Schedules to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2011

24. Significant accounting policies and notes on accounts

Company overview

Infosys Technologies Limited (‘Infosys’ or ‘the Company’) along with its majority owned and controlled subsidiary, Infosys BPO Limited (‘Infosys BPO’) and wholly owned and controlled subsidiaries, Infosys Technologies (Australia) Pty. Limited (‘Infosys Australia’), Infosys Technologies (China) Company Limited (‘Infosys China’), Infosys Consulting, Inc. (‘Infosys Consulting’), Infosys Technologies S. de R. L. de C.V. (‘Infosys Mexico’), Infosys Technologies (Sweden) AB (‘Infosys Sweden’), Infosys Tecnologia do Brasil Ltda (‘Infosys Brasil’), Infosys Public Services, Inc., U.S. (‘Infosys Public Services’) and Infosys Technologies (Shanghai) Company Limited (‘Infosys Shanghai’) and controlled trusts is a leading global technology services corporation. The group of companies (‘the Group’) provides end-to-end business solutions that leverage technology thereby enabling clients to enhance business performance. The Group provides solutions that span the entire software life cycle encompassing technical consulting, design, development, re-engineering, maintenance, systems integration, package evaluation and implementation, testing and infrastructure management services. In addition, the Group offers software products for the banking industry, business consulting and business process management services.

24.1. Significant accounting policies

24.1.1. Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements are prepared in accordance with Indian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) under the historical cost convention on the accrual basis except for certain financial instruments which are measured at fair value. GAAP comprises mandatory accounting standards prescribed by the Companies (Accounting Standards) Rules, 2006 and guidelines issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Accounting policies have been consistently applied except where a newly issued accounting standard is initially adopted or a revision to an existing accounting standard requires a change in the accounting policy hitherto in use.

The financial statements are prepared in accordance with the principles and procedures required for the preparation and presentation of consolidated financial statements as laid down under the Accounting Standard (AS) 21, ‘Consolidated Financial statements’. The financial statements of Infosys – the parent Company, Infosys BPO, Infosys China, Infosys Australia, Infosys Mexico, Infosys Consulting, Infosys Sweden, Infosys Brasil, Infosys Public Services, Infosys Shanghai and controlled trusts have been combined on a line-by-line basis by adding together book values of items like assets, liabilities, income and expenses after eliminating intra-group balances and transactions and resulting unrealized gain / loss. The consolidated financial statements are prepared by applying uniform accounting policies in use at the Group. Minority interests have been excluded. Minority interests represent that part of the net profit or loss and net assets of subsidiaries that are not, directly or indirectly, owned or controlled by the Company.

24.1.2. Use of estimates

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported balances of assets and liabilities and disclosures relating to contingent liabilities as at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of income and expenses during the period. Examples of such estimates include computation of percentage-of-completion which requires the Group to estimate the efforts expended to date as a proportion of the total efforts to be expended, provisions for doubtful debts, future obligations under employee retirement benefit plans, income taxes, post-sales customer support and the useful lives of fixed assets and intangible assets.

Accounting estimates could change from period to period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Appropriate changes in estimates are made as Management becomes aware of changes in circumstances surrounding the estimates. Changes in estimates are reflected in the consolidated financial statements for the period in which changes are made and, if material, their effects are disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

The Management periodically assesses using, external and internal sources, whether there is an indication that an asset may be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized wherever the carrying value of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is higher of the asset’s net selling price and value in use which means the present value of future cash flows expected to arise from the continuing use of the asset and its eventual disposal. An impairment loss for an asset other than goodwill is reversed if, and only if, the reversal can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognized. The carrying amount of an asset other than goodwill is increased to its revised recoverable amount, provided that this amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of any accumulated amortization or depreciation) had no impairment loss that had been recognized for the asset in previous years.

24.1.3. Revenue recognition

Revenue is primarily derived from software development and related services, licensing of software products and business process management. Arrangements with customers are either on a fixed-price, fixed-timeframe or on a time and material basis.

Revenue on time-and-material contracts are recognized as the related services are performed and revenue from the end of the last billing to the Balance Sheet date is recognized as unbilled revenues. Revenue from fixed-price, fixed-timeframe contracts, where there is no uncertainty as to the measurement or collectability of consideration, is recognized based upon the percentage-of-completion method. When there is uncertainty as to the measurement or the ultimate collectability revenue recognition is postponed until such uncertainty is resolved. Cost and earnings in excess of billings are classified as unbilled revenue while billing in excess of cost and earnings is classified as unearned revenue. Provision for estimated losses, if any, on uncompleted contracts are recorded in the period in which such losses become probable based on the current estimates.

Annual Technical Services revenue and revenue from fixed-price maintenance contracts are recognized ratably over the period in which services are rendered. Revenue from the sale of user licenses for software applications is recognized on transfer of the title in the user license, except in case of multiple element contracts, which require significant implementation services, where revenue for the entire arrangement is recognized over the implementation period based upon the percentage of completion. Revenue from client training, support and other services arising out of the sale of software products is recognized as the related services are performed.

The Group accounts for volume discounts and pricing incentives to customers as a reduction of revenue based on the ratable allocation of the discount / incentive amount to each of the underlying revenue transactions that result in progress by the customer towards earning the discount / incentive. Also, when the level of discount varies with increases in levels of revenue transactions, the Group recognizes the liability based on its estimate of the customer’s future purchases. If it is probable that the criteria for the discount will not be met, or if the amount thereof cannot be estimated reliably, then the discount is not recognized until the payment is probable and the amount can be estimated reliably. The Group recognizes changes in the estimated amount of obligations for discounts using a cumulative catch-up approach. The discounts are passed on to the customer either as direct payments or as a reduction of payments due from the customer.

The Group presents revenues net of value-added taxes in its consolidated Profit and Loss account.

Profit on sale of investments is recorded on transfer of title from the Group and is determined as the difference between the sale price and carrying value of the investment. Lease rentals are recognized ratably on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Interest is recognized using the time-proportion method, based on rates implicit in the transaction. Dividend income is recognized when the Group’s right to receive dividend is established.

24.1.4. Provisions and contingent liabilities

A provision is recognized if, as a result of a past event, the Group has a present legal obligation that can be estimated reliably, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. Provisions are determined by the best estimate of the outflow of economic benefits required to settle the obligation at the reporting date. Where no reliable estimate can be made, a disclosure is made as contingent liability. A disclosure for a contingent liability is also made when there is a possible obligation or a present obligation that may, but probably will not, require an outflow of resources. Where there is a possible obligation or a present obligation in respect of which the likelihood of outflow of resources is remote, no provision or disclosure is made.

24.1.4.a. Post-sales client support and warranties

The Group provides its clients with a fixed-period warranty for corrections of errors and call support on all its fixed-price, fixed-timeframe contracts. Costs associated with such support services are accrued at the time related revenues are recorded and included in cost of sales. The Group estimates such costs based on historical experience and the estimates are reviewed annually for any material changes in assumptions.

24.1.4.b. Onerous contracts

Provisions for onerous contracts are recognized when the expected benefits to be derived by the Group from a contract are lower than the unavoidable costs of meeting the future obligations under the contract. The provision is measured at lower of the expected cost of terminating the contract and the expected net cost of fulfilling the contract.

24.1.5. Fixed assets, including goodwill, intangible assets and capital work-in-progress

Fixed assets are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and impairments, if any. Direct costs are capitalized until fixed assets are ready for use. Capital work-in-progress comprises outstanding advances paid to acquire fixed assets and the cost of fixed assets that are not yet ready for their intended use at the reporting date. Intangible assets are recorded at the consideration paid for acquisition of such assets and are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and impairment. Goodwill comprises the excess of purchase consideration over the fair value of the net assets of the acquired enterprise. Goodwill arising on consolidation or acquisition is not amortized but is tested for impairment.

24.1.6. Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation on fixed assets is provided on the straight-line method based on useful lives of assets as estimated by the Management. Depreciation for assets purchased / sold during the period is proportionately charged. Individual low cost assets (acquired for less than 5,000/-) are depreciated over a period of one year from the date of acquisition. Intangible assets are amortized over their respective individual estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis, commencing from the date the asset is available to the Group for its use. Leasehold improvements are written off over the lower of the remaining primary period of lease or the life of the asset. The Management estimates the useful lives for the other fixed assets as follows :

Buildings	15 years
Plant and machinery	5 years
Computer equipment	2-5 years
Furniture and fixtures	5 years
Vehicles	5 years

Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each reporting date.

24.1.7. Retirement benefits to employees

24.1.7.a. Gratuity

In accordance with the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, Infosys provides for gratuity, a defined benefit retirement plan (‘the Gratuity Plan’) covering eligible employees of the Company and Infosys BPO. The Gratuity Plan provides a lump-sum payment to vested employees at retirement, death, incapacitation or termination of employment, of an amount based on the respective employee’s salary and the tenure of employment with the Group.

Liabilities with regard to the Gratuity Plan are determined by actuarial valuation at each Balance Sheet date using the projected unit credit method. The Company fully contributes all ascertained liabilities to the Infosys Technologies Limited Employees’ Gratuity Fund Trust (‘the Trust’). In case of Infosys BPO, contributions are made to the Infosys BPO Employees’ Gratuity Fund Trust. Trustees administer contributions made to the Trusts and contributions are invested in specific instruments, as permitted by the law. The Group recognizes the net obligation of the Gratuity plan in the consolidated Balance Sheet as an asset or liability, respectively in accordance with AS 15, ‘Employee Benefits’. The Group’s overall expected long-term rate-of-return on assets has been determined based on consideration of available market information, current provisions of Indian law specifying the instruments in which investments can be made and historical returns. The discount rate is based on the Government securities yield. Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are recognized in the consolidated Profit and Loss account in the period in which they arise.

24.1.7.b. Superannuation

Certain employees of Infosys are also participants in the superannuation plan (‘the Plan’) which is a defined contribution plan. The Company has no obligations to the Plan beyond its monthly contributions. Certain employees of Infosys BPO and Infosys Australia are also eligible for superannuation benefit. Infosys BPO and Infosys Australia makes monthly provisions under the superannuation plan based on a specified percentage of each covered employee’s salary. Infosys BPO has no further obligations to the superannuation plan beyond its monthly provisions which are periodically contributed to a trust fund, the corpus of which is invested with the Life Insurance Corporation of India.

24.1.7.c. Provident fund

Eligible employees of Infosys receive benefits from a provident fund, which is a defined benefit plan. Both the employee and the Company make monthly contributions to the provident fund plan equal to a specified percentage of the covered employee’s salary. The Company contributes a part of the contributions to the Infosys Technologies Limited Employees’ Provident Fund Trust. The remaining portion is contributed to the government administered pension fund. The rate at which the annual interest is payable to the beneficiaries by the trust is being administered by the government. The Company has an obligation to make good the shortfall, if any, between the return from the investments of the Trust and the notified interest rate.

In respect of Infosys BPO, eligible employees receive benefits from a provident fund, which is a defined contribution plan. Both the employee and Infosys BPO make monthly contributions to this provident fund plan equal to a specified percentage of the covered employee’s salary. Amounts collected under the provident fund plan are deposited in a government administered provident fund. Infosys BPO has no further obligations under the provident fund plan beyond its monthly contributions

24.1.7.d. Compensated absences

The employees of the Group are entitled to compensated absences which are both accumulating and non-accumulating in nature. The expected cost of accumulating compensated absences is determined by actuarial valuation based on the additional amount expected to be paid as a result of the unused entitlement that has accumulated at the Balance Sheet date. Expense on non-accumulating compensated absences is recognized in the period in which the absences occur.

24.1.8. Research and development

Research costs are expensed as incurred. Software product development costs are expensed as incurred unless technical and commercial feasibility of the project is demonstrated, future economic benefits are probable, the Company has an intention and ability to complete and use or sell the software and the costs can be measured reliably.

24.1.9. Foreign currency transactions

Foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities are translated into the relevant functional currency at exchange rates in effect at the Balance Sheet date. The gains or losses resulting from such translations are included in the Profit or Loss account. Non-monetary assets and non-monetary liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and measured at fair value are translated at the exchange rate prevalent at the date when the fair value was determined. Non-monetary assets and non-monetary liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and measured at historical cost are translated at the exchange rate prevalent at the date of transaction.

Revenue, expense and cash-flow items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the relevant functional currencies using the exchange rate in effect on the date of the transaction. Transaction gains or losses realized upon settlement of foreign currency transactions are included in determining net profit for the period in which the transaction is settled.

The functional currency of Infosys and Infosys BPO is the Indian rupee. The functional currencies for Infosys Australia, Infosys China, Infosys Consulting, Infosys Mexico, Infosys Sweden, Infosys Brasil, Infosys Public Services and Infosys Shanghai are their respective local currencies. The translation of financial statements of the foreign subsidiaries from the local currency to the functional currency of the Company is performed for Balance Sheet accounts using the exchange rate in effect at the Balance Sheet date and for revenue, expense and cash-flow items using a monthly average exchange rate for the respective periods and the resulting difference is presented as foreign currency translation reserve included in ‘Reserves and Surplus’. When a subsidiary is disposed off, in part or in full, the relevant amount is transferred to Profit or Loss.

24.1.10. Forward contracts and options in foreign currencies

The Group uses foreign exchange forward and options contracts to hedge its exposure to movements in foreign exchange rates. The use of these foreign exchange forward and options contracts reduce the risk or cost to the Group and the Group does not use those for trading or speculation purposes.

Effective April 1, 2008, the Group adopted AS 30, ‘Financial Instruments : Recognition and Measurement’, to the extent that the adoption did not conflict with existing accounting standards and other authoritative pronouncements of Company Law and other regulatory requirements.

Forward and options contracts are fair valued at each reporting date. The resultant gain or loss from these transactions is recognized in the Profit or Loss account. The Group records the gain or loss on effective hedges, if any, in the foreign currency fluctuation reserve until the transactions are complete. On completion, the gain or loss is transferred to the consolidated Profit and Loss account for that period. To designate a forward or options contract as an effective hedge, the Management objectively evaluates and evidences with appropriate supporting documents at the inception of each contract whether the contract is effective in achieving offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk. In the absence of a designation as effective hedge, a gain or loss is recognized in the consolidated Profit and Loss account. Currently, the hedges undertaken by the Group are all ineffective in nature and the resultant gain or loss consequent to fair valuation is recognized in the consolidated Profit and Loss account at each reporting date.

24.1.11. Income taxes

Income taxes are accrued in the same period the related revenue and expenses arise. A provision is made for income tax annually based on the tax liability computed after considering tax allowances and exemptions. Provisions are recorded when it is estimated that a liability due to disallowances or other matters is probable. MAT paid in accordance with the tax laws, which gives rise to future economic benefits in the form of tax credit against future income tax liability, is recognized as an asset in the consolidated Balance Sheet if there is convincing evidence that the Group will pay normal tax after the tax holiday period and the resultant asset can be measured reliably. The Group offsets, on a year-on-year basis, the current tax assets and liabilities, where it has a legally enforceable right and where it intends to settle such assets and liabilities on a net basis.

The differences that result between the profit offered for income taxes and the profit as per the financial statements are identified and thereafter a deferred tax asset or deferred tax liability is recorded for timing differences, namely the differences that originate in one accounting period and reverse in another, based on the tax effect of the aggregate amount of timing difference. The tax effect is calculated on the accumulated timing differences at the end of an accounting period based on enacted or substantively enacted regulations. Deferred tax assets, in a situation where unabsorbed depreciation and carry forward business loss exists, are recognized only if there is virtual certainty supported by convincing evidence that sufficient future taxable income will be available against which such deferred tax asset can be realized. Deferred tax assets, other than in situation of unabsorbed depreciation and carry forward business loss, are recognized only if there is reasonable certainty that they will be realized. Deferred tax assets are reviewed for the appropriateness of their respective carrying values at each reporting date. Tax benefits of deductions earned on exercise of employee share options in excess of compensation charged to the consolidated Profit and Loss account are credited to the share premium account.

24.1.12. Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing the net profit after tax by the weighted average number of equity shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing the net profit after tax by the weighted average number of equity shares considered for deriving basic earnings per share and also the weighted average number of equity shares that could have been issued upon conversion of all dilutive potential equity shares. The diluted potential equity shares are adjusted for the proceeds receivable had the shares been actually issued at fair value which is the average market value of the outstanding shares. Dilutive potential equity shares are deemed converted as at the beginning of the period, unless issued at a later date. Dilutive potential equity shares are determined independently for each period presented.

The number of shares and potentially dilutive equity shares are adjusted retrospectively for all periods presented for any share splits and bonus shares issues including for changes effected prior to the approval of the consolidated financial statements by the Board of Directors.

24.1.13. Investments

Trade investments are the investments made to enhance the Group’s business interests. Investments are either classified as current or long-term based on the Management’s intention at the time of purchase. Current investments are carried at lower of cost and fair value of each investment individually. Cost for overseas investments comprises the Indian rupee value of the consideration paid for the investment translated at the exchange rate prevalent at the date of investment. Long-term investments are carried at cost less provisions recorded to recognize any decline, other than temporary, in the carrying value of each investment.

24.1.14. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprises of cash and cash on deposit with banks and corporations. The Group considers all highly liquid investments with a remaining maturity at the date of purchase of three months or less and that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash to be cash equivalents.

24.1.15. Cash flow statement

Cash flows are reported using the indirect method, whereby net profit before tax is adjusted for the effects of transactions of a non-cash nature, any deferrals or accruals of past or future operating cash receipts or payments and item of income or expenses associated with investing or financing cash flows. The cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities of the Group are segregated.

24.1.16. Leases

Lease under which the Group assumes substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. Such assets acquired are capitalized at fair value of the asset or present value of the minimum lease payments at the inception of the lease, whichever is lower. Lease payments under operating leases are recognized as an expense on a straight line basis in the Profit and Loss account over the lease term.

24.1.17. Government grants

The Group recognizes government grants only when there is reasonable assurance that the conditions attached to them shall be complied with, and the grants will be received. Government grants related to depreciable fixed assets are treated as deferred income and are recognized in the Profit and Loss statement on a systematic and rational basis over the useful life of the asset. Government grants related to revenue are recognized on a systematic basis in the Profit and Loss statement over the periods necessary to match them with the related costs which they are intended to compensate.

24.2. Notes on Accounts

Amounts in the financial statements are presented in Indian rupees crore, except for per share data and as otherwise stated. Certain amounts that are required to be disclosed and do not appear due to rounding off are detailed in note 24.3. All exact amounts are stated with the suffix ‘/-’. One crore equals 10 million.

The previous year figures have been regrouped / reclassified, wherever necessary to conform to the current presentation.