IFRS 9 Financial Instruments

The Group has early adopted all of the requirements of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (‘IFRS 9’) as of 1 October 2017. IFRS 9 replaces IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement (‘IAS 39’). IFRS 9 utilises a revised model for recognition and measurement of financial instruments and a single, forward looking expected loss impairment model. Most of the requirements of IAS 39 for classification and measurements of financial liabilities were carried forward in IFRS 9, therefore the Group’s accounting policy with respect to financial liabilities remains unchanged. The Group applied IFRS 9 using the full retrospective method of adoption on initial date of application.

As a result of the early adoption of IFRS 9, management has changed its accounting policy for financial assets retrospectively for assets that were recognised at the date of application. The change did not impact the carrying value of any financial assets on transition date.

Classification

The Group classifies its financial instruments in the following categories:

The Group determines the classification of financial assets at initial recognition. The classification of debt instruments is driven by the Group’s business model for managing the financial assets and their contractual cash flow characteristics. Equity instruments that are held for trading are classified at fair value through profit or loss, for other equity instruments, on the day of acquisition the Group can make an irrevocable election (on an instrument-by-instrument basis) to designate them as at fair value through other comprehensive income. Financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost, unless they are required to be measured at fair value through profit or loss (such as derivatives) or the Group has designated to measure them at fair value through profit or loss.

The Group completed a detailed assessment of its financial assets and liabilities at 1 October 2017. The following table presents the original classification according to IAS 39 and the new classification according to IFRS 9:

Upon adoption of IFRS 9, the Group made an irrevocable election to classify marketable securities at fair value through profit or loss.

Measurement: Financial assets and liabilities at amortised cost

Financial assets and liabilities at amortised cost are initially recognised at fair value, and subsequently carried at amortised cost less any impairment.

Measurement: Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

The classification of financial assets at initial recognition depends on the financial asset’s contractual cash flow characteristics and the Group’s business model for managing them. In order for a financial asset to be classified and measured at amortised cost, it needs to give rise to cash flows that are ‘solely payments of principal and interest’ (‘SPPI’) on the principal amount outstanding. This assessment is referred to as the SPPI test and is performed at an instrument level.

The Group’s business model for managing financial assets refers to how it manages its financial assets in order to generate cash flows. The business model determines whether cash flows will result from collecting contractual cash flows, selling the financial assets, or both.

Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value through profit or loss are initially recorded at fair value and transaction costs are expensed in the statement of profit or loss. Realised and unrealised gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of the financial assets and liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss are included in the statement of profit or loss in the period in which they arise. Where management has designated to recognise a financial liability at fair value through profit or loss, any changes associated with the Group’s own credit risk will be recognised in other comprehensive income.

Derecognition: Financial assets

The Group derecognises financial assets only when the contractual rights to cash flows from the financial assets expire, or when it transfers the financial assets and substantially all the associated risks and rewards of ownership to another entity. Gains or losses on derecognition are generally recognised in the statement of profit or loss. However, gains or losses on derecognition of financial assets classified as fair value through other comprehensive income remain within equity.

Derecognition: Financial liabilities

The Group derecognises financial liabilities only when its obligations under the financial liabilities are discharged, cancelled or expired. The difference between the carrying amount of the financial liability derecognised and the consideration paid and payable, including any non-cash assets transferred or liabilities assumed, is recognised in profit or loss.

Hedge accounting

The Group does not apply hedge accounting.

Impact of adopting IFRS 9 on the Group’s consolidated financial statements

The adoption of IFRS 9 did not impact the carrying value of any financial assets on transition date, consequently adopting IFRS 9 did not result in a restatement of comparative results.

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The Group has early adopted all of the requirements of IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (‘IFRS 15’) with a date of initial application of 1 October 2017. IFRS 15 supersedes IAS 18 Revenue and Related Interpretations and it applies to all revenue arising from contracts with customers, unless those contracts are in the scope of other standards of IFRS. The Group applied IFRS 15 using the modified retrospective method and therefore, comparative information has not been restated and continues to be presented in accordance with IAS 18. IFRS 15 was applied to all open contracts on date of initial application. As a result, the Group has changed its accounting policy for revenue recognition as detailed in the accounting policies.

Comparative accounting policy in terms of IAS 18

Revenue was measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. Revenue from the sale of goods was recognised when significant risks and rewards of ownership had been transferred to the customer, recovery of the consideration was probable, the associated costs and possible return of goods could be estimated reliably, there was no continuing management involvement with the goods and the amount of revenue could be measured reliably.

Revenue from the sale of PGMs was initially recognised at the estimated fair value of the consideration receivable at the date of delivery. Adjustments to the sale price occurred based on movements in the metal market price and currency up to the date of final pricing. Final pricing was based on the monthly average market price in the month of settlement. The period between initial recognition and final pricing was typically three months. The revenue adjustment mechanism embedded within the sale arrangement had the characteristics of a commodity derivative. Accordingly the fair value of the final sale price adjustment was re-estimated continuously and changes in fair value were recognised as a re-estimated adjustment to revenue in profit or loss and trade receivables in the statement of financial position.

The Group entered into contracts for the sale of chrome concentrates. Revenue arising from chrome sales under these contracts was recognised when the price was determinable, the product had been delivered in accordance with the terms of the contract, the significant risks and rewards of ownership had been transferred to the customer, collection of the sale price was probable and associated costs could be reliably estimated. These criteria might vary per contract. As sales from chrome contracts were subject to a customer survey adjustment with regards to quality, sales were initially recorded on a provisional basis using management’s best estimate of the chrome quality. Subsequent adjustments were recorded in revenue to take into account final adjustments, if different from the initial estimates.

Revenue from the rendering of services was recognised in proportion to the stage of completion of the work performed at the reporting date.

Accounting policy in terms of IFRS 15

Sales revenue is recognised on individual sales when control transfers to the customer. Control transfers to the customer upon satisfaction of performance obligations within each contract. In most instances, control passes and sales revenue is recognised when the product is delivered to the vessel or vehicle on which it will be transported once loaded, the destination port or the customer’s premises. There may be circumstances when judgement is required based on the five indicators of control below:

• The customer has the significant risks and rewards of ownership and has the ability to direct the use of, and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from the good or service.
• The customer has a present obligation to pay in accordance with the terms of the sales contract. For shipments under the International Commercial Terms (‘Incoterms’) cost, insurance and freight (‘CIF’) this is generally when the ship is loaded, at which time the obligation for payment is for both product and freight.
• The customer has accepted the asset. Sales revenue may be subject to adjustment if the product specification does not conform to the terms specified in the sales contract but this does not impact the passing of control. Assay and specification adjustments have been immaterial historically.
• The customer has legal title to the asset. The Group usually retains legal title until payment is received for credit risk purposes only.
• The customer has physical possession of the asset. This indicator may be less important as the customer may obtain control of an asset prior to obtaining physical possession, which may be the case for goods in transit.

Revenue is presented net of value added tax, rebates and discounts and after eliminating intergroup sales. Multiple performance obligations exist which are described in the following paragraphs:

Operating segments, and the amounts of each segment item reported in the consolidated financial statements, are identified from the financial information provided regularly to the Group’s management for the purposes of allocating resources to, and assessing the performance of, the Group’s various lines of business and geographical locations. The Board of Directors is of the view that the Group had three operating segments during the reporting period, the PGM segment, the chrome segment and the agency and trading segment.

The following is a description of the Group’s current principal activities separated by reportable segment, from which the Group recognises its revenue.

PGM segment

The PGM segment principally generates revenue from the sale of PGM concentrate, which consists of the sale of platinum, palladium, rhodium, gold, ruthenium, iridium, nickel and copper. The Group enters into off-take agreements with customers for the supply of PGM concentrate. Revenue from the sale of PGM concentrate is recognised based on the quantity of PGM concentrate delivered, prevailing market prices and exchange rates, when delivered to the customers in terms of the off-take agreements. Revenue recognised includes variable consideration as revenue is subject to quantity adjustments, final pricing and currency adjustments after the beneficiation process is completed. Revenue recognised is adjusted for expected final adjustments based on finally determined quantity and spot rates, which are estimated based on prevailing market information and recognised as a separate component within revenue. Adjustments to the sale price occur based on movements in the metal market price and exchange rates up to the date of final pricing.

Any subsequent changes that arise due to differences between initial and final assay are still considered within the scope of IFRS 15 and are subject to the constraint on estimates of variable consideration. When considering the initial assay estimate, the Group has considered the requirements of IFRS 15 in relation to the constraint on estimates of variable consideration. It will only include amounts in the calculation of revenue where it is highly probable that a significant revenue reversal will not occur when the uncertainty relating to final quantity/assay/quality is subsequently resolved.

Consequently, at the time the concentrate passes to the customer, the Group will recognise a receivable as from that time it considers it has an unconditional right to consideration. This receivable is accounted for in accordance with IFRS 9. The PGM commodity derivative is no longer separated from the host contract. This is because the existence of the provisional pricing features means the concentrate receivable fails to meet the requirements to be measured at amortised cost. Instead, the entire receivable is measured at fair value, with subsequent movements being recognised in profit or loss.

Chrome segment

The Group currently produces two specifications of chrome concentrates, metallurgical chrome concentrate and specialty chrome concentrates. It generates revenue from the sale of these products. The chrome market is typically a ‘spot’ market. The Group enters into short-term sale contracts. The Group also enters into long-term volume off-take agreements for the supply of chrome concentrates.

Revenue arising from chrome concentrate sales under short-term sale contracts and off-take agreements is recognised when the chrome concentrate is delivered and a customer takes control of the chrome concentrate. Revenue is recognised based on the fixed sale price in terms of the contract, the quantity delivered and the quality as determined by an independent survey. Export sales may, as specified in the contract, be subject to a final survey upon arrival at destination port. Revenue recognised for export sales is adjusted for expected final adjustments, which are estimated based on historical data for similar transactions.

The majority of the Group’s metallurgical chrome concentrate is exported. For these export sales, the point of revenue recognition is dependent on the contract sales terms, known as the CIF Incoterms. For the CIF Incoterms, the seller must contract for and pay the costs and freight necessary to bring the goods to the named port of destination. This means that the Group is responsible (acts as principal) for providing shipping services and, in some instances, insurance after the date at which control of goods passes to the customer at the loading port.

Consequently, the freight service on export commodity contracts with CIF Incoterms represents a separate performance obligation as defined under IFRS 15 and as such, a portion of the revenue earned under these contracts, representing the obligation to perform the freight service, is deferred and recognised when this obligation has been fulfilled, along with the associated costs.

Since separate performance conditions exist for export commodity contracts with CIF Incoterms, the Group allocates the transaction price to the separate performance conditions on a relative standalone selling price basis. Observable information with specific reference to sea freight costs is used for allocation of the transaction price.

Agency and trading segment

The Group operates a third-party chrome plant and markets and sells the chrome concentrate produced at this plant. The Group determines whether it acts as principal or agent by assessing whether the Group controls the transaction and what its performance obligations are. Considerations to determine control include whether the Group provides the performance obligation itself, the Group is primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide the specified chrome concentrates, the Group has inventory risk before the specified products are transferred to the customer and the Group determines the selling price. In the absence of any of the aforementioned factors, control of the transaction may be doubtful and the Group would recognise the margin achieved in revenue as an agent.

Metallurgical and specialty chrome concentrates are produced at this plant. The Group enters into short-term contracts for the sale of these chrome concentrates. Revenue arising from short-term sale contracts is recognised when the chrome concentrate is delivered and a customer takes control of the chrome concentrates. This occurs in accordance with the terms of each contract. Delivery terms also vary between the sale of metallurgical chrome concentrate and specialty chrome concentrates. Sales from chrome concentrates are subject to surveys to determine the chrome quality and quantity. Revenue is recognised based on the fixed sale price in terms of the contract, the quantity delivered and the quality as determined by an independent survey. Export sales may, as specified in the contract, be subject to a final survey upon arrival at destination port. Revenue recognised for export sales is adjusted for expected final adjustments, which are estimated based on historical data for similar transactions.

The majority of the Group’s metallurgical chrome concentrate produced at the third-party chrome plant is exported. For these export sales, the point of revenue recognition is dependent on the contract sales terms, known as the Incoterms. For the CIF Incoterms the seller must contract for and pay the costs and freight necessary to bring the goods to the named port of destination. This means that the Group is responsible (acts as principal) for providing shipping services and, in some instances, insurance after the date at which control of goods passes to the customer at the loading port.

Consequently, the freight service on export commodity contracts with CIF Incoterms represents a separate performance obligation as defined under IFRS 15 and as such, a portion of the revenue earned under these contracts, representing the obligation to perform the freight service, is deferred and recognised when this obligation has been fulfilled, along with the associated costs.

Since separate performance conditions exist for export commodity contracts with CIF Incoterms, the Group allocates the transaction price to the separate performance conditions on a relative standalone selling price basis. Observable information with specific reference to sea freight costs is used for allocation of the transaction price.

The Group also provides inland logistics services to customers. These services include long-term contracts and ad hoc logistic services. Revenue is recognised at a point in time as the performance obligation has been fulfilled which is the delivery of the specified goods. Any earned consideration, which is conditional, will be recognised as a contract asset rather than a trade and other receivable.

Revenue is also generated from consulting services rendered. These services include geological, marketing and administration services. Revenue is recognised over time, using an input method to measure progress towards complete customer satisfaction.

Contract balances

Timing of revenue recognition may differ from the timing of invoicing to customers. The Group records a receivable in the statement of financial position, when revenue is recognised prior to invoicing. Similarly, unearned revenue received (income received in advance), is disclosed as a current liability in the statement of financial position, if it will be earned within one year.

Payment terms and conditions vary by contract type and delivery method, although for local sales terms generally include a requirement of payment upon completion of delivery of the products. For export chrome concentrate transactions, payment terms vary from 30 to 90 days, however, the Group obtains a letter of credit from a reputable bank in most instances before shipment occurs.

In the instance where the timing of revenue recognition differs from the timing of invoicing, the Group has determined that due to the short-term nature, the contracts with customers generally do not include a significant financing component. The primary purpose of the Group’s invoicing terms is to provide customers with simplified and predictable ways of purchasing products, not to receive financing from customers or to provide financing to customers. Similarly, due to the short-term nature of unearned revenue received, being less than 12 months. No financing component exists in line with the practical expedient.

Commissions recognised from costs to obtain a contract with a customer

The Group recognises the incremental costs, arising from the concluding of sale contracts, as expenses in cost of sales in the statement of profit or loss when incurred. Such commission fees relate to the chrome segment and are short-term in nature.

Impact of adopting IFRS 15 on the Group’s consolidated financial statements

IFRS 15 requires the Group to recognise revenue for sales of products as it transfers control over those products to customers, which generally occurs on delivery and is determined by the agreed delivery terms. This is generally consistent with the timing of revenue recognition in accordance with the previous standard, IAS 18. No incremental costs have been capitalised on adoption of IFRS 15 because lead times for individual orders are less than one year and costs to fulfil contracts are already recognised as inventories. The Group has used the modified retrospective transition method, under which the effect of initially applying IFRS 15 is adjusted against the opening balance of equity at 1 October 2017.

As stated in the new accounting policy, the freight service on export commodity contracts with CIF Incoterms represents a separate performance obligation as defined under the new standard, and a portion of the revenue earned under these contracts, representing the obligation to perform the freight service, is deferred and recognised over time as this obligation is fulfilled, along with the associated costs.

The impact of this transition difference is not considered material to the Group and hence comparative values have not been restated. If comparative values had been restated, the impact would have been to reduce revenue and cost of sales respectively for the year ended 30 September 2017 by US$1.3 million with no impact on profit. Current assets and current liabilities as at 30 September 2017 would each have been higher by US$1.3 million.

IFRS 16 Leases

The Group has early adopted all of the requirements of IFRS 16 Leases (‘IFRS 16’) effective 1 October 2017 (initial application). IFRS 16 replaces IAS 17 Leases (‘IAS 17’). The Group has applied IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective approach and therefore the comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported in terms of IAS 17 and IFRIC 4: Determining Whether an Arrangement Contains a Lease. The Group recognised the cumulative effect of initial application of IFRS 16, in terms of the modified retrospective approach, in retained earnings at 1 October 2017. Contracts previously assessed not to be a lease in terms of IAS 17 were not reassessed. As a result, the Group has changed its accounting policy for leases as detailed in the accounting policies.

As a lessee

Comparative accounting policy in terms of IAS 17

In terms of IAS 17, the Group was required to classify its leases as either finance leases or operating leases and account for those two types of leases differently (both as a lessor or a lessee). A lease was classified as a finance lease if it transferred substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership. A lease was classified as an operating lease if all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership did not substantially transfer.

Finance leases were recognised as assets and liabilities in the statement of financial position at amounts equal to the fair value of the leased property or, if lower, the present value of the minimum lease payments. The corresponding liability to the lessor was included in the statement of financial position as a finance lease obligation. The discount rate used in calculating the present value of the minimum lease payments is the interest rate implicit in the lease. The lease payments are apportioned between the finance charge and reduction of the outstanding liability. The finance charge is allocated to each period during the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate on the remaining balance of the liability.

Operating lease payments, in the event of the Group operating as lessee, were recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The difference between the amounts recognised as an expense and the contractual payments were recognised as an operating lease asset. The liability was not discounted.

The Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the commencement date of the contract for all leases conveying the right to control the use of identified assets for a specified period. The commencement date is the date on which a lessor makes an underlying asset available for use by the lessee.

The right-of-use assets are initially measured at cost, which comprises the amount of initial measurement of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date plus any initial direct costs incurred by the lessee and an estimate of costs to be incurred by the lessee in dismantling and removing the underlying assets or restoring the site on which the assets are located, less any lease incentives.

Subsequent to initial measurement, the right-of-use assets are depreciated from the commencement date using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the right-of-use assets or the end of lease term. These are as follows:

After the commencement date, the right-of-use assets are measured at cost less any accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses and adjusted for any remeasurement of the lease liability.

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the Group’s incremental borrowing rate. Generally, the Group uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate.

Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability include the following:

• Fixed payments, less any lease incentives receivable
• Variable lease payments that depend on an index or rate, initially measured using the index or rate as at the commencement date
• Amounts expected to be payable by the lessee under residual value guarantees
• The exercise price of a purchase option if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise that option
• Lease payments in an optional renewal period if the Group is reasonably certain to exercise an extension option
• Payments of penalties for early terminating the lease, unless the Group is reasonably certain not to terminate early.

The lease liability is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. It is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in an index or rate, if there is a change in the Group’s estimate of the amount expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee, or if the Group changes its assessment of whether it will exercise a purchase, an extension or a termination option.

When the lease liability is remeasured, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset, or is recorded in profit or loss if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset has been reduced to zero.

Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets

The Group has elected not to recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short-term leases of vehicles that have a lease term of 12 months or less and leases of low-value assets such as computer equipment.

As a lessor

In the event of lease contracts based on which the Group is acting as a lessor, each of its leases is classified as either an operating or finance lease. A lease is classified as a finance lease if it transfers substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership to the lessee. Indicators of a finance lease include whether the lease is for the major part of the economic life of the asset, whether the lease transfers ownership of the asset to the lessee by the end of the lease term and whether at inception date of the lease, the present value of the minimum lease payments amount to substantially all of the fair value of the leased asset.

Leases where a significant portion of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership are retained by the lessor, are classified as operating leases.

When the Group is an intermediate lessor, it accounts for its interest in the head lease and the sub-lease separately. It assesses the lease classification of a sub-lease with reference to the right-of-use asset arising from the head lease, not with reference to the underlying asset. If a head lease is a short-term lease to which the Group applies the exemption described above, then it classifies the sub-lease as an operating lease.

Rental income is classified in other income.

Impact of adopting IFRS 16 on the Group’s consolidated financial statements

The adoption of IFRS 16 resulted in the Group recognising a number of leases for buildings and premises on 1 October 2017. These were previously treated as operating leases in terms of IAS 17. On 1 October 2017, the previously recognised equalisation of operating lease liabilities in terms of IAS 17 was reversed from trade and other payables and the corresponding after tax impact on retained earnings corrected. Simultaneously the right-of-use assets and the corresponding lease liabilities were recognised while the after tax depreciation and finance charges were corrected to retained earnings.

The following table summarises the impact of adopting IFRS 16 on the Group’s extracted consolidated statement of financial position at 1 October 2017: