english - About Heraeus

52
Of the total expenses for pensions and similar obligations, € 8.7 million (previous year:
€ 9.3 million) are recognized in personnel expenses. The interest expense from the interest
on pension obligations of €18.2 million (previous year: €16.8 million), as well as the
income from the plan assets of € 4.6 million (previous year: € 4.1 million) are shown separately
in the item “financial result.” The actual income from plan assets in the reporting
year totaled € 8.3 million (previous year: € 0.4 million).
In addition to the defined benefit pension systems, obligations from defined contribution
plans also exist. The corresponding expenses of € 9.1 million (previous year: € 7.6 million)
are recognized in personnel expenses and relate primarily to foreign companies. Employer
contributions of € 26.3 million (previous year: € 24.7 million) were paid to the statutory
pension insurance in Germany.
(14)
Shareholders’ equity
The retained earnings include those profits made by Heraeus Holding GmbH and the subsidiaries
included in the consolidated financial statements that have not been distributed.
In addition, the item includes the results of the at equity valuation of associated companies,
the consolidation measures that affect net income, as well as the effects of the actuarial
gains and losses from pension provisions taken to equity.
The other reserves primarily include the difference from currency translation, valuation
gains and losses from available-for-sale financial assets, as well as valuation gains and
losses from hedging transactions and deferred taxes on items directly taken to or transferred
from equity. The gains and losses recorded in the cash flow hedge reserve are
transferred to profit and loss when the corresponding gains and losses from the hedged
item are recognized in the income statement.
The interests in equity of consolidated companies held by shareholders outside of the
group are recognized under non-controlling interests.
For the 2012 financial year, a dividend of € 58.8 million was suggested by the Board of
Management of Heraeus Holding GmbH.