Other reports

Employees

(33) Provisions for employee benefits

Provisions for employee benefits are composed as follows:

€ million

 

Dec. 31, 2023

 

Dec. 31, 2022

Provisions for pensions and other post-employment benefits

 

1,975

 

1,731

Non-current other employee benefit provisions

 

217

 

299

Non-current provisions for employee benefits

 

2,192

 

2,030

 

 

 

 

 

Current provisions for employee benefits1

 

83

 

81

 

 

 

 

 

Provisions for employee benefits

 

2,275

 

2,111

1

Previous year’s figures have been adjusted, see Note (2) “Reporting principles”.

Provisions for other employee benefits included provisions for share-based payments, which are discussed in greater detail in the section on share-based payments in this note.

Provisions for pensions and other post-employment benefits

Accounting and measurement policies
Provisions for pensions and other post-employment benefits

In addition to retirement benefit obligations, provisions for pensions and other post-employment benefits include obligations for other post-employment benefits, such as medical care.

The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by expert third parties according to the actuarial projected unit credit method.

The discount rates for defined benefit pension plans are generally determined by reference to discount rates for similar durations and currencies calculated by external actuaries. This was based on bonds with ratings of at least “AA” or a comparable rating from at least one of the leading rating agencies as of the reporting date.

The other actuarial assumptions used as the basis for calculating the defined benefit obligation, such as rates of salary increases and pension trends, were determined on a country-by-country basis in line with the economic conditions prevailing in each country. The latest country-specific mortality tables are also applied (Germany: Heubeck 2018G; Switzerland: BVG 2020G; United Kingdom: S3PA).

Apart from the net balance of interest expense for the defined benefit obligations and interest income from the plan assets, which is reported in financial income and financial expenses, the expenses for defined benefit plans are allocated to the individual functional areas in the consolidated income statement.

The calculation of the defined benefit obligations was based on the following actuarial parameters and durations:

 

 

Germany

 

Switzerland

 

United Kingdom

 

Other countries

 

 

2023

 

2022

 

2023

 

2022

 

2023

 

2022

 

2023

 

2022

Discount rate

 

3.32%

 

3.74%

 

1.34%

 

2.15%

 

4.80%

 

4.95%

 

4.52%

 

4.49%

Future salary increases

 

2.75%

 

2.76%

 

3.84%

 

2.70%

 

 

 

3.81%

 

3.76%

Future pension increases

 

2.14%

 

2.14%

 

0.02%

 

0.03%

 

2.90%

 

2.89%

 

1.75%

 

2.20%

Duration

 

19

 

17

 

16

 

15

 

13

 

15

 

12

 

11

The lower interest rate level in the euro area and Switzerland resulted in an increase in the present value of the defined benefit obligations as well as in the duration of the obligations.

These were average values weighted by the present value of the respective defined benefit obligation.

Significant discretionary decisions and sources of estimation uncertainty
Provisions for pensions and other post-employment benefits

The determination of the present value of the obligation from defined benefit pension plans primarily requires discretionary judgment regarding the selection of methods to determine the discount rate, the selection of suitable mortality tables, and estimates of future salary and pension increases.

The following overview shows how the present value of all defined benefit obligations would have been impacted by changes to relevant actuarial assumptions:

December 31, 2023

€ million

 

Germany

 

Switzerland

 

United Kingdom

 

Other countries

 

Total

Increase (+)/decrease (-) in present value of all defined benefit obligations if

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the discount rate were 50 basis points lower

 

295

 

91

 

23

 

18

 

426

the discount rate were 50 basis points higher

 

-256

 

-80

 

-21

 

-16

 

-373

the expected rate of future salary
increase were 50 basis points lower

 

-73

 

-17

 

 

-9

 

-98

the expected rate of future salary
increase were 50 basis points higher

 

82

 

18

 

 

9

 

109

the expected rate of future pension
increase were 50 basis points lower

 

-141

 

-3

 

-8

 

-5

 

-157

the expected rate of future pension
increase were 50 basis points higher

 

155

 

44

 

9

 

5

 

212

the life expectancy were 1 year lower

 

-110

 

-28

 

-10

 

 

 

 

the life expectancy were 1 year higher

 

109

 

27

 

10

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2022

€ million

 

Germany

 

Switzerland

 

United Kingdom

 

Other countries

 

Total

Increase (+)/decrease (-) in present value of all defined benefit obligations if

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the discount rate were 50 basis points lower

 

256

 

69

 

26

 

18

 

370

the discount rate were 50 basis points higher

 

-224

 

-61

 

-24

 

-17

 

-325

the expected rate of future salary
increase were 50 basis points lower

 

-66

 

-5

 

 

-9

 

-80

the expected rate of future salary
increase were 50 basis points higher

 

74

 

5

 

 

10

 

89

the expected rate of future pension
increase were 50 basis points lower

 

-128

 

-2

 

-12

 

-5

 

-148

the expected rate of future pension
increase were 50 basis points higher

 

140

 

35

 

16

 

5

 

197

the life expectancy were 1 year lower

 

-96

 

-22

 

-9

 

 

 

 

the life expectancy were 1 year higher

 

95

 

21

 

9

 

 

 

 

Sensitivities are determined on the basis of the respective parameters in question, with all other measurement assumptions remaining unchanged.

Both the benefit obligations and the plan assets are subject to fluctuations over time. The reasons for such fluctuations could include changes in market interest rates and thus the discount rate, as well as adjustments to other actuarial assumptions (such as life expectancy or expected future increases in pension). This could lead to – or cause an increase in – underfunding. Depending on statutory regulations, it may become necessary in some countries to reduce underfunding and provide additional funding.

In order to minimize fluctuations of the net defined benefit liability, the Group, in managing its plan assets, also pays attention to potential fluctuations in liabilities. The portfolio is structured in such a way that, in the ideal scenario, the impact of exogenous factors on the plan assets and the defined benefit obligations offset each other.

Depending on the legal, economic, and fiscal circumstances prevailing in each country, different retirement benefit systems are provided for employees. Newly hired employees are only offered plans whose benefits are based on contributions and the return on their investments. Some of these plans require the employer to guarantee a minimum return on investment. Other plans are generally based on the employee’s years of service and salary. Pension obligations comprise both obligations from current pensions and accrued benefits for pensions payable in the future.

The value recognized in the consolidated balance sheet for pensions and other post-employment benefits was derived as follows:

€ million

 

Dec. 31, 2023

 

Dec. 31, 2022

Present value of all defined benefit obligations

 

4,787

 

4,287

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of the plan assets

 

-2,848

 

-2,634

Funded status

 

1,939

 

1,652

 

 

 

 

 

Effects of the asset ceilings

 

4

 

33

Net defined benefit liability

 

1,943

 

1,685

 

 

 

 

 

Assets from defined benefit plans

 

33

 

46

Provisions for pensions and other post-employment benefits

 

1,975

 

1,731

The increase in provisions was mainly due to the reduction in the discount rates in the euro area and Switzerland.

The defined benefit obligations were based on the following types of benefits provided by the respective plan:

 

 

Dec. 31, 2023

€ million

 

Germany

 

Switzerland

 

United Kingdom

 

Other countries

 

Total

Benefit based on final salary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuity

 

2,429

 

1

 

354

 

72

 

2,856

Lump sum

 

 

 

 

127

 

127

Installments

 

1

 

 

 

 

1

Benefit not based on final salary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuity

 

613

 

1,060

 

 

59

 

1,732

Lump sum

 

10

 

 

4

 

29

 

43

Installments

 

4

 

 

 

 

4

Other

 

 

 

 

4

 

4

Medical plan

 

 

 

 

18

 

18

Present value of defined benefit obligations

 

3,058

 

1,061

 

358

 

310

 

4,787

Fair value of the plan assets

 

1,281

 

1,022

 

384

 

160

 

2,848

 

 

Dec. 31, 2022

€ million

 

Germany

 

Switzerland

 

United Kingdom

 

Other countries

 

Total

Benefit based on final salary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuity

 

2,186

 

1

 

327

 

72

 

2,586

Lump sum

 

 

 

 

130

 

130

Installments

 

2

 

 

 

 

2

Benefit not based on final salary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annuity

 

555

 

879

 

 

62

 

1,496

Lump sum

 

4

 

 

4

 

33

 

41

Installments

 

5

 

 

 

 

5

Other

 

 

 

 

5

 

5

Medical plan

 

 

 

 

22

 

22

Present value of defined benefit obligations

 

2,752

 

881

 

332

 

323

 

4,287

Fair value of the plan assets

 

1,202

 

909

 

372

 

152

 

2,634

The vast majority of defined benefit obligations of German entities were attributable to plans that encompass old-age, disability, and surviving-dependent pensions. These obligations were based on benefit rules comprising benefit commitments dependent on years of service and final salary, as well as two different direct commitments for employees newly hired since January 1, 2005, that are not based on final salary. The benefit entitlement for new members from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2020, resulted from the cumulative total of annually determined pension components calculated on the basis of a defined benefit expense and an age-based annuity table. The benefit entitlement for new members from January 1, 2021, resulted from the performance of salary-based employer contributions and voluntary employee contributions, topped up by the employer, to an external fund. A minimum return on contributions has been guaranteed by the Group. There were no statutory minimum funding obligations in Germany.

Pension obligations in Switzerland mainly comprised retirement, disability, and surviving-dependent benefits regulated by law. The employer and the employees made contributions to the plans. Statutory minimum funding obligations existed.

Pension obligations in the United Kingdom resulted primarily from benefit plans which are based on years of service and final salary and were closed to newly hired employees from 2006 onward. The agreed benefits comprised retirement, disability, and surviving-dependent benefits. The employer and the employees made contributions to the plans. Statutory minimum funding obligations existed.

The development of the net defined benefit liability was as follows:

2022

€ million

 

Present value of the defined benefit obligations

 

Fair value of the plan assets

 

Effects of
asset ceilings

 

Net defined benefit liability

January 1, 2022

 

-5,995

 

2,999

 

 

-2,996

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current service cost

 

-203

 

 

 

-203

Interest expense

 

-73

 

 

 

-73

Interest income

 

 

34

 

 

34

Plan administration costs recognized in income

 

 

-3

 

 

-3

Past service cost

 

-1

 

 

 

-1

Gains (+) or losses (-) on settlement

 

 

 

 

Currency effects recognized in income

 

-30

 

30

 

 

Other effects recognized in income

 

1

 

-2

 

 

-1

Items recognized in income

 

-306

 

59

 

 

-247

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remeasurements of defined benefit obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actuarial gains (+)/losses (-) arising from changes in demographic assumptions

 

7

 

 

 

7

Actuarial gains (+)/losses (-) arising from changes in financial assumptions

 

2,099

 

 

 

2,099

Actuarial gains (+)/losses (-) arising from experience adjustments

 

-205

 

 

 

-205

Remeasurements of plan assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actuarial gains (+)/losses (-) arising from experience adjustments

 

 

-429

 

 

-429

Changes in the effects of the asset ceilings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actuarial gains (+)/losses (-)

 

 

 

-32

 

-32

Actuarial gains (+)/losses (-)

 

1,901

 

-429

 

-32

 

1,440

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension payments

 

140

 

-52

 

 

88

Employer contributions

 

 

42

 

 

42

Employee contributions

 

-20

 

19

 

 

-1

Payment transactions

 

120

 

9

 

 

129

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in the scope of consolidation

 

-1

 

1

 

 

Currency translation recognized in equity

 

-3

 

-6

 

-1

 

-10

Other changes

 

-2

 

1

 

 

-1

Other

 

-6

 

-4

 

-1

 

-11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2022

 

-4,287

 

2,634

 

-33

 

-1,685

2023

€ million

 

Present value of the defined benefit obligations

 

Fair value of the plan assets

 

Effects of the
asset ceilings

 

Net defined benefit liability

January 1, 2023

 

-4,287

 

2,634

 

-33

 

-1,685

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current service cost

 

-109

 

 

 

-109

Interest expense

 

-150

 

 

 

-150

Interest income

 

 

89

 

 

89

Plan administration costs recognized in income

 

 

-3

 

 

-3

Past service cost

 

5

 

 

 

5

Gains (+) or losses (-) on settlement

 

 

 

 

Currency effects recognized in income

 

-37

 

37

 

 

Other effects recognized in income

 

 

 

 

Items recognized in income

 

-291

 

123

 

 

-168

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remeasurements of defined benefit obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actuarial gains (+)/losses (-) arising from changes in demographic assumptions

 

17

 

 

 

17

Actuarial gains (+)/losses (-) arising from changes in financial assumptions

 

-350

 

 

 

-350

Actuarial gains (+)/losses (-) arising from experience adjustments

 

10

 

 

 

10

Remeasurements of plan assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actuarial gains (+)/losses (-) arising from experience adjustments

 

 

58

 

 

58

Changes in the effects of the asset ceilings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actuarial gains (+)/losses (-)

 

 

 

29

 

29

Actuarial gains (+)/losses (-)

 

-323

 

58

 

29

 

-236

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension payments

 

147

 

-61

 

 

86

Employer contributions

 

 

57

 

 

57

Employee contributions

 

-22

 

21

 

 

-1

Payment transactions

 

125

 

17

 

 

142

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in the scope of consolidation

 

 

 

 

Currency translation recognized in equity

 

-16

 

20

 

 

4

Other changes

 

5

 

-4

 

 

1

Other

 

-11

 

16

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2023

 

-4,787

 

2,848

 

-4

 

-1,943

The actual income from plan assets amounted to € 147 million in the year under review (2022: loss of € 395 million).

Covering the benefit obligations with financial assets represents a means of providing for future cash outflows, which are required by law in some countries (for example, Switzerland and the United Kingdom) and voluntary in other countries (for example, Germany).

The fair value of the plan assets was allocated to the following categories:

 

 

Dec. 31, 2023

 

Dec. 31, 2022

€ million

 

Quoted market price in an active market

 

No quoted market price in an active market

 

Total

 

Quoted market price in an active market

 

No quoted market price in an active market

 

Total

Cash and cash equivalents

 

74

 

 

74

 

58

 

 

58

Equity instruments

 

620

 

 

620

 

636

 

 

636

Debt instruments

 

1,219

 

 

1,219

 

968

 

 

968

Real estate

 

180

 

193

 

373

 

179

 

321

 

500

Investment funds

 

48

 

392

 

439

 

140

 

204

 

344

Insurance contracts

 

 

61

 

61

 

 

64

 

64

Other

 

62

 

 

62

 

59

 

5

 

64

Fair value of the plan assets

 

2,202

 

646

 

2,848

 

2,040

 

594

 

2,634

Plan assets did not directly include financial instruments issued by Group companies or assets used by Group companies.

Employer contributions to plan assets and direct payments to plan beneficiaries for the next year are expected to amount to € 48 million (2022: € 42 million) and € 96 million (2022: € 95 million) respectively.

The expected payments of undiscounted benefits under the plans were as follows:

December 31, 2023

 

 

Expected payments of undiscounted benefits

€ million

 

Germany

 

Switzerland

 

United Kingdom

 

Other countries

 

Total

2024

 

88

 

26

 

17

 

22

 

153

2025

 

95

 

24

 

17

 

24

 

160

2026

 

99

 

25

 

18

 

29

 

171

2027

 

103

 

27

 

19

 

21

 

170

2028

 

108

 

27

 

19

 

21

 

175

2029-2033

 

607

 

151

 

103

 

133

 

994

December 31, 2022

 

 

Expected payments of undiscounted benefits

€ million

 

Germany

 

Switzerland

 

United Kingdom

 

Other countries

 

Total

2023

 

85

 

23

 

19

 

38

 

165

2024

 

91

 

22

 

19

 

22

 

155

2025

 

95

 

22

 

20

 

26

 

163

2026

 

99

 

22

 

20

 

23

 

164

2027

 

103

 

22

 

21

 

22

 

168

2028-2032

 

583

 

112

 

116

 

130

 

940

The weighted duration of defined benefit obligations amounted to 17 years (2022: 16 years).

Other employee benefit provisions

Accounting and measurement policies
Other employee benefit provisions

Other employee benefit provisions include obligations from share-based compensation programs. However, they do not contain the tranche of the Long-Term Incentive Plan of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (LTIP) that is payable in the months following the reporting date, as this is no longer subject to value fluctuations following the reporting date. More information on these compensation programs can be found below.

Obligations for partial retirement programs and other severance payments not recognized in connection with restructuring programs, as well as obligations in connection with long-term working hour accounts and anniversary bonuses, are also included in other employee benefit provisions.

Other employee benefit provisions developed as follows:

€ million

 

Non-current other employee benefit provisions

 

Current other employee benefit provisions1

 

Total

Jan. 1, 2023

 

299

 

81

 

380

Additions

 

78

 

161

 

239

Utilizations

 

-26

 

-99

 

-125

Release

 

-41

 

-89

 

-130

Interest effect

 

2

 

 

2

Currency translation

 

-5

 

-3

 

-9

Reclassification from non-current to current/liabilities1

 

-90

 

32

 

-57

Changes in scope of consolidation/Other

 

 

 

Dec. 31, 2023

 

217

 

83

 

299

1

Previous year’s figures have been adjusted, see Note (2) “Reporting principles”.

Share-based payments

Accounting and measurement policies
Share-based payments

Provisions are recognized for the share-based compensation program with cash settlement within the Group (“Long-Term Incentive Plan of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany”) and reported in other employee benefit provisions.

The fair value of the obligations is calculated by an external expert using a Monte Carlo simulation as of the balance sheet date. The main parameters in the measurement of the share-based compensation programs with cash settlement are long-term indicators of company performance and the price movement of the shares of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, in relation to the DAX®. A sustainability factor is also included in the valuation parameters for tranches issued from fiscal 2022 onward.

The expected volatilities are based on the implicit volatility of the shares of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and the DAX® in accordance with the remaining term of the respective tranche. The dividend payments incorporated into the valuation model are based on medium-term dividend expectations.

Changes to the intrinsic value of share-based compensation programs are allocated to the respective functional costs according to the causation principle. Time value changes are recognized in financial income or finance costs.

Significant discretionary decisions and sources of estimation uncertainty
Share-based payments

The measurement of long-term share-based compensation programs implies extensive estimation uncertainty. The following overview shows the amounts by which the non-current provisions from share-based compensation programs (carrying amount as of December 31, 2023: € 7 million/carrying amount as of December 31, 2022: € 97 million) would have been impacted by changes in the DAX® or the closing price of the Group share on the balance sheet date. The amounts stated would have led to a corresponding reduction or increase in profit before income tax.

 

 

 

 

Increase (+)/decrease (-) of the provision

€ million

 

 

 

Dec. 31, 2023

 

Dec. 31, 2022

Variation of Group share price

 

10%

 

1

 

20

 

-10%

 

-1

 

-18

Change in the DAX®

 

10%

 

 

-10

 

-10%

 

 

8

Sensitivities were determined on the basis of the respective parameters in question, with all other measurement assumptions remaining unchanged. The 2021 tranche will not be subject to any value fluctuations between December 31, 2023, and the payout date, and was therefore excluded from the sensitivity analysis (December 31, 2022: exclusion of 2020 tranche).

These share-based compensation programs with cash settlement in place in the Group are aligned with target achievement based on key performance indicators as well as the long-term performance of the shares of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Certain employees are eligible to receive a certain number of virtual shares – share units of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (MSUs) – at the end of a three-year performance cycle. The number of MSUs that could be received depends on the individual grant defined for the respective person and the average closing price of the shares of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, in Xetra® trading during the last 60 trading days prior to January 1 of the respective performance cycle (reference price). When the three-year performance cycle ends, the number of MSUs to then be granted is determined based on the development of defined financial key performance indicators (KPIs). In addition to the financial KPIs, a sustainability factor is included in performance measurement for tranches issued from fiscal 2022 onward.

The calculation is based on the performance of the Group share price compared to the performance of the DAX® with a weighting of 50%, the development of the EBITDA pre margin during the performance cycle as a proportion of a defined target value with a weighting of 25%, and the development of organic sales growth as a proportion of a defined target value, also with a weighting of 25%. Depending on the development of these financial KPIs, at the end of the respective performance cycle the eligible participants are granted between 0% and 150% of the MSUs they could be eligible to receive.

For tranches issued from fiscal 2022 onward, the MSUs measured on the basis of financial targets are multiplied by a sustainability factor composed of the three sustainability criteria: “Dedicated to human progress”, “Partnering for sustainable business impact”, and “Reducing our ecological footprint”.

The weighting of the three sustainability criteria for the 2023 LTIP tranche is as follows:

  • “Dedicated to human progress” 30%
  • “Partnering for sustainable business impact” 30%
  • “Reducing our ecological footprint” 40%

The sustainability factor can range from 0.8 to 1.2. This means that, depending on the result of the financial KPIs (0% to -150%) and the sustainability factor, the eligible participants are granted between 0% and 180% of the MSUs they could be eligible to receive at the end of the respective performance cycle.

A cash payment is made based on the MSUs granted after the three-year performance cycle has ended. The value of a granted MSU, which is relevant for payment, corresponds to the average closing price of the shares of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, in Xetra® trading during the last 60 trading days prior to the end of the performance cycle. The payout amounts of the respective tranches are limited to two and a half times the individual grant.

The following table presents the key parameters as well as the development of the potential number of share units of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (MSUs) for the individual tranches:

 

 

2021 tranche

 

2022 tranche

 

2023 tranche

Performance cycle

 

Jan. 1, 2021 – Dec. 31, 2023

 

Jan. 1, 2022 – Dec. 31, 2024

 

Jan. 1, 2023 – Dec. 31, 2025

Term

 

3 Years

 

3 Years

 

3 Years

Reference price of the shares of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, in € (60-day average Group share price prior to the start of the performance cycle)

 

132.43

 

212.16

 

173.46

DAX® value (60-day average of the DAX® prior to the start of the performance cycle)

 

12,995.23

 

15,684.57

 

13,722.30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Potential number of MSU

 

 

 

 

 

 

Potential number offered for the first time in 2021

 

685,700

 

 

Forfeited

 

41,813

 

 

Paid out

 

 

 

Dec. 31, 2021

 

643,887

 

 

Potential number offered for the first time in 2022

 

 

509,033

 

Forfeited

 

40,704

 

20,282

 

Paid out

 

1,253

 

227

 

Dec. 31, 2022

 

601,930

 

488,524

 

Potential number offered for the first time in 2023

 

 

 

672,367

Forfeited

 

26,455

 

22,829

 

19,901

Paid out

 

2,016

 

1,673

 

1,266

Dec. 31, 2023

 

573,459

 

464,022

 

651,200

The value of the provisions as of December 31, 2023, was € 7 million (December 31, 2022: € 97 million). Net income of € 35 million was generated in fiscal 2023 (2022: net expenses of € 70 million). The three-year tranche issued in fiscal 2020 ended at the end of fiscal 2022; an amount of € 160 million was paid out in fiscal 2023. The three-year tranche issued in fiscal 2021 ended at the end of 2023 and was reclassified from current provisions for employee benefits to other current non-financial liabilities as of December 31, 2023. The tranche is expected to result in a payout of € 54 million in fiscal 2024. At the reporting date, the average closing price of the shares of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, in Xetra® trading over the last 60 trading days was € 149.40.

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