24. Financial instruments and financial risk management

24.1. Derivative financial instruments and hedging

The Group's risk management uses derivative financial instruments that predominantly serve the purpose of hedging price and interest rate risks. The accounting of these derivative financial instrument applies – in as far as hedging transactions are concerned and the criteria are met – the cash hedge flow and fair value accounting methods.

The use of derivative financial instruments in the Group is subject to corresponding authorisation and control procedures. Proprietary trading is only carried out within very tightly defined limits.

Interest rate swaps are used for hedging future variable interest payments on funding and leasing contracts as well as highly probable funding in the future. Energie AG Group hedges these by purchasing interest rate swaps that correspond to the hedged item in terms of the base interest rate, payment dates, interest rate fixing date, nominal amounts and maturities. As their essential parameters concur, a commercial relationship between the hedged item and the hedging transaction can be affirmed. Hedges may be ineffective in the case of changes in the counterparty's and Energie AG's credit risk, as well as in cases where the measurement-relevant parameters differ from the hedged item and hedging transaction. The qualitative and quantitative effectiveness of a hedge is determined on the basis of the hypothetical derivatives method.

Futures and forwards are used to hedge price-related risks from electricity procurement and electricity sales. The objective of Energie AG Group is to hedge the entire price risk using derivative and non-derivative financial instruments and thereby reduce the cash flow risk from electricity purchasing and sales and/or the fair value risk from firm commitments. This means that only a portion of the total volume is hedged using derivative financial instruments. Hedging is carried out on a rolling basis. Either the entire price risk is hedged, or only a component of the risk. Components are hedged if the hedging instrument has a different market price zone than the hedged item. The difference between prices in different market price zones is observable on the market and amounted to an average of EUR 3.38/MWh (previous year: EUR 2.62/MWh) in fiscal year 2020/2021. The commercial relationship results either from almost identical parameters of hedging items or transactions (in particular base price, performance, term and price base), or the high correlation of prices in different market price zones in cases where only a component is hedged. A hedging ineffectiveness may result from temporal differences, price differences, different market price zones or the counterparty's credit risk. The qualitative and quantitative effectiveness of a hedge is determined on the basis of the hypothetical derivatives method.

Futures, forwards and swaps are used to hedge price risks from gas purchases and gas sales. The hedging aims at reducing the cash flow risk or fair value risk from firm commitments. The hedging volume is determined on the basis of the hedging strategy. Only a portion of the purchases and sales are hedged using derivative instruments. The commercial relationship either results from almost identical parameters (in particular volume, price and term), or from the high correlation of prices if the hedged item and the hedging transaction have a different price base. A hedging ineffectiveness may result from temporal differences, price differences, different market price zones or the counterparty's credit risk. The qualitative and quantitative effectiveness of a hedge is determined on the basis of the hypothetical derivatives method.

Futures are used to hedge procurement and sales of CO₂ emission allowances. The hedging aims at reducing the cash flow risk. Only a portion of the total volume is hedged on the basis of the hedging strategy. The commercial relationship results from almost identical parameters (in particular volume, price and term). Ineffective hedges may result from temporal differences or the counterparties' credit risk. The qualitative and quantitative effectiveness of a hedge is determined on the basis of the hypothetical derivatives method.

Beyond that, gas-oil futures in US dollars and the corresponding foreign exchange contracts as well as gas-oil-swaps are concluded to hedge the price risks of purchasing fuel. The objective is to reduce the cash flow risk from fuel purchases. The hedging volume results from the hedging strategy and concerns only a portion of the fuel purchases. The commercial relationship is established on the basis of the parameters quantity, term and the evidence for the correlation of the prices of the hedging item and the hedging transaction. Ineffective hedges may result from temporal differences, price differences and the counterparties' credit risk. The qualitative and quantitative effectiveness of a hedge is determined on the basis of the hypothetical derivatives method.

The spark-spread risk from Gas- und Dampfkraftwerk Timelkam GmbH (CCGT power plant) and Cogeneration-Kraftwerke Management Oberösterreich GmbH (CMOÖ) is hedged using electricity, gas and CO₂ emission allowances. The commercial relationship results from almost identical parameters (in particular volume, price and term). In these cases, a dynamic hedging strategy based on defined targets and price developments does frequently result in the termination and redesignation of hedging relationships. Ineffective hedges may result from temporal differences, price differences and the counterparties' credit risk. The qualitative and quantitative effectiveness of a hedge is determined on the basis of the hypothetical derivatives method.

The Group holds fair value hedges for firm commitments relating to transactions for procuring and supplying electricity and gas and for supplying CO₂.

Cash flow hedges are used to protect future cash flows. The Group also uses electricity, gas, CO₂, and gas-oil futures, as well as gas and gas-oil swaps, to hedge price risks; interest rate swaps are used to hedge the cash flow risks of variable-interest liabilities, highly probable funding in the future and foreign exchange contracts for US dollar hedging.

For cash flow hedges, the carrying amounts, nominal amounts and changes in fair values used for recognising an ineffective hedge are as follows:

If not yet cleared, the positive fair values of the derivatives are reported in the item other non-current assets or in the item receivables and other assets, while the negative fair values, if not yet cleared, are reported in the other non-current and current liabilities.

The nominal and average hedging prices for cash flow hedges are as follows:

The reporting of derivatives is broken down by calendar year.

For fair value hedges, the carrying amounts, nominal amounts and changes in fair values used for recognising an ineffective hedge are as follows:

The nominal and average hedging prices for fair value hedges are as follows:

The reporting of energy derivatives is broken down by calendar year.

The carrying amounts of the hedged items related to fair value hedges, the reserve for cash flow hedges and the change in the fair value for the determination of ineffective cash flow hedges and fair value hedges are as follows:

The development of the reserves for cash flow hedges is as follows:

The Energie AG Group holds the following derivatives not dedicated to any hedging relationship:

The cash flow from operations includes payment receipts from hedging transactions in an amount of EUR 320.8 million (previous year: disbursements of EUR 48.0 million). The position mainly consist of margin payments from electricity and gas futures, as well as payments received from hedging annexes.

24.2. Carrying amounts in accordance with IFRS 9

In accordance with IFRS 9 or IFRS 16, the carrying amounts of financial assets and liabilities are grouped into classes or measurement categories as follows:

As of 30 September 2021, the Energie AG Group holds shares in affiliated companies and other investments in the amount of EUR 30,836.0 thousand (previous year: EUR 28,588.3), as well as securities (stocks) in the amount of EUR 12,631.5 thousand (previous year: EUR 9,181.0 thousand) classified as “Financial Assets Through Other Comprehensive Income (FVOCI)”. These investments are held for long-term, strategic purposes. For fiscal year 2020/2021, the dividends distributed for securities amount to EUR 210.8 thousand (previous year: EUR 64.6 thousand). Dividends distributed for investments amount to EUR 1,924.3 thousand (previous year: EUR 1,506.8 thousand).

As was the case in the previous year, no strategic investments were disposed of in the 2020/2021 fiscal year. No accumulated profits or losses were reclassified within equity.

24.3. Offsetting of financial assets and liabilities

The following table shows the effect of netting agreements:

At the Energie AG Oberösterreich Group, the derivative financial instruments and receivables/payables presented above are concluded on the basis of standard agreements (e.g. ISDA, EFET, German Master Agreement for Financial Derivative Transactions), which, in the event of insolvency of a business partner, permit the offsetting of outstanding transactions. The criteria for netting in the statement of financial position are not met, because either no net payments are being made or the legal enforceability of the netting agreements is uncertain.

24.4. Measurement at fair value

24.4.1. Fair value of financial assets and liabilities that are measured regularly at fair value

Pursuant to IFRS 13, financial instruments that are measured at fair value are classified within a fair value hierarchy. In view of possible uncertainties relating to possible estimates of the fair values, a distinction is made between three levels:

Level 1: Measurement on the basis of a published price quotation for identical assets or liabilities in an active market.

Level 2: Measurement on the basis of inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly in the market and measurements based on prices quoted in inactive markets.

Level 3: Measurement on the basis of inputs not observable in the market.

If the inputs used to determine the fair value of an asset or liability are attributable to different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the measurement at fair value is wholly assigned to the fair value hierarchy level that corresponds to the lowest input which, in the aggregate, is material for the measurement.

The financial instruments measured at fair value are assigned to levels 1 to 3:

Level 3 financial instruments have developed as follows:

The impairment reversal of EUR 1,923.7 thousand (previous year: EUR 5,303.2 thousand) relates to Other Investments (FVOCI). The fair value of these Other Investments is determined using a measurement method based on capitalisation of earnings. Essential input factors are the cash flow assumptions from planning and the discount rate. The depreciation on other investments in the Czech Republic amounts to EUR 763.1 thousand (previous year: EUR 2.6 thousand). The resulting income of EUR 1,160.6 thousand (previous year: EUR 5,300.6 thousand) outside of profit or loss was recognised as other comprehensive income in the item “change in value of investments and securities FVOCI”.

An increase (reduction) of the cash flow assumptions by 25% would have resulted in an increase (reduction) of the OCI in the amount of EUR 4,702.4 thousand (EUR -4,702.4 thousand) (previous year: EUR 4,080.1 thousand (EUR -4,080.1 thousand)). An increase (reduction) of the discount rate by 50 basis points would have resulted in a reduction (increase) of the OCI in the amount of EUR -1,116.1 thousand (EUR 1,278.2 thousand) (previous year: EUR -1,030.3 thousand (EUR 1,179.2 thousand)).

24.4.2. Valuation techniques and inputs used in measuring fair values

In general, the fair values of the financial assets and liabilities correspond to their market prices on the reporting date. If active market prices are not directly available, then – if they are not of minor significance – they are calculated using recognised actuarial measurement models and current market parameters (in particular interest rates, exchange rates and the credit rating of contractual partners). This is done by discounting the cash flows from the financial instruments to the reporting date.

The following valuation parameters and inputs were used:

24.4.3. Fair values of financial assets and liabilities that are not measured regularly at fair value, however for which the fair value must be disclosed

The items trade receivables, receivables from affiliated companies, receivables from joint arrangements and associated companies, other financial assets, as well as fixed term deposits and current investments are characterised by predominantly short remaining terms. This means that their carrying amounts as of the reporting date roughly represent their fair value. If they are material and have a fixed interest rate, then the fair value of non-current lendings corresponds to the present value of the payments associated with the assets, taking into consideration the current market parameters in each case (interest rates, credit spreads).

Trade payables, liabilities to affiliated companies, liabilities to joint arrangements and associated companies and other financial liabilities usually have short remaining terms. The values on the balance sheet are approximately the fair values. If they are material and bear interest at a fixed rate, the fair value of financial liabilities is determined using the present value of the payments associated with the liabilities, taking into consideration the respectively applicable market parameters (interest rates, credit spreads).

The following financial assets and liabilities have a fair value different from the carrying amount:

The fair values of the Level 3 financial assets and liabilities disclosed above were determined in agreement with generally accepted valuation techniques based on discounted cash flow analyses. Material input is the discount rate, which takes into account the expected credit loss of the counterparty.

24.5. Net result

The net result from financial instruments is grouped in the different classes of financial instruments as follows:

The net result for the category Financial Assets at Amortized Cost (AC) mainly includes interest income from invested money and lendings and is recognised in the financial result. This item also includes income from the reversal of impairments and expected credit losses, income from the receipt of receivables that had previously been written off, as well as expenses from impairments, expected credit losses and write-offs for trade receivables recognised in the operating result.

The net result of the category Financial Assets at Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income (FVOCI) shows the measurement result for the investments and securities measured outside of profit or loss. Income from investments and dividends from securities are reported in the other financial result.

The net result of the category Financial Assets at Fair Value through Profit or Loss (FVPL) mainly includes earnings from remeasurement and earnings from disposals, as well as dividends from securities and income from the remeasurement of money market funds and is shown in other financial result.

The net result of the category Financial Assets at Fair Value Trading through Profit or Loss (FVPL) and Financial Liabilities at Fair Value Trading through Profit or Loss (FVPL) essentially results from the derivatives used by Energy AG. The measured value of derivative instruments in the Energy Segment is recognised in the operating result.

The net result of the category Financial Liabilities at Amortized Cost mainly includes interest expenses from financial liabilities and is part of the financial result.

24.6. Financial risk management

24.6.1. Principles of financial risk management

Due to its business activities and the financial transactions it conducts, the Energie AG Group is exposed to various risks. These risks primarily include currency and interest rate risks, liquidity risks, expected credit loss, price risks from securities, and price risks in the commodity sector (energy sector price risks).

Energy sector risks are managed by Energie AG Oberösterreich Trading GmbH, and financial risks are managed centrally by Group Treasury, which is also responsible for any hedging measures for all Group companies. Hedging against energy sector risks is handled on the basis of an internal policy on conducting energy sector hedging transactions. A financial management guideline for the Group (Treasury Policy), in which the main goals, principles and distribution of duties in the Group are set out, serves as a basis for the management of financial risks.

Hedging against energy sector and financial risks is also handled using derivative financial instruments. Transactions of this type are on principle only carried out with counterparties with very good credit ratings in order to minimise the risk of default.

24.6.2. Foreign exchange risk

The foreign exchange risks in the Energie AG Group result from funding provided in foreign currencies and the translation risk from the conversion of foreign Group companies into the Group currency (Czech Republic and Hungary).

For the foreign exchange risk of financial instruments, sensitivity analyses were carried out which show the effects of hypothetical changes in exchange rates on result (after taxes) and equity. The affected holdings as of the reporting date were used as a basis (CZK 7.4 million, HUF 2.7 billion), (previous year: CZK 75.2 million, HUF 2.7 billion). Here it was assumed that the risk on the reporting date basically represents the risk during the fiscal year. The Group tax rate of 25% was used as the tax rate. In addition, it was assumed for the analysis that all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant. In the analysis, the currency risks for financial instruments that are denominated in a currency different from the functional currency and are of a monetary nature were included. Differences resulting from the exchange rate in translating financial statements into the Group currency were not taken into consideration.

Following the aforementioned assumptions, an upward revaluation of the Euro by 10% against all other currencies on the reporting date would result in lower earnings (after taxes) by EUR 530.3 thousand (previous year: EUR 567.2 thousand) and a reduction in equity by EUR 530.3 thousand (previous year: EUR 692.8 thousand). Here, the sensitivity of equity, as well as the sensitivity of profit (after taxes), were affected by the sensitivity of the currency-related translation effects of net investments and hedge accounting in the amount of EUR 0.0 thousand (previous year: EUR 125.6 thousand).

Following the aforementioned assumptions, a write-down of the Euro by 10% against all other currencies on the reporting date would result in increased earnings (after taxes) by EUR 648.1 thousand (previous year: EUR 693.3 thousand) and an increase in equity by EUR 648.1 thousand (previous year: EUR 846.8 thousand). Here, the sensitivity of equity, as well as the sensitivity of profit (after taxes), were affected by the sensitivity of the currency-related translation effects of net investments and hedge accounting in the amount of EUR 0.0 thousand (previous year: EUR 153.5 thousand).

24.6.3. Interest rate risk

The Energie AG Group holds interest rate-sensitive financial instruments in order to meet the requirements of operational and strategic liquidity management. Interest rate change risks mainly result from financial instruments with variable interest rates (cash flow risk). Interest rate risks result in particular from:

For the interest rate risks of these financial instruments, sensitivity analyses were carried out which show the effects of hypothetical changes in market interest rates on result (after taxes) and equity. The affected holdings as of the reporting date were used as a basis. Here it was assumed that the risk on the reporting date basically represents the risk during the fiscal year. The Group tax rate of 25% was used as the tax rate. In addition, it was assumed for the analysis that all other variables, in particular exchange rates, remain constant.

Following the aforementioned assumptions, an increase in the market interest rate by 50 basis points on the reporting date would result in increased earnings (after taxes) by EUR 683.5 thousand (previous year: EUR 31.2 thousand) and an increase in equity in the amount of EUR 5,327.4 thousand (previous year: EUR 5,348.5 thousand). The sensitivity of equity, as well as the sensitivity of earnings (after taxes), were in this case affected by the sensitivity of the interest rate-related cash flow hedge reserve in the amount of EUR 4,643.9 thousand (previous year: EUR 5,317.3 thousand).

Following the aforementioned assumptions, a decrease in the market interest rate by 50 basis points on the reporting date would result in a reduction of earnings (after taxes) by EUR 683.5 thousand (previous year: increase: EUR 31.2 thousand) and a decrease in equity in the amount of EUR 5,713.6 thousand (previous year: EUR 5,820.3 thousand). The sensitivity of equity, as well as the sensitivity of earnings (after taxes), were in this case affected by the sensitivity of the interest rate-related cash flow hedge reserve in the amount of EUR 5,030.1 thousand (previous year: EUR 5,789.1 thousand).

24.6.4. Commodity price risk

Commodity price risks arise primarily from the procurement and sale of electricity, gas and CO₂. Beyond that price risks arise for Energie AG Oberösterreich due to speculative positions taken in proprietary trading. Proprietary trading is only carried out within very tightly defined limits and the risk can therefore be considered immaterial.

Hedging instruments are used for electrical energy, gas and CO₂ to hedge against energy industry risks.

For the commodity price risks, sensitivity analyses were carried out which show the effect of hypothetical changes in the fair value level on result (after taxes) and equity. The affected derivative holdings in the area of energy as of the reporting date were used as a basis. Here it was assumed that the risk on the reporting date basically represents the risk during the fiscal year. The Group tax rate of 25% was used as the tax rate. In addition, it was assumed for the analysis that all other variables, in particular exchange rates, remain constant. Not taken into consideration are contracts which are for the purpose of the receipt or delivery of non-financial items according to the expected purchase, sale and use requirements of the company (own use) and which therefore are not to be reported according to IFRS 9, with the exception of onerous contacts.

Sensitivity of derivative contracts regarding the electricity price:

Following the aforementioned assumptions, a 15% increase (decrease) in the fair value level as of the reporting date would result in a decrease (increase) in profit (after taxes) by EUR 55.4 thousand (previous year: increase (decrease) EUR 1,706.5 thousand) and an increase (decrease) in equity by EUR 8,380.9 thousand (previous year: EUR 5,804.2 thousand). The sensitivity of equity, as well as the sensitivity of earnings (after taxes), were in this case affected by the sensitivity of the electricity-price-related cash flow hedge reserve in the amount of EUR 8,436.3 thousand (previous year: EUR 4,097.7 thousand).

Sensitivity of derivative contracts with regard to the prices for gas and diesel (gas-oil):

Following the aforementioned assumptions, a 25% increase (decrease) in the fair value level as of the reporting date would result in a decrease (increase) in profit (after taxes) by EUR 466.8 thousand (previous year: EUR 353.7 thousand) and an increase (decrease) in equity by EUR 10,912.1 thousand (previous year: EUR 3,505.5 thousand). The sensitivity of equity, as well as the sensitivity of earnings (after taxes), were in this case affected by the sensitivity of the gas-price-related cash flow hedge reserve in the amount of EUR 11,378.9 thousand (previous year: EUR 3,859.2 thousand).

Sensitivity of derivative contracts with regard to the price of CO₂:

Following the aforementioned assumptions, a 15% increase (decrease) in the fair value level as of the reporting date would result in a decrease (increase) in profit (after taxes) by EUR 55.5 thousand (previous year: EUR 0.0 thousand) and an increase (decrease) in equity by EUR 6,823.7 thousand (previous year: decrease (increase) EUR 369.6 thousand). The sensitivity of equity, as well as the sensitivity of earnings (after taxes), were in this case affected by the sensitivity of the CO₂-price-related cash flow hedge reserve in the amount of EUR 6,879.2 thousand (previous year: EUR -369.6 thousand).

24.6.5. Market risk from securities measured at fair value

The Energie AG Oberösterreich Group holds securities and funds that result in price change risks for the company. The fluctuation risk of the securities held is limited by a conservative investment policy and ongoing monitoring, as well as ongoing quantification of the risk potential.

A sensitivity analysis carried out for the price risks from securities established the effect of hypothetical changes in the market price level on earnings (after taxes) and equity. The relevant holdings of financial instruments “At Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income” and “At Fair Value through Profit or Loss” on the reporting date were used as a basis. Here it was assumed that the risk on the reporting date basically represents the risk during the fiscal year. The Group tax rate of 25% was used as the tax rate. In addition, it was assumed for the analysis that all other inputs, such as the currency, remain constant.

Following the aforementioned assumptions, a 15% increase (decrease) in the fair value level as of the reporting date would result in an increase (decrease) in profit (after taxes) in the amount of EUR 5,745.2 thousand (previous year: EUR 5,512.1 thousand) and in equity in the amount of EUR 7,384.3 thousand (previous year: EUR 6,659.7 thousand). Here, the sensitivity of equity, as well as the sensitivity of profit (after taxes), were affected by the sensitivity of the market-price-level-related OCI reserve in the amount of EUR 1,639.1 thousand (previous year: EUR 1,147.6 thousand).

24.6.6. Expected credit loss

Credit risks arise for the Energie AG Group due to non-fulfilment of contractual arrangements by counterparties.

The expected credit loss is limited by performing regular credit assessments of the customer portfolio. In the area of financial and energy trading, transactions are only conducted with counterparties with a first-class credit rating. In addition, the risks are mitigated by limit systems and monitoring.

At Energie AG Oberösterreich, the maximum expected credit loss corresponds to the carrying amount of the reported financial assets.

A low credit risk is assumed for derivatives and other instruments accounted for at fair value. Netting agreements are used to reduce the credit risks attached to derivatives.

The carrying amounts of the financial assets are composed as follows:

The changes in impairments of financial assets were as follows: