Annual Report 2004/2005 / Consolidated Financial Statements / Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

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1 Organisation and Operations of the SinnerSchrader Group

As of 31 August 2005, the SinnerSchrader Group (“SinnerSchrader” or “Group”) consisted of SinnerSchrader Aktiengesellschaft (“SinnerSchrader AG” or “AG”) and its wholly-owned domestic subsidiary SinnerSchrader Deutschland GmbH together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries SinnerSchrader Neue Informatik GmbH, SinnerSchrader Studios GmbH and SinnerSchrader Studios Frankfurt GmbH, as well as its wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries SinnerSchrader UK Ltd. and SinnerSchrader Benelux BV.

 

SinnerSchrader AG was founded as a stock corporation in August 1999 with the aim of functioning as a corporate holding company of the then operating companies SinnerSchrader Interactive Marketing GmbH and SinnerSchrader Interactive Software GmbH, which themselves were established in February 1997 and in December 1997 respectively. As part of the formation of SinnerSchrader AG the shareholders of SinnerSchrader Interactive Marketing GmbH and SinnerSchrader Interactive Software GmbH contributed their interests in these companies to a capital increase of SinnerSchrader AG in exchange for 6,000,000 no-par value ordinary shares of SinnerSchrader AG with a nominal value of € 1 per share. At the same time, an outside investor purchased in cash a total of 1,500,000 no-par value ordinary shares in SinnerSchrader AG with a nominal value of € 1 per share. On 1 November 1999, SinnerSchrader AG issued 2,475,000 no-par value ordinary shares of SinnerSchrader AG with a nominal value of € 1 per share in an initial public offering. In September 2000, SinnerSchrader AG purchased Netmatic Internet/Intranet Solutions GmbH (later SinnerSchrader Netmatic GmbH) for a total purchase price of € 1,533,876 in cash and 1,603,991 ordinary shares of SinnerSchrader’s common stock, of which 1,567,764 were newly issued as part of a capital increase. All 11,542,764 shares issued are listed in the Prime Standard segment of the regulated market of the Frankfurt Stock exchange. SinnerSchrader AG is registered in Hamburg.

 

SinnerSchrader’s operating business in Germany is conducted by SinnerSchrader Deutschland GmbH and its subsidiaries. SinnerSchrader Neue Informatik GmbH, registered in Hamburg, primarily offers IT consulting and implementation services for the development, enhancement, and maintenance of Internet-based software applications with a high proportion of human-computer-interaction. Both SinnerSchrader Studios companies, one located in Hamburg and the other in Frankfurt, are creative multimedia agencies for interactive brand management. Their service range comprises consulting, planning, design and technical implementation services for interactive marketing and brand management activities. SinnerSchrader Deutschland GmbH, which is registered in Hamburg, completes SinnerSchrader’s service portfolio by offering online media campaign planning and management services, system administration and application management services for Internet-based IT solutions as well as data structuring, analysis and reporting services on the behaviour of these systems’ users.

 

SinnerSchrader UK and SinnerSchrader BV which were founded in April 2000 and February 2001 to expand SinnerSchrader’s reach internationally, had ceased their operating activities by the end of 2001. Both companies are kept in the Group as a basis for restarting business in those regions when the opportunity arises.

 

SinnerSchrader is subject to a number of risks, including, but not limited to the following: the high speed of technological development and the resulting high frequency of changes in the market, in which SinnerSchrader operates; competition from larger, more established companies; risks arising from fixed price and fixed time commitments; dependency on key personnel and key customers, as well as a limited order backlog.

 

In the 2004/2005 financial year the development of revenues clearly improved. This caused the operating profit and the net income to also improve compared to the previous year. Both were positive in each quarter as well as for the entire year. This development is a sign of a distinct improvement in market conditions and the consequence of the restructuring and reorganisation measures taken in previous years.

 

SinnerSchrader’s liquidity position (liquid funds and marketable securities) decreased from € 27.0 million as of 31 August 2004 to € 10.6 million as of 31 August 2005. Of the total decrease € 20.8 million were attributable to the redistribution of cash reserves to shareholders by means of a capital reduction approved by the annual shareholders’ meeting. Adjusted for this redistribution, the liquidity position improved by € 4.4 million in the 2004/2005 financial year. Thus, SinnerSchrader had liquid funds at its disposal at a level that the Management Board deems sufficient to meet the Group’s future working capital and capital expenditure requirements.

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2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

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2.1 Basis of Financial Statements and Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements of SinnerSchrader have been prepared according to the US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("US-GAAP"). They refer to the financial years extending from 1 September 2004 to 31 August 2005 (“2004/2005”) and from 1 September 2003 to 31 August 2004 (“2003/2004”) respectively, and to the balance sheet dates of 31 August 2005 and 31 August 2004 respectively.

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of SinnerSchrader AG and its direct or indirect subsidiaries which are majority-owned and effectively controlled by SinnerSchrader AG. The Consolidated Fnancial Statements of 2004/2005 and 2003/2004 thus include the accounts of SinnerSchrader AG, SinnerSchrader Deutschland GmbH, SinnerSchrader UK Limited, and SinnerSchrader Benelux BV, as well as the indirect subsidiaries SinnerSchrader Neue Informatik GmbH, SinnerSchrader Studios GmbH and SinnerSchrader Studios Frankfurt GmbH starting from 1 April 2004.

 

Subsidiaries are those entities over whose financial and operating policies the Group has the ability to exercise control so as to obtain benefits from their activities. All inter-company transactions and balances between the companies have been eliminated. The accounts have been prepared after making necessary adjustments to the Group companies’ books and records that are maintained in accordance with respective local GAAPs, prominently the German Commercial Code.

 

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2.2 Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the reported details of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results might differ from those estimates.

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2.3 Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currencies of SinnerSchrader’s subsidiaries outside of the euro zone, i.e. the group of European countries that adopted the euro as their currency, are the local currencies. The financial statements of these subsidiaries are translated into euros using period end exchange rates for assets and liabilities and average rates during the period for revenues, cost of revenues, and expenses. Translation gains and losses are accumulated and reported as a component of shareholders’ equity under the “accumulated other comprehensive income/loss” item. Transaction gains and losses are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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2.4 Fair Value of Financial Instruments

SinnerSchrader’s financial instruments, including liquid funds, accounts receivable, and accounts payable, are carried at amounts that approximate fair value.

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  • Accounts receivable are carried at the nominal value less allowances for potential credit losses (see 2.5).
  • Unbilled services are presented at a percentage of the total project value according to the percentage of completion method.
  • Other assets are carried at their nominal values.
  • Short-term liabilities are stated at their payback amounts.
  • Marketable securities are carried at their fair value.
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2.5 Concentration of Credit Risks and Significant Customers

Financial instruments which potentially subject SinnerSchrader to a concentration of credit risk are liquid funds, marketable securities, accounts receivable and unbilled services.

 

Concerning credit extended to customers shown under the “accounts receivable and unbilled services” item, SinnerSchrader performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and maintains allowances for doubtful accounts based on an assessment of the potential credit loss.

 

Table 1a presents the percentage of total accounts receivable less allowances for doubtful accounts and unbilled services for those customers for whom the percentage was more than 10 % on either 31 August 2005 or 31 August 2004.

 

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Tab. 1a
Concentration of credit risks in %
31.08.2005 31.08.2004
     
Customer A 25 15
Customer B 11
Customer C 10 8
Customer D 10 19
Customer E 1 11
     
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Table 1b shows gross sales to significant customers in their percentage of total gross revenues for the 2004/2005 and 2003/2004 financial years.

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Tab. 1b
Important customers in %
2004/2005 2003/2004
     
Customer D 20 16
Customer A 13 18
Customer C 12 12
Customer F 9 10
     
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2.6 Marketable Securities

On 31 August 2005 and 31 August 2004, SinnerSchrader’s marketable securities consisted of marketable fund certificates of money market funds and similar funds. SinnerSchrader holds these marketable securities available to sell them at its discretion to cover any short-term cash requirements.

 

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 115 of the Financial Standards Board (“FASB”), “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”, SinnerSchrader has categorised its marketable securities as “available-for-sale”. Consequently, they are carried on the balance sheet at their fair market value. Unrealised holding gains or losses are included, net of tax, as “accumulated other comprehensive income” directly under the “shareholders’ equity” item, unless they are qualified as permanent.

 

SinnerSchrader evaluates its marketable securities for other than temporary impairment on a security by security basis. If an impairment were considered to be other than temporary, the unrealised losses would not be shown under “accumulated other comprehensive income” but recorded as an expense in the income statement. The Group had no other than temporary impairments for the years ended 31 August 2005 and 31 August 2004.

 

Table 2 summarises the structure of marketable securities and unrealised gains and losses as of 31 August 2005 and 31 August 2004.

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Tab. 2
Marketable securities in €
Amortised
cost
Unrealised
gains
Unrealised
losses
Recorded
basis
         
31.08.2005:
Money market and profit participation cerificate funds
952,032 6,506 –2,916 955,622
Total marketable securities 952,032 6,506 –2,916 955,622
         
31.08.2004:
Money market and profit participation cerificate funds
25,710,406 2,540 –8,788 25,704,158
Total marketable securities 25,710,406 2,540 –8,788 25,704,158
         
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As of 31 August 2005 all marketable securities either had contractual maturities of less than one year or no contractual maturity.

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2.7 Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the Straight Line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from three to thirteen years. Computer hardware and software is generally depreciated over three years, other electronic or electrical equipment over four to eight years, motorcars over six years, and office furniture over eight to thirteen years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the assets or over the lease term. Depreciation expenses are included in the cost of revenues and operating expenses.

 

The cost of maintenance and repair is expensed when incurred.

 

When an item is sold or retired, the cost and related accumulated depreciation is relieved, and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is recognised in the statement of operations.

 

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2.8 Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, SinnerSchrader reviews the carrying value of long-lived assets when facts or circumstances may suggest that the carrying value might not be recoverable. In order to assess whether any impairment has occurred, SinnerSchrader compares undiscounted net cash flows assumed to be generated by the assets under review to the carrying amount of those assets. If the undiscounted net cash flows are less than the carrying amounts of the assets, SinnerSchrader will record impairment losses to write the asset down to fair value, measured by the discounted estimated net future cash flows expected to be generated from the assets.

 

In the periods ended 31 August 2005 and 31 August 2004, SinnerSchrader did not record any impairment charges.

 

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2.9 Revenue Recognition

SinnerSchrader performs services of various types which are treated differently with respect to revenue recognition. In general, revenues are recognised only after the service has been rendered, when there is persuasive evidence of an agreement, the fee is fixed and determinable, delivery has occurred and collectability of the claim is probable. Additionally, revenue recognition for the various types of services follows the following principles:

 

Project services:

Services provided by SinnerSchrader range from consulting services for e-business strategies and concepts for Internet-based business applications, the design and production of web-based user frontends, to the implementation of software for middleware and backend systems, and also include maintenance and content management services for installed solutions.

 

Project and service agreements are either on the basis of time and material incurred or on a fixed-fee basis. Revenues pursuant to a fixed-fee contract are generally recognised on the basis of the percentage of completion method of accounting according to the provisions of Statement of Position (“SOP”) No. 81-1 of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”), “Accounting for Performance of Construction Type and Certain Production Type Contracts”. Percentage of completion is determined based on the total efforts expended to date measured in man hours as a percentage of the total efforts expected to be incurred under the contract. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are made on a contract-by-contract basis and are recognised in the period in which such losses become probable. Revenues pursuant to time and material contracts are generally recognised as services performed on a monthly basis.

 

Revenues recognised on the basis of the percentage of completion method in advance of contractual billings are presented on the balance sheet as unbilled revenues. Amounts invoiced to customers and received in excess of revenues recognised are shown as advance payments.

 

Media services:

Online media services entail the planning, design, execution, and controlling of online marketing campaigns for websites. Customers making use of these services are billed for the cost of the related advertising space on the one hand, and on the other hand are charged for the campaign planning and controlling services rendered by SinnerSchrader either on the basis of a monthly fixed rate or as a percentage of the total value of advertising space managed and for the design and production of related online-marketing instruments on an hourly basis. Revenue from the reselling of advertising space is generally recognised according to the appearance of the respective advertisements. The additional services are generally recognised as performed on a monthly basis. While gross revenues include the entire amount invoiced, net revenues do not include the reimbursed cost of advertising space. Any revenues recognised in advance of contractual billing are presented in the balance sheet as unbilled revenues net of advance payments received and plus advance payments made for advertising space.

 

Other services:

SinnerSchrader also provides operational services, e.g. hosting services, application management and monitoring, as well as web data mining services. Fees for these services often have a component that is fixed over the term of the contract and a variable, performance-based component. They are usually billed and recognised on a monthly or quarterly basis. In addition, SinnerSchrader provides customers with any required hardware and software they request. Revenue from the sale of third party hardware and software is realised upon delivery.

 

As required by Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 01-14 issued in November 2001, revenues include reimbursable expenses charged to and collected from customers.

 

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2.10 Advertising cost

SinnerSchrader generally expenses the cost of advertising and promoting its services and the image of SinnerSchrader as incurred. These expenses are included in selling and marketing expenses in the consolidated statement of operations. They totalled € 95,229 and € 48,425 in the 2004/2005 and 2003/2004 financial years respectively.

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2.11 Stock-Based Compensation

SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, permits the use of either a fair-value-based method or the method defined in Accounting Principles Board Opinion (“APB”) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, to account for stock-based compensation arrangements. SFAS No. 123 requires all companies choosing to account for stock-based compensation plans on the basis of APB No. 25 to provide pro-forma net income/loss and net income/loss per share information in the notes as if the fair-value-based method of accounting as defined as the preferable method of accounting for stock-based compensation in SFAS No. 123 had been adopted.

 

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transitional Disclosure”, which amends SFAS No. 123 and provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change from the accounting methods defined in APB No. 25 to the fair-value-based method defined in SFAS No. 123. It also prescribes a specific form, content, and location within the notes for the pro-forma information required by SFAS No. 123 from those companies choosing to apply APB No. 25.

 

As at 31 August 2004, SinnerSchrader had two stock option plans which are described more fully in note 7.1. SinnerSchrader had already decided to account for its employee stock option plans in accordance with the provisions of APB No. 25, and has now chosen to continue to do so. Under APB No. 25, compensation expenses are based on the difference, if any, on the date of grant between the fair market value of SinnerSchrader’s capital stock and the exercise price of the options granted. In the 2004/2005 and 2003/2004 financial years, SinnerSchrader did not grant any options under its two option plans. Consequently, no compensation costs had to be recognised for these option plans in either year.

 

In accordance with SFAS No. 148 in conjunction with SFAS No. 123, Table 3 shows the pro-forma net income/loss and net income/loss per share for 2004/2005 and 2003/2005 that would have resulted if SinnerSchrader had chosen to account for its stock option plans based on the fair value of the options at grant date as prescribed by SFAS No. 123.

 

In 2004/2005, SinnerSchrader AG granted a stock-based compensation to a member of its Management Board. Under this arrangement Sinner Schrader AG will pay a cash bonus determined on the basis of the stock price performance over a vesting period of three years. Details of the arrangement are described in note 7.2. According to ABP No. 25, SinnerSchrader has to recognise a liability against personnel expenses for each period, taking into account the stock price at the end of the period and the remaining time of the vesting period. In case the value of the liability is reduced by the stock price development in one period, the liability accumulated over previous periods has to be adjusted downwards for that period in favour of personnel expenses. As of 31 August 2005 no liability had to be recognised for this arrangement. Thus, it did not lead to personnel expenses in the 2004/2005 financial year. Since APB No. 25 sets the same accounting rules as SFAS No. 123 regarding that arrangement, no pro-forma effect had to be determined.

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Tab. 3
Pro-forma net income (loss) in €
2004/2005 2003/2004
     
Net income/loss as reported 545,342 –531,152
add back: stock-based compensation, included in net loss as reported
deduct: stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair-value-based method for all awards according to SFAS No. 123 –21,463 –135,750
Pro-forma net income/loss 523,879 –666,902
Reported net loss per share, basic and diluted 0.05 –0.05
Pro-forma net loss per share, basic and diluted 0.05 –0.06
     
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The pro-forma impact shown in the table for 2004/2005 and 2003/2004 is not necessarily representative of the pro-forma effects which may be expected in future years, because the number of new option grants as well as cancellations due to terminations of employment contracts might differ significantly from the levels in 2004/2005 and 2003/2004.

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2.12 Comprehensive Income

SFAS No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income”, requires the presentation of “comprehensive income”. Comprehensive Income is the total of net earnings and all other non-owner changes in equity. As of 31 August 2005 and 31 August 2004, accumulated other comprehensive income as part of shareholders’ equity consisted of the components presented in Table 4a.

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Tab. 4a
Other comprehensive income in €
31.08.2005 31.08.2004
     
Unrealised gains/losses on marketable securities available for sale 2,141 –6,248
Foreign currency translation adjustment 25,655 25,693
Total 27,796 19,445
     
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Table 4b shows the changes in those components for the 2004/2005 and 2003/2004 financial years. The changes represent the other comprehensive income/loss for these periods.

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Tab. 4b
Other comprehensive income in €
Total before tax Income tax Total after tax
       
2004/2005:
Unrealised gains/losses on marketable securities available for sale
183,750 –74,207 109,543
Less: reclassification adjustments –173,911 70,234 –103,677
Adjustment for income tax 2,523 2,523
Net unrealised gains/losses on marketable securities available for sale 9,839 –1,450 8,389
Foreign currency translation adjustment –38 –38
Total 9,801 –1,450 8,351
       
2003/2004:
Unrealised gains/losses on marketable securities available for sale
283,420 –114,458 168,962
Less: reclassification adjustments –288,261 116,413 –171,848
Adjustment for income tax –1,955 –1,955
Net unrealised gains/losses on marketable securities available for sale –4,841 –4,841
Foreign currency translation adjustment 40 40
Total –4,801 –4,801
       
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In principle, the components of other comprehensive income are to be presented in shareholders’ equity net of tax. In previous years, the presentation was adjusted for the respective tax effects because valuation allowances on the deferred tax position including the deferred taxes on unrealised gains or losses on marketable securities available for sale were made due to the loss situation of SinnerSchrader. In 2004/2005 the cumulative tax adjustments of the previous years were rescinded because SinnerSchrader returned to profitability.

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2.13 Income Tax

SinnerSchrader records income taxes using the liability method in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognised for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements according to US-GAAP and their respective income tax base. Deferred taxes are measured using tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the temporary differences are reversed. Effects of tax rate changes are recorded in the year in which those changes are enacted.

 

For loss carry-forwards which will reduce taxable income in future years, deferred tax assets are recognised in as much as it is more likely than not that they will be realised. In 2004/2005 and 2003/2004 € 148,412 and € 0 respectively were recognised as deferred tax assets on loss carry-forwards.

 

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2.14 Earnings per Share

SinnerSchrader computes earnings per share in accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share”. Basic earnings per share are computed using the weighted average number of vested shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted earnings per share are computed using the weighted average number of vested shares of common stock outstanding and, if dilutive, of unvested common stock outstanding from options and warrants to purchase common stock determined by the treasury stock method. SinnerSchrader has granted options to purchase shares of common stock to its employees under the 1999 Employee Stock Option Plan and under the 2000 Employee Stock Option Plan. In 2004/2005, the weighted average number of potential common shares outstanding were dilutive and were thus included in the computation of the diluted net income per share.

 

In 2003/2004, the potential common shares were excluded from the computation of the diluted net loss per share because the effect would have been antidilutive due to the negative net result of the year.

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Tab. 5
Earnings per share in € or shares
2004/2005 2003/2004
     
Net profit/loss 545,342 –531,152
Basis weighted average shares of common stock outstanding 11,333,908 10,933,405
Basic earnings per share 0.05 –0.05
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding 11,333,908 10,933,405
add: stock option grant 11,662
Dilutive average share of common stock outstanding 11,345,570 10,933,405
Diluted earnings per share 0.05 –0.05
     
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In the 2004/2005 financial year, SinnerSchrader adopted EITF No. 03-6 from November 2003, “Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FASB Statement No. 128, Earnings per Share”. EITF No. 03-6 addresses how to determine whether a security should be considered a “participating security” for purposes of computing earnings per share and how earnings should be allocated to a participating security when using the two-class method of computing basic earnings per share. The adoption of these rules did not have any impact on the calculation of earnings per share.

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2.15 Statements of Cash Flows

SinnerSchrader reports cash flows according to SFAS No. 95, “Statement of Cash Flows”. These statements show the change in liquid funds by cash inflows and outflows. For the purpose of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, SinnerSchrader considers all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist of amounts on deposit at commercial banks.

 

In the 2004/2005 and 2003/2004 financial years, SinnerSchrader paid interest in the amounts of € 19,927 and € 1,093 respectively. Due to withholding taxes on interest received and gains realised on marketable securities, SinnerSchrader paid taxes on capital gains in the amounts of € 52,757 and € 125,517 in 2004/2005 and 2003/2004 respectively. In those periods SinnerSchrader received refunds of taxes on capital gains in the amounts of € 442,900 and € 1,815,649 respectively.

 

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2.16 Segment Reporting

As part of a fundamental reorganisation of its operations during the 2003/2004 financial year, SinnerSchrader gave up on its business approach of delivering integrated e-business services and rendered full operating responsibility for separate parts of its service portfolio to newly installed operating business units. According to SFAS No. 131, “Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information”, SinnerSchrader is required to present segment information for the newly-formed segments.

 

The Interactive Software segment focuses on designing, implementing and maintaining customised interactive IT systems. SinnerSchrader Neue Informatik GmbH has been assigned to that segment. The Interactive Marketing segment comprises the business with consulting, creative design and implementation services for brand building and management as well as marketing and sales activities on the Internet or other digital channels. The companies SinnerSchrader Studios GmbH and SinnerSchrader Studios Frankfurt GmbH have been assigned to the Interactive Marketing segment. In its Interactive Services segment SinnerSchrader bundles three service offers around the management of already existing transactional web sites. Those services are the planning, execution and reporting of online media campaigns, the technical administration and maintenance of hardware and software systems for operating websites, and the statistical analysis of the behaviour of website visitors. These units are jointly managed within SinnerSchrader Deutschland GmbH.

 

The new organisational structure was introduced on 1 April 2004. Effective on that day, personnel, customer relationships, ongoing projects and all other operative assets and related liabilities were reassembled according to the new unit structure and in large parts transferred into newly-founded companies. The changeover to the new organisation resulted in significant changes to the accounting system. Consequently, the calculation of the segment information required by SFAS No. 131 for the entire 2003/2004 period would have caused unusually high costs, so that the Management Board of SinnerSchrader AG decided to do without that information.

 

Therefore, SinnerSchrader made use of the respective rule under SFAS No. 131 and did not restate segment information for periods prior to 1 April 2004 in the new segment structure. Consequently, segment information for the 2003/2004 period is available only as long as it relates to the rump period from 1 April 2004 to 31 August 2004 and the respective period end date.

 

Table 6a presents the segment information for the 2004/2005 financial year and the balance sheet date 31 August 2005; Table 6b shows the segment information for the rump period of the financial year 2003/2004 and for the period end of this financial year.

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Tab. 6a
Segment
information
in € and number
Interactive
Software
Interactive
Marketing
Interactive
Services
Segments
total
Consolidation/
holding
Group
             
01.09.2004–
31.08.2005:
External revenues
5,737,009 4,179,739 4,398,393 14,315,141 14,315,141
Internal revenues 657,502 410,608 291,030 1,359,140 –1,359,140
Total revenues, gross 6,394,511 4,590,347 4,689,423 15,674,281 –1,359,140 14,315,141
Media costs –2,092,386 –2,092,386 –2,092,386
Total revenues, net 6,394,511 4,590,347 2,597,037 13,581,895 –1,359,140 12,222,755
Segment profit/loss (EBITA) 682,099 354,153 777,559 1,813,811 –1,635,670 178,141
Depreciation of property and equipment 59,522 25,065 26,600 111,187 429,806 540,993
Purchase of investments 23,314 28,740 57,045 109,099 120,500 229,599
Employees, full-time equivalents 57.6 42.0 14.3 113.9 17.9 131.8
             
31.08.2005:            
Total assets 2,626,795 1,456,891 903,497 4,987,183 8,759,048 13,746,231
Non-current assets 151,562 87,480 75,449 314,491 659,267 973,758
Current assets 2,475,233 1,369,411 828,048 4,672,692 8,099,781 12,772,473
Number of employees,
end of period
55 42 14 111 19 130
             
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Tab. 6b
Segment
information
in € and number
Interactive
Software
Interactive
Marketing
Interactive
Services
Segments
total
Consolidation/
holding
Group
             
01.04.2004–
31.08.2004: External revenues
2,387,924 1,714,173 1,301,616 5,403,713 5,403,713
Internal revenues 404,135 193,078 137,847 735,060 –735,060
Total revenues, gross 2,792,059 1,907,251 1,439,463 6,138,773 –735,060 5,403,713
Media costs –599,060 –599,060 –599,060
Total revenues, net 2,792,059 1,907,251 840,403 5,539,713 –735,060 4,804,653
Segment profit/loss (EBITA) 314,724 150,563 157,767 623,054 –753,309 –130,255
Depreciation of property and equipment 25,456 10,128 5,656 41,240 206,158 247,398
Purchase of investments 11,943 23,514 8,941 44,398 –13,171 31,227
Employees, full-time
equivalents
59.6 38.5 14.3 112.4 20.0 132.4
             
31.08.2004:            
Total assets 2,124,800 1,286,600 777,523 4,188,923 27,062,730 31,251,653
Non-current assets 183,864 83,719 45,004 312,587 981,248 1,293,835
Current assets 1,940,936 1,202,881 732,519 3,876,336 26,081,482 29,957,818
Number of employees,
end of period
62 46 15 123 22 145
             
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Segment accounting follows the same accounting principles as those applied for the entire Group. All administrative costs that are incurred by SinnerSchrader AG and that are attributable to the operative segments are charged to the segments. Costs that are not attributable to the operations are not distributed across the reportable segments. Those costs are primarily costs incurred by central holding functions, e.g. investor relations, and costs for unused office space in the office building in Hamburg leased by SinnerSchrader AG. Transactions between reportable segments are executed on an arm’s-length-basis and accounted for accordingly.

 

Table 6c shows the reconciliation of total segment earnings to Group earnings before tax for the periods 1 September 2004 to 31 August 2005 and 1 April 2004 to 31 August 2004.

 

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Tab. 6c
Reconciliation of total segment earnings to Group before tax in €
01.09.2004 31.08.2004 01.04.2004 31.08.2005
     
Segment profit/loss (EBITA) of all reportable segments 1,813,811 623,054
Central holding costs not attributable to reportable segments –1,634,734 –751,890
Earnings before tax of foreign subsidiaries –936 –1,419
EBITA of the Group 178,141 –130,255
Interest income/expenses of the Group 218,789 482,513
Earnings before tax of the Group 396,930 352,258
     
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With respect to regional data, revenue by geographic location is attributed to the country from which the sale is made. For 2004/2005 and 2003/2004, all of SinnerSchrader’s revenues were to be attributed to Germany.

In the 2004/2005 period, SinnerSchrader generated more than 10 % of its total revenues with three customers. The revenues with these customers amounted to € 2,898,682, € 1,912,689, and € 1,737,993 respectively. Together, these three customers had a share of total revenues of 45.7 %. In 2003/3004, the number of customers with whom SinnerSchrader had realised 10 % or more of its revenues had also been three. The amounts of revenue were € 2,213,419, € 1,952,208, and € 1,948,660 respectively. The combined share of Group revenues was 49.6 %. In both financial years all three SinnerSchrader segments delivered services to the three major customers.

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2.17 Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December, 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123(R) (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment”. SFAS No. 123(R) replaces SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”, supersedes APB No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, and amends SFAS No. 95, “Statement of Cash Flows”. SFAS No. 123(R) requires all share-based awards to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognised in the financial statements based on their grant date fair values. The related compensation costs are to be recognised over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award. Excess tax benefits are to be recognised as an addition to the capital reserve and reflected as financing cash inflows in the statement of cash flows. The company will adopt the prospective provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) to new and existing plans as of 1 January 2006. The grant date fair values of unvested awards that are outstanding on the date of adoption will be charged to expenses over their remaining vesting periods. SinnerSchrader is assessing the impact that the implementation of SFAS No. 123 (R) will have on its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

In March 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 107, “Share-Based Payment”. SAB No. 107 summarises the views of the SEC staff regarding the interaction between SFAS No. 123(R) and certain SEC rules and regulations, and provides the staff’s views regarding the valuation of share-based payment arrangements for public companies. The Company is assessing the effects of this SAB and will adopt SAB No. 107 concurrently with the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) with effect from 1 January 2006.

 

In March 2005, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations, an Interpretation of SFAS No. 143”. FIN No. 47 clarifies that conditional asset retirement obligations meet the definition of liabilities and should be recognised when incurred if their fair values can be reasonably estimated. The Interpretation is effective no later than 31 December 2005. The cumulative effect of initially applying the Interpretation will be recognised as a change in accounting principles. The adoption of FIN No. 47 is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections”. SFAS No. 154 replaces APB No. 20, “Accounting Changes” and SFAS No. 3, “Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements”. SFAS No. 154 applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principles and changes the accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principles. It also requires the retrospective application to previous periods’ financial statements of a voluntary change in accounting principles unless this is impracticable. SFAS No. 154 is effective for accounting changes and correction of errors made in financial years beginning after 15 December 2005. The adoption of SFAS No. 154 will only affect the consolidated financial position or results of operations in future periods. SinnerSchrader will apply SFAS No. 154 beginning in the financial year that starts on 1 September 2006.

 

In June 2005 the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. 143-1, “Accounting for Electronic Equipment Waste Obligations”. FSP No. 143-1 provides guidance on the accounting for obligations associated with European Union Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment. Under the FSP, commercial users of electronic equipment are required to apply the provisions of SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations”, and FIN No. 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations”, for obligations associated with outdated waste. The Company is required to apply the guidance of FSP No. 143-1 on the later of either the date of adoption of the law by the respective EU member country or the first reporting period ending after 8 June 2005. Management believes that the adoption of FSP No. 143-1 will not have a material impact on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of SinnerSchrader.

 

In June 2005, the Emerging Issues Task Force addressed employers’ accounting for early retirement programmes supported by the German Government in Issue 05-5, “Accounting for the Altersteilzeit (“ATZ”) Early Retirement Program and Similar Type Arrangements”. The Task Force reached a consensus in EITF No. 05-5 that benefits provided under Type II ATZ arrangements (as defined) should be accounted for as a termination benefit under SFAS No. 112, “Employers’ Accounting for Post-Employment Benefits”, with recognition of the benefits’ costs over the service periods, commencing at the time of the individual employees’ enrolment in the ATZ arrangements. The consensus is effective for periods beginning after 15 December 2005. The adoption of EITF No. 05-5 is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

In June 2005, the Emerging Issues Task Force reached a consensus in EITF No. 05-6, “Determining the Amortization Period for Leasehold Improvements”, that leasehold improvements acquired in a business combination or purchased subsequent to the inception of the lease should be amortised over the lesser of either the useful life of the asset or the lease term (that includes reasonably assured lease renewals as determined on the date the leasehold improvements are acquired). The consensus is effective for leasehold improvements acquired in periods beginning after 1 July 2005. The adoption of EITF No. 05-6 is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial position or results of operations.

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3 Balance Sheet Components

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3.1 Development of Fixed Assets

The major components of fixed assets as of 31 August 2005 and 31 August 2004 as well as the changes in fixed assets in the financial year which ended on 31 August 2005 are presented in Table 7. In the 2004/2005 and 2003/2004 financial years, expenditures for purchases of property and equipment amounted to € 229,599 and € 147,307 respectively. Depreciation of property and equipment in those years was € 540,993 and € 631,709 respectively.

 

Leasehold improvements contain an amount for asset retirement obligations that SinnerSchrader recognised upon the initial adoption of SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations”, on 1 September 2002 and that it depreciates over the remaining term of the lease. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 143 SinnerSchrader determined the fair value of the asset retirement obligations stipulated in the lease contracts, credited the amount to long-term liabilities and correspondingly increased the carrying value of fixed assets concerned. As of 31 August 2005 and 31 August 2004, the net book value of the capitalised asset retirement obligation amounted to € 11,343 and € 24,954 respectively.

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Tab. 7
Fixed assets in €
01.09.2004 Additions Disposals 31.08.2005
         
Acquisition costs:
Computer hard- and software
1,458,983 207,065 29,997 1,636,051
Furniture and fixtures 1,154,159 11,264 7,623 1,157,800
Leasehold improvements 1,157,841 11,270 9,719 1,159,392
Total property and equipment 3,770,983 229,599 47,339 3,953,243
Total fixed assets 3,770,983 229,599 47,339 3,953,243
         
  01.09.2004 Additions Disposals 31.08.2005
         
Accummulated depreciation, amortisation and write-downs:
Computer hard- and software
1,276,852 136,507 27,259 1,386,100
Furniture and fixtures 611,387 93,369 5,832 698,924
Leasehold improvements 588,909 311,117 5,564 894,462
Total property and equipment 2,477,148 540,993 38,655 2,979,486
Total fixed assets 2,477,148 540,993 38,655 2,979,486
         
  31.08.2004     31.08.2005
         
Net book value:
Computer hard- and software
182,131     249,952
Furniture and fixtures 542,772     458,876
Leasehold improvements 568,932     264,930
Total property and equipment 1,293,835     973,758
Total fixed assets 1,293,835     973,758
         
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3.2 Other Current Assets and Prepaid Expenses

The major components of other current assets and prepaid expenses are shown in Table 8.

 

The tax receivables shown in Table 8 relate to taxes on capital gains, a withholding tax levied on interest and other capital gains received. Due to loss carry-forwards and a negative net income for tax purposes respectively, SinnerSchrader is entitled to a refund of the withholding tax paid vis-à-vis the tax authorities. In 2004/2005 and 2003/2004, SinnerSchrader paid withholding taxes to the amount of € 52,757 and € 125,517 respectively.

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Tab. 8
Other current assets and prepaid expenses in €
31.08.2005 31.08.2004
     
Tax receivables 178,274 568,417
Remaining other current assets 39,531 30,712
Prepaid expenses 113,346 187,268
Total other current assets and prepaid expenses 331,151 786,397
     
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3.3 Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consist of the items shown in Table 9.

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Tab. 9
Accrued expenses in €
31.08.2005 31.08.2004
     
Accrued compensation 911,062 564,853
Accrued warranty expense 228,268 235,682
Accrued rent and related expenses 134,250 70,539
Accrued losses on contracts 24,907
Other accruals 191,806 185,608
Total accrued expenses 1,465,386 1,081,589
     
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3.4 Liabilities to Shareholders

On 28 January 2004, SinnerSchrader AG’s shareholders passed a resolution to distribute € 20,768,780 from its capital reserve to all shareholders by means of an increase of common stock capital from the capital reserve and a subsequent decrease of common stock capital by the same amount for the purpose of returning that capital to shareholders. The resolution became effective with its entry into the trade register on 13 April 2004. According to Article 225 para. 2 of the German Stock Corporation Act (“Aktiengesetz”, “AktG”), the capital was distributed to shareholders on 8 November 2004, six months after the day on which the resolution’s entry into the trade register was publicly announced. In the balance sheets of 31 August 2004 the amount of € 20,768,780 to be distributed had been subtracted from the shareholders’ equity and was shown as a liability to shareholders. Due to the execution of the payment to shareholders, the liability was paid off and, consequently, no liability to shareholders is shown in the balance sheets of 31 August 2005.

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3.5 Other Short-Term Liabilities and Deferred Income

Other short-term liabilities and deferred income consist of the components presented in Table 10.

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Tab. 10
Other liabilities and deferred revenue in €
31.08.2005 31.08.2004
     
Liabilities from income tax 102,862 168,245
Liabilities from social security and similar obligations 157,856 181,798
Liabilities from value added tax 137,280 138,348
Liabilities from restructuring measures 183,628
Deferred revenue 25,109 72,599
Liabilities from asset retirement obligations 93,788
Liabilities from rental charges 306,775
Other liabilities 8,027 17,886
Total other liabilities and deferred revenue 831,697 762,504
     
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3.6 Long-Term Liabilities

The long-term liability of € 86,841 shown in the balance sheets as of 31 August 2004 concerned asset retirement obligations from the lease contract for the office building in Hamburg, which will become due upon termination of that contract at the earliest date possible, which is 30 June 2006. As of 31 August 2005 the respective liability had to be classified as short-term. It is presented in Table 10 with its value as of the balance sheet date of € 93,788. The changes in the liability from asset retirement obligations by € 6,947 and € 6,433 in 2004/2005 and 2003/2004 respectively reflect the accretion of the liability according to SFAS No. 143.

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3.7 Commitment and Contingencies

SinnerSchrader leases its office facilities in Hamburg and Frankfurt and certain equipment and cars under operating leases. As of 31 August 2005 future annual minimum lease payments from those contracts amount to the sums shown in Table 11.

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Tab. 11
Financial commitments in €
31.08.2005 31.08.2004
     
01.09.2005–31.08.2006 996,802 1,297,461
01.09.2006–31.08.2007 23,437 17,765
01.09.2007–31.08.2008 12,407 2,886
01.09.2008–31.08.2009 2,162
after 01.09.2009
Total 1,034,808 1,318,112
     
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Total rent expense for the years 2004/2005 and 2003/2004 were € 1,466,317 and € 1,158,511 respectively. The expense was partly offset by income from subleases amounting to € 18,640 and € 13,860 respectively.

 

In addition, the Group has certain contingent liabilities that arise in the ordinary course of business activities. The Group will accrue contingent liabilities if it considers it probable that future expenditure will be made and such expenditure is measurable.

 

The consolidated Group companies are subject to various legal claims primarily related to employment issues and issues regarding the refurbishment of the companies’ office space. As of 31 August 2005 and 31 August 2004, accruals related to those claims amounted to € 190,000 and € 110,500 respectively and are part of accrued compensation and other accrued expenses shown in note 3.3. The ultimate outcome of the legal proceedings is uncertain, but the company deems it probable that it will have to pay the estimated amount. However, the potential loss could be higher or lower than the sums accrued by the Group.

 

In the relationships to its customers, SinnerSchrader regularly takes on various liabilities, indemnifications, and warranties under individual professional service agreements, general terms and conditions, and German law. Liabilities typically relate to personal injury, property damage or financial damage incurred in connection with SinnerSchrader’s operations or to late delivery of systems to be implemented under contracts with its customers. Indemnifications regularly concern any claim filed against its customers for infringement of intellectual property rights through the systems delivered by SinnerSchrader and used by the customers. Additionally, SinnerSchrader warrants that the systems developed for its customers will operate in accordance with specifications without defects for a certain warranty period subject to limitations that the Group believes are standard in the industry. Under those warranties SinnerSchrader is obliged to remedy any defects until the solution provided operates within the specifications. SinnerSchrader is not usually obliged to refund its customers any fees in case of a system defect, although in some contracts the customer has retained the right to renege on a contract in case SinnerSchrader cannot remedy the defects.

 

The maximum potential amount of future payments or costs incurred under the liabilities, indemnifications, and warranties from the companies’ customer relationships is unlimited. SinnerSchrader, however, regularly stipulates limitations to the commitments in its contracts as well as in its terms and conditions wherever possible under German law. In addition, SinnerSchrader has purchased insurance policies covering its liabilities relating to personal injury, property damage, and financial damage up to an amount that is deemed sufficient given the overall size of the business and the maximum size of individual contracts.

 

With respect to its warranty-related obligations, SinnerSchrader typically provides procedures in its contracts for testing and customer acceptance that are designed to reduce the likelihood of warranty claims, although there can be no assurance that such procedures will be effective in each project. Based upon an individual assessment of each project against past experience, SinnerSchrader accrues for the cost to be incurred due to warranty-related claims. The amounts accrued as of 31 August 2005 and 31 August 2004 respectively are shown in note 3.3.

 

As part of its efforts to reduce the office space leased but not used, SinnerSchrader agreed to act as a guarantor for a company that stepped into one of its lease contracts. The lease contract transferred to that company terminated on 31 May 2005. As of 31 August 2004 the remaining lease obligations amounted to € 56,018. In July 2005, SinnerSchrader had to pay € 19,262 as the guarantor and recorded a receivable against the tenant. Since then that receivable has been honoured regularly. It amounted to € 16,053 as of 31 August 2005.

 

In preparation of the execution of the repayment of equity to shareholders as resolved by the shareholders’ meeting in January 2004, SinnerSchrader AG was required by the landlord of its Hamburg office to secure the minimum obligations from the lease contract according to Article 225 AktG. SinnerSchrader AG delivered the security by ways of a bank guarantee in the amount of € 2,532,260, which was reduced regularly by the amount of the monthly lease payment made. As of 31 August 2005 the amount of the bank guarantee stood at € 1,478,668. According to an agreement with the bank issuing the guarantee, SinnerSchrader can dispose of liquid funds of an equivalent amount only with the permission of that bank.

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4 Components of the Statement of Operations

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4.1 Costs and Operating Expenses by Expenditure

The total costs of revenues plus selling and administrative as well as research and development expenses by expenditure was divided as shown in Table 12.

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Tab. 12
Operating costs excluding restructuring costs by expenditure in €
2004/2005 2003/2004
     
Personnel expenses 7,735,293 7,801,121
Costs of materials and services in cost of revenue:
Materials
190,180 144,502
Services 617,288 500,094
Depreciation of property and equipment 540,993 631,709
Other operating expenses 2,685,356 2,607,927
Total 11,769,110 11,685,353
     
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4.2 Restructuring Charges and Other Related Charges

Starting in 2000/2001, SinnerSchrader undertook consecutive steps to align its cost base to the severe decline in demand for Internet-related consulting, design, and IT services by reducing its workforce, consolidating its facilities and closing its foreign operations.

 

In the 2004/2005 financial year, SinnerSchrader did not undertake new workforce-related restructuring measures. However, as of 31 August 2005, accruals had to be increased by € 49,500 due to unsettled law suits relating to workforce reductions in the years 2003/2004 and 2002/2003. An amount of € 92,977 from accruals and liabilities related to personnel measures was paid out. Consequently, total accruals and liabilities for workforce-related restructuring measures amounted to € 90,000 and € 133,477 in 2004/2005 and 2003/2004 respectively.

 

With respect to the consolidation of office space, an increase of accruals and liabilities was necessary in 2004/2005. In order to adjust the current office space in Hamburg of approx. 6,500 sqm to the reduced headcount, SinnerSchrader had to terminate the rent agreement early, with effect from 30 June 2006. The early termination triggered a one-time compensation obligation of € 306,775 payable at the end of the rent agreement. As of 31 August 2005, a liability to cover that obligation is recorded. The accrual of € 67,376 shown as of 31 August 2004 was used up completely.

 

Hence, in the 2004/2005 period, total restructuring charges amounted to € 356,275. In 2003/2004 the restructuring costs were € 557,647 split into € 546,685 and € 10,962 for workforce reductions and for the consolidation of facilities respectively. Restructuring charges concerning workforce reductions include all costs relating to the termination of employment contracts including severance payments, payroll cost for periods in which the respective employees were released from their work duty, and legal costs. Restructuring charges concerning facilities include rent and service charges, the cost of efforts to sublet or to be released from the rent agreements (such as the cost of legal advice, premium payments to surrender, and fees to real estate agents), as well as depreciation/impairment charges on leasehold improvements and office equipment that had to be abandoned.

 

Table 13 summarises restructuring and other related charges for the years ended 31 August 2005 and 31 August 2004 as well as the amount of accrued restructuring expenses and restructuring liabilities as of the respective balance sheet dates.

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Tab. 13
Restructuring charges in €
           
2004/2005 Balance
01.09.2004
Additional
charges
Utilised
Non-cash
Utilised
Cash
Dissolved Balance
31.08.2005
             
Workforce 133,477 49,500 –92,977 90,000
Facilities 67,376 306,775 –67,376 306,775
Total 200,853 356,275 –160,353 396,775
             
2003/2004 Balance
01.09.2003
        Balance
31.08.2004
             
Workforce 10,500 546,685 –423,708 133,477
Facilities 132,960 10,962 –76,546 67,376
Total 143,460 557,647 –500,254 200,853
             
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4.3 Financial Income

The financial income and expenses item consists of the components listed in Table 14:

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Tab. 14
Financial income in €
2004/2005 2003/2004
     
Interest income 39,240 536,556
Realised gains/losses, net, on the sale of marketable securities 173,911 288,261
Income from investments and participations 25,565
Interest expense –19,927 –1,093
Total financial income 218,789 823,724
     
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The income on investments results from a payment on a non-current loan, which was already written off in earlier periods. The loan was granted to the subsidiary of an investment of the Company. The payment was received from an individually liable partner.

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5 Pension Plans

Since January 2003, SinnerSchrader has been offering its employees to participate in a defined contribution pension plan. In accordance with this plan, in 2004/2005 and 2003/2004 SinnerSchrader contributed up to a maximum of € 5,563 and € 4,601 per employee respectively to individual pension/life insurance contracts provided by a third party insurance company.

 

Total Group contributions to this plan in the 2004/2005 and 2003/2004 periods amounted to € 40,423 and € 53,151 respectively. They were recorded under the cost of revenue and operating expense items according to the position of the participating employee.

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6 Shareholders’ Equity

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6.1 Common Stock

On 31 August 2005 and 31 August 2004 the common stock of SinnerSchrader AG amounted to € 11,542,764 and € 11,542,764 respectively. It was divided into 11,542,764 no-par value ordinary shares with a nominal value of € 1 per share.

 

On 31 August 2005 and 31 August 2004, 11,411,417 shares and 10,937,164 shares respectively of all shares issued were outstanding. The remaining respective 131,347 and 605,600 shares were held by SinnerSchrader AG as treasury stock (see note 6.5).

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6.2 Capital Reserve

The capital reserve stems primarily from SinnerSchrader AG’s initial public offering (”IPO”) in November 1999. At the IPO SinnerSchrader AG issued a total of 2,475,000 new shares of common stock from a capital increase (including greenshoe) at a price of € 12 per share. Net of expenses for the flotation of € 1.7 million, the offering raised aggregate proceeds of € 28.0 million. The costs resulting from the initial public offering were charged against the capital reserve net of tax effects of € 0.9 million.

 

On 28 January 2004, SinnerSchrader AG’s shareholders passed a resolution to distribute € 20,768,780 from the capital reserve to all shareholders by means of an increase of common stock capital from the capital reserve and a subsequent decrease of common stock capital by the same amount for the purpose of returning that capital to shareholders. The resolution became effective with its entry into the trade register on 13 April 2004. Consequently, the capital reserve was reduced by € 20,768,780 as of 31 August 2004.

 

In 2004/2005 the reserve increased by € 1,001,165 through the sale of shares from the treasury stock.

 

On 31 August 2005 and 31 August 2004 the Company’s capital reserve amounted to € 17,596,005 and € 16,594,840 respectively.

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6.3 Authorised Capital

On 28 January 2004, the shareholders of SinnerSchrader AG cancelled their authorisation of the Management Board to increase the AG’s common stock with the approval of the Supervisory Board in one or more steps until 30 September 2004 by up to a maximum of € 4,650,000 in so far as that authorisation had not already been used.

 

At the same time the shareholders of SinnerSchrader AG authorised the Management Board to increase the AG’s common stock with the approval of the Supervisory Board in one or more steps until 15 January 2009 by up to a maximum of € 5,770,000. The resolution became effective by entry into the trade register on 13 April 2004.

 

The authorisation to increase the common stock was not used in either 2004/2005 or in 2003/2004.

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6.4 Conditional Capital

On 31 August 2005 and 31 August 2004, SinnerSchrader AG had conditional capital of € 750,000 covering the grants under SinnerSchrader’s 2000 Stock Option Plan and 1999 Stock Option Plan described under note 7.1.

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6.5 Treasury Stock

As of 31 August 2005 and 31 August 2004 the number of shares in treasury stock amounted to 131,347 and 605,600 shares respectively. In the 2004/2005 financial year a total of 455,235 shares from treasury stock were sold through the stock exchange at an average price of € 3.68 per share. 19,018 shares were issued to employees exercising their stock options at an average exercise price of € 2.76. In 2003/2004, 6,227 shares from treasury stock were issued to employees exercising their stock options at € 2.76 per share. In 2004/2005 and 2003/2004, SinnerSchrader AG repurchased 0 and 1,404 shares at average prices of 0 and € 2.01 respectively.

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7 Share-Based Compensation

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7.1 Employee Stock Option Plans

SinnerSchrader 1999 Stock Option Plan:

In October 1999, the shareholders of SinnerSchrader AG approved the SinnerSchrader 1999 Stock Option Plan (the “1999 Plan”), which provides for the granting of stock options to the members of the Management Board of SinnerSchrader AG, the management of affiliated companies, all employees of SinnerSchrader AG, as well as all employees of affiliated companies. The total number of options that can be assigned by the Management Board and the Supervisory Board of SinnerSchrader AG is 375,000, of which 40,000, 10,000, 55,000, and 270,000 respectively are dedicated to the aforementioned groups. Under the 1999 Plan the Management Board and the Supervisory Board were authorised to grant options until 8 November 2004.

 

Options granted under the 1999 Plan have an exercise price of 120 % of the average Frankfurt closing price during the ten trading days prior to the grant date. Options granted on 1 November 1999, the day of the initial public offering, had an exercise price of € 14.40. The options of the 1999 Plan vest in equal instalments of one third over two, three, and four years. They have to be exercised within six years after the date of grant. As of 31 August 2005, a total of 186,343 stock options from the 1999 Plan were outstanding and were granted with an average exercise price of € 19.95. In 2004/2005 and 2003/2004, employees exercised 0 and 2,559 options at an average exercise price of 0 and € 2.76 respectively.

 

SinnerSchrader 2000 Stock Option Plan:

In December 2000, the shareholders of SinnerSchrader AG approved the SinnerSchrader 2000 Stock Option Plan (the “2000 Plan”), which provides for the granting of stock options to the members of the Management Board of SinnerSchrader AG, the management of affiliated companies, all employees of SinnerSchrader AG, as well as all employees of affiliated companies. The total number of options that can be assigned by the Management Board and the Supervisory Board of SinnerSchrader AG is 375,000, of which 40,000, 40,000, 55,000, and 240,000 respectively are dedicated to the aforementioned groups. Under the 2000 Plan the Management Board and the Supervisory Board are authorised to grant options until 10 January 2006.

 

Options granted under the 2000 Plan have an exercise price of 120 % of the average Frankfurt closing price during the ten trading days prior to the grant date. The options of the 2000 Plan vest in equal instalments of one third over two, three, and four years. They have to be exercised within six years after the date of grant. As of 31 August 2005 a total of 107,794 stock options from the 2000 Plan were outstanding and were granted with an average exercise price of € 2.37. In 2004/2005 and 2003/2004, employees exercised 19,018 and 3,668 options at an average exercise price of € 2.76 and € 2.76 respectively.

 

Table 15a summarises the changes in the number of options outstanding from the 1999 Plan and 2000 Plan for the years which ended on 31 August 2005 and 31 August 2004.

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Tab. 15a
Outstanding stock options in € and number
Number of
options
Weighted
average
exercise price
Weighted
average grant
date fair value
       
Outstanding on 31 August 2003 362,687 11.51 5.61
Granted
Exercised –6,227 2.76 1.30
Cancelled –16,177 4.51 2.31
Outstanding on 31 August 2004 340,283 12.00 5.84
Granted
Exercised –19,018 2.76 1.42
Cancelled –27,128 2.07 1.11
Outstanding on 31 August 2005 294,137 13.51 6.56
       
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Additional information on all options outstanding on 31 August 2005 is listed in Table 15b.

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Tab. 15b
Outstanding stock options according to exercise price in €, number and years
         
  Options outstanding     Options exercisable  
Range of exercise price Number Weighted average remaining
contractual life
Weighted
average
exercise price
Number Weighted
average
exercise price
           
0.00–5.00 166,684 2.35 2.53 101,645 2.62
5.01–10.00 14,970 1.62 6.76 14,970 6.76
10.01–30.00 61,740 0.47 15.40 61,740 15.40
30.01–50.00 26,204 0.89 36.01 26,204 36.01
50.01–90.00 24,539 0.54 63.43 24,539 63.43
Total 294,137 1.64 13.51 229,098 16.67
           
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7.2 Share-Based Compensation for the Management Board

In the 2004/2005 financial year a cash compensation arrangement was awarded to a member of the Management Board. According to this arrangement, the Board member is entitled to a cash bonus in January 2008 based on the stock price performance of the SinnerSchrader stock until 31 December 2007. The bonus will be calculated as the difference between the average closing price of the SinnerSchrader stock on the last ten trading days prior to 1 January 2008 and € 1.61 per share times 200,000. The compensation arrangement was awarded with effect from 1 January 2005.

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8 Income Tax

The income tax provisions/benefits presented in the statement of operations of the 2004/2005 and 2003/2004 financial years are split into current and deferred tax provisions/benefits as shown in Table 16a.

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Tab. 16a
Current and deferred taxes in €
2004/2005 2003/2004
     
Current tax liabilities 1,559
Deferred tax liabilities –148,412 –52,559
Total –148,412 –51,000
     
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The income tax provisions/benefits shown in the statement of operations differ from the amounts computed by applying the statutory income tax rate to income before taxes. For the financial years which ended on 31 August 2005 and 31 August 2004 the statutory income tax rate was at 40.4 %, consisting of municipal trade tax (“Gewerbesteuer”) at 19.0 %, corporate tax (“Körperschaftsteuer”) at 25 % and a corporate tax surcharge (“Solidaritätszuschlag”) of 5.5 %. The computation of the total statutory income tax rate takes into account that the municipal trade tax charge reduces the tax base for corporate tax purposes (including the surcharge).

 

Table 16b presents the reconciliation of tax provisions/benefits shown in the statements of operations to the income tax provisions/benefits expected under the statutory income tax rate.

 

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Tab. 16b
Tax reconciliation in €
2004/2005 2003/2004
     
Tax provision (+) and tax credit (–) at statutory rate 160,299 –235,100
Non-deductible amortisation of deferred stock compensation 8,793
Other non deductible expense/non taxable income 9,238 6,583
Utilised loss carry-forwards –100,310
Changes in valuation allowance for deferred tax assets of domestic Group companies –219,041 162,876
Changes in valuation allowances for deferred tax assets and differences in tax rates    
concerning losses in foreign Group companies, net of tax effects on consolidation 1,402 656
Current taxes relating to previous years 1,559
Other 3,633
Credit for income tax –148,412 –51,000
     
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The deferred tax positions as of 31 August 2005 and 31 August 2004 is shown in Table 16c.

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Tab. 16c
Deferred tax positions in €
31.08.2005 31.08.2004
     
Deferred tax assets:
Current:
Loss carry forwards
148,412
Non-current:
Loss carry-forwards
1,327,717 1,543,155
Valuation of accrued expenses 17,152 62,261
Valuation allowance –1,221,263 –1,507,330
Total deferred tax assets 272,018 98,086
     
Deferred tax liabilities:
Current:
Valuation of unfinished/unbilled services
101,748 72,518
Valuation of unrealised gains on marketable securities available for sale 279 –939
Valuation of current assets 5,937 4,564
Non-current:
Valuation of fixed assets
17,092 19,420
Total deferred tax liabilities 125,056 95,563
     
Total deferred tax asset/liabilities, net 146,962 2,523
thereof:
Deferred tax asset
148,412
Accumulated other comprehensive income/loss –1,450 2,523
     
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As of 31 August 2005 and 31 August 2004 SinnerSchrader had tax loss carry-forwards in Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands. Table 16d shows the volume of those carry-forwards for each tax jurisdiction together with the applicable tax rate.

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Tab. 16d
Loss carry-forwards and statutory income tax rates in € and %
       
  31.08.2005   31.08.2004  
  Loss
carry-forwards
Tax rate Loss
carry-forwards
Tax rate
         
For corporate tax:
Germany
–2,406,369 25.0 –2,610,006 25.0
thereof in tax group –2,276,471 25.0 –2,480,108 25.0
Great Britain –985,879 30.0 –944,861 30.0
Netherlands –174,617 34.5 –166,193 34.5
         
  31.08.2005   31.08.2004  
  Loss
carry-forwards
Tax rate Loss
carry-forwards
Tax rate
         
For municipal trade tax:
Germany
–3,465,064 19.0 –3,668,700 19.0
thereof in tax group –2,823,666 19.0 –3,027,302 19.0
Great Britain
Netherlands
         
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In all countries the losses for tax purposes can be carried forward indefinitely. The loss carry-forwards in the non-German subsidiaries will most likely not be used since operating business was ceased in those countries. Due to the formation of a group for tax purposes between SinnerSchrader AG and its domestic subsidiaries effective from the beginning of the 2003/2004 financial year, the use of the carry-forwards of losses on the subsidiaries level from periods prior to the formation of the tax group is postponed until after the dissolution of the tax group. In addition, German tax laws contain provisions which limit the amount of tax loss carry-forwards that can be used in any given year and which stipulate additional conditions to be met for the use of loss carry-forwards upon occurrence of certain events, such as a significant change in ownership.

 

Due to these circumstances a valuation allowance was recorded for the deferred tax assets on the loss carry-forwards of the foreign subsidiaries and the loss carry-forwards of the domestic subsidiaries up to the value that is covered by deferred tax liabilities on a tax entity by tax entity basis as of 31 August 2005 and 31 August 2004. Regarding the losses carried forward by SinnerSchrader AG for the domestic group for tax purposes as of 31 August 2005, the valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset was adjusted in a way that the remaining tax asset covers the deferred tax liabilities and the income tax on the taxable income planned for the 2005/2006 financial year, since SinnerSchrader deems it probable that the plan will be achieved. As of 31 August 2004, the valuation allowance covered the entire deferred tax asset on loss carry-forwards up to the amount of deferred tax liabilities.

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9 Related Party Transactions

In 2004/2005 and 2003/2004, SinnerSchrader generated revenues with companies in which members of its Supervisory Board hold Supervisory Board positions of € 2,898,682 and € 1,952,208 respectively. The total of accounts receivable and unbilled services net of bad debt allowances to those companies on 31 August 2005 and 31 August 2004 amounted to € 166,218 and € 408,758 respectively.

 

In September 2002, SinnerSchrader entered into a consultancy agreement with a former member of the Management Board who had retired from his position on 31 August 2002. Under the terms of the agreement, SinnerSchrader bought consultancy services at the amount of € 72,000 in 2003/2004. The agreement terminated on 31 August 2004.

 

In May 2005, SinnerSchrader entered into a consultancy agreement with a former member of the Management Board who had resigned from his position in April 2004. Under the terms of the agreement, SinnerSchrader receives advice on the development of its operating services business for approximately € 20,000. Of that total, € 10,000 were recorded in 2004/2005.

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10 Major Events after the Balance Sheet Date

In November 2005, SinnerSchrader signed a new rent agreement for offices in Hamburg for the time after the termination of the current rent agreement on 30 June 2006. Through the new agreement the total space rented will be reduced from approximately 6,500 sqm to 3,200 sqm. Thus, the total cost of office space will be cut approximately in half as from 30 June 2006.

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11 Supplementary Information Required by the German Commercial Code

Supplementary information to the notes to consolidated financial statements of SinnerSchrader Aktiengesellschaft regarding the board of management, the supervisory board, and the declaration of compliance according to § 161 of the German Stock Coporation Act (AktG) are presented in the notes to the financial statements of SinnerSchrader Aktiengesellschaft.

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Employees

In the 2004/2005 and 2003/2004 financial years, an average of 137.5 (including 2 members of the Management Board, 6 Managing Directors and 10 interns) and 147 persons respectively were employed by SinnerSchrader.

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12 Summary of Significant Differences between US-GAAP and German Law with Regard to Accounting, Valuation and Consolidation Principles

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12.1 General

The Consolidated Financial Statements of SinnerSchrader AG as of 31 August 2005 were drawn up in accordance with Article 292a of the German Commercial Code (“Handelsgesetzbuch”, “HGB”) applying the US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“US-GAAP”) and German Accounting Standard (“Deutscher Rechnungslegungs Standard”, “DRS”) No. 1 of the German Accounting Standards Committee (“Deutscher Standardisierungsrat DRSC e.V.”) as consolidated financial statements with discharging effect.

 

The regulations of the Commercial Code and of the German Stock Corporation Act differ in certain key aspects from the US-GAAP. The main differences which could be relevant for assessing the assets and liabilities, financial position and results of the company are presented below.

 

Under the German Commercial Code, all balance sheet and income statement lines must be presented in the form and sequence specified in Articles 266 and 275 HGB. Under US-GAAP, items are compiled differently and the sequence of the balance sheet lines begins with the short-term items.

 

Under US-GAAP, the short-term parts of long-term receivables and liabilities are stated in a separate line of the balance sheet. The part which is due within one year is treated as short-term.

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12.2 Property and Equipment

Unlike in the HGB accounts, acquired standard software for internal use is not shown as an intangible asset but is included in the property and equipment item as plant and office equipment. The manufacturing cost of software developed in-house can be capitalised under US-GAAP and depreciated over the normal useful life. Under HGB, software created in-house cannot be capitalised as a tangible asset. In the reporting period and in the previous years the Company charged all manufacturing costs of software developed in-house against income also under US-GAAP. Pursuant to HGB, accelerated depreciation permitted under Article 7 German Income Tax Act (“Einkommensteuergesetz”, “EStG”) is stated as special reserves and dissolved as expenses over the useful life of the assets concerned. In accordance with US-GAAP depreciation only permissible under tax legislation was not taken into account.

 

Under HGB, depreciation was charged in agreement with the tax regulations on a straight-line basis applying the half-year method (“Halbjahresmethode”) until 31 August 2003. Under US-GAAP, straight-line depreciation was charged as from the day the asset was put to use.

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12.3 Deferred Taxes on Loss Carry-Forwards

According to HGB, deferred tax refund claims arising from tax loss carry-forwards may not be stated in the balance sheet, as the expected future tax savings are deemed to have not yet been realised.

 

Under US-GAAP such future tax benefits have to be realised as tax assets. These deferred tax assets have to be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realised. The valuation allowance should be sufficient to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realised.

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12.4 Employee Stock Options

Under US-GAAP, stock-based compensation paid to staff in the form of stock options can be accounted for in two ways. According to one method the market value of the employee shareholding is determined and distributed as expense over the vesting time of the share option. Alternatively, only the difference between the exercise price of an option and the market price of the stock concerned at the time the option was granted (intrinsic value) may be spread as expense over the vesting period. When applying the latter method, the impact on net income of accounting for stock-based compensation using the first method must be disclosed in a pro-forma calculation in the financial statements. SinnerSchrader AG has selected the intrinsic value method to account for its stock option plans.

 

Under the prevailing accounting practice pursuant to HGB, only the capital increase upon exercising of the options would be accounted for. Personnel expense is not taken into account.

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12.5 Asset Retirement Obligations

As defined in the German Commercial Code, provisions for asset retirement obligations are generated by a one-time allocation of the total amount of the obligation when the obligation is established. The expenditures thus incurred are recorded in the operating results.

 

From the beginning of the financial year which started on 15 June 2002, US-GAAP governs balance sheet procedures for recording asset retirement obligations as defined in SFAS No. 143. With the introduction of SFAS No. 143, companies are required to record liabilities for asset retirement obligation at fair value. In parallel, the asset retirement cost must be capitalised and depreciated over the remaining useful life of the asset. The obligation accrues interest until a drawdown occurs.

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12.6 Valuation of Certain Accrued Expenses

When valuing certain types of accruals, US-GAAP requires other criteria to be met in order for expenses to be eligible for accruing than are required under HGB. In the financial statements of SinnerSchrader AG, differences in criteria primarily exist with respect to expenses and obligations from the rent agreement for the office in Hamburg.

For accruing rent expense for unused office space, US-GAAP requires the respective space to be separable, while under HGB the cost of non-separable unused space must be accrued. With respect to severance payments which become due upon making use of contractual breakout clauses, US-GAAP requires the notice to have been given to the other party to the contract before the respective expense can be accrued, while under HGB a resolution taken by SinnerSchrader AG is sufficient for accruing.

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12.7 Shareholders’ Equity

Under HGB, SinnerSchrader AG would have had to draw up Consolidated Financial Statements for the first time following the acquisition of SinnerSchrader Interactive Marketing GmbH and Sinner-Schrader Interactive Software GmbH on 27 August 1999. The difference between the investment stated at market value and the equity of the subsidiaries would have had to be distributed in line with the actual values of the assets and liabilities included and the remaining amount would have had to be stated as goodwill and either amortised over the expected useful life or netted with the capital reserve on the face of the balance sheet. The subscribed capital of the Company would have been formed by the capital of the individual financial statements.

 

Under US-GAAP, the capital consolidation of SinnerSchrader AG was prepared in line with APB No. 16, “Business Combinations” as a “transaction under common control”, according to which the shares of SinnerSchrader Interactive Marketing GmbH and SinnerSchrader Interactive Software GmbH were contributed to SinnerSchrader AG at the book value of the respective equity. Consequently, no differential amount arose from these transactions under US-GAAP.

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12.8 Treasury Stock

According to HGB, treasury stock has to be shown as a current asset. Thus, the strict lower of cost or market value principle according to Article 253, para. 3 has to be adopted, i.e. treasury stock has to be written off if the market price at the balance sheet date is lower than the purchase price. Earnings from the sale of treasury stock have to be accounted for as other operating income.

 

Under US-GAAP treasury stock is shown as an off-setting item at purchase price directly in shareholder’s equity. Changes in the market price of treasury stock are not accounted for by adjustments of the respective equity position. Earnings from the sale of treasury stock are credited to capital surplus.

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12.9 Deferral of Personnel Expenses

In connection with the acquisition of Netmatic Internet/Intranet Solutions GmbH, part of the purchase price paid in shares of the Company was accrued indirectly to the staff of the acquired company. Under US-GAAP, this part is to be charged against income over the period over which the shares are likely to be issued to the employees. As these shares derive from a capital increase, the shareholders’ equity has to be corrected accordingly by a deferred compensation item. The deferred compensation item is dissolved pro rata through the retained earnings, so that at no time an increase of shareholders’ equity is shown for this portion of the capital increase.

 

Under HGB, this part of the capital increase would have been attributed to the acquisition cost and as a result would have increased goodwill.

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12.10 Revenue Recognition

Under US-GAAP, revenue for services is recognised in accordance with SOP No. 81-1, “Accounting for Performance of Construction Type and Certain Production Type Contracts”. Under US-GAAP, services in process are entered according to the percentage of completion method in which the respective project progress leads to the proportional recognition of revenue. Application of the percentage of completion method is subject to the traceable and verifiable recording of project progress.

 

Under HGB, the Completed Contract method must be applied, under which services in process are included in inventories at manufacturing cost. The revenue is not taken into account until the services have been completed.

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12.11 Valuation of Marketable Securities

Under US-GAAP, securities under current assets are stated at their market value on the balance sheet date if they are held available for sale at any time. Gains or losses that have not yet been realised by sale are stated without affecting net income as an adjustment item in the shareholders’ equity and are part of the comprehensive income.

 

Under HGB, SinnerSchrader AG states securities classified as current assets at the lower of either acquisition cost or market value.

 

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Hamburg, November 2005

 

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Matthias Schrader Thomas Dyckhoff
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