risk, and the lease term. SEE NOTE 10 SEE NOTE 19

After the commencement date, lease payments are split into redemption payments and interest payments. The lease liability is subsequently measured by increasing the carrying amount to reflect interest cost on the lease liability using the effective interest rate and reducing the carrying amount to reflect the lease payments made. The carrying amount of the lease liability is remeasured provided any reassessments/lease modifications occur (including changes in the assessment of whether an extension or termination option is reasonably certain to be exercised).

At the commencement date, the right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, which is comprised of the amount of the initial measurement of the lease liability, any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, less any lease incentives received, any initial direct costs incurred by the lessee and an estimate of costs to be incurred by adidas in dismantling and removing the underlying asset, restoring the site on which it is located, or restoring the underlying asset to the condition required by the terms and conditions of the lease. The right-of-use asset is subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses and adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability. In principle, the right-of-use asset is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lease term or the useful life of the leased asset, whichever is shorter.

adidas applies judgment in determining the lease term for lease contracts including extension or termination options. The assessment of whether the options are reasonably certain to be exercised has an impact on the lease term and therefore may significantly affect the measurement of lease liabilities and right-of-use assets, respectively.

Lease contract renegotiations that result in changes to the original contractual conditions, e.g., changes in scope, consideration (including discounts and concessions), or lease term are treated as lease modifications. Depending on the circumstances of the renegotiation, either lease modifications are accounted for as a new separate contract, or they trigger a remeasurement of the lease liability using the discounted future lease payments. In the latter case, a corresponding adjustment is made to the right-of-use asset with, in some instances, a difference recognized in profit or loss.

Lease reassessments are the result of changes in assumptions or judgments, such as changes in lease term due to amended estimates surrounding existing extension and termination options. It is necessary to remeasure the lease liability using the discounted or existing future lease payments and make a corresponding adjustment to the right-of-use asset.

Goodwill

Goodwill is an asset representing the future economic benefits arising from assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. This results when the purchase cost exceeds the fair value of acquired identifiable assets, liabilities, and contingent liabilities. Goodwill arising from the acquisition of a foreign entity and any fair value adjustments to the carrying amounts of assets received, liabilities, and contingent liabilities are treated as assets, liabilities, and contingent liabilities of the respective reporting entity, and are translated at exchange rates prevailing at the date of the initial consolidation.

Goodwill arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries is measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses (impairment-only approach). See NOTE 11

Goodwill is carried in the functional currency of the acquired foreign entity.

Intangible assets (except goodwill)

Intangible assets with definite useful lives are valued at amortized cost. Amortization is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life, taking into account any potential residual value. SEE NOTE 12

Expenditure during the development phase of internally generated intangible assets is capitalized as incurred if it fulfills the recognition criteria under IAS 38 ‘Intangible Assets.’ Development costs for internally generated intangible assets are capitalized from the date on which the recognition criteria set out in IAS 38 'Intangible Assets' are first met. The capitalized development costs are amortized on a systematic basis from the day the intangible assets are available for use.

Estimated useful lives are as follows:

Research and development

Research costs are expensed in full as incurred. Development costs for internally generated intangible assets are also expensed as incurred if they do not meet the recognition criteria of IAS 38 ‘Intangible Assets.’

Borrowings and other liabilities

Borrowings (e.g., Eurobonds) and other liabilities are recognized at fair value net of transaction costs incurred. In subsequent periods, borrowings are stated at amortized cost using the ‘effective interest method.’ Any difference between proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognized in the consolidated income statement over the term of the borrowing.

Compound financial instruments (e.g., convertible bonds) are divided into a liability component shown under borrowings and into an equity component resulting from conversion rights. The equity component is included in the capital reserve. The fair value of the liability component is determined by discounting the interest and principal payments of a comparable liability without conversion rights, applying risk-adjusted interest rates. The liability component is subsequently measured at amortized cost using the ‘effective interest method.’ The equity component is determined as the difference between the fair value of the total compound financial instrument and the fair value of the liability component and is reported within equity. There is no subsequent measurement of the equity component. At initial recognition, directly attributable transaction costs are assigned to the equity and liability component pro rata on the basis of the respective carrying amounts.

Provisions and accrued liabilities

Provisions are recognized when there is a present obligation (legal or constructive) to third parties that has been incurred as a result of a past event, when the amount of the obligation can be estimated reliably and when it is probable that there will be an outflow of resources. In general, all provisions are uncertain as to their maturity or amount. The expense relating to a provision is presented in the consolidated income statement. Non-current provisions are discounted if the effect of the time value of money is material, with the interest expense being reported as financial expenses. SEE NOTE 18

Accrued liabilities are liabilities to pay for goods or services that have been received or supplied but have not been paid, invoiced, or formally agreed with the supplier, including amounts due to employees. The uncertainty regarding amount or timing of accrued liabilities is generally much less than for provisions. SEE NOTE 20 

Pensions and similar obligations

Provisions and expenses for pensions and similar obligations relate to the company’s obligations for defined benefit and defined contribution plans. The obligations under defined benefit plans are determined separately for each plan by valuing the employee benefits accrued in return for their service during the current and prior periods. These benefit accruals are discounted to calculate their present value, and the fair value of any plan assets is deducted in order to determine the net liability. The discount rate is set on the basis of yields of high-quality fixed-rate corporate bonds at the balance sheet date provided there is a deep market for such corporate bonds in a given currency. Otherwise, government bond yields are used as a reference. Calculations are performed by qualified actuaries using the ‘projected unit credit method’ in accordance with IAS 19 Employee Benefits. Obligations for contributions to defined contribution plans are recognized as an expense in the consolidated income statement as incurred. SEE NOTE 23

Contingent liabilities

Contingent liabilities are possible obligations that arise from past events and whose existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of adidas. Additionally, contingent liabilities may be present obligations that arise from past events, but which are not recognized because it is not probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation, or the amount of the obligation cannot be measured with sufficient reliability. Contingent liabilities are not recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position but are disclosed and explained in the Notes. SEE NOTE 38

Treasury shares

When adidas AG shares are repurchased and recognized as treasury shares, the amount of the consideration paid, which includes directly attributable costs, net of any tax effects, is recognized as a deduction from equity. The nominal value of € 1 per treasury share is debited to share capital. Any premium or discount to the nominal value is shown as an adjustment to the retained earnings. If treasury shares are sold or reissued, the nominal value of the shares will be credited to share capital and the amount exceeding the nominal value will be added to the retained earnings.

Revenue

Revenue derived from the sale of goods is recognized when adidas has satisfied the respective performance obligation by transferring the promised goods to the customer. The goods are transferred at the point in time when the customer obtains control of the respective goods. The timing of the transfer of control depends on the individual terms of the sales agreement (terms of delivery).

The amount of revenue to be recognized is determined based on the consideration adidas expects to be entitled to in exchange for transferring the promised goods or services to the customer, taking into account returns, discounts, and rebates.

Under certain conditions and in accordance with contractual agreements, the company’s customers have the right to return products and to either exchange them for similar or other products or to return the products against the issuance of a credit note. Amounts for estimated returns related to revenues are accrued based on past experience of average return rates and average actual return periods by means of a refund liability. The return assets are measured at the carrying amount of the inventories/products, less any handling costs and any potential impairment.

Provided that the customers meet certain predefined conditions, adidas grants its customers different types of globally aligned performance-based rebates. Examples include rebates for customers’ increasing adidas product sales, for customer loyalty, and for sell-out support, e.g., through retail space/franchise store management. As soon as it is assumed that the customer fulfills the requirements for being granted the rebate, this amount is recognized as a sales deduction via an accrued liability for marketing and sales.

In addition, adidas generates revenue from the licensing-out of the right to use the brands to third parties. The resulting sales-based royalty and commission income is recognized based on the contract terms on an accrual basis, i.e., revenue is already realized even though the payment takes place at a later point in time. Contracts with guaranteed minimum income result in contract assets and contract liabilities depending on the timing of yearly payments received from customers. The performance obligation related to these contract assets and liabilities is satisfied over the life of the contract, i.e., the guaranteed minimum income per year is evenly distributed over twelve months, whereby payments are recorded as arranged in the contract with the customer.

Advertising and promotional expenditure

Advance payments for media campaigns are included in prepaid expenses within other current and non-current assets until the services are received, and upon receipt are expensed in full. Significant costs for media campaigns are expensed on a straight-line basis over the intended duration of the media campaign.

Promotional expenses including one-time up-front payments for promotion contracts are principally expensed on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement.

Interest

Interest is recognized as income or expense as incurred using the ‘effective interest method’ with the exception of interest that is directly attributable to the acquisition, construction, or production of a qualifying asset. This interest is capitalized as part of the cost of the qualifying asset.

Interest paid is presented within the net cash used in financing activities.

Government grants

adidas receives government grants in the form of subsidies, subventions, or premiums from local, national, or international government authorities such as those of the Free State of Bavaria, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the European Union.

Government grants are recognized if there is adequate certainty that the grants will be received and that the company satisfies the conditions attached.

Government grants are reported in the consolidated income statement as a deduction from the related expenses.

Income taxes

Current income taxes are computed in accordance with the applicable taxation rules established in the countries in which adidas operates.

adidas computes deferred taxes for all temporary differences between the carrying amount and the tax base of its assets and liabilities as well as for tax loss carry-forwards. As it is not permitted to recognize a deferred tax liability for the initial recognition of goodwill, adidas does not compute any deferred taxes thereon.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.

Deferred tax assets arising from deductible temporary differences and tax loss carry-forwards that exceed taxable temporary differences are only recognized to the extent that it is probable that the entity concerned will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the associated benefit. The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilized.

Income tax is recognized in the consolidated income statement unless it relates to items recognized directly in equity, in which case it is recognized in equity. Deferred tax relating to items recognized outside profit or loss is recognized outside profit or loss. Deferred tax items are recognized in correlation to the underlying transaction either in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.

When there is uncertainty over income tax treatments, adidas recognizes and measures current or deferred tax assets or liabilities applying the requirements of IAS 12 and IFRIC 23. On a case-by-case basis, adidas determines whether to consider each uncertain tax treatment separately or together with one or more other uncertain tax treatments, depending on which approach better predicts the resolution of the uncertainty.

Where it is not considered probable that the tax authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment, adidas reflects the effects of the uncertainty by using one of the following methods, depending on which method better predicts the resolution of the uncertainty:

• the single most likely amount or
• the expected value based on the sum of the probability-weighted amounts.

In assessing whether and how an uncertain tax treatment affects the determination of taxable profits (tax losses), tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits, and tax rates, adidas assumes that a taxation authority will examine amounts it has a right to examine and will have full knowledge of all relevant information when making those examinations. SEE NOTE 34

Share-based payment

The cost of equity-settled share-based payment transactions with employees is determined by the fair value at the grant date using an appropriate valuation model. That cost is recognized in personnel expenses, together with a corresponding increase in equity (retained earnings), over the period in which the service and, where applicable, the performance conditions are fulfilled (the vesting period). The cumulative expense recognized for equity-settled transactions at each reporting date until the vesting date reflects the extent to which the vesting period has expired and the company’s best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. SEE NOTE 26

Service-independent and non-market performance conditions are not taken into account when determining the fair value of awards at the grant date, but the likelihood of the conditions being met is assessed as part of the company’s best estimate of the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. If the estimate is changed, even a credit in the consolidated income statement for the period can be possible as it reflects the movement in cumulative expenses from the beginning to the end of that period.

No expense is recognized for awards that do not ultimately vest if non-market performance and/or service conditions have not been met.

Equity-settled share-based payment transactions with parties other than employees are generally measured at the fair value of the goods or services received, except where the fair value cannot be estimated reliably, in which case they are measured at the fair value of the equity instruments granted, measured at the date the entity obtains the goods or the counterparty renders the service.

For cash-settled share-based payment transactions, the goods or services acquired, and the liability incurred are measured at the fair value of the liability. Until the liability is settled, the fair value of the liability is remeasured at the end of each reporting period and at the date of settlement, with all changes in fair value recognized in profit or loss for the period.

Estimation uncertainties and judgments

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of assumptions and estimates that affect reported amounts and related disclosures. Although such estimates are based on the best of our knowledge of current events and actions, actual results may ultimately differ from these estimates. In 2023, assumptions and estimates continued to be significantly impacted especially by the increased macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges.

As a result of the termination of the Yeezy partnership, judgments were made in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, in particular with regard to the valuation of existing inventories, as well as in the assessment of the litigation risks in the context of the ongoing arbitration proceedings, including the counterclaim filed by the defendants. SEE NOTE 07 SEE NOTE 38

The key assumptions concerning further future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the balance sheet date, which have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are outlined in the respective Notes, which include in particular accounts receivable, inventories, right-of-use-assets, goodwill, other provisions, pensions, derivatives, and income taxes, as well as other financial commitments and contingencies. SEE NOTE 05 SEE NOTE 07 SEE NOTE 10 See NOTE 11 SEE NOTE 18 SEE NOTE 23 see Note 28 SEE NOTE 34 SEE NOTE 38

Judgments have also been used in determining the lease term for lease contracts. SEE NOTE 10 SEE NOTE 19