Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Covestro Group – Notes to the Statement of Financial Position

24. Financial Instruments

24.1  Financial Instruments by Category

The following tables show the carrying amounts and fair values of the individual financial assets and liabilities in accordance with IFRS 9 (Financial Instruments):

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 quoted, unadjusted prices that exist in active markets.

Level 2 comprises fair values determined on the basis of parameters that 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 classification of the financial instruments within the three-level fair value hierarchy:

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 financial instruments were reallocated to a different level 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 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 forward exchange contracts are measured individually at their respective forward rates or prices on the balance sheet date. Forward rates and prices are based on spot rates and prices, taking into account forward premiums and discounts.

Where fair values are estimated (in whole or in part) on the basis of unobservable inputs, they are reported 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 within the framework of the Covestro Venture Capital (COVeC) approach, which was newly developed in fiscal 2020. Investments associated with COVeC activities are recognized either as debt instruments at fair value through profit and loss or as other financial investments at fair value directly in equity, depending on the contractual design. 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 the 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 regularly 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.

The table below shows the changes in Level 3 financial instruments:

The gains and losses from Level 3 financial assets and liabilities are reported as follows:

• Gains and losses from embedded derivatives recognized in profit or loss are reported in other operating expenses or income;
• Gains and losses from the contingent purchase price receivable from divestments and debt instruments recognized in profit or loss are reported in other financial result;
• Gains and losses from other financial investments are reported in other comprehensive income from equity instruments.

Other financial investments amount to €24 million (previous year: €27 million), of which €18 million (previous year: €18 million) was attributable to Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies GmbH, Erlangen (Germany), and €3 million (previous year: €4 million) to Hi-Bis GmbH, Bitterfeld-Wolfen (Germany). In fiscal 2022, the Covestro Group received dividends of €2 million (previous year: €2 million) from other financial investments, of which €1 million (previous year: €2 million) was attributable to Hi-Bis GmbH.

As part of efforts to improve supplier relationships, a small number of Covestro’s suppliers participate in prefinancing programs in which an external financial intermediary pays the invoice underlying the current trade payables to the supplier before it is due in each case. Such scenarios could, in particular, lead to a change in the presentation of the original liability in the consolidated financial statements if the nature, function, and risk of the liability subject to the financing program differs from other trade payables. In the case of the current programs, however, the underlying conditions do not result in any changes to the presentation in the consolidated financial statements. For this reason, the corresponding amounts continue to be reported under trade accounts payable. As of the reporting date, only a minor share of outstanding trade accounts payable is attributable to such financing programs.

The classification of income, expenses, gains, and losses from financial instruments by measurement category in accordance with IFRS 9 is shown in the table below:

24.2  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 stable 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 primarily on bonds, Schuldschein loans, commercial papers, 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. 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. Net impairment losses amounted to €9 million (previous year: net reversals of impairment losses of €6 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 expected and actual losses are compared every year (backtesting) to validate the method.

The Russian war against Ukraine and the resulting fundamental shift in the geopolitical situation led to a massive increase in energy and certain raw material prices in fiscal 2022, particularly in Europe, as well as to higher inflation and weaker economic growth. To accordingly reflect the increased credit risk attributable to this development in the measurement of trade accounts receivable and contract assets, an additional risk premium was applied to the creditworthiness of customers in the relevant regions as determined on the basis of the method described above. An affected customer may consequently be assigned to a worse risk category, with the corresponding receivables then being subjected to greater impairment.

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

The accumulated impairment losses amounted to €30 million (previous year: €25 million) for those customers that the Covestro Group considers credit impaired on the basis of this assessment. The corresponding gross carrying amount was €31 million (previous year: €25 million). Indicators for customers being credit impaired 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:

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 €25 million (previous year: €34 million) are secured mainly by letters of credit.

Debt instruments

The Covestro Group generally pursues a conservative investment policy based on a strategy of maintaining liquidity and safeguarding value. Consequently, 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. Covestro also acts as a start-up investor as part of the Covestro Venture Capital (COVeC) approach newly developed in fiscal 2020. Investments associated with COVeC activities are recognized either as debt instruments at fair value through profit and loss or other financial investments at fair value directly in equity, depending on the contractual design.

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 recognized 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 measured as 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: Covestro reclassifies a debt instrument to Level 3 if it determines that its creditworthiness is impaired. 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.

As in the previous year, Covestro did not reclassify any debt instruments between the levels of the general impairment model during the fiscal year. The Covestro Group held no collateral for debt instruments in fiscal 2022 or in the previous year.

Because of the low credit risk profile, the Covestro Group is not exposed to significant credit risk from debt instruments. For fiscal 2022 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 for and risks to the Covestro Group result from changes in exchange rates and the related changes in the value of financial instruments (including receivables and payables) and future cash inflows and outflows denominated 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. It will be hedged using forward contracts if the foreign currency risk increases significantly. The extent of the currency risk is presented below by means of 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, and
• 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, 2022, would have totaled €6.2 million (previous year: €5.9 million). The table below shows the distribution of these effects among the individual currencies:

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 via cash pooling agreements as well as internal and external financing. The syndicated, revolving credit facility of €2.5 billion, which is available through March 2027, particularly provides 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, payment obligations arising from derivatives and loan commitments. The following tables show the maturity structure of the nondiscounted contractually agreed payments arising from these line items:

In addition to Covestro’s recognized nonderivative liabilities and derivative financial instruments, Covestro AG is obligated, under certain conditions, to grant initial funding loans to Bayer-Pensionskasse VVaG, Leverkusen (Germany), and Rheinische Pensionskasse VVaG, Leverkusen (Germany), which may lead to payments by Covestro AG in subsequent years. The pension funds requested loans in the amount of €102 million in December 2022, reducing the corresponding obligation to €117 million as of December 31, 2022 (previous year: €219 million). This is reflected in the loan commitments shown in the table above.

• See note 25 “Contingent Liabilities and Other Financial Commitments.”

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

Interest rate risks

Interest rate opportunities for and risks to 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 the end of fiscal 2022, taking into account the interest rates relevant to 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 €16.3 million (previous year: €3.6 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. 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 €2,914 million (previous year: €2,822 million). Other market risks are not hedged as of the reporting date.

Covestro has entered into master netting 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: