Report Profile
Report Framework
The reporting period is the 2015 financial year (1 January to 31 December 2015). The data presented generally refers to this period or the facts and figures at the end of the reporting period. If information refers to a different period of time, this is explicitly stated. The report is published once a year. The previous Annual Report was published on 30 March 2015.
Unless otherwise stated, the key figures and information in this report concern the entire Group including associated companies in which the company has a majority holding. Some sections contain forward-looking statements. These estimates and statements were made to the best of our knowledge and in good faith. Future global economic conditions, legislation, market conditions, competitors’ activities and other factors are not within the control of HHLA.
Defining the Content for this Report
The content structure of this Annual Report is regulated by the disclosure obligation for public limited companies as defined by the German Commercial Code (HGB). In addition to details on the financial and economic situation of the company, the report also includes information from HHLA’s sustainability programme, “On Course”. The concept of an integrated report includes annual financial and sustainability reporting. It illustrates the interaction between economic, environmental and social factors and their relevance to the company’s long-term success.
HHLA carried out a materiality analysis to determine the most important sustainability topics. This was conducted by means of an international online survey of stakeholders in autumn 2015. The results of this survey were used to determine the key issues for sustainability reporting. It includes all topics identified as material. see Materiality Analysis
Data Collection and Calculation Methods
Financial Statements and Reports
All data and information was collected from the respective units responsible for such information using representative methods for the reporting period. HHLA prepares its consolidated financial statements and its interim reports in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). This Annual Report provides further information on IFRS in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. see Note 2, Consolidation Principles
The individual financial statements for HHLA Aktiengesellschaft are prepared in line with the accounting regulations of the German Commercial Code (HGB). The appropriation of profits is based solely on the individual financial statements.
Sustainability Performance Indicators
Sustainability-relevant key figures are input into the internal management information system on a monthly basis and analysed every six months. The Executive Board receives a corresponding report. The sustainability performance indicators are calculated every year and published in the Management Report section of the Annual Report, having been signed off by the auditors. This ensures the reliability of the data. Data comparability and consistency is guaranteed by complying with widely used international reporting standards (e.g. Greenhouse Gas Protocol). see Sustainability Performance Indicators
Risk and Opportunity Management
Opportunities and risks are analysed by means of a comprehensive risk management system. Compliance with corporate guidelines as well as with relevant and recognised national and international industry standards is regarded as an essential part of corporate governance at HHLA. Workflows and processes are structured in line with these regulations. External audits at various HHLA companies (including ISO 14001, ISO 9001 and CTQI [Container Terminal Quality Indicator]) confirm compliance with recognised international standards. see Risk and Opportunity Report
External Audit
The Combined Management Report of the HHLA Group and HHLA AG, as well as the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes, were audited by Ernst & Young.
The 2015 Annual Report was prepared in accordance with the international G4 guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative and meets the application level “Comprehensive”.
GRI Content Index
The GRI content index refers to parts in this Annual Report or sections of the HHLA website which provide information about individual GRI indicators. The index is available exclusively at report.hhla.de/gri
International Financial Reporting Standards