1.2 Basis of Accounting

The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Group have been prepared on a going concern basis and in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the European Union (“EU”) and additional Icelandic disclosure requirements for consolidated financial information of listed companies in accordance with Icelandic Financial Statements Act No. 3/2006 and rules for issuers of financial instruments at the Nasdaq Iceland. The accounting policies applied by Marel comply with IFRS as adopted by the EU and the pronouncements of the IFRS Interpretation Committee (“the Committee”) effective at 31 December 2023.

The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for the revaluation of financial assets and liabilities classified as ‘fair value through profit or loss’, as well as derivative financial instruments, which are reported in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 2.

Details of the Group’s material accounting policies are included in note 2.

1.3 Functional and presentation currency and exchange rates

Items included in the Consolidated Financial Statements of each entity in the Group are measured using the currency that best reflects the economic substance of the underlying events and circumstances relevant to that entity (“the functional currency”). The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in Euro (“EUR”), which is the Group's reporting currency and the functional currency of Marel hf.

All amounts are in millions of EUR unless otherwise indicated.

Exchange rates

The currency exchange rates that were used in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements are listed below for the most relevant currencies.

1.4 Use of estimates and judgments

The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgment in the process of applying the Group's accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgment or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the Consolidated Financial Statements are disclosed in note 3. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future period affected.

A number of the Group’s accounting policies and disclosures require the measurement of fair values, for both financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. The Group has an established control framework with respect to the measurement of fair values.

Further information about the assumptions made in measuring fair values is included in note 2, note 3 and note 26.

2.1 General

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements are set out below. The accounting policies set out in these Consolidated Financial Statements have been applied consistently for all periods presented.

Changes in accounting policies

The Company has adopted International Tax Reform - Pillar Two Model Rules (Amendments to IAS 12). The amendments provide temporary mandatory exception from deferred tax accounting for the top-up tax, which is effective immediately, and require new disclosures about the Pillar Two exposure.

The mandatory exception applies retrospectively. However, because no new legislation to implement the top-up tax was enacted or substantively enacted at 31 December 2022 in any jurisdiction in which the Group operates and no related deferred tax recognized at that date, the retrospective application has no impact on the Group's Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company has also adopted Disclosure of Accounting Policies (Amendments to IAS 1: Presentation of Financial Statements and IFRS Practice Statement 2) from 1 January 2023. Although the amendments did not result in any changes to the accounting policies themselves, they impacted the accounting policy information disclosed in the financial statements.

The amendments require the disclosure of 'material', rather than 'significant', accounting policies. The amendments also provide guidance on the application of materiality to disclosure of accounting policies, assisting entities to provide useful, entity-specific accounting policy information that users need to understand other information in the financial statements.

Management reviewed the accounting policies and made updates to the information disclosed in note 2 in certain instances in line with the amendments.

A number of other new and amended standards and interpretations are also effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2023, including:

• IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts and amendments to IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts;

• Definition of Accounting Estimates (Amendments to IAS 8: Accounting policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors);

• Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction (Amendments to IAS 12: Income Taxes).

The Group adopted the new/amended standards and interpretations in preparing the Group’s 2023 Consolidated Financial Statements; none of which had a material impact.

Prior-year information

The presentation of prior-year disclosures is in line with the current year disclosures.

Presentation of the Consolidated Statement of Income

Marel presents expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Income in accordance with their function. This allows the presentation of gross profit on the face of the Consolidated Statement of Income, which is a widely used performance measure in the industry. The composition of the costs allocated to the individual functions is explained as follows:

• cost of sales encompasses all manufacturing costs (including raw materials, employee benefits, and depreciation and amortization) related to goods and services captured in revenues. They are measured at their actual cost based on “first in, first out” or weighted average cost;

• selling and marketing expenses relate to the selling and marketing of goods and services;

• research and development expenses consist of:

  • research, which is defined as original and planned investigation undertaken with the prospect of gaining new scientific or technical knowledge and understanding; and

  • development, which is defined as the application of research findings or other knowledge to a plan or (re-)design for the production of new or substantially improved materials, devices, products, processes, systems or services before the start of commercial production or use; and

• general and administrative expenses relate to the strategic and governance role of the general management of the Company as well as the representation of Marel as a whole in the financial, political or business community. General and administrative expenses also relate to business support activities of staff departments that are not directly related to the other functional areas.

Presentation of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

The Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows has been prepared applying the indirect method whereby result from operations is adjusted for the effects of transactions of a non-cash nature, any deferrals or accruals of past or future operating cash receipts or payments, and items of income or expense associated with investing or financing cash flows.

Cash flows in foreign currencies have been translated, in principle, at average exchange rates; certain material (mainly financing) transactions are translated at the exchange rate at the day of translation. Exchange differences concerning cash items are shown separately in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

Relevance and importance of notes to the primary users of the Consolidated Financial Statements

In order to enhance the informational value of the Consolidated Financial Statements, the notes are prepared based on relevance and importance for the primary users of the Consolidated Financial Statements. This can result in information that has been evaluated as neither important nor relevant for the primary users of the Consolidated Financial Statements, not being presented in the notes.

2.2 Consolidation

Business combinations

The Group accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method when the acquired set of activities and assets meets the definition of a business and control is transferred to the Group. The Group determines that it has acquired a business when the acquired set of activities and assets include an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs.

Acquisitions by Marel as part of business combinations will result in recognition of goodwill and other intangible assets. The amounts assigned to the acquired assets and liabilities are based on assumptions and estimates about their fair values. In making these estimates, management consults with independent, qualified appraisers, if appropriate. A change in assumptions and estimates could change the values allocated to certain assets and their estimated useful lives, which could affect the amount or timing of charges to the Consolidated Statement of Income, such as amortization of intangible assets.

The purchase consideration in the acquisition is generally measured at fair value, as are the identifiable net assets acquired. Any goodwill that arises is tested annually for impairment. Any gain on a purchase is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income immediately. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred, except if related to the issuance of debt or equity securities.

The purchase consideration does not include amounts related to the settlement of pre-existing relationships. Such amounts are generally recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Any contingent consideration payable is measured at fair value at the acquisition date. If the contingent consideration is classified as equity, then it is not re-measured and settlement is accounted for within equity. Otherwise, subsequent changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Subsidiaries

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. The Group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements from the date on which control commences until the date on which control ceases. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group.

Transactions eliminated on consolidation ­

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealized gains on transactions between Group entities are eliminated. Unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the asset transferred.

2.4 Revenue recognition

Marel recognizes revenue based on the considerations specified in contracts with customers using the five-step process as described in IFRS 15.

Revenue is recognized, when or as control over distinct goods or services is transferred to the customer; i.e. when the customer is able to direct the use of the transferred goods or services and obtains substantially all of the remaining benefits, provided a contract with enforceable rights and obligations exists and amongst others collectability of consideration is probable taking into account the customer’s creditworthiness. Revenue is the transaction price Marel expects to be entitled to.

If a contract contains more than one distinct good or service, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on relative stand-alone selling prices. If stand-alone selling prices are not observable, the Company reasonably estimates those. Revenue is recognized for each performance obligation either at a point in time or over time. Determining the timing of the transfer of control – at a point in time or over time – requires judgment.

The following is a description of the nature and the timing of the satisfaction of performance obligations in contracts with customers, including significant payment terms, and the related revenue recognition policies.

Equipment revenue

In Marel’s business model, equipment revenue relates to sales of standard equipment and sales of complete solutions or systems.

Standard equipment requires no or minor modifications as requested by customers. Sales of complete solutions or systems require significant modifications either requested by the customer or required to fulfill the customer’s needs.

Revenues for standard equipment are recognized at a point in time when control of the goods passes to the customer, usually upon delivery of the goods. Invoices are issued at that point in time.

Revenues for complete solutions or systems will be recognized over time as all these complete solutions or systems are deemed to not have an alternative use and Marel has an enforceable right to payment. Revenue is recognized under the cost-to-cost (percentage-of-completion) method, based on the percentage of costs incurred to date compared to total estimated costs as based on Marel’s assessment it best depicts the transfer of control to the customer. An expected loss on the contract is recognized as an expense immediately.

Complete solutions or systems have a similar margin for all components of the solution or system.

Aftermarket revenue

Aftermarket revenue relates to the sale of spare parts as well as performing related maintenance services to the equipment.

Revenues for spare part sales are recognized at a point in time when control of the goods passes to the customer, usually upon delivery of the goods. Invoices are issued at that point in time.

The total consideration in the service contracts will be allocated to all services based on their stand-alone selling prices. The stand-alone selling prices will be determined based on the list prices at which the Group sells the services in separate transactions. Revenue relating to maintenance services is recognized over time under the percentage-of-completion method as described above. A contract liability is recognized for the payments received up-front and is recognized as revenue over the service period.

Payment terms

For the sale of complete solutions or systems and for most of the standard equipment down payments are obtained. Payment terms on invoices are usually 30 days from the date of invoice issued according to the contractual terms.

Commissions

The Group applies the practical expedient in relation to the incremental costs of obtaining a contract. The Group recognizes the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that the entity otherwise would have recognized is one year or less.

Impairment of receivables

When a receivable is impaired, the Group reduces the carrying amount to its recoverable amount, being the estimated future cash flow discounted at the original effective interest rate of the instrument, and continues unwinding the discount as interest income.

2.6 Employee benefits

Short-term employee benefits

Short-term employee benefits are expensed as the related service is provided. A liability is recognized for the amount expected to be paid if the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation to pay this amount as a result of past service provided by the employee and the obligation can be estimated reliably.

Share-based compensation

The Group operates an equity-settled share-based compensation plan, under which the entity receives services from employees as consideration for equity instruments (stock options) of the Group. The fair value of the employee services received in exchange for the grant of the stock options is recognized as an expense. The total amount to be expensed is determined by reference to the fair value of the stock options granted, excluding the impact of any service and non-market performance vesting conditions (for example: profitability, sales growth targets and remaining an employee of the entity over a specified time period). Service and non-market performance vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of stock options that are expected to vest. The total amount to be expensed is recognized over the vesting period, which is the period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are to be satisfied.

At reporting date, the entity revises its estimates of the number of stock options that are expected to vest based on the service and non-market performance vesting conditions. It recognizes the impact of the revision to original estimates, if any, in the Consolidated Statement of Income, with a corresponding adjustment to the share premium reserve in equity. The proceeds received net of any directly attributable transaction costs are credited to share capital (nominal value) and share premium when the stock options are exercised. The fair value of the employee stock options granted is measured using the Black-Scholes formula.

Measurement inputs include exercise price of the stock options, expected volatility based on weighted average historic volatility adjusted for changes expected due to publicly available information, defined vesting period, expected dividends, and the risk-free interest rate based on government bonds. Service and non-market performance conditions attached to the transactions are not taken into account in determining fair value.

Profit sharing and bonus plans

Under some circumstances, a liability for key employee benefits in the form of profit sharing and bonus plans is recognized in other payables when it is managements intention to settle the liability and at least the condition is met that there is a formal plan and the amounts to be paid are determined before the time of issuing the financial statements.

Liabilities for profit sharing and bonus plans are expected to be settled within 12 months and are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when they are settled.

Pension plans

Marel has several pension plans in accordance with local rules and conditions. These pension plans are classified as defined contribution pension plans. Obligations relating to defined contribution pension plans are charged to the Consolidated Statement of Income as employee benefit expenses when the contributions are payable. Contributions paid in advance are presented as assets to the extent that cash repayment or a reduction in future contributions is available.

2.9 Intangible assets

Goodwill

Goodwill arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries is measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold.

Goodwill is allocated to Cash Generating Units (“CGUs”) for the purpose of impairment testing. The allocation is made to those CGUs or groups of CGUs that are expected to benefit from the business combinations in which the goodwill arose.

Technology, research and development ­

Technology costs have a finite useful life and are capitalized and amortized using the straight line method over the period of maximum 30 years.

Research expenditure is recognized as an expense as incurred. Costs incurred on development projects relating to the design and testing of new or improved products are recognized as intangible assets when it is probable that the project will generate future economic benefits, considering its commercial and technological feasibility, costs can be measured reliably and the Group intends to and has sufficient resources to complete development and to use or sell the asset. Other development expenditures are recognized as an expense as incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition, development expenditure is measured at cost less accumulated amortization and any accumulated impairment losses.

Development costs that have been capitalized are amortized from the commencement of the commercial production of the product on a straight-line basis over the period of its expected benefit, not exceeding five years.

Customer relationships, patents & trademarks

Customer relationships have been acquired as part of recent acquisitions and are capitalized and amortized using the straight line method over their useful life of maximum 20 years.

Expenditure to acquire patents, trademarks and licenses is capitalized and amortized using the straight-line method over their useful lives, but not exceeding 8 years in case of patents and licenses, or 20 years in case of trademarks.

Other intangible assets

Costs associated with maintaining computer software programs are recognized as an expense as incurred. Development costs that are directly attributable to the design and testing of identifiable and unique software products controlled by the Group are recognized as intangible assets when the following criteria are met:

• it is technically feasible to complete the software product so that it will be available for use;

• management intends to complete the software product and use or sell it;

• there is an ability to use or sell the software product;

• it can be demonstrated how the software product will generate probable future economic benefits;

• adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to use or sell the software product are available; and

• the expenditure attributable to the software product during its development can be measured reliably.

Directly attributable costs capitalized as part of the software product include the software development employee costs, consultancy costs and the license fees incurred during the development phase of the software product.

Other development expenditures that do not meet these criteria are recognized as an expense as incurred.

Computer software development costs recognized as intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which can vary from 3 to 5 years.

General

Subsequent expenditure is capitalized only when it increases the future economic benefits embodied in the specific asset to which it relates. All other expenditure is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income as incurred. Development costs previously recognized as an expense are not recognized as an asset in a subsequent period.

Amortization methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each reporting date and adjusted if appropriate.

Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life or that are not amortized are tested annually for impairment.

2.10 Leases

Marel leases property, plant and equipment including manufacturing and demo facilities, office buildings, small equipment and cars. The leases for manufacturing and demo facilities can run up to 10 years. The leases for office buildings are typically annual, with an automatic renewal. The lease payments, if relevant, are adjusted every year based on the change in the consumer price index in the preceding year. The small equipment and car leases typically run for a period of 3-5 years.

Marel recognizes a right of use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. At inception of a contract, the Group assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To assess whether a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset, the Group uses the definition of a lease in IFRS 16.

Right of use assets

The right of use asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of costs to dismantle and remove the underlying asset or to restore the underlying asset or the site on which it is located, less any lease incentives received.

The right of use asset is depreciated using the straight line method from the commencement date to the earlier of the end of the useful life of the right of use asset or the end of the lease term. The estimated useful lives of the assets are determined on the same basis as those of property, plant and equipment. In addition, the right of use asset is periodically reduced by impairment losses, if any, and adjusted for certain re-measurements of the lease liability.

Lease liabilities

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.

The lease liability is subsequently increased by the interest cost on the lease liability and decreased by lease payments made.  The lease liability is re-measured when there is a change in future lease payments.

Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets

Marel has elected not to recognize right of use assets and lease liabilities for short term leases that have a lease term of 12 months or less and leases of low-value assets. The Group recognizes the lease payments associated with these leases as an expense on a straight line basis over the lease term.

2.11 Impairment of non-financial assets

Assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortization and are tested annually for impairment. Assets that are subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Non-financial assets other than goodwill that suffer impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at each reporting date. Assets held for sale which are valued at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell, are reviewed at each reporting date.

At each reporting date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its non-financial assets (other than inventories and deferred tax assets) to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. If any such indication exists, then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment.

For impairment testing, assets are grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or CGUs. Goodwill arising from business combinations is allocated to CGUs or groups of CGUs that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination.

The recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is the greater of its value in use and its fair value less costs to sell. Value in use is based on the estimated future cash flows, discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset or CGU.

An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income. They are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the CGU, and then to reduce the carrying amounts of the other assets in the CGU on a pro rata basis.

An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. For other assets, 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.

2.12 Financial instruments

Trade receivables and debt securities issued are initially recognized when they are originated. All other financial assets and financial liabilities are initially recognized when Marel becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

A financial asset (unless it is a trade receivable without a significant financing component) and a financial liability are initially measured at fair value. In the case of a financial asset not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of the financial asset are added to the fair value measurement. A trade receivable without a significant financing component is initially measured at the transaction price.

On initial recognition, the Group classifies its financial assets as measured at amortized cost or fair value through profit or loss on the basis of both:

• the Company’s business model for managing the financial assets; and

• the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial asset.

Financial assets at amortized cost

Financial assets are measured at amortized cost if both:

• the financial asset is held within a business model whose objective is to hold financial assets in order to collect contractual cash flows; and

• the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.

A financial asset measured at amortized cost is initially recognized at fair value plus transaction costs directly attributable to the asset. After initial recognition, the carrying amount of the financial asset measured at amortized cost is determined using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses.

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

When the above-mentioned conditions for classification as a financial asset at amortized cost are not met, a financial asset is classified as “at fair value through profit or loss” and measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in profit or loss.

A financial asset measured at fair value through profit or loss is recognized initially at fair value and its transaction costs are recognized in profit or loss when incurred. A gain or loss on a financial asset measured at fair value through profit or loss is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the reporting period in which it arises.

The Company may, at initial recognition, irrevocably designate a financial asset as measured at fair value through profit or loss if doing so eliminates or significantly reduces a measurement or recognition inconsistency that would otherwise arise from measuring assets or liabilities or recognizing the gains and losses on them on different bases.

Fair value measurement

The fair values of quoted assets are based on current bid prices. If the market for a financial asset is not active (and for unlisted securities), the Group establishes fair value by using valuation techniques. These include the use of recent arm’s length transactions, reference to other instruments that are substantially the same and discounted cash flow analysis refined to reflect the issuer’s specific circumstances.

The fair value of investments that are not traded in an active market is determined by using valuation techniques. The Group uses a variety of methods and makes assumptions that are based on market conditions existing at each reporting date. Further information is included in note 26.

Impairment – Financial assets and contract assets

Loss allowances are measured based on the Expected Credit Losses (“ECL”) that result from all possible default events over the expected life of a financial instrument. Marel’s financial assets are currently limited to trade receivables and contract assets without significant financing components and are as such always impaired based on lifetime ECLs.

Based on materiality considerations, Marel reports impairment losses on trade receivables and contract assets as other expenses within selling and marketing expenses, instead of presented separately in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Impairment losses on other financial assets are presented under finance costs.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents can include cash on hand, deposits held at call with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Bank overdrafts which are part of the cash pool are netted against cash and cash equivalents; other bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

Financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are classified as measured at amortized cost or at fair value through profit or loss. A financial liability is classified at fair value through profit or loss if it is classified as held for trading, it is a derivative or it is designated as such on initial recognition. Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are measured at fair value and net gains and losses, including any interest expense, are recognized in profit or loss. Other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Interest expense and foreign exchange gains and losses are recognized in profit or loss. Any gain or loss on derecognition is also recognized in profit or loss.

An entity has to account for modifications and revisions on its financial liabilities and report any (expected) gain or loss as a result in the Consolidated Statement of Income on the day of modification or revision.

Non-derivative financial liabilities

Non-derivative financial liabilities are initially recognized at fair value less any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, these liabilities are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial assets

The Group derecognizes a financial asset when:

• the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire; or

• it transfers the rights to receive the contractual cash flows in a transaction in which either:

  • substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset are transferred; or

  • the Group neither transfers nor retains substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership and it does not retain control of the financial asset.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

The Group derecognizes a financial liability when its contractual obligations are discharged or canceled, or expire. The Group also derecognizes a financial liability when its terms are modified and the cash flows of the modified liability are substantially different, in which case a new financial liability based on the modified terms is recognized at fair value.

On derecognition of a financial liability, the difference between the carrying amount extinguished and the consideration paid (including any non-cash assets transferred or liabilities assumed) is recognized in profit or loss.

2.13 Derivative financial instruments and hedging activities

The Group uses financial derivatives such as foreign currency forward contracts and interest rate swaps to hedge risks associated with foreign currency and interest rate fluctuations. Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently revalued at their fair value and changes therein are recognized in profit or loss unless cash flow hedge accounting is applied. Embedded derivatives are separated from the host contract and accounted for separately if the economic characteristics and risk of the host contract and the embedded derivative are not directly closely related.

The method of recognizing the resulting gain or loss depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged.

The Group designates certain derivatives as either:

• hedges of a particular risk associated with a recognized asset or liability or a highly probable forecasted transaction (cash flow hedge); or

• derivatives at fair value through profit or loss.

The Group documents at the inception of the transaction the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedging transactions. The Group also documents its assessment, both at hedge inception and on an on-going basis, of whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items.

Movements on the hedge reserve in equity are shown in the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity. The full fair value of a hedging derivative is classified as a non-current asset or liability when the remaining hedged item is more than 12 months and as a current asset or liability when the remaining maturity of the hedged item is less than 12 months. Trading derivatives are classified as current asset or liabilities.

Cash flow hedge

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognized in OCI and presented in the hedge reserve in equity. The profit or loss relating to the ineffective portion (mainly as a result of changes in timing of the hedged transactions) is recognized immediately in the Consolidated Statement of Income within finance income or finance costs.

Amounts accumulated in equity are recycled in the Consolidated Statement of Income in the periods when the hedged item affects profit or loss. When the forecasted transaction that is hedged results in the recognition of a non-financial asset (for example, inventory or non-current assets) the gains and losses previously deferred in equity are transferred from equity and included in the initial measurement of the cost of the asset. The deferred amounts are ultimately recognized in the cost of goods sold for inventory or in depreciation for non-current assets.

If the hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting or the hedging instrument is sold, expires, is terminated or is exercised, then hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively. When hedge accounting for cash flow hedges is discontinued, the amount that has been accumulated in the hedging reserve remains in equity until, for a hedge of a transaction resulting in the recognition of a non-financial item, it is included in the non-financial item’s cost on its initial recognition or, for other cash flow hedges, it is reclassified to profit or loss in the same period or periods as the hedged expected future cash flows affect profit or loss.

If the hedged future cash flows are no longer expected to occur, then the amounts that have been accumulated in the hedging reserve are immediately reclassified to profit or loss.

2.14 Inventories

Inventories are measured at the lower of historical cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the weighted average method. The cost of finished goods and work in progress comprise raw materials, direct labor, other direct costs and related production overhead based on normal operating capacity but exclude borrowing costs.

Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the costs of completion and any applicable variable selling expenses.

2.15 Share capital

Ordinary shares are classified as equity.

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or stock options are shown in shareholders' equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.

Transaction costs, net of tax, for transactions in shares are deducted from the share premium reserve.

When any Group entity purchases the Company’s equity share capital (treasury shares), the consideration paid, including any directly attributable incremental costs (net of income taxes), is deducted from equity attributable to the Company's shareholders until the shares are canceled or reissued. Repurchased shares are classified as treasury shares. The nominal value of the treasury shares is presented in share capital; payments for treasury shares in excess of nominal value are presented in the share premium reserve. Where such shares are subsequently sold or reissued, any consideration received in excess of nominal value, net of any directly attributable incremental transaction costs and the related income tax effects is included within share premium.

Private placements need to be approved by the shareholders at the Company‘s Annual General Meeting. Based on such resolution, where the shareholders waive their pre-emptive rights, the Board of Directors can approve a private placement

2.16 Provisions

Provisions are measured at the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision due to passage of time is recognized as interest expense.

A provision for guarantee commitments is recognized when the underlying product and services are sold based on historical warranty data and a weighting of possible outcomes against their associated probabilities.

A provision for restructuring is recognized when the Group has approved a detailed and formal restructuring plan, and the restructuring either has commenced or has been announced publicly. Provisions are not recognized for future operating losses.

2.17 New standards and standards issued but not yet effective

A number of new standards are effective for annual periods beginning after 1 January 2023 and earlier application is permitted; however, the Group has not early adopted the new or amended standards in preparing these Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following new and amended standards and interpretations are not expected to have a material effect on the Group's Consolidated Financial Statements:

• Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-Current and Non-current Liabilities with Covenants (Amendments to IAS 1);

• Supplier Finance Arrangements (Amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS 7);

• Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback (Amendments to IFRS 16); and

• Lack of Exchangeability (Amendments to IAS 21).

7 Revenues

The Group’s revenue is derived from contracts with customers. Within the segments and within the operating companies, Marel is not relying on any individual major customers.

In the following table, revenue is disaggregated by primary geographical markets (revenue is allocated based on the country where the customer is located):

1. Iceland accounts for EUR 10.3 million (2022: EUR 16.6 million).

In the following table revenue is disaggregated by equipment revenue (comprised of revenue from greenfield and large projects, standard equipment and modernization equipment) and aftermarket revenue (comprised of maintenance, service and spare parts):

The following table provides information about receivables, contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers.

No information is provided about remaining performance obligations at 31 December 2023 that have an original expected duration of one year or less, as allowed by IFRS 15, "Revenues from Contracts with Customers".

Marel continuously reassesses the impaired trade receivables and contract assets. A part of the impairment is related to product risk, the contract assets were impacted by an impairment charge of EUR 1.3 million (2022: EUR 2.3 million).

1. Other expenses include mainly consultancy, IT, maintenance, marketing, outsourcing services, travel and utilities.

10 Employee benefits

The employee benefit expenses relate to employees who are working on the payroll of Marel, both with permanent and temporary contracts.

Employee benefit expenses are presented in the Consolidated Statement of Income as follows:

1. EUR 20.3 million were capitalized in 2023 (2022: EUR 21.7 million) as intangible assets.

For further information on post-employment benefit costs, refer to note 24.

For details on the remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors and Marel's management, refer to note 28.

The average number of employees in FTEs per cost category is summarized as follows:

The average number of employees in FTEs per geography is summarized as follows:

1. Iceland accounts for 778 FTE (2022: 835 FTE) excluding 3rd party workers.

Employees consist of those persons working on the payroll of Marel and whose costs are reflected in the employee benefit expenses table above. 3rd party workers consist of personnel hired on a per period basis, via external companies.

12 Income tax

The Group believes that its accruals for tax liabilities are adequate for all open tax years based on its assessment of many factors, including interpretations of tax laws and prior experience.

The tax on the Group's profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the weighted average tax rate applicable to profits of the consolidated companies as shown in the next table.

The Group operates in a number of jurisdictions, among others the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Denmark, which have implemented the global minimum top-up tax.

The Group performed an assessment of its potential exposure to Pillar Two income taxes. This assessment is based on the most recent information available regarding the financial performance of the constituent entities in the Group and the country-by-country reporting. Based on the assessment performed, the Pillar Two effective tax rates in most of the jurisdictions in which Marel operates are above 15% and management is currently not aware of any circumstances under which this might change.

For the jurisdictions which do not meet the minimum Pillar Two effective tax rate of 15%, the transitional safe harbor would be applicable based on the available financial information. As such, Marel does not expect a significant impact of Pillar Two top-up taxes.

The Icelandic tax rate will change in 2024 (one-time) from 20% to 21%. The Group performed an assessment of the impact of this one-time tax rate change and concluded that this tax rate change does not have a material impact on the Group’s tax position.

16 Goodwill

For 2023 business combinations relate to the acquisition of E+V Technology (increase in goodwill of EUR 5.2 million).

For 2022 business combinations relate to the acquisition of Wenger (increase in goodwill of EUR 146.7 million), Sleegers (increase in goodwill of EUR 5.9 million) and Valka (increase in goodwill of EUR 0.1 million due to the finalization of the PPA).

Further information on the acquisitions is disclosed in note 5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Annually, goodwill is tested for impairment at the level of the CGUs, which are Marel's operating segments:

• Poultry

• Meat

• Fish

• Plant, pet and feed; and

• Other

Only at the level of the operating segments, the connection can be made between the businesses for which the goodwill was originally paid for and the results of the synergies after those acquisitions.

The annual impairment test includes property, plant and equipment, right of use assets, goodwill, other intangible assets and net working capital allocated to the CGUs to determine the final recoverable amount.

The purpose of impairment testing is to determine whether the recoverable amount exceeds the carrying amount of the above mentioned assets. The recoverable amount of an operating segment is determined as the present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived from a CGU, based on amongst others:

• the estimated future cash flows that the Group expects the CGU to earn;

• possible variations in the amount or timing of those future cash flows;

• the time value of money, which is reflected by using a discount rate based on the current market risk-free rate of interest; and

• the price for the uncertainty inherent in the CGU.

Key assumptions used in the impairment tests for the CGUs were sales growth rates, EBITDA and the rates used for discounting the projected cash flows.

The sales growth rates and EBITDA used to estimate future cash flows are based on past performance, external market growth assumptions and industry long-term growth averages. EBITDA in all segments is expected to increase over the projected period as a result of volume growth and cost efficiencies.

The cash flow projections for the period 2024-2026 are derived from Marel's business plan as aligned with the Board of Directors. The weighted growth rate for the years 2027 and 2028 of forecast cash flows is between 4.3% and 7.1% for all CGUs, which is management’s best estimate. These growth rates are in line with external market predictions of the worldwide industry for providing equipment and solutions for the protein industry. Revenues, operating results and cash flows beyond the 5 year forecast period are extrapolated using estimated growth rates of 2.1% (31 December 2022: 2.2%). The terminal growth rate was determined based on management’s estimate of the long-term compound annual EBITDA growth rate, consistent with the assumptions that a market participant would make.

The time value of money and price of uncertainty, calculated as the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (“WACC”), are based on external market information about market risk, interest rates and some CGU specific elements like country risk. The post-tax discount rate is calculated at CGU level and is in the range of 9.0% - 10.2% (2022: 9.5% - 10.1%) for all CGUs. The pre-tax discount rate for the CGUs is calculated in the range of 10.8% - 13.0% (2022: 11.9% - 13.0%).

The key assumptions used for the impairment tests are listed below.

1. Since the PPA process for the acquisition of Wenger was not completed, no impairment test was performed in 2022.
2. Weighted average growth rate used to extrapolate cash flows beyond management’s internal forecast period.
3. Discount rate applied to the cash flow projections.

The goodwill impairment test performed in the fourth quarter is rolled forward to 31 December 2023 and shows that there is sufficient headroom and that there are no triggers indicating that impairment is necessary. For all operating segments the recoverable amount exceeds the carrying amount by a substantial amount.

Sensitivity tests were performed on growth assumptions (a 50% reduction of the sales growth rate), adjusted EBITDA margin assumptions (a 1% decrease in EBITDA) and for WACC (a 1% increase in WACC). All sensitivity tests showed that the conclusions would not have differed if significant adverse changes in key parameters had been assumed.

The market capitalization of Marel at 31 December 2023 amounted to EUR 2.4 billion (31 December 2022: EUR 2.5 billion) which is clearly above the carrying amount of net assets, thus providing an additional indication that goodwill was not impaired.