Novo Nordisk Annual Report 2021
Contents Introducing Novo Nordisk Strategic Aspirations Key risks Management
Consolidated statements
Additional information
Novo Nordisk Annual Report 2021 54
Section 1
Basis of preparation
1.1 Principal accounting policies and
key accounting estimates
The consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report
have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board
(IASB) and in accordance with IFRS as endorsed by the EU and further
requirements in the Danish Financial Statements Act.
Measurement basis
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical
cost basis except for derivative financial instruments, equity investments,
marketable securities and trade receivables in a factoring portfolio, which
are measured at fair value. Except for the changes described in note 1.2, the
principal accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently
in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements for all the years
presented. The general accounting policies are described in note 5.6.
Principal accounting policies
Novo Nordisk's accounting policies are described in each of the individual
notes to the consolidated financial statements. Accounting policies listed in
the table below are regarded as the principal accounting policies applied
by Management.
Key accounting estimates and judgements
The use of reasonable estimates and judgements is an essential part
of the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. Given the
uncertainties inherent in Novo Nordisk's business activities, Management
must make certain estimates regarding valuation and make judgements
on the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, net sales, expenses and
related disclosures.
The key accounting estimates identified are those that have a significant
risk of resulting in a material adjustment to the measurement of assets and
liabilities in the following reporting period. An example being the estimation
of US sales deductions and provisions for sales rebates.
Management bases its estimates on historical experience and various other
assumptions that are held to be reasonable under the circumstances. The
estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
If necessary, changes are recognised in the period in which the estimate
is revised. Management considers the key accounting estimates to be
reasonable and appropriate based on currently available information. The
actual amounts may differ from the amounts estimated as more detailed
information becomes available.
In addition, Management makes judgements in the process of applying the
entity's accounting policies, for example the classification of a transaction as
an asset acquisition or a business combination.
Management regards those listed below as the key accounting
estimates and judgements used in the preparation of the consolidated
financial statements.
Please refer to the specific notes for further information on the key
accounting estimates and judgements as well as assumptions applied.
Applying materiality
The consolidated financial statements are a result of processing large
numbers of transactions and aggregating those transactions into classes
according to their nature or function. The transactions are presented in
classes of similar items in the consolidated financial statements. If a line
item is not individually material, it is aggregated with other items of a
similar nature in the consolidated financial statements or in the notes.
Management provides specific disclosures required by IFRS unless the
information is not applicable or is considered immaterial to the decision-
making of the primary users of these financial statements.
1.2 Changes in accounting policies and disclosures
Adoption of new or amended IFRSS
Management has assessed the impact of new or amended and revised
accounting standards and interpretations (IFRSS) issued by the IASB and
IFRSS endorsed by the European Union effective on or after 1 January 2021.
It is assessed that application of amendments effective from 1 January 2021
has not had a material impact on the consolidated financial statements for
2021. Furthermore, Management does not anticipate any significant impact
on future periods from the adoption of these amendments.
Principal accounting policies
US net sales and rebates
Intangible assets from acquisition of businesses
Income taxes and deferred income taxes
Provisions and contingent liabilities
Intangible assets
Inventories
Key accounting estimates and judgements
Estimation risk
Note
Estimate of US sales deductions and provisions for sales rebates
High
2.1
Estimate in determining the fair value of intangible assets when acquiring assets in a business combination
High
5.3
Estimate regarding deferred income tax assets and provision for uncertain tax positions
Medium
2.6
Estimate of ongoing legal disputes, litigation and investigations
Medium
3.4
Estimate regarding impairment of assets and judgement of whether a transaction is an asset acquisition or a business combination
Estimate of indirect production costs capitalised and inventory write-down
Low
3.1
Low
3.2View entire presentation