47. Management of Financial Risks

To finance its business activities, the Group uses short, medium and long-term bank loans, finance leases and hire-purchase agreements, as well as cash and short-term deposits. The Group has access to various other financial assets and liabilities, such as trade payables and receivables which arise directly from its business.

The Group also enters into derivative transactions. are most likely to include interest rate hedging instruments such as interest rate swaps, interest rate caps and currency futures. The purpose of these derivative financial instruments is to manage interest rate, currency and commodity price risks which result from the Group’s business activities and its sources of financing.

Derivative financial instruments are used to hedge existing transactions and planned transactions which are sufficiently likely to take place. Hedging transactions are only concluded with counterparties with very good credit ratings. HHLA also makes use of external ratings to assess its counterparties’ creditworthiness. The Group does not hold derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

Interest Rate and Market Price Risk

As a result of its financing activities, the Group is exposed to an interest rate risk, which principally stems from medium to long-term borrowing at floating rates of interest.

Managing the Group’s interest expenses involves a combination of fixed and floating-rate debt, depending on the market. It is Group policy to arrange the majority of interest-bearing debt at fixed rates of interest, either by agreeing fixed rates with the lenders or by taking out interest rate swaps. These are used in the HHLA Group to reduce interest rate risks and may also be used to a minor extent to reduce currency and commodity price risks. Derivatives reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements are carried at fair value based on the market prices posted by counterparties. Resulting gains and losses are recognised through profit and loss in the unless the derivative financial instrument is part of a designated cash flow hedging relationship. The effective portion of unrealised gains and losses on cash flow hedges is recognised in equity without effect on profit and loss.

As of the balance sheet date, 75.9 % (previous year: 80.0 %) of the Group’s borrowing was at fixed interest rates, including an amount of € 8,354 thousand (previous year: € 12,177 thousand) covered by interest rate swaps.

The fixed-interest financial instruments are not held at fair value and are therefore not subject to market price risks on the balance sheet.

Market price risks can, however, affect securities and equity investments in particular. Due to the minor scope of these instruments, the risk is deemed insignificant.

A change in the variable interest rate affects the interest expenses arising from floating-rate loans, the interest income from overnight deposits and time deposit investments, and the income from interest rate hedges and their fair value.

If the variable interest rate had been 0.5 percentage points higher as of the balance sheet date, interest expenses arising from floating-rate loans would have been € 437 thousand p. a. higher, interest income from overnight deposits and time deposit investments would have been € 1,188 thousand p. a. higher, and income from interest rate hedges would have been € 41 thousand p. a. higher. The fair value of the interest rate hedges would have risen by € 38 thousand. Of this, € 32 thousand would be recorded directly in equity and € 6 thousand would be recognised in the income statement, whose result would increase by a total of € 799 thousand before tax.

Exchange Rate Risk

Due to investments in countries outside the eurozone, changes in exchange rates can affect the balance sheet. Foreign currency risks on individual transactions, such as the sale of a shareholding for example, are hedged by currency futures or currency options if a market analysis requires it. The hedging transactions are in the same currency as the hedged item. The Group only concludes currency futures contracts when specific claims or obligations exist.

As in the previous year, there were no currency futures contracts at the balance sheet date.

in the HHLA Group is predominantly invoiced in euros or in the national currencies of the European affiliates. Investments in these countries are largely transacted in euros.

USD-denominated financial instruments are held in Ukraine, which are subject to an exchange risk. If the euro lost 10 % against the US dollar, this would have a negative impact of approx. € 2 million on equity. Depending on the parallel performance of the Ukrainian hryvnia against the US dollar, this full amount could be recognised through profit and loss and reduce the result for the period accordingly by up to around € 2 million.

For all other currencies, changes in exchange rates do not pose a material risk to the Group.

Commodity Price Risk

The Group is primarily exposed to a commodity price risk when purchasing fuel. Depending on the market situation, the Group can arrange price hedges for part of its fuel requirements. This was not the case at the balance sheet date or on 31 December 2014.

In addition to the market risks mentioned, there are also financial risks in the form of credit and liquidity risks.

Credit Risk/Default Risk

The Group only maintains customer relationships on a credit basis with recognised, creditworthy third parties. Clients who wish to complete transactions with the Group on a credit basis are subject to a credit-scoring procedure. Receivables are also monitored on an ongoing basis and impairment allowances are made if risks are identified, such that the Group is not exposed to any additional significant default risks on receivables. The maximum default risk for the trade receivables and other financial receivables is theoretically the carrying amount for the individual receivable. HHLA has also taken out loan loss insurance to minimise default risks. This covers key outstanding receivables as of the balance sheet date.

Structure of Trade Receivables

in € thousand

 

31.12.2015

 

31.12.2014

Receivables not due for payment and not written down

 

97,679

 

105,789

Overdue receivables not written down

 

30,451

 

34,432

thereof up to 30 days

 

23,717

 

26,569

thereof up to 31 to 90 days

 

5,222

 

6,127

thereof up to 91 days to one year

 

1,479

 

1,732

thereof over one year

 

33

 

4

 

 

128,130

 

140,221

Development of the Valuation Allowances on Trade Receivables

in € thousand

 

2015

 

2014

Valuation allowances as of 1 January

 

2,902

 

2,443

Additions (valuation allowances recognised as expenses)

 

672

 

1,170

Used

 

- 644

 

- 401

Reversals

 

- 225

 

- 310

Valuation allowances as of 31 December

 

2,705

 

2,902

The default risk in the case of derivative financial instruments and cash, cash equivalents and short-term deposits is, in theory, that of counterparty default and is therefore equivalent to the carrying amounts of the individual financial instruments. The risk of default can be considered to be very low, since the Group as a rule only conducts derivative financial transactions and liquid investments with counterparties with very good credit ratings. In addition, credit risks may arise if the contingent liabilities listed in Note 46 are incurred.

Liquidity Risk

The Group guarantees sufficient liquidity at all times with the help of medium-term liquidity planning, by diversifying the maturities of loans and finance leases, and by means of existing lines of credit and funding commitments. If covenants have been agreed for individual loans, they are monitored on an ongoing basis to make sure they are being complied with. HHLA will introduce measures it deems necessary to ensure that the covenants are met.

For details on bank loans and other loans, finance lease liabilities, liabilities towards employees and other financial liabilities, please refer to the table of residual maturities for financial liabilities in Note 38.

Expected Liquidity Outflows due to Future Interest Payments

 

 

Up to 1 year

 

1 to 5 years

 

Over 5 years

 

Total

in € thousand

 

31.12.2015

 

31.12.2014

 

31.12.2015

 

31.12.2014

 

31.12.2015

 

31.12.2014

 

31.12.2015

 

31.12.2014

Outflow of liquidity for
future interest payments
on fixed-interest loans

 

5,871

 

5,632

 

19,039

 

15,682

 

19,117

 

15,596

 

44,027

 

36,910

Outflow of liquidity for
future interest payments
on floating-rate loans

 

2,127

 

1,928

 

4,598

 

4,417

 

453

 

547

 

7,178

 

6,892

 

 

7,998

 

7,560

 

23,637

 

20,099

 

19,570

 

16,143

 

51,205

 

43,802

It is anticipated that the interest rate swaps in place on the balance sheet date will result in the following interest outflows in the future. In this context, an interest outflow is considered to be the difference between the amount to be paid and the amount to be received.

Expected Interest Outflows from Interest Rate Swaps

in € thousand

 

31.12.2015

 

31.12.2014

Within one year

 

158

 

408

Between one and five years

 

0

 

211

Over five years

 

0

 

0

 

 

158

 

619

Financial Instruments

Carrying Amounts and Fair Values

The table below shows the carrying amounts and fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, as well as their level in the fair value hierarchy, see also Note 7.

Financial Assets as of 31 December 2015

 

 

Carrying amount

 

Fair Value

in € thousand

 

Loans and receiv­ables

 

Available
for sale

 

Balance sheet
value

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

Financial assets measured at fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial assets (securities)

 

 

 

3,871

 

3,871

 

3,871

 

 

 

 

 

3,871

 

 

0

 

3,871

 

3,871

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial assets not measured at fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial assets

 

11,341

 

5,227

 

16,568

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade receivables

 

128,130

 

 

 

128,130

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables from related parties

 

58,515

 

 

 

58,515

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other financial receivables

 

3,286

 

 

 

3,286

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term deposits

 

194,565

 

 

 

194,565

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

395,837

 

5,227

 

401,064

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities as of 31 December 2015

 

 

Carrying amount

 

Fair Value

in € thousand

 

Held for trading

 

Fair value –
hedging instruments

 

Other financial
liabilities

 

Balance sheet
value

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

Financial liabilities measured at fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial liabilities (interest rate swaps used for hedging transactions)

 

45

 

119

 

 

 

164

 

 

 

164

 

 

 

164

 

 

45

 

119

 

0

 

164

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial liabilities not measured at fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial liabilities
(liabilities from bank loans)

 

 

 

 

 

329,596

 

329,596

 

 

 

333,579

 

 

 

333,579

Financial liabilities
(finance lease liabilities)

 

 

 

 

 

40,084

 

40,084

 

 

 

40,084

 

 

 

40,084

Financial liabilities
(settlement obligation)

 

 

 

 

 

25,534

 

25,534

 

 

 

25,534

 

 

 

25,534

Financial liabilities (other)

 

 

 

 

 

68,084

 

68,084

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

52,007

 

52,007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilties to related parties
(finance lease liabilties)

 

 

 

 

 

106,646

 

106,646

 

 

 

106,646

 

 

 

106,646

Liabilities to related parties (other)

 

 

 

 

 

6,787

 

6,787

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

0

 

628,738

 

628,738

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Assets as of 31 December 2014

 

 

Carrying amount

 

Fair Value

in € thousand

 

Loans and receiv­ables

 

Available
for sale

 

Balance sheet
value

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

Financial assets measured at fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial assets (securities)

 

 

 

3,910

 

3,910

 

3,910

 

 

 

 

 

3,910

 

 

0

 

3,910

 

3,910

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial assets not measured at fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial assets

 

9,382

 

4,454

 

13,836

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade receivables

 

140,221

 

 

 

140,221

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables from related parties

 

36,202

 

 

 

36,202

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other financial receivables

 

1,982

 

 

 

1,982

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term deposits

 

252,217

 

 

 

252,217

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

440,004

 

4,454

 

444,458

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities as of 31 December 2014

 

 

Carrying amount

 

Fair Value

in € thousand

 

Held for trading

 

Fair value –
hedging instruments

 

Other financial
liabilities

 

Balance sheet
value

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

Financial liabilities measured at fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial liabilities (interest rate swaps used for hedging transactions)

 

193

 

364

 

 

 

557

 

 

 

557

 

 

 

557

 

 

193

 

364

 

0

 

557

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial liabilities not measured at fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial liabilities
(liabilities from bank loans)

 

 

 

 

 

284,070

 

284,070

 

 

 

290,896

 

 

 

290,896

Financial liabilities
(finance lease liabilities)

 

 

 

 

 

39,853

 

39,853

 

 

 

39,853

 

 

 

39,853

Financial liabilities
(settlement obligation)

 

 

 

 

 

22,432

 

22,432

 

 

 

22,432

 

 

 

22,432

Financial liabilities (other)

 

 

 

 

 

59,532

 

59,532

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

83,372

 

83,372

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilties to related parties
(finance lease liabilties)

 

 

 

 

 

106,869

 

106,869

 

 

 

106,869

 

 

 

106,869

Liabilities to related parties (other)

 

 

 

 

 

73,515

 

73,515

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

0

 

669,643

 

669,643

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the year under review, the € 65 million loan granted by HGV (the holding company above the HHLA Group) to the Real Estate subgroup (see Note 48) was repaid following the placement of promissory note loans with a lower interest rate. Promissory note loans with a total volume of € 70 million were issued to banks and € 5 million to other creditors.

In the reporting period, gains of € 148 thousand (previous year: € 228 thousand) were recognised in the income statement on financial assets and/or liabilities held at fair value through profit and loss. These primarily relate to interest rate hedges with no effective hedging relationship as per 39.

In the reporting year, changes of € 245 thousand (previous year: € 220 thousand) in the fair value of financial instruments designated as hedging instruments (interest rate swaps) were recognised directly in equity.

The interest rate swaps disclosed covered a total amount of € 8,354 thousand (previous year: € 12,177 thousand). Of these, financial instruments covering an amount of € 6,065 thousand (previous year: € 7,143 thousand) with a market value of € - 119 thousand (previous year: € - 364 thousand) were held as part of cash flow hedging relationships to hedge future cash flows from interest-bearing liabilities as of the balance sheet date. The hedged cash flows are expected to occur within 12 months. The amount covered by interest rate swaps is restated in line with the anticipated repayment of the loans over the term of the derivative.

The interest income and interest expenses recorded form part of the financial result. See Note 16.

There are no material differences between the carrying amounts and fair values of the financial instruments reported under non-current financial liabilities.

Valuation Methods and Key Unobservable Input Factors for Calculating Fair Value

The tables below show the valuation methods used for Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurement and the key unobservable input factors utilised.

Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value

Type

 

Valuation method

 

Key
unobservable
input factors

 

Relationship between key
unobservable input factors and
measurement at fair value

Financial liabilities
(interest rate swaps)

 

Market comparison method: Fair value is based on brokers’ prices. Similar contracts are traded on an active market and the prices quoted reflect the actual transactions for similar instruments. The market values are calculated with present value and option pricing models to determine the fair value. Whenever possible, these models use the relevant market prices and interest rates observed at the balance sheet date, obtained from recognised sources, as input parameters. The fair value of available for sale financial assets is determined on the basis of market prices. The relevant fixed interest rate amounts to between 3.82 to 4.33%. Any variable components to be included are based on 1-M to 6-M-EURIBOR rates. The derivatives have a remaining maturity period of up to one year.

 

Not applicable

 

Not applicable

Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value

Type

 

Valuation method

 

Key unobservable
input factors

Financial liabilities
(liabilities from bank loans)

 

Discounted cash flows

 

Not applicable

Financial liabilities
(finance lease liabilities)

 

Discounted cash flows

 

Not applicable

Liabilities to related parties
(finance lease liabilities included in this item)

 

Discounted cash flows: The valuation model utilises the present value, taking into account contractually agreed increases in rents. Discount rates of between 4.21 and 5.56 % are used.

 

Not applicable

Derivative Financial Instruments

Financial instruments that are traditionally used to protect existing investments or obligations. Earnings from associated companies (using the equity method) Earnings of joint ventures or associated companies are included in the financial result in the profit and loss statement.

Financial Result

Interest income – interest expenses +/– earnings from associated companies using the equity method +/– other financial result

Revenue

Sales derived from selling, letting or leasing and from services provided by the Group, less sales deductions and turnover tax.

IAS

International Accounting Standards