Notes on the reporting

The continued expansionary monetary policy led to a further reduction in the relevant interest rate used to calculate pension provisions. Provisions for pensions increased correspondingly, while equity decreased due to the rise in actuarial effects brought about by interest rates.

Due to the high level of flexibility required in the sector, handling and transport services are not generally ordered or guaranteed months in advance. Consequently, an order backlog and order trends do not serve as reporting indicators as they do in other industries.

The 2020 consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) applicable in the European Union, taking into consideration the interpretations of the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC). The Group management report was prepared in line with the requirements of German Accounting Standard no. 20 (GAS 20).