When the carrying amount of an equity investment is higher than the share of net assets, the valuation is generally supported by determining a value in use based on discounted future cash flows, using business plans prepared by Management generally covering one to five years, which requires the exercise of Management judgment.
Accordingly, we deemed the valuation of equity investments to be a key audit matter, due to the weight of the value of equity investments in the balance sheet and the inherent uncertainty of certain components of the valuation, in particular the likelihood of achieving forecast results used to calculate value in use.
In order to assess the reasonableness of the estimate of the value in use of equity investments, based on the information provided to us, our audit work consisted mainly in verifying that the estimated values determined by Management were based on an appropriate justification of the measurement method and underlying data.
In particular, for valuations based on forecasts, we:
We have also performed, in accordance with professional standards applicable in France, the specific verifications required by laws and regulations.
We have no matters to report as to the fair presentation and the consistency with the financial statements of the information given in the Board of Directors’ management report and in the other documents with respect to the financial position and the financial statements provided to the shareholders.
We attest the fair presentation and the consistency with the financial statements of the information about payment deadlines referred to in Article D.441-6 of the French Commercial Code.
We attest that the section of the Board of Directors’ management report on corporate governance sets out the information required by Articles L.225-37-4, L.22-10-10 and L.22-10-9 of the French Commercial Code.
Concerning the information given in accordance with the requirements of Article L.22-10-9 of the French Commercial Code relating to remuneration and benefits paid or awarded to directors and any other commitments made in their favor, we have verified its consistency with the financial statements or with the underlying information used to prepare these financial statements, and, where applicable, with the information obtained by your Company from controlled companies included in the scope of consolidation. Based on these procedures, we attest the accuracy and fair presentation of this information.
In accordance with French law, we have verified that the required information concerning the purchase of investments and controlling interests and the identity of the shareholders and holders of the voting rights has been properly disclosed in the management report.
