26.Financial Instruments

Financial instruments by category

The following tables show the carrying amounts and fair values of the individual financial assets and liabilities based on  9 (Financial Instruments):

 

Carrying amounts of financial instruments and their fair values as of December 31, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Measurement according to IFRS 9

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrying amount

 

Carried at amortized cost

 

Fair value through other comprehensive income

 

Fair value recognized in profit or loss

 

Measurment according to IFRS 16

 

Fair value

 

 

€ million

 

€ million

 

€ million

 

€ million

 

 

 

€ million

Financial assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade accounts receivable

 

1,593

 

1,593

 

 

 

 

 

1,593

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other financial assets

 

1,176

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money market funds

 

771

 

 

 

771

 

 

 

771

Loans and bank deposits

 

365

 

360

 

 

5

 

 

 

365

Other investments

 

14

 

 

 

14

 

 

 

 

14

Receivables under lease agreements

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8

 

21

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting

 

18

 

 

 

 

 

18

 

 

 

18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other receivables1

 

31

 

25

 

 

6

 

 

 

31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

1,404

 

1,404

 

 

 

 

 

1,404

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial debt

 

2,899

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonds

 

1,990

 

1,990

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,107

Lease liabilities

 

672

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

672

 

 

Liabilities to banks

 

227

 

227

 

 

 

 

 

 

234

Other financial liabilities

 

1

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting

 

9

 

 

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade accounts payable3

 

1,241

 

1,241

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,241

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other liabilities2

 

150

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

3

Refund liabilities3

 

87

 

87

 

 

 

 

 

 

87

Miscellaneous other liabilities

 

60

 

60

 

 

 

 

 

 

60

1

The other receivables recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position also include nonfinancial assets totaling €329 million.

2

The other liabilities recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position also include nonfinancial liabilities totaling €143 million.

3

Reference information was restated accordingly, see note 4.1 “Change in presentation of rebates granted to customers.”

Carrying amounts of financial instruments and their fair values as of December 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Measurement according to IFRS 9

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrying amount

 

Carried at amortized cost

 

Fair value through other comprehensive income

 

Fair value recognized in profit or loss

 

Measurement according to IFRS 16

 

Fair value

 

 

€ million

 

€ million

 

€ million

 

€ million

 

 

 

€ million

Financial assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade accounts receivable

 

1,561

 

1,561

 

 

 

 

 

1,561

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other financial assets

 

59

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money market funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans and bank deposits

 

16

 

16

 

 

 

 

 

16

Other investments

 

13

 

 

 

13

 

 

 

 

13

Receivables under lease agreements

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8

 

19

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting

 

22

 

 

 

 

 

22

 

 

 

22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other receivables1

 

41

 

32

 

 

9

 

 

 

41

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

748

 

748

 

 

 

 

 

748

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial debt

 

1,752

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonds

 

997

 

997

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,045

Lease liabilities

 

735

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

735

 

 

Liabilities to banks

 

10

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

10

Other financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade accounts payable3

 

1,431

 

1,431

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,431

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other liabilities2

 

140

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

3

Refund liabilities3

 

106

 

106

 

 

 

 

 

 

106

Miscellaneous other liabilities

 

31

 

31

 

 

 

 

 

 

31

1

The other receivables recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position also include nonfinancial assets totaling €370 million.

2

The other liabilities recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position also include nonfinancial liabilities totaling €159 million.

3

Reference information was restated accordingly, see note 4.1 “Change in presentation of rebates granted to customers.”

The fair values of financial instruments are determined and reported in accordance with IFRS 13 (Fair Value Measurement) on the basis of the fair value hierarchy described below:

Level 1 covers fair values determined on the basis of unadjusted prices which exist in active markets.

Level 2 comprises fair values determined on the basis of parameters which are observable in an active market.

Level 3 applies to fair values determined using parameters whose input factors are not based on observable market data.

The following table shows the assignment of the financial instruments to the three-level fair value hierarchy:

Fair value hierarchy of financial instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Fair value

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

 

Dec. 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

Dec. 31, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

€ million

 

€ million

 

€ million

 

€ million

 

€ million

 

€ million

 

€ million

 

€ million

Financial assets carried at fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money market funds

 

 

 

 

 

771

 

 

771

 

Loans and bank deposits

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

5

Other investments

 

13

 

5

 

 

8

 

14

 

5

 

 

9

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting

 

22

 

 

15

 

7

 

18

 

 

13

 

5

Other receivables

 

9

 

 

 

9

 

6

 

 

 

6

Financial assets not carried at fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables under lease agreements

 

19

 

 

 

19

 

21

 

 

 

21

Financial liabilities carried at fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting

 

13

 

 

10

 

3

 

12

 

 

9

 

3

Financial liabilities not carried at fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonds

 

1,045

 

1,045

 

 

 

2,107

 

2,107

 

 

Liabilities to banks

 

10

 

 

10

 

 

234

 

 

234

 

Other financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

1

 

Reallocation between the different levels of the fair value hierarchy takes place at the end of the reporting period in which the change occurred. During the fiscal year, no transfers were made between the levels of the fair value hierarchy.

Because of the generally short maturities of cash and cash equivalents, loans and bank deposits, trade accounts receivable and payable, and other receivables and liabilities, their carrying amounts do not significantly differ from the fair values.

The fair value of the bonds issued by Covestro AG is based on quoted, unadjusted prices in active markets and therefore assigned to Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of some of the other investments is also based on quoted prices in active markets (Level 1).

The fair values stated for noncurrent financial assets and liabilities are the present values of the respective future cash inflows or outflows. These are determined by discounting the cash flows at a reporting-date interest rate that takes into account the term of the assets or liabilities and the creditworthiness of the counterparty. For this reason, these values are assigned to Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

The fair values of money market funds correspond to the quoted prices of the funds in accordance with Article 29 in conjunction with Article 33 of EU Regulation 2017/1131 on money market funds (Level 2).

The fair values of derivatives for which no publicly quoted market prices exist are determined using valuation techniques based on observable market data as of the reporting date (Level 2). Credit value adjustments and debt value adjustments are determined to allow for both the contracting party’s credit risk and Covestro’s own credit risk. The currency forward contracts are measured individually at their forward rates or forward prices as of the reporting date. These depend on spot rates or prices including time spreads.

Fair values measured using unobservable inputs are categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair values of noncurrent receivables under lease agreements are calculated on the basis of interest curves observable in the market. Additionally, a discount for cash flows that are very far in the future is applied as an unobservable factor.

Covestro works with and invests in start-ups under the auspices of the , which was newly developed in fiscal 2020. Debt instruments associated with COVeC activities are recognized at fair value through profit and loss. The fair value is calculated as the present value of the future cash flows estimated based on available performance indicators. The cash flows are discounted at a current interest rate for the appropriate term on the reporting date and reflecting the creditworthiness of the venture capital company. The main input factors are not based on observable market data (Level 3). The estimated fair value of the debt instruments classified in Level 3 would rise (fall) if the expected cash inflows were to be higher (lower) or if the risk-adjusted discount rate were to be lower (higher).

Other financial investments are recognized at fair value directly in equity because they are held for the long term for strategic reasons. The fair value of some of the other investments is based on quoted prices in active markets (Level 1). Where there are no quoted, unadjusted prices in an active market for identical or similar instruments, and there is no suitable valuation method where all major input factors are based on observable market data, the fair value of the other investments is determined using a market price-oriented valuation method where the main input factors are not based on observable market data (Level 3). The valuation of certain other investments is based on available performance indicators as well as on market valuation multipliers. The estimated fair value of the equity instruments categorized within Level 3 would rise (fall) if the multiple applied were to be greater (smaller).

Further, the fair values of embedded derivatives are determined on the basis of unobservable input factors (Level 3). They are separated from their respective host contracts, which are purchase agreements relating to the operational business. The embedded derivatives cause the cash flows from the contracts to vary with fluctuations in exchange rates, or regional and industry-specific price indices, for example. The internal measurement of embedded derivatives is mainly performed using the discounted cash flow method, which is based on unobservable inputs. These include prices or price indices derived from market data. The estimated fair value of the embedded derivative would rise (fall) if the expected payment flows were to be higher (lower) as a result of fluctuations in exchange rates or prices.

Other receivables include a contingent purchase price receivable from divestments. The fair value of the receivable is measured as the present value of the future cash inflows. The basis is the expected of the business unit sold for fiscal 2021. The cash flows are discounted at the current interest rate for the appropriate term on the reporting date and reflecting the creditworthiness of the buyer. The contingent purchase price receivable is assigned to Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The estimated fair value would rise (fall) if the expected cash inflows were to be higher (lower) or if the risk-adjusted discount rate were to be lower (higher).

The table below shows the reconciliation of Level 3 financial instruments:

Changes in the net amount of financial assets and liabilities recognized at fair value based on unobservable inputs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

2020

 

 

€ million

 

€ million

Net carrying amounts, Jan. 1

 

9

 

21

Gains (losses) recognized in profit or loss

 

 

(5)

of which related to assets/liabilities recognized in the statement of financial position

 

 

(5)

Gains (losses) recognized outside profit or loss

 

 

1

Additions of assets (liabilities)

 

12

 

5

Net carrying amounts, Dec. 31

 

21

 

22

Gains and losses from embedded derivatives (Level 3) recognized in profit or loss are reported in other operating expenses or income.

Other financial investments amount to €14 million, of which €4 million is attributable to Hi-Bis GmbH, Bitterfeld-Wolfen, and €4 million to Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies GmbH, Erlangen. In fiscal 2020, the Covestro Group received dividends of €1 million (previous year: €2 million) from other financial investments, all of which was attributable to Hi-Bis GmbH.

The following table shows income, expenses, gains and losses from financial instruments assigned to the measurement categories in accordance with IFRS 9:

Net result by measurement category in accordance with IFRS 9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

2020

 

 

€ million

 

€ million

Financial assets at amortized cost

 

(1)

 

(56)

of which net interest

 

4

 

1

Financial instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income

 

2

 

1

of which net interest

 

 

Financial instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss

 

 

23

of which net interest

 

(4)

 

(3)

Liabilities carried at amortized cost

 

(45)

 

(20)

of which net interest

 

(46)

 

(46)

Financial risk management and information on derivatives

Capital management

The main purpose of financial management is to ensure solvency at all times, continuously optimize capital costs and reduce the risks of financing measures. Financial management for the Covestro Group is performed centrally by Covestro AG.

Covestro AG currently holds a Baa2 investment-grade rating with a negative outlook from the rating agency Moody’s Investors Service, London (United Kingdom). Covestro uses the debt ratios published by prominent rating agencies in managing its capital and pursues a conservative debt policy along with a balanced financing portfolio. This is based for the most part on bonds, syndicated credit facilities, and bilateral loan agreements.

Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk of a loss for the Covestro Group when a counterparty is unable to meet its payment obligations arising from a financial instrument as contractually stipulated. The payment obligations to the Covestro Group primarily comprise trade accounts receivable, debt instruments, other financial assets and contract assets.

The carrying amount of the financial assets and the contract assets represents the maximum credit risk exposure.

The impairment loss for financial assets and contract assets recognized during the year resulted almost exclusively from impairment losses on trade accounts receivable. The net impairment loss amounted to €3 million (previous year: €0 million) in the reporting year.

Trade accounts receivable and contract assets

The credit risk the Covestro Group is exposed to through its trade accounts receivable and contract assets depends largely on the creditworthiness of the customer. In order to manage this risk, the Covestro Group’s Credit Management implemented a process that uses internal and external data to assess each customer in terms of its creditworthiness. Quantitative and qualitative data are evaluated during the assessment process. The assessment reflects financial data, ratings, payment history and data on the customer’s environment. The customer is allocated to one of five risk categories on the basis of the final assessment. The categories range from A to E, with risk category A representing the most creditworthy companies and risk category E the least.

Meaningful data is used to determine an expected loss rate for each risk category. Data such as default probabilities from rating agencies and credit insurance firms, historical impairment losses recognized by the Covestro Group and the empirical data from Credit Management are used to determine the expected loss rates. In addition, forward-looking information such as the country rating is also used in determining the expected loss rates. The coronavirus pandemic heightened industry risk (equivalent to the default risk relating to the companies in a particular industry), because demand, and subsequently sales revenues, in certain industries declined sharply. To appropriately reflect the increased default risk when measuring trade accounts receivable, the industry rating was additionally considered as other forward-looking information. Every year the expected and actual losses are compared (backtesting).

The following table presents the gross carrying amounts and the expected losses for trade receivables and contract assets:

Expected credit loss by category as of December 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cluster

 

 

2020

 

A

 

B

 

C

 

D

 

E

 

Total

Expected loss rate (%)

 

0.03

 

0.14

 

0.51

 

1.79

 

9.37

 

 

Gross amount (€ million)

 

337

 

535

 

582

 

175

 

18

 

1,647

Expected loss (€ million)

 

 

(1)

 

(5)

 

(3)

 

(2)

 

(11)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

A

 

B

 

C

 

D

 

E

 

Total

Expected loss rate (%)

 

0.03

 

0.14

 

0.51

 

1.79

 

9.37

 

 

Gross amount (€ million)

 

350

 

543

 

547

 

155

 

16

 

1,611

Expected loss (€ million)

 

 

(1)

 

(3)

 

(4)

 

(1)

 

(9)

The accumulated impairment losses amounted to €24 million (previous year: €28 million) for those customers that the Covestro Group considers credit impaired on the basis of this assessment. The corresponding gross carrying amount amounted to €24 million (previous year: €29 million). Indicators that trade accounts receivable and contract assets are at risk of credit impairment include significant financial difficulties of the customer and a breach of contract such as default or delinquency. Determining that a customer is credit impaired does not occur automatically when payments are overdue for more than 90 days, but is instead always based on the individual assessment conducted by Credit Management.

Total impairment losses for trade accounts receivable and contract assets changed as follows:

Reconciliation expected credit loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

2020

 

 

€ million

 

€ million

Valuation allowances, Jan. 1

 

(42)

 

(36)

Net remeasurement impairment loss

 

 

(3)

Write offs

 

6

 

3

Foreign exchange differences

 

 

1

Valuation allowances, Dec. 31

 

(36)

 

(35)

The Covestro Group limits the credit risk exposure from trade accounts receivable by stipulating the shortest payment terms possible. In addition, the Covestro Group has a widely diversified customer portfolio. In order to avoid concentration of risk, customer limits are set, regularly monitored and exceeded only in agreement with Credit Management.

Receivables of €27 million (previous year: €27 million) are secured mainly by letters of credit.

Debt instruments

The Covestro Group pursues a conservative investment policy based on a strategy of maintaining liquidity and safeguarding value. Consequently, the investments are limited to counterparties with investment grade ratings, simple debt instruments and short-term investment horizons. Credit risks, particularly concentration of risk with individual counterparties, are managed by means of a Group-wide limit system in conjunction with ongoing monitoring.

The general approach for calculating and recording impairment losses in accordance with IFRS 9 applies to all debt instruments, loan commitments and financial guarantees recognized at amortized cost or at their fair values directly in equity. Covestro uses a general, three-stage approach for measuring the risk provision for expected credit losses as follows:

  • Stage 1: The risk provision is calculated as the 12-month expected credit loss, whereby the default probability is derived from historical data published by prominent rating agencies. The Covestro Group assumes that investment grade ratings imply a low level of credit risk.
  • Stage 2: The amount of the risk provision is the expected credit loss over the lifetime of the debt instrument if the credit risk has increased significantly since its initial recognition. Changes in credit risk are assessed using the actual payment history and external information. Whenever available, Covestro uses credit default swap prices and other forward-looking information such as ratings outlooks in addition to external ratings.
  • Stage 3: If Covestro determines that the collectability of a debt instrument has deteriorated, it is reclassified to stage 3. This is the case, for instance, when a counterparty has obtained insolvency status; when there is sufficient information available to show that the counterparty has applied for insolvency proceedings; or when debt instruments are more than 90 days overdue.

No reclassification between the stages of the general impairment approach took place either in the reporting period or in the reference period, and the Covestro Group holds no collateral to secure its debt instruments.

Because of the low credit risk profile, the Covestro Group is not exposed to significant credit risk from debt instruments. For fiscal 2020 and for the previous year, the risk provision calculated using the general approach is immaterial both overall and for the individual stages.

Currency risks

Currency opportunities and risks for the Covestro Group result from changes in exchange rates and the related changes in the value of financial instruments (including receivables and payables) and of anticipated payment receipts and disbursements in foreign currencies. Material receivables and payables in liquid currencies from operating and financial activities are generally fully hedged through forward exchange contracts. A value-at-risk approach is used to manage foreign currency exposures arising from planned receivables and liabilities. As in the previous year, the planned foreign currency exposure was not hedged. They will be hedged using forward contracts if the foreign currency risk increases significantly. The extent of the currency risk is represented below by a sensitivity analysis.

The currency risk shown in the sensitivity analysis results from the following:

  • The unsecured portion of receivables and payables in nonfunctional currencies
  • Unsecured bank deposits and liabilities to banks in nonfunctional currencies
  • Currency risks from embedded derivatives

Sensitivities were determined based on a hypothetical scenario in which the euro depreciates by 10% against all other currencies compared with the year-end exchange rates. Under this scenario, the estimated hypothetical gains recognized in profit or loss as of December 31, 2020, would have totaled €7.1 million (previous year: €7.7 million). The table below shows the distribution of these effects among the individual currencies:

Sensitivity by currency

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

 

 

2020

Currency

 

€ million

 

 

 

Currency

 

€ million

CNY

 

3.9

 

 

 

CNY

 

3.5

USD

 

2.7

 

 

 

USD

 

2.7

RUB

 

0.3

 

 

 

AUD

 

0.2

Other

 

0.8

 

 

 

Other

 

0.7

Total

 

7.7

 

 

 

Total

 

7.1

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk of not being able to meet existing or future payment obligations. The liquidity status of all material Group companies is continuously planned and monitored. Liquidity is secured by cash pooling agreements as well as internal and external financing. The syndicated, revolving credit facility amounting to €2.5 billion and running until March 2025 offers additional financial flexibility.

The liquidity risks to which the Covestro Group was exposed from its financial instruments can be divided into obligations for interest and repayment installments on financial liabilities and payment obligations arising from derivatives. The following tables show the maturity structure of the nondiscounted contractually agreed payments arising from these line items:

Maturity analysis of financial liabilities and derivative financial instruments as of December 31, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrying amount

 

Contractual cash flows

 

 

Dec. 31, 2020

 

2021

 

2022

 

2023

 

2024

 

2025

 

after 2025

 

 

€ million

 

€ million

 

€ million

 

€ million

 

€ million

 

€ million

 

€ million

Financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonds

 

1,990

 

523

 

20

 

20

 

520

 

11

 

1,039

Liabilities to banks

 

227

 

3

 

1

 

1

 

1

 

226

 

Lease liabilities

 

672

 

131

 

132

 

104

 

67

 

51

 

297

Other financial liabilities

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

Trade accounts payable1

 

1,241

 

1,241

 

 

 

 

 

Other liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued interest on liabilities

 

12

 

12

 

 

 

 

 

Refund liabilities1

 

87

 

87

 

 

 

 

 

Miscellaneous other liabilities

 

48

 

32

 

2

 

2

 

 

 

12

Liabilities from derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting

 

12

 

10

 

1

 

1

 

 

 

Receivables from derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting

 

18

 

15

 

2

 

1

 

 

 

Loan commitments

 

 

219

 

 

 

 

 

1

Reference information was restated accordingly, see note 4.1 “Change in presentation of rebates granted to customers”.

Maturity analysis of financial liabilities and derivative financial instruments as of December 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrying amount

 

Contractual cash flows

 

 

Dec. 31, 2019

 

2020

 

2021

 

2022

 

2023

 

2024

 

after 2024

 

 

€ million

 

€ million

 

€ million

 

€ million

 

€ million

 

€ million

 

€ million

Financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonds

 

997

 

14

 

514

 

9

 

9

 

509

 

Liabilities to banks

 

10

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

Lease liabilities

 

735

 

155

 

131

 

112

 

96

 

56

 

326

Other financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade accounts payable1

 

1,431

 

1,431

 

 

 

 

 

Other liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued interest on liabilities

 

5

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

Refund liabilities1

 

106

 

106

 

 

 

 

 

Miscellaneous other liabilities

 

26

 

10

 

2

 

1

 

1

 

 

12

Liabilities from derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting

 

13

 

11

 

1

 

1

 

 

 

Receivables from derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting

 

22

 

17

 

2

 

2

 

1

 

 

Loan commitments

 

 

208

 

 

 

 

 

1

Reference information was restated accordingly, see note 4.1 “Change in presentation of rebates granted to customers”.

In addition to the primary financial liabilities and derivative financial instruments, there was an obligation under certain conditions to make a loan totaling €219 million (previous year: €208 million) to the effective initial fund of Bayer-Pensionskasse VvaG, Leverkusen (Germany), and Rheinische Pensionskasse VVaG, Leverkusen (Germany), which may result in payments by Covestro AG in subsequent years. This is reflected in the loan commitments shown in the table above.

In this analysis, foreign currencies were translated at the closing rates. Derivative financial instruments are reported as net amounts.

Interest rate risks

Interest rate opportunities and risks for the Covestro Group result from changes in capital market interest rates, which could lead to changes in the fair value of fixed-rate financial instruments and in interest payments in the case of floating-rate instruments. To minimize adverse effects, interest rate risk is managed centrally based on an optimized debt maturity structure.

A sensitivity analysis based on our net floating-rate receivables and payables position at year-end 2020, taking into account the interest rates relevant for our receivables and payables in all principal currencies, produced the following result: A hypothetical increase in the interest rates by 100 basis points or one percentage point would (assuming currency exchange rates remain constant) result in an increase in interest expense of €4.8 million (previous year: €0.0 million).

Raw material price risks

The Covestro Group requires significant quantities of different forms of energy and petrochemical feedstocks for its production processes. Procurement prices for energy and raw materials may fluctuate significantly. Important raw materials are procured on the basis of long-term supply agreements and active supplier management to minimize substantial price fluctuations. In steam and electricity generation, we aim for market-based price indexing, a diversification of fuels and a mix of external procurement and captive production to minimize the price fluctuation risk for energies. During the past fiscal year, derivative financial instruments were not used to hedge raw material price risks.

Derivatives

As of the reporting date, the nominal volume of the forward exchange contracts used to hedge currency risk amounted to €1,722 million (previous year: €2,015 million). Other market risks are not hedged as of the reporting date.

Covestro has entered into master netting agreements or similar agreements for derivative financial instruments. These take effect in particular in the event of the insolvency of one of the contractual partners involved. The derivative financial instruments covered by netting agreements from the perspective of the Covestro Group are presented in the table below:

Disclosures for netting of financial assets and liabilities as of December 31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross amounts of financial assets/ liabilities

 

Net amounts of financial assets/ liabilities presented in the balance sheet

 

Balance sheet amounts eligible for netting covered by netting agreements

 

Net amounts after possible netting

 

 

€ million

 

€ million

 

€ million

 

€ million

2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables from derivatives

 

13

 

13

 

2

 

11

Liabilities from derivatives

 

9

 

9

 

2

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables from derivatives

 

15

 

15

 

3

 

12

Liabilities from derivatives

 

10

 

10

 

3

 

7

IFRSs/International Financial Reporting Standards
International accounting standards as endorsed by the European Union respectively published by the IASB or the IFRS IC
COVeC approach
Covestro venture capital approach in which Covestro invests in start-ups with innovative products, solutions, or business models. Covestro aims to actively support these new companies wherever they offer value added.
EBITDA/earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
EBIT plus depreciation and amortization of property, plant, equipment, and intangible assets