4.2 Intangible assets

Impairment 2020

In the Digital & Commerce business division, an impairment loss of CHF 3 million was recognised in other intangible assets, which relates to the software that was impaired in the previous year. In the Generation International business division, impairment losses of CHF 1 million had to be recognised on the energy purchase rights of Alpiq Wind Italia S.r.l. Please refer to note 4.1 for more information.

Impairment 2019

In the Digital & Commerce business division, an impairment loss of CHF 7 million had to be recognised in assets under development and of CHF 2 million in other intangible assets, as software could not be used to the extent originally expected.

Accounting policies

Intangible assets are stated at cost, net of accumulated amortisation and any impairment losses. Assets with a limited useful life are generally amortised on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful economic lives. Amortisation of energy purchase rights is applied in line with the scope of the energy purchases made each year in relation to the total energy purchase quantity agreed contractually. The amortisation period and amortisation method are reviewed at each financial year end. The useful lives of the intangible assets recognised range from 1 to 77 years. Assets under development and prepayments are not subject to amortisation. An impairment test is only performed whenever indications exist that the assets may be impaired.

If the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its estimated recoverable amount, it is written down to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss previously recognised for an intangible asset is reversed in the income statement if the impairment no longer exists, or has decreased. 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, had no impairment loss been recognised.