15 Contract balances
Contract assets are recognized in cases where the amount of goods or services transferred to the customer exceeds the amount for which the Group has an unconditional right to payment. Contract assets are regularly reviewed for impairment indicators. Contract liabilities are recognized in cases where the amount of goods or services transferred to the customer is lower than the consideration received or due.
For new installations and modernization contracts, contract balances are recognized on a contract-by-contract basis once the installation begins. The amounts invoiced to the customer are generally based on the achievement of contractually agreed milestones. Such milestones are typically defined as the dates of contract signature, delivery call-off by the customer, and handover of the goods or services to the customer. Consequently, the amounts recognized as revenue over time may differ from the amounts invoiced.
For maintenance contracts, contract liabilities are recognized for prepaid maintenance services by customers, whereas contract assets are recognized for work performed ahead of the payment being unconditionally due.
In CHF million | 2023 | 2022 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Contract assets | ||||
New installation and modernization contracts | 784 | 862 | ||
Maintenance contracts | 57 | 59 | ||
Total contract assets | 841 | 921 | ||
Contract liabilities | ||||
New installation and modernization contracts | –1 892 | –2 141 | ||
Maintenance contracts | –656 | –664 | ||
Total contract liabilities | –2 548 | –2 805 |
Changes in contract balances are triggered by the progress of projects, business growth, and the timing of down payments received. The Group has recognized CHF 2 055 million as revenue that was included in contract liabilities at the beginning of the reporting year (previous year: CHF 1 975 million). This amount represents new installation and modernization contracts that were completed or further progressed, and the release of contract liabilities related to maintenance contracts. Expected loss allowances relating to contract assets were not material in the reporting year, nor in the previous year.