3.21 Employee Compensation and Benefits
3.21.1 Post-employment benefits
Defined benefit plans
All post-employment benefits, other than defined contribution plans, are classified as defined benefit plans. The amount recognized as a defined benefit liability is the present value of the defined benefit obligation less the fair value of plan assets at the end of the reporting period.
The present value of the defined benefit obligation is calculated annually by independent actuaries using the Projected Unit Credit method. The rate used to discount post-employment benefit obligations is determined by reference to market yields at the end of the reporting period on high quality corporate bonds. The currency and term of the corporate bonds are consistent with the currency and estimated term of the post-employment benefit obligations. Actuarial gains and losses including experience adjustments and the effects of changes in actuarial assumptions are recognized in other comprehensive income.
When the total of the present value of the defined benefit obligation minus the fair value of plan assets results in an asset, it is recognized to the extent of the present value of any economic benefits available in the form of refunds from the plan or reductions in future contributions to the plan.
Past service cost is the change in the present value of the defined benefit obligation, which arises when the Group introduces a defined benefit plan or changes the benefits of an existing defined benefit plan. Such past service cost is immediately recognized as an expense for the year.
Defined contribution plans
The contributions are recognized as employee benefit expense when they are due.
3.21.2 Short-term employee benefits
Short-term employee benefits are employee benefits (other than termination benefits) that are due to be settled within 12 months after the end of the period in which the employees render the related service. The undiscounted amount of short-term employee benefits expected to be paid in exchange for that service is recognized as a liability (accrued expense), after deducting any amount already paid.
The expected cost of profit-sharing and bonus payments are recognized as liabilities when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation to make such payments as a result of past events rendered by employees and a reliable estimate of the obligation can be made.
3.21.3 Share-based payment
The Group has share option and share grant programs to directors and employees of the Group. When the options are exercised, the Group can either select to issue new shares or distribute treasury shares, or compensate the difference in fair value of shares and exercise price.
For a share-based payment transaction in which the terms of the arrangement provide the Group with the choice of whether to settle in cash or by issuing equity instruments, the Group determines that it has a present obligation to settle in cash because the Group has a past practice and a stated policy of settling in cash. Therefore, the Group accounts for the transaction in accordance with the requirements of cash-settled share-based payment transactions.
The Group measures the services acquired and the liability incurred at fair value, and the fair value is recognized as expense and accrued expenses over the vesting period. Until the liability is settled, the Group remeasures the fair value of the liability at the end of each reporting period and at the date of settlement, with any changes in fair value recognized in profit or loss for the year.
3.21.4 Termination benefits
Termination benefits are payable when employment is terminated by the Group before the normal retirement date, or whenever an employee accepts voluntary redundancy in exchange for these benefits. The Group shall recognize a liability and expense for termination benefits at the earlier of the following dates: when the Group can no longer withdraw the offer of those benefits and when the Group recognizes costs for a restructuring that is within the scope of IAS 37 and involves the payment of termination benefits. Termination benefits are measured by considering the number of employees expected to accept the offer in the case of a voluntary early retirement. Termination benefits over 12 months after the reporting period are discounted to present value.